W2W4: New England Patriots (3-0) vs Buffalo Bills (1-2) on Sunday
By Hal Bent
SUMMARY AND SCORE PREDICTION:
Rex Ryan coming off a win the week prior is always entertaining as he goes into full bluster and braggadocio mode. Bill Belichick and the Patriots always take him seriously due to his impressive defensive acumen, but this Buffalo Bills team is not as dynamic on defense as they were just two or three years ago. Even with his brother, Rob Ryan, along as as the assistant head coach (which must make defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman feel like a third wheel) the Bills’ defense has not lived up to Rex’s reputation through a year and a quarter.
The Patriots under Bill Belichick have somehow simply gone about their business and sit at 3-0 so far in 2016 . They have handled injuries at quarterback and integrating lineup changes during Brady’s suspension. The Bills are going to be desperate coming into Foxboro with a 1-2 record and already in danger of falling out of the playoff race with a loss this week to the Patriots.
Both teams have special teams units which are above average. Buffalo’s special teams unit scored last week after the Cardinals botched a snap on a field goal attempt. Buffalo has a familiar face as a kick and punt returner in former Patriots returner Brandon Tate. Also active on special teams are former Patriots Brandon Spikes and Ramon Humber.
Tate averages 17.0 yards per punt return and 24.2 yards per kick return this season. If Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and punter Ryan Allen are not at the top of their game, Tate could burn his old team with some field-position changing returns on Sunday. This matchup on special teams should be equal since the Bills also have the ability to pin teams deep with punter Colton Schmidt.
The Patriots may not be fortunate enough to recover two special teams fumbles on Sunday. However, with Jimmy Garoppolo under center they should be in position to mount some solid drives which should finish in the end zone. The defense should be motivated after their shutout of Houston to show it was no fluke and try to put the clamps on LeSean McCoy and the Bills’ offense.
With a focus on defense on stopping the run and being able to move the ball on offense through the air, expect the New England Patriots to do just enough to finish off Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills and welcome back quarterback Tom Brady with a 4-0 record.