Week 4: Bills – Patriots Preview and Prediction

X-Factor

RB LeGarrette Blount & James White

After being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month, Blount will likely again be called upon to be a workhorse. Blount has been able to continuously run the ball successfully against some good defensive fronts the last few weeks. It would be surprising to see them get away from the ground game considering their QBs are both dinged up.

White is also someone to monitor thanks to his ability to catch out of the backfield. Ryan has been known for consistently bringing the heat. Regardless of who is behind center, the Bills will be looking to pressure the QB as much as they can. Look for White to make some plays with the ball in his hands lining up as a receiver.

4 Facts About The Patriots Offense

Keys of the Game

Keeping it simple

As most of the league is aware, Rex Ryan loves to confuse the opposing QB with multiple defensive looks, disguising blitzes and different coverages. It’s hard to counter when he has the right players to execute it. With a good secondary, and defensive front, Ryan will look to keep Garoppolo or Brissett guessing.

Running the ball

It’s worked the first few weeks, so why not try it again? The Patriots have been able to efficiently run the ball, especially when running to the left side of the offensive line. The less pressure on the QB in the pocket, the more better it will benefit them.

Not that the Patriots will follow an exact similar plan, but the Jets in Week 2 rushed the ball 30 with Matt Forte (100 yards, 3TDs) and despite losing last week, the Cardinals rushed 19 times with David Johnson (83 yards, 2TDs).

Health

The most important key to the game regardless of the end result, is escaping with no injuries. The Patriots have already had to deal with several injuries to key starters and have been lucky enough to dodge bullets with the majority of them. Another injury would only hurt the team.