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New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills: Game 15 Preview and Prediction

By Hal Bent

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to sack Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots as he throws the ball during the first quarter on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to sack Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots as he throws the ball during the first quarter on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 1: Rob Gronkowski #87, David Andrews #60 and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots look on during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

  • The offensive line

Left tackle Nate Solder has improved as the season has progressed. With All-Pro right tackle Marcus Cannon placed on injured reserve the Patriots turned to LaAdrian Waddle. He played well but was injured against Miami and returned to the field for a few series last week in Pittsburgh. He was replaced by Cameron Fleming at right tackle who was solid but hardly dominant.

On the interior offensive line, Shaq Mason and David Andrews have played well but left guard Joe Thuney has had his struggles in recent weeks.

The Bills are 29th in the NFL in sacks (per ESPN.com) with just 24 sacks in 14 games and veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams (two sacks) is questionable to play. Buffalo’s edge rushers Shaq Lawson (four sacks), Jerry Hughes (three sacks) and Lorenzo Alexander (three sacks) have struggled to get to the quarterback.

Buffalo wants to pressure Brady with just three or four rushers and flood the short passing lanes with linebackers while the corners and safeties stay in their cover-two scheme.

If the pass rush does not get to Brady that is when holes will open up in the cover-two for Brady to exploit down the field. New England will need Fleming and Thuney to hold-up as the Bills–who have pressured nobody this season–were able to pressure quarterback Tom Brady in the last match-up in Buffalo (three sacks and five quarterback hits).

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