New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills: Scouting Report
By Hal Bent
When the Patriots run the ball
If there is one weakness with the Buffalo defense, it is stopping the run. The Bills allow 4.4 yards per rush (19th in the NFL) and although they are 10th in rushing yards allowed, much of that is due to the Bills playing from ahead and opponents having to pass to catch up.
Tackles Star Lotulelei and Corey Liuget (who has been injured much of 2019) are the run-stoppers up front. Former Boston College Eagle Matt Milano is the run-stuffer inside at linebacker. Safety Jordan Poyer is never shy about sticking his nose in to drag down a ball carrier.
Rookie defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips, edge rushers Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes, and linebackers Lorenzo Alexander and Tremaine Edmunds are much better rushing the passer than stopping the run. They are penetrating pass rushers who can get caught out of position for a big play on the ground by smart offenses.
New England is slowly rediscovering their running game out of necessity as the passing game has struggled. In their last four games, they have rushed for 101, 145, 94, and 175 yards on the ground. Other than disappearing against Kansas City, Michel has led the way, running well against Dallas (85 yards and 4.25 yards per rush average), Houston (45 yards and 4.5 yards per rush average), and Cincinnati (89 yards and 4.68 yards per rush average).
Add in a healthy Rex Burkhead (six rushes for 53 yards last week) spelling Michel and James White contributing more on the ground (174 yards rushing in the last three games), and the offense has been more effective on the ground of late. A big part of that success has been left tackle Isaiah Wynn returning at left tackle to solidify the offensive line.