Here are three X-Factors for the New England Patriots to take down the Buffalo Bills.
The New England Patriots will be looking to get back on track this week against the Buffalo Bills on the road.
After falling last week, New England now sits at 1-2 on the season, and this group needs a win in the worst way. It won't be easy, but the Patriots do have a pathway to getting a win over the currently undefeated Bills.
Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Patriots this week as they try to upset Buffalo.
1. Drake Maye Limiting Turnovers
The biggest thing that the Patriots need to happen is for quarterback Drake Maye not to turn the ball over. Maye has seen major regression this season, and it has hurt the Patriots immensely.
Maye has six interceptions this year through the first three games, and he has looked like a shell of himself from a year ago. If Maye can put together a strong performance, the Patriots would have a chance to steal this win.
The Patriots need their star quarterback to snap out of whatever funk he has currently been in; otherwise, this team will have more problems than just needing a win over Buffalo.
2. Get TreVeyon Henderson Going
Part of what made the Patriots offense so strong a year ago was the play from running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson missed the team's Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks, but he came back with a force in Week 2, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown.
But against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, he put up a dud, only gaining 23 yards on the ground. Against the Bills, Henderson will need to raise his game, getting back to where he was a year ago.
If the Patriots can establish the running game, it would make life easier for Maye as well. Henderson has breakaway speed, and he will be called upon to help this team go for the upset win this week.
3. Romeo Doubs Sighting
Other than A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs was the big signing for the Patriots over the offseason. Doubs was expected to be a big piece of the New England offense, but he has seen very inconsistent performances so far.
For the Patriots to take down the Bills, Doubs is going to need to make an impact for this team. In Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Doubs caught three passes for 96 yards and one touchdown.
The Patriots need him to step up to earn the big contract that they gave him this offseason. If he can't, it could be another long day for New England's offense.
