The Buffalo Bills seem to be a very run-heavy team now under Joe Brady, but can the Patriots slow their role on Sunday?
The Buffalo Bills are 6.5-point favorites against the New England Patriots for Sunday's Week 4 divisional matchup. Many expect Bills QB Josh Allen to continue his path with 786 total passing yards, 5 touchdown passes, and two interceptions.
The Patriots' secondary and pass rush will need their A-game against Allen. They'll also need the ability to stop the Bills' rushing attack led by running back James Cook. Through three games, Cook has wracked up 58 carries for 346 yards and two touchdowns, along with four receptions for 16 yards.
It's easy to focus on Allen and his downfield weapons, along with how well he scrambles, but stopping Cook could force Allen to throw into a Patriots secondary that's been a bright spot during a dark time for the team. Here's how the Patriots could do that.
Strength on the edge
James Cook thrives in running outside. Outside toss plays are a strength for him, as his slashing rush and ability to see downfield make him a menace to stop on the outside.
Edge rushers and linebackers need to stay disciplined and in their assignments rather than overpursuing, and they have chances to make a big stop on Cook. This is an area that rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas struggled with in preseason. Since then, Jacas has shown much improvement and poise.
Still, Cook's speed and burst in the open are something the Patriots need to watch for when they try to take him down along the sidelines. If they can force a hard edge, that could force Cook back inside.
Dominate the Run-Stuff
The Patriots are dead last in team run-stuff rate (6.7 percent). The defense needs to shoot gaps dynamically rather than catch blocks from the Bills' O-line. If the Patriots can use their defensive tackles to execute one-gap penetration, they stand a chance of stopping runs on the interior.
If guys like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore can fill the gap off the snap, that could confuse Cook when he tries to find his cutback lane.
If Buffalo builds momentum in their zone-blocking schemes, their running game could take off, and the Patriots may never catch up.
Match the "Bully Ball" Identity
Often in a game, the Buffalo Bills run a "13 Personnel" formation (one running back and three tight ends). They are the best in the league at this look, and it creates a very wide line of scrimmage that can throw off defensive linemen when they shoot gaps.
The Bills have a "bully ball" identity. They've restructured it under head coach Joe Brady. They have become more physical and gritty in the run, something we haven't seen from them in some time.
Mike Vrabel has to deploy linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss to step up into the extra gaps tight ends occupy and get aggressive off the block, rather than waiting for Cook to run by them.
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