3 Keys to a Patriots victory in Week 4 vs. Bills

3 keys for the Patriots to take sole possession of first place in the AFC East.

It’s been awhile since the New England Patriots were in a game with first place in the division on the line. But that is where we are at right now. 

The Patriots head into Buffalo where the Bills are an early surprise this NFL season as they are 3-0 and don’t seem like the cakewalk they usually are in the AFC East. It is going to be tougher than usual for the Pats, so let’s breakdown the three keys to victory for New England.

1) Make Josh Allen a passer

New England has an all-world defense so far on the young season. But if there is one type of quarterback that has always given the Pats problems it has been a running, scrambling quarterback. Whether it be Cam Newton or Russell Wilson, the quarterback that can extend plays and run for extra yards is the quarterback that has had success against the Patriots in the past. 

Josh Allen is not your prototypical quarterback. He is not going to sit in the pocket and kill you with his arm. I can see him giving the Patriots fits by running around for first downs while the initial defense stops his first read. Allen will be quick to tuck the ball and run. Look for the Patriots to do almost a “soft rush” like they used to do vs. Ben Roethlisberger back in the day and not rush so hard where running lanes can open up for Allen. The Patriots will keep Allen in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm.

2) Get the run game going 

The strength of the Patriots last year, specifically in December and January, was their run game led by Sony Michel. Michel has started off slow this year, with an average yards per carry of 2.4 in 45 attempts. He started off slow last year and came on strong the rest of the year, so I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

The injuries along the offense line may be playing a factor as well, along with the injury of fullback James Develin and the retirement of Rob Gronkowski who is a tremendous blocker. But the Patriots need to get their run game going to at least take some pressure off Tom Brady. The wide receiver group has become a little thin with the release of Antonio Brown (in case you haven’t heard) and Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon getting banged up against the Jets. It’s time for Michel to break out this season.

3) Perform well in first true away game of season 

The Patriots are 1-0 on the road this season. But let's face it, that game in Miami had more Patriots fans in attendance than Dolphins fans. Sunday in Buffalo will be their first true road test. The fans will be crazy, and they will be loud. This will be the game where not having center David Andrews will be a factor. I’m sure the Patriots will be utilizing a silent count at some points and Ted Karras will have to get on the same page as Brady as will the rest of the offensive line.

New England is no stranger to big games, but the Bills are. Make no mistake - this is a big game. First place in the division is on the line. Divisional game. Conference game. It could have tie breaker implications down the line at the end of the season. Are the Bills contenders or pretenders? We will find out Sunday afternoon.