Bills vs Patriots: Five players to watch
By Paul Taylor
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle
Marcell Dareus(99) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Marcell Dareus
As good as the Bills defensive line is, it’s going to have to be at its best for the team to have any chance to beat the Patriots. And top of the list is Marcell Dareus.
On the one hand, Dareus is a week behind in respect of regular season action. On the flip side, he’s likely to be fresher than everyone else.
In reality, the two-time Pro Bowler needs to start earning his recent contract extension right from the word go, and prove his worth. Facing the reigning Super Bowl champions, there is no better opponent to face and justify his huge salary against.
It should be noted the 25-year old hasn’t enjoyed much success against the Patriots so far in his career, either on a team on an individual basis. He has only one win in seven appearances against them, registered just 1.5 sacks and had minimal impact.
This might explain his dislike for their AFC East rivals, as he told Mike Rodak of ESPN: “Don’t nobody likes the Patriots. Let’s just be honest about it now. Put it out there.”
Of course, even if Dareus does play lights out, there are no guarantees this will be enough to help the Bills win. However, it certainly won’t hurt.