Buffalo Bills: Key players to watch against New England Patriots

Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips

If the Buffalo Bills defense hopes to contain Tom Brady and this Patriots offense, it is going to start up front. More specifically, the Bills are going to need to get pressure up the middle.

This is where Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips comes into play.

Tom Brady is his most effective when he is able to stand in the pocket, step up and make the throws. If the Bills can collapse the pocket from the middle and stop Brady from stepping up, it can get this offense off track.

While Ed Oliver is the starter, and will see a majority of the snaps, having a player like Jordan Phillips coming in after him can be problematic. Phillips has looked good this season and even registered his first sack as a Buffalo Bill last week against the Bengals.

The more pressure the Bills can bring up the middle, forcing Brady to get rid of the ball quickly and not allow him to step into his throw can be a difference maker in this game.