Previewing the Buffalo Bills 2022 Opponents: AFC East

New England Patriots

2021 Finish: 10-7 (3-3 in AFC East)

2021 Games vs. Buffalo Bills:

Week 13: 14-10 New England Patriots

Week 16: 33-21 Buffalo Bills

Wild Card Round: 47-17 Buffalo Bills

Key Additions: (S) Jabrill Peppers, (OT) Trent Brown, (CB) Malcolm Butler

Key Losses: (OG) Shaq Mason, (C) Ted Karras, (LB) Jamie Collins, (LB) Dont’a Hightower, (LB) Kyle Van Noy, (CB) J.C Jackson

In 2021 the Patriots were coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and had their first losing season since 2000. They took that to heart, and nearly took back the AFC East throne from the Buffalo Bills.

After their Week 13 slugfest win over the Bills, the Patriots entered their bye week at 9-4 and a game and a half lead in the AFC East. New England would lose three of their final four, losing the division to the Bills, and then get decimated by them in their first ever playoff matchup.

After a pedestrian 2020 for the usually stout Bill Belichick defense, they returned to their elite form in 2021. The unit finished second in the league in points allowed (17.8), and fourth in yards per game (310.8).

However, in free agency, several key contributors to that defense departed. Three of their linebackers departed, and most importantly, star cornerback J.C Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Safety Jabrill Peppers and cornerback Malcolm Butler were brought in as reinforcements, but it is hard to make the case that they are adequate replacements for what the Patriots lost.

New England got a decent rookie season out of quarterback Mac Jones in 2021, throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 92.5 passer rating. Against quality defenses however, Jones left a lot to be desired.

The second season for Mac Jones should be a better indicator of Jones’ ability, but his offense lost key pieces both on the field and on the coaching staff. The Patriots lost long time offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who took the open Head Coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

New England also lost both guard Shaq Mason and center Ted Karras, trading the former to Tampa Bay.

They added Trent Brown to protect Jones on the outside, but losing two starters and only adding one is obviously a detriment.

The Patriots reached hard on their first round draft pick back in March, picking guard University of Tennessee Chattanooga guard Cole Strange 29th overall. Strange was considered a Day 2 prospect by many.

New England also picked two corners in Marcus Jones (85 overall) and Jack Jones (121 overall). Neither should be expected to replace the All-Pro production of Jackson right away, but they could be solid depth pieces.

With Miami making several major moves in free agency to improve, and New England losing several key pieces the Patriots will have to work a lot harder to stay in the AFC East race in 2022. Considering the newfound competitiveness of the rivalry between the Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, do not be surprised if the teams split again in 2022, despite New England’s roster losses.