The Buffalo Bills are looking for their first win in the AFC East this year and their next chance will be on Thursday night against the New England Patriots. While these are not the same Patriots teams from prior years, this is still a good team that currently is 6-5 and fighting for a playoff spot.
When looking at this game, these are the four players on the New England Patriots that the coaching staff is going to have to emphasize in their preparation heading into the Week 13 matchup.
4 New England Patriots the Buffalo Bills need to game plan for in Week 13
Matthew Judon
Without question, the one player that the Buffalo Bills coaching staff is going to need to have a game plan for is edge rusher Matthew Judon. He joined the Patriots last year as a free agent and is one of the best in the league at getting to the quarterback.
Last year, Judon had 12.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl and has already surpassed that total this year with 13 sacks. This is currently the most in the league and he almost certainly is on his way to another Pro Bowl nomination.
The challenge for the Bills is that they are likely going to be missing Dion Dawkins, who has yet to practice this week due to an ankle injury. The Bills would probably have David Quessenberry start in his place and the coaching staff will need to give him help against Judon.
They can do this by lining up Dawson Knox and running backs on that side but also call a few plays away from Judon that would move the pocket and gives Josh Allen a little more time. If the Bills limit Judon’s impact on Thursday night, it will be a big boost for this team.