As we head into Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills are one of two remaining undefeated teams in the league and the only one left in the AFC. This week will certainly provide them with one of their more difficult tests this season, as they host the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium.
While there have been a ton of positives to discuss so far this season, the Bills certainly have their weaknesses. Over the course of the first four games, the Bills defense has struggled with one thing in particular, and that could be something that may haunt them come Sunday if they don’t prepare.
Bills defense has big concern for Week 5
Drake Maye on the run
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has already shown some very encouraging progression in Year 2 and we have seen the comparisons to Josh Allen already. They both have similar skill sets; big, athletic quarterback with the ability to beat you with his arm or his legs. The second part of that is an area where I think Maye can give the Bills some problems.
Maye's style of play is very reminiscent of Allen, as he is capable of making plays off script, and extending plays when protection breaks down or no one down field is open. If not kept in check, this can be a recipe for disaster.
So far this season, the Bills have given up just under 50 rushing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks (average of 9 YPC), per StatMuse. These runs always seem to come up when the defense has a chance to get off the field, and they lose track of the QB.
They also need to be aware of Maye in the red zone, as he already matched his season total from last year with 2 rushing touchdowns so far this season. In a divisional matchup like this one, Bobby Babich and the defense need to limit the third down conversions, be very aware of Maye in the red area, and do everything they can to put the ball back in Allen’s hands to avoid dropping their first game of the season
Early indicators from the injury report are positive this week, but we will have to wait for the final report come Sunday. Matt Milano and Ed Oliver returning would be a huge boost to this defense and change the dynamic of how they get after Maye. The Bills will need to be prepared for the off script plays on Sunday night if they want to move to 5-0 and keep pacing for the top seed in the AFC.