In the first of two matchups against the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills will look to add their 12th win of the season. The Patriots, who sit at 3-11 and in last place in the division, don’t have much to be proud of this season. However, there are a handful of players that have been bright spots for the Patriots.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has a bright future in the league and has shown flashes of being a successful quarterback, but it won’t be easy for him to go up against a Bills defense that, besides the last two weeks, has been one of the best in the league. So, let’s take a look at several Patriots players that Bills fans need to worry about.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson
As the season goes on, the Bills seem to be okay with letting teams run on them in their “bend but don’t break” defense. Rhamondre Stevenson seems to be the only consistent player in this Patriots offense, as he’s rushed for 740 yards and six touchdowns, including a 3.8-yard average per rush. The Bills rushing defense has allowed 117 yards per game to opposing offenses, per Fox Sports. I would expect a lot of Stevenson on Sunday as the Patriots look to keep the ball away from Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez
In their last two games, the Bills have passed for 704 yards and five touchdowns while not turning the ball over once. Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has allowed 471 yards and one touchdown on 43 receptions, will look to keep Josh Allen from having another record-breaking game. The Patriots' defense has allowed 30+ points twice in the last three games, and head coach Jerod Mayo needs to get the unit back on track before the season ends. Gonzalez and co. will have their hands full with a fully healthy Bills wide receiver room, which includes rookie standout Keon Coleman back.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai
James Cook is coming off a 105 yard, two touchdown game last week, and has been a focal point of this new look Bills offense. Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai has been a huge part of the Patriots success at stopping the run. With 95 tackles and seven tackles for loss on the season, Tavai is on his way to a career season. The Bills shouldn’t be running the ball too often this week, but when they do, Tavai is going to be somebody that the Bills will have to gameplan around. With star defensive tackle Christian Barmore just returning a few weeks ago from blood clots, Tavai will be crucial to stopping James Cook.