Week 4 Scouting Report: Buffalo Bills

After an incredibly satisfying trouncing of the Texans, the Bills all of a sudden might not be the cakewalk we thought them to be. Sexy Rexy’s squad showed some life in a defeat of the Arizona Cardinals. Fun Fact of the Day, that was Chandler Jones’ first loss to Buffalo since he’s been in the league (not counting Week 17 of the 2014 season where several starters sat). Now it’s time to find out if Buffalo actually has any fight in them.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Bills aka “The Super Ryan Brothers”

Week 4: vs. Buffalo Bills (Tickets)

Sunday, October 2

1pm EST, CBS

Mostly Cloudy, High 60’s

Opponent/Patriots Stats:
Bills: 1-2
Notable Games: Week 2 vs. NY Jets. Rex Ryan fired OC Greg Roman after the game.

Common Opponents: Arizona Cardinals (Buffalo 33-18)

Recent games vs. Pats: Week 2 of 2015 (NE 40-32), Week 11 of 2015 (NE 20-13)

[table id=16Bills1 /]

Notable Players

TYROD TAYLOR QB: 47/77 comp (61%), 527 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 83.6 rating

LESEAN MCCOY RB: 48 carries, 227 yds, 4.7 avg, 3 TDs, 1 fumble, 11 rec, 49 yds,

SAMMY WATKINS WR: 6 rec, 63 yds, 10.5 avg, 0 TDs,

KYLE WILLIAMS DT

Injury Alerts

Patriots:

Jimmy Garappolo is still dealing with an AC joint injury. While the arrow is pointing up on his recovery (Garappolo was at practice on Tuesday), I wouldn’t anticipate him playing. If he does play, expect JFG to be limited in his throwing.

Jacoby Brissett has injured his right thumb according to multiple reputable outlets. However, the severity is up for debate. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Brissett would be fine to throw. Brisket was also at practice on Tuesday. Expect to see Brissett out there for the start

Dont’a Hightower was inactive last week and the defense posted a shutout so obviously Hightower was the problem *sarcasm emoji.* Having him back would be a help to the defense and free up Jamie Collins to do more. Keep an eye on the injury report today for his status.

Rob Gronkowski played last game for the first time this season but was obviously limited. Coaches seemed to have him on a snap count. You figure this week he’ll be a little more effective and have a little more juice in him considering the 10 days off between games. Hopefully, we see more of the Gronk that will make Sexy Rexy quiver in his boots.

Jonathan Cooper is probably a ghost. Who knows when we’ll see him.

Bills:

Sammy Watkins is the stud Buffalo receiver who has struggled to get healthy since the offseason. He had surgery on a stress fracture in his foot. He played Weeks 1 and 2 but it was reported he was dealing with significant pain, explaining his low numbers. Watkins was inactive last week. He’s one who, if he plays, doesn’t look to be very effective.

Key Matchups:

Patriots:

vs. WR1: 14th —–  vs. Logan Ryan vs. Sammy Watkins

vs. WR2: 20th —– Malcolm Butler vs. Marquise Goodwin

vs. other WR: 16th —– Justin Coleman vs. Robert Woods

vs. RB: 21st —– Jamie Collins vs. LeSean McCoy

Bills:

vs. WR1: 30th —– Julian Edelman vs. Stephon Gilmore

vs. WR2: 23rd —– Chris Hogan vs. Ronald Darby

vs. TE: 12th —– Rob Gronkowski vs. Aaron Williams

vs. RB: 11th —– James White vs. Preston Brown

What’s at stake?

New England’s second division game in four weeks is of course an important game. Winning the first meeting puts less weight on the next meeting. However, as many have pointed out, the team is playing with house money. A win here would provide a huge confidence boost to the team for Tom Brady’s return. However, a 3-1 record with arguably the best QB of all time returning to the team is an incredible place to be. Also, an L here wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. It would take the pressure of 16-0 off of the team, which is not to be underrated.

Early thoughts:

I think it is fair to say NE should be equipped to handle Buffalo. They have had their DB depth tested before this season with the Cardinals and play the matchup game better than anyone else. The only worry is that the Ryan Brothers are able to confuse whatever young QB is under center for the Patriots. Although, NE won’t give Brissett anything confusing to have to decipher on the field so any trickeration on Buffalo’s part might be for naught.