PLAYER NOTES
–S Duron Harmon: It would be good to see Harmon, who tackled Bears WR Kevin White on the 1-yard line as time expired last Sunday, make more plays and take better angles when it comes to open-field tackles. Harmon took a really bad angle on the 75-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill two weeks ago.
–T Trent Brown: When Khalil Mack rushed the passer against the Patriots last week (somewhat of a rarity with him often in coverage), Brown dominated him. Brown has played well at left tackle this year. A quiet reserved player, Brown has been all business since arriving in New England.
–DL Lawrence Guy: He is player that is probably receiving the least attention, but is playing well. Guy can draw double teams and is a solid run stuffer. The interior of the defensive line is not the problem with Guy, Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton. The Patriots simply need more pass rush from Deatrich Wise Jr., Trey Flowers, and Adrian Clayborn.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: LB Dont’a Hightower’s performance the past two weeks has at least eased concerns that he should become a situational pass rusher. He had a nice interception return that led to a Patriots touchdown against Kansas City and blocked a punt against the Bears that Kyle Van Noy scooped up and ran for a touchdown. Hightower still needs to play better, but he is showing improvement after only playing five games in 2017.
GAME PLAN: Offensively, the strategy is to throw the ball away from the Bills’ No. 1 corner Tre’Davious White who often takes the other team’s No. 1 receiver. The Bills’ No. 2 is Ryan Lewis who the Patriots released at the end of training camp. If White takes Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon could have a big day against Lewis. The Bills’ safeties, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, are also instinctive players who can make plays. Tom Brady must be mindful of their presence. With that said, don’t expect the Patriots to have much trouble scoring on the Bills.
Defensively, there is just not much to worry about for the Patriots. Derek Anderson, 35, is doing his best, but is limited by age and ability. The Bills leading receiver is Zay Jones with 19 catches. Kelvin Benjamin is trying with 14 catches and Charles Clay has 16 catches. Former Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore can take away Benjamin and the Patriots can take away Jones with help over the top. Patrick Chung, the team’s best defender at covering the tight end, will likely be matched up against Clay. If running back LeSean McCoy is unable to play because of injury, it could be another long day for an offense that scored only three points against the Colts. Derek Anderson had no touchdowns and three interceptions in that game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Patriots LT Trent Brown vs. Bills DE Jerry Hughes. Hughes is a good pass rusher who has 4.5 sacks this season and Brown must protect Brady’s blind side.
–Bills LG Vladimir Ducasse vs. Patriots DE Lawrence Guy. Ducasse must prevent Guy from blowing up the Bills running game.
