FOXBOROUGH – This is shaping up to be a doozy.
The Patriots head to Buffalo this weekend to take on a very talented Bills team in a matchup that could be a lopsided affair. The Bills offense is second in the NFL, averaging 31.8 points per game. The Patriots offense ranks 31st, averaging 17.0 points per game, and haven’t scored more than 25 points this season.
Considering the Patriots are coming off a demoralizing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a team that’s also struggled this season, morale isn’t high.
With three games left in Jerod Mayo’s first season as the Patriots head coach, it would be nice to see some life from this roster. The schedule isn’t kind. With two games against the Bills and one against the Los Angeles Chargers, if the Patriots want to match last season’s win total, they’ll have to upset someone.
Here are five things to watch in Sunday’s matchup:
Will the Bills punt?
Life is about to get much harder for the Patriots defense. This Bills team heads into this matchup ranked second in scoring at 31.8 points per game. They ranked seventh in total offense, ninth in rushing, and seventh in passing. The Bills are ranked 1st in sacks allowed per pass attempt. Their red zone offense ranks third. Their third-down offense ranks eighth.
One thing to watch in this matchup is will the Patriots force a punt. In 2021, Buffalo played two games against the Patriots where they never punted – in the regular season and a wild-card win.
Will Alex Van Pelt improve?
The heat is clearly on the Patriots offensive coordinator. Last weekend, things went from bad to worse for Alex Van Pelt. His offense failed to score while on the 4-yard line. Before that, cameras panned to owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft where it appeared that Jonathan said the play calling was terrible. That’s not a good sign for Van Pelt’s job security.
The Bills are ranked 12th in the NFL in points allowed. Their 14th in run defense and 25th in passing defense. Van Pelt needs to find a way for the Patriots offense to improve over these last three weeks and he might be coaching for his job.
Can Drake Maye take the next step?
Drake Maye is one of the few reasons to still watch this team. The rookie quarterback is exciting. His arm strength combined with his athleticism makes him one of the brightest rookies in Patriots history. He has a chance to end this season against good teams (two against Buffalo and Los Angeles). If Maye plays well against the Bills and Chargers, it’ll only help the Patriots try to attract more talent next offseason.
Maye also had a chance to put himself in the record books. He has a 68.5 completion percentage. The NFL rookie record, by Dak Prescott, is 67.8.
Do the Patriots need a new kicker?
Joey Slye connivingly won the kicker competition over Chad Ryland this summer. This season, he started well, hitting a franchise-record 63-yard field goal. However, Style has struggled. He’s missed a kick in the last four games (four field goal attempts and one extra point).
The Patriots signed kicker John Parker Romo to the practice squad. Romo hit 11-of-12 field goals in Minnesota this season. Is it time for the Patriots to make a change? Times could be running out for Slye, ranked 30th in the NFL in field goal percentage.
Will a rookie catch a pass?
At this point, hopes are low when it comes to rookie pass catchers.
Second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk has caught two passes for 9 yards in the last seven games. He has no catches in the previous two games. It’s not a good sign for this rookie. Fourth-rounder Javon Baker has just one target this season and is still searching for his first NFL reception. He missed last week’s game after suffering a concussion in a car accident. Tight end Jaheim Bell has one catch on two targets for 1 yard. (Note: He’s behind two veterans playing well, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, so there’s an excuse.)
It would be nice to see Polk or Baker play well before this season is over. Time is running out for these rookies to show their potential.
Prediction: Bills 33, Patriots 17
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
