Corralling Allen first order of business for Patriots defense
Members of the Patriots defense have no doubt watched plenty of highlights from the last time they came up against Josh Allen and the Bills offense. It wasn’t pretty.
Allen took the Patriots apart in the 38-9 rout, throwing four touchdown passes. And Allen’s vast arsenal of weapons really hasn’t changed all that much.
If anything, the Bills offense is even better talent-wise, adding veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders to the mix.
They’re third in the league in terms of points per game (29.6), and in the top 10 for overall yards (4282), and passing yards per game (271.0).
“We can’t let them get rolling. Because once they get rolling it’s tough because you’re getting a little bit of everything from the offense,” said defensive captain Devin McCourty. “It’s going to be the toughest challenge of the season . . . we have to play one of our best games to have a chance Monday night.”
Matthew Judon said because Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll changes things up from week to week, the Patriots would have to adapt to whatever he throws at them. Bad weather forecast for the game could also factor in.
Here’s how the Pats can keep the Bills at bay:
Don’t let Allen escape
Keeping Josh Allen contained in the pocket is a must.
Allen’s ability to run off-script, or even with designed plays, has been a significant edge against most teams.
At least if he’s in the pocket, they’ll have a chance to minimize the damage.
Allen has used his legs to rush for 30 first downs this season. He’s also the team’s second-leading rusher behind Devin Singletary.
Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo says Allen’s ability to throw on the fly, or take off if no one’s open, makes it extremely difficult for a defense to defend. Having a player (Jamie Collins) “spy” Allen on throwing downs should be in the mix.
“It’s tough. Any time you have a big, fast, strong guy that can run and also has a cannon for an arm, he definitely poses a threat to the defense,” said Mayo. “I wish I could say one person could stop him, but honestly, I haven’t seen anyone do it yet.
“It’s going to take all 11 guys on the field as well as a good game plan to keep this guy contained in the pocket.”
Stick with zone
In years past, the Patriots would probably play manto-man and match Buffalo’s receiving talent. This season, without Stephon Gilmore, there’s been a lot more zone coverage on the back end. And it’s worked.
That’s been one reason for their turnaround, and since the secondary can’t match up individually with the Bills receivers, don’t mess with success. Lead with the zone, and sprinkle in man-coverage.
That’s probably the best route against Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley & Co., and trying to eliminate the big plays the Bills are known for.
“You can’t just take Diggs away and think the game is solidified. Let’s double Diggs and there’s nothing else to worry about,” said McCourty. “They just have so many weapons, and I think Josh Allen knows that, knows how to get them the ball.”
Diggs has 67 catches for 847 yards, and seven touchdowns. Beasley meanwhile, has 62 catches for 530 yards with one TD.
Specifically for Diggs, J.C. Jackson might see some man coverage with the Bills star on third down plays. As it is, Diggs had one of his best games last season (nine catches, 145 yards, three TDs) shadowed by Jackson during the late December meeting.
“Everybody knows Diggs, man,” Jackson said. “Diggs is one of the best receivers in the game, one of the tougher matchups I’ve been against since I’ve been in the league. I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to compete. We’ll see Monday night.”
Beware of Knox in the red zone
Tight end Dawson Knox has emerged as a key contributor in the Bills offense, particularly in the red zone.
He’s tied with Hunter Henry for most touchdowns in the league for tight ends with seven.
“He’s a really good player. Aside from all the other weapons, he’s one of them,” said McCourty. “I think it’s a credit to him. He’s been a reason the offense has gotten better, having that tight end target ... at any given moment, he can hurt you.”
So how to eliminate the threat?
Safety Kyle Dugger would have been the logical choice to keep an eye on him, but he wound up on the COVID-19 reserve list last week, and doesn’t appear on track to play. Adrian Phillips or Collins, if he’s active, would be other possibilities to keep Knox from doing damage, especially in the red zone.