Bills face daunting task with Patriots
It’s over. So says Buffalo coach Rex Ryan, who conceded the AFC East to the undefeated New England Patriots this week even though the Bills — and everyone else in the division — still have a mathematical chance to catch the Super Bowl champions.
“They are going to win the division,” he said this week as the Bills prepared for a rematch against the team that has bedevilled them for more than a decade. “I don’t see them losing four games. I hope I am wrong, but I don’t see it happening.”
The Patriots (9-0) have a four-game lead over Buffalo (5-4) with seven games left in the regular season.
The Bills could make a small dent in that on Monday night at Gillette Stadium, but Ryan knows that, realistically, everyone else in the division is playing for a wild-card berth.
Instead, the blustery Bills coach would be happy just to end New England’s winning streak and spoil their chance at a second perfect regular season in nine years. Buffalo safety Corey Graham noted that it’s not just them looking up at the Patriots in the standings.
“Everybody is chasing the Patriots,” he said. “I mean, right now they are undefeated, they are playing great. They’ve pretty much been playing lights out the last 10 years. Obviously, you get tired of it. It is about time for us to go ahead and get some victories.”
More things to look for in Monday night’s game: INJURED PATRIOTS: The Patriots haven’t faced much resistance in rolling to 12 straight wins, including last season’s playoffs. But their streak could be at risk if they keep losing key contributors.
Two weeks ago, running back Dion Lewis was lost for the season. Receiver Julian Edelman was knocked out last week’ and is expected to be out for at least the rest of the regular season. The offensive line is a patchwork to make up for injuries.
“First off, let me cry. We certainly didn’t go through that at all,” Ryan said sarcastically. “They lost a good player in Edelman. Shoot, they’ve got good players behind them. So I don’t think there is going to be that big of a difference. They are going to do the same thing regardless of who is in there. That is the Patriot way.” CATCHING UP: The big change for the Patriots this week was the loss of Edelman, who was leading the team with 61 receptions. Danny Amendola (40 catches) inherits the No. 1 receiver role, though tight end Rob Gronkowski (49) remains a favourite target of Tom Brady.
“We’ve got a lot of playmakers on this team ready to step up and make some plays, too,” Amendola said. UNGLUED: Ryan lashed out at New England reporters during their conference call this week, giving credence to the notion that the Patriots have got inside his head.
“I know that you guys always say that I’m obsessed with them and all that, but you’re obsessed with them, not me,” he said.