Bills vs. Patriots: Buffalo To Attack New England Pass Defense

by Brian Galliford on Sep 22, 2011 3:00 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

Heading into their Week 3 matchup with the Buffalo Bills - the NFL's highest-scoring team - the New England Patriots have the NFL's No. 31-ranked pass defense, surrendering 381 passing yards per game. Are Patriots fans concerned after watching Chad Henne and Philip Rivers rip through New England's secondary in two games?

"I'm concerned, but not panicked," said Greg Knopping of PatsPulpit.com. "Against Henne, the Patriots held the Dolphins to just two third-down conversions and sacked him four times. A lot of his yards came in garbage time against the prevent defense. Rivers, on the other hand, had a field day throwing the football - but the Patriots still forced four turnovers and had two key goal line stops that shifted the momentum of the game."

Making matters somewhat worse for the Pats is the fact that third-year safety Patrick Chung reportedly had thumb surgery this week. He did not practice Wednesday, and his status for Sunday's game is in question. He finished last week's win over San Diego with a cast on his hand, and that's a route he could pursue in Week 3, as well. Chung's presence at safety is key for a unit that let go of Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders this off-season.

Knopping, who lives in Syracuse, has seen both of Buffalo's games, and has been impressed with Buffalo's passing attack, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He says the key to continued success for Buffalo won't be to pick up yardage, but to score points - which the Dolphins and Chargers didn't do as well as they should have.

"I've watched both of the Bills games this year, and I've been extremely impressed with the play of Fitzpatrick," said Knopping. "That being said, the key for 'Fitzmagic' won't be racking up the big time yards - it will be punching the ball into the end zone in goal line situations and avoiding costly turnovers."

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that picture is just outstanding. “Momma Said Knock You Out…”

by Michael_Necci on Sep 22, 2011 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe if he'd stop punching people in the face while they're wearing a helmet ...

he wouldn’t have hurt his thumb!

by inthegaddadavida on Sep 22, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

As a matter of fact...

Fitz has not been “racking up the big time yards” and has been “punching the ball into the end zone in goal line situations and avoiding costly turnovers.”

Here's hoping!

by mcmaurer on Sep 22, 2011 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs

I was thinking the same thing

"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix

"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez

by dnvrBillsfan on Sep 22, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Same here.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Sep 22, 2011 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Fitz should have been picked off twice vs the Raiders.....

and the Pats are not going to help us keep our drives alive my committing stupid penalties. Plus, let’s face it…..the refs are going to give the Pats the benefit of the doubt on every freaking call. I really want to pick the Bills this week, but I’m not sure I can take that leap yet.

If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

"...at that point the cops showed up and I had the right to remain silent....but, I didn't have the ability." - Ron White

by Joe P. on Sep 22, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Joe old friend...

I want you to look at yourself….

Not there!!!!!

Have some ~~balls~~…. I mean guts!!!!!

This ain’t the Bills of the last few years… They have MOXIE!!!!!

Do you????

:-)

Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!

by Cinga on Sep 22, 2011 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I am trying to keep emotion out of it....

I don’t think our pass rush is good enough to get to Brady and I don’t think our CBs are good enough to cover man to man in the short passing game. Our LBs are gong to have to take away the short/intermediate stuff and make Brady beat us long. If the Bills are going to win, it will have to be in a shootout. If Fitz has a great game, I think the Bills have a shot.

If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

"...at that point the cops showed up and I had the right to remain silent....but, I didn't have the ability." - Ron White

by Joe P. on Sep 22, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I would pick the Bills

if I knew Fred Jackson would get the ball 30 times….

I don’t care what there defense is ranked two games in, the key to beating New England is to go after them on defense and shove it down their throats on offense. Just ask Peyton Hillis.

Please don’t get pass happy, Chan!

by dav630 on Sep 22, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

agreed...

I think the key to beating the pats has always been the same: ball control offense and getting pressure on brady.

Honestly I’d rather get beat being an aggressive d than sitting back getting picked apart and letting them march down the field. I think when you’re aggressive u have more opportunities to create plays as a defense which is what were going to need.

With that being said I don’t expect to see a real aggressive approach by our defense based on chans comments from the other day. To me if ur sitting back you’re waiting for brady to make a mistake that hopefully u can capitalize on, which doesn’t hapen often, if we wanna beat the pats we have to force him into some bad throws and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. We have to create our own opportunities not sit back and wait for one that may never come.

by Shovel51 on Sep 23, 2011 8:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I thought that was excellent analysis by Knooping, and you hit the nail on the head there mcmaurer – this game isn’t going to be like the last few years. While the media is still slobbering over Brady’s stats I bet Belichick is seriously concerned about his defense.

by dav630 on Sep 22, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

As a matter

Rec’vd.

by frcorny on Sep 22, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

In Soviet Russia, blog Rec’vs you!

by Munchausen on Sep 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Looking forward to see what damage Fitz and the Offense can do...

Can not turn the ball over…Fitz really got lucky on a handful of throws last week. I am all for the Gunslinger….My stomach was in my throat on a couple of game ending INTs that were either missed or knocked out of their hands. He’s been great and also lucky at the same time. Big key to the game is winning the turnover battle and capitalizing from them. We can win…NO DOUBT! Keep moving the chains and putting points on the board. IMO, Don’t over focus on Time of Possession…..Focus on methodically moving the chains, and putting points on the board and t.o.p. will be a result of this. Keep up the scoring Buffalo!

by Dareurush! on Sep 22, 2011 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

A Syracuse patriots fan?

I wonder why he’s a Pats fan?

Was he born in Boston, or did he start following football in 2001.

by buffaloranger on Sep 22, 2011 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

Here in Syracuse its like Berlin in the cold war – You’ve got Bills, Jets, Giants, Pats, even a solid contingent of despicable Cowboys fans (they probably still have those Zooba pants)

Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)

by syrbillsfan on Sep 22, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, lot’s of Jets fans out here, and I am living with a Pats fan… haven’t seen a huge number of other Pats fans though

Is this your homework, Larry?

by Schooled You on Sep 22, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

lots of Eagles fans too

by The Adam Bomb on Sep 22, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Tear down the goal posts.

Just kidding. Save it for when we clinch the AFC East. Maybe in a couple of years.

Bills have to score points on almost every drive.
Not turn the ball over even once.
Not settle for FGs inside the Pats 5yd line.
Hope the Pats make a few mistakes – dropped passes.
Recover fumbles – picks are unlikely.

Then we might have a chance to celebrate come Sunday night.

by buffaloranger on Sep 22, 2011 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

3rd Down

Was it me or the Raiders converted a lot on 3rd and long situations?
We need to get Brday off the field on 3rd and long.
My 2 keys to the game are:
1 – 3rd down both converting on offense and stopping on defense
2 – No turnovers

If we are able to do that, then I think we win!

by the buffahoe on Sep 22, 2011 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

I have to wonder...

is the day coming when a #1-rated pass defense surrenders just over 300 yards passing a game? QBs are throwing for insane amounts of yards these days.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 22, 2011 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

I would change that to

Certain QB’s are throwing for insane amounts of Yds these days.

"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover

by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 22, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Nearly all of them are throwing for at least 300 a game. It’s amazing.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 22, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m sure by the end of the season, things will have corrected themselves…. what goes up must come down to average….

Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)

by syrbillsfan on Sep 22, 2011 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Why does it have to?

by Xaviermw on Sep 22, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

it doesn't, it's all the rules these days

That is what made today’s game, a passing game. And it is only going more in that direction IMO

by zoomer02 on Sep 23, 2011 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Pat's pass defense

I agree that N.E.’s pass defense needs some shoring up – lets call it a work in progress.

Though the Pats pass defense stats suck, they did run into (Miami) a super-hot Henne performance and some other-wordly grabs by Marshall. In game two (San Diego) they were up against a pretty darn good thrower-of-the-football. Your guy will definately connect on his share of passes but, the real problem remains – the Bills must outscore the Patriots. Buffalo gave up 35 to Oakland… to Oakland, this does not bode well for the Bills.

I like the way the Bills are playing – I loved the comeback last Sunday… exciting stuff, I just don’t think they’ll be able outscore N.E. this Sunday.

by profootballfan on Sep 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t think it will be a problem if buffalo plays the hole game the way they did the 2nd half go bills

by justin1 on Sep 22, 2011 4:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yup, gotta start outta the gate with a sense of urgency and high tempo.....

….. like its a playoff game.
And I don’t mean pass every down either.
High tempo, good mix of Freddy and the pass.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 22, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

High tempo

Good idea… as long as your QB can execute. If successful you will certainly put some points on the board. The Bills still must outscore Brady & the Patriots – a tall task. If N.E. puts the ball on the ground or if the Bills can pick off Brady once or twice, Buffalo has a chance for a win. An uptempo offense will not do it alone.

by profootballfan on Sep 22, 2011 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

His name is Fitzpatrick, BTW

and you better remember it too, because he’s all people will be talking about next week after we beat the Pats.

Damn my eternal optimism, will I never learn?

NOPE, LET'S GO BUFFALO!

by Over the Moon on Sep 23, 2011 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Right... Fitzpatrick

If Buffalo beats N.E. this Sunday, your guy should be talked about.

I see a Patriots victory – by 13 points. Bills put up 17, maybe 20 but, can’t keep up with the high-powered Brady & Co.

by profootballfan on Sep 23, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Style Make Fights and Football Games

I don’t think the Pats game will be as highscoring as the Raiders game. In that game, both offenses got into the “zone” in the 2nd have and marched down the field at will. Thank God Buffalo had the ball last (:14 seconds just wasn’t enought ime for Oakland).

I think the defenses will step up big time in Sunday’s game. Buffalo will win 27-20.

by swampdog #1 on Sep 22, 2011 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

(:14 seconds just wasn’t enought ime for Oakland)

It was awfully close though.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Sep 22, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Not only are we going to Buffalo, Josh Barrett (#30),

we’re going to Oakland Foxborough and Foxborough once more and Pittsburgh and Foxborough, and we’re going to New York and Foxborough yet again and Philidelphia… And we’re going to Foxborough some more and Washington and Denver and Foxborough once again, and then after we win the Super Bowl we’re going to Washington, D.C., to take back the White House! BYAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!

by NordicBillsfan on Sep 22, 2011 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Your meds are on the counter... no more skipping these things !

by profootballfan on Sep 22, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

but....

it was a good ride!!!!!

Ha Ha!!!!

Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!

by Cinga on Sep 22, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

watchin the pats on offence is like watchin Pduke play basketball they get all the sissy calls all im sayin is dont touch tammy (o sorry ment tom haha)from the neck up or the shoulder pads down !!!!just sayin tammy brady rule yall know what im talkin bout rite

by Bills fan in ky on Sep 22, 2011 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

You mean the rule that wasn't called twice last weekend, including one on Brady?

Yeah, NE gets all the calls.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 23, 2011 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions

You'll know when the Bills are going to win the game when...

Tom Brady is seen sitting on the bench with a blank stare…like he just got hit by a bus. With all due respect to Ryan, Freddie and the other keys to the Bills offense.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Sep 23, 2011 5:11 PM EDT reply actions

You'll know when the Bills are going to win the game...

when Tom Brady is seen sitting on the bench with a blank stare, like he just got hit by a bus. With all due respect to Ryan, Freddie and the other keys to the Bills offense.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Sep 23, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

The Bills can get r done

Pats really have no pass rush and the Bills “O” line is looking excellent. My guess is the Bills held Merriman out last week to keep him healthy for this weeks game. I got faith in Merriman and Barnett with added support from Williams Edwards and Darius. In the rushing end of the “D” expect to see a lot of Jarius Byrd. I’m betting Brady thinks he’s playing 2 defenses at the same time.

Offensively I’m equally as confident in Ryan Fitzmagic and Fred Jackson Stevie and the boys to get r done……….Prediction 38 – 31 Bills and Ralph has a heart attack cheering his team

by SIXSIXSIX on Sep 23, 2011 6:01 PM EDT reply actions