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Bills vs. Patriots: Gauging New England's Pass Rush

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Mark Anderson #95 of the New England Patriots chases Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has only been sacked once this season, and wasn't sacked a ton in 2010, either. One team that got to him was the New England Patriots, however; in a Week 16 loss, Fitzpatrick was sacked three times and also lost two fumbles during a brutal 34-3 loss.

Despite this, New England isn't a team that features a dominant pass rusher. Bill Belichick is predominantly responsible for creating pressure via scheme, and he's loaded his front seven with a bunch of veterans to make it work.

"The thing about the way the Patriots are deploying their pass rushers in 2011 is that there is no one player to focus on," explains Greg Knopping of PatsPulpit.com. "While defensive linemen Vince Wilfork, Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis will play more than 50 percent of the team's snaps, players such as Albert Haynesworth, Mark Anderson, Myron Pryor, and Kyle Love have all been rotating about evenly."

Pryor was placed on Injured Reserve this week, while Haynesworth has missed two days' worth of practice with a back injury. While Haynesworth is the big name, however, Anderson might be the guy that the Bills focus on first.

"If you wanted one under the radar type of player, I would take a look at Anderson," says Knopping. "He's the Patriots' best speed rusher, and will be in on most clear passing situations. He's recorded a sack in each of the Patriots' first two games this year."

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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