Back before the Buffalo Bills played the New England Patriots in Week 3, we had a brief discussion about the need for the Bills - based on his prior excellence playing the Pats - to get Fred Jackson the football early and often. In their 38-30 loss, Jackson carried the ball four times for eight yards. He got as many carries in a complementary capacity as C.J. Spiller did, while both played second fiddle to then-starter Marshawn Lynch (13 carries, 79 yards).
Obviously, Lynch isn't here any longer, and with Jackson now Buffalo's feature back, this bears repeating: Jackson needs to get the ball early and often against New England. In Buffalo's last three Patriots games prior to Week 3, Jackson shredded Bill Belichick's defense. In those games (both 2009 contests and the 2008 season finale), Jackson rushed for 273 yards at 4.8 yards per carry and added 10 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.
New England's run defense has been rather average this season; they're currently ranked 15th in the NFL in run defense, surrendering 111.4 rushing yards per game. They've given up at least 129 rushing yards in three of their last four games, and were absolutely torched by the Cleveland Browns - to the tune of 230 yards - in a 34-14 blowout loss.
Scoring points and sustaining drives will be more important to success than ever for Buffalo this week, given how well Tom Brady plays against the Bills. Jackson should be a big part of Buffalo's offensive game plan this week, even if Chan Gailey isn't happy with his run blocking.