The Buffalo Bills’ defensive backfield has a warning for the New England Patriots: Respect our sideline, or prepare to fight. Neither Nickell Robey-Coleman nor Stephon Gilmore seemed willing to back down today when asked about the possibility of another altercation if circumstances similar to those in the first meeting between the two teams presented themselves prior to Sunday’s game.
“We’re not gonna let nobody push us around,” Gilmore said after today’s practice. “We know their guys like to get under your skin and make you react a certain way.”
Clearly, Buffalo’s defensive backfield is unwilling to allow Patriot players to run through their drills, like they did during the week 4 clash at Gilette Stadium in Foxboro. Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett jogged through Buffalo’s defensive drills and was asked to refrain from doing so; when he did not comply, Robert Blanton, Aaron Williams, Corey Graham, and Robey-Coleman initiated a scrum. Blanton, Williams, and Robey-Coleman were all fined for their roles in the altercation.
When asked if he was comfortable being fined again, Robey-Coleman’s was succinct. “Yes,” replied the third-year man.
While pregame fireworks may be in store, the importance of remaining focused on the game itself cannot be overstated. Buffalo has a shot to sweep the Patriots for the first time since 1999, which coincidentally or not is a fairly important year in current Bills’ history. Since Tom Brady became the Pats’ starter, they have not been swept by a division opponent.
Beating the Patriots before the game may prove cathartic, but beating them during it will yield far better feelings.