Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Josh Allen faces Bill Belichick for first time in Bills vs. PatriotsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2019-01-24T08:00:00-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/179139562019-01-24T08:00:00-05:002019-01-24T08:00:00-05:00Patriots look back to Week 16 vs. Bills as turning point
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<p>Tom Brady and the Patriots felt they were “running out of time” on their season.</p> <p id="ACToYs">Much to the chagrin of <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> fans, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are back in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> and will face the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday, Feb. 3 in Atlanta, GA. </p>
<p id="HxamE6">The Patriots, led by quarterback <span>Tom Brady</span> and head coach Bill Belichick, are playing in the franchise’s third straight Super Bowl after outlasting the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> 37-31 in overtime of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> game. </p>
<p id="nDddHz">While the Patriots are no strangers to postseason success—this is Brady’s ninth Super Bowl appearance—the team credits a <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4816584/feeling-they-were-running-out-of-time-patriots-turned-things-around">Week 16 game</a> against the Bills as getting the franchise ready for this latest postseason run. </p>
<p id="mjCxfG">Heading into the Week 16 showdown between the Bills and Patriots in Foxboro, New England was coming off back-to-back losses to the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (on a miraculous last-second touchdown play) and the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, when New England committed 14 accepted penalties and dropped to 9-5 with two games remaining. </p>
<aside id="Xxsjrr"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"All our coverage: Josh Allen faces Bill Belichick for first time in Bills vs. Patriots","url":"https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/20/18149915/all-our-coverage-josh-allen-tom-brady-bill-belichick-first-time-buffalo-bills-new-enland-patriots"}]}'></div></aside><p id="u8fTZD">The team had fallen out of the No. 2 seed in the conference, and with it, was faced with the prospect of playing in a Wild Card round rather than receiving the customary first-round bye. </p>
<p id="ps5JCJ">So it was that the second match-up of 2018 between Buffalo and New England served as a wake-up call for Brady, safety <span>Devin McCourty</span>, and the rest of the Patriots. </p>
<p id="7AE7jW">“It was like, ‘We’re running out of time,’” McCourty told <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4816584/feeling-they-were-running-out-of-time-patriots-turned-things-around">ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss.</a> “Buffalo was like, ‘All right, guys, this is what it takes.’ Playing at home, winning a division championship, was like, ‘Guys, this is championship-level football. This is what we need to do.’ And then essentially playing another playoff game the next weekend against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, we rolled with that kind of mentality.”</p>
<p id="cjybWb">One of the biggest developments to stem from the game against Buffalo, a 24-12 triumph by the Patriots, was a return to the running game. Rookie Sony Michel rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown as the Patriots rushed for a season-high 273 yards on a season-most 43 carries. </p>
<p id="cpPjDz">The Patriots turned to the running game that week in part because of how effective the Buffalo defense was in containing Brady. The Patriots won that game despite Buffalo limiting Brady to 13 of 24 passing for 126 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions—his lowest passing output since throwing for 123 yards in a season-opening 31-0 loss to the Bills in 2003. </p>
<p id="mLZhgk">Since that Week 16 win over Buffalo, which clinched New England’s tenth straight AFC East division title, the Patriots routed the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (31-3) in the regular-season finale, blew out the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (41-28) in the divisional round of the playoffs, and held off the Chiefs in the AFC championship. </p>
<p id="LxoNFu">”We’ve found a way to play our best the last four games,” Brady said. “Buffalo, Jets, had the bye, played great against the Chargers, played really well [against the Chiefs]. We’re going to need one more great game.”</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/1/24/18194360/buffalo-bills-new-england-patriots-look-back-to-week-16-vs-buffalo-as-turning-point-seasonJohn Boccacino2019-01-23T15:07:52-05:002019-01-23T15:07:52-05:00Buffalo Bills LeSean McCoy reveals why he didn’t start in Week 16
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<figcaption>Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bad look for a captain.</p> <p id="ZOAyTx">In Week 16 of the 2018 season, the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> believed they finally had a chance to take down their long-standing AFC East rivals, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. However, they would end up losing by a score of 24-12, and rookie quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span> turned in arguably his worst performance of the season. </p>
<p id="rrXT8F">As the game began, media and fans noticed that veteran running back <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, though active after missing the previous game with a hamstring injury, remained on the bench. While his absence only lasted for the first series, people began to speculate about the reasoning behind it.</p>
<p id="IYrTvn">After the game, <span>McCoy</span> was asked about the incident to which he responded by stating that he and coach Sean McDermott “had a situation.”</p>
<blockquote><p id="3adxjQ">“And he was totally right,” added <span>McCoy</span>. “And it was a private situation. I’m a captain. I gotta be more accountable. It’s as simple as that. He checked me. Put me in my place. That’s it.” </p></blockquote>
<p id="Nv3RXS">Details surrounding McCoy’s benching have remained vague up until his recent appearance on ESPN’s <em>First Take</em>. On the show, co-host Max Kellerman asked McCoy why he didn’t start Week 16 against the Patriots. </p>
<blockquote><p id="dnaY02">“I think the honest truth about that is I was late for going to the bus to the game. You know, one thing about McDermott is he’s fair. I’m a captain. He handed me full responsibility for it,” added McCoy. He then went on to say that “everyone has the same rules” and that his benching was “fair.”</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/CutonDime25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CutonDime25</a> explains why he didn't start for the Bills in Week 16: <a href="https://t.co/zPnYLGMUXq">pic.twitter.com/zPnYLGMUXq</a></p>— First Take (@FirstTake) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/1088130062573076481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a>
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<p id="Cz46qs">He also touched on his age, his actions on and off the field, and the offensive line in the interview.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/1/23/18194635/buffalo-bills-lesean-mccoy-reveals-he-was-benched-in-week-16-running-back-captainDanyel Geist2018-12-29T18:09:54-05:002018-12-29T18:09:54-05:00Edelman fined for three separate plays against the Bills
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<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This guy paid my tuition and then some in fines for unnecessary roughness.</p> <p id="H95lGK"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> receiver, <span>Julian Edelman</span> has always been one for extra-curriculars on the football field. In his win over the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> last week, Edelman was penalized for unnecessary roughness on one play. </p>
<p id="XKfubm">According to <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/1079132258806710273">ESPN’s Mike Reiss</a>, Edelman was fined for three separate plays that involved unnecessary roughness. The total amount of money Edelman was fined was $63,504. Being fined for three separate unnecessary roughness penalties is ridiculous and Edelman shouldn't just have to pay fines as a result. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Costly day for Patriots WR Julian Edelman last Sunday vs. Bills, as he was fined for three separate plays -- $10,026 for unnecessary roughness, $26,739 for unnecessary roughness & $26,739 for unnecessary roughness ($63,504 total).</p>— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/1079132258806710273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="UcjkYo">Edelman was also penalized for unnecessary roughness this year one other game and that also occurred against the Bills on Monday Night Football at New Era Field. For that penalty, he was also fined $26,739, which brings his tab for the year to $90,243. </p>
<aside id="82Odui"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Penalty recap: Bills at Patriots","url":"https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/24/18154632/penalty-recap-harm-buffalo-bills-at-new-england-patriots"}]}'></div></aside><p id="UozshS">Fun fact: In Julian Edelman’s career, he has been penalized while playing the Bills more than he has while facing any other team. </p>
<p id="lJFiZt">Edelman has a base salary of $2 million this season, which means he makes roughly $117,000 per game. This is more than half that amount. </p>
<p id="JyR9t6">His risk of suspension for unnecessary roughness has now gone through the roof, as well.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/29/18160659/new-england-patriots-receiver-fined-for-three-penalties-against-the-buffalo-bills-julian-edelmanDylan Zadonowicz2018-12-28T08:00:03-05:002018-12-28T08:00:03-05:00Bills Links, 12/28: Buffalo struck gold with UDFA Robert Foster
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<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The rookie out of Alabama continues to deliver for Buffalo</p> <p id="iJReRG">So how did <span>Robert Foster</span> end up with the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> as an undrafted free agent?</p>
<p id="AAbGM4">The answer to that question is provided in today’s links, courtesy of Matthew Fairburn from <em>The Athletic</em>. In addition to the excellent story on Foster, the links include updates on <span>Josh Allen</span>, <span>Kyle Williams</span>, <span>Star Lotulelei</span>, and much more. Be sure to check back with Buffalo Rumblings throughout the day for all the latest Bills news and updates.</p>
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<p id="iqehI1"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F735980%2F2018%2F12%2F27%2Fhow-the-bills-scouted-and-developed-undrafted-gem-robert-foster-who-believes-in-himself-now-more-than-ever%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2018%2F12%2F28%2F18158457%2Fbuffalo-bills-links-12-28-alabama-crimson-tide-udfa-wide-receiver-robert-foster-josh-allen" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">How the Bills scouted and developed undrafted gem Robert Foster, who believes in himself now ‘more than ever’ – The Athletic</a><br><span>Robert Foster</span>'s path through college and to the NFL has been complicated. But the Bills didn't want to let his talent slip away, and he's starting to prove them right. (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="lPpNLn"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/12/e8b0c72f33ea4/what-bills-brian-daboll-said-a.html">What Bills' Brian Daboll said about potential head coaching jobs and Josh Allen's development | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>Daboll spoke Thursday about his future and <span>Josh Allen</span>'s.</p>
<p id="fA98pr"><a href="https://www.cover1.net/bills-patriots-week-16-a-game-that-josh-allen-can-learn-from/">Bills vs. Patriots Week 16: A game that Josh Allen 'can learn from' | Cover 1</a><br>Erik Turner and Nate Geary jump into the film room to show you exactly how Bill Belichick and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> continued their dominance over their division foe Bills.</p>
<p id="QukX73"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/news/top-7-storylines-for-the-bills-dolphins-season-finale">Top 7 storylines for the Bills-Dolphins season finale - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>John Murphy breaks down the most important issues as the Bills prepare to end the 2018 season against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p id="BJhTID"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/video/kyle-williams-i-feel-i-can-continue-to-play">Kyle Williams: "I Feel I Can Continue To Play" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Defensive Tackle <span>Kyle Williams</span> spoke to the media inside the locker room topics include; playing the Dolphins, his production this year, and his future.</p>
<p id="g5OaYa"><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/12/27/18157135/opposing-player-spotlight-week-17-buffalo-bills-robert-foster-buffalo-bills-miami-dolphins-game">Opposing Player Spotlight: Week 17, Buffalo Bills - The Phinsider</a><br>In Miami’s season finale, the Dolphins will need to watch out for a big-play threat that can gash teams down the sideline.</p>
<p id="FMkAug"><a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article223576410.html">NFL Week 17 picks: Dolphins-Bills, Game of the Week, upsets | Miami Herald</a><br>Greg Cote weighs in with his prediction for Sunday.</p>
<p id="ANmII4"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/2018/12/27/star-lotulelei-continues-strong-second-half-of-season-trent-murphys-slump-continues-vs-patriots/">Star Lotulelei continues strong second half of season, Trent Murphy’s slump continues – The Buffalo News</a><br>"While not expected to be a <span>Kyle Williams</span>-type pass-rusher, Star Lotulelei has performed much better in all aspects for the Buffalo Bills over the last half of the regular season" (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="Pp9Jzs"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/2018/12/27/buffalo-bills-nfl-josh-allen-miami-dolphins/">Rematch with Dolphins a first for Bills QB Josh Allen – The Buffalo News</a><br><span>Josh Allen</span> torched the Dolphins on the ground in the first meeting, gaining 135 yards on just nine carries. (Subscription required.)</p>
<h3 id="huFXXW">Featured on Buffalo Rumblings</h3>
<p id="tlt37p"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher/2018/12/27/18157466/billieve-previewing-the-bills-and-dolphins-with-matt-cannata-of-thephinsider-com-josh-allen">Billieve: Previewing the Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins with Matt Cannata of The Phinsider - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Week 17 of the NFL season is finally here.</p>
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<p id="3Ccny7"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/27/18157431/buffalo-bills-fantasy-football-preview-week-17-lesean-mccoys-last-stand-josh-allen-jordan-poyer">Buffalo Bills fantasy football preview, Week 17: LeSean McCoy’s last stand with Josh Allen a legitimate fantasy football starter - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Could this be his last performance in a Buffalo uniform?</p>
<p id="0VsgP3"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/27/18155883/all-22-analysis-where-was-star-lotulelei-run-stuffing-defensive-tackle-vs-new-england-patriots">All-22 analysis: Where was Star Lotulelei against the New England Patriots? - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>When a team runs for 273 yards on you, it’s time to look at your run-stuffing defensive tackle.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/28/18158457/buffalo-bills-links-12-28-alabama-crimson-tide-udfa-wide-receiver-robert-foster-josh-allenAnthony Marino2018-12-27T09:07:36-05:002018-12-27T09:07:36-05:00Q&A: The future of LeSean McCoy, prioritizing the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft
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<p>The Bills have lots of questions. We try to answer some of them.</p> <p id="agjPBY">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> on Sunday and, after we spend a little time on the game, we dive into your questions. Here’s what we discuss in this week’s episode.</p>
<p id="PPaOqr"><strong>Question I’m getting a lot</strong></p>
<p id="Bt4Ob9">“What should we prioritize in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, WR or OL?”</p>
<p id="hYdhAl">It’s my opinion that the Bills should prioritize wide receiver. <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/26/18155553/buffalo-bills-add-d-k-metcalf-in-new-sb-nation-mock-draft-nfl-draft-2019-wide-receiver">This week’s SB Nation mock draft makes that decision even easier</a>, with both of the top two tackles off the board by the time Buffalo picks.</p>
<p id="MtLscL">There are so few great number 1 receivers in the NFL, if Buffalo has a chance to get a legit top-flight wide receiver, they should do it. D.K. Metcalf is the guy who goes in the SB Nation mock. </p>
<div id="DR8Abr"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP5855743813" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
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<p id="GzRVHP">We also answer questions about <span>LeSean McCoy</span> and his future with the team, special teams under Danny Crossman and all the crap going on at punter, we field a question about former wide receiver <span>Brandon Reilly</span>, and I make my guess as to the most likely free-agent signing this off-season. Don’t miss this week’s episode!</p>
<aside id="u1LSmt"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"All-22 analysis: Where was Star Lotulelei?","url":"https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/27/18155883/all-22-analysis-where-was-star-lotulelei-run-stuffing-defensive-tackle-vs-new-england-patriots"}]}'></div></aside><p id="FJ6cOL">If you have a question for next week’s episode, give us a call at 716-508-0405 or send us a question on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/RumblingsQandA">@RumblingsQandA</a>. You can also email us at BuffaloRumblings@SBNation.com. We love interacting with the fans and it’s boring unless I have audio.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher/2018/12/26/18156671/q-a-the-future-of-lesean-mccoy-prioritizing-the-first-round-of-the-2019-nfl-draft-danny-crossmanMatt Warren2018-12-27T09:03:02-05:002018-12-27T09:03:02-05:00All-22 analysis: Where was Star Lotulelei?
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>When a team runs for 273 yards on you, it’s time to look at your run-stuffing defensive tackle. </p> <p id="7BYEtL">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> this past Sunday, which isn’t exactly anything new. And just like he always does, <span>Tom Brady</span> tore apart the Bills with his arm going 12-for-24, for 126 yards. He had one touchdown through the air and two interceptions. Brady’s 48.3 passer rating was light years ahead of <span>Brian Hoyer</span>’s 39.6. Hoyer attempted one pass in garbage time when Brady was pulled for his safety. If you’re curious, the pass was incomplete. Yep. Good Ol’ Touchdown Tom did it again. I doubt the 273 rushing yards the Patriots had were a major factor. Let’s um, check in on our run-stopping defensive tackle <span>Star Lotulelei</span>. For no particular reason at all. </p>
<p id="J10Kjs">WARNING: Since many people are on vacation, I assumed you all have plenty of time for extra studying this week. </p>
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<h3 id="nVNCcL">Play 1</h3>
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<p id="eSIuSq">The Patriots immediately double team <span>Star Lotulelei</span> but <span>Corey Thompson</span> necessitates one of the blockers picking him up. Star moves into the lane and knocks the runner over. You’ll see a pattern where the Patriots attempt to negate Lotulelei whenever they see him. As a side note, I went a little GIF crazy this week. The breakdown accounts for 11 of Star’s 35 snaps. </p>
<h3 id="gsk547">Play 2</h3>
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<p id="9T6FHI">The defensive play call has Lotulelei lined up ready to push to the inside. While he could drive to his left off the snap, it’d be awkward. The Patriots look like they’ve prepared for this and the guard actually <em>helps </em>Lotulelei get to where he’s going. Another trend to notice: The Patriots attempted to avoid the middle of the field when they could. There’s a fun table at the end, but the most production came to the edges with plays like this. </p>
<h3 id="7x4DMA">Play 3</h3>
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<p id="2e7zmq">Two offensive linemen attack Lotulelei right away. One breaks off to pick up <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span>, but the double team has already been as successful as it needed to be. A nice block (and perhaps a little offensive holding) negate <span>Corey Thompson</span> and it’s off to the races. This was one of the best runs of the day logged as occurring in the middle of the formation. </p>
<h3 id="CzRMlC">Play 4</h3>
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<p id="bvkcF5">Two things jump out on this play. The first is noted in the GIF. The Patriots have seemingly planned specifically for Lotulelei. The hand-off pushing out to the side a little with the blocker making a beeline right for Star is suspicious after the linemen let him through. The second thing to notice is how quickly Lotulelei reacts to the hand-off. He’s initially looking to hit Brady, but is starting to change immediately. </p>
<h3 id="B2HWWd">Play 5</h3>
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<p id="4jqwCf">Yet again the Patriots are happy to double team Lotulelei, and yet again he’s happy to clog up a ton of room. And again the run is away from Lotulelei’s area. Another nod to his play recognition as Star sheds his blocks and is in the play before the runner can be dropped. </p>
<h3 id="9ZthYi">Play 6</h3>
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<p id="gtNkhA">First things first, he did NOT cross the goal line. With that out of the way, the same trends hold up. The Patriots are nearly refusing to run at Star. For a third time, his play recognition gets him closer to making a play than he has any reason to. </p>
<h3 id="rqsgZi">Play 7</h3>
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<p id="XXeQ59">If there’s a question on where Star was during this game, perhaps it should be asked of the coaches. The run-stuffing tackle was in on 47% of plays. The Patriots ran on 65% of their offensive snaps. And Star was in on a handful of passing plays to boot, probably ending with him being on the field for about half the run plays. Here Lotulelei likely impacts the pass as he’s quickly in the backfield. Brady doesn’t seem thrilled by this development. </p>
<h3 id="HpfdQJ">Play 8</h3>
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<p id="igL0PQ">Very briefly, this is the same trick as before. The pre-snap alignment makes it hard for Lotulelei to move to his right (our left). The Patriots help Lotulelei move in his natural direction and run away from him. One extra note is that Brady took a long time giving directions pre-snap, making at least two tweaks to the play before he was happy. </p>
<h3 id="WeQ2LG">Play 9</h3>
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<p id="3MG6SF">It wasn’t that the Bills weren’t adjusting to some of what the Patriots were doing. Here an empty backfield should be able to take advantage of the Bills’ run-stuffing line. <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> communicates an adjustment and Star Lotulelei moves wide to help set up the pass rush. The Bills’ adjustment leads to relatively quick pressure. One bad throw later and <span>Jordan Poyer</span> has it for Buffalo. </p>
<h3 id="YVAIZj">Play 10</h3>
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<p id="sQCZUO">This was a rare occasion where the Patriots ran anywhere near Star. With everyone moving, they don’t need to push the Bills back to create a lane. This isn’t Lotulelei’s best play as he loses his balance, but he still manages to get enough push to impact the path of the runner. That slight deviation pushes the ball carrier into <span>Lorenzo Alexander</span>’s man, and the result is a tripped Patriot. </p>
<h3 id="ahJV4i">Play 11</h3>
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<p id="ozHYcd">The Bills are looking to shut down a goal-to-go situation and that’s precisely the time for the big men to shine. Lotulelei is predictably double-teamed to start. It’s not enough to move him back and the runner needs to go around, which can be a death knell with the field this compressed. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="I8d3IG">
<h3 id="yCoMTa">Summary</h3>
<p id="FJ6NjB">To be clear, the above isn’t presented to make the case that Star Lotulelei is playing at an All-Pro level. He is however, playing at a high enough level where the New England Patriots appear to have focused a great deal of attention in avoiding him and accounting for him when that wasn’t possible—and he still made some plays. </p>
<p id="tJbNKX">The data in the table below comes courtesy of <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/">Pro Football Reference</a>. There’s a lot to unpack, but the main point for Star is the last row (light blue). The middle section of the field is the area that he would be the main force in locking down. The Patriots were far less successful running up the middle, and Star Lotulelei is a big reason why. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/27/18155883/all-22-analysis-where-was-star-lotulelei-run-stuffing-defensive-tackle-vs-new-england-patriotsSkarekrow2018-12-26T12:01:07-05:002018-12-26T12:01:07-05:00Bills fantasy football recap: Zay salvages rough outing
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FzQSo6j99udDdv5DMqfq_djorHg=/0x0:2513x1675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62737496/usa_today_11893509.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A big stat line on a garbage-time drive gave Jones a solid overall fantasy score</p> <p id="dNtzTK">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>—a not-so-shocking December result that clinched a tenth consecutive divisional title for the Patriots and left the Bills clenching their first season with double-digit losses since 2013.</p>
<p id="kiKin8">While the 24-12 difference on the scoreboard doesn’t look so bad, the game was much worse than that in reality. Buffalo’s offense did not execute well for most of the day, at least until the final drive of the afternoon. When they did execute earlier in the game, turnovers, poor blocking, and other follies set the team back.</p>
<p id="zqJhwZ">While the results were poor in real life, there was at least one player who had a good fantasy football day. Here were Buffalo’s top scorers in Week 16.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="kZT5HX">
<h2 id="LTXYfk">WR <span>Zay Jones</span>
</h2>
<p id="o3tOJO">Going into Buffalo’s final drive, <span>Jones</span> had been targeted four times, catching one pass for 12 yards. On Buffalo’s final drive—one that began with the Bills trailing 24-6 with 2:59 remaining—<span>Jones</span> saw five targets. He made four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown on the final drive. That score stands as the only offensive touchdown Buffalo has scored in four tries against New England since Sean McDermott became head coach. Jones’s stat line on the day (5 catches, 67 yards, 1 touchdown) was good for 15.2 fantasy points. If you’re among the 15% of fantasy owners in <em>Yahoo!</em> leagues who have Jones, and you had the guts to play him as your WR2 or flex, that last drive definitely salvaged some genius points for you. </p>
<h2 id="fMK2yA">QB <span>Josh Allen</span>
</h2>
<p id="HFakMh">Facing a Bill Belichick defense is not easy for any quarterback, and it’s especially difficult for rookies. No rookie quarterback has won at Gillette Stadium against the Patriots since Belichick’s reign began, and that streak continues thanks to a poor showing from <span>Allen</span> and the offense. Yes, Allen threw some beautiful passes that were either dropped (a touchdown to <span>Logan Thomas</span>, for example), lost in the sun (come on, <span>Robert Foster</span>...wear a visor!), or incomplete due to inexplicable no-calls (<span>Isaiah McKenzie</span> was hit early in the end zone). Still, Allen also threw two awful interceptions. With little help from his receivers and no running game to speak of, Allen was only able to throw for 217 yards, one touchdown, and those two interceptions. He added five carries for 30 yards rushing, giving him a total of 13.68 fantasy points on the week—a total that was surely disappointing if you started him in your league’s championship game.</p>
<h2 id="uMfntz">WR <span>Robert Foster</span>
</h2>
<p id="vFVMxY">The pass-catcher who seems to have the best rapport with Allen had himself another strong day. He was matched up with our old friend <span>Stephon Gilmore</span> for much of the day, and he was able to make the stud corner look bad on a few occasions. Foster’s route-running ability really seems to have developed as the year has progressed, giving hope for the future of a Buffalo receiving corps that, to be polite, is in need of improvement this off-season. Foster was targeted seven times on the afternoon, and he made four catches for 52 yards. That gave him 7.2 fantasy points.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/26/18155616/buffalo-bills-fantasy-football-recap-week-16-zay-jones-salvages-rough-outing-josh-allenSean Murphy2018-12-26T12:00:06-05:002018-12-26T12:00:06-05:00Bills opponent fantasy recap: RB Michel leads dominant rushing attack
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<figcaption>Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Patriots were unstoppable on the ground</p> <p id="BqfA8c">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> ran over, around, and through the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on Sunday, putting up 273 yards on the ground in a 24-12 victory. On a day where <span>Tom Brady</span> looked mortal at best and <span>Blake Bortles</span> at worst, Buffalo was unable to muster any answer for a Patriots ground attack that demoralized the Bills early.</p>
<p id="AR41s1">It’s no surprise that two of New England’s top scorers in fantasy football for the week were running backs. Here is the list of the Patriots’ top-three fantasy football players this week.</p>
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<h2 id="q7y1pc">RB <span>Sony Michel</span>
</h2>
<p id="d84WPf">Almost from the opening gun, it was obvious that the Bills would be unable to stop New England on the ground. After the Bills forced the Patriots to go three-and-out on their opening drive—a sequence where Tom Brady completed one of three passes for a total of seven yards—New England ran the ball on ten consecutive plays. Those ten plays gained 82 yards and a touchdown. Michel ran 18 times on the day, totaling 116 yards and one touchdown. It was his fourth 100-yard game of the season. He scored 17.6 fantasy points on the day.</p>
<h2 id="g39JZI">WR <span>Julian Edelman</span>
</h2>
<p id="MbGHKT">Thanks to a fluke play on a fourth down, Edelman’s line looks much better than it otherwise would have. Up 14-6 with 5:14 to go in the third quarter, the Patriots decided that they’d rather try to convert a fourth-and-four than kick a 49-yard field goal. Brady hit Edelman on a little slant for the conversion, and safety <span>Rafael Bush</span> was underneath Edelman when he was tackled. The receiver realized he never hit the ground, and he sprang up alertly before running to the end zone. That one play—a 32-yard reception and touchdown—gave Edelman 9.7 of his 16 fantasy points. All together, Edelman finished with seven catches on ten targets, totaling 60 receiving yards and the lone touchdown.</p>
<h2 id="o2MoaX">RB <span>James White</span>
</h2>
<p id="1o32cR">Speaking of players whose fantasy scoring came mostly on one play, New England’s pass-catching running back did the bulk of his damage on one running play. He carried eight times for 41 yards and one touchdown, adding two receptions for 13 yards in the passing game. White’s day was buoyed by a 27-yard touchdown run that gave New England a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. That play alone was worth 8.7 of White’s 12.4 fantasy points on the afternoon.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/26/18155624/buffalo-bills-opponent-fantasy-football-recap-week-16-sony-michel-leads-dominant-rushing-attackSean Murphy