Kickoff: The Patriots wrap up the 2024 season at home against the Buffalo Bills in a game that they need to lose in order to secure the number one overall pick in April’s draft. Jerod Mayo and the players have been saying all the right things this week but the reality is, they need to end up with the number one pick so it would be to the organization’s benefit if they lost this game. The Bills are expected to rest starters and so should the Patriots.
Here are four keys to the game for the Patriots.
1st Down: Start and sit Maye: I would only play Drake Maye two series tops. He does not need to play in this game. He has proven he has franchise quarterback potential. Run the ball when he is in there and if you are going to throw, simple three step stuff is all you should throw to get the ball out quick. DO NOT put him in harms way today!
2nd Down: See what you have in the bottom third of the roster: Today is an opportunity to play the young guys and back ups to see what you have on the bottom third of the roster. It should be an evaluation game for Eliot Wolf and the front office. The Patriots have a lot of work to do this off-season in terms of roster construction. It would be good to see if some of the depth players can take on bigger roles and contribute moving forward.
3rd Down: Ground and pound: No matter which quarterback plays, the Patriots should emphasize the ground game. We should see a lot of Antonio Gibson and JaMychal Hasty today. Games like this require the backs to carry the ball 30 to 40 times. Cut the game in half, work the clock and protect the quarterbacks.
4th Down: Get out of it healthy: The Patriots need to get out of this game healthy. Again, the evaluation piece is important today. Take a look at the players you need to evaluate for the long haul and keep your fingers crossed that you can come out of this game healthy. It is good for the players for their sake and it is good for the organization. Especially when it comes to off-season participation.
Extra Point: This week’s game will be the 131st meeting between the two teams. New England holds a 78-51-1 edge in the series and has won 37 of the last 49 regular season games between the clubs, dating back to 2000. The Patriots are 40-24 all-time in games played against Buffalo at home, including 17-5 at Gillette Stadium.
Final Drive: Just lose baby! The number one draft choice is at stake and while it pains me to my core that I am advocating for a loss, the Patriots need to lose today. This game is meaningless. It is all about the future and the future starts today. Hopefully the Patriots do the right thing and lose today. It shouldn’t be that hard.