The Patriots visit the Bills today in what is huge game for both teams, especially Buffalo. For the Patriots, it could impact their draft position if they win. For the Bills, it is all about a playoff spot. Buffalo needs to win to get in with help. 

In the first meeting, the Patriots won 29-25 and they did it throwing the football. I would expect more of the same in today’s game.

Buffalo’s secondary is banged up so expect the Patriots to be more aggressive in the passing game and attack all three levels as they look to once again take advantage of a back-ups. 

Defensively, the Patriots need to disguise and move around pre and post snap in the secondary. They must confuse Josh Allen and force him to throw the ball into bad spots.

They also need to contain him and keep him and keep him in the pocket. 

Here are three ways the Patriots should attack the Bills today offensively and defensively.

Offense

1. Run off-tackle: Off tackle runs will be key today to slow down Buffalo’s pass rush. I would attack Von Miller, A.J Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau. Make life tough on them because if the Patriots do not, they will make life tough on the Patriots offensive line.

Here is an example of how the Patriots could attack Buffalo off-tackle in the run game.

2. Throw on early downs: I would throw on first down more this week. Keep Buffalo’s defense off-balance and take advantage of them playing more base defense on early downs. The Patriots do not have to be overly aggressive when they throw on first down. Simple three step pass plays and intermediate five step pass plays is all they need.

3. Empty man beaters: Buffalo will play a lot of man to man today. Go empty, spread them out and use man beaters to create separation and win one on one. The Patriots receivers are good enough to make plays against this secondary today.

Defense

1. Disguise: The Patriots should start in a two-shell and rotate post snap. They could rotate to Cover 3 or Cover 1 depending on down and distance. The more they move, the more they will confuse Allen and force him into a bad throw and hopefully, a turnover.

2. Bring double edge pressure: The Patriots need to bring edge pressure to get after Allen but also keep him in the pocket. They cannot allow him to break contain and scramble. Both the defensive ends and the edge players need to be smart and sugar rush him today. Don’t be overly aggressive getting up the field. 

3. Bracket Diggs: Wherever he goes, two go with him. Diggs has struggled of late but he is the one guy who could beat you with a big play. I would double with he lined up at the X, Z or F. He scored a touchdown in the first meeting and he is a threat every time he touches the ball. We cannot let him beat us today.