The Patriots issues with stopping running or athletic quarterbacks are well documented. Both Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields had big performances against the Patriots this season.

Conventional wisdom would say that Josh Allen is next in line to have a big day but the Patriots can avoid that. Here are three reasons how.

1. Gap Sound: Run fits are everything against an athletic quarterback. The Patriots have to make sure they control gaps, and play under control. They cannot over pursue and give up runs lanes on passing downs. Allen is most effective on designed run plays but he has the ability to break contain and extend plays when things break down.

2. Sugar rush: The defensive ends and edge players have to sugar or slow rush Allen. They cannot just get up the field and give him A gap and B gap escape lanes. They must slow rush and keep him on their inside hip. They cannot let him get outside of them.

3. Get hats to the ball: Allen is 6-5 240. He’s a big quarterback. The Patriots must get multiple hats to the ball and when they get there, they must finish. Allen routinely breaks one on one tackles. He will do it tonight unless the Patriots two or three hats to the ball.

4. Alignment and assignment: Play within the scheme. Don’t freelance your alignment or assignment post snap. The players have to be scheme disciplined because if they are not, the scheme will not work and it will be a long night.

The Patriots need to stop Josh Allen in this game. If they do not, it is going to be a long night if the Bills offense is clicking on all cylinders