The New England Patriots will need to come up big Sunday and protect their franchise quarterback, Drake Maye, against the Buffalo Bills‘ ferocious pass rush, which will be a task easier said than done.
Through three games, Maye’s protectors have allowed nine sacks. With Maye under constant duress and in long-yardage situations, he has been a shell of himself compared to last year.
The Patriots’ offensive line will need to control the game on Sunday, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke on the Bills’ defensive front during his press conference earlier this afternoon.
“Heavy emphasis on the guys that have their hand in the dirt making negative plays. And obviously you’ve seen that from Rousseau this year at a high clip,” said McDaniels.
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“Oliver, Walker, Chubb, they got a bunch of them that really get after the passer and can create some negative situations in the running game too.”
Outlook for Sunday
Contrary to New England, Buffalo has a rotation of edge rushers headlined by Greg Rousseau that can get after the quarterback. Heading into Sunday’s divisional matchup, Rousseau leads the NFL with six sacks and is tied for first with three forced fumbles.
The rest of the unit has complemented Rousseau admirably as well, ranking among the league’s best with nine sacks.
This does not bode well for New England’s right side of the line, which is down to its third-string right guard. In addition, starting right tackle Morgan Moses is nursing a foot injury, which has kept him out of practice.
While New England’s offensive line has a gaping hole at right guard without the presence of Mike Onwenu, the offense will need to make do with his backup, with the hope that Morgan Moses can suit up on Sunday, as it gives the team its offensive line and best shot at combating Buffalo’s elite pass rush.
