The New England Patriots wide receivers have underperformed to start this season. While the position group was expected to be arguably the team’s strongest and deepest unit, thanks to underwhelming quarterback play from Drake Maye, the receivers have yet to find a rhythm after three games.
That could all change on Sunday, when they head to Orchard Park to take on the Buffalo Bills and their 27th-ranked passing defense that has allowed seven touchdowns through the air.
Christian Benford Injury Presents an Area the Offense Can Exploit
During the third quarter of Buffalo’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the team’s boundary cornerback Christian Benford left the game with a toe/foot injury and did not return. Ryan Miller of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported that the 26-year-old corner was seen in a walking boot after the game.
Corey Perrine/Florida Times‑Union
If Benford cannot play on Sunday, this is an area that the Patriots’ outside receivers, namely Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins, can exploit and hopefully get their quarterback some down-the-field looks.
Both receivers will look to build off of their Week 3 performances. Hollins, who leads the Patriots in receiving yards, had a breakout game with six catches on nine targets for 87 yards. Doubs is still catching up to speed with Maye, as he only had three catches for 49 yards.
What This Means for New England on Sunday
New England’s matchup against a struggling Bills pass defense presents another chance for Drake Maye and the offense to right the ship. And with Buffalo potentially down its starting outside cornerback, look for Josh McDaniels to test Benford’s backup and dial up a pass-heavy scheme to get his third-year quarterback and the offense into a rhythm.
