Today the Patriots head into Buffalo to play the 2nd ranked run defense in the NFL. While many people may think this should be a reason to go in with a "pass first" offensive plan, I completely disagree.
The first reason is that the Patriots' offense is better when they establish a running game. Like last week, Stevan Ridley needs to have over 25 touches, preferably not from the shotgun. Throughout his career, Ridley has always gotten stronger as the game progresses. This season he has also shown great ball security.
Shane Vereen also needs to have multiple touches today. As usual, his touches should be a combination of passes around the line of scrimmage and handoffs from Brady.
Like last week Brady should also take first downs if Buffalo gives him an open lane. While I don't think this opportunity is likely to arise today, if it does he should take it on the run and be ready to slide.
If Brady and McDaniels come out ready to run, they will have a much easier time putting up big numbers in the passing game.
Shane Vereen also needs to have multiple touches today. As usual, his touches should be a combination of passes around the line of scrimmage and handoffs from Brady.
Like last week Brady should also take first downs if Buffalo gives him an open lane. While I don't think this opportunity is likely to arise today, if it does he should take it on the run and be ready to slide.
If Brady and McDaniels come out ready to run, they will have a much easier time putting up big numbers in the passing game.
While I think the Patriots should spend time focusing on doing what they do well and forcing the defense to try and stop them, I feel that I should point out that the Bills' rushing defense is overrated.
Here's a quick look at who they played and the numbers they put up to show why I feel this way:
Chicago- 18 rushes for 86 yards - Chicago is ranked 22nd in rushing this season with QB Jay Cutler as their 2nd leading rusher
Miami- 21 rushes for 60 yards - Knowshon Moreno left the game 11 minutes into it
San Diego - 31 rushes for 83 yards - The Chargers are ranked 27th in the league. After leading 20-3 they turned into a run first offense to take time off the clock.
Houston - 23 rushes for 37 yards - Leading rusher for Houston, Arian Foster, was coming off a hamstring injury and was used more as a receiver
Detroit - 20 rushes for 69 yards - 28th ranked rushing offense. Played without RB Joique Bell (concussion), both RB Reggie Bush and WR Calvin Johnson did not finish the game.
So, overall the Bills have yet to play any team who can actually run the ball and only one team who has even attempted to more than 25 times.
Here's a quick look at who they played and the numbers they put up to show why I feel this way:
Chicago- 18 rushes for 86 yards - Chicago is ranked 22nd in rushing this season with QB Jay Cutler as their 2nd leading rusher
Miami- 21 rushes for 60 yards - Knowshon Moreno left the game 11 minutes into it
San Diego - 31 rushes for 83 yards - The Chargers are ranked 27th in the league. After leading 20-3 they turned into a run first offense to take time off the clock.
Houston - 23 rushes for 37 yards - Leading rusher for Houston, Arian Foster, was coming off a hamstring injury and was used more as a receiver
Detroit - 20 rushes for 69 yards - 28th ranked rushing offense. Played without RB Joique Bell (concussion), both RB Reggie Bush and WR Calvin Johnson did not finish the game.
So, overall the Bills have yet to play any team who can actually run the ball and only one team who has even attempted to more than 25 times.
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