Mike Vrabel Identifies The Josh Allen Problem That Starts After The Snap

Mike Vrabel Identifies The Josh Allen Problem That Starts After The Snap originally appeared on NESN.
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The Patriots can cover Buffalo’s first passing concept correctly Sunday and still find themselves in trouble. That is the challenge Mike Vrabel highlighted Friday while discussing Josh Allen. Against the Bills quarterback, the defense’s assignment often continues after the original play has broken down.

Vrabel described the preparation as “playing the second play.”

It is a short phrase for a demanding task. Once Allen leaves the pocket, receivers can change direction, defensive spacing can unravel and a seemingly successful pass rush can become an opportunity for Buffalo. New England visits the Bills on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Staying disciplined through those extended possessions could be one of the most revealing tests of the Patriots’ defense.

Two Patriots Quarterbacks Helped Recreate The Challenge

Vrabel credited Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton with helping extend plays during preparation for Buffalo. Neither practice quarterback can perfectly duplicate Allen. The goal is to give defenders repetitions that require them to keep working after the timing of a conventional passing play has disappeared.

Patriots will try to slow down Josh Allen, Bills without Gonzalez, Barmore; Vrabel on Maye’s shoulder; Brown at RG dlvr.​it/TVlchH pic.twitter.com/PMLsy56g6X

— BostonSportsJournal (@BostonSportsBSJ) October 2, 2026

That preparation has a practical purpose.

A cornerback cannot assume his assignment ends when a receiver completes the original route. A defender watching Allen escape must also remain aware of the player moving behind him.

The temptation is to react to the quarterback. The danger comes when everybody reacts at once. Allen can punish that moment of hesitation by throwing toward the sideline or back into the middle. Vrabel emphasized Friday that New England must maintain close coverage as the play changes.

For the Patriots, the drill is about making that response familiar before it becomes necessary in front of a stadium full of Bills fans.

MORE: Patriots Keys to Victory vs. Bills in Week 4 NFL Game

New England’s Personnel Makes The Details More Important

The challenge comes during a difficult week for the Patriots’ defense.

Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore have been ruled out with shoulder injuries. New England therefore must prepare for Buffalo without two prominent defenders. Vrabel also said Marcus Jones could work both outside and inside, while Charles Woods could receive snaps. Those potential adjustments make communication especially important.

When Allen extends a play, a defense needs more than effort. It needs players who understand where the remaining help is and which receiver still belongs to them.

That is why Sunday’s defensive performance should be judged beyond sacks alone. A rush can influence Allen without bringing him down. Coverage can finish a possession by staying connected long enough to eliminate his next option.

The Patriots will need both groups to keep working together. Against Buffalo, making the first play uncomfortable is a useful beginning. Vrabel is preparing his team for everything that happens afterward.

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