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

Patriots Keys to Victory vs. Bills in Week 4 NFL Game originally appeared on NESN.
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The Patriots aim to bounce back in Week 4 after the Jaguars won a lopsided Week 3 game. Can New England rebound against the Buffalo Bills?

The Bills are unbeaten to start the year. Quarterback Josh Allen has impressed, scoring touchdowns by throwing and running the ball into the end zone. Meanwhile, Drake Maye aims to lower his turnover rate early on in the season.

Facing a division rival, the Patriots have plenty of questions surrounding the team. Will Maye step up when it matters most?

Here are the top storylines for the Patriots before they head to Buffalo to take on the Bills.

Patriots keys to victory vs. Bills

Drake Maye needs to return to form

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about Drake Maye’s turnover rate. The point will remain relevant as Maye heads to Buffalo.

Maye threw eight interceptions last season. He’s thrown seven so far this year, and some in ugly fashion.

When he’s on, the league has something to worry about. However, Maye has been reckless early in the season. Buffalo will be a tougher challenge, and Maye must learn to adapt, or he and the Patriots will have a real problem.

Depleted defense needs to step up 

Bills QB Josh Allen has become a bully this year, whether throwing or running with the ball. That doesn’t mean he’s invincible.

Allen threw two interceptions against the Chargers last week. He even fumbled and lost the ball. The Chargers’ defense also had four sacks.

New England’s defense allows the fifth-lowest yards per game this year and, despite the Jaguars’ lopsided win, the sixth-fewest points per game. When healthy, the defense is truly special.

The Patriots have been marred by injuries early. The team will be without Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore this week. Craig Woodson is questionable. With key players out, others will have to step up and stop their division rival.

Run game could give the Patriots an edge

With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, the Patriots have a two-headed monster at the running back position. They can run and have caught the ball for big gains.

With Maye’s recent struggles, they could be relied on often against the Bills.

The Bills rank above the Patriots in the middle of the pack regarding rushing yards allowed per game (107.0). Buffalo also ranks near the bottom in points allowed (26.0). While passing the ball hasn’t worked for New England, running may result in a busy day for the Bills’ defense and a productive one for Stevenson and Henderson.

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