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Christopher Price gives us one scout's breakdown of Pats-Bills. Slowing Buffalo's pass rush is key.
"Against Buffalo, Tom Brady and Patriots will need to do a good job of mixing in runs and screens to slow down a Bills pass rush that is facing an occasionally inconsistent offensive line. The Patriots should be able to run the ball -- and even create the impression that they are willing to run the ball -- even if not successful early. The different screens the Patriots run will get the ball out of Brady’s hands quick, and also make the defensive line run and chase and hopefully tire them out over the long haul. The screen game will essentially be extended handoffs."
"Bills pressure will be different than what the Patriots faced last week vs. Baltimore -- Baltimore brought more pressure from different looks, where they would overload a side and bring rushers from different places. Buffalo is built to get pressure with their front four. They will look for match-ups and try to use inside rushes to prevent Brady from stepping up in the pocket and allow big-money edge rushers to get there against the Patriots tackles."
TEAM TALK
- Patriots-Bills Thursday Injury Report.
- Kerry J. Byrne says the 2012 Patriots right now are on pace to field the worst pass defense in the entire 53-season history of the franchise.
- Erik Scalavino reports the players applaud the return of the regular referee crews; Plus, news & notes from Thursday at Gillette.
- Patriots release veteran TE Kellen Winslow.
- Patriots Today - Pats, Bills to put it on the line. (3.42 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Update from the field. (1.18 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Eyes on Ridley. (1.47 min. video)
- Locker Room Uncut - Wilfork, Slater and more. (4 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Mark Daniels says the Pats are prepping for the Bills' RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller, who when healthy are hard to stop.
- Jeff Howe would like to see the Patriots defense put the pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick early and often.
- Phil Perry reports the Patriots defense hopes to make life a little more difficult for Ryan Fitzpatrick than they did for Joe Flacco.
- Matt Chatham explains the trickiness of the Buffalo offense, and warns the Patriots will have to play smart and make plays when the opportunities arise.
- Field Yates notes Nate Solder will get to face former teammate DE Mark Anderson in Buffalo.
- Jeff Howe thinks the Bills' front four poses a serious threat, and will challenge the Pats' line.
- Phil Perry shares a few quick observations from Thursday at Gillette. Hernandez was seen walking around the locker room with no boot and no limp.
- Mike Petraglia notes Vince Wilfork says he doesn't care about anything but Buffalo.
- Mike Reiss previews the Week 4 matchup with the Bills, and talks with Sebastian Vollmer. (3.41 min. video)
- Shalise Manza Young previews Sunday's Pats-Bills matchup. (4.30 min. video)
- Greg A. Bedard gives us his Week 4 NFL report, including the Patriots' inability to close out games. (2.56 min. video)
- Mike Reiss analyzes the release of Kellen Winslow, and offers a few theories.
- Phil Perry writes time will tell if play on the field changes with the return of the real refs.
- Karen Guregian reports Robert Kraft believes the fallout from having replacement officials was worth getting the proper deal in place.
- Mike Rodak, Field Yates & Mike Reiss post some soundbites from Patriots players and their reactions to the new NFL-referee deal.
- Mike Reiss posts the transcript of his weekly online chat.
- Boston.com put together an interactive Patriots Play Predictor where you can set the down and distance and see what the Pats will do. Here's one to use for the Bills too.
- Jim Lazar makes his Week 4 picks: Pats win 37-20.
NATIONAL NEWS
- John Parolin (ESPN) Three-point stance: Buffalo Bills.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Nothing wrong with Gronkowski, other than being held.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Fred Jackson's feeling sore after return to practice.
- Peter Schrager (Fox Sports) Cutting through the chaos of 2012 parity.
- Doug Farrar (Yahoo! Sports) Goodell moves past officiating embarrassments, says blown calls part of the 'beauty of the game.' Gimme a break.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Owners skirt blame for officials debacle.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFLPA welcomes back the regular officials.
VIEW FROM BUFFALO
- Mark Gaughan (Buffalo News) Patriots become more defensive.
- Chris Brown (BuffaloBills.com) Pass rush can slow Brady-Gronk combo.
- Mark Gaughan (Buffalo News) Bills have their work cut out for them vs. Pats.
- Tim Graham (Buffalo News) Satuses of Bills RBs Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller still in limbo.
- Chris Brown (BuffaloBills.com) Gailey: Barring setback Jackson will play.