1. Can the Patriots start fast? New England has yet to score in the first quarter this year, including the four preseason games, and frankly hasn’t looked good on any of the drives. With the crowd at Ralph Wilson Stadium promising to be raucous, it would benefit the Patriots to get out in front early to take the fans out of the game. The longer the Patriots go without scoring, the louder that crowd is going to get.
2. How will the interior of the Patriots’ offensive line hold up against the Bills’ defensive front? With veteran Ryan Wendell out for a second straight game, there’s a good chance that New England again will play three rookies – center David Andrews, and guards Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson – extensively along with third-year pro Josh Kline. They did all right against Pittsburgh, but Buffalo’s Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams are a different beast. That’s one of the best lines in the NFL and the Patriots will be tested inside.
3. How do the Bills cover tight end Rob Gronkowski? The Patriots ability to move Gronkowski all over the field creates match-up nightmares for every team. He’s too big (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers. The Patriots used him in tight formation, in the slot or split wide against Pittsburgh. He caught five passes, three for touchdowns, and averaged 18.8 yards a catch. The Bills will likely double-team him, but that just opens up the passing lanes for the likes of Julian Edelman, Scott Chandler, Danny Amendola and Dion James.
4. Can the Patriots get to Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor? Taylor was a surprise pick by Rex Ryan to be the starting quarterback, but he showed why Ryan has such faith in him in Week 1. Taylor rushed for 41 yards (4.6 a carry), threw for another 195. He’s mobile and quick to react. That will put pressure on the Patriots’ defensive front to not only rush him but contain him. Defensive ends Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard need to make sure they don’t get too far up the field.
– Mike Lowe
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