Tag: Rex Burkhead

3 keys for the Patriots to beat the Bills in Week 16

Unleash Rex Burkhead.

The New England Patriots (11-3) find themselves in an important battle with the Buffalo Bills (10-4), in which a New England win would clinch an 11th consecutive AFC East title on Saturday. Here are three keys for a Patriots victory.

1. Unleash Rex Burkhead

Although he’s been kept on the bench for various streaks over his three-year tenure with the Patriots, Rex Bulkhead is often utilized in the biggest of games, even if it’s sparingly, for strategic reasons.

Burkhead totaled 64 yards on just three touches in Super Bowl LII and scored twice on 12 carries in last year’s AFC Championship Game win in Kansas City.

With the obviousness of how New England utilizes Sony Michel and James White, it may be time for the Patriots to turn to Burkhead as its feature back on Saturday.

Running Burkhead out of ’11’ personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) would be beneficial if New England decides to run a hurry-up offense, because Burkhead can easily split out wide in a shotgun spread formation, as well as playing scatback next to Tom Brady in additional shotgun personnel.

2. Take advantage of any red zone trips

By now, we know what this Patriots offense is. Considering the Bills’ defense is one of the the league’s premier units, the Patriots will again have trouble moving the ball.

But when Brady does lead the Patriots offense into the red zone — or when the defense or special teams gets them there — New England will have to capitalize on the few (probably) times they make it that far into Buffalo territory.

This is where they should continue to utilize first-round rookie N’Keal Harry, and his 6-foot-4 frame, to box out defenders.

3. Keep up defensive excellence

The Bills offense has improved since New England’s Week 4 win in Buffalo, and barring a repeat of events, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen should finish the game.

But the Patriots should be able to contain the Bills’ offensive attack with controlled aggression and relentlessness. The home crowd will help, too.

Still, this will be tougher with slot cornerback Jonathan Jones unavailable to check Bills slot receiver — and once offseason target acquisition by the Patriots — Cole Beasley.

But Bill Belichick will scheme something up. He always does.

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In 2nd year, Sony Michel is trying to thrive in discomfort

Sony Michel: “It’s either you’re getting better or you’re getting worse.”

The second year of a player’s NFL career is when he’s supposed to get comfortable. It’s not just about learning the playbook. It’s about the paychecks, the bills, the nightlife, the fame and the relationships. If a player has established himself, he forms a routine, and life is a little less complicated. And in the NFL, life can get very complicated.

But Sony Michel doesn’t seem to want to get comfortable in his second season with the New England Patriots.

“You never want to stay the same. … It’s either you’re getting better or you’re getting worse,” Michel told Patriots Wire on Wednesday. “I won’t say (I’m) comfortable, but I know a little bit what to expect. In this league, there’s always new challenges, new things thrown at you, so you never get a chance to be comfortable.”

With the Patriots, that’s especially true. Bill Belichick is known for being a particularly challenging coach, with a demanding staff of assistants. At least publicly, Belichick has been supportive of Michel’s development. Statistically, he has taken a step backward at 3.3 yards per carry compared to his 4.5-yard average a year ago. Advanced stats have shown he’s struggling to break tackles. Game film shows he’s dealing with a porous offensive line. Still, Belichick has praised the way his vision is developing, which seems to be Belichick saying that the offensive line is the problem, not necessarily Michel.

New England got a chance to recalibrate with a Week 10 bye. Michel said he spent that time “focusing on fundamentals: running with the ball, just going back to the basics.” He’s coming off a Week 9 performance, which seemed — at least through the first 20 minutes — like it could be a productive day. He had four carries for 18 yards and a reception for 12 yards. But as the Patriots fell behind, they favored their running backs who have more experience in the passing game: James White and Rex Burkhead. Michel didn’t touch the ball past those first 20 minutes. Why?

“Game plan,” Michel said. “It’s coach’s decision when my number is called.”

The passing game seemed like the place where Michel needed to take the biggest step forward. And perhaps it’s not a big deal that he can’t get past White and Burkhead in that role, because they’re excellent route runners, pass catchers and pass protectors. The former first-round pick, in the meantime, will likely continue to be responsible for between-the-tackles work.

That’s the routine, and apparently, he’s sticking to it — unless, of course, Belichick tells him otherwise. And he’s going to try thrive in discomfort.

“By your second year, you should understand your routine on a day-to-day basis, but at the end of the day, things still change, especially being around here,” Michel said. “So you just have to be ready.”

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