The Buffalo Bills have punched their ticket to the playoffs after their road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Now the Bills have a chance in winning the AFC East with a victory of the dreaded New England Patriots… though the Bills will need some help.
The Bills and Pats met once this season, week four in Buffalo where the Patriots won 16-10. It was a defensive battle throughout the game, and game that saw Josh Allen leave with a head injury in the fourth quarter.
This will be a tough matchup for the Bills at Foxborough on Saturday, so these are the important matchups to watch:
Jordan Phillips vs. Ted Karras
After two strong seasons with the New England Patriots, center Ted Karras has taken a step back in his third season. Throughout the season he has allowed two sacks, and been called for three penalties. On Saturday, he’ll be facing the underrated defensive tackle Jordan Phillips.
Jordan Phillips has had a career resurgence in Buffalo since joining during the team late last season. In his first full season with the Bills, Phillips has ten sacks, one forced fumble, and 12 tackles. Phillips has been able to create pressure inside the pocket, which has resulted in quarterbacks releasing the ball earlier than expected and leading to errant throws.
Phillips didn’t have a great game against the Patriots, he had just four tackles, and didn’t contribute any sacks. The Patriots offense is based around quick passes, and a stout run game. Which doesn’t play to the strengths of Phillips game.
If the Bills want to get the best of the Hall of Fame quarterback, Tom Brady, Phillips will need to collapse the pocket and make the 42 year old scramble, and try to extend plays. Phillips will be vital for the potential divisional push, which starts on Saturday.