Week 1: Bills vs Patriots
The moment we have all been waiting for is rapidly approaching; NFL filled Sunday’s are only a few hours away. The moment that players and coaches have been preparing for, the moment that fans have been salivating over in anticipation of is right around the corner.
While we wait for that moment, below is an outline of what to expect in this rivalry divisional matchup.
Tumultuous offseasons:
The Patriots had one of the most chaotic offseasons in recent NFL history with Aaron Hernandez arrested for murder and released from the team, this Summer was no walk in the beach. Former New England receiver Wes Welker bad-mouthed the coach and franchise that turned him into a Pro Bowl receiver. Rob Gronkowski, the NFL’s single season touchdown record holder for a tight end, underwent surgery only ten weeks ago and is doubtful to start against the Bills on Sunday. Will New England be able to overcome the negative publicity and criticism they have faced all Summer long?
The Bills are starting a rookie quarterback, rookie head coach, rookie GM, a rookie offensive coordinator and a brand new defensive coordinator. The Bills also have a new team president, after owner Ralph Wilson Jr. handed over control to the team’s CEO, Russ Brandon. Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel underwent minor knee surgery and missed two weeks of practice and preseason games, which concerned the Bills so much that they were forced to bring in Matt Leinart as a viable replacement.
It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Doug Marrone since taking over the head coaching reigns in January. This leaves a lot of question marks, not just on the field but throughout the entire organization entering Sunday. Will these newcomers be able to end the longest playoff drought in franchise history? Bills fans certainly hope that the new regime will have the answers.
Injuries
Prominent starting cornerback for the Bills Stephon Gilmore will be out 6-8 weeks after injuring his wrist, forcing a shift in the defensive strategy and possibly crippling what looked like a defense with explosive potential in the preseason. Who is going to be able to replace possible the best pound-for-pound player on the Bills defense? Doug Marrone doesn’t really have an answer: “We have four corners that we’re rotating through right now depending on what packages and personnel groups are out there,” Marrone said. Apparently the Bills will be playing the field while trying to defend Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.
Also the Bills starting rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins will not play Sunday, due to a strained hamstring. His injury prompted the Bills to sign veteran kicker Dan Carpenter.
As I said before, Gronkowski is doubtful to start week one due to a number of different injuries. Who is going to replace the level of production as the Patriots leading receiver won’t play on Sunday? The Patriots do have rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld preparing to starter against the Bills. Gronkowski is confident in Sudfeld’s ability: “Yeah, he’s a good guy and it’s great to have him. He’s a hard worker and a good player; looking forward to getting out there with him and the rest of the team,” Gronkowski said. Will Sudfeld be able to produce at a high level this Sunday? Well, it definitely helps having Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in your corner. Also, he might not have to
Rookies vs. 3-time Super Bowl Winner
The headline written in bold applies to both matchups: rookie Manuel against three time Super Bowl Winner Tom Brady, and rookie head coach Doug Marrone against one of the greatest NFL coaches ever, Bill Belichick.
Manuel left Florida State with an impressive legacy. He went 25-6, won four bowl games, and led the most prolific offense in school history racking up over 6,500 yards as the Seminole’s starter. Marrone wasn’t as successful as a head coach at Syracuse, posting a 25-25 record from 2009-2013. With that being said, when he took over Marrone was handed a 4-8 team and left with an 8-5 record.
Tom Brady is a two time NFL MVP, three time Super Bowl champion and has a 153-46 record entering the 2013-14 season. Belichick’s resume is just as impressive. With a 151-57 record as New England’s coach, Belichick was the mastermind behind the Patriots dynasty that produced three Super Bowl victories in just four seasons.
Prediction
On paper, its tough to argue against the accomplishments of the Patriots listed above. The Bills defense will be coming into the game with a weak secondary and rookie starters across the board. The loss of Gronkowski definitely hurts the Patriots, but the his loss is outweighed by the veteran experience of both Brady and Belichick. Plus, the Patriots have won 23 of its last 26 games against the Bills with Brady and Belichick in control. The Bills will feel amped and ready to go in front of the home crowd, but it won’t be enough. Patriots 35, Bills 21.
