FOXBORO — Patriots fans have a reason to stay hopeful as the team prepares to face the 3‑0 Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Coach Josh McDaniels praised quarterback Drake Mayen for his confidence after a rough three‑game start, and highlighted the adjustments the offense is making to limit costly turnovers.
Mayen’s performance and the numbers behind the optimism
Mayen has already amassed 317 total yards of offense, ranking 18th in the league for yards per play (5.1). His quarterback success rate sits at 16th, ahead of several high‑profile starters such as Bryce Young and Jalen Hurts. Those metrics suggest flashes of the MVP‑caliber play he displayed last season.
Areas that need fixing
The Patriots’ biggest weakness remains turnovers. Mayen has been pressured on 41 % of his dropbacks – the 10th‑most in the NFL – and the offensive line is still shoring up after right guard Mike Onwenu’s ankle injury placed him on injured reserve. The receiving corps has yet to record a tackle break‑away in the first three games.
Mayen’s clean‑pocket passer rating has slipped from 118.7 last season (second‑highest among qualified quarterbacks) to 66.4 this year, the lowest among qualifiers. He is also scrambling on 11.9 % of plays, the highest rate in the league, indicating he is often forced out of the pocket.
Running game prospects
New England’s rushing attack has struggled, ranking 20th in yards per rush (3.9). However, the unit is 10th in EPA per rush and 13th in success rate, showing potential when the line can open lanes. The Patriots have been effective against lighter defensive fronts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry – third in the NFL.
Against Buffalo’s run defense (15th in yards per carry), the Patriots could benefit from moving the ball away from the middle of the line, where tackle Deone Walker excels at generating pressure. If the Patriots can exploit the edges, they may find more room for their backs.
Defensive matchups
Buffalo’s pass rush is anchored by edge rusher Greg Rousseau, who was recently named AFC Defensive Player of the Month and records a 12.6 % pressure rate – the highest among edge defenders. Inside, defensive tackle Deone Walker generates pressure on 12.8 % of pass‑rushes, the sixth‑best rate among interior linemen.
Patriots’ left side may rely on veteran Morgan Moses, though his status is questionable with a foot injury. If Moses cannot play, rookie first‑round pick Caleb Lomu could be thrust into a starting role at right tackle against Rousseau’s speed.
Red zone efficiency
New England has scored just one touchdown in six red‑zone trips (16.7 %), the lowest rate in the league, while calling a pass on 86.7 % of those opportunities – the highest pass‑rate in the NFL. Improving red‑zone play will be essential against a Bills defense that allows only 15 % of opponents to convert inside the 20‑yard line.
What the Patriots need to do
To give Mayen a chance to succeed, the offensive line must give him cleaner pockets and limit the pressure that forces him into scrambles. Running the ball more effectively could also keep the Bills’ pass rush honest and open up play‑action opportunities.
If Mayen can settle his decision‑making in key moments and the Patriots can generate a balanced attack, the team could keep the game close against a formidable Buffalo squad.
Bottom line
While the Bills remain a tough opponent, the Patriots have statistical indicators that suggest progress is possible. Coach McDaniels’ confidence in Mayen, combined with targeted adjustments on the line and in the running game, gives Foxboro fans a reason to stay optimistic as the season moves forward.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
