Patriots vs Bills Injury Update: Sean McDermott’s Defense Faces Double Blow, Mike Vrable Deals With Multiple Headaches
The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots come into Week 5 on quite divergent paths, but both franchises have a lot to prove in this AFC East duel. Buffalo, sitting 4-0, remains one of the NFL’s best all-around teams, continuing its mastery at home with 14 consecutive regular-season wins. The Patriots, on the other hand, are attempting to ascend from the division’s middle pack at 2-2, a long way to go but an improvement from last season’s woes.
The Buffalo have not shown mercy to division opponents. According to analyst Jason Logan, “The Bills don’t show mercy when it comes to AFC East rivals, especially the Patriots. Buffalo is 15-1 SU in divisional home games since 2020.”
Nevertheless, New England has long performed better against Josh Allen, with six victories, the highest number by any AFC East team under Allen. But since Tom Brady left, the script has been rewritten: Buffalo is 8-3 against New England, including 5-1 at home.
The Patriots are riding a confidence-inspiring 42-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, their first lopsided win of the season, which showed they are no longer at the bottom of the league. The Bills, meanwhile, left New Orleans with an unimpressive 23-20 victory, maintaining their spotless start but showing some chinks in the armor around a list of injuries.
As both teams gear up for their 132nd all-time encounter, with the Patriots leading 79-51-1, the newest wave of injuries potentially might have a significant voice in dictating how this chapter turns out.
Sean McDermott’s defense takes a double hit
Buffalo’s undefeated streak gets tested this week with two major blows to head coach Sean McDermott’s defense. Linebacker Dorian Williams and rookie cornerback Dorian Strong have both been declared out, putting an extra strain on a defense that was already fighting depth problems.
Williams, who replaced Matt Milano, injured a knee late in last week’s victory over the Saints and did not practice all week. McDermott confirmed Williams’ absence, adding, “It’s something that popped up here, so we’ll have to see as we move forward.”
Meanwhile, cornerback Dorian Strong, the Bills’ sixth-round draft pick, will be out at least four games after being put on injured reserve with a neck injury in practice. Strong started the season as the starter opposite Christian Benford following Tre’Davious White’s preseason groin injury. Although White eventually took back his starting job, Strong was an important rotation piece and special teams contributor, notching 10 tackles in the first four games.
With Strong out, the Bills are lacking alternatives behind Benford and White. Ja’Marcus Ingram is the lone reserve cornerback available, with return specialist Brandon Codrington serving in an emergency capacity. Dane Jackson, who is on the practice squad, might be promoted if necessary for Sunday’s game vs. New England.
Buffalo’s injury issues don’t stop there.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle), linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral), and offensive tackle Spencer Brown (calf) were all limited at practice this week. Each is officially questionable, although McDermott indicated that all three are moving toward a possible return. The Bills’ defense, already a top-10 scoring unit, will need every available body to keep New England’s revitalized offense at bay.
Patriots defense faces key injuries ahead of AFC East clash
On the field, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has his own set of starting concerns to deal with for Sunday. The injury list is long, with several defense starters working through injuries that may affect their availability.
Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) missed Wednesday’s and Friday’s practices and is questionable for the game. Defensive lineman Milton Williams (ankle) also went the same route, limited on Wednesday, didn’t practice on Thursday, and limited again on Friday and ended up as questionable.
Meanwhile, recently activated linebacker Jahlani Tavai (calf) will make his season debut after being a full participant in practice all week. His return strengthens a linebacker corps that has been inconsistent over the first four games.
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring) progressed from limited to full practice. Cornerback Carlton Davis III, who was out ill, practiced on Friday and is questionable.
Offensively, the Patriots look healthier. Guards Mike Onwenu and Jared Wilson, and tackle Will Campbell, were all full go by the end of the week. Their health is important as New England gets set to contend with Buffalo’s vicious front featuring Leonard Floyd and Gregory Rousseau.
Vrabel’s challenge is achieving defensive stability. The Patriots’ pass rush has been up and down, and the loss of Chaisson or Williams would be a big blow. But getting Tavai back, along with continued health in the secondary, could enable New England to put together one of the most solid defensive lineups of the year.
Both teams are dealing with injuries, and Sunday’s game will challenge depth and resilience.
Saints Erase Fans’ Early-Season Hope After Humiliating Blowout Loss
The New Orleans Saints gave many reasons for optimism through the first two weeks of the season, but it can be difficult to remember those reasons on the heels of getting shellacked by the Seattle Seahawks. Conversations around Spencer Rattler’s job security and faith in Kellen Moore sprouted after Sunday’s blowout loss.
Conversations around how much longer Rattler will remain the starting quarterback is a great example of how the Week 3 loss shifts perspective. Through two weeks, most of the conversation around Rattler was complimentary and focused on how he played well enough to win. After this loss, however, the narrative changed. They say it’s a what have you done for me lately league and sometimes memory only goes back to the previous game.
Kellen Moore hasn’t necessarily earned the benefit of the doubt. He’s still trying to find his way, but the scrutiny turned up a notch this week. That happens when the opposition rests their starting offense the entire fourth quarter.
The Saints loss caused a reset around the fan base
The Saints were arguably a catch away from beating the Cardinals. The 49ers game came down to the final drive. After watching how outclassed the Saints were from the opening snap, the first two games feel like illusions.
The Saints who were projected to be at the bottom of the league made an appearance versus the Seahawks. While it would be irrational to completely discount the first two games, there were reasons to be concerned about the defense in Week 2 and only got worse this week.
Sunday’s beat down reinforced those concerns as well as preconceived beliefs going into the season. Those factors combined carry a lot of weight. A repeat performance against Super Bowl contender, Buffalo Bills, could make the positives from the first two games feel like a distant memory.
Instead, the focus will fall on the lack of discipline showcased by the amount of penalties. That isn't a problem that's related to quality of opponent. That's all on the Saints. Focus will be placed on Moore's decision making. The lack of a pass rush will be highlighted just like it was in Week 3. Some of these things are already beginning to happen. This is the result of the type of performance the Saints put on tape Sunday.
