"The loss of Milton Williams has been felt by this defense in a major way. The Bills continued the trend of easily running the ball, a trend New England has fed into over the past few weeks. Khyiris Tonga missed their matchup against the Giants, and Robert Spillane's absence against the Bills with a foot injury hurt their defense in a big way."
"After not allowing a 50+ yard running back for the first nine weeks, they've allowed a 50+ yard rusher in every game since. Sean Tucker first broke their streak, followed by Breece Hall. Both were still kept under 60 yards, but Chase Brown would eclipse 100 the next week. Devin Singletary had 68 yards on MNF, and James Cook was the second 100-yard rusher they've allowed this year."
"The Patriots desperately need to improve against the run The Bills were able to take advantage of the Patriots' missing the spine of their defense massively. Cook's 109 yards came efficiently, on 4.9 per carry. Josh Allen's 11 carries garnered 48 yards, or 4.4 a carry. Cook had two rushing touchdowns, and Ty Johnson sealed the game on the ground."
The New England Patriots rank fifth in rushing yards allowed, permitting under 100 yards per game but recently slipping from No. 1. Injuries to Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga and Robert Spillane have significantly weakened the defensive interior. After nine weeks without a 50+ yard rushing performance by a running back, the Patriots have allowed a 50+ yard rusher in each game since, including Sean Tucker, Breece Hall, Chase Brown, Devin Singletary and James Cook. Buffalo exploited the weakened spine of the defense, with James Cook rushing 109 yards and two touchdowns while Josh Allen added 48 rushing yards. Upcoming opponents like Baltimore also present major rushing threats, compounding the linebacking and interior defensive concerns.
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