Breer On Gresh & Zo: Patriots Will Get Bills' Best Effort
BOSTON (CBS) - Albert Breer of the NFL Network joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Scott Zolak and Andy Gresh in studio Friday afternoon to discuss what will be a rowdy Patriots-Bills matchup this Sunday.
The Patriots travel to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, Western New York. While the Patriots possess a 25-3 record against Buffalo in their last 28 meetings, there's been some close contests at Ralph Wilson of late.
Both teams stand at 3-2, but the Bills are holding onto first place in the AFC East because of their 1-0 division record (Patriots 0-1).
As if fighting for AFC East supremacy wasn't motivation enough, the Bills' sale to new owners Terry and Kim Pegula -- who vowed to keep the team in Buffalo -- is even more reason for the fans to be fired up, which Tom Brady and company fully expect.
"The environment is loud, the fans are on top of you -- it's a little like Green Bay in that way where you feel like you're in a closed-in college-type of atmosphere. They are playing for first place and it's their new ownership. The team is talented. I think that roster, outside of New England, it's the best roster in the division," said Breer.
"It's hard to play there, man," said Zo.
Breer did some research and found that even though the Pats have dominated the wins and the losses, the games between the two teams over the past few years have been really close, and most have come down to a single possession at the end of the game.
The Bills "play up" to the Patriots talent level, and are able to remain competitive in these showdowns.
"Buffalo is going to battle like hell," said Gresh, who added, "In all our minds around here [New England], we've been trained that Buffalo is that type of team that will put up a decent fight, but at the end of the day they will lose. They can't ever finish it."
The struggles of the Patriots offensive line this season is well documented. Although the line played well in their most recent contest, and Tom Brady was kept clean for most of the game against Cincinnati, the Bills present the biggest challenge of the year so far with their stout defensive line.
"The Bills defense is well-known to get to the quarterback with that front, and if you have Kyle Williams in there, it's not going to be easy for the Patriots. Bills have managed to get Brady on his back with no hesitation," said Breer.
Kyle Williams has been limited in practice all week. He missed last week, and is no sure thing to play on Sunday. That's something fans, and surely the team, will pay attention to.
Despite Bills' defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's recent "douchey" move -- being carried off the field following their victory over Detroit -- he comes from a tough-minded background, where his attitude is hit the quarterback until the echo of the whistle. Keep hitting him, knock him on his back; no matter what's the cost.
"They've always played dirty against Bill [Belichick]," said Zo.
It's evident that this game is going to be enthralling, and maybe closer than most fans in this region are giving it credit for.
Don't forget that former Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes is now a part of the Bills. He's going to be hungry, and more than anything belligerent.
Gresh, Zo and Breer all agree it'll be a closer game than many are predicting.
Listen below to their full discussion:
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