Last season, the New England Patriots broke onto the scene. After years of rebuilding, the team made it back into the Super Bowl, and their quarterback, Drake Maye, emerged as an MVP candidate. However, the team's momentum hasn't carried over into the 2026 season. Maye has struggled mightily, and the Patriots are just 1-2.
New England was blown out by a score of 35-6 in Week 3, and things won't be any easier in Week 4. The Patriots are set to face the Buffalo Bills. Their quarterback, Josh Allen, has a case as the best player in the NFL, and he certainly may be the hardest to game plan against.
Article Continues BelowAllen is a physical specimen who has unmatched arm strength, a willingness to attempt big plays, and one of the best rushing abilities of any quarterback ever. The Patriots' backup quarterbacks were given the green light to say “f*** it” during practices ahead of the Bills matchup in an effort to best simulate Allen's style of play.
Scout team QBs were allowed to throw off platform, attempt deep balls, and throw caution to the wind. While the shenanigans in practice were meant to help prepare the Patriots for what is to come against Allen, the team has struggled against the backyard ball in the past. Last season, in the Patriots' second game of the year against Buffalo, Allen has a passer rating of 112.6 with two touchdowns and no interceptions when holding the football for more than 2.5 seconds. If the Patriots want to avoid a 1-3 start, they can't let Allen thrive in “second play” scenarios.