By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills will take on the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football to wrap up Week 8 in the NFL.
The big stage will be the main storyline, but within the primetime action will be battles in several key positions.
With that, here are three matchups to watch on Monday when the Bills (2-5) host the Patriots (5-2):
James White vs. Tremaine Edmunds/ Matt Milano
White has had one game with double-digit carries this season, it came last week against the Chicago Bears when rookie running back Sony Michel went down. White has a good look at cracking that again as Michel is doubtful to play. But where White’s bread and butter is the pass game.
With 45 catches and 380 yards this season, White easily would be Buffalo’s best receiver this year. Covering White will be Buffalo’s two youthful linebackers in Edmunds and White. That’s exactly where they’ve got in trouble this season, too. Edmunds specifically has struggled against the pass at times and that won’t get any easier with Tom Brady under center this week.
Tre’Davious White vs. Josh Gordon
Over the past few games, the Pats have started to unleash Gordon. After trading for him earlier this season in a deal with the Browns, New England has slowly worked him into the lineup. In his first two games, Gordon only played in 18 offensive snaps in each.
The past two games have been a coming out party for Gordon in New England. In that period, Gordon has nine catches for 142 yards. He didn’t score, but he did have a touchdown earlier this year. Brady to Gordon could be the next Brady to Randy Moss combo for the Pats. The Bills will do their best to make sure that isn’t the case on Monday and your best bet is White being all over him during the game.
Rob Gronkowski vs. Bills’ secondary
Even if White is called into duty, he’ll need help. How will the Bills handle Gronkowski? The Buffalo native has destroyed his hometown team during his career. In total, Gronk has 66 catches for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games against the Bills. That’s one heck of a stat line.
White could be pressed into duty covering Gronkowski, or it could be a safety look featuring Micah Hyde trying to cover him or Rafael Bush, the Bills’ third-string safety, gets looks as the “big nickel” cornerback because of his size. Whatever they do, it better work if Buffalo wants a look at a victory.