1. The path to the AFC East title still goes through ...
Just about every NFL prognosticator had the Bills as the favorites to win the AFC East coming into the season and to this point it appears to be the case. But Buffalo has yet to play the Patriots, something they'll finally do Sunday at the midway point of the season.
But in no way are the Bills calling Sunday's game a changing of the guard in the division before they've even played the game.
"You've got to take that title away before we can make that statement and those guys, they still have that title hanging over there in Boston so until someone takes that crown from them, we cannot yet say that," said Jerry Hughes. "So I'm going to hold my tongue because I don't like to put anything out there in the universe and then have to come back and eat crow so I will say that we're going to be ready for this game."
Hughes said he's anticipating a smash-mouth, four-quarter football game.
"I think that's what we look forward to doing," Hughes said. "That's just how football is played."
2. Stefon Diggs on impact of John Brown's return
The Bills offense has had to operate without the participation of John Brown in two of their last three games due to a knee injury. Their passing attack has been noticeably impacted.
But the speed receiver has practiced fully thus far this week and looks as though he'll return to the lineup on Sunday against the Patriots. Teammate Stefon Diggs outlined how Brown's presence on the field makes a difference in their passing attack.
"Just adding another weapon to our offense gives Josh another guy to look for," Diggs said. "Having all our weapons definitely puts our offense full throttle. It gives us the best chance to win on offense. I think it's good for us to see some different things and having to be able to adjust, being able to play left handed is helping us."
Diggs points out that while they'd obviously prefer to have Brown in the lineup, they can't use the instances when he's sidelined by injury as an excuse.
"I definitely think he'll be a key part in helping us win on offense and have success," said Diggs. "But it's not a one man team."
3. The art to tackling Newton
The Patriots are the fourth most productive rushing team in the league averaging 155 yards per game on the ground. Cam Newton is a big part of that and the team's leading rusher. Tackling all 6-5 and 245 pounds of him however, is a task to say the least.
So how does one ensure they get Newton on the ground when he's coming around the corner with a full head of steam?
"You've just got to make a play on him," said Matt Milano. "He's a big guy. You've got to bring your feet. You've got to wrap up. You see him run through tackles all the time. When guys are blitzing him he'll put a move on somebody and slip out. So just taking that extra step and coming under control is a big thing. A lot of guys come in fast and an arm tackle is not going to get him down, so you've got to bring your body as well."
Newton is averaging 4.9 yards per carry so far this season.
