ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It's a natural question to ask.
How significant would a win be against the Patriots this of all weeks?
The Bills are 10-4 having clinched a playoff berth with a 17-10 win at Pittsburgh Sunday night. New England is 11-3 but hasn't been nearly as explosive on offense this season.
While Sean McDermott acknowledges the trends, he doesn't seem to want to add fuel to the fire... at least publicly.
"I think our guys... you come here and you spend time in Buffalo... they understand... and I understand. It's been years since a team has been able to beat the Patriots and be in this position with the division looming in the balance at this point in the season so... We understand that and fully acknowledge that. At the same time we have to continue to take steps as a team."
"It's the most important game because it's the next game on our schedule."
That approach has gone a long way toward Buffalo's success this season. The Bills haven't won ten games in a season since they went 11-5 back in 1999. New England has owned them during that stretch.
New England has won 34 of the 39 games between the teams dating back to the year 2000. Tom Brady is 31-3 against Buffalo, the most wins against any opponent.
It has been a different story for the Patriots on offense this season. New England ranks 18th in the NFL in yards (4,898) and 8th in points (26,6). Tom Brady is the league's 20th rated passer (86.5).
Certainly an opportunity for the Bills who have the second ranked defense in the league (15.9 ppg).
McDermott says he's extremely guarded in whatever optimism he might have.
"Whether it's Tom or this league... when you think you've figured it out and you're comfortable, you get your butt kicked."
The Bills were close in the first meeting back in Week 4. Josh Allen threw three interceptions and New England blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in a 16-10 win over the Bills.
McDermott says the connections to that game are limited at best, but says he thinks the Bills are better team now than they were then.
"You want to trend in the right direction throughout the season, and I feel like we've grown."
Quarterback Josh Allen was knocked out of the game on a controversial hit from the Patriots Jonathan Jones. McDermott says that should remain in the past as well.
"Get out there and play the game the way it's meant to be played. That's what a pro does and Josh is a pro. It's not personal as far as that goes, it's that they made a good play, they were physical... some of those plays are bang, bang. We understand that. We've had some of those plays."
The Bills (10-4) can still win the AFC East with wins over New England and the Jets, combined with a Patriots loss to Miami in the season finale.
