1st half analysis

Analysis from the first half with the Patriots leading the Bills 3-0:

It’s stating the obvious, but the wind is playing a major factor. This is a field-position style game.

Many of the decisions made by Bill Belichick and Dick Jauron have been wind-related. It started with the Patriots winning the toss and electing to defend the South goal.

Neither team attempted a pass into the wind in the first half.

Offensively, the Patriots have stayed in compact, power-based packages, looking to gain positive ground in the running game. Offensive lineman Russ Hochstein has been on for 21 snaps in the first half as a second/third tight end or lead fullback, which reflects the focus on the running game.

Because of this, both defenses are staying in their base packages. There has been no need to call on nickel (5 defensive backs) or dime packages (6 defensive backs).

The turn of events at the end of the first half was stunning.

After running back Fred Jackson’s run, the clock kept running at approximately 18 seconds as the Bills scrambled to set up a late field goal. There was some pushing behind the play, which contributed to the Bills not getting their field-goal unit on in time, as the clock kept running.

There potentially could have been offsetting penalties there, but referee Gene Steratore’s crew did not throw a flag and the clock expired before the Bills could attempt a field goal.