ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- A look at the positional groupings utilized by the Patriots and analyzing what it means (as charted in press box, small margin for error):
3 WR/1 TE/1 RB -- 53-of-94
2 WR/2 TE/1 RB -- 18-of-94
2 WR/1 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 14-of-94
4 WR/1 RB -- 5-of-94
1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 2-of-94
3 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 1-of-94
3 WR/1 FB/1 RB -- 1-of-94
(Snaps includes penalties. End-of-first-half kneel-down not included. End of second-half plays counted as they were setting up final field goal.)
ANALYSIS: While the Patriots have a reputation as a two-tight end offense, the groupings utilized Sunday show that they leaned much more heavily on a three-receiver package (Kenbrell Thompkins, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola). The coaches rotated the tight end they employed with that grouping. A four-receiver package was also unveiled, with rookie Josh Boyce coming on over a tight end. ... With less of a focus on multiple-TE packages, we saw the team turn to a traditional fullback (James Develin) more than the norm.