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Patriots host Bills in AFC East showdown

Nov 4, 2008 - 6:45 PM BUFFALO (5-3) AT NEW ENGLAND (5-3), 1:00 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- If the Buffalo Bills hope to dethrone the New England Patriots in the AFC East, they will have to reverse a skid against division opponents.

The Bills look to avoid a third straight loss within the division when they visit the Patriots on Sunday in a showdown for first place in the crowded AFC East.

Buffalo, New England and the New York Jets are all tied for the lead at 5-3, with Miami lagging just a game behind at 4-4.

The surprising Bills are responsible for the logjam, spoiling a 5-1 start with consecutive losses against Miami and New York.

Turnovers have been one of the causes behind Buffalo's recent struggles, with second-quarterback Trent Edwards committing five in the last two defeats.

Edwards lost a fumble and threw a pair of interceptions, including one that was returned 92 yards for a touchdown in last Sunday's 26-17 loss to the Jets.

Due to a stagnant running game that produced just 30 yards on 17 attempts, Edwards has had to shoulder an increasing workload with mixed results.

"We have to find ways to get open, get a little more creative," Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans said. "I think we did some of that throughout the game. We didn't execute it enough all game long."

Suffering from nausea, running back Marshawn Lynch was limited to 16 yards on nine attempts. Following a 1,000-yard season at a rookie, Lynch has yet to surpass 83 yards in a game and is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.

The Patriots have their own problems in the running game, thanks to a spate of injuries that has decimated their backfield.

Starter Laurence Maroney is out for the season and the top two backups, Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan, have each missed at least the past two games with injuries.

Still, the Patriots played well in last weekend's 18-15 loss at Indianapolis. A sure touchdown pass that was dropped by Jabar Gaffney and an unnecessary roughness penalty KO'd a chance for victory.

Matt Cassel continues to be effective in place of reigning league MVP Tom Brady, albeit while running a conservative offensive scheme. Cassel was 25-of-34 for 204 yards and a costly late interception against Indianapolis.

"I think Matt has continued to improve every week since Week One. It doesn't surprise me," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He's worked hard on it and I think that has shown up in his performance on a consistent basis."