The last time the Patriots played in Buffalo, the game was played in 40 mph winds and Mac Jones only attempted three passes.
While temperatures will be in the single digits and wind chills below zero Saturday night for their Wild Card matchup, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels doesn't believe the weather will play much of a role.
"I don't really think that's a big deal," he said Tuesday. "I mean, throwing the ball or running it in the cold, either way, it is what it is. I think the other stuff has more to do with whether or not it's difficult to throw the ball -- wind or rain or heavy, heavy snow. We'll have contingency plans ready just in case something would change at the last second because we know where we're going. Buffalo is kind of like New England; the weather can change quick there. So we'll be ready to deal with it the way we need to, but I wouldn't expect us to change radically if the temperature is the only thing we're dealing with."
Prior to this season, Jones didn't have all that much experience with cold weather, but the Patriots practice outdoors almost every day, so he does now.
"Look, the temperature will be what it will be," McDaniels said. "We've certainly played and practiced in cold weather. Maybe haven't practiced in that type of weather yet this year, but I'd say it's been below 20 degrees at times. So it is what it is. You've got to dress appropriately for it and go out there and coach and play. I don't think the temperature really has much to do with the passing game. That would certainly be more relative to precipitation and wind than it would the degree that we're dealing with. It's just more of a mental thing than anything else. Our guys are used to practicing and playing in whatever the conditions are up here in New England, and we're going to be ready to go. Whatever the good Lord has for us on Saturday night, we'll be ready to go, and we'll try to do the best things we can to help us win the game."
In two games against the Bills this season, Jones has thrown for just 164 yards and has zero touchdowns to along with two interceptions.
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