Patriots Stun the Bills, Get Second Win of the Season
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (PSF)—The New England Patriots ended their three-game losing streak and advanced to 2-5 after defeating the Bills 29-25 at home Sunday afternoon.
Photo Credit: David Silverman, Patriots
Offense:
The Patriots’ offense looked like a completely different team against the Bills, and this was seen from the beginning.
The Patriots had an encouraging first drive that resulted in a field goal. They were able to get points on the board first, which helped them control the game early.
The offense was able to capitalize on a turnover by the defense with running back Ezekiel Elliott running up the middle for a two-yard touchdown.
Ezekiel Elliott punches in short TD to extend the Patriots' lead.
Video Credits: ESPN
The second quarter was quiet, with both teams only putting up a field goal. The Patriots led 13-3 going into the locker room.
The Patriots scored another field goal and then got the ball back after a turnover on downs. They were able to capitalize on this defensive stop with a four-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Unfortunately, the two-point attempt was no good, but the Patriots were now up 22-10.
Mac Jones finds Kendrick Bourne in the flat for a TD
Video Credits: ESPN
The turning point of the game happened with about five minutes left in the fourth. The Bills had closed the gap to five points after a crazy Stefon Diggs touchdown and Bourne fumbled the ball. It was recovered by Buffalo and their offense scored another touchdown.
The Patriots, now down by three, had the ball with a little under two minutes left. This team, known for making comebacks, needed a perfect drive and a touchdown to secure their second win of the season.
The Patriots did just that. With 12 seconds left, tight end Mike Gesicki caught a one-yard touchdown pass and griddied the Patriots to a four-point win over the Bills.
Pats take lead in final seconds as Mac Jones finds Mike Gesicki for a TD
Video Credits: ESPN
Mac Jones had one of his best games, completing 83% of his pass attempts, throwing for 272 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. His average passing yards was also 9.1, the highest it has been this season.
The Patriots utilized their receivers more in this game. Bourne was targeted the most and finished the game with six receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Other notable players were WR Demario Douglas who had 54 yards and TE Pharaoh Brown who had 51 yards.
The run game did well in the first half but then stalled in the second. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson was used more as a receiver, finishing with six catches for 51 yards.
The offensive line also looked a lot better this game. They only allowed one sack and gave Jones time in the pocket to make big, explosive plays.
This offense was exciting to watch and hopefully this energy will continue the rest of the season.
Defense:
The Patriots defense played strong against the dominant Bills offense.
Safety Jabrill Peppers started the game by intercepting Josh Allen’s first pass, which led to a Patriots touchdown. Peppers also led the team with nine total tackles.
Patriots' D comes up with early INT on Josh Allen
Video Credit: ESPN
The defense also limited Buffalo’s run game, holding them to just 81 yards on the ground.
They also held standout WR Stefon Diggs to only 58 yards, the least number of yards he has had this season.
The Patriots’ defense neutralized the Bills through their ability to pressure Allen. Allen was blitzed 42% of the time and pressured 40%, which were both season-high rates. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore also accounted for the one sack of the day.
The Patriots could have done better stopping the Bills on fourth down as they let them convert on two of their three attempts.
The defense ended the game with a fumble recovery, putting an exclamation point on this victory.
Takeaways and Looking Forward:
This game was filled with penalties, and it felt like every other play there was a flag. The Pats ended with eight penalties for 59 yards and the Bills had nine penalties for 46 yards. Though the Patriots made progress from the last game, they still need to be more disciplined in this area.
The defense also had many missed tackles, which will need to be evaluated before taking on Miami’s quick, speedy offense.
This was a big game for head coach Bill Belichick as he became the third coach to have 300 regular season wins. It was nice that this monumental moment also happened at Gillette Stadium.
Photo Credits: NFL Instagram
Information also emerged this week that in the offseason Belichick quietly agreed to a lucrative new contract with the Patriots, answering some questions surrounding his position with the team.
The Patriots controlled this game from the beginning, which is something they need to maintain if they want to continue winning.
The Patriots will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins, who are coming off a loss to the Eagles, on Oct. 29 where hopefully their positive energy will continue.