The New England Patriots remain undefeated after defeating their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills. The 16-10 win was not stunning execution for the Patriots, but the Patriots finished the job.
The Patriots finished with a low 150 passing yards and a limited 74 rushing yards. The Bills had 240 yards passing and 135 yards rushing. Bills running back Frank Gore hit 15,000 career rushing yards in the game, too. With all that, the Bills looked like they could win, but the Patriots led off the first quarter with a hot start.
First Half
After a quick punt by the Patriots, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw deep to the star-studded Patriots secondary. The Patriots then started at the 50-yard line. With some great check-down passes to running back James White, Tom Brady and the Patriots drove into field goal range.
Brady opened up to his options later in the drive by releasing a five-yard pass to Phillip Dorsett. Once the Bills began to stack the box, Brady went deep to White for a 26-yard pass. Brandon Bolden’s four-yard run finished the drive and forced the Bills to bounce back.
However, the Bills could not bounce back and needed to punt. On a 4th and 14, the Bills were located on their own 33-yard line. Corey Bojorquez’s punt was blocked and the teams scrambled for the ball. After a few Patriot bounces, Matthew Slater recovered and took it in for six.
At the end of the first quarter, the Patriots had a 13-0 lead. Everyone began to change the channel as it looked like another Patriots blowout.
In spite of the early lead, Brady and Allen both traded an interception. Multiple punts caused the teams to trade blows until late in the second quarter.
On Buffalo’s 29-yard line, Gore showed glimpses of his 49ers days. He broke through for a 41-yard gain and placed the Bills in field goal range. The Bills ended up nailing a 46-yard field goal to limit the damage.
Coming into the final drive, the Bills tried to break into the lead with a 49-yard field goal. However, a wide left shot kept the score at 13-3 at halftime.
Second Half
Allen started the third quarter by completing six straight passes, including three that went over 15 yards. Gore nearly completed the drive with a five-yard run to New England’s one-yard line. Allen’s QB sneak finished the drive and posted a 13-10 score.
Eventually, a few punts occurred before Allen threw a deep pass intended for Zay Jones that was picked off.
Brady began on Buffalo’s side of the field and found Gordon for an enormous 31-yard catch and run. The Patriots failed to finish inside the 10, though, leading to a field goal.
In the second play of the fourth quarter, Allen injured his head and left the game. Former USC quarterback Matt Barkley took over for the Bills and led them to New England’s three-yard line.
Instead of going for three, Matt Barkley threw into coverage and was intercepted. After a booth review, it was overturned to a turnover on downs, so the Patriots began on their own three.
With no offense occurring until the end of the game, the Bills had one last push to tie or win. Barkley’s pass in New England territory was intercepted and the Patriots ran out the clock.
Final
After a long and mediocre performance, the Patriots had enough talent to sneak away with the win. The 4-0 Patriots look to keep the unbeaten streak rolling. The 3-1 Bills look to stay in the AFC East and Wild Card race.
