After taking a shocking 14-0 lead over the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots dropped their fifth straight game, falling to 3-12 in the season.
The Patriots called plays aggressively in the first half, including a fake punt on fourth-and-2, but the Bills scored 24 unanswered points to defeat the Patriots 24-21 at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.
This roster certainly has some bright spots, as well as some challenges. Let’s take a look at the studs and duds from the Patriots’ loss to the Bills.
STUDS
Drake Maye
Maye made his typical mistake, throwing an interception in the end zone. But he was otherwise solid under center.
The Patriots rookie threw for 260 yards on 23-of-36 passing with a touchdown to Kayshon Boutte on New England’s opening drive for a quick 7-0 lead. Maye also rushed for 31 yards on six carries, including a 10-yard scramble for a first down in the first quarter. He added a second passing touchdown in the fourth quarter to get the Patriots within three, 24-21.
First Half Play Calling
The Patriots have been criticized all season long for their lack of creative play-calling. In the first half, New England did the exact opposite, utilizing Maye’s skills and even shocking Buffalo with a fake punt.
While it’s unknown if head coach Jerod Mayo or offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt deserves credit for the Patriots’ outstanding first half, the question remains: why did the coaching staff wait until Week 16 to show aggressiveness and creativity?
DUDS
Marte Mapu
Mapu could have made the play of the game when he intercepted Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s pass in the end zone in the second quarter.
But instead of taking a knee for the touchback, Mapu attempted to run the ball out of the end zone and was tackled at the Patriots’ 1-yard line. The gaff by the New England safety left the broadcasters, as well as the fans, scratching their heads on the play.
Patriots Rushing Game
The Patriots just couldn’t seem to get anything going on the ground against the Bills’ defense. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson rushed for a combined 88 yards on 22 carries with only Stevenson finding the end zone. New England’s offense managed just 127 total rushing yards with Maye second on the team behind Stevenson with 31 yards from the signal-caller.
Patriots Turnovers
New England’s three turnovers stunted its offense in the second half and resulted in 10 Buffalo points.
Tied 14-14 in the third quarter, Greg Rousseau forced and recovered a Stevenson fumble that led to the Bills’ Tyler Bass knocking down a 50-yard field goal to give Buffalo its first lead of the game.
The second fumble was recovered by Bills cornerback Taron Johnson for a touchdown to give Buffalo a 24-12 lead.
New England will close out the 2024 season with a two-game homestand against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 and a rematch against the Bills in Week 18.
