Two Studs, Three Duds from the Patriots’ tough loss to the Bills

After blowing a shocking 14-0 lead over the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots dropped their fifth straight game and fell to 3-12 on the season.

The Patriots called aggressive plays in the first half, including one false punt on fourth-and-2, but the Bills scored 24 unanswered points to defeat Patriots 24-21 at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

This list 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.

STUDIES
Drake Maye
Maye made her typical mistake, throws an interception at the Bills’ one-yard line. 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 one 10-yard game for a first decline in the first quarter. He added another passing touchdown in the fourth quarter to get the Patriots within three, 24-21.

First half Game 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, taking advantage of Maye’s ability and even shocking Buffalo with a fake punt.

While it remains to be seen whether head coach Jerod Mayo or offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt deserve credit for the Patriots’ stellar first half, the question remains: why did the coaching staff wait until Week 16 to show aggression and creativityy?

DUDS
Martha Mapu
Mapu might have made the play 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 tried to run the ball out of the end zone and was tackled at the Patriots’ 1-yard line. The gaffe from the New England safety left broadcasters as well as 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 combined for 88 yards rushing on 22 carries, with only Stevenson finding the back of 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 Turnover
New England’s three turnovers hampered their 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.