Patriots started this game like it was their Super Bowl. They were energized, running tricks plays (reverses and throwbacks), and playing with their hair on fire. But once the adrenaline wore off, the game became about who is the better overall team.
The Bills started this game like a 6am shift at Wendy’s on a Tuesday. Going through the motions and running simple plays. They had no adrenaline to wear off because they had none to start with. They ran their usual boring plays and eventually the greater overall talent began to be the deciding factor on a play by play basis, and the Patriots were simply overmatched. That’s why they couldn’t stop anything Buffalo did and also why they couldn’t move the ball in the second half.
Pats will be ready for primetime in a year or two, but they just aren’t there yet. Division winner or not.