The Patriots’ ten-game winning streak came to an end, and perhaps the worst part about that wasn’t that the winning streak ended (they all do), but how it ended.
After racing out to a 21-0 lead and up 24-7 at the break, they collapsed in the second half where the defense was manhandled at the line of scrimmage, and the offense stalled.
The result was a 35-31 loss where they lost an opportunity to clinch the AFC East. While they still lead the division, if they clinch the division, it will probably have to wait until Week 18 against the Dolphins.
So, as we always do, let’s break it down by position
Quarterback: C-
It was a tale of two halves for Maye, who looked very impressive in the first half going 9-11 for 108 yards with two rushing touchdowns.
The second half was a much different story. Buffalo employed a spy on Maye to stop his designed runs and even without their best corner, they shut down the Patriots receivers, with Maye going just 5-12 for 47 with an INT in the second half.
Running Backs: A
TreVeyon Henderson had another highlight reel game with 14 carries for 148 yards and two touchdown runs of 52 and 65 yards, giving him four TD runs of over 50 yards this season. The Patriots only had two such runs in the past 15 years before this year. Henderson added 13 yards on two catches.
Rhamondre Stevenson added 50 yards on six carries (8.3-yard average) and added 27 more receiving, while the Patriots rolled up 246 yards rushing on 25 carries overall.
Wide Receivers: C-
The wide receivers didn’t have productive games. Yes, the team ran the ball very effectively in the first half which took reps away from them, but it was a slog, especially after the half.
Mack Hollins was the leading receiver with four catches for 41 yards. Kayshon Boutte had the big catch for 30 yards on the first possession, but then wasn’t targeted again. Stefon Diggs had just three catches for 26 yards.
Kyle Williams and Demario Douglas weren’t targeted.
Tight Ends: D
Hunter Henry had just one catch for 18 yards but saw a crucial 3rd and 11 pass go right through his hands. He did a solid job in run support.
Austin Hooper wasn’t targeted. He and Jack Westover were up and down in run blocking. Not a great day for the tight ends
Offensive Line: A-
This was an impressive game for the offensive line, as the Patriots’ weakness has been their inability to run the ball; they led the way, aiding the runners for 246 yards on the ground.
Jared Wilson returned and was solid, and didn’t allow any sacks or QB hits. Of the three sacks on Maye, one was a coverage sack, another was on Henderson, and just one was on the o-line.
Defensive Line: D
The defensive line had a tale of two halves, also. After a strong first half, limiting Josh Allen to just 26 yards passing and getting sacks from the defensive line, they were absolutely run over in the second half.
James Cook led the way with 107 yards as the Bills rolled up 168 yards on the ground, completely owning the line of scrimmage.
Linebackers: D
Robert Spillane was active but didn’t play due to a foot injury, and without their best run-stuffing linebacker, the middle of the defense struggled against the run.
Jack Gibbens registered a sack, but he isn’t suited for Spillane’s role. He and Christian Elliss had some good plays in the first half, but they struggled in coverage against Buffalo’s talented tight ends.
Secondary: C-
The Patriots’ cornerbacks (Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones) were very good in man coverage. Jones gave up the 37-yard catch on the much-discussed 4th and 3 with a penalty, but that and the ticky-tack penalty on Davis were downers.
The safeties struggled against the tight ends, who combined for six catches for 71 yards. That knocked the grade down quite a bit.
Special Teams: F
The Patriots’ Special Teams cost the team dearly in this one. Despite Bryce Barringer (50 yards net punting) and Andy Borregales doing their job, the rest of the group failed in helping the team.
The kickoff coverage unit was gashed, allowing an average of 41 yards per return, with three kickoffs resulting in Buffalo starting in the Patriots’ territory. Compounding it was a 15-yard facemask penalty on Brendan Schooler.
The kick return unit can’t reach the 30-yard line, and a holding penalty wiped out the one good return by Kyle Williams.
Coaches: C
Mike Vrabel and the coaching staff have to find a way to keep the offense on track in the second half. In the past four games, the Patriots have scored a total of just 19 points after halftime. Three points is all they have scored in the third quarter, and 16 in the fourth quarter.
That is a trend that cost them on Sunday and could again down the stretch and into the postseason.
The run defense will have to be sorted out as the Patriots face Baltimore this Sunday night. The Ravens started the season terribly, but have turned it around and played their best game of the season against Cincinnati.
With Lamar Jackson and Derek Henry, the run defense will be the key area to watch. We’re on to Baltimore.
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
