Orchard Park, New York (WGR) – The Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, losing 29-26 to the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
This means I will start with my Arrows Down for the first time this season:
Orchard Park, NY – New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson celebrates with teammates after an interception by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during the fourth quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on October 4, 2026. Bryan M. Bennett – Getty Images
DOWN ARROW:
Max Hairston
Hairston had a really tough day, often finding himself the target of passes from Drake Maye – especially to Romeo Doubs – and often in big situations. He was beaten too many times.
He also received a holding penalty on a possible sack near the Bills’ goal line.
Then, on the play that gave the Patriots a first down to seal the victory, it appeared that Hairston hadn’t done everything he could to get the right angle and stop Hunter Henry.
The defense as a whole
A week after they seemed to be starting to figure it out, the Bills defense allowed a Patriots offense that was really struggling to get off the mat and down the field too often.
The Patriots totaled 405 yards of offense and scored 29 points.
First defensive drives of both halves
The Bills defense gave up long drives to New England to start both halves.
After the Bills offense scored three points to start the game, the Patriots drove 97 yards by 12 players to score a touchdown.
Then, to start the second half, they drove 72 yards in 14 plays to hit it again in the end zone.
Where was Kincaid?
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid only had two targets all day, and only one of them was a seven-yard reception.
He’s a huge weapon in attack and we can’t forget him like that.
Josh Allen’s latest decision
En route to at least tying the game and maybe even winning it, and still with over a minute on the clock and only a second down at his own 40-yard line, Allen was pressured and avoided a sack, but instead of throwing it away, he threw it downfield in double coverage. The Bills quarterback was taken out, effectively ending the game.
Penalties at key locations
It wasn’t the volume of penalties, as the Bills were only called on five of them for 51 yards.
But, again, they committed some penalties in key situations that allowed New England to get out of trouble, or get hurt by being in favorable situations.
First half running game
The Bills just couldn’t move the ball in the first half. They had 11 carries for just 28 yards, an average of 2.5 yards per carry.
In the second half they did much better, but it took too long.
Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams
The Bills’ starting linebackers had 15 tackles, but only one for a loss, and were really neutralized all afternoon. They should have made some plays, but they didn’t.
Allowing Drake Maye to run wild
Maye used his legs to not only get out of a few spots he looked like he was going to get sacked, but then he picked up some key first downs.
He was New England’s leading rusher with 54 yards on eight carries.
Joshua Palmer
Palmer was targeted four times and had just one catch for three yards.
He had a ball near the sidelines that he should have caught, which would have been a first down. The Bills ended up playing.
Red zone defense
The Patriots found themselves in the Bills’ red zone three times and scored touchdowns on all of them.
No more loopholes
Once again, running back James Cook put the ball on the ground. This time it was a sloppy exchange between him and Allen.
Later, receiver Khalil Shakir had a first down, but while fighting for yards, he coughed up the ball. That turned into a turnover and gave the Patriots the ball.
Injuries
The Bills were hit with numerous injuries in this one, including DJ Moore (shoulder), Ed Oliver (knee), Dee Alford (ankle), and Te’Cory Couch (hamstring).
Orchard Park, NY – Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman reacts after a play against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on October 4, 2026. Bryan M. Bennett – Getty Images
UP ARROW:
Keon Coleman
Once again, Coleman made big plays when called upon. He made a fantastic catch, scored a touchdown and was reliable all afternoon.
He finished as the game’s leading receiver, catching six passes (on seven targets) for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Running game in the second half
The Bills ran for just 28 yards and 2.5 yards per carry in the first half, but they ran seven times for 63 yards in the second half, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
Working against Patriots running backs
The Patriots ran for 143 yards, which is way too many, but most of it was accomplished by Maye.
TJ Parker gets his first sack and a forced fumble
OK, it was actually half of a sack (shared with Ed Oliver), but Parker appeared on the sack stat sheet for the first time and also forced Maye’s fumble that the Bills recovered – also an NFL first for him.
Greg Rousseau
Rousseau was one of the only bright spots on the Bills defense, recording four total tackles, four quarterback hits and two assists.
Third Down Offense
The Bills converted 6 of 12 chances (50%) on third down.
Exit alcohol
Gn headline
