Orchard Park, New York (WGR) – – The Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss of the season, losing 29-26 to the New England Patriots. This means I will start with my Arrows Down for the first time this season:
DOWN ARROW
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 it, it appeared that Hairston hadn’t done everything he could to get the right angle and reach and stop Hunter Henry.
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 reached three points, 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.
The Bills were tight and Dalton Kincaid only had two targets all day, and only one of them was a 7-yard reception. He’s a huge weapon in attack and we can’t forget him like that.
- Josh Allen’s latest decision
Driving to at least tie the game and maybe even win it, with still over a minute left and only a second attempt at his own 40 yard line, Josh Allen was pressured and avoided a sack, but instead of throwing it away, he threw it downfield into double coverage where the ball was intercepted and effectively ended the game.
It wasn’t the volume of penalties, as the Bills were only called on five of them for 51 yards. But once again, they committed a few penalties in key situations that allowed New England to either get out of trouble or get hurt by being in a favorable situation.
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
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye used his legs to not only get out of a few spots it looked like he was going to be sacked, but he then picked up key first downs. He was New England’s leading rusher, rushing 8 times for 54 yards.
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.
The Patriots were inside the Bills’ red zone three times and scored touchdowns on all of them.
Once again, James Cook put the ball on the ground. This time it was a sloppy exchange between him and Josh Allen. Later, Khalil Shakir had a first down, but while fighting for yards, he coughed up the ball, giving it away to New England.
The Bills were hit with numerous injuries in this one, including DJ Moore (shoulder), Ed Oliver (knee), Dee Alford (ankle), Te’Cory Couch (hamstring).
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UP ARROW
Once again, Coleman made big plays when called upon. He made a fantastic catch, scored a touchdown and was reliable. He finished as the game’s leading receiver, catching 6 passes (on 7 targets) for 116 yards and a touchdown.
The Bills only ran for 28 yards and 2.5 yards per carry in the first half, but they ran 7 times for 63 yards in the second half. An average of 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 due to QB Drake M.
- TJ Parker gets his first sack and a forced fumble
OK, it was actually half a bag (shared with Ed Oliver). But TJ Parker got on the sack stat sheet for the first time and also forced Drake Maye’s fumble that the Bills recovered. Also a first in the NFL for him.
Rousseau was one of the only bright spots on the Bills defense, recording four total tackles, four quarterback hits and two assists.
The Bills converted 6 of 12 chances (50%) on third down.
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