Buffalo Roars Past New England, Shakes Up Division Race
In a highly anticipated Week 15 matchup, the Bills traveled to Gillette Stadium for their second game against the New England Patriots this season. Following a loss to the Pats in Orchard Park back in Week Five, the Bills have been trying to gain the lead back in the AFC East and came one step closer with this crucial December win. After an immensely underwhelming first half, the Bills did a complete 180, securing the 35-31 victory and ensuring another week in the Wild Card race. The Bills will continue their road trip by going to Huntington Bank Field to face the Browns. Meanwhile, the Patriots will head to M&T Bank Stadium against a 7-7 Ravens team that still has hopes to win the AFC North.
New England's Hot Start Contributed to Sizable First Half Lead
The Patriots took hold of the lead early, scoring a touchdown on their first drive of the game. They secured a 24-7 lead going into halftime thanks to a balanced attack from Drake Maye and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. After the first two Bills drives resulted in three-and-outs, they picked up some slack and ended the half with a touchdown, but they still had much to be desired as an offense up to that point. The lack of rhythm and urgency left Buffalo searching for answers as the game headed into the break.
Bills' Offense Found Spark in Second Half to Secure Close Win
Clearly, whatever adjustments Sean McDermott implemented at halftime for the offense and defense worked wonderfully. Buffalo scored a touchdown on five consecutive drives and only allowed one score out of New England during the entire second half. Buffalo’s efficiency at complementary football in the second half proved to be too much for the New England defense that hadn’t allowed more than 23 points since Week Two. The defense coming up with two huge stops as the game was deadlocked at 35-31 was also surprising to keep the Bills ahead. Sacking Maye on back-to-back drives paved the way for a punt and turnovers on downs to finalize the score.
Bills Offense Buzzing Without Exceptional Wide Receivers
The threat of both Josh Allen and James Cook has proven yet again to be an unstoppable duo for defenses, this time triumphing over the fifth-ranked defense in points allowed. In this victory, Cook rushed for over 100 yards for the eighth time this season while Allen compiled three touchdowns in a game for the eighth time as well. The offense has continued to play exceptionally well in spite of its wide receiving corps. Uttering the name Keon Coleman in the City of Good Neighbors is sure to garner a scowl or two among Bills Mafia. Buffalo’s top selection from the 2024 draft kept true to his jersey number, recording no catches at all in this key divisional game. Like usual, all receivers not named Khalil Shakir weren’t producing for the team, with 13 of Allen’s 19 completions going to running backs and tight ends. On the plus side, Dalton Kincaid is back for the second week in a row after missing the previous three games, opening up the field for Dawson Knox, who has 11 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the last two weeks, as well as for himself.
