Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Bills in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Newton fumbles it away: The Patriots appeared to be driving towards a game-winning drive deep in Bills territory when Cam Newton was stripped by reserve Bills DT Justin Zimmer at the 14-yard line with 31 seconds remained to fall 3.5 games behind Buffalo in the AFC East.
"I'm jeopardizing this team's success by my lackluster performance protecting the football," Newton said. "I didn't get the job done today."
Three of the Patriots' five losses have come by six points or less.
"This is the third time we've been in this situation and we just haven't made enough plays," said Bill Belichick. "We had our opportunities today, obviously. ... Just came up a little short. Disappointing."
OH NO CAM
Cam Newton loses the football on the final drive of the game to secure a Bills win!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/0l0xcqrNYP
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 1, 2020
.@DHx34 goes 22 yards for the TD!
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/D2GUQEbcZO
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 1, 2020
TURNING POINT
Newton's fumble.
Even an objective observer such as myself felt like the Patriots were going to rip the heart out of the Bills, old-school style. But, then, the Patriots decided to stab themselves in the chest and the result was a devastating loss that might change the course of this season and the franchise.
SECOND GUESS
• The onsides' kick near the end of the third quarter.
I didn't mind the decision but the style of kick — a pop up over a hard line drive aimed at an opponent — kind of takes the surprise out of it. The opponent has time, if they start back to block, to change direction and then catch the ball. It eliminates the surprise and makes it easier to execute.
THREE UP
RB Damien Harris: Finally got an opportunity to show what he can do and looked much more dangerous than Sony Michel.
WR Jakobi Meyers: I don't care what he runs in the 40 (a low 4.63), I just love that kid, the way he competes and just makes the plays that are there. There's something to be said for that. Reminds me of old Dolphins WR Oronde Gadsden. Just catches the damn ball.
CB JC Jackson: Moved up to the No. 1 corner slot with Stephon Gilmore injured, and Jackson kept Stefon Diggs (outside of one 41-yard) catch and run from doing much damage. Diggs finished 5 of 9 for 51 yards otherwise, and Jackson had a big INT.
THREE DOWN
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: Was terrible again in the run game. Very seldom around the ball and when he was, he missed the tackle.
TE Ryan Izzo: Had two catches for 24 yards, but his blocking was atrocious in the pass and running game.
QB Cam Newton: He made a lot of progress in this game, but you can't fumble that ball with the season on the line. Can't happen. That's a losing play.
INJURIES
DT Lawrence Guy (shoulder) was downgraded to out and did not return.
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (groin) was questionable to return and didn't.
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Not having more linebackers ready to contribute is unacceptable: The Patriots are brutal at linebacker with Bentley and Phillips. That they have no other options ready — some street veteran, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Chase Winovich — is just another personnel shortcoming. This is just not acceptable. On that same topic, the Patriots can't defend the run because they don't have the personnel. Period. They can't do it physically. They don't have enough stout defensive tackles, and they only have one linebacker and he's average at-best. If you can't defend the run, you can't play to the strength of the defense (secondary).
I would be open for business at the deadline: I would listen and take just about anything on these players and more (with wish compensation):
- Stephon Gilmore (1st round pick)
- Joe Thuney (2nd or 3rd-round pick)
- Sony Michel (6th round pick)
- Lawrence Guy (4th round pick)
- James White (4th round pick)
- Adam Butler (5th round pick)