BSJ Game Report: Patriots 29, Bills 25 - Mac Jones, offense delivers upset of Buffalo

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Bills in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Mac Jones finally gets it done: A lot has been said about Mac Jones as the Patriots' starting quarterback - some of it valid - but he answered a big question today by delivering a signature, last-second win over a quality opponent with an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive that was capped with a 1-yard TD pass to Mike Gesicki. Jones was 25 of 30 for 272 yards and two touchdowns for a 126.7 rating.

New look offensive line, attack helps do some damage: New England has had a lot of different groupings on an injury-ravaged offensive line, and Sunday against the Bills was the latest: LT Trent Brown, LG Cole Strange, C David Andrews, RG Sidy Sow, RT Mike Onwenu. It wasn't perfect — there was some pressure and some bad runs — but this line seemed to perform much better and allowed Jones more comfort to disseminate the ball to nine different receivers. The Patriots used much more motion, which seemed to cause more space for the passing offense. Demario Douglas (4 catches, 54 yards, 20-yard run) and Pharoah Brown (2 for 51) had increased roles. DeVante Parker had just one target and catch for 8 yards.

"One of our most consistent offensive performances of the year… Billy did a good job all week with the game plan," Belichick said.

Belichick collects career win 300: He became the third head coach in history with 300+ regular-season wins, joining Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318).

SECOND GUESS

I am shocked to learn that I didn't have a complaint today. Mark it down.

FOUR UP

Mac Jones: It wasn't perfect — even he admitted he was watching the rush a few times — but it was really, really good. The last drive was really good, but I thought his best work was the nine-play, 66-yard scoring drive that ended with Kendrick Bourne's touchdown. Dime toss to Pharoah Brown for 26 yards. A 19-yard pass in traffic to Demario Douglas on 1st and 15. On 2nd and 4, Jones changed the routes, took a brutal shot and delivered to Bourne for the TD. That is Mac at his best.

Demario Douglas: Five touches for 74 yards. His speed makes a big difference, even when he's in motion and running around. Play the kid.

Jabrill Peppers: 8 tackles — most of them of the hard variety. Interception. QB hit. Nice day at the office.

Bill O'Brien: This was an offense that offense that looked cogent and ready for the challenge. His quick pace to the passing offense and the motion was really good. Nicely done.

FIVE DOWN

Kendrick Bourne's fumble: The rest of the game was really good, but he very nearly cost the team a victory. But his offensive mates picked him up.

DeVante Parker: Was a total non-factor in this game. It's time to play all the kids all the time. Even Jalen Reagor did something.

Jack Jones: Had two penalties in the game.

Vederian Lowe: Comes in the game and immediately gets a penalty.

Kyle Dugger, Myles Bryant: Way too many missed tackles.

TOP PLAYS

INJURIES

LT Trent Brown (knee): Returned to the game after missing a series.

LT Vederian Lowe (ankle): Was questionable to return.

DE Anfernee Jennings (arm): Returned after one play.

S Jabrill Peppers: Was shaken up after allowing a TD but returned.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

This is the type of game why I wouldn't bury this team or Belichick after six games: Everyone wanted me to pile on, call this team dead, bury Belichick, etc. I wasn't sorry that I refused to do that. I have seen too many things happen in this league, and I didn't think things would bottom out even more — meaning they were going to play out the season as is. You never know what might happen on Any Given Sunday. I'm not saying this is going to be a launching pad, but things like this win can happen. Now, maybe you catch a Dolphins team coming down from playing the Eagles, at least play them close. There are winnable games left on this schedule. The defense and line have gotten healthier. I expect improvement. Let's see where they are ... at the end of the season.

Bills really struggled: Not taking anything away from the Patriots' win, but this is a Bills team that is obviously scuffling after a loss the Jagaurs and barely surviving the Giants. Their defense is ravaged by injuries, they had nine costly penalties for 46 yards. Josh Allen threw a brutal interception into a simple coverage on the first play. The wind seemed to limit their downfield passing. Good win, but good timing. This will be a very rough week for Sean McDermott and the Bills in general at just 4-3.

I mean, look at this Josh Allen postgame transcript from the Patriots:

Q: Josh, another slow start to the offense. Can you pinpoint anything today?

JA: Execution. I mean I started off play one – Daw [Dawson Knox] makes a good play, falls off on the bow route. I need to see him there. It’s not a good way to start a game.

Q: When you say execution, Josh, you get to a point as an offense when you do execute. But it is kind of a pattern now within games where it's slow. Is it a recognition of what defenses are doing? I don't want to put words in your mouth. What is it that's preventing you from getting to where you need to be earlier in the game?

JA: Well, I wish I knew the exact answer because we'd have it fixed by now. We're going to watch this film and find a way to get there, whatever it is. Our season is not over. It's a long season. Feels pretty bleak right now, but we're going to figure it out.

Q: Are you all right? Your shoulder okay?

JA: Yeah.

Q: Did it affect you at all today? You looked a little off, I thought, at times. But pain management, any of that a factor at all?

JA: No. We're good to go.

Q: You were pretty vocal this week about the offense and play calling and everything. You are fully confident in the plan that you guys take when you go in on a day like today?

JA: Yeah. Absolutely.

Yikes.