BSJ Game Report: Patriots 23, Bills 16 - New England falls to 4th pick with win behind Milton

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

HEADLINES

Patriots win, tumble to 4th pick in the draft: All the Patriots had to do was lose this game and they would lock up the top overall pick in the draft. But because of equal parts Joe Milton playing really well and the Bills looking like they wanted to avoid New England having the first pick, the Patriots won the game and tumbled down to the 4th overall pick. The Browns lost on Saturday, and the Giants and Titans both dropped games today. All three jumped New England.

The new draft order:

1. Titans 3-14
2. Browns 3-14
3. Giants 3-14
4. Patriots 4-13

Allen, Maye make cameos: Josh Allen started the game, handed off and then jogged off to be replaced by Mitch Trubisky. Drake Maye also started but played one series. He dropped back twice and was sacked on third down. He was replaced by Joe Milton.

Milton played great: It was against backups in a meaningless game, but the rookie played tremendously. He appeared to be in complete command as he completely 76% of his passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for another score. He had several standout plays:

TURNING POINT

When Josh Allen jogged off the field ... and Sean McDermott bypassed two long field goals.

SECOND GUESS

They couldn't have found a better way to out-tank the Bills?

FOUR UP

QB Joe Milton: Looked really good and his development has to be another feather in the cap of Alex Van Pelt and TC McCartney.

WR Kayshon Boutte: Produced the first 100-yard receiving game in 15 games for the Patriots (7 for 117, TD).

LB Christian Elliss: Led the team with 11 tackles and broke up a big third-down pass.

K Joey Slye: Of course he made all three of his field-goal attempts.

THREE DOWN

OT Caeden Wallace: Finally got his first extended playing time and he had three penalties (one declined), including two holds.

RB Terrell Jennings: Got a chance and ran very tentatively (2.5 ypc) and was 0 for 1 on passing targets.

WR Javon Baker: Had his first NFL catch for 12 yards, and then spun the ball ... come on, bro. I did not see anyone in a wheelchair stand up.

INJURIES

S Marte Mapu (neck): Was ruled out for the game.

WR Kayshon Boutte (head): Came off after a big catch and was questionable to return.

THREE TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

I'm anti-tanking, but even I have to admit that felt like a loss: I'm bummed for you guys because at least you would have had a nice pot of gold at the end of this crappy season. Now it feels like everyone got socks for Christmas.

How come the Patriots can't win when Drake Maye plays?: I'm 100 percent behind Drake Maye, think he's going to be elite some point soon. But why does it seem like they can't win when he plays, but as soon as other QBs play (Brissett, Milton), the Patriots find a way to win? I don't get it.

The Bills definitely out-tanked you: Sean McDermott absolutely didn't want the Patriots to get the No. 1 pick, and he put on a tank clinic, passing up field goals, handing the ball off a lot, putting in Mike White, his third-string QB.