Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Bills in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Patriots fall apart after big lead: New England looked like a powerhouse in the first half as it completely dominated Buffalo, outgaining them 285 to 76 in taking a 24-7 halftime lead behind two Drake Maye rushing touchdowns.
The game flipped on its head in the second half, as the Bills scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives, four coming in the second half.
In the second half, the Bills' offense was 6 for 9 on third downs, had 273 total yards, 115 on the ground. Josh Allen was 13 for 20 for 158 yards and 2 TDs.
Offense stalls out in second half: Outside of TreVeyon Henderson's incredible 65-yard touchdown run with Drake Maye hustling to be a lead blocker, the Patriots didn't much of anything on offense in the second half. Maye was just 5 of 12 for 57 yards and an interception (that acted on like a punt on 3rd and 25). Maye was just 1 for 4 for 5 yards in the fourth quarter as receivers had trouble getting uncovered, and Maye's accuracy was a little inconsistent.
Calls go against the Patriots: Not many good breaks for the Patriots in this one. Marcus Jones appeared to pick off a pass, but it was ruled a catch and DPI. Mack Hollins wanted DPI on a ball that picked off by Tre'Davious White. And Carlton Davis was called for DPI on a crucial third down.
Robert Spillane does not play: The Patriots' middle linebacker was questionable for this game with a foot injury, but he did not play despite being active and in uniform. That tested the Patriots' depth as Jack Gibbens got most of the work with Christian Ellis. The play wasn't bad, they had their moments, but they missed Spillane.
TURNING POINT
The Davis foul. The Bills would have been forced into a 4th down near midfield with the Patriots winning. Instead, it gave them a first down, and they went down and scored the game-winning touchdown,
3-4-NE 47 (8:19) (Shotgun) J.Allen pass incomplete short right to K.Coleman. PENALTY on NE-C.Davis, Defensive Pass Interference, 15 yards, enforced at NE 47 - No Play
Carlton Davis definitely got a handful of Keon Coleman. Enough for a PI flag on a third down in the fourth quarter? The men in charge say yes. pic.twitter.com/PjAGHu1h9I
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 14, 2025
SECOND GUESS
I'm going to have to review the film before I can't really criticize the offense for stalling out, but you shouldn't lose too many games with 31 points scored. I mean, the Bills scored 28 points in the second half. The defense got really exposed in the second half in the middle of the field with the pass and run.
THREE UP
RB TreVeyon Henderson: Had an untouched 52-yard touchdown thanks to great blocking, but his 64-yard run was incredible as he bounced a play going nowhere to the outside. Also got a great hustle block from Maye.
QB Drake Maye (first half): Looked every bit the MVP candidate as he completed 9 for 11 passes for 108 yards, and he had four rushes for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
LB Christian Elliss: Seemed to be all over the field and impacting the game. At one point in the red zone, he had a great open-field tackle and pass breakup.
THREE DOWN
Special teams: Gave up three huge kickoff return, and there were two big special teams penalties on Brenden Schooler and Marte Mapu.
Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson: The two Patriots edge players combined for two total pressures. That's not going to cut it.
LT Vederian Lowe: Seemed to have a tough outing. Had a holding penalty and allowed a half sack of Maye.
INJURIES
CB Carlton Davis (groin): Was questionable to return but did come back in the game.
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Good learning experience: This loss sucks, especially the way it happened, but I think it was good for the team to go through some adversity (would have been better if they pulled it out) and get the experience of a heavyweight fight. Now they have to pick themselves up and get ready for another one in Baltimore, which beat the Bengals 24-0.
No excuse for the defense to play like that: I know it's Josh Allen, but to get beat like that by the guys you know he needs — James Cook and the tight ends — is just inexcusable. Have to have a better plan than that.