With the #2 seed in the AFC already locked up, Buffalo would rest the majority of their starters against New England on Sunday. Instead, the team focused on several incentives and records for the players that would appear in the game. Meanwhile, the Patriots were holding onto the #1 pick in the NFL Draft, and a loss would ensure that they’d be on the clock first in late April. However, a surprise performance from rookie QB Joe Milton was impressive on the field, but extremely harmful to their draft spot.
Money for Miller
Rookie QB Drake Maye started the game for New England, going three-and-out on the opening drive. On 3rd and 13, Maye was sacked by Von Miller, earning a $1.5 million bonus for reaching six sacks on the season.
Battle of the Backups
On offense, Josh Allen came onto the field to preserve his starting streak, taking the first snap and handing it off to James Cook for four yards, then turning around and jogging right back to the sideline. The backups, led by Mitch Trubisky, gave fans a new appreciation for the success rate the starters have with the tush push, as Buffalo failed to convert on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1, leading to a turnover on downs from the 45 yard line.
In a surprise move, Maye’s day was done after the opening drive, with the Patriots turning to fellow rookie QB Joe Milton. The sixth round pick led New England down the field for a touchdown, keeping the ball on a read option for a walk-in one yard score.
On Buffalo’s next drive, Trubisky completed passes of 11 and 13 yards to Mack Hollins, unlocking a $50,000 bonus for reaching 30 catches on the season. Cook ran for 21 yards on the drive, eclipsing the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the second consecutive season. On 4th and Goal, Trubisky found rookie Ray Davis all alone in the flat for a two yard score. With the touchdown, Buffalo became the first team in NFL history to record 30 passing and 30 rushing touchdowns in one season.
A busted coverage left Kayshon Boutte wide open down the field, as Milton rolled to his right and fired the ball deep to an uncovered receiver. Boutte ran untouched into the endzone for a 48 yard touchdown.
Davis ran hard on Buffalo’s next drive, gaining 37 yards on three carries to move the team into field goal range. Tyler Bass drilled a 49-yard field goal on 4th and 7 to make the score 14–10, which would be the score going into halftime.
On Buffalo’s first drive of the second half, Head Coach Sean McDermott opted to punt from New England’s 35 yard line. With the help of Ja’Marcus Ingram, Sam Martin was able to get the punt downed at the six yard line, unlocking a $100,000 incentive for 25 punts inside the 20 yard line this season. Rookie Javon Solomon fell on a loose ball after Milton fumbled the handoff, giving Buffalo’s backup defense a turnover. Five plays later, Cook came back into the game for a one yard touchdown, tying OJ Simpson for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season in franchise history (16). Bass would miss the extra point to make the score 16–14.
The Patriots kicked three field goals to retake the lead, with Buffalo showing very little interest in trying to find the endzone. A final score of 23–16 gave the Patriots their fourth win of the season, and knocked them down the the #4 pick in the draft, a significant fall.
Afterthoughts
How often does a team accomplish so much in a loss? Not only does New England lose out on the #1 pick, but the team hit several incentives and milestones along the way.
It’s difficult to analyze the team’s performance when it felt like I was watching a preseason game, but the biggest takeaway is that Buffalo came out of the game with no injuries, and is about as healthy as possible as they head to the postseason. Buffalo’s only players on injured reserve are Shane Buechele, Travis Clayton, Tommy Doyle, and Baylon Spector, four players that would be far down on the depth chart if they were healthy.
Game Awards
Offensive Player of the Game: Curtis Samuel
Samuel finished with a team-high seven catches on eight targets for 52 yards, showing that he can still be useful if the Bills decide to utilize him in the postseason.
Defensive Player of the Game: Javon Solomon
The rookie displayed some nice pass rush reps, and finished with seven total tackles and a fumble recovery.
MVP: Sean McDermott
Seeing McDermott actively trying to get guys their money and records illustrates the culture that he and Brandon Beane have built in Buffalo, and is a big reason why players want to play here.
What’s Next: Bills vs Broncos 1/12
The Bills host the Broncos in the Wild Card round on Sunday in the 1:00 p.m. ET window. Rookie Bo Nix has had an impressive season, and Denver’s defense is one of the best in the league. However, I don’t think they have the firepower to keep up with an explosive offense that will be well-rested heading into the playoffs.
Editor’s babble: What an uninspiring finish to a terrific regular season, but mission accomplished. The Patriots will suffer immensely for that win. Thanks to Colin Richey for his contributions to our blog. You can also find Colin on Xwitter @whatthef00tball.
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