After a huge statement game against the previously undefeated Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots followed up with an impressive win against the Buffalo Bills. It was a battle for the outright AFC East lead between both of these three win teams. The Patriots took care of business and won the game convincingly, 37-22.
It appeared as though the game didn’t actually start until the second half, as both teams struggled to put points on the board in the first two quarters. The second half belonged to the Patriots, and the team showed some of its best offensive outputs of the season thus far.
Tom Brady threw for a season-high 361 yards and four touchdowns in the game. Brady had time in the pocket all day to pick the Bills defense apart. Wide receiver Brandon LaFell continues to get more involved in the offense and caught two of Brady’s four touchdown passes. Brady was sacked twice in the game.
The running games for both teams suffered throughout the game. Both teams’ leading rushers did not eclipse 30 yards for the day. Unfortunately, the Patriots rushing attack suffered a devastating loss to their balanced offensive scheme. Running back Stevan Ridley left the game in the third quarter with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.
Rather than using a two-man running attack of Ridley and dual threat Shane Vereen, the Patriots are now most likely going to turn to their familiar “running back by committee” approach. Brandon Bolden is expected to get many more carries as well as rookie James White out of Wisconsin, as well as newcomer Jonas Gray.
Another demoralizing turn of events was the knee injury linebacker Jerod Mayo suffered in the game. Mayo is the leader of the Patriots defense, and it is impossible to replace him with one player. The Bill Belichick “next man up” philosophy will be crucial going forward throughout the season.
If the Patriots want to continue to play well and run away with the AFC East division, the players must continue to play together. The offensive line, the playmakers, and the defense all are playing in sync, and it’s shown on the scoreboard. This will be key moving forward, especially when trying to move forward from these unfortunate injuries.