Buffalo Bills

In Depth: Week 4 - Bills vs. Patriots Game Analysis

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:19 a.m. ET

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Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan exits the field after the game at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

16-0 Buffalo Bills.

Who would’ve guessed the Rex Ryan would’ve shut out the New England Patriots, let alone win in Foxboro. It was an impressive win for him, and the Bills now hold their heads high as they improve to 2-2.

For the Patriots however, there weren’t many great things to say about this game, so why not get through the good first before the bad:

New England Patriots lose 16-0 to Buffalo Bills: Immediate Reactions

POSITIVES

And that’s about it.

There wasn’t much for the Patriots to be proud about this game as this was probably one of their worst losses under Belichick despite not getting blown out.

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) taken down by Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Preston Brown (52) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

NEGATIVES

Next: Negatives (Cont...)

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

4 Ripple Effects From The Patriots Week 4 Loss

Next: Worst Play of the Game & Things to Improve

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) fumbles as he is hit by Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Likes and Dislikes From Patriots Week 4 Loss

WORST PLAY OF THE GAME

Brissett Fumble in the Redzone

One can also consider Gostkowski missing another FG as the worst play, but this one is probably the bigger one. The offense had not been able to push the ball downfield on their first couple drives that began backed up inside their own 15. Thanks to a fantastic catch and run by Bennett, the Patriots were on the Bills side of the field. Regardless of what happened, the Patriots would have atleast put up 3 points if they weren’t able to get into the end zone. Unfortunately, Brissett tried to be a hero, and make a play with his legs, but LB Zach Brown hit him in his torso, knocking the ball out and ending a promising drive.

THINGS TO IMPROVE ON

Pass Rush

Through the first 4 games, the Patriots pass rush has been inconsistent. Against the Cardinals and Texans, they were explosive and were able to put pressure on the QB when they needed to. However, against the Dolphins and Bills, their pressure has lacked. Perhaps its more of a reflection of how well the Dolphins and Bills offensive lines were, however, they were still fairly quiet. There is no reason the opposing QBs should be able to take a nap in the pocket.

Third Down Defense

New England is allowing a whopping 46% third down conversion percentage, which is 30th in the NFL. Considering how good this defense is supposed to be on paper, they haven’t been able to get off the field as much as they should be. Yes, the Patriots have a “Bend, Don’t Break” defense, but this stat is troubling.

Redzone Efficeny

The offense traveled to the redzone 4 times in the last two games (3 vs. Texans, 1 vs. Bills) and have only scored once. They also rank 25th in the league in Red Zone scoring percentage which isn’t impressive one bit. However, one could easily assume that with Brady back, the Patriots redzone offense will vastly improve. So this isn’t something they should be worried about.

Ball Security

There have been far too many fumbles to start this season. Teams will eventually capitalize on this if the Patriots don’t find a way to hold on to the ball. For example, 14 of the Cardinals points in Week 1 came after the Patriots turned over the ball. If this isn’t fixed soon, it could be detrimental, especially with the defense not creating many turnovers.

Forcing Turnovers

It’s unrealistic to believe the Patriots defense will be able to create a turnover on every opposing team’s drive. However, they need to be able to create opportunities for their team to stay in the game. Almost INTs or near fumble recoveries won’t do it. Players need to make THE play.

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Fans hold a sign announcing that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) will be returning during the second half of the Buffalo Bills 16-0 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

FINAL QUICK NOTES

This was an embarrassing game, but at the same time, it was a loss the Patriots ultimately could afford to take. They are 3-1 to start the first four games of the season. It could be far worse.

2016 New England Patriots Regular Season Prediction

However, the offense was not in sync at all during the game, as they failed to have any meaningful drives. The more disappointing effort came from the Patriots defense during the first half, as they allowed Buffalo to have their way. They were able to keep the Bills in check after half-time adjustments, but not before the damage was done.

Upcoming Schedule

If there was a grade segment in this article, the Patriots would simply be graded with a D-and thats being nice.

LOOK AHEAD

The extended 8-game preseason for the New England Patriots has finally come to an end. Patriots QB Tom Brady finally makes his regular season debut next Sunday vs. the Cleveland Browns. The world is expecting Tom Brady to light up the Browns, but will he show some rust?