Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Patriots - Bills Game Review

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:31 a.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan (left) and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shake hands after the game at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

After getting shutout at home to the Buffalo Bills (4-4), the New England Patriots (7-1) returned the favour, giving the Bills a humiliating 41-25 loss at home.

There was plenty of hope at New Era Field that the Bills would be able to sweep the Patriots this season, unfortunately for them, New England had other ideas.

It wasn’t much of a contest either, as the game was considered “over” in the 3rd quarter. The offense that scored 0 points without Brady, scored 41 (could’ve scored more) with Brady at QB. The Bills did manage to score a garbage time TD, but the game wasn’t even close.

Brady now improves to 13-4 against Rex Ryan, and this will certainly go down as one of his best games against him.

Positives

Next: Negatives

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Negatives

Next: Play of the Game & Things to Improve

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) takes a bow after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Play of the Game

Brady 53-yard TD to Hogan & Gronkowski

There weren’t many game-changing plays from this game, however, these two were big plays not just because of the timing, but because of the meaning behind them.

Up 7-3, the Bills still had a chance, and the fans were still loud and in it. After being set back due to a penalty, on 3rd-and-13, Chris Hogan burned CB Stephon Gilmore, and Brady found him for a 53-yard bomb up the sideline. Hogan scored his 2nd TD of the season, and it was a meaningful one against his former team. The Patriots went up 14-3.

Following a Bills TD that was benefited from a DPI call, the Bills were down 14-10 in the second. That is until Patriots offense took the field again, and Brady found Gronkowski down the seam for another 53-yard score. This one was a special one for Gronk, as he scored his 69th TD of his career, the most in Patriots franchise history.

Things to Improve

Defense

There’s no more sugar coating it. The defense needs serious work.

They have struggled to defend the run at times this season.

They have struggled in coverage more times than not. 

They have not been able to rush the QB at all this season.

The offense may have been able to mask the issues on defense, but that can only go so far. Should there be a time where the offense just isn’t performing as well as they normally do, and will need to rely on their defense, it will prove costly. Hopefully this area gets a lot of attention going forward.

Penalties 

The Patriots were called for multiple penalties this game 10 times for a loss of 116 yards.

Against teams that are able to play more disciplined football, the Patriots won’t be able to shoot themselves in the foot. Had the Bills capitalized on the Patriots penalties, the score could have possibly been closer.

It may not be as serious on offense, but with the way the defense has been playing, they cannot afford to give the opposing team free yards.

Run-blocking

So far this season, the Patriots have struggled to run against some of the better defensive lines in the league (Browns, Bills). It is important that the Patriots find ways to get their run game going so they can take pressure off Brady’s arm.

“Throw to Score, Run to Win”

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Final Thoughts

The Patriots benefited from several Bills players being out this week, similar to when the Bills faced a Brady-less team. Had the Bills had their full healthy team, perhaps the results may have been a little different.

Since Brady has returned, the offense looks unstoppable at this point, and with Dion Lewis returning soon, it seems like it will only get better.

It was also great to see the Patriots go another week without suffering from any injuries. Remaining healthy is key, especially at the mid-way point of the season.

Next Week

For the Patriots next week, they will be on their bye, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Upcoming Schedule

Bye Weeks are crucial as it gives the team a break to look at themselves and figure out what needs to be changed for the second half of the season.

After trading away Jamie Collins, there will be much to fix and figure out on the defensive side of the ball.

It’s especially beneficial when a bye week is in the middle of the season as it gives players the opportunity to get healthier and have the time to nurse any lingering injuries.

Stay tuned for a review of the first half of the season.

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