Buffalo Bills Take 20-14 Lead to Halftime After Turnovers Run Rampant

The Buffalo Bills have played a wild first half against the New England Patriots, forcing a handful of turnovers while the offense struggles to get off the ground.

The Buffalo Bills are playing host to the New England Patriots in a must-win game for Buffalo’s divisional hopes. At halftime, Buffalo leads 20-14.

Despite the implications, the Bills didn’t come out sharp. Patriots receiver Jalen Reagor returned the opening kickoff for a score, giving New England an early 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing offensive drive, Allen was sacked on first down and Buffalo couldn’t recover, resulting in a three-and-out.

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) celebrates getting an interception against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium / © Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Momentum shifted a bit, though, when New England quarterback Bailey Zappe’s first pass of the day was picked off by defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

The Bills weren’t able to do much with it, but given the starting field position, would go on to kick a field goal and cut the lead to 7-3.

Zappe was intercepted again before the end of the first quarter, this time at the hands of cornerback Rasul Douglas. It wouldn’t even be their final turnover of the quarter.

After a Josh Allen tush push made it 10-7, Zappe’s first completion of the day went to tight end Pharaoh Brown. He immediately fumbled. Cornerback Christian Benford forced and recovered the fumble, setting up the Bills in prime position to score. They would cash in with another field goal.

The turnovers then continued when Douglas intercepted Zappe again – this time for a pick-six.

A Zappe scramble would eventually bring this one to 20-14.

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The defense is playing out of his mind, but Allen may be the reason this one isn’t a blowout. He was intercepted in the middle of the second quarter, marking just one offensive touchdown in its first eight drives.

Patriots kicker Chad Ryland attempted shortly after the two-minute warning. His 47-yard attempt was no good. After a Buffalo three-and-out, New England would take it to the half.