Bills vs. Patriots Notebook: Buffalo Avoids Late-Season Upset Amid Sloppy Play

The Buffalo Bills offense struggled in their Week 17 win over the New England Patriots, despite their defense forcing four turnovers.

The Buffalo Bills made it four straight wins with their 27-21 New Year's Eve victory over their AFC East rivals New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

Not only did the Bills make it their fifth consecutive season with 10 or more wins, but they've set themselves up to have a Week 18 clash with the Miami Dolphins that will have the division title on the line. 

But before the Bills turn the page to Miami, here are three takeaways from the Buffalo's win over the Patriots.

The Giving Season

Despite Christmas being almost a week ago, the Patriots were still in the giving mood as they turned the ball over four times in the loss to the Bills. Three of those turnovers came via their quarterback Bailey Zappe, who was picked off three times, one of which was returned 40 yards for a Bills touchdown by Rasul Douglas.

However, even with those turnovers proving to be a difference for the Bills, as they avoided the season sweep from the Patriots, it leads into our next note. 

 

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs with the ball for a first down against the New England Patriots during the second half at Highmark Stadium.  / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Missed Opportunities

Even with the four takeaways, the Bills kept this game closer than it should have been. A big factor in that was the points left on the board by the Bills offense on their drives following the quick change in possession. 

Following Zappe's first interception, which came on New England's first offensive drive, the Bills were handed an excellent starting field position at the Patriots' 21-yard line. Yet, despite being just a yard out from the redzone, the Bills offense went just three plays before settling for a field goal. 

The Bills would suffer the same fate a few drives later, this time coming off a recovered fumble, which gave them the ball at the New England 30-yard line. However, at that time, the Bills managed to drive the ball to the Patriots' six-yard line, where they were forced to kick another field goal. 

That means the Bills potentially left eight points on the field in an already close game with the Patriots.

Survived and Advanced

Even with the missed opportunities, it is hard to ignore the fact that without them, this game could've gone differently for the Bills. The four takeaways made all the difference for the Bills on a day where they couldn't get much going against a Patriots defense that, despite missing many of their key players, remains formidable. 

The Bills were outgained in total yards by the Patriots at 294 compared to 281. Additionally, quarterback Josh Allen struggled to find success consistently through the air, as he completed just 15 of his 30 passes for 169 yards with an interception. 

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It was even a rather insignificant day for the Bills' ground game, putting aside the two tush push touchdowns from Allen, as James Cook was their leading rusher with just 48 yards on 16 carries. 

However, despite the subpar offensive performance, a win is a win for the Bills. They've put themselves in a position to win what will be an unofficial AFC East Championship in Week 18 against the Dolphins.