WATCH: Bailey Zappe Runs for TD, Cuts Bills Lead Over Patriots
In true holiday season fashion, the New England Patriots went to the ground when air travel proved to be difficult in their Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills atHighmark Stadium.
Facing a 20-7 deficit in the second quarter — and having thrown a pick six to cornerback Rasul Douglas (his third of the day), Bailey Zappe led the Pats on a six-play, 75-yard drive — highlighted by a 48-yard gain off a short backfield pass to second-year running back Kevin Harris.
On first-and-10 from the Buffalo 17 yard-line, Zappe took full advantage of the green grass in front of him by scrambling to the blue-painted Buffalo end zone. Kicker Chad Ryland’s extra point cut the Bills’ lead to 20-14.
The New England Patriots are attempting to make their mark in the win column for the second straight week on New Year’s Eve against the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
Sunday’s game marks the second and final meeting of the season between the two division rivals. The Patriots beat Buffalo, 29-25, at Gillette Stadium in Week 7 and will be looking for a series sweep of the Bills for the first time since 2019.
WATCH: Reagor 98-Yard Opening Kickoff Return Gives Pats Early Lead Over Bills
Tight end Hunter Henry is missing his second straight game due to a lingering knee injury. In addition to saftey Jabrill Peppers and receiver Kayshon Boutte — who were previously ruled out due to injury and illness respectively — the Pats are also without the services of defensive end Sam Roberts (healthy inactive) and Trent Brown — who was removed from the injury report earlier this week.