Patriots Survive 3 Zappe INTs, Trail Bills 20-14 at Halftime

The New England Patriots will enter the second-half of their Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills hoping to erase a six-point deficit.

The New England Patriots holiday magic appeared to be heading back toward the North Pole — until the offense came alive against the Buffalo Bills. 

Despite trailing 20-14 at the half, New England has shown some resilience in their Week 17 matchup at Highmark Stadium. 

On the game’s opening kickoff, receiver Jalen Reagor returned the 63-yard offering from Bills’ kicker Tyler Bass for 98-yards to give the Patriots an early 6-0 lead. A Chad Ryland extra point would place New England’s lead at 7-0 before the Bills even had a chance to touch the football.

Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe / Cred: NBC Sports

However, New England’s offenisve prowess would cool significantly from that point. Despite entering the game having demonstrated sound protection of the football Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe fell victim to Buffalo’s pressure, throwing three costly interceptions — two of which were picked by Bills’ cornerback Rasul Douglas, who one returned for a touchdown. 

Still, 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 Pats would get one final chance to cut the lead, or perhaps take if from the Bills, when Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen’s pass deep left (intended for tight end Dalton Kincaid) was intercepted by Alex Austin at the New England 11 yard-line. Unfortunately for the Pats, Ryland missed a 47-yard field goal with time winding down in the second quarter. 

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With starters Trent Brown (healthy inactive) and Cole Strange (season-ending injured reserve) out of the lineup, New England’s reserve options Vederian Lowe (left tackle) and Atonio Mafi (left guard) struggled to contain Buffalo’s pressure-packed game plan. Mafi particularly had difficulty with changing direction, with Buffalo defensive tackle Ed Oliver taking full advantage of the mismatch. Oliver thrived when moving laterally and making his explosive first step. The Bills tackle earned a tackle-for-loss, a sack and one interception.

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