5 takeaways from the Bills’ 33-21 win over the Patriots
Here are five takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ 33-21 win over the New England Patriots:
Aggressive Bills
Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The clearest takeaway from the Bills (9-6) was undoubtedly their aggressiveness they had against the Patriots (9-6) on offense. For better or for worse (better in the end), Buffalo kept rolling the dice.
Overall, the Bills were 3-for-4 on fourth down, and a couple of those included going for it on the goal line. One occasion helped them put up seven points.
Buffalo was also solid on third down. The Bills were 6-for-12 converting those attempts while New England’s offense was 1-for-8. Of those, one was a touchdown pass for Buffalo.
Run defense does enough but not great
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris . (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Buffalo is only going to be concerned about the win. But it was paper covering cracks in terms of the Bills against the run on defense.
Now, don’t you dare ask the Bills defense if they’re embarrassed… but they should not feel great. New England averaged 5.5 yards per carry against Buffalo. A lot were chunk plays.
Pats running back Damien Harris had a field day. Not only did he notch a 31-yard carry and 101 total, but he had three touchdown carries. The Bills need to still fix this area.
Offensive line shuffles
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Bates . (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The depth along Buffalo’s offensive line had some movement throughout the game.
Getting the start at left tackle in New England… was not Dion Dawkins. Despite coming off the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday, Spencer Brown still was on the left side.
Later on, Dawkins did eventually get in the lineup. That’s because guard Ike Boettger was carted off due to an Achilles injury.
Whether Dawkins was ready for it or not, he had to play and stepped up for his team and they needed it. Buffalo was also down Jon Feliciano who remained on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Isaiah, Stef get involved
Isaiah McKenzie #19 of the Buffalo Bills . (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
The Bills were down Cole Beasley due to his placement on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. In his place, Isaiah McKenzie showed he’s more than capable to fill in his spot.
McKenzie factored into the Buffalo game plan both as a pass catcher and rusher. McKenzie had a career-high 11 catches and led the Bills with 125 catches. One went for a touchdown.
Speaking of touchdowns, Stefon Diggs had one as well. Right behind McKenzie was Diggs in the Bills’ totals was the No. 1 wideout with seven grabs for 85 yards.
Both players really paced Buffalo offense.
Bills pull out a close one
Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Entering Week 16, the Bills were a league worst 0-5 in one-score games. While 33-21 is not a single-score final, it is still a close one.
Up 26-21 late, Buffalo’s offense slammed the door shut. The Bills and quarterback Josh Allen drove the field, put the ball in the end zone, and ended New England’s hopes.
Such a win should give this team some confidence that they can pull out the victory when a contest is tight… and just in time for the playoffs.
1
1
