Buffalo Bills (12-3) – New England Patriots (3-12): 24-21
James Cook (126 cumulative yards, 2 touchdowns) held the house for the Bills. Josh Allen (16/29, 154 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception, 28 yards rushing) was far from his level of last week. Already winners of their division, Sean McDermott's men lacked motivation and concentration. Jostled at the start of the match, they nevertheless did what was necessary to win against the Patriots who were aggressive in the first half.
New England played a good half of the game before sinking. Undermined by the loss of balls from Drake Maye (22/36, 260 yards, 2 TDs, 1 interception, 1 fumble) and Rhamondre Stevenson (60 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble), they nevertheless played free, they who did not have nothing else in their sights other than the draft. The difference in level and talent was too great, see you next year for Drake Maye and company.
Attractive Patriots surprise Bills
From the outset, the Patriots play without complexes. A pass interference gives them a good position in the Bills camp. Drake Maye takes advantage, he lets go of his arm and finds Kayshon Boutte for a perfect touchdown. The defense is also in place and forces Josh Allen's offense to come out after three attempts. Rhamondre Stevenson has ants in his legs, Maye distributes and New England is in a good position to score again.
And it's Stevenson who finds the way to the goal. It was then that James Cook found a gap for a 46-yard touchdown which woke up his team. The defense closes ranks and forces a punt. But Josh Allen snaps and throws a bomb towards the end zone and the hands of…Marte Mapu, Pats safety. Despite a conversion on a fake puntNew England does not capitalize and gives the ball back. The score remains there and the visitors lead 14 to 7.
James Cook spearheads the less flashy Buffalo Bills
The Bills return from the locker room with better intentions. In the oven and at the mill, James Cook receives a pass from Josh Allen to equalize. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Stevenson released the leather and Buffalo added three points to take control. And things don't get better because Drake Maye is intercepted by Cam Lewis.
Despite opportunities, the Bills do not make the break and find themselves punting. However, in a slightly confused action, Maye and Stevenson lost the ball. It rolls to the end zone and Taron Johnson covers it: Bills touchdown. From then on, the match is over. Hunter Henry catches a touchdown a minute from time but Buffalo wins 24-21, without shining.
