Patriots Defeat Bills
Buffalo Bills Lose 29-26 to New England Patriots Despite Strong Performances
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The Buffalo Bills' undefeated streak ended 29-26 against the New England Patriots on October 5, marking Joe Brady's first loss as head coach. Despite strong performances from running back James Cook and quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo couldn't hold a 26-21 lead with 4:27 remaining. Island Packet reported that Drake Maye led New England on an 8-play, 73-yard drive in the final minutes, throwing a 23-yard touchdown to Efton Chism with 1:50 left to secure the victory.
The loss dropped Buffalo to 3-1 in the AFC East and handed New England the head-to-head tiebreaker at 2-2. Kansas.com noted that Allen set a franchise record for touchdowns from scrimmage but threw a costly fourth-quarter interception into coverage that sealed the defeat. Injuries to cornerbacks Christian Benford and Dee Alford, plus defensive lineman Ed Oliver, weakened Buffalo's defense when it mattered most.
Cook Dominates But Limited Carries Frustrate
James Cook rushed 12 times for 75 yards and an 8-yard touchdown, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. According to the analysis, Cook ranked second in the NFL with 421 rushing yards for the season. Critics questioned why Brady didn't feed his most effective weapon more often given those numbers.
Keon Coleman added a 34-yard touchdown reception that put Buffalo ahead 26-21 late in the third quarter. Despite these offensive weapons performing, Buffalo managed only 19 first downs and 340 total yards against a Patriots team that accumulated 405 yards and 26 first downs.
Allen Sets Record But Forces Fatal Late Throw
Josh Allen completed 23 passes for 253 yards and broke Buffalo's franchise record for touchdowns from scrimmage. However, his late-game decision proved costly. Allen said afterward: "I mean, just a flood concept. They went man. Made a guy miss. Threw one up. Should throw that out of bounds and live another day." That interception into triple coverage with under two minutes left handed New England the victory.
Coach Brady took full responsibility for the collapse. He told Spectrum News 1 Buffalo: "I'm trusting that if it's not there, he'll throw it away... In those moments, I got to be better." Brady also called Buffalo's five total turnovers "unacceptable" and said they reflected his coaching.
Maye Answers Critics With Clutch Drive
Drake Maye completed 22 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns despite throwing two first-half interceptions. The Patriots entered the game facing criticism after a 1-2 start with six interceptions through three weeks. Maye orchestrated New England's game-winning drive in the final moments, leading an 8-play, 73-yard march downfield.
Efton Chism caught the decisive 23-yard touchdown reception with 1:50 remaining. Chism told the Associated Press: "Shoot, when I'm out there and the ball is in the air, I kind of black out. Drake gave me an opportunity and you have to come down with those opportunities." Patriots coach Mike Vrabel praised his quarterback, saying Maye "went toe to toe with Josh Allen."
Secondary Injuries Exposed Bills Defense Down Stretch
Buffalo's secondary collapsed in the final quarter after cornerbacks Christian Benford and Dee Alford exited with injuries. Alford intercepted Maye and returned it 37 yards in the second quarter, setting up a 27-yard field goal that helped build Buffalo's halftime lead. His early exit in the third quarter removed a key coverage player when New England needed to score.
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's unit allowed 405 total yards and couldn't stop Maye's final drive. The combined losses of Benford, Alford, and defensive tackle Ed Oliver left Buffalo stretched thin. Kansas.com reported that these injuries on the secondary significantly impacted Buffalo's ability to cover New England's receivers in crucial moments.
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