NFL: What we learned in the Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots game
The Buffalo Bills kept it close in the first half against the New England Patriots, but the Patriots pulled away late in a 37-16 win.
The Patriots once again have been bailed out by the officials a couple of times. The first time was in the first half when Kelvin Benjamin originally had 4-yard touchdown reception but it was overturned because of instant replay. It seemed as if he dragged both toes in bounds but that wasn't the case.
Buffalo would have been leading 17-13 at the half instead of tied at 13. Benjamin had a good day with five receptions for 70 yards. The second time was when Trae Elston was trying to play the ball on Rob Gronkowski, but Buffalo was called for pass interference and it eventually led to a 1-yard touchdown run by Mike Gillislee in the third quarter.
Gillislee finished with 28 rushing yards on six carries and a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 15 yards receiving. The Patriots leading rusher was Dion Lewis with 129 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Lewis also caught five passes for 24 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Tom Brady was quiet completing 21-of-28 passes for 224 yards two touchdowns and one interception. His interception was thrown in the second-quarter Jordan Poyer and he returned it 19 yards for a touchdown.
Rob Gronkowski was the Patriots leading receiver for the Patriots with five receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.
As for the Bills offensively, LeSean McCoy was outstanding. He rushed for 71 yards on 17 carries and caught five passes for 76 yards receiving. Deonte Thompson was the Bills leading receiver with 91 yards on four receptions.
Tyrod Taylor was alright with completing 21-of-38 passes for 281 yards. He also rushed for 16 yards. Taylor missed some throws. He was below average in the second half. Taylor didn't step up when the pressure tightened.
Steven Hauschka made three field goals for the Bills (41, 23, and 30 yards). He missed a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth when the game was only 23-16 Patriots. Stephen Gostkowski made three field goals for the Patriots (21, 40, and 34 yards).
The Bills will be on the road in the season finale against the Miami Dolphins (6-9). Buffalo needs a win next week and some help to get into the playoffs. The Patriots will host the New York Jets (5-10) in the season finale next Sunday.