Josh Allen put the league on notice as the Bills pull off improbable comeback against the Patriots, plus other takeaways
What a win by the Buffalo Bills.
The Buffalo Bills, despite all the odds, pulled out the comeback once again. This time, it was a thrilling 21-point comeback against the division rival New England Patriots.
It was thanks to a stellar performance from quarterback Josh Allen and a second-half wake-up call on the offense and defense that helped lead the team to victory.
That’s not to say the game was perfect; the team put on an ugly first-half performance, and many on social media were talking about a regime change if the score kept up. It seemed like quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense would score on every possession.
Josh Allen and the offense wake up in the second half
Josh Allen, take a bow. My goodness, how fun it is to watch No. 17 go to work? The reigning MVP reminded the league that he is the best at doing it, helping lead his team to five straight touchdowns in the second half to secure the victory for Buffalo.
Allen did his damage with his arm and his legs, finishing the day going 19 for 28 for 193 yards and three touchdowns in the air while adding 11 carries for 48 yards on the ground.
In the first half, Buffalo had 14 total yards in the first quarter and didn’t have a first down. With four minutes left in the first half, the team had negative passing yards, and the Patriots outgained the Bills 285-76 in the first half. It was an ugly, abysmal performance to start the game.
That’s what makes the victory that much more impressive; they turned everything around when the game mattered most and pulled out one of the most thrilling wins of the season.
Have a day, James Cook and Dawson Knox
A large part of the offense came from running back James Cook, who also put the team on his back and helped pull out the victory. It was a game in which Buffalo didn’t turn the ball over, despite some recent issues with Cook fumbling the ball.
Cook found the end zone three times, two times as a rusher and once as a pass catcher. The elite running back finished his day with 22 carries for 107 yards while adding two catches for four yards.
It was Cook’s fourth career game with a rushing and receiving touchdown, trailing only Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson for the most in team history.
For tight end Dawson Knox, he just welcomed a new baby into the world and capped it off with a stellar performance. Knox had three catches for 37 yards, finding the end zone twice. With his second touchdown, Knox became the new franchise leader for the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in team history.
Defense struggled once again to stop the run
While cornerback Tre’Davious White had an interception and defensive end Joey Bosa sealed the game with a tipped pass, the defense was gashed on the ground nearly all game. Stopping the run is one of the biggest issues the team faces, and it was evident on Sunday.
The Patriots ran roughshod on the Bills, totaling almost 250 yards on the ground and allowing four touchdowns. It’s the most rushing touchdowns the Bills have allowed in a season under head coach Sean McDermott.
Buffalo was shorthanded in the matchup, down its best defender, cornerback Christian Benford, but still made some stops in key moments to help seal the victory.
In the end, Buffalo walked out with the win that matters most, keeping pace in the AFC and once again proving it can respond when its back is against the wall. If Sunday showed anything, it’s that the margin for error is shrinking.
The Bills have the star power in Allen to erase almost any deficit, but fixing the issues that put them there in the first place will determine how far this team can go when the playoffs begin.
Buffalo Bills News
Hailee Steinfeld breaks the news that changes everything for her and Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen in the best way possible
A huge congratulations goes out to the happy couple.
