In a game that quarterback Cam Newton called a "must win", the hobbled, short-handed New England Patriots dropped a 24-21 decision to the host Buffalo Bills, as they have now lost four straight games for the first time since 2002, Bill Belichick's third year as head coach.
The Patriots drop to 2-5, creating a major obstacle for any hopes to qualify for the playoffs. The Patriots have made the playoffs each of the past 11 seasons and 16 of the past 17.
The Patriots showed more fight than they had in prior weeks, and were in position to either win or tie in the final minute before Newton fumbled it away.