The first time the New England Patriots went up against the Buffalo Bills this season they called only three pass plays. Windy conditions at Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium in combination with a favorable game script allowed the team to rely on its running game to shorten the contest and keep the pressure away from rookie quarterback Mac Jones.
The second matchup between the two AFC East rivals, meanwhile, went differently. Buffalo started hot and by the half held a 17-7 lead. The Patriots were forced to throw the football against one of the best pass defenses in football, and it did not go well.