The stage was set for a blowout. The New England Patriots went into one of the NFL’s most hostile environments as 14.5-point underdogs, missing multiple starters on defense, having lost four straight, and going against one of the hottest teams in football.
And yet, they gave the Buffalo Bills all they could handle on Sunday. In fact, the game — which ended as a 24-21 Buffalo win — was there for the taking.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, they were unable to sustain their strong first-half play. After intermission, they turned back into a pumpkin, and were subsequently ground into a fine pulp by both the Bills and by their own miscues.