Patriots Blow Out Bills 34-3
Bills lose 15th straight to division nemesis.
by Steve Saslow
at
Week 16
Patriots  34
Bills   3
Gameday Grades
The Skinny:
New England came to Buffalo and dominated the Bills again on their way to a 34-3 victory. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball away twice. C.J. Spiller also lost two fumbles in the blowout loss. The Bills opened the scoring by driving down the field on the back of Fred Jackson who ran for 50 of his 81 yards on the opening possession. They were held to a field goal and that was it. New England dominated the rest of the game as Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes, two to Buffalo area native Bob Gronkowski.

The Turning Point:
After the Patriots first touchdown the Bills immediately moved the ball down the field and were in the red zone. Fitzpatrick was sacked and fumbled the ball away ending the Bills last big threat to re-take the lead.

The Big Drive:
After the fumble the Patriots took control of the game. They went 80 yards in 9 plays mixing in the run with the pass. Local boy TE Rob Gronkowski caught a 23 yard pass to set up his 8 yard touchdown catch. They also ran for 34 yards on the drive.

Stat of the Game:
7 turnovers by the Bills, none by New England.

What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
A lot, the stats were even but the Patriots totally dominated the game.

Quick Slants:
- Stevie Johnson had a chance for a touchdown but couldn't get his feet down inbounds on the opening possession.
- Brady went deep on his first pass and had the local TE Gronkowski wide open but the pass was a little short. A good pass and they had a score.
- The Patriots had 163 yards rushing in the first half.
- The Bills ran for 67 yards on the opening possession and then threw on three straight passes on the second series.

My Take:
The Bills always get blown out by the Patriots in the second game of the year and this was no different. Since I was dealing with a blizzard here in the New York area I was not able to give my full attention to this game. At least the Bills made it easy for me not to.

What's Ahead:
The Bills close the season by heading to the new Meadowlands stadium for the first time to play the Jets. There last chance to play the role of spoilers.

Gameballs

  • Fred Jackson - He had 81 yards on just 13 carries.


  • Goats
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick - Five turnovers. Ouch.
  • Paul Posluszny - He can't cover anybody. Beaten by Agle Crumpler for a score.
  • C.J. Spiller - He fumbled twice.
  • Stevie Johnson - Didn't make the plays that were their for the taking early when the game was still a game.


  • Player Of The Week
  • Fred Jackson - It's a shame he couldn't be used more.


  • Positional Breakdown and Grades
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