Closer than anyone would have liked
The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been written. So let’s add some “illustrations!” If you’re new to Plays That Defined, this isn’t a highlight recap, but rather a cathartic retelling of the past season, chapter by chapter.
Don’t vote for your favorite play necessarily, vote for the one that best represents that game’s narrative. I’ll recap the game to refresh your memory, but don’t feel locked in by my narrative.
Chapter 16: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills sat at 11-3 and were hosting the lowly 3-11 New England Patriots. A blowout win was the expectation. But the Bills decided to tempt fate instead. Remember the all-red Color Rush uniforms? Originally, teams weren’t supposed to mix and match with their non-Color Rush kits, but apparently that rule either expired, Buffalo sought special permission, or it was never a rule to begin with.
The Bills elected to pair their red jerseys with white pants to host New England, which looks pretty much exactly like the Patriots’ throwbacks. The football gods didn’t like this insult and cursed Buffalo to start off slow. They recovered and had a hell of a second half to win, but the game was closer than anyone would have predicted.
Drake Maye’s passing touchdown (Q1; 12:06)
I elected to show a Drake Maye passing touchdown (he had two) because he had the best day as a passer in Western New York on this date. This play was certainly highlight worthy and showed off a Patriots team that simply hadn’t been showing up the rest of the season.
James Cook’s long touchdown (Q2; 12:05)
Statistically, a lot of numbers favor New England’s offense, but the run game was mostly tilted toward Buffalo in large part thanks to the effort of running back James Cook. A first-down run is intended to stay on schedule, but Cook broke through the clutter to go way ahead of schedule. In a game that featured only two offensive touchdowns for the Bills, this was a pretty big deal.
Allen’s interception (Q2; 8:19)
Being candid, the interception itself is not a concern. What was a concern was the frequency in which New England made a stop on third down. Buffalo faced 11 third downs and converted a mere four of them. The fact this started on 3rd & 16 is a testament to Buffalo’s overall struggle.
Taron Johnson’s fumble recovery touchdown (Q4; 10:17)
It’s not that the Bills would have lost the game for sure had this not happened, but it certainly raises the question. There’s no real question about the play of the defense. After allowing scores on the first two drives, they didn’t allow another until the final Pats drive. Three second half turnovers were the highlights and this one for sure the best of the trio. This is all despite some major hiccups, which we’ll discuss…
Kaiir Elam’s defensive pass interference (Q4; 1:54)
…now.
This was Kaiir Elam’s second defensive pass interference call.
On this drive.
With goal to go. New England had nine attempts at a score starting four yards from the end zone. Elam’s mistakes were a major factor in the Patriots having so many chances from point-blank range. Elam wasn’t alone either. Buffalo had 13 assessed penalties, which included five defensive pass interference flags.