FOXBOROUGH — Joe Milton made quite the splash with his NFL debut, guiding the New England Patriots to a hard-fought 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Gillette Stadium. This game, characterized by its low attendance and preseason-like atmosphere, held significant stakes for both teams—particularly the Titans, who benefitted from the Patriots' win.
Milton, now the rookie quarterback for New England, completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, throwing for one touchdown and scoring another on the ground. This performance was remarkable considering it was not only his first start but also his inaugural regular-season action at the quarterback position. Milton's impressive stats stand out even more against the backdrop of his past season at the University of Tennessee, where he completed over 20 touchdown passes.
Despite the victory, it was not the outcome the Titans desired. The Patriots’ win improved their season record to 4-13, and it assured the Tennessee Titans the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Had the Patriots lost, they would have owned the top selection. With the Titans now sitting at the top of the draft order, speculation runs rampant over their potential strategy—whether to draft one of the promising quarterbacks like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or perhaps select standout Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.
Milton’s performance has sparked discussions about his future potential within the NFL. While many viewed him as just another sixth-round pick, he showcased capabilities during the game—most prominently his mobility and ability to make difficult throws. He delivered a standout moment by hitting Kayshon Boutte for a spectacular 48-yard touchdown pass on the move, showing he has the tools to succeed at this level.
The Bill’s decisions on Sunday were equally strategic, as they sat many starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, to prepare for the playoffs. While this made the game feel somewhat devoid of high stakes, it didn’t lessen the intensity for the Patriots who were striving for their pride after struggling through this season.
Throughout the game, Milton displayed formidable poise, which is something the Patriots need moving forward. With the season encumbered by injuries and inconsistent quarterback play—further highlighted by starter Will Levis, who struggled all year—Milton’s arrival might signal hope for the franchise.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, the game also marked significant changes within their organization. Following the disappointing season, head coach Jerod Mayo’s position appears tenuous. Reportedly, the Kraft family, who showed great faith by appointing him as the successor to Bill Belichick, might be reconsidering. ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned, "Now, all along the Kraft family has wanted to stand by him and give him support..." indicating tensions within the organization.
Fans at the stadium experienced mixed emotions—they rallied for the Patriots, only to inadvertently cheer for the Bills when plays aided their draft position. It was a strange scene as they found themselves shifting allegiances throughout the game. Some even high-fived as the Bills scored, their loyalties torn between wanting immediate victory and the long-term benefit of the Patriots.
Following the game, Milton expressed optimism about his future, stating, "I feel like today was a great step in the right direction.” These words resonate particularly for the New England team, which has frequently relied on unexpected players to step up as they regroup after this underwhelming 2024 season.
With the Titans now facing their own set of decisions with their top draft pick and the Patriots left to evaluate their coaching staff and quarterback situation, this game has proven pivotal. The storyline surrounding Milton may very well redefine the team's outlook as they navigate the offseason and prepare for what lies ahead.