FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots salvaged their season with a surprising 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon, impacting not just the dynamics of their final regular-season standings but also their future draft positioning.
After losing six consecutive games, the Patriots (4-13) took to the field hoping to end the season on a high note, albeit at the risk of sacrificing the coveted No. 1 overall pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. Coach Jerod Mayo made the bold decision to bench rookie quarterback Drake Maye after just one series, bringing Joe Milton III onto the field for his NFL debut. Milton seized the opportunity, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, tossing one touchdown and adding another on the ground.
Milton’s impressive performance was highlighted by his backflip celebration following a 1-yard touchdown run, sending fans at Gillette Stadium aflame with excitement. He also connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 48-yard touchdown pass, helping the Patriots establish an early lead. Boutte had seven catches for 117 yards, becoming one of Milton’s primary targets throughout the game.
The game was filled with moments of drama, particularly for Bills punter Sam Martin, who was on the verge of receiving a $100,000 bonus tied to his performance. Late in the third quarter, Martin executed nearly the perfect punt, which was saved from the end zone by Ja’Marcus Ingram, allowing the Bills to down the ball on the Patriots’ 6-yard line. This helped Martin achieve his goal for the season, as he concluded with 25 punts placed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
On the other side of the ball, the Bills, already locked in as the No. 2 seed for the playoffs, opted to rest many key starters. Quarterback Josh Allen only took one snap, handing off to James Cook, who advanced his production with his 16th touchdown of the season, tying him with O.J. Simpson for the franchise record. Cook rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and was instrumental as the Bills wrapped up the regular season with a 13-4 record.
While taking advantage of their playoff position, Bills coach Sean McDermott played some starters to allow the team to earn individual incentives, including Von Miller, who used his first snap to secure his $1.5 million bonus with his sixth sack of the season. Miller's ability to make necessary plays not only earned him rewards but bolstered his team's defensive momentum during the game.
Despite all the individual achievements, the game’s outcome has significant repercussions for the Patriots. By winning, they slipped from the No. 1 pick, previously secured if they had lost, dropping to No. 4 overall, falling behind teams like Tennessee, Cleveland, and New York Giants. This could impact the direction of the franchise as it looks to revamp its roster for future seasons.
The tension surrounding Coach Jerod Mayo heightened with the win, as speculation grows about his future heading the Patriots. Mayo’s gamble on switching quarterbacks mid-game could either be seen as astute or reckless, depending on management's assessment of the situation. Fans are left contemplating whether this victory, though seemingly inconsequential, may affect Mayo's fate within the organization.
The Bills' postseason is set, as they will host the No. 7 seed from the AFC next weekend, potentially facing teams like the Broncos, Dolphins, or Bengals. They move forward with optimism and energy, having achieved records and personal milestones as they gear up for the playoff grind.
While both teams now transition from the regular season, the Patriots will inevitably carry the weight of their choices over the coming months. Decisions about their coaching staff, player development, and future strategies loom large as they prepare for the offseason and beyond.