After a surprising 14-0 lead over the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots lost their fifth straight game and fell to 3-12 on the season.

The Patriots played aggressively in the first half, including a fake punt on fourth-and-2, but the Bills scored 24 unanswered points and defeated the Patriots 24-21 on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.

This squad certainly has some bright spots, but also some challenges. Let’s take a look at the headlines from the Patriots’ loss to the Bills.

SUPPORT
Drake Maye
Maye made his trademark mistake by throwing an interception at the Bills’ one-yard line. But otherwise he was solid under center.

The Patriots’ rookie threw for 260 yards on 23 of 36 passes with a touchdown to Kayshon Boutte on New England’s first drive for a quick 7-0 lead. Maye also rushed for 31 yards on six carries, including a 10-yard scramble for a first down in the first quarter. He added a second passing touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the Patriots within three points, 24-21.

Play call for the first half
The Patriots have been criticized all season for their lack of creative play. In the first half, New England did the exact opposite, taking advantage of Maye’s skills and even shocking Buffalo with a fake punt.

While it’s unknown whether head coach Jerod Mayo or offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt deserves credit for the Patriots’ stellar first half, the question remains: Why did the coaching staff wait until Week 16 to show aggressiveness and creativity?Yes?

Idiots
Marte Mapu
Mapu could have decided the game when he intercepted Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s pass in the end zone in the second quarter.

But instead of kneeling for the touchback, Mapu attempted to run the ball out of the end zone and was tackled at the Patriots’ 1-yard line. The New England safety’s faux pas left both broadcasters and fans scratching their heads over the game.

Patriots rushing game
The Patriots simply couldn’t counter the Bills’ defense. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson rushed for a total of 88 yards on 22 carries, with only Stevenson reaching the back of the end zone. New England’s offense managed just 127 total rushing yards, with Maye being second on the team behind Stevenson with 31 yards from the signal caller.

Patriots turnovers
New England’s three turnovers slowed its offense in the second half and led to 10 Buffalo points.

With 14:14 left in the third quarter, Greg Rousseau forced a Stevenson fumble, which led to the Bills’ Tyler Bass kicking a 50-yard field goal, giving Buffalo its first lead of the game.

The second fumble was recovered for a touchdown by Bills cornerback Taron Johnson, giving Buffalo a 24-12 lead.

New England will conclude the 2024 season with a two-game home game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 and a rematch against the Bills in Week 18.