The New England Patriots put together their best half of the season on Sunday. But everything fell apart after that, and after a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the score was 3-12 this year.

The Patriots made an impression with their good initial performance. But that goodwill went up in smoke when three turnovers ruined the strong start and put the game out of reach.

Here’s what media in New England, Buffalo and across the NFL are saying after Sunday’s game:

Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

“With questions aplenty, the Patriots certainly fought for Jerod Mayo on Sunday, taking a 14-0 lead in Buffalo and fighting valiantly, if somewhat sloppily, in a 24-21 loss. Plus, Drake Maye will be a star as long as New England can get some things (most things?) right around him.

Mark Gaughan, Buffalo News

“I’ll tell you what: Bills aren’t going to get many sacks on Drake Maye in the next 10 years. I lost track of his evasive maneuvers tonight.”

Jay Skurski, Buffalo News

“I watched Sean McDermott a lot – basically after every game he ever coached for the Bills. That could be more annoying after a win than I’ve ever experienced.

Mike Reiss, ESPN

“Could staying close to the Bills be a sign of a better future? Yes. Having come into the game with three wins and long since been eliminated from playoff contention, this was the kind of ice-cold away game against a top opponent that could have quickly turned ugly for first-year coach Jerod Mayo & Co. Instead, the Patriots set the winning tone by controlling the clock and the line of scrimmage in the first half for a 14-7 lead at the break. However, against a more talented team, they were unable to maintain the momentum in the second half.”

Matt Parrino, NYUP.com

“McDermott said the Bills played a sloppy game against the Patriots in the first half and they had to clean up in the box after accepting 13 penalties against New England.”

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

“New England came into the game with a good game plan on both sides of the ball, executed it pretty well outside of James Cook’s long TD run, and took control of the game in the locker room at halftime. But then things fell apart.”

Ryan Talbot, NYUP.com

“Early in the game, Buffalo looked like the three-win team while the Patriots came out flying on both sides of the ball. … Buffalo was able to get within one score in the first half and then flipped the script in the second half.”

Nicole Yang, Boston Globe

“Maye is clearly promising and playful on offense. The unit appears to be improving despite its lack of talent on the offensive line and wide receiver room and despite some questionable play-calling from coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

“But the group showed enough competency to at least try to convert on those crucial fourth downs. And the three-win Patriots should be more willing to do that.”

John Breech, CBS Sports

“Basically, the Patriots put the final nail in their own coffin. Bad teams are good at finding a way to lose, and the Patriots were a perfect example of that in Week 16.”

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald

“The Patriots had their best opening drive of the season and then had one of their best overall drives of the Jerod Mayo era.

“Then they didn’t score again until there was 1:13 left in the fourth quarter.”

Evan Lazar, Patriots.com

“Good performance from the Patriots in the first half, but they can’t keep it up in a 24-21 loss to the Bills. Much more competitive play than many predicted. Still, similar mistakes from the Pats that we have seen all season lead to 3-12.”

Chad Finn, Boston Globe

“Mayes’ myriad attributes on the field (an excellent fastball with deft passing touch, exceptional poise, more skilled running than any Patriots quarterback since Steve Grogan) and off it (his accountability and authentic positivity, even when he must continually improve to the best he can be). talent around him) has rightly convinced Patriots fans that a franchise quarterback has been found.”

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