Patriots beat Bills 29-26 on late Maye touchdown, ending Buffalo's unbeaten start
New England pulled within a game of AFC East-leading Buffalo, which suffered its first loss of the season.
What we know
- The New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 29-26 at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, moving to 2-2 while Buffalo fell to 3-1. [1]
- Patriots quarterback Drake Maye went 22 of 37 for 269 yards with three touchdown passes and one interception. [1]
- Bills quarterback Josh Allen went 23 of 33 for 253 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception. [1]
- Maye's touchdown pass to receiver Efton Chism with 1:50 left put New England ahead, according to The Associated Press. [2]
- Not yet confirmed: The extent of the injuries to Bills player DJ Moore (shoulder), Bills tackle Ed Oliver (knee) and Patriots player Mack Hollins (calf) was not reported.
The New England Patriots rallied past the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills 29-26 on Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The win moved New England to 2-2 and left Buffalo at 3-1 atop the AFC East, according to the box score [1] and The Associated Press [2].
Quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes and finished 22 of 37 for 269 yards, with one interception, and also ran eight times for 54 yards [1]. Romeo Doubs caught touchdown passes of 2 and 14 yards, and Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 1-yard run, the AP reported [2]. Tight end Hunter Henry led New England with five catches for 62 yards [1].
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen was 23 of 33 for 253 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception [1]. Keon Coleman had six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, and James Cook ran 12 times for 75 yards and a score [1]. Allen also scored on a 2-yard run that tied the game at 14 late in the first half. The AP said it was the 88th touchdown from scrimmage of Allen's career, a Bills record previously held by Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed [2].
The game turned in the final two minutes. Buffalo led 26-21 after Allen's 34-yard touchdown pass to Coleman. Maye then led an eight-play, 73-yard drive and threw a one-handed touchdown catch to Chism on third-and-5 with 1:50 left, the AP reported [2].
Allen's interception ended Buffalo's last possession. With about a minute left and the ball at the Buffalo 40, Allen escaped a sack attempt by Dre'Mont Jones and threw deep for Josh Palmer. Craig Woodson intercepted the pass, according to the AP [2]. "Should have thrown that one out of bounds and live another day. That's what I should have done," Allen said [2].
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said of the win: "Gets us back in the race." It was the first loss under Bills coach Joe Brady and the first at Buffalo's new stadium, the AP reported [2]. The AP also reported that Moore left in the first half with a shoulder injury and Oliver was sidelined by a knee injury. Hollins left with a calf injury [2].
New England hosts Las Vegas next Sunday. Buffalo plays at the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, Oct. 12 [2].