The Patriots came to play to today. Contrary to what most thought, the Patriots did not roll over and play dead. They competed for four quarters. In the end, they were beat by a superior team.

Things got off to a bad start when the Patriots gave up a 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to Nyheim Hines to open the game. It looked like it was going to be a blowout but the Patriots responded. After going three and out on their first possession and punting on their second possession, Mac Jones led them on a 9 play, 74 yard drive that was capped off by a spectacular Jakobi Meyers touchdown catch.

The Bills responded by retaking the lead but the Patriots showed tremendous resolve and were able to tie the game right before the half when Jones hit DeVante Parker on a two yard touchdown pass.

After going into the break tied at 14, the Patriots took the lead  on a Nick Folk field goal but that would be as good as it gets. On the ensuing kickoff, Hines struck again returning the kick 101 yards for a touchdown, his second of the game. That was the beginning of the end for the Patriots.

Two Josh Allen big play touchdown passes to Stefon Diggs and John Brown put a bow on things and dashed the Patriots hopes of an upset and a playoff birth.

Some will say that giving up two kickoff return touchdowns proved to be the difference but I beg to differ. Buffalo is the better football and they would have still won this game regardless.

Give the Patriots credit for weathering the emotional storm and playing tough. In the end however, it wasn’t enough. The divide between these two is as a wide as ever.

The Patriots can raise their heads up high but the fact is, their season is over despite leaving it all out there.