The Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 23-16 to wrap up the 2024 season. With the win, the Patriots finished 4-13 for the second consecutive season and in the process cost themselves a shot at the number one pick. With the win, the Patriots will now be picking fourth behind the Titans, Browns and Giants.

Jerod Mayo was fired after the game so that will now be the main story.

Here are seven thoughts on the game.

1. Jerod Mayo fired: The Patriots wasted no time in firing Jerod Mayo an hour after the game. We will have more on the Mayo firing throughout the evening. It is obvious that Robert Kraft had made up his mind prior to today.

2. Number one pick out the window: With a loss, the Patriots would have secured the number one pick. Instead, they won and in the process fell three spots to the fourth pick. It was a disappointing result for a franchise that needs all of the draft capital it can get it’s hands on. Patriots fans were certainly not happy after the game.

3. Joe Milton shines: Some will say Joe Milton cost the Patriots but he was outstanding today. Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards. He threw a touchdown pass and he rushed for one as well. It was a great performance by a young quarterback with a lot of upside. So much upside in fact that it would be a surprise if they did not get offers for him this off-season.

4. Boutte shines: Kayshon Boutte caught 7 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown and he had arguably his best game of the season. It was a much needed performance for a player who has the talent but needs to be more consistent.

5. Back ups step up: The back ups stepped in and played well today. As much as everyone wanted to win this game, today was just as important to the depth guys from an evaluation standpoint. Putting out good film was important and they did that. Obviously it is to be determined who makes the decisions regarding the roster moving forward but the players under contract acquitted themselves well.

6. Half empty stadium: As to be expected, Gillette Stadium was half empty today. It was to be expected in a game everyone in New England wanted the team to lose. It is also why Kraft ultimately fired Mayo. He just could not stand by and idly watch what was happening anymore.

7. Fans get their wish: For the fans who were clamoring for Mayo to get fired, they got their wish. Their angst was at all-time high after the game. The fans clearly were not happy and they voiced that frustration after the game. They got their wish. The Patriots will have a new coach in 2025.