After falling to the New England Patriots in Week 13, the Buffalo Bills headed into Gillette Stadium with a vengeance on Sunday and topped New England 33-21 to step back into the drivers seat in the AFC East.
Coming into Sunday’s matchup, it was almost a must-win for the Bills to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Patriots came in with a one-game advantage in the AFC East, and a win over the Bills would have secured New England a playoff spot and be one game away from winning the division.
Isaiah McKenzie had the game of his life against the Patriots, taking over for Cole Beasley who was placed on the COVID-19 list in Week 16, and catching a team-high 11 receptions for 125-yards and a touchdown in the win.
After 2020’s four-touchdown outing, Josh Allen played another outstanding game at Gillette Stadium, finishing 30 of 47 for 314 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Allen also led all Bills in rushing today with 12 carries for 64 yards.
When the two teams met up three weeks ago, the Patriots ran all over the Bills, but on Sunday, Buffalo held New England to a total of 149 rushing yards, with 103 of those coming from Damien Harris who also scored all three of the Pats touchdowns. Mac Jones finished 14 of 32 for 145 yards and two interceptions.
The Bills and Patriots both move to 9-6 on the season.
GAME RECAP LINKS:
- Isaiah McKenzie, aggressive Bills offense take back 1st in AFC East in 33-21 win over Patriots (report card) (Syracuse.com)
- Bills 33, Patriots 21 | Game recap, highlights & photos (BuffaloBills.com)
- Buffalo Bills 33, New England Patriots 21: Rapid recap and notes (BuffaloRumblings.com)
- Bills’ Josh Allen becomes ninth quarterback in NFL history with 100 touchdown passes in first four seasons (BuffaloNews.com)
MEDIA:
BILLS WIN!! #BUFvsNE | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/yTINpvXiKn
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
FINAL: @buffaloBills win a crucial matchup in Week 16! #BUFvsNE #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4L1ANF5smO
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021
HUGE win for the @BuffaloBills on the road as they take over 1st place in the AFC East! pic.twitter.com/mgzRdfOeMw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 26, 2021
KNOX KNOX…
WHO’S THERE!?!?
FIRST PLACE IN THE AFC EAST!!!!#BillsMafia
— Duffy on WCMF (@DuffyOnWCMF) December 26, 2021
“We’ve had an up-and-down season. We’re finding our groove right now. We got two more games left, and the next one’s the most important.”
After reclaiming first place in the AFC East, Josh Allen is focused on closing out the @BuffaloBills season on top.
? @EvanWashburn pic.twitter.com/HJ9BqGZZMA
— NFL on CBS ? (@NFLonCBS) December 26, 2021
#Shoutout: Josh Allen has 131 total touchdowns in his career, the second-most in #NFL history in a player's first four seasons behind Dan Marino's 144 TDs. pic.twitter.com/JvJB8bhFlH
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 26, 2021
And to all a big dub! @OxfordPennant | https://t.co/LZQzQB6HJz pic.twitter.com/NOEheXKus3
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Josh Allen delivered a brutal reality check to Patriots. The reality is this – NE can't truly be successful if Allen can run roughshod through Foxboro. Last two games @ Gillette:
57-83
7 touchdowns
634 yards
99 yards rushing
71 points— Wildes (@kevinwildes) December 26, 2021
They’re back. Passing all the time. Aggressive on 4th. 30+ points against a great defense, and shoulda had more. They’re back.
— Jeremy White (@JeremyWGR) December 26, 2021
Today was Bill Belichick's 392nd game with the Patriots — and the first time his defense didn't force a single punt.
A historic performance by Josh Allen and the Bills.
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 26, 2021
QB Josh Allen: The offensive line must’ve liked their Christmas presents, because they played great today. I’m so happy for them and our team to go on the road and get this win. #BUFvsNE pic.twitter.com/iolBaug2U9
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
With their win, the @BuffaloBills climb back to the top of the AFC East.
Will they claim the division crown?! #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4voc2CZJfp
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 26, 2021
Stefon Diggs tells a Patriots fan to STFU post-TD. #Bills fans are ready to offer the star receiver a lifetime contract after that.
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) December 26, 2021
Stefon Diggs scores a TD.
Points to a few Patriots fans: “You, you, you, you, and you: Shut the f*** up." pic.twitter.com/DTKzWQB5kt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 26, 2021
Santa brought us everything we wanted.#BUFvsNE | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/bEqwRCCeYI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing SHOUT for all to hear. #BUFvsNE | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/DVvDd6QOSi
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
With two interceptions today, #Bills safety Micah Hyde triggered a $500,000 contract bonus. Hyde needed five interceptions on the year to hit the money mark. He did so on Mac Jones' fourth-down deep ball with 1:03 left.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 26, 2021
Top #BUFvsNE game photos: https://t.co/MZqLSE1muu pic.twitter.com/lWO5kPjqvR
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
The one and only.@JoshAllenQB | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/tgZ0gH7ltg
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Not too bad. ?#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/SsNAYTTgol
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Thread it. ?
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/849Iya2GNB
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Pro Bowl alternate makes the INT.
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/T5n7uqYlu1
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
“Laser beams.” pic.twitter.com/DQxSyLQp7m
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Singletary slippin’ in for six.
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/tUrdFsOWQN
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
JOSH. ALLEN.
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/oPL4Ei417E
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
Flick of the wrist.
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/wxaj9VBAjf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 26, 2021
The @buffalobills are the first team win in New England in consecutive seasons by 10+ points since the Denver Broncos did so in 1995 & 1996. pic.twitter.com/OwA0N4FFRN
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 26, 2021
Josh Allen has surpassed 300 yards passing on the day, marking his sixth 300-yard game this season.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 26, 2021
Stefon Diggs & Dawson Knox join Eric Moulds & Peerless Price in 2002 as the only time the Bills have had multiple players catch 9+ touchdowns in a single season.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 26, 2021
Isaiah McKenzie joins Cole Beasley (two times) as the only Bills to surpass 10+ catches in a game this season.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 26, 2021
Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer both now have 5 interceptions in the season. They duplicate what they did in 2017 the first year they played together.
Best ? Safety ? Duo ? in ? the ? NFL ?
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) December 26, 2021
Best. Christmas. Ever.
— Labatt Blue Light (@LabattUSA) December 26, 2021
This #Bills team has had plenty of frustrating moments this season, but they walked into Foxborough and won the biggest game of the year to put themselves in prime position to win the division. Talk about seizing the moment.
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) December 26, 2021
Did the Bills regain the top spot in the AFC East with two games to play? #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/s2wqeBslnx
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 26, 2021
All those years NE dominated this rivalry, can’t help but feel good for #BillsMafia with the way this all unfolded this season. How NE all of a sudden exceeded expectations only to get shut down in their house in the rematch. Huge day for Orchard Park.
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) December 26, 2021
Per @ESPNStatsInfo: Josh Allen joins Peyton Manning (3x) as the only players with multiple three passing TDs games at New England under Bill Belichick (since 2000).
Allen also did this Week 16 last season
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) December 26, 2021
Today was Pro Bowl Josh Allen
#Bills— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) December 26, 2021
After months of inconsistencies and questions, and despite an under-manned roster, the Bills have finally mustered their most complete game to put themselves back in control of winning the AFC East for a second-straight year, and their third straight trip to playoffs.
— John Wawrow (@john_wawrow) December 26, 2021
It's been about the red zone. Almost entirely.
Week 13: 1/4
Week 16: 4/7— Nate Geary (@NateGearySports) December 26, 2021
Patriots fans are losing their minds rn
— Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) December 26, 2021
That boy @_IsaiahMcKenzie a problem!
— Jordan poyer (@J_poyer21) December 26, 2021
The best player on the field today pic.twitter.com/n1YKuL5EA0
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 26, 2021
Josh Allen, playmaker.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 26, 2021
Josh Allen has been nails here in the 4th quarter. #Bills
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 26, 2021
Josh Allen is an absolute madman.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) December 26, 2021
Thumbs up, #BillsMafia
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 26, 2021
Good day at the office #NoPunts
Go Bills pic.twitter.com/cTBsYr8y6m
— Reid Ferguson (@SnapFlow69) December 26, 2021
BIGGG DUBSSSSSS!!!!!
— Jordan poyer (@J_poyer21) December 26, 2021
GAME PREVIEW:
The Buffalo Bills (8-6) are seeking both revenge and first place in the AFC East when they take on the New England Patriots (9-5) in a pivotal Week 16 showdown in Foxborough, MA.
If the Bills win out (Buffalo hosts the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets to close out the regular season), they would claim their second straight divisional crown.
GAME WEEK LINKS:
- Top 6 storylines for Bills at Patriots | Week 16 (BuffaloBills.com)
- Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots broadcast map (BuffaloRumblings.com)
- Bills WR Cole Beasley tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Sunday’s game vs. Patriots (FingerLakes1.com)
- Who the Bills protected on their practice squad for Week 16 (BillsWire.com)
- Five Buffalo Bills to watch at the New England Patriots (BuffaloRumblings.com)
- Bills place Gabriel Davis, Cody Ford on Reserve/COVID-19 list (FingerLakes1.com)
- Bills’ Josh Allen says points ‘will be at a premium’ vs. Patriots (BillsWire.com)
- Bills elevate WR Isaiah Hodgins and OL Bobby Hart for Bills at Patriots | Week 16 (BuffaloBills.com)
- Bills activate Dion Dawkins from Reserve/COVID-19 list (FingerLakes1.com)
GAME WEEK MEDIA:
#LeadingTheCharge: Week 16 (#BUFvsNE) game release: https://t.co/4zrNjUIDb7
? Gillette Stadium
? 1 PM EST
? CBS (Ian Eagle, Charles Davis & Evan Washburn)
? @WGR550 / @ESPNRadio pic.twitter.com/SwFPh6xPuW— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 21, 2021
White on white in New England. ?@EnergyMark | #BUFvsNE pic.twitter.com/tAhJml3v8M
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 23, 2021
Sunday on the mind. ?#BUFvsNE | #BillsMafia
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 24, 2021
.@JoshAllenQB only wants one thing for Christmas…@Bose | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/WcG9wpRTx8
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 22, 2021
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].