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Turnovers, penalties prove costly as Bills drop first game to Patriots (full coverage)

Turnovers, penalties prove costly as Bills drop first game to Patriots (full coverage)

The NFL no longer has an unbeaten team.

The Buffalo Bills squandered their perfect start Sunday night, falling 23-20 to the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium in a mistake-filled performance that tightened the AFC East race.

The loss prevented the Bills (4-1) from creating a three-game cushion in the AFC East. Instead, the Patriots (3-2) pulled within a game of first place while claiming the early head-to-head advantage.

The Bills committed three turnovers, ending a league-record streak of 26 games without losing the turnover battle. One giveaway gifted New England three points, while another wiped away a red-zone scoring chance. Despite that, Buffalo had a late opportunity to reclaim the lead. Trailing by three, Josh Allen drove the offense to the Patriots’ 27-yard line, but three consecutive incompletions stalled the drive. Matt Prater’s 45-yard kick tied the game, yet it left New England over two minutes and all its timeouts.

Drake Maye responded with poise, directing the Patriots on a 37-yard drive. He dodged multiple sacks to keep the possession alive, setting up Andy Borregales’ 52-yard game-winner with 15 seconds to play.


The Bills also hurt themselves with 11 penalties for 90 yards, stalling drives, and extending New England’s.

Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw a costly interception in the red zone, his second pick in as many weeks. He added 53 yards on nine carries to lead the rushing attack, while James Cook was held to 49 yards on 15 attempts.

Dalton Kincaid posted a career high with 108 yards on six receptions, and Curtis Samuel and Keon Coleman each caught touchdown passes from Allen.

On defense, Terrel Bernard finished with six tackles and a fumble recovery, while Greg Rousseau, Shaq Thompson, and Cole Bishop each recorded a sack.

Box Score | Game Highlights

POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCES

Josh Allen: "We'll Be Better" | Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen: "We'll Be Better" | Buffalo Bills
Taron Johnson: “I Feel Like This Is Going To Help Us More Than It Hurts Us” | Buffalo Bills

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