Bills Defeat Patriots 35-21 in First Meeting of the Season

ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Buffalo Bills claimed a 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in their first meeting of the season. Both teams entered the game with a 3-1 record, but Buffalo’s defense and Josh Allen‘s versatility led them to a comfortable win. The Patriots will head into their bye week before returning in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, while the Bills will remain home to take on the New York Jets for the second time in three weeks.

Game Recap

Buffalo opened the scoring in the first quarter with a defensive touchdown as Khalil Shakir recovered a fumble and returned it 1 yard for a touchdown. Minutes later, James Cook caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen to give the Bills a 14-0 lead. The Patriots finally responded late in the second quarter when Jahlani Tavai intercepted Allen and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

Buffalo extended their lead in the third quarter with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Allen, but New England answered quickly with Jalen Reagor catching a 1-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye, making it 21-14. The Bills took control in the fourth quarter with Allen’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Curtis Samuel, followed by his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from 9 yards out. The Patriots found the end zone once more on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Kendrick Bourne, but the Bills closed out the game without further trouble.

Key Stats

Allen completed 18 of 33 passes for 233 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception while adding 22 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Maye went 16 of 27 for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cook led the Bills’ rushing attack with 21 carries for 71 yards and also caught 2 passes for 18 yards and a touchdown. Dalton Kincaid was Allen’s favorite target, finishing with 9 receptions for 131 yards. Buffalo’s defense played a major role, with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau each recording 2 sacks.

Injuries

There were no significant injuries reported.

Up Next

New England enters their bye week before returning in Week 7 to take on the Denver Broncos. Buffalo will stay home for a divisional matchup against the New York Jets.