"A lot was on the line for the Patriots in their first game back from their late-season bye, most notably the AFC East, which they could have stolen from the Bills with a win. Their first-half effort made it look beyond possible, as they went up by three scores early, only to totally collapse in the second half and give the Bills a chance at the division down the stretch."
"It was a frustrating display of how the team played early in the year, losing to the Raiders and Steelers in a similar fashion. Although the officiating was far from consistent, it was clear the Patriots came out of halftime as a completely different team, while the Bills came out to maintain their throne at the top of the AFC East."
"Mike Vrabel was asked why the Bills were able to pull off the comeback after being down 21-0:"We weren't able to get any stops. And the one where we had an opportunity to make a play, we weren't able to make it. Penalties, and that's how this game goes, you know? Few small... pic.twitter.com/rt070O4s2I- Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) December 14, 2025"
The Patriots entered their first game after a late-season bye with the AFC East on the line and an opportunity to overtake the Bills. The Patriots surged to a three-score lead in the first half and looked dominant early. The second half saw a total defensive collapse as the Bills drove five times and scored on each drive to complete a comeback. Penalties and missed opportunities prevented crucial stops and game-changing plays. Head coach Mike Vrabel summed the loss as a failure to get stops. The Patriots must regain their first-half performance over the next three games to salvage their season and divisional hopes.
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