"An impressive first half against the Bills last Sunday set the stage for what the Patriots could be once the playoffs begin. Despite the narrative going into the game that they weren't a legitimate threat, they proved, in every respect, that they actually were and set the blueprint for their success over the final three games. The only problem is that they didn't maintain that performance for the entire game, allowed the Bills to score on five consecutive drives, and eventually lost."
"Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have been on fire all season, but this was a bad second half for both. McDaniels's play calling didn't give his second-year quarterback much of a chance or create any opportunities for the Pats' best receivers. There was a shocking number of Mack Hollins targets. He led the team with eight attempts thrown his way, and those plays produced just 41 yards and lost two expected points, per TruMedia."
The Patriots produced an impressive, playoff-caliber first half but failed to sustain the performance and ultimately lost after the Bills scored on five consecutive drives. Multiple factors contributed beyond defensive lapses, including a notable offensive shift and the absence of Stefon Diggs. Targeting Mack Hollins as the primary receiver proved ineffective; Hollins finished with just 41 yards on eight targets, and those plays lowered the offense's expected points. The second-year quarterback received limited chances from the play-calling, and Hunter Henry remained largely absent from the passing game. Josh McDaniels's game planning lacked adjustments in the second half, constraining opportunities for the team's best receivers and highlighting an urgent need for offensive changes before the next game.
Read at Musket Fire
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