Mike Vrabel didn’t avoid a chance to measure the Patriot matchup at this point in the season to protect AFC East Champion Buffalo.
New England’s reaction on the scene – a 23-20 victory Previously on the Undefeated Bill – the patriot coach emphasized his confidence that he had already said he was in the group that announced his position as a candidate for split after coming out of the mix for many years.
This is the first time that the Patriots (3-2) have opened Season 2-0 in AFC East Play since 2019.
“We talked about how we needed to improve along the way, and this was the next step we needed to take,” Vrabel said.
These advancements were evident throughout the field.
Defensively, the Patriots mostly restrained Bills quarterback Josh Allen, forcing three turnovers. Buffalo’s 20 points were marked as low for the season.
Offensively, quarterback Drake May didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but passed the final 30 minutes of the game with 14 of 14 yards for 182 yards. His stability helped set up a pair of late TD runs by Rhamondre Stevenson, scoring a Go-Ahead field goal with 15 seconds remaining for kicker Anthony Borregales.
It was also a drive in Maye’s first game of NFL career.
“I think it’s about how we’re going in the right direction,” receiver Stephon Diggs said. “But don’t be too high or too low about it. It’s early in the season. It’s the second quarter of the season. We’re trying to do the right thing. We’re trying to do some good things out there.
What’s working
The connection between Maye and Diggs is getting stronger in each game. Diggs received 10 receptions for 146 yards against his previous team. Maye’s longest pass was in the third quarter when Maye scrambled and found Diggs for a 32-yard strike. Stevenson scored from four yards on the next play, putting New England ahead of 13-10, and the Patriots were never kicked out again.
Things that need help
Penalties for this team remain an issue. On Sunday, there were eight violations, costing 93 yards. In the season, New England totals up to 43, which is second in the NFL.
Stock up
Stevenson. His two TDs marked the first two scores of the season. It was also his first multi-touchdown game as he scored two wins in Week 8 8 last season.
Stock down
He ran early in the first quarter and lost a fumble, just as Stevenson was around the finish line. It was the third of his season. However, Vrabel said his belief in Stephenson is still strong.
“I think Rhamondre is a great guardian of other people who have the ball, whether they’re around it or chasing the ball, and whether they’re doing all those little things or not,” Vrabel says. “So I think that’s just a subtle line of decision-making.”
injury
Vrabel had no immediate updates on the situation that would drive Antonio Gibson back after leaving in the second quarter with a knee injury following a Cam Lewis hit. However, ESPN reported on Monday that the Test revealed Gibson’s season-ending ACL tears.
Key number
2019 – Before Diggs’ efforts on Sunday, it was last year when the Patriots posted a consecutive 100-yard reception game (Julian Edelman). Diggs also became the first patriot since Randy Moss to score at least 25 catches and 350 yards in his first five games with the team.
next
The Patriots will visit New Orleans (1-4) on Sunday.
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