Patriots Barely Squeak by the Buffalo Bills: Some Takeaways

Written by: Joe Difazio

The Patriots barely made it past the Bills 23-21 thanks to a late 4th quarter field goal by Stephen Gostowski. Buffalo’s rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel - who was 18 for 27 with 2 touchdowns - looked fantastic in his NFL debut. The Patriots, despite winning, were much shakier in the season opener. Here are some things to think about before the Patriots take on the Jets Thursday night:

1. The Patriots miss Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski
While the Patriots certainly don’t miss the antics of Gronkowski or the criminal record of Hernandez, there is a lack of skill at the tight end position. Tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui and Zach Sudfeld were targeted only 3 times. Hoomanawanui finished with only 1 catch for 5 yards. Rookie Sudfeld also caused an interception by slipping on a route and only getting a hand on the ball, tipping it to Bills’ cornerback Justin Rogers. The Patriots also occasionally used an offensive lineman for blocking on the edge, perhaps signaling that the TEs can’t hold their own at the line.

2. The receivers were up and down
Danny Amendola hung tough despite aggravating a groin injury, logging an impressive 10 catches for 104 yards. We’ll want to keep an eye on that injury this week. Julian Edelman was also fantastic with 7 catches for 79 yards and 2 TDs. The rookies looked… not so good. Kenbrell Thompkins had 4 grabs but generally looked lost and Josh Boyce was a non-factor.

3. Who is going to step up at running back?
Shane Vereen ran for a career-high 101 yards and had 7 catches for 58 yards, but unfortunately he will miss a few weeks as he needs surgery to repair a broken bone in his wrist. Vereen shouldered the majority of carries because starter Stevan Ridley was riding the pine after a fumble in the 2nd quarter and a near fumble in the 1st. LeGarrette Blount didn’t make much of a splash averaging 2.1 yards on 7 attempts.

4. Not all bad, the beat goes on for New England
While there was a lot of ugly to look at, in Bill and Brady we trust. Tom Brady looked good in the season opener going 29 for 52 with 2 TDs and an interception. The defense wasn’t too shabby allowing only 14 point and 286 yards. And finally, the offensive line was phenomenal especially giving Brady lots of time down around the goal line.