Buffalo Bills: Studs and duds from blowout win over Patriots in Week 16

Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Bills Stud No. 3: Pass defense

Suffice it to say that absolutely nothing the Patriots wanted to try and get going in the passing game in primetime worked as they’d hoped. Cam Newton completed only 5-of-10 passes for 34 yards after being sacked twice on the night before he was ultimately benched. Jarrett Stidham may have actually been worse once he took over, though, going only 4-of-11 for 44 yards and taking another sack.

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The Bills secondary is littered with playmakers and the pass rush, though not laden with stars, has shown improvement throughout the year. That was evident against rival New England as all the pieces showed up and suffocated the Pats. Granted, the Patriots passing attack has its own issues regardless of the defense it’s facing but Buffalo stepped up and was dominant in an area they should’ve been, which deserves some credit.

Buffalo Bills Dud No. 1: Run defense

For as good as the pass defense was against New England, it was a bit concerning seeing how the Bills defended the run on Monday Night Football. Sony Michel rushed for 69 yards on only 10 carries, Newton rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown on four totes and even young J.J. Taylor entered the fray late and found success, amassing 38 yards on just six touches for the night.

Even with all of the success Buffalo has enjoyed this year, their defensive performances have been inconsistent at best. This was an example of that and, with just one regular-season contest left on the schedule before the Bills venture into the playoffs, seeing this type of performance against the run is a bit disconcerting, especially with potential opponents like the Ravens and Browns looming.