Patriots vs. Bills live coverage: New England Drake Maye throws first TD pass since opener
New England Patriots
The Patriots are in Buffalo for a matchup against the Bills in the new Highmark Stadium.
Patriots elevate two DBs from practice squad ahead of AFC East clash with Bills
Patriots WR Mack Hollins fined nearly $35K for pair of Week 3 penalties
With Drake Maye and the offense struggling, the Patriots head into Buffalo reeling from a blowout loss to the Jaguars.
The Bills, during their first season at the new Highmark Stadium, have opened the year 3-0. Buffalo given up 26 points per game, but perennial MVP candidate Josh Allen and a top-5 rushing attack led by James Cook has kept them in position for success.
New England’s defense had been it’s calling card through the first two games, but became unglued last week against the Jaguars. This week, Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore are out with injuries.
The Patriots split the season series with the Bills last year and narrowly edged Buffalo out for the AFC East title.
Now, in Week 4, the Patriots will either get back to .500 or fall even deeper into the hole they’ve already dug. Last season, an early win at Buffalo set the tone and pushed momentum towards a double-digit win streak.
Can Maye and the Patriots rebound this week against their top divisional foe? Follow along here for live updates.
Patriots dig into the trick play bag, running a double reverse for TreVeyon Henderson. who makes it around the corner for a first down.
Cook evens the score
Khalil Shakir gets open for another third down conversion, bringing the Bills inside the New England 10. Then, James Cook hurdles over Kevin Byard for a touchdown. Patriots 7, Bills 7
Patriots use their first timeout of the half. Bills have the ball 4th and 1. During the CBS broadcast, Ross tucker mentioned that Christian Gonzalez’s absence changed everything for the Bills in terms of preparation. They prepared as if he was going to play, but the cornerback was eventually scratched from the lineup.
Elijah Ponder gets a sack, but Bills escape on third-and-8
Josh Allen hits DJ Moore on a curl to convert on third and eight after a strong start for the Patriots defense. Elijah Ponder registered a sack on the opening drive. James Cook fumbled, but was able to fall on it.
The Patriots march right down the field and score
Early aggressiveness paid off for the Patriots, going for it on 4th-and-3. They were able to convert when Drake Maye hit Romeo Doubs on a play-action pass. Maye went back to Doubs on the next play for a 14-yard touchdown. Maye went 6-for-7 on methodical 12-play, 97 yard drive. Patriots 7, Bills 0
Ben Brown gets the start
Ben Brown will start at right guard against the Bills after Mike Onwenu (ankle) and Greg Van Roten (thigh) both landed on injured reserve.
Brown was sidelined by an ankle injury for most of the preseason, but he is healthy enough to step in now. He played in all 17 games last season, making four starts.
About Drake Maye’s shoulder …
Maye’s right shoulder landed him on the injury report this week. He was a full participant during the team’s three practices and he said that the injury is not an excuse for his recent struggles.
So, when did the injury happen? According to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye got “dinged” during the loss to Jacksonville.
Maye had shoulder issues leading up to the Super Bowl last year, but he insisted through out the summer that he is healthy.
Maye is suited up and ready to play. His coaches and teammates say he seems as confident as he usually is.
It hasn’t looked that way on the field yet.
Chad Finn: ‘Don’t get your hopes up’ unless Drake Maye turns it around
Drake Maye’s transformation from MVP-candidate to “suddenly bewildered” quarterback has been one of the more stunning developments of this NFL season.
It is also the biggest problem that the Patriots need to fix on Sunday against the Bills, our Chad Finn writes.
From players to watch Finn’s the grievance of the week, there are plenty of reasons to check out our Unconventional Preview.
Barmore, Gonzalez out. Raridon, Woodson, Jones in.
The Patriots will be without Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore on Sunday, but they also got good news on a trio of starters.
Rookie right-end Eli Raridon, edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, and safety Craig Woodson are all available this week after missing the Week 3 contest in Jacksonville.
Though three games, Raridon is to only Patriots pass-catcher with a touchdown. He scored on a two-yarder in the opener against Seattle.
Jones is tied for the team lead in quarterback hits (4). Last week was the first game Woodson missed since stepping in as a Day 1 starter last year during his rookie season.
Inactives
Patriots: CB Christian Gonzalez, CB Channing Canada, OT Dametrious Crownover, TE Tanner Arkin, DT Christian Barmore, QB
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.