Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Football
NFL
The sloppiness was uncharacteristic of a Bills team that had turned the ball over once this season
Author of the article:
Associated Press
Associated Press
John Wawrow
Published Oct 06, 2025 • 3 minute read
Josh Allen
Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Christian Elliss #53 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. Photo by Bryan M. Bennett /Getty Images North America
Article content
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It was difficult enough for Josh Allen to watch helplessly on the sideline as New England quarterback Drake Maye marched the Patriots 37 yards to set up Andy Borregales’ decisive 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds left.
Advertisement 2
The Province
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.
Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.
The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.
Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.
The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
What was worse for the Bills’ quarterback is knowing how much of a hand he and his teammates played in the 23-20 loss on Sunday night.
Article content
Article content
As if three turnovers, two by Allen, were not enough. The offense came up short on a final drive that stalled at New England’s 27, leaving Buffalo settling for Matt Prater hitting a game-tying 45-yard field goal with 2:17 left.
“We just played sloppy,” Allen said. “Not gonna win a football game, turning the ball over three times … That’s just bad football and we just did not play good tonight.”
In dropping to 4-1, Buffalo joined the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Denver, in being the NFL’s final two unbeaten teams to lose on Sunday. The outcome also ended Buffalo’s regular-season home winning streak at 14, one short of matching the team record.
Canucks Report Banner
Canucks Report
Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Canucks Report will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
And suddenly the five-time defending AFC East champions find themselves in a divisional race that has the upstart Patriots (3-2) on their heels.
“Respect to them. They came in, they knew what they had to do. They took care of the football. We didn’t,” Allen said.
The first sign of trouble came on Buffalo’s opening drive, which ended with Allen losing a fumble on a botched handoff to Dawson Knox at midfield. Two series later, receiver Keon Coleman lost a fumble, which the Patriots recovered at Buffalo’s 11.
Credit the Bills’ defense for limiting the Patriots to a field goal off the first two turnovers.
The turning point, however, came with Allen’s interception in the third quarter. Trailing 13-10 and facing second-and-13 at New England’s 19, Allen forced a throw over the middle intended for Khalil Shakir, only to have defensive back Marcus Jones jump in front and pick it off.
Advertisement 4
Article content
Maye responded with an 11-play, 90-yard drive capped by Rhamondre Stevenson’s second touchdown run in building a 20-10 lead.
“I really don’t think that was a force. It was just a bad ball,” Allen said of the interception. “I saw Khalil and I just left it a little inside and the kid made a good play.”
Adding salt to the wound was having former Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs finish with 10 catches for 146 yards in his first trip back to Buffalo since being traded to Houston in April 2024. It was the type of outing the Bills were accustomed to seeing Diggs perform in a Buffalo uniform during his four-year stint with the team.
The sloppiness was uncharacteristic of a Bills team that had turned the ball over once this season — Allen throwing an interception in a 31-19 win over New Orleans last week. Before being picked off last week, Allen had committed just one turnover in his previous 12 starts, including playoffs.
Advertisement 5
Article content
The opening-drive turnover, meantime, came after Buffalo scored touchdowns on the first possession in each of its first four outings this season — and 12 total, dating to the start of 2024.
The offense struggled overall with New England bottling up Buffalo’s running attack. James Cook was limited to 49 yards rushing and no catches, the first time he’s failed to crack 100 yards from scrimmage this season. Cook also had his franchise-record streak of scoring a touchdown rushing end at eight games.
Penalties didn’t help, with Buffalo flagged 11 times for 90 yards.
“Woulda, shoulda, coulda, right?” coach Sean McDermott said. “It wasn’t anything they did. But, again, all learning opportunities for us as a team, and that’s what we need to do.”
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments