The New England Patriots walked into Buffalo and left with a 23-20 victory that nobody outside Foxborough saw coming. Week 5 delivered one of the most complete performances from New England this NFL season, snapping the Buffalo Bills’ home winning streak in the process.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye looked like he belonged on that stage. The kid displayed poise and accuracy when it mattered most, guiding an offense that finally found its rhythm. Pair that with a defense that refused to crack under pressure, and you had a statement win that reignited talk of a legitimate turnaround.
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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy certainly felt that energy. He went straight for Buffalo’s throat after the game, unleashing a brutal shot at the franchise and its fanbase. His take was simple and sharp, the Bills spent the last decade rebuilding and hyping themselves up, but they’ve got nothing real to show for it.
AFC East titles are nice, Portnoy argued, but they mean nothing without postseason success to back them up.
“We’re a real team. The Bills, you didn’t capitalize… I still have the six rings. You still have zero. You had your chance. You blew it. Now the best quarterback in division may be back in New England. We just went into your house. Kicked your brains in,” Portnoy said.
What really stuck with him was watching Drake Maye outplay Josh Allen. That’s not supposed to happen when you’re building around a franchise quarterback who’s supposed to dominate the division.
Maye finished the afternoon completing 22 passes for 273 yards with no touchdowns but also no costly turnovers. Rhamondre Stevenson bounced back from an early fumble by punching in two second-half touchdowns.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) talk on the field before the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales stayed perfect on all five attempts, drilling the game-winner from 52 yards out with just 15 seconds remaining.
For a Patriots team that’s been searching for direction, this win felt like more than just another tally in the column.
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