Curran: Patriots ‘finally showed a pulse’ in Bills loss Originally published NBC Sports Boston
New England Patriots came up against the Buffalo Bills In the 16 matches of Sunday’s week, but were positive to take away from the 24-21 defeat.
The Drake May-led offense looked sharp as it jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half. Buffalo went on to score 24 unanswered points, though the Patriots defense limited NFL MVP running back Josh Allen to just 154 yards and one touchdown while notching one interception.
For a team with a 3-12 record, a three-point loss to a Super Bowl favorite is what some might consider a “moral victory.” Although Patriots insider Tom E. Kern of NBC Sports Boston liked the effort he saw from the team on Sunday, he still came away feeling uncomfortable with some of the offensive play calling.
“I say they should feel disappointed with the result, encouraged that they finally showed a pulse and an identity. That’s how I feel,” Curran said. Patriots Postgame Live. “And it’s interesting that you look at this team right now and one of the reasons they lost was definitely (Ramondre) Stevenson’s mistakes. Maye’s mistake in throwing to the front of the end zone, but also the mistake. (Offensive coordinator) Why are you asking for a screen inside your 10, I mean so many things can go wrong?
There were many good things about the Patriots’ offensive performance. I like the tempo, I like the identity building. I love going on fourth down. I still come away from it and go, ‘Oh, I can see why Alex van Pelt is driving them a little crazy there.'”
The play Curran made ultimately sealed the Patriots’ fate. Down 17-14 at their own 12-yard line with just over 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, they ran a backward screen pass to running back Raymondre Stevenson. The ball bounced off Stevenson’s helmet and was recovered in the end zone by cornerback Tyron Johnson for a Buffalo TD.
Former Pats quarterback Brian Hoyer — feeling more dejected than motivated after New England’s loss — blames the poor play not on Van Pelt, but on May.
“I have a right to be disappointed. I’m going to disagree with you on that play call,” Hoyer said. “Because all you have to do at quarterback is the defensive end is waiting for your running back. Just throw it at his feet and move on to the next play. He’s played enough football. . . .
“I’m going to be more disappointed — I know they scored at the end, but we were just looking at the end of the game that they had no answer to Blitz 0 and they bailed on the interception calls. Got it. I’d be more disappointed about it, it’s a simple ‘guy gong’… it’s not a play collar.
That drama wasn’t just Mai’s fault. The rookie signal caller struggled for much of the second half and tossed an interception for the seventh straight game.
Still, it was a good rebounding effort for New England after its poor performance. Week 15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Second-year wideout Bote was among the Patriots’ standouts with five receptions for 95 yards and a TD.
As a result of Sunday’s loss, the Patriots have Second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft There are two games left in the schedule. They will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
