Patriots come back in fourth quarter to beat Bills 24-17, clinch 11th straight AFC East crown
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Drama, big plays, and loud fans filled Gillette Stadium on Sunday for a riveting battle between the Patriots and Bills. In the end, Tom Brady led a fourth-quarter comeback to give the Pats a 24-17 win and the AFC East title.
The Patriots controlled time of possession for most of the first half and held a 10-3 lead with under a minute to go in the second quarter, but the game took a big swing after the Patriots failed to convert on fourth-and-1. The Bills responded with a 33-yard catch bu tight end Dawson Knox and a trick-play touchdown for tackle Dion Dawkins.
It didn’t go so well to start the second half for the Pats, either. They settled for a Nick Folk field goal to make it 13-10, but the Bills answered with a 53-yard touchdown catch by John Brown as he burned Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty in the secondary.
However, the Patriots defense clamped down after that. Buoyed by two consecutive three-and-outs, the Patriots came back with a field goal and Rex Burkhead touchdown to regain the lead. Julian Edelman caught a two-point conversion to make it 24-17.
The Bills had a chance to tie the game after a 25-yard catch by Cole Beasley set them up at the Patriots’ 8. But the Patriots defense made a stand. An Adam Butler sack on third down and J.C. Jackson pass breakup on fourth down turned the ball back to the Patriots and that was the game.
Up Next: The Patriots clinched their 11th straight AFC East crown with the win and moved to 12-3 on the season. They get the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 17.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
