The New England Patriots picked up what was a season-defining and saving victory in Week 7 over the Buffalo Bills. Entering the game 1-5, another loss would have almost assuredly put New England into a hole too deep to dig out of for a playoff spot.
While their chances of making a run are still slim at 2-5, they are much better than they would have been at 1-6. Also, both victories being over AFC East foes will help if things come down to tiebreakers at the end of the season.
A big reason the Bills were able to pull off the upset victory was the performance of quarterback Mac Jones. He has struggled mightily this season, including getting benched multiple times for poor play. But against Buffalo, he was on top of his game.
The 2021 first-round pick completed 25-of-30 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. It was only the second time this season he didn’t throw at least one interception in a game, and he credits the work offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has done with him for his success.
“[Bill] O’Brien,” he answered when asked about the reason for his newfound comfort in New England’s offense. “He did a great job calling a good game, and being aggressive and using things that I did in college that I really like. So, I really appreciate that.”
The Patriots made a concerted effort to change their approach offensively against the Bills. They were able to get the ground game going, which took the pressure off of Jones.
In the passing game, New England attacked Buffalo in the intermediate areas of the field. Using 11-personnel instead of their regular two tight-end sets opened up the field a little more for Jones to operate and get into a rhythm. A confident player is always going to perform at a higher level.
That confidence was exuded during the team’s final offensive drive of the game when Jones took the team down the field for a game-winning touchdown. That kind of performance is one that can not only turn the Patriots’ season around but get Jones back on track as the team’s franchise quarterback going forward.
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