Week 16 went as expected for the New England Patriots.
Bill Belichick’s team is dealing with its first season without appearing in the playoffs since 2008. Cam Newton struggled mightily and the talent on the team looks more like a practice squad unit than anything. With Stephon Gilmore’s season-ending injury, it’s easily possible that second-year punter Jake Bailey is the best player who’s healthy and active.
This depletion of talent and motivation led to a tough 38-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills — the second loss of the season to Josh Allen. Stefon Diggs torched the Patriots for 9 catches, 145 yards and three touchdowns.
Everything was ugly for the Patriots and here’s four quick takeaways to sum up the disastrous contest.