The New England Patriots ended a six-game losing streak and tied last year’s regular season record in Sunday’s 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Fans would have rather seen the Patriots tank the season finale to guarantee the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. Instead, they watched the team celebrate a meaningless win that did more harm than good to the team’s future.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye played on the first possession of the game, but once that initial drive was up, the team handed the reins of the offense over to rookie backup Joe Milton III.
It was a solid day for Milton, who went 22-of-29 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown. His ability to run around in the pocket and extend plays with his legs was known well before this game.
However, on Sunday, the sixth-round draft pick showed off his accuracy and decisiveness when throwing downfield. Second-year wideout Kayshon Boutte stood out as his top target with seven receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown.
If anything, Milton showed he’s ready to serve as the No. 2 option at quarterback for the Patriots, and Boutte proved he can be a high-volume receiving threat for the team moving forward.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots shut down Buffalo’s passing attack with starter Josh Allen riding the pine. Allen came in for one snap earlier in the game and passed the reins to Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White. The Patriots struggled against the run, and the defense failed to register a single sack in the game.
With that performance, the Patriots’ disappointing 2024 season comes to a close. They can now shift their focus to an offseason of uncertainty with the player personnel, coaching staff and front office.
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