The New England Patriots did their best not to lose against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. With the exception of one decision — a bold onside kick attempt in the third quarter that ended up hurting the Patriots — New England played in a way that tried to prevent its offense from losing the game. They ran on third downs and punted often, and they forced the Bills to run the ball to victory.
They protecting themselves from themselves.
Even so, a Cam Newton fumble cost the Patriots the game in Week 8. With Newton rushing the ball on a second-and-10 with 42 seconds left in the game, he lost the football and the Bills recovered. A touchdown on the drive would’ve almost surely won the game. A field goal would’ve likely sent the game to overtime. But the fumble gave the Bills (6-2) a win — and a clear path the AFC East title.
New England (2-5), meanwhile, is looking at a lost season. They can already start thinking about the NFL draft and the upcoming free agency.