Three Studs and three Duds from the Patriots 24-10 divisional loss

Studs

LB Josh Uche

The third-year linebacker is having a breakout year, as he raised his sack total to seven and is now PFF’s eighth-highest-rated pass rusher. Uche didn’t have any sacks the first seven weeks of the season but now has the second-most with the Patriots. Against the Bills, Uche strip-sacked Josh Allen late in the first half, and Matthew Judon recovered the ball, giving New England’s offense a chance. The former Michigan stand-out is finding his strengths at the right time, and Matthew Judon called Uche “the best pass rusher we have” in a press conference earlier in the week.

CB Marcus Jones

Cornerback Marcus Jones is proving he can be one of the most versatile players in the NFL, as he scored his second touchdown on the season and his first offensive score. During his college career, he won the Paul Hornung award for the most versatile player in college football. Jones scored the Patriots’ lone touchdown of the game and had fans up on their feet for one of the only times Thursday night. The rookie returned an 84-yard punt two weeks ago and won the game vs. the Jets. It may not be a good sign that Jones was New England’s scorer, but the third-round pick looks like a steal.

ST Brendon Schooler

You know the Patriots didn’t play a good game when a special teamer is one of the best players (no knock on Schooler). New England signed Schooler as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The Texas product already had two fumble recoveries on the season. On Thursday, he continued his success downing a punt inside Buffalo’s ten-yard line.

Honrodable mentions: Rhamondre Stevenson, Davon Godchaux

Duds

CB Jonathan Jones

Cornerback Jonathan Jones had the tall task of matching up with Bills speedy receiver Stephon Diggs. Jones has had a tough time in the last two weeks, partly because he is against tough NFL receivers. The Patriots had no answer for covering Diggs, as he caught eight. However, Jones seemed to be responsible for two touchdowns on Thursday. The veteran corner is in his contract year, but if his performance continues to decrease, he may be in trouble come the off-season.

Coaching

The Patriots’ coaching was terrible Thursday, and that’s an understatement. To beat Buffalo, New England needed to play a penalty-free, disciplined game – they did the opposite. The Patriots committed six penalties for 62 yards and had four penalties declined. It gets worse: questionable playcalling and clock management at the end of the first half cost them points. After Josh Uche’s strip-sack, the Patriots had 1:31 left in the first half to score a potential touchdown. However, the Patriots only advanced 32 yards in seven plays (4.5 yards per play). In addition, they used two timeouts at poor moments. Patricia called a draw on second-and-one, which didn’t get the first down (timeout 1), and then tried a QB sneak on third-and-one (second timeout). The Patriots have tough opponents coming up, and they will have to clean up their undisciplined football play.

K Nick Folk

The veteran was consistent inside 50 yards, setting an NFL record earlier in the season but has struggled as of late. Folk missed a 44-yard field goal against the Bills that hit the crossbar. The Patriots could have cut the game down to a one-possession game leading into half-time but couldn’t get the job done. Against the Jets in Week 11, Folk was also short on a 44-yarder and a 43-yarder, although it was a windy day. The Patriots have extra rest this week to get the kicking game squared away because, with a poor red zone offense, the Patriots need to make the easy points.

Honorable mentions: Mac Jones, offensive line, Jack Jones

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