Three studs and Three Duds from the Patriots 27-21 loss in Buffalo

The Patriots came up short in Buffalo and fell to 4-12 on the season. New England put up a fight, but in the end, the Bills came up on top 27-21.

It was quite an eventual first quarter, with Jalen Reagor returning the opening kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown. It was almost identical to the Bills opening drive kickoff return in their Week 18 matchup last year.

Then turnovers occurred, and more turnovers and more turnovers. In the first half, Bailey Zappe threw three interceptions. Pharaoh Brown added a fumble of his own, and Kevin Harris also fumbled, but after further review, his knee was ruled down.

The Patriots didn’t let up and got the game within six points after an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run. But the Bills drove the field’s length and ran out the clock.

Bailey Zappe ended with 209 yards, completing 16-of-26 passes. Meanwhile, Josh Allen completed 15-of-30 passes for 169 yards and ran for two touchdowns on the ground.

Here are three studs and three duds from the Patriots Week 17 matchup:

Studs

RB Kevin Harris

Sophomore running back Kevin Harris was a huge contributor to the Patriots offense on Sunday. He had a 48-yard catch-and-run, which set up a Patriots touchdown and added 15 rushing yards in the ground game. Harris spent most of the season on the practice squad but was signed to the active roster after Rhamondre Stevenson was placed on the injured reserve. The second-year running back looks to be making the best of his opportunity.

CB Alex Austin

Since joining the Patriots in November, rookie cornerback Alex Austin has showcased his skills. With injuries mounting up on the defensive side this season, the Patriots have had to rely on younger players. One of those players – Alex Austin – has stepped up big time. Austin picked off Josh Allen in the first half, which changed the game’s momentum. The Bills drafted Austin in the seventh round of the 2023 draft, so it was a sweet taste of revenge for the rookie.

WR Jalen Reagor

Jalen Reagor had the best game of his Patriots career in Buffalo. The Patriots started fast, thanks to Jalen Reagor’s 98-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff. The receiver also made an impressive 39-yard catch that helped set up an eventual Ezekiel Elliott touchdown. The former first-round pick hasn’t lived up to his potential, but he’s making a strong case for the Patriots to hold on to him for next season.

Duds 

QB Bailey Zappe 

After coming off the best game of his sophomore campaign, Bailey Zappe couldn’t repeat his performance. Zappe threw an interception on the first play of the game. He was targeting Mike Gesicki over the middle of the field, but the ball was tipped and picked. On his second pick, Rusol Douglas jumped DeVante Parker’s route. On the final interception, there was a miscommunication between Jalen Reagor and Zappe, which caused a Bills player to make an easy play on the ball. The quarterback finished 16-for-26, throwing for 208 yards. He added 37 yards on the ground, including a 17-yard touchdown run. Zappe deserves some praise for turning it around after the first quarter, but nevertheless, he came up short. The former Western Kentucky quarterback will get one final chance to prove he has what it takes to stay on the team in 2024.

K Chad Ryland

After nailing a game-winning field goal against the Broncos on Christmas Eve, Ryland couldn’t keep his momentum and continued his rollercoaster season in Buffalo. Ryland missed a 47-yarder and would’ve had another miss, but the officials called a delay of game penalty, which forced the Patriots to punt. Ryland is no 15-for-24 on the season and has missed the most field goals of any NFL kicker. Not the start that the former fourth-round draft pick envisioned.

TE Pharoh Brown

The backup tight end has been a bright spot for the Patriots offense this year and leads all Patriots pass catchers in yards per catch, but he couldn’t get the job done today. Brown had a costly fumble in the first quarter, which gave the Bills three points. Hopefully, Brown can rebound against the Jets in Week 18.

The Patriots will head back to Foxboro to prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the New York Jets.