Brady Perfect In Buffalo Beatdown

As I said in my preview of the Bills game, there was no way the New England Patriots were ever going to lose this game. Everything came together perfectly (in the second half, anyway), and an emphatic victory is just what the Pats needed after a two game slide, losing both in heart breaking circumstances.

The offense was superb, apart from fumbles by Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski. The offensive line, who many doubted coming into this game, not only was great in protecting Tom Brady once again, allowing just one sack to this so called "amazing" Buffalo Bills defensive line, and played a major part in the run game, leading to Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden both having 100+  yards rushing, and three touchdowns between them. Brady added a fourth rushing TD as well.

The pass game: Sensational. Brady once again had all the time in the world, getting sacked just once. Welker and Gronk both had 100+ yards receiving. Brady had 340 yards and 3 touchdowns, and no picks. Tom Terrific was his regular self, and with Brady, regular means amazing. The offense came out and scored first possession, didn't score for the rest of the half (again, two fumbles and two missed field goals didn't help), but came out firing in the second half, and torched the Bills defense.

As for the Pats defense, it went turnover crazy. Still a bit dodgy in pass defense, but it wouldn't be the same if they were solid. Devin McCourty made two interceptions, making up for the lack of picks against the Baltimore Ravens. Also Tavon Wilson got another pick, continuing his impressive rookie year.

But it was all about the front seven. Brandon Spikes, one of my favorite Pats, was brilliant, causing the game changing turnover at the end of the first half, and the held one of the leagues best rushing teams to just under 100 yards on the ground. Vince Wilfork was in his 2011 play-off form, tipping a pass to Jerod Mayo for a pick, and recovering the crucial fumble. And of course THAT hit. He had a big game. As did Rob Ninkovich, who stepped up with 4 tackles (7 total), and a sack + forced fumble.

So overall, a great way to send out a message to the rest of the NFL. The Patriots are not losers. They won't go down without a fight. And Tom Brady is still the man. So f**k you, bitches.

What were your views on the game? let me know on twitter, @Brendan_Annely

Random Notes:

  • The New York Jets got shutout in their embarrassing 34-0 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Happy days. happy days indeed. And with the Miami Dolphins throwing away another win, it was a good day for the Pats in the AFC East.
  • And if my Sporting Sunday couldn't get any better, Team Europe came back from 10-6 down to beat Team USA 14.5 - 13.5. As a proud Brit, I send my congratulations to all the European golfers, and my thanks to the USA golfers for choking so badly. Cheers guys, it means a lot.