Patriots ride strong second half to win over Bills

AP Photo

After a low scoring first half, the Patriots were able to pull away from the Buffalo Bills in the second half by scoring two touchdowns by way of Rex Burkhead to win in Orchard Park 23-3. With the win, they improve to 10-2.

It was a mostly positive day for the Patriots all around, but things got a bit out of hand toward the end of the game. 

After Tre'Davious White intercepted Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski went into full WWE mode and body slammed White in frustration. In Gronk's defense, he was blatantly held on the play and a flag should have been thrown, but it was still not a good look for the Pats' star tight end. 

It ended Gronk's day on a real sour note, as he had 147 yards on nine catches.

On the same play, Michah Hyde pulled Danny Amendola's helmet off and Jerry Hughes made contact with an official. The end result was a 1st & 25 for Buffalo deep in their own territory with basically no hope. 

Not only did Buffalo lose the game and their composure, they lost starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a knee injury. He was injured on the very first play of the game but stayed in until he had to be carted off in the fourth quarter. Nathan Peterman came on in relief and somehow didn't throw a single interception. 

Progress! 

Even though he didn't throw any touchdown passes, Tom Brady was almost flawless, going 21-of-30 for 258 yards and one interception when the game was well out of reach. With the win, he now holds the all-time record for the most victories against a single opponent with 27, breaking Brett Favre's 26 victories against the Detroit Lions.

And in addition to Burkhead's stellar day, Dion Lewis also had himself a nice game once again. He carried the ball 15 times for 92 yards. 

The defense was once again impressive and continues its ascent as one of the NFL's best units. Newcomer Eric Lee was a standout once again, along with Stephon Gilmore. 

Lee intercepted Taylor on Buffalo's opening drive just outside of the end zone to end a scoring threat and also added a sack. Gilmore came up with two straight pass breakups on Zay Jones in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

The Patriots will travel to Miami for a Monday Night affair against the Miami Dolphins next week. 

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