Bills Rally to Beat Patriots, But Run Defense Raises Serious Red Flags
The Buffalo Bills pulled off a thrilling 35-31 comeback win over the New England Patriots in Foxborough - the kind of victory that can shift playoff trajectories in December. But make no mistake: this one came with a glaring asterisk. While Josh Allen led another signature rally and the offense found its footing just in time, Buffalo’s defense - particularly against the run - was gashed in ways that should have the coaching staff sounding alarms, not celebrating.
Let’s start with the good. Josh Allen, as he so often does, refused to let the game slip away.
With Josh Palmer back in the fold, the passing game had a much-needed jolt, and the Bills offense went toe-to-toe in what turned into a classic AFC East shootout. Down 21-0 early, Buffalo clawed all the way back, scoring 35 points and finding the end zone when it mattered most.
That resilience is what keeps this team in the playoff hunt and gives them a puncher’s chance in any game, no matter the deficit.
But while the offense rallied, the defense was left scrambling - and not just figuratively. Buffalo’s front seven got gashed on the ground from the opening whistle.
New England racked up over 150 rushing yards in the first half alone, and it didn’t stop there. TreVeyon Henderson’s 52-yard touchdown run wasn’t just a highlight for the rookie - it was a lowlight for the Bills defense.
That score marked the 22nd rushing touchdown Buffalo has allowed this season, tying the highest total since Sean McDermott took over in 2017. By day’s end, that mark was broken, setting a new and unwanted franchise record in the McDermott era.
The struggles weren’t just about scheme or execution - injuries played a major role. Cornerback Christian Benford was ruled out before kickoff with a foot injury, thinning an already depleted secondary.
That forced more responsibility onto young players like Cole Bishop, and while the effort was there, the cohesion clearly wasn’t. Then came another blow: defensive tackle Jordan Phillips exited with an ankle injury and was ruled questionable to return.
Losing a veteran presence in the middle of the line just as the Patriots were pounding the ball between the tackles only compounded the issue.
This wasn’t just a bad day - it was a statistical gut punch. The Bills have now allowed more rushing touchdowns this season than in any other year under McDermott.
That’s not just an outlier - it’s a trend, and it’s coming at the worst possible time. With playoff positioning on the line and cold-weather football demanding physicality in the trenches, Buffalo’s inability to stop the run is a glaring vulnerability.
Yes, the win counts. Yes, the Bills are still very much alive in the postseason picture.
But if they want to be more than just a one-and-done wildcard team, they can’t keep relying on Allen to bail them out in shootouts. The run defense has to tighten up - fast.
Because come January, teams will test them in the trenches. And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, Buffalo isn’t ready for that fight just yet.