The Patriots had a golden opportunity to notch a statement win on Sunday - but instead, they let it slip through their fingers. After jumping out to a commanding 24-7 lead over the Bills at halftime, New England found itself on the wrong side of a second-half surge, ultimately falling to Buffalo in a game that showcased both promise and growing pains.
Former Patriots wideout Julian Edelman, never one to sugarcoat things, summed it up well during his appearance on The Herd. “They’re not there yet,” Edelman said. “Something we used to hear all the time - you can’t win until you keep from losing - and the second half was an example of that.”
It’s a line that hits home, especially for a team still trying to find its identity in the post-Brady, post-Belichick era. The Patriots came out aggressive, executed well, and looked like a team ready to turn a corner.
But once the Bills adjusted, New England couldn’t match the response. Buffalo dropped 28 second-half points and clamped down defensively, holding the Patriots to just a single touchdown after the break.
That’s the difference between a team led by a veteran quarterback who’s been through the wars and one still learning how to finish. Josh Allen, now in his eighth NFL season, looked every bit the seasoned star he’s become.
He didn’t flinch under pressure. He rallied his team, made the right reads, and delivered when it mattered most.
On the other side, Drake Maye is still getting his feet under him. The rookie quarterback has shown flashes - the arm talent is there, the poise is developing - but Sunday was a reminder that experience matters. Maye is learning that in the NFL, a 17-point halftime lead doesn’t mean much if you can’t close the door.
This wasn’t just a loss - it was a teaching moment for a young Patriots squad. The talent is there, the effort is there, but consistency and execution in crunch time are still works in progress.
Games like this one are part of the process. Painful?
Sure. But valuable, too.
New England has time. The season isn’t over, and neither is the development arc of their young quarterback.
But if this team wants to take the next step, they’ll need to learn how to protect leads, respond to adversity, and play a full 60 minutes. Because in the NFL, as Edelman said, you can’t win until you stop beating yourself.