The Patriots offense was quiet the bulk of the way in Sunday’s 16-10 win over the Buffalo Bills, but the defense kept New England in the game and ultimately made the difference.
Despite allowing their first offensive touchdown of the season, the Patriots registered five sacks and kept the Bills from scoring in the final 25-plus minutes. They also intercepted four passes, three off starter Josh Allen and one off backup Matt Barkley, who entered when Allen left after a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Devin McCourty had one pick early, J.C. Jackson added an interception late in the first quarter and another late in the third — complementing his blocked punt that led to a Matthew Slater touchdown as part of a career day — and Jamie Collins sealed the win late with one of his own.