His previous career high before this season was six, set last year with the Dolphins. Van Noy batted down yet another pass in the first half Monday, his 10th of the season. Kyle Van Noy might want to consider a volleyball career after his NFL days are over.
The Bills scored a touchdown on the next play to make it an 8-7 game, much closer than it should have been. winds, was when Belichick decided to use him for the first time? Predictably, Harry struggled to field his first punt, and muffed it away to the Bills at the Patriots’ 14. Harry had never returned a punt in the NFL, and returned only 14 in college. If the Bills had taken the lead in the fourth quarter, we certainly would be questioning if the Patriots were too conservative on offense. It was especially surprising the Patriots didn’t throw a pass in the second quarter when they had the wind at their backs. Jones completed just 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards, the fewest pass attempts in an NFL game since the Bills had 2 against the Jets in 1974.
Anyone who watched the Lions’ win Sunday saw how the Vikings didn’t send any pressure at Jared Goff and let him march right down the field. Great call by the Patriots to send McCourty on a blitz on the Bills’ final play, a fourth and 14 from the 18-yard line.The Bills’ only touchdown came after a turnover on a punt, and the Patriots did a great job of clamping down in the red zone, allowing just one TD on four opportunities. But after allowing 270 rushing yards to the Titans last week, the Patriots only allowed 99 rushing yards Monday, and held the Bills to just 230 yards total. What an equally impressive performance by the Patriots’ defense, though of course it was aided by the conditions.Related: Extent of injuries to Damien Harris, Adrian Phillips unclear after Patriots’ win over Bills The Bills allowed 264 yards on the ground two weeks ago against the Colts, and the Patriots clearly were paying attention. And Stevenson showed impressive patience, vision and cut-back ability on several of his runs. Fullback Jakob Johnson seemed to be paving the way every time the Patriots broke off a nice gain. The Patriots were only 2 of 12 on third down, but the offensive line did a tremendous job opening up lanes for Harris and Stevenson even though the Bills were playing the run.
Seven Patriots carried the ball Monday night. The Patriots rushed 46 times for 222 yards (4.8 average), with Damien Harris rushing for 111 (including a 64-yard touchdown) and Rhamondre Stevenson adding 78 yards. It became abundantly clear in the first quarter the Patriots weren’t going to even try to throw the ball, yet they still were able to move the ball against the Bills. What a performance by the Patriots’ offensive line and run game.Related: The Patriots reaped the wind vs.