The New England Patriots ended their season with a surprising 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, costing them the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The game saw rookie quarterback Joe Milton shine in his debut, while the Bills rested key players with their playoff position secure. Despite the win, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was dismissed shortly after the game, signaling a major shift for the team.
In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots wrapped up their season with a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The win, however, came at a cost as it moved them out of the top spot for the upcoming NFL draft. The game was notable for the professional debut of rookie quarterback Joe Milton, who impressed with both a passing and rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, the Bills, having secured their playoff seeding, rested many starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, after just one snap.
The New England Patriots concluded their season with a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, a result that cost them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton made a significant impact in his debut, throwing for a touchdown and running for another. The Patriots had entered the game with a 4-13 record, hoping to secure the top draft pick with a loss. However, the victory pushed them to the fourth position, behind Tennessee, Cleveland, and the New York Giants. The game showcased Milton's potential as he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, stepping in for rookie Drake Maye, who played only one series[1].
The Buffalo Bills, having secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, used the game as an opportunity to rest key players. Quarterback Josh Allen extended his consecutive starts streak to 115 games with just one snap before Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White took over. The Bills' strategy was to avoid injuries ahead of the playoffs, and they succeeded in this regard. Despite the loss, the Bills' focus remains on their upcoming playoff matchup. Coach Sean McDermott emphasized the importance of preparing for the postseason, stating, 'Everything is earned and there’s nothing given in the playoffs'[2].
Following the game, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season. Kraft cited the team's disappointing performance throughout the year as the reason for the decision. Despite the win against the Bills, the Patriots finished the season with a 4-13 record, leading to significant changes in the coaching staff. Mayo addressed the team in an emotional postgame locker room, thanking the players for their efforts and acknowledging the challenges of the season. The Patriots now face an offseason filled with crucial decisions, including finding a new head coach[3].
The Patriots' victory over the Bills marked a bittersweet end to their season, as it cost them the top draft pick and led to the dismissal of head coach Jerod Mayo. The game highlighted the potential of rookie quarterback Joe Milton, providing hope for the future amidst the team's struggles. Meanwhile, the Bills remain focused on their playoff journey, having successfully rested key players and avoided injuries. As both teams move forward, the Patriots face a critical offseason, while the Bills prepare for the challenges of the postseason.
"After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025." - Robert Kraft
"Everything is earned and there’s nothing given in the playoffs." - Sean McDermott