Despite the Patriots being well-below their best they get a win over the Bills.
Stephen Gostkowski booted a game-winning 35-yard field goal with five seconds left to lift perennial powerhouse New England to a 23-21 victory at AFC East division rivals Buffalo.
New England wide receiver Danny Amendola, in doubt for the game after aggravating a groin injury last week, played a key role, catching two passes from superstar quarterback Tom Brady in the drive that set up Gostkowski’s field goal.
“I was proud of our team today,” notoriously taciturn Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “They made the plays they needed to make at the end to win.”
However, it was hardly the kind of performance Brady and Belichick would have set out to produce as they stumbled their way across the finish line.
Brady averaged just 5.5 yards per throw in his 52 attempts for the game as he struggled to get into his rhythm for much of the game.
Zach Sudfeld dropped a pass that turned into a interception and rookie wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins made several mistakes.
On the other side of the coin, Bill rookie playcaller EJ Manuel did not look out of depth in his first start as he avoided any big mistakes ad made several nice throws to finish with 18-27 for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Click here for full highlights of New England v Buffalo.
New England will look to shake off further ring rust when they play the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in week two.
The Bill will be out to secure their first win against another side who came up short in their first game as they play the Carolina Panthers.
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