The New England Patriots pulled off a thrilling comeback to defeat the Buffalo Bills 29-25 on Sunday, giving coach Bill Belichick his 300th regular-season victory in the NFL. The Patriots trailed 25-22 with less than two minutes left, but rookie quarterback Mac Jones led a 75-yard drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Gesicki with 12 seconds remaining.
Patriots snap losing streak, Bills lose ground in AFC East
The Patriots (2-5) snapped a three-game losing streak and earned their first win over the Bills (4-3) since 2020. The Bills had won four straight games against the Patriots, including two last season when they claimed their first AFC East title since 1995. The Bills are now tied with the Miami Dolphins for the division lead, while the Patriots are still in last place but have some hope for a turnaround.
The Patriots dominated the first half, scoring on their first four possessions and holding the Bills to just three points. Jones was efficient and accurate, completing 25 of 30 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score and did not throw an interception. Running back Ezekiel Elliott added 89 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Bills rally in the fourth quarter, but fall short
The Bills looked like a different team in the second half, scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter and taking their first lead of the game with 1:36 left. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran for a score and a two-point conversion. He connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a 25-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 22-17 with 5:32 left.
On the ensuing drive, Jones completed a nine-yard pass to Bourne, but safety Jordan Poyer forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at the Patriots’ 29-yard line. The Bills converted a fourth-and-two to set up a first-and-goal at the four-yard line. Allen scored on a sneak two plays later, then found tight end Dawson Knox for the two-point conversion to make it 25-22.
Jones leads game-winning drive, Gesicki catches winning touchdown
The Patriots had one last chance to win the game, and Jones delivered. He started the drive with a short pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson that turned into a 34-yard gain. He then hit tight end Hunter Henry for 14 yards on a third-and-eight, and the Patriots had a first-and-goal after six plays. A pass interference penalty on cornerback Levi Wallace set them up at the Buffalo one-yard line, and Jones connected with Gesicki on second down for the winning touchdown.
Gesicki finished with five catches for 59 yards and his first touchdown of the season. He said he was happy to help his team win and praised Jones for his poise and leadership.
“He’s amazing,” Gesicki said of Jones. “He’s calm, he’s confident, he’s composed. He’s everything you want in a quarterback.”
Belichick joins elite club of coaches with 300 wins
The win was also a milestone for Belichick, who became the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 regular-season wins. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famers Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318) as the only coaches to achieve that feat.
Belichick said he was grateful for the opportunity to coach in the NFL and thanked his players and staff for their hard work and dedication.
“It’s really a tribute to all of them,” Belichick said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have great players, great coaches, great organizations that have supported me. I’m very thankful for that.”
