The New England Patriots put together their best half of the season on Sunday. But after that, things fell apart, dropping them to 3-12 on the year after a 24-21 loss the Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots made an impression with their solid early showing. But that goodwill went up in smoke after three turnovers spoiled the strong start and put the game out of reach.
Here's what media in New England, in Buffalo and across the NFL are saying after Sunday's game:
Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
"With questions swirling, the Patriots certainly fought for Jerod Mayo on Sunday, jumping to a 14-0 lead in Buffalo and fighting valiantly, if a bit sloppily, in a 24-21 loss. Also, Drake Maye is going to be a star, so long as New England can fix some things (most things?) around him."
Mark Gaughan, Buffalo News
"I'll tell you what, Bills are not going to be getting many sacks on Drake Maye the next 10 years. I've lost count of his eludes- throwaways tonight."
Jay Skurski, Buffalo News
"I've observed Sean McDermott a lot -- basically after every game he's ever coached for the Bills. That might be as annoyed after a win as I've ever seen him."
Mike Reiss, ESPN
"Could staying close with the Bills be a sign of better things ahead? Yes. Entering with three wins and having long ago been eliminated from playoff contention, this was the type of frigid game on the road against a top opponent that could have turned ugly fast for first-year coach Jerod Mayo & Co. Instead, the Patriots set the tone by controlling the clock and line of scrimmage in the first half for a 14-7 advantage at the break. But they couldn't sustain momentum in the second half against a more talented team."
Matt Parrino, NYUP.com
"McDermott said the Bills played a sloppy game against the Patriots in the first half and they have to clean things up in the penalty department after 13 accepted penalties against New England."
Eric Edholm, NFL.com
"New England came in with a good game plan on both sides of the ball, executing it fairly well outside of James Cook's long TD run, taking control of the game into the locker room at halftime. But that's when things fell apart."
Ryan Talbot, NYUP.com
"Early in the game, Buffalo looked like the three-win team while the Patriots came out flying on both sides of the ball. ... Buffalo was able to get within one score in the first half and flipped the script in the second half."
Nicole Yang, Boston Globe
"Maye clearly brings promise and play-making to the offense. The unit seems to be improving, despite its lack of talent across the offensive line and in the wide receiver room, and despite some questionable play calls by coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
"But the group has shown enough competence to at least attempt to execute on crucial fourth downs. And the three-win Patriots should be more willing to do so."
John Breech, CBS Sports
"Basically, the Patriots put the final nail in their own coffin. Bad teams are good at finding a way to lose and the Patriots were a perfect example of that in Week 16."
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald
"The Patriots put together their best opening drive of the season and followed it up with one of their best drives overall of the Jerod Mayo era.
"Then they didn't score again until there was 1:13 left in the fourth quarter."
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com
"Good effort by the Patriots in the first half but they can't sustain it in a 24-21 loss to the Bills. Much more competitive game than many predicted. Still, similar mistakes by the Pats we've seen all season lead to 3-12."
Chad Finn, Boston Globe
"Maye's myriad attributes on the field (an excellent fastball with deft passing touch, uncommon poise, niftier running than any Patriots quarterback since Steve Grogan) and off (his accountability and authentic positivity, even as he must constantly elevate the limited-at-best talent around him) has Patriots fans rightfully convinced that a franchise quarterback has been found."