With the 2022 Patriot’s season cut short by the 47-17 blowout against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, Patriots fans have a lot to reflect on about last Saturday’s game and the shaky future of the Pats dynasty in the AFC East.  

The dominance of the New England Patriots during the turn of the 21st century is well known, with Tom Brady and Bill Belicoeck dominating the world of professional football over the course of nearly two decades.  Six Super Bowl rings, nine Super Bowl appearances, and nine AFC Conference Championship victories are numbers cemented into the foundation of Patriot football.  With the release of Tom Brady in free agency two seasons prior and the disappointment of Cam Newton and the 2021 season, Mac Jones brought hope to Patriots fans across the country.  

With a promising 10-4 record heading into the postseason game, the Bills and Pats were fairly evenly matched.  The supposed equality of both teams’ talents was a ruse, however, as the Bills quickly proved why Josh Allen and their high-powered offense was among the hottest in the league.  At the half, the Patriots were being shell shocked by the Bills, with a 27-3 scoreline shown on Buffalo’s jumbotron heading into the break.  The score did not fare any better for Mac and the offense, with the Patriots being outplayed in the second half 20-14 at Highmark Stadium.

The less than ideal offense portrayed was not completely at fault here, as the Patriots defense managed to allow nearly 450 yards of total offense to the Bills, as well as allowing Josh Allen to set an NFL record by allowing 5 touchdowns through the air and at least 50 rushing yards by the quarterback.  In fact, Josh Allen had more touchdowns (5) than incompletions (4)!  Matthew Judon, the hard hitting Defensive End who dominated the 2022 season for the Patriots, managed only 1 measly tackle throughout the 4 quarters of play.  Buffalo steamrolled both the defensive line and the secondaries of New England, with the Bills not punting a single time and not kicking a field goal at all.  This showing was extremely uncharacteristic of the gritty Patriots defense, who allowed 18.9 PPG (points per game) to opposing teams and 9th in yards per game during the regular season.

Though a setback in what was expected to be a close game and a fitting end to a good season, Patriots fans should not be deterred by the postseason performance.  With the solid play of the rookie quarterback Mac Jones and the outstanding numbers put up by both J.C Jackson and Devin McCourty, the future of the New England Patriots looks promising and the offseason may bring new signings and breakout development for new players cracking the 53-man roster.