10 immediate reactions to the Patriots' hard-fought Week 4 win over the Bills

The Patriots went into their Week 4 matchup against the Bills much like their first game against their biggest divisional foe in 2025; they needed a big win to spark the rest of their season. Last year, it led to a 10-game win streak, so there was some optimism about what this week's game could do after a rougher start.

The offense looked much better from the get-go, and for the most part, it stayed that way throughout the game. Romeo Doubs stepped up big time with two touchdowns, and as we predicted, Efton Chism did, too.

Help from everyone on the team made the win possible, and the Patriots have proven again that they are a team ready for the challenge against one of the best teams in the league.

10 instant reactions to the Patriots Week 4 win

1. Romeo Doubs shows up early with an impressive 15-yard catch, followed by a 14-yard touchdown to put the Patriots on the board first. In the third quarter, his bobbled catch attempt led to an interception, but he helped smooth things over with an impressive 2-yard, one-handed catch for his second touchdown of the day.

This is the kind of development we want to see between him and Drake Maye throughout the season; it just would've been better if they could've built this chemistry a bit sooner than Week 4.

2. Turnovers continue to plague this team. Drake Maye was strip-sacked, which the Bills fortunately didn't turn into any points, and nearly lost another for a touchdown had it not been called back as an incomplete pass. A popped-out catch by Doubs gives Maye his first interception of the game, which shouldn't count against him.

But the quarterback needs to get his butter fingers under control because he's now up to 9 turnovers in 4 games.

3. With Eli Raridon back in the lineup, Maye got tight ends more involved at the start of the game. That also meant Hunter Henry made plays after being invisible over the past three weeks. He led the team in receiving yards at halftime, a big jump from where he's been so far.

4. Establishing the run game continues to be a weakness for the Patriots' offense. Neither TreVeyon Henderson nor Rhamondre Stevenson can get anything going, which made Maye the leading rusher for most of the game. They have to get this figured out, or the pressure on Maye could become too much.

5. Ticky-tacky penalties hurt the Patriots in the first half - which was somewhat anticipated given how much this officiating crew, led by Bill Vinovich, loves to get involved in games. A phantom holding call on Marcus Jones, followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Mike Vrabel, set up a touchdown for the Bills to tie the game.

Although it wasn't completely in their control, the Patriots need to be more careful not to give these kinds of officiating crews any reason to throw a flag.

6. Carlton Davis had to step up big-time in this week's matchup, since Christian Gonzalez was unable to play due to an injury. After an impressive performance last week, he kept the momentum going against the Bills with a few standout plays. From pass breakups on 3rd down to force a punt to reading plays before they happen, he had a great game.

7. A depleted defense, with Christian Barmore and Gonzalez out, played far better than expected, particularly the young players. Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder continue to shine, which is exciting to see for the roster's future.

8. Injuries are piling up in an incredibly concerning way. The Patriots have already placed 18 players on injured reserve this season, and hopefully they won't add more from this game, even though a few players left with new injuries, including WR Mack Hollins and CB Charles Woods (who eventually returned).

Both FB Reggie Gilliam and TE Eli Raridon left the game with injuries but returned, so that will be something to monitor this next week.

9. The run defense was exploited in the second half of the game, proving how much they miss Barmore and even Khyiris Tonga, whom the Patriots refused to re-sign this offseason. James Cook had multiple long runs the Patriots just couldn't stop, and that will remain an issue when they face strong running backs in the coming weeks.

9. The offense had rookie lineman Caleb Lomu reporting as eligible for most of the game, potentially trying to recreate the success they had with Tonga in that role last season. Unfortunately, the offensive line still needs a lot of help, especially on the right side, so Lomu's presence didn't make much difference.

10. Just as we all predicted, Efton Chism got the game winning touchdown, after Craig Woodson gave the ball back to the Patriots with an interception.

What a game.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow