New England Patriots team grades vs Buffalo Bills Week 13

The Patriots pass defense has been much maligned at times this season. Sunday against the Bills was not one of those times.

The Patriots came into the game knowing they were going to be challenged by the Bills passing game. While not overly dynamic, Tyrod Taylor presents plenty of problems for opposing defenses given his dual-threat abilities. The Patriots didn’t have to combat much of that ability, as Taylor was off basically from the first snap.

Taylor injured his knee on the first play of the game and was never the same. He attempted to gut it out, but grimaced throughout the game and looked hesitant to scramble at times. He was eventually knocked out of the game in the early in the fourth quarter and was carted to the locker room.

Before exiting, Taylor managed only 65 yards, completing 9-of-18 passes with one interception. He was also sacked three times. Nathan Peterman didn’t fare much better, completing 6-of-15 for 50 yards. The Patriots totaled nine quarterback hits as they were able to create pressure despite Trey Flowers being out and Kyle Van Noy being limited because of an injury.

No Bills receiver had more than 22 yards and the longest pass play of the afternoon was 14 yards. The Bills already anemic passing offense hit a season-low against the Patriots as they got nothing going through the air.