After a much-needed bye week, the Patriots were immediately tested in Week 15, as they welcomed the Bills for their second matchup of the season, which could have sealed the division in their favor for the first time in six years.
Based on how they played in the weeks leading up to the game, which included a 10-game win streak, it looked like the Bills should be the underdogs on the road. And at first, that looked to be true, as the Patriots went up 21 points going into halftime, only to fall apart in the final two quarters in the most miserable way.
Although there is plenty of blame to go around, the defense's lackluster effort might be one of the worst parts of the loss. They nearly accomplished their season-high of missed tackles, allowed the opposing running backs to march down the field with ease, and racked up frustrating penalties to top it all off.
It was not a performance that anyone was happy about, even Mike Vrabel, who had a lot to say about the group after the loss.
Mike Vrabel was not happy with the Patriots defense after brutal loss to the Bills
Considering the defense let Josh Allen and the Bills go down the field and score on five consecutive drives, it didn't take long for reporters to ask Vrabel about their performance after the game.
The head coach easily listed all of the problems he saw from the group that led to the team's demise and the Bills' success, making the loss that much more frustrating.
Mike Vrabel on what changed as the Bills scored TDs on 5 straight drives: “It’s no secret. Called the same stuff. They called the same stuff …
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 14, 2025
“They were able to get the running game going. We missed tackles. Didn’t build a good enough wall. Didn’t get off on third down.… pic.twitter.com/Q2bT3WqODR
It's nearly impossible to win a game if the defense is struggling in all areas, especially when facing an offense led by a quarterback like Josh Allen.
It prompts a lot of concern about how they'll fare against another explosive offense next week, when they face the Ravens in primetime. QB Lamar Jackson is not any easier to slow down, and neither is a power back like Derrick Henry.
That means it will be another big test for the defense to show they can handle going against some of the best offenses in the league, which is crucial with the playoffs right around the corner.