Signature wins are great in the NFL, but answering some of your biggest questions in the midst of getting one is all the more satisfying. The New England Patriots may have done just that in the form of a 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills on "Sunday Night Football" that sent a loud message to the rest of the league.
Drake Maye and company needed to make a statement on the road against one of the league's best teams, and wound up knocking off the league's last unbeaten team in their building. Maye also led his first game-winning drive in moving the Patriots into field-goal range late in the fourth quarter. Stefon Diggs (10 catches, 146 yards) was phenomenal in his first trip to Buffalo since leaving the Bills.
The Patriots not only showed they have arrived, but are starting to answer some of their biggest questions in the process. Mike Vrabel's unit is a playoff contender, especially with other expected AFC powers, such as Baltimore and Cincinnati, dropping like flies.
What are some of the biggest questions the Patriots answered?
1. Rhamondre Stevenson's short-term memory
The running back's night got off to a bad start with another fumble in the first quarter - his third lost fumble in two games - and the Patriots' running back room took a hit later on when Antonio Gibson suffered an apparent knee injury.
But Vrabel continues to stick with Stevenson, and the running back delivered both of the Patriots' touchdowns. Yes, Stevenson's ball-security issues continue to be a problem, but kudos to the Patriots' coach for sticking with him.
2. Drake Maye's second-year leap
It was fitting that the biggest win of the second-year quarterback's career came against the signal caller everyone compares him to, in Josh Allen.
The Patriots have their guy. They have their franchise quarterback. Maye (22 of 30, 270 yards) was outstanding again, especially in the third quarter (7 of 8, 94 yards). Maye somehow avoided a sack on the Patriots' game-winning drive and found Diggs on the run to avoid what would've been a killer sack.
Drake Maye in the second half vs the Bills:
— PFF (@PFF) October 6, 2025
🧊 13/14
🧊 184 yards
🧊 3 Big Time Throws
🧊 118.8 passer rating pic.twitter.com/sPGoG1eQoo
Not only did Maye connect with Diggs and Hunter Henry on several big plays down the field, but he also avoided the negative ones. You can't take negative plays on the road against quality teams, and Maye avoided those, along with turnovers. Sunday marked Maye's second straight game without an interception.
3. What will Stefon Diggs be?
The Patriots have the top wide receiver they have been missing since Tom Brady left. Diggs is healthy and is playing at a high level. He was highly motivated in returning to western New York, wanting to show the Bills and their fans they made a mistake in letting him go.
Diggs' last catch of the night helped the Patriots churn towards field goal range. You take that away and God forbid Maye gets sacked on that play, we're probably looking at a different result.
The preseason questions floated towards Diggs - his health, his attitude - were warranted. But the chemistry he has with Maye is remarkable.