I didn't have too much hype for this game, it sort of made me look at this Bills team with clear eyes and an unbiased perception. This is what I learned:
1. The defense was stout, holding the offensive powerhouse Patriots to 20 points. Yes, the missed tackle by graham for that touchdown, whatever, it happens. Brady looked mediocre and the best tight end in the league was shut down.
2. Offensive play calling was suspect, you cannot sweep the ball when you need 1 yard and have both McCoy and Karlos ready to get that for you.
3. Unlucky with Woods' and McCoy's receptions getting broken up. Great plays by their DBs to prevent moving the chains in crucial times and a touchdown.
4. Taylor seemed suppressed by the ground and pound mentality of not turning the ball over. I believe in tyrod, he's not the next coming of a pro bowl QB, but he has proven to be able to make plays to move the chains and throw the deep ball. Tyrod played conservative and I believe the gameplan was just that. I don't think the play calls let Tyrod play to his strengths. He seemed shakey and not bought into what was happening when he is playing the position to steer the ship.
5. Shady is the real deal when used appropriately, worked great in on 1st downs but became stagnant when the Pats knew the Bills wanted to rely on McCoy getting 4-6 yards for a first down on 2nd down. Hogan played great, would've loved for him to be used more in the beginning of the game when they needed a first down.
Sort of went on a tagent there, but overall, this team has what it takes for a wild card contention. The defense is there and we won't see this offense this abysmal in the games to come. Next two games are for this Bills to take against two other wild card contenders. I'm really pulling for Tyrod, let's just hope he is healthy to sling against the Chiefs next week.
p.s. McKelvin cannot be the Bills' punt returner going forward