Bills vs. Patriots, Week 5 second-half open thread

That was an absolutely awful first half of football by these Buffalo Bills. They look sloppy, confused, and distracted. Look, until we see otherwise — I’m willing to bet Stefon Diggs is in a few players’ heads this evening. That was the case in 2024 during a road game against the Houston Texans.

Three points. And lucky to have only given up six points. Buffalo is incredibly lucky to be losing just 6-3 to these plucky Patriots. The offense best thank the defense for its efforts in the first half, for otherwise this game is out of hand. Defensive end Greg Rousseau showed up big on the first drive. But then the refs stepped in, early — and often.

Are you sick of the officiating crew yet, Bills Mafia? Look, penalties are inevitable, and should be called when it’s obvious and detrimental to the integrity of the game. But what we have here tonight through 30 football minutes is a bit frustrating. Fortunately, we aren’t required to avoid discussions about officials. We’ll save more of that for the days following tonight’s game, just to see if this crew shapes up in the second half.

But one more thing on that front before we move on…

Real talk: This is unacceptable football from the Bills’ offense. Too-cute play calls in your own end of the field isn’t what the night called for, nor are any of the presnap penalties that everyone know Hoculi’s crew is going to call. (Sorry, I know we’re moving on from the officiating here.)

Ugly, aggravating football to watch, but Bills fans should be thankful for what’s been Buffalo’s best defensive performance this young season. Will they rebound in the second half, and somehow continue their streak of games scoring 30-plus? They might need a hand from the defense and special teams on that front tonight. Failing that, this could be talked about in the same circles as that infamous Browns punt game.

Josh Allen hasn’t played terrible, but he’s getting little help beyond Dalton Kincaid. The last time the Bills gave the ball away this much in the first half was a decade ago. Ten years.

Bills vs. Patriots Week 5 first-half stats

Here’s your open thread for the second half of Bills-Patriots. Let’s hope it’s a far different team taking the field than the one that ran out to begin the game. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things… Go Bills!