What We Learned From Week 16 in the N.F.L.
The New York Times
The Bills’ offense and defense worked in tandem to take first place in the A.F.C. East from the Patriots, and an ailing Baltimore team saw its playoff chances dwindle.
The Bills (9-6) and the Patriots (9-6) play in outdoor, uncovered venues — a far cry from the sparkling stadiums constructed across the N.F.L. in recent years. The harsh weather elements affected the teams’ meeting in Orchard Park, N.Y., three weeks ago. A nicer day helped produce a different outcome in Week 16.
The Bills won, 33-21, in Foxborough, Mass., and now control the A.F.C. East. But while the more pleasant conditions were certainly a factor, efficient play and an aggressive strategy by Buffalo allowed them to win and reminded the league that they were still a potent championship threat.
Earlier this month, when the Bills allowed the Patriots to win while attempting only three passes, safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer angrily left a postgame news conference after a reporter asked if they were embarrassed. The defense conceded 222 rushing yards, yet surrendered only 14 points. But that still was not enough as the Bills scored only 10.
