Mike Vrabel Addresses ‘Concerning’ Aspect Of Patriots’ Week 15 Loss Vs. Bills
The Patriots will have to clean this up in Week 16 vs. the Ravens
The New England Patriots came into their Week 15 AFC East showdown vs. the Buffalo Bills ranked last in the NFL in red zone defense, allowing the highest touchdown percentage when their opponents were inside the 20-yard line.
Things only got worse on Sunday during the team’s 35-31 home loss against the Bills.
“‘That’s concerning. We have to force teams to kick field goals when they do drive it on us,’ — Mike Vrabel, to ‘The Greg Hill Show’, on the red-zone D,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky.
Reigning MVP Josh Allen carved up the Patriots defense in the contest, finishing 19-for-28 with 193 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 11 carries for 48 yards.
New England quarterback Drake Maye, meanwhile, was terrific on the ground, collecting 43 rushing yards and two scores on four carries, but struggled through the air, going 14-for-23 with a season-low 155 passing yards and no touchdowns with one interception.
After jumping out to a 21-0 lead and 24-7 halftime advantage, the Patriots were outscored 14-0 in the third quarter and 28-7 in the second half.
Buffalo’s 41-year-old kicker Matt Prater wasn’t needed on the wintry weather day at Gilette Stadium, except on kickoffs and extra points.
New England’s defense has another tough test in Week 16, when it travels to face two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.”
