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Maye Day in Buffalo: Patriots Hand Bills Their First Loss in a Statement Win
October 6, 2025
Week 5’s Sunday Night matchup featured two divisional rivals squaring off under the bright lights. The last remaining undefeated Bills welcomed the up and coming Patriots while wearing their brand new iced out uniforms.
The matchup also featured a homecoming for former standout receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs went as far pregame as to compliment Drake Maye and stated that he reminded him of a much younger Josh Allen. Diggs, of course, spent the 2020-2023 seasons in Buffalo and helped become a reliable target for a young Allen at the time.
This game, however, started off ugly. It was your typical division rival game where both teams are feeling each other out. Big plays on both sides that didn’t lead to touchdowns. A field goal snooze-fest with both defenses playing lights out. The Patriots defense truly deserved a tip of the hat as they held Josh Allen in check all night. If you focused in on the play of Drake Maye, he actually did look like a young Josh Allen. The pocket movement, the accurate bombs downfield to open receivers, it was incredible. The game did go into half 6-3 with the advantage going to the Patriots but the game truly began in the third quarter.
The Bills struck first on their opening possession as Josh Allen hit Curtis Samuel to take a 4 point lead. Drake Maye immediately responded with one of the most beautiful throws of the season so far. Rolling out right and launching an absolute dime downfield to Stefon Diggs who was downed at the 4 yard line. Rhamondre Stevenson, who endured a rough night, found the endzone on the next play. Buffalo appeared to be surprised which resulted in Allen pressing a little bit; leading to a late 3rd quarter int on a drive that would have led to points. They looked different. Not as if they were unprepared but perhaps that they would roll over the Patriots like they have so frequently.
Ultimately, the night would belong to Drake Maye and the Patriots as they won 23-20 on a late field goal.. Stefon Diggs played like a man possessed as he accounted for 146 of Maye’s passing yardage. Not only did Maye knock off the last remaining undefeated team, he did it in their house, with multiple statement throws. The game almost certainly would have been different had Maye not made some of those throws with his elite talent on full display. This game was more than just a win, it was a statement; that Drake Maye has arrived and this Patriots team is for real.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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