The New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills in a regular season game at New Era Field on Sunday, December 3, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, center, arrives at New Era Field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady arrives at New Era Field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, arrives at New Era Field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots headcoach Bill Belichick and his son safeties coach Steve Belichick walk the field at New Era Field prior to the 2017 NFL week 13 regular season football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 in Orchard Park, NY. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks the field at New Era Field prior to the 2017 NFL week 13 regular season football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 in Orchard Park, NY. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks the field at New Era Field prior to the 2017 NFL week 13 regular season football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 in Orchard Park, NY. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) sits on the bench with his phone prior to the 2017 NFL week 13 regular season football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 in Orchard Park, NY. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hugs former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) talk prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, center, talks to New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, right, and quarterback Tom Brady prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands with girlfriend Linda Holliday prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady works out prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, talks to Buffalo Bills owners Terrence Pegula, center, and his wife Kim Pegula prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gestures prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, and his team listen to the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
Buffalo Bills' Brandon Tate (15) returns the opening kickoff as New England Patriots' Rex Burkhead (34) tries to stop him during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots defensive end Eric Lee, left, and free safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrate Lee's interception on a pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots defensive end Eric Lee (55) runs with the ball after making an interception on a pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (not shown) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, hands off to running back James White during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back James White, right, tries to make a catch as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) moves in for the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) applies a block on Bills' Jerry Hughes (55) on the play. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, center, is tackled by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) and outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3), with Ryan Allen holding, kicks a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) and cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) chase after him during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) celebrates with teammates Joe Thuney (62), Cameron Fleming (71) and others after kicking a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) tries to catch a pass as Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown (52) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) is brought down by New England Patriots nose tackle Vincent Valentine, top left, and free safety Devin McCourty (32) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, walks with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels at the end of the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, center, looks on from the bench during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) lines up as a wide receiver against New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) and outside linebacker Ramon Humber (50) move in for the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tripped by Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) is congratulated by Rob Gronkowski (87) after scoring on a touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick heads to the field before the start of the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) lies on the end zone after scoring on a touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs a route against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, center, rushes in for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia talks to his team during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, talks to his team during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) gestures after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, fights his way into the end zone for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) and strong safety Micah Hyde (23) try to stop him during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y.(AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) gestures after making a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) knocks a pass out of the hands of Buffalo Bills wide receiver Zay Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
The shoes of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick are seen during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung acknowledges spectators after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, left, talks to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski gestures as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, left, talks to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks on the field after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty talks to reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks to reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the podium after talking to reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Esta tarde los Patriots lograron su décima victoria de la temporada (y octava en línea) al vencer con comodidad a los Buffalo Bills en el partido jugado en el New Era Field de Orchard Park, NY frente a 68,499 espectadores.
Un triunfo que terminó siendo fácil pero que no lució así todo el tiempo.
Durante a la primera mitad el equipo de los Bills pudo desarrollar un juego agresivo que frustró los intentos de Tom Brady de lograr anotaciones de 7 puntos. El QB estuvo constantemente siendo presionado por los pass rushers de los Bills quienes llegaban desde diferentes ángulos, entorpeciendo la labor del QB. En 2 visitas a la zona roja los Patriots no pudieron sumar touchdowns teniendo que conformarse con goles de campo.
Al final de estos 2 cuartos iniciales, 3 de las 4 marchas ofensivas de los Patriots terminaron en gol de campo, lo que causó una visible frustración en Tom Brady quien terminó esta mitad completando solo 8 de 14 pases para 96 yardas y siendo capturado en 3 ocasiones.
"Buffalo juega muy duro, es un equipo muy bien entrenado, fue un juego ajustado en la primera mitad, pero en el tercer cuarto pudimos tomar ventaja de la posición en el campo", dijo Belichick en su conferencia.
Ya en la segunda mitad las cosas empezaron a cambiar ofensivamente con una mayor participación de Rob Gronkowski y del RB Rex Burkhead.
El TE fue determinante en momentos claves durante esta segunda mitad receptando 7 pases para 119 yardas. Resaltando una recepción de 30 yardas que aparentó inicialmente ser interceptada por el CB Tre'Davious pero arrancada de sus manos por el ala cerrada de New England. Gronkowski terminó su actuación de la tarde receptando 9 de 11 pases para 147 yardas en total.
Al final de su jornada el QB Tom Brady completó 21 de 30 pases para 258 yardas, 3 capturas y 1 intercepción.
El juego de carrera fue también relevante en esta parte del partido. El corredor número 1 del equipo, Dion Lewis, acarreó el balón en 15 ocasiones para 92 yardas mientras que el RB Rex Burkhead, acarreando el balón en 12 oportunidades, contribuyó con 78 yardas y 2 touchdowns.
"Ellos han estado corriendo muy bien durante toda la temporada, ha sido algo grande para nuestra ofensiva… Creo que hay que implantar el juego de carrera y nuestro juego de play-action fue producto de ello", aseguró Brady.
Defensivamente los Patriots lograron su cometido limitando el siempre peligroso ataque terrestre (y de pases en plena carrera) que desarrolla el QB Tyrod Taylor.
"Sabemos de su habilidad para escaparse y obviamente aún así poder lanzar el balón, pero creo que en general hicimos un buen trabajo", dijo McCourty en su conferencia".
Igualmente crucial era controlar la efectividad del siempre peligroso RB LeSean McCoy, como era de esperarse el RB logró sumar sus yardas pero fue mantenido fuera de la zona de anotación a lo largo del partido (15 acarreos, 93 yardas, 0 TD).
Mención especial merece el ala defensivo Eric Lee, quien a pesar de solo estar 2 semanas en el equipo de los Pats (fue traído del equipo de práctica de los Bills) logró 1.5 capturas, 3 golpes al QB y una importante intercepción al inicio del partido que negó a los Bills lo que parecía un touchdown seguro.
El CB Stephon Gilmore también logró realizar otro buen partido.
El pateador Stephen Gostkowski acabó con 3 goles de campo (50, 31, y 39 yardas), todos anotados en la primera mitad del partido.
Al final otro gran trabajo de la defensa que solo terminó cediendo solo un gol de campo a los Bills.
Resumiendo
Una victoria que no llegó fácil pero que con el paso de los minutos se fue consolidando por un equipo superior y con muchos más argumentos a su favor.
Ahora continuamos nuestro mini tour, esta vez viajando a Miami para enfrentar a los Dolphins una vez más. Otro juego de división, otro juego que se tomará con la seriedad acostumbrada.
