The Patriots trail the Bills 14-7 at halftime, and the way this game has unfolded, just about everybody is surprised.
By all indications, the Patriots are doing everything they've needed to beat the Buffalo Bills. They have kept the Bills' running game in check, they've put pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick, they've forced multiple turnovers, and they're running the football well.
Yet for some reason, the game seems to be getting away from them. They've had two inexcusable fumbles giving the Bills very good field position, deep in opponents territory. They've missed two very makable field goals. They've forced three turnovers, yet didn't score a single point off of them.
In fact, had Brandon Spikes not forced a fumble on the two yard line in the closing minutes of the first half (recovered by Vince Wilfork), the team could be facing a two score deficit.
There's no other way to put it: the Patriots are beating themselves, and the scoreboard shows it. Unless they can start taking advantage of the opportunities handed to them while cutting back on the mental errors, the Patriots could be facing a 1-3 start to the season.
The Patriots, who won the opening toss and deferred, will get the ball to start the second half.
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