The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills are locked in an ugly game at halftime,
The Patriots got things going in the first quarter after a C.J. Spiller fumble (forced by Kyle Arrington, recovered by Tommy Kelly) gave them great field position at the Bills 15. On third down from the nine, Tom Brady found Julian Edelman in the back of the end zone for a beautiful back shoulder touchdown.
New England tacked on a field goal later in the quarter to make in 10-0 after one.
In the second quarter, driving into Buffalo territory, Stevan Ridley tripped up behind the line of scrimmage untouched, and fumbled the football. The ball was recovered by Buffalo safety Da'Norris Searcy and returned 75 yards for a touchdown.
The Patriots got back on the board however, after a Marquise Goodwin fumble set the Patriots up with good field position once again. A long Shane Vereen run on the first play of the drive allowed set up the second Tom Brady to Julian Edelman touchdown of the day to extend the score to 17-7.
Late in the half, Zach Sudfeld had a pass go off his hands that was intercepted by Justin Rogers (who was going for the tackle not the ball). Two passing plays later, E.J. Manuel found Robert Woods in the end zone and the Bills cut the lead to 17-14 at the half.
Just an ugly, ugly game at halftime. The Bills have committed penalty after penalty and multiple turnovers, but the Patriots have been unable to generate consistent offensive momentum on any single drive. The Patriots could be and should be up big, but a pair of uncharacteristic turnovers have kept the Bills in this one.
The best player for the Patriots thus far today has been cornerback Kyle Arrington, who forced two fumbles and also had an interception called back. Stevan Ridley, by the way, didn't play the rest of the half following his fumble.
On the injury front, Brandon Spikes left the game after the first possession with dehydration and did not return. Receiver Danny Amendola tweaked his groin again late in the second quarter, and did not return.