This article is part of our NFL Observations series.
So much for the Patriots putting up a fight. Actually, the game wasn't as lopsided as it looked early -- the Bills needed to convert a fake punt and a couple fourth downs on the first few drives, and the Patriots ran the ball well at least. But the difference between the passing games was stark.
- Josh Allen probably won't beat Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for MVP, but he now has 34 TDs, nine picks, 7.9 YPA, 418 yards and eight rushing scores.
- Stefon Diggs (11-9-145-3) was a league winner this year with a 38-30-422-4 during the playoffs.
- Cam Newton made a nice scramble for his 12th rushing TD (4th), but that was it. Had someone told you Newton would have 12 rushing TDs in 14 games, you probably would have thought he'd be a top-five QB. He'll be a free agent again this offseason and is probably an underdog for a starting job. I'd take a chance on him if I were a team in need of a QB -- he'll be cheap, and remember how poorly Tom Brady did in the second half last year with a bad offensive line and weak receiving corps.
- Sony Michel ran well the last couple weeks. He's never been able to stay healthy, but maybe he'll prove useful. (I had given up on David Montgomery a year ago too.)
- Jarrett Stidham came on for Newton in relief and didn't show much. The Patriots 2021 QB is almost certainly not on the current roster.
