Abrupt End

Just like that the playoff run is over. Way sooner than anyone had hoped it would end. Though the way the Bills played on Saturday they certainly were the team that deserved to win. So congrats to them.

However, let's dive into what happened during Saturday night's wild-card game. Things started out in a rather unfortunate manner straight out of the gate with the Bills scoring a touchdown and striking first. At this point the Patriots were definitely not out of the game, however, it was not the way that anyone wanted the game to start. The fact that the Bills were able to score on their first drive of the game showed some weaknesses in the defense right of the bat. But Mac and the offense came out swinging. They were marching down the field. Mac was being more athletic than he had been possible in any other game previously. To be honest the offense started out strong and it looked like they just might be able to make up for a very slow defense. But the impossible happened. A quite possibly once-in-a-lifetime catch was made by the Bills, robbing the Patriots of their touchdown, which would have tied the game at 7. Instead, the Bills took that drive and turned their lead into a two-score one. While it was still early in the game this was a key momentum shift in the game. Being down two scores in the first quarter and having yet to put up any points on the board becomes a larger and larger hole to dig yourself out of, especially for a rookie quarterback.

Things certainly weren't good when the Pats only put up a field goal to end the first half. But in New England, we have seen the impossible become possible in many games. Yes, being down 24 points is a tall order to climb out of in the second half, but having the whole second half to still play is more than enough time. However, it is only ample time if the defense is able to make the necessary stops and just take down the Bills. But that was certainly not the case on Saturday night. It was perhaps the worst defensive showing all season, and the worst possible time for it too. The defense is something that will definitely need to be changed as we head into the offseason.

Coming into the second half, it looked like Mac just might be able to do the impossible as he was making plays. And it happened again. The second interception of the game. Now I do not mean to harp on Mac Jones, at all. I think that he had a very respectable performance, making 24 of 38 passes. But the second interception of the game and right off the bat started to paint the picture of the end of the season. The playoffs are unbelievably high stake games, and to be a rookie quarterback one can only imagine the stress and pressure that he put on himself. Following in the footsteps of the GOAT is an unbelievably hard task. Mac certainly could have played better, but the offensive line was not helping to succeed. Butterfingers. That's all I have to say. When you get paid millions of dollars to play a game that you love, and to simply catch a football, it is aggravating and quite embarrassing when you can't do a simple task. The offensive line was so bad. Mac would make the throws and they couldn't catch. Despite a poor offensive line Mac was able to put up two touchdowns. This was certainly not enough, but Mac deserves credit for not giving up and doing what he could to make the game bearable. That block that he made too. Wow! Certainly didn't see that one coming and I fully applaud that. Mac was a true team player.

I wouldn't begin to argue that the Patriots deserved or should have one the game against the Bills. However, the game could have been significantly better or at least bearable. For starters, the refs missed quite a few calls and were more than happy to call the penalties on the Pats. The loss is not on the refs by any means, but it is so frustrating to watch a game when blatant flags and penalties are missed. But more importantly the sportsmanship, wow. It was lacking from the Bills for sure. I understand that the Bills have consistently lost to the Patriots and haven't in quite some time had a real shot at the playoffs. But in no way does that make the taunting and utter disrespect that was present on the field for the majority of the game acceptable. It is totally fine to win big, but doing so in a taunting manner is just disgusting. By the end of the game, it was clear that the Bills didn't see the Patriots as an actual opponent.

Being a lover of sports can teach one much about life. The wild card game was no exception. In life one often has high expectations, as Boston sports have and will always have for their teams. However, just because the expectations are there does not mean that you will always be able to meet them. Sometimes in sports and often in life, you get hit with crushing blows. But it is not about the blows, it is about how you grow and learn from the defeats. The offseason will be telling for the Patriots as they work to fix their gaps so they can come back stronger next season.

An Unfortunate Ending - Google Images