Halftime Report: Patriots Take 9-3 Lead Into Break

After winning the opening coin toss the Patriots elected to defer and receive the ball to start the second half. However, the Bills proceeded to drive right down the field, at times moving the ball at ease. The mobility of Tyrod Taylor brought back memories of some of the earlier defensive games of the season. Fortunately for the Patriots, newcomer, Eric Lee picked off Taylor at the goal line, halting the Bills opening drive.

Eric Lee with the big INT. Patriots Ball @FPC_NFL #FPC #GoPats @FPC_AFCE #NEvsBUF

— Full Press Patriots (@FPC_Patriots) December 3, 2017

The Patriots took the ensuing drive 59 yards on 14 plays and settled for a Stephen Gostkowski 50-yard to take the early lead. After forcing the Bills to punt on their next drive, the Patriots offense stalled once again on their second drive and were also forced to punt.

• The Outlook For The Last Five Super Bowl Champions
• Patriots Sign Rookie Duke Dawson
• “Consummate Patriot” Matt Light to be Inducted into Patriots Hall of Fame
• Patriots, Giants Interested in Signing Linebacker Brian Cushing
• Ignore the Noise, the Patriots Had a Terrific Draft

On the Patriots second drive of the second quarter, running back Dion Lewis sparked the Patriots offense with a big 44-yard, the longest of his career. The run set the Patriots up first and goal at the nine-yard line, however, a sack on third down by Kyle Williams forced the Patriots to settle for a field goal.

The Bills finally got on the board with just under three minutes to go in the half as Steven Hauschka nailed a 49-yard field goal to cut the Patriots lead in half. However, as is the case now in eight consecutive games, the Patriots drove down the field in the closing moments of the first half. Rex Burkhead sparked the offense out of the two minute warning with a huge run to set them up inside the 30-yard line.

Burkhead, again, came up big on a third down attempt to extend the drive and set the Patriots up just outside the 10-yard line. But, yet again, the Patriots offense stalled and they had to settle for a third Gostkowski field goal. This time from 39 yards away.

Team Leaders

Passing

Tom Brady 8-for-14 for 96 yards

Rushing

Dion Lewis 8 carries for 64 yards

Receiving

Danny Amendola 2 Receptions for 34 yards

Total Offense

Patriots 145 yards

Bills 148 yards

– Ian Glendon is the Editor-In-Chief of Full Press Coverage and the AFC East Division Editor. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31 Follow @FPC_Patriots and Facebook.