Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: Risers and Fallers

A look back at the Buffalo Bills’ Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots.

For a second there it looked like the Buffalo Bills might have been able to pull off the upset, but then an interception in the red zone and an overthrown pass that would have led to a go-ahead touchdown slowed everything down and the New England Patriots pulled away just like most people thought would happen.

While the second half didn’t go as planned, the Bills defense was able to hang with Tom Brady and Co. much longer than expected.

It was just a six-point game at the break, but the Buffalo offense’s inefficiency proved to be the nail in the coffin during the second half.

The Week 13 loss didn’t sink the Bills’ playoff chances, but it did make the road to the postseason a bit tougher.

You know the drill, this column profiles the players who took steps forward and also regressed each week. Welcome to Risers and Fallers.

Risers

Adolphus Washington

It’s been an up-and-down season for the second-year defensive lineman, but Sunday was a more-than-solid performance for Adolphus Washington.

The interior defensive lineman registered a sack and a career-best four defensive stops. Three stops came in the run game, which led the team.

Washington’s strong performance earned him a 79.4 by Pro Football Focus.

Tre’Davious White

The shame here is that most are focusing on the aftermath of Rob Gronkowski’s cheap shot on Tre’Davious White during the fourth quarter and not the rookie’s impressive performance.

White has quickly became one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he once again proved why he’s in consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The former LSU standout only allowed two receptions, one of which was an incredible play by Gronkowski, and came away with his third interception of the season.

The Bills received good news on Wednesday. While White is still in concussion protocol, he was able to practice.

Buffalo will need him on Sunday with the talented T.Y. Hilton coming to town.

Kyle Williams

While Kyle Williams has started to show signs that his age is catching up to him, this past Sunday was not one of those games.

The veteran defensive tackle registered a pair of tackles and a sack, doing so in game No. 163, which is a franchise record for defensive tackles.

His sack was career No. 42.5, which is also a franchise record for defensive tackles.

Fallers

Tyrod Taylor

This past Sunday was one of those performances when you think to yourself, “Hmmm, I get why Sean McDermott benched Tyrod Taylor for Nathan Peterman.”

Obviously Taylor’s knee injury played into his poor performance, but he was still healthy enough to remain in the game.

Taylor finished 9-for-18 for 65 and an interception. He even took three sacks.

Buffalo Bills

Taylor only attempted two passes of more than 10 yards downfield. Not to mention the interception came on a goal-to-go situation and on Buffalo’s best drive.

Not an ideal afternoon.

Micah Hyde

Micah Hyde has been one of Buffalo’s best players this season.

However, Week 13 was an exception.

While Hyde led the team in tackles with 12, he registered three missed tackles, which was a season high, according to BNBlitz.com.

Hyde struggled in the passing game too. He allowed four receptions for 49 yards on five targets.

The Bills are going to need more out of their talented safety if they want to stack some wins the rest of the way.

Preston Brown

While Preston Brown finished near the top of the stat sheet when it came to tackles, racking up eight, he was given a -1.6 by PFF, according to BNBlitz.com.

That’s his second worse grade in the last five games.

Next: Buffalo Bills Week 14 Matchup of the Week: Tre’Davious White vs TY Hilton

He’ll have a chance to bounce back this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.