Pats Cast Episode 13: Patriots Fall to the Bills Ahead of the Trade Deadline

Rookie Zack Moss cashed in two rushing touchdowns, as Buffalo's rushing attack had its best game of the season. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Patriots entered Sunday in dire need of a victory, or else their playoff hopes would be left hanging by a thread.

Despite playing better – especially on offense – they "fumbled the bag" when it mattered most. A blunder by Cam Newton led to a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, dropping New England to 2-5.

Here are my thoughts on the game, as well as an approach to the Trade Deadline – including a plea for Dwayne Haskins, who I've been a published supporter of before.

Links to podcast via Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

With Julian Edelman and N'Keal Harry sidelined, the Patriots' offense had one of its more efficient showings of this season. The leading beneficiary was Jakobi Meyers, who caught six passes for 58 yards.

Damien Harris added 102 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Cam Newton had a fairly efficient day through the air, and added 54 yards an a rushing touchdown.

The defense was a bit more troublesome. Although the secondary was strong – even without Stephon Gilmore and Kyle Dugger – the front seven was gashed for 190 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Chase Winovich's usage continues to be confusing, but the debut of Josh Uche offered a glimmer of hope for the linebacker level.

J.C. Jackson had a solid game as the #1 corner, holding star wideout Stefon Diggs to five catches for 84 yards (when he was the primary defender, which was the vast majority of the time) while also hauling in an interception.

Overall, the offense was much better than it had recently looked, but the defense was largely the same – strong on the backend and weak up front. Compounding that issue, nose tackle Beau Allen (who is currently on IR) has been declared out for the season.

The question now – which I tried to address in my podcast – is: What will the Patriots do at the Trade Deadline? Will they look for a star receiver like Will Fuller, or will they trade veterans like Cam Newton or Stephon Gilmore?

Whoever's left on the roster will face Sam Darnold and the winless Jets next Monday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets struggle to run the ball and have a pretty porous defense, but they have some potential in the passing game – if Jamison Crowder is healthy enough to play.