The New England Patriots secured a 29-26 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, with wide receiver Romeo Doubs playing a pivotal role after a slow start to the season. Doubs led the Patriots in offensive snaps among wide receivers for the first time, appearing in 49 plays, and proved a reliable target, particularly in critical moments.
Following a rocky debut that included a costly dropped pass against Seattle, Doubs has steadily improved his connection with quarterback Drake Maye, especially in the absence of star receiver A.J. Brown, who remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least another week. Against the Bills, Maye targeted Doubs on two crucial fourth-down plays, both converted successfully, and the duo linked up for two touchdowns—on the opening drive and the first possession following halftime. Doubs finished with six catches on nine targets, totaling 58 yards.
Despite a significant turnover late in the first half—when Doubs failed to secure a low pass that was intercepted by Bills cornerback Dee Alford, setting up a field goal—the Patriots’ coaching staff was encouraged by his overall performance. Head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized Doubs’s resilience and ability to rebound from mistakes as a positive sign. The team also faces uncertainty regarding receiver Mack Hollins, who left Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a calf injury, having played only 31 snaps. If Hollins is unable to play next week against the Las Vegas Raiders, more responsibility will fall on Doubs and fellow receiver Efton Chism, who caught the game-winning touchdown on Sunday and saw increased snaps (34).
On the ground, running back Rhamondre Stevenson outpaced teammate TreVeyon Henderson in playing time, participating in 50 offensive snaps compared to Henderson’s 28. The pair split carries almost evenly, with Stevenson rushing 13 times for 47 yards and a touchdown, while Henderson had 14 carries for 42 yards. Combined, their ground game generated an average of 3.3 yards per carry. Fullback Reggie Gilliam, who missed some time due to an ankle injury, logged 17 snaps and was part of the formation on Stevenson’s goal-line score. Stevenson did limp to the sideline late in the game after a run and appeared to favor his right knee, though he spoke to reporters postgame, suggesting no immediate serious concern.
Defensively, six Patriots players did not miss a snap: cornerbacks Marcus Jones and Carlton Davis; safeties Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson; and linebackers Christian Elliss and Robert Spillane. Woodson’s late interception effectively sealed the victory, while Spillane received praise for limiting Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid to a single 7-yard catch. With starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Jones took on more snaps on the outside, supported by backups Charles Woods and Kindle Vildor, the latter elevated from the practice squad.
Rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas saw his playing time reduced to 25 snaps as starter Dre’Mont Jones returned from injury. However, Jacas still made impactful contributions, pressuring Bills quarterback Josh Allen on several occasions and registering a notable knockdown of offensive tackle Dion Dawkins. Through four weeks, Jacas ranks fourth in pass-rush win rate among edge defenders, underscoring his emerging presence on the Patriots’ defense.