ajayxeed: Bills-Patriots halftime notes

Sunday, September 25, 2011

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The New England Patriots lead the Buffalo Bills, 21-10, after one half.

Here are some notes at intermission:

I thought Buffalo's decision to give New England's offense and quarterback Tom Brady the ball to start the game was questionable. The Bills won the toss and deferred. New England took the ball and easily drove down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Buffalo has played from behind ever since.
The Bills got off to a slow start for the second straight week. Two early interceptions by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick put Buffalo in an early deficit. The Bills played better in the second quarter on both sides of the football. But Buffalo has been outscored 42-13 in the first half the past two weeks. The Bills will try to pull off another comeback for the second straight week.
Patriots receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski are finding openings in Buffalo's defense. Welker has seven receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown. Gronkowski, a Buffalo native, caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Most of the damage is being done in the middle of the field.
Aside from two turnovers, Fitzpatrick is playing well. He's thrown for 224 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the first half. The first pick was a deflection by receiver Donald Jones. The second interception was a forced throw on fourth down.

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