FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A few thoughts on the New England Patriots' 37-22 victory Sunday over the Buffalo Bills:
What it means: The Patriots showed exceptional mental toughness. Every step of the way teaches us about this football team, and what we learned Sunday about the 2014 Patriots is that from the coaching staff to the sideline, this is a group with a steely resolve. They had key players dropping like flies, were coming into a supercharged environment in which the Bills were celebrating the first game for new owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and they stood up to the physical and mental test.
Mayo likely lost for extended time with knee injury: This game cost the Patriots significantly personnel-wise. Defensive captain and signal-caller Jerod Mayo, the team's "glue" linebacker, was carted off in the second quarter with what was announced as a knee injury. The severity of the injury was reflected in the fact that Bill Belichick came off the sideline to see Mayo, and players from both teams came over to him before he was carted off. Similar to last year, the Patriots don't have a replacement for Mayo; it will have to be a committee-type approach. He's that valuable.
Other injuries to monitor: In addition to Mayo, the Patriots also lost running back Stevan Ridley (knee) in the third quarter and guard Dan Connolly (head injury, presumably a concussion) in the second quarter, with both players not returning. Ridley was visibly upset on the sideline, bowing his head between his legs as players came over to console him.
Game ball: Tom Brady. There were a lot of good choices, but this was a vintage performance, capped off by a touchdown drive after the Bills closed to 30-22 and the defense looked cooked. No turnovers for Brady, who gets this "game ball" because on a day highlighted by overall mental toughness, no one shows more than Brady. Since Brady became a starter in 2001, this is his eighth game with at least 350 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, which ties with Drew Brees for most in the league over that span.
Sign of the Tyms: The long ball is back in the Patriots' offense. Missing for some time now, it showed up in a big way early in the third quarter on a Brady-to-Brian Tyms 43-yard touchdown. Tyms, who made a remarkable catch, then paid homage to Randy Moss by mimicking Moss' "split-the-defense" touchdown celebration.
Don't forget defense, Revis Island: Chandler Jones' strip sack was one of several big plays delivered by the Patriots' defense, which needed to regroup after losing Mayo. It helped to have cornerback Darrelle Revis shadowing rookie receiver Sammy Watkins, who showed the youngster what "Revis Island" is all about.
Gronkowski's playing time: Tight end Rob Gronkowski was charted on the field for 57 of 74 snaps (including penalties) as he's now a full-fledged go in the team's offense. He might not ever return to playing every snap, as he used to, but his usage is now trending up. Gronkowski's snap counts through the first five games: 38, 28, 42, 31 and 64.
What's next: The Patriots host the New York Jets on Thursday night. The Jets lost to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
