The Buffalo Bills’ perfect start is over.
Buffalo fell to the New England Patriots 29-26 on Sunday, dropping to 3-1 on the season after the Patriots rallied late at Highmark Stadium. The Bills had multiple opportunities to close out the game, but mistakes on both sides of the ball ultimately proved costly.
Here are three takeaways from Buffalo’s first loss of the 2026 season.
Josh Allen’s late mistake proves costly
Josh Allen was playing well enough for the Bills to win, but his final mistake ultimately decided the game.
Allen completed 22 of 33 passes for 253 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, but his interception late in the fourth quarter gave New England the opportunity to run out the clock.
With Buffalo trailing 29-26, Allen tried to escape pressure and threw a desperation pass into coverage. Patriots safety Craig Woodson came down with the interception, effectively ending Buffalo’s comeback hopes.
It was a frustrating ending for Allen, especially after he had helped Buffalo take a 26-21 lead with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman.
Allen doesn’t need to be perfect for the Bills to win, but Buffalo can’t afford turnovers in critical moments against quality opponents.
Buffalo’s secondary has become a major concern
The Bills’ defense forced turnovers, but it struggled to consistently contain Drake Maye and the Patriots’ passing game.
Maye finished with 323 total yards and three touchdowns while repeatedly escaping pressure and making plays with his legs. Romeo Doubs was particularly effective, catching six passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
Buffalo was already without starting cornerback Christian Benford because of injury. Then Dee Alford left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, forcing the Bills to make another adjustment in the secondary.
Maxwell Hairston also struggled in coverage, particularly against Doubs.
The injuries are becoming a significant issue for Buffalo. If Benford and Alford miss extended time, the Bills could be forced to rely heavily on young players while searching for additional help at cornerback.
Keon Coleman gives Buffalo a reason for optimism
The biggest positive from Sunday’s loss was the emergence of Keon Coleman.
With DJ Moore leaving the game because of injury, Coleman stepped into a larger role and delivered his best performance of the season.
Coleman finished with six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, including a spectacular 34-yard touchdown reception that temporarily gave Buffalo a 26-21 lead in the fourth quarter.
Coleman’s performance could be especially important moving forward if Moore’s injury forces him to take on more responsibility.
The Bills still have plenty of talent on offense, but Coleman showing he can become a consistent difference-maker gives Josh Allen another weapon.
Buffalo’s loss exposed some issues that weren’t as noticeable during its 3-0 start. At 3-1, the Bills remain one of the AFC’s top teams, but Sunday’s defeat showed they have work to do before their next challenge.
