The Buffalo Bills have struggled for more than a year with two-point conversions, and it cost them again in their 29-26 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 4. Locked On Bills host Joe Marino said quarterback Josh Allen locked on to wide receiver Josh Palmer rather than working through his progressions and finding an uncovered Dalton Kincaid after the fourth-quarter touchdown by Keon Coleman.
Marino’s All-22 review found New England dropped eight defenders into coverage and rushed only three, leaving Allen time to progress beyond Palmer. Kincaid released late into the middle of the field without a defender around him, according to Marino, but Allen attempted a tight-window throw that fell incomplete.
The miss mattered beyond one failed snap. Marino noted that a successful conversion would have put Buffalo ahead by seven points. Instead, the Bills remained at two successful two-point tries in 11 attempts since the start of the 2025 season.
Marino tied the conversion failure to a wider situational issue in the loss. He said Allen’s late interception came after a protection breakdown, and he also questioned the decision to force a downfield throw on second-and-6 from the 40-yard line with two more downs available in four-down territory.
The next test comes against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Buffalo needs to clean up its conversion menu and late-down decision-making quickly; close games leave little room for a red zone mistake that can turn a victory into a defeat.
Bills News and Notes
– Running back James Cook provided a productive foundation that Buffalo did not use often enough, Marino said. Cook carried 12 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, while Marino said the Bills posted a 71% success rate on gap runs in Week 4.
– Marino saw Buffalo’s pass rush as a bright spot but faulted its coverage communication and down-and-distance awareness. He specifically criticized cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s cushion and positioning while highlighting outside linebacker Greg Rousseau and defensive tackle Deone Walker for their impact up front.
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