Bills, Ryan Fitzpatrick Looking To Buck Trend Vs. Patriots

by Brian Galliford on Dec 31, 2011 9:32 AM EST in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking to avoid starting a trend in his team's regular season finale against the New England Patriots. That trend is similar to one the Bills have experienced as a team: performing well in the first annual game against New England, and performing poorly in the second.

In his first start in 2010, Fitzpatrick threw two critical interceptions, but also completed 20-of-28 passes for 247 yards and two scores in a 38-30 loss. In a Week 15 matchup with the Pats, however, he went 18-of-37 for 251 yards with three interceptions in a 34-3 loss in Buffalo.

This season, Fitzpatrick went 27-of-40 for 369 yards with two scores and two picks as the Bills shocked the Pats 34-31 in Week 3. That was a good performance - one that helped him lock up AFC Offensive Player of the Month in September, in fact.

That aforementioned Week 3 win ended a 15-game losing streak to the Pats. In a span that includes this year's win, as well as their previous win (31-0 in Week 1 of the 2003 season), the Bills have played 17 games against the Patriots. New England's average margin of victory in the first matchup of the year in that span is just four points. That margin skyrockets to 25 points in the second meeting of each season, however. Ergo, Fitzpatrick is looking to avoid a trend, while the Bills as a team are looking to buck one.

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C'mon Fitz!! Give us one more good one.

I’m very happy we finally beat them this year.
I would be happy out of my mind if we sweeeeeep them and end the season on a high note.
Plus, Miamifriend and arrogant Patsfriend are both coming over tomorrow to watch the game.

"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 31, 2011 10:19 AM EST reply actions

you need some new friends :-)

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 31, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I know, right?
Bearfriend and Vikingfriend are also coming. They both feel like I do.

"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 31, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

that sounds better.......people who can share the misery :-)

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 31, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions

good one

But you know that there’s a definite advantage to having those types of friends… When we finally turn this thing around, they will be on the receiving end of our humiliating and degrading comments. What goes around comes around baby!

Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience

by keysh67 on Dec 31, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

isn’t it amazing how your perspective changes when things are either going or not going your way.

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Bills are going to perform badly, I doubt the bills beat out the Bradys. It would be too nice of a thing to end the year on, and we can’t have anything nice, so Pats are going to destroy them.

by JJS on Dec 31, 2011 10:27 AM EST reply actions

Headline Monday reads....."Fitz lays a Bucking Egg"

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 31, 2011 11:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I was thinking more like “Fitzpatrick throws out late Christmas Presents to the Pats”

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

Didnt he have 7 total turnovers vs NE in the final game last year?

Or was that just as a team?

I think this one will be competitive, since Brady is banged up, along with Welker, and Im sure that if they get hit a few times BB will pull them. Hoyer Time.

Come on Buffalo, please?

by bflo on Dec 31, 2011 11:50 AM EST reply actions

I think we lose

We need a better draft postition anyway.

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 12:58 PM EST reply actions

Skipping this one

New Year’s Day is too fun to waste sitting at home watching the Bills (especially when it falls on a date when everybody is off the next day). I’ll keep the game on my phone, but it will not be a priority. Can’t wait for the 2011 death march to end…can’t wait to be 0-0.

"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix

by Port Royal on Dec 31, 2011 1:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

like walking the plank?

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

G. Tech vs. Utah

Two guys working cameras/video recorders are wearing Bills gear in the end zone. Who would they be there watching, or do the Bills just have a couple of fans getting work done at a bowl game?

GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!

by hoosier3 on Dec 31, 2011 3:43 PM EST reply actions