The Buffalo Bills took the opening drive into New England Patriots territory on the legs of running back Fred Jackson. The drive stalled at the Patriots 40-yard-line and Shawn Powell made his first NFL punt down to the 10. Tom Brady and company responded on their next possession.
After back-to-back first downs, Brady stood in the pocket for a considerable length of time allowing tight end Rob Gronkowski to get open deep. After 41 yards the lumbering tight end came down with it over Justin Rogers. A few players later, running back Stevan Ridley punched it in from six yards to give the Patriots the early lead.
With 6:49 remaining in the first quarter, the Patriots lead 7-0 on five throws for 80 yards by Brady. Ridley has the other ten offensive yards. C.J. Spiller has yet to get into the game as Jackson has carried the load for the Bills. It's the first time Buffalo has trailed since week one.