Patriots Earn Statement Win, Prove AFC East Still Runs Through New England

What is a statement game?

The Buffalo Bills wanted today to be a statement that their 3-2 start to the season was not a fluke, that Kyle Orton had breathed new life into the team as the starting quarterback, and that their defense could stifle one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Instead, the New England Patriots made a statement that they are a much better team than they showed en route to a 2-2 start to the season, that they are capable of sustaining a high level of play — not only on a week-to-week basis, but also on a home-and-away basis — and that they can beat a team that has been built to beat them.

These two very different takes on the same phrase help us understand how important a game like today’s can be, on both sides.

The Patriots made a statement that they are still the class of the AFC East by knocking off the Bills, the only team that appears anywhere near ready to make a run at the throne this season.

“This is what we asked for,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “Let’s see what we’re made of. Going on the road, in the division — games don’t get any bigger than that.”

After going three-and-out on four straight drives in the second quarter, the offense found its rhythm in the second half, with drives of 80, 56, 80 and 93 yards that all ended in scores. The defense helped out along the way, forcing three turnovers in the first half to help stymie the Bills’ offensive rhythm.

But statements were made on a macro and micro level.

Brady made a statement that he can still put up video game statistics and party like it’s 2007. He completed 27 of his 37 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns. It was Brady’s second straight game with a passer rating over 100, and his highest since Week 9 of the 2013 season.

Rob Gronkowski made a statement that he is Gronk once again. He caught nearly everything thrown his way (seven receptions on nine targets), rolling over defenders and bouncing around others. He was also leading the way as a blocker on the ground and helping buy Brady more time in the passing game.

“It’s the game of football,” Gronkowski said. “I’m not stepping out on that field thinking that I’m just going to be able to go out there and not get hit. No way. Those guys are getting paid and they are all big and fast. They were giving me some lickings. All you can do is get right back up and get right back in the huddle and go on to the next play. It’s part of the game and sometimes I like getting lit up.”

Darrelle Revis made a statement that, yes, he can still play tight man-to-man coverage and bump and run an opponent’s best receiver. He held Bills rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins to just one catch for 20 yards.

“He’s just what I thought he was,” Watkins said of Revis. “He’s a competitor. He competes every play, and he’s got balls to come up and press every play. I tip my hat to him.”

Rob Ninkovich proved that he’s still a player who can be counted on to make a big play in a big moment with three sacks, two of them on third down.

But their statements are not all made for the season. They will have to make yet another statement in the coming weeks, as they adjust to life without linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back Stevan Ridley. Both men suffered knee injuries on Sunday, and it is feared that both injuries could be serious according to separate reports from Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer of NFL Network. They may also be without offensive lineman Dan Connolly, who suffered a concussion.

With linebacker Dont’a Hightower, center Bryan Stork, and cornerback Brandon Browner all out for this game, along with the injuries to Ridley and Mayo, the Patriots may once again have to prove that they can win despite a slew of injuries.

Over the past two weeks, the Patriots have made the statement that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, It looks like they could be limping to the finish once again, but if they are able to do so, they will have made a statement about their ability to overcome the adversity of injuries for a second straight year.

Follow @ErikFrenz