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Patriots End Season with Victory But Change Coaches
The New England Patriots wrapped up a challenging season with a surprising victory, yet the win proved insufficient to secure the future of their head coach. Joe Milton III made a notable entrance in his professional debut by throwing a touchdown pass and adding another on the ground, helping the Patriots defeat the AFC East champions, the Buffalo Bills, with a score of 23-16 on Sunday. This victory, however, cost them the opportunity to secure the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, a decision that weighed heavily on team owner Robert Kraft as he announced the termination of head coach Jerod Mayo shortly after the game.
Kraft reflected on his difficult decision through a statement, indicating, “After the game, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. Personally, this was one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make. Sadly, the overall direction of the team did not improve as I had hoped.” The Patriots finished the season with a disappointing record of 4-13 after snapping a six-game losing streak that, if continued, would have ensured them the top draft selection. Instead, they ended up with the fourth pick, falling behind Tennessee, Cleveland, and the New York Giants.
Mayo participated in the postgame press conference before the news of his firing became public, insisting that the team focused solely on winning rather than on playoff implications. He stated, “As a player and coach, the goal is always to go out there and win.” Milton showcased his skills in relief of rookie Drake Maye, completing 22 out of 29 passes for 241 yards. Kayshon Boutte was a standout performer, making seven catches for 117 yards, including a touchdown. Joey Slye contributed three field goals to the Patriots’ total points.
The Patriots had several healthy scratches and opted to rest key players, such as running back Rhamondre Stevenson, while tight end Hunter Henry was sidelined due to a foot injury. Reflecting on the emotional atmosphere in the locker room after the game, Mayo acknowledged that discussions regarding his future would take place at the right moment. He expressed gratitude for the players’ dedication throughout the season, affirming that the success of any coach hinges significantly on their players.
For the Bills, Mitchell Trubisky completed 15 of 21 passes for 101 yards. The team, having already secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, chose to rest many of their starters for the game. Additionally, MVP contender Josh Allen only participated for one snap, participating in a handoff that extended his streak to 115 consecutive games played. Trubisky was ultimately replaced by Mike White late in the game, while running back James Cook tied O.J. Simpson’s Bills franchise record with his 16th touchdown of the season.
The Patriots solidified their lead with a 50-yard field goal by Slye late in the fourth quarter, making the score 23-16. Subsequently, the Bills ended the game on downs after White’s incomplete pass. Bills coach Sean McDermott quickly shifted his focus to the upcoming playoffs, stating, “Everything is earned and nothing is given in the playoffs. We take it one day at a time to prepare for our next challenge.”
Injury updates included the departure of Patriots safety Marte Mapu in the first quarter due to a neck injury, with further evaluation relegating him out for the remainder of the game. Additionally, Kayshon Boutte exited the game in the fourth quarter with a head injury. Notably, Trubisky’s 2-yard touchdown pass marked the Bills’ 30th passing touchdown, making history as the first team to record 30 or more touchdowns both through passes and on the ground in a single season.
Milton’s debut delighted teammates who recognized his athletic prowess, previously displayed only during preseason and practice. In his first series, Milton completed passes that set up a one-yard rushing touchdown, celebrated in style with a backflip. He also threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Boutte, pulling the Patriots ahead 14-7. Additionally, Bills linebacker Von Miller achieved a substantial bonus of $1.5 million with his sixth sack of the season, while punter Sam Martin earned a $100,000 bonus with a strategic punt that was downed on the 6-yard line.
Looking forward, the Bills will host the AFC’s seventh seed next weekend, whereas the Patriots face an offseason full of crucial decisions, starting with finding a suitable head coach.
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