"Coming off their bye, with a few injured players back in the lineup, brought out more optimism about accomplishing that goal, only for a last-second decision by Mike Vrabel regarding one of the Patriots' best players on defense put their chances at risk before the game even started. And we saw how bad that came back to haunt him in the second quarter."
"Despite being suited up to play, Vrabel decided linebacker Robert Spillane wouldn't play in Sunday's matchup, and after the defense's impeccable first-half performance, it was clear they were missing their captain on the field. The highest rate of missed tackles since their loss to the Steelers, allowing five Bills' drives to end in a score, and making questionable decisions that prompted some nitpicky flags, only made the situation worse, forcing Vrabel to explain his decision for Spillane's absence immediately after the game."
""We felt like after going through the warmups and everything that that was what was going to be best for him today. And we need everybody, and certainly Robert. And we'll have to try to get as healthy as we can as quickly as we can." While it makes sense to want your best players healthy by the time the postseason arrives, this was the biggest game of the Patriots' 2025 season,"
Patriots entered the AFC East matchup with the Bills aiming for their first division win since 2019, returning from a bye with injured players back and optimism high. Head coach Mike Vrabel removed linebacker Robert Spillane from the active lineup at the last second despite Spillane being suited up. Spillane's absence coincided with second-quarter defensive breakdowns, including the highest missed tackle rate since the Steelers loss and five Bills drives ending in scores. The defense also committed questionable decisions and drew nitpicky flags. Vrabel said warmups informed the decision and emphasized keeping players healthy for the postseason.
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