For the third time this season, Cam Newton was benched when the Patriots were trailing in the second half.
Newton was pulled in favor of Jarrett Stidham in the third quarter following six offensive possessions. The Patriots went three-and-out on half of them and Newton was 5-for-10 passing with 34 yards, while adding 24 yards and a rushing touchdown in the 38-9 loss to the Bills.
Speaking after the game, Bill Belichick seemed to defend Newton when asked why it was the proper time to let Stidham into the game.
"Well, we weren't playing very well," he said. "It was the opportunity to give him a chance to play. Cam did a good job for us. I mean, that wasn't the problem. We were just not very competitive in the beginning."
As for who will start next week against the Jets, Belichick isn't ready to answer that question.
"The game was over about 10, 15 minutes ago, so... Haven't made any plans for next week obviously. The game is 15 minutes old," he said.
In relief of Newton, Stidham was 4-for-11 passing with 44 yards.
