It’s a grading of backups, but the second-stringers are people, too.

The Buffalo Bills (13-4) had nothing to play for against the New England Patriots (4-13) in their 2024 NFL season finale. A handful of first teamers saw some time, but not much. That led to a 23-16 loss.

Even so, there are some decent marks to hand out.

With that, here is Bills Wire’s report card following the Week 18 defeat:

Passing offense: C

Imagn

Starting quarterback Josh Allen left the game after one snap played. Then backup Mitchell Trubisky took over. He was decent and looked like a capable backup. Trubisky was 15-for-21 passing for 101 yards and he did not turn the ball over. When third-string QB Mike White the field, the passing game seemed nonexistent. One has to wonder how many snaps and playing time he has had with the offense at all during practices.

Curtis Samuel was Buffalo’s No. 1 receiver with seven catches on eight targets for 52 yards. Keon Keon Coleman had a bad day, catching just two of nine targets for 31 yards.

Run offense: B

Imagn

No. 1 running back James Cook surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and secured his 16th rushing touchdown. That helped him tie OJ Simpson’s single-season record. Ray Davis took over after him and and impressed with 64 rushing yards.

The backup offensive line didn’t do too bad, either. That’s usually not the case.

Pass defense: D+

Imagn

The Patriots mostly used backup quarterback Joe Milton III… and he still thrived. He even did when starting starties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin were on the field. Milton was 12 of 13 for 139 yards in the first half and had a 48-yard TD to Kayshon Boutte against the defensive back duo for the Bills. Milton finished 22 of 29 for 241 yards.

Run defense: A-

Imagn

In recent weeks, Antonio Gibson has taken over as the Pats’ top running back. It did not help against the BIlls. Buffalo stuffed him for just 41 yards on 12 attempts. As a team, New England only average 2.5 yards per carry… and some of that was Milton scrambling.

Special teams: D

Imagn

Punter Sam Martin had a good day. One of his four punts downed inside the 20. The huge issue remains kicker Tyler Bass. He connected from 49 but still missed a field goal.