Patriots coach penalized for sideline outburst, Bills score before Patriots rally to win

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills after he shouted at referee Bill Vinovich. Vrabel’s remarks, which included profanity, prompted the official to issue the penalty because the coach was on the sideline outside the designated area.

"I don't know how you're going to give a warning," Vinovich said, adding that such language typically results in a penalty.

The penalty gave Buffalo a first-and-goal situation at the 11-yard line, and three plays later quarterback Josh Allen ran for a two-yard touchdown, putting the Bills ahead by three points at halftime.

New England answered in the second half with a long drive that ended in a two-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Romeo Doubs, reclaiming the lead. The Bills responded with a 38-yard field goal, narrowing the gap.

Late in the fourth quarter, Allen connected with Keon Coleman for a 34-yard touchdown, and although the two-point conversion failed, the Bills retook the lead. Maye then threw a 23-yard touchdown to Efton Chism, and the Patriots converted a two-point attempt to go ahead by three with 1:50 remaining.

Allen’s final drive ended with an interception by Patriots safety Craig Woodson, sealing a 29-26 Patriots victory. Allen finished with 253 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception; Maye completed 21 of 36 passes for 257 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

The win moved the Patriots to a 2-2 record, while the Bills suffered their first loss of the season.