The New England Patriots used to dominate the Buffalo Bills.
But in recent years, it's been the Bills who have done the dominating while the Patriots have floundered and sought a new identity.
Consider the Pats to have taken their first huge leap in the right direction of a new era.
On Sunday Night Football: Patriots 23, Bills 20.
The Pats have the win that can define the start of a new era.
MORE: Cardinals' Emari Demercado makes unforgiveable fumble mistake
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye and first-year head coach Mike Vrabel led the Patriots past the Bills.
Buffalo hurt itself, for sure. The Bills committed nearly all the first-half penalties, but it was kind of bumpy all around. New England's halftime lead was just 6-3.
But the Patriots just kept coming, and they found a way to score two second-half touchdowns before a game-winning field goal with fewer than 30 seconds to play.
This isn't a guarantee of anything, but it's a moment in time that could be looked back upon as a special one.
The Patriots have been seeking their new identity.
Against Buffalo, they found it.
They grind it out. They keep fighting.
When a defender hangs onto Maye with all his weight, Maye stiff arms him enough to complete a pass to Stefon Diggs anyway.
When Rhamondre Stevenson fumbles early, he bounces back late to score a critical touchdown.
And when the Patriots lose year after year to the Bills, they find a way to get up off the mat and get a win.
New England couldn't have asked for a better night, especially with Stefon Diggs returning to Buffalo with 10 catches for 146 yards.
Are the Patriots fully back? That's to be determined. But on this night, it felt a lot like old times for the Pats.
More Bills-Patriots News:
- Why the Bills got rid of Stefon Diggs
- Why Mack Hollins left the Bills for the Patriots
- What happened to Damar Hamlin? Why Bills' safety is in new role
- Who is the Bills' new No. 14?