New England Leaves Buffalo with Close 23-21 Win and Many Teachable Moments.

This is going to take awhile. 

In an age when few show patience, the Patriots will inevitably test ours. New England's roster is loaded with rookies--13 for that matter--and it was improbable for anyone to think they would instantly gel into New England's complicated system.

Brady, collected, but at times impatient, helped will his team to victory over a revamped Buffalo defense. For much of the first half Brady and the Patriots dominated and controlled the game. They also proved, once again, they have a knack to create turnovers and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Quickly after cornerback Kyle Arrington forced Bill's running back C.J. Spiller to fumble, New England scored a touchdown.  A drive later Patriot's kicker Steven Gostkowski followed with a 48-yard field goal. Although only leading 10-0, the game began to feel like any other against an often maligned Buffalo squad--a soon to be blow out.

But then, the growing pains in New England's usually efficient war machine sprung up. Steven Ridley rode the bench for the remainder of the afternoon after his fumble in the second quarter halted the Patriot's momentum. Running backs Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount would split the remaining carries. Also, rookie receiver and pre-season stand out Kenbrell Thompkins had trouble separating himself from coverage, while the tight ends  disappeared completely .

After trailing to begin the third quarter, rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel (18-27, 150 yds, 2 td) drove his offense 80 yards to take a 21-17 lead.  Manuel, pleasantly efficient, did not commit a turnover or get sacked. He managed the game well and put his team in, as Belichick often coins, "the best position to win the game."

And, in fact, they almost did. The Patriots had a .765 winning percentage against rookie quarterbacks coming into today's match up.

But by game's end, the Bills were still the ol' Bills. In the fourth quarter, New England's defense kept Buffalo off the score board and forced three punts. Brady's offense, although lethargic most of the second half, grinded out two long scoring drives of 70 and 48 yards to first take the lead and then escape with the win.

Based on today's performance, most fans will overreact. Writers will analyze the negative--as this article mostly did (But I accept responsibility for that.) 

Yes, it is fine to feel slightly anxious. This is Brady's most questionable group of receivers since his 2006 squad lead by stars (sarcasm) Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel and Chad Jackson. However, the difference between then and now is this: The 2013 group has much more upside...much more promise. And eventually this one notion will ease most people's greatest fears.

New England hosts the 1-0 Jets this Thursday night for their regular-season home opener.