James Cook scores 2 TDs and Bills force 3 turnovers in 24-21 win over Patriots

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — With the Bills' attention and concern focused on the sideline, where trainers were examining quarterback Josh Allen’s throwing arm, cornerback Taron Johnson provided the necessary offense to lift Buffalo to 24-21 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Johnson fell on a loose ball — after Drake Maye’s backward pass went off of Rhamondre’s Stevenson’s hands — at the goal line for a touchdown to cap a defensive outing in which Buffalo forced takeaways on each of the Patriots' first three possessions of the second half. Meanwhile, running back James Cook scored on a 46-yard rush and a 4-yard catch to help Buffalo overcome a 14-0 deficit.

As for Allen, who's among the favorites for MVP, the quarterback relieved any worry by retuning to the field.

“Lost some feeling in my hand. Just hit the funny bone nerve,” said Allen, who was hurt on a 7-yard run early into the fourth quarter. He said it's likely he would have missed a drive if not for Johnson's touchdown, which sent the defense back onto the field.

“It took a good five to ten minutes, so just making sure, trying to get some blood flow back in there,” Allen said, noting that temperatures in the single digits Fahrenheit didn’t help with circulation. “So it was a weird feeling. Just glad it’s gone now.”

Allen — who injured his left, non-throwing hand earlier this season — said he’s fine, and AFC East champion Buffalo (12-3) kept alive its slim chances of catching Kansas City (14-1) for the top seed in the conference playoffs.

The Bills extended their home winning streak to 10 games dating to last year but had their single-season NFL record-tying run of scoring 30 or more points end at eight straight games.

Buffalo overcame a frigid first half in which the Patriots scored on each of their first two possessions and enjoyed a 20-plus-minute edge in time of possession. The Bills were missing four defensive starters, including three in the secondary.

“We came out, didn’t start the way we wanted to, made some adjustments, and then we were able to play more like ourselves down the stretch there,” linebacker Terrel Bernard said. “I think it’s a good learning opportunity for us to come out and have the right mindset to start fast.”

The Patriots (3-12) dropped their fifth straight and are in jeopardy of finishing with their fewest wins since a 2-14 finish in 1992. They’re in their first season under coach Jerod Mayo, who replaced six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick following a 4-13 finish last season.

The Patriots dropped to 2-6 in one-score games, including two overtime losses.

Maye finished 22 of 36 for 261 yards with two touchdowns — a 28-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte and a 9-yarder to Hunter Henry — but committed two turnovers.

“It’s very frustrating. Just hurting ourselves, same things repeating,” Maye said. “Those guys are playing hard. That’s the biggest thing. Those guys are fighting. We’re fighting, no matter whatever atmosphere out there.”

Trailing 17-14, his wobbly, underthrown pass was easily intercepted in the end zone by Cam Lewis. And Johnson’s fumble recovery for a touchdown was on Maye, too.

Facing second-and-8 from his own 12, Maye was pressured by Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau. He quickly turned to his right and threw a backward pass, and the ball glanced off Stevenson’s hands and bounced in the end zone.

“The end’s a big dude, tough player to cut,” Maye said of Rousseau. “That’s really just a tough break, tough play on Rhamondre to catch it and get blown up. So either got to throw it at somebody’s feet or do something different.”

Stevenson scored on a 14-yard run, but his lost fumble at the New England 42 on the Patriots' opening possession of the second half led to Tyler Bass hitting a go-ahead 50-yard field goal.

The extent of Allen’s injury didn’t become apparent until Buffalo’s next play from scrimmage after his run. Allen dropped back and attempted a deep pass that fluttered and fell short to end the drive.

“Yeah, it’s hard to throw without feeling in your hand,” Allen said, noting he should have taken a timeout.

Allen finished 16 of 29 for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He completed two of three passes after being hurt, and he closed out the game with a 2-yard gain on fourth-and-1.

The Patriots’ red-zone troubles continued a week after they failed to score on two attempts from the 1 in a 30-17 loss at Arizona. Against Buffalo, New England needed seven goal-to-go attempts for Maye to finally complete a pass to Henry that cut the deficit to 24-21 with 1:13 left.

Patriots: Close the season with two home games, beginning with the Los Angeles Chargers next Saturday.

Bills: Finish their home schedule by hosting the New York Jets next Sunday.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) forces New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) out of bounds during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) makes a touchdown catch against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) avoids a tackle from the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) celebrates with fans and teammates after intercepting a pass in the end zone against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) motions after a first down against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) is forced out of bounds by Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) and linebacker Baylon Spector (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) recovers a fumble against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) carries the ball into the end zone against New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) for a touchdown against the during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) congratulates Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) after a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) congratulates Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) after a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels was not worried when he and the Washington Commanders trailed the Philadelphia Eagles by 14 points after just seven minutes, and the rookie quarterback was similarly undaunted staring down a 13-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, long after Jalen Hurts was sidelined with a concussion.

“I always believe that we can win the game no matter what,” Daniels said. “The game’s never over till the clock hits zero.”

Daniels got the ball when the clock read 1:58, and he delivered his latest masterful performance by finding Jamison Crowder in the end zone with 6 seconds left to give the Commanders an emotional 36-33 comeback victory Sunday that ended the Eagles' winning streak at 10 games. It was his fifth touchdown pass of the game as Daniels shined and kept Philadelphia from celebrating an NFC East championship.

“You got those guys that came in on the win streak they were on, they were hot and they’re a very good team — rightfully so, good offense, good defense, all-around well-prepared team and you want to go out there and see where you match up against those type of guys,” Daniels said.

"Those type of situations when it’s on thin ice and plays need to be made, that’s what you live for. If you really love this sport, you live for those big-time moments where it comes down to the end.”

Daniels is the first Washington QB to throw for five touchdowns since Mark Rypien in 1991. That was Washington's most recent Super Bowl-winning season. Rypien, who was the MVP of that Super Bowl, was in attendance for Sunday's game.

Daniels bounced back from two interceptions, including one in the final minutes, to lead a 57-yard touchdown drive against the NFL's best defense. Washington (10-5) is now on the verge of making the playoffs after handing the Eagles (12-3) their first loss since Sept. 29.

The Eagles played without Hurts for the vast majority of the game and failed to clinch the division and one of the conference's top two seeds despite Saquon Barkley running for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone.

Daniels was the primary reason for that, beating the Eagles a month after losing to them on the road. He was 24 of 39 for 258 yards with a pair of TDs to Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus and one to Terry McLaurin — and Daniels was Washington's leading rusher with 81 yards on nine carries.

Daniels is the first rookie quarterback to throw for five or more touchdowns and rush for 65 or more yards in a single game in NFL history.

“It doesn’t get too much harder going against a team like that, back against the wall,” said McLaurin, who had five catches for 60 yards to eclipse 1,000 for a fifth consecutive season. “But when you’ve got to have it, when the game’s on the line, he made the plays and we just tried to make the plays with him.”

Daniels' brilliance was enough to overcome Brian Robinson Jr. losing two fumbles in the first half and Dyami Brown another early in the third quarter and Marshon Lattimore getting flagged three times for pass interference.

The Commanders also found a solution for Barkley, who was held to 41 yards after the first.

“Obviously when a quarterback goes out, we knew that a lot of the attention was going to be on him,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “He’s a special player, so you just want to contain him.”

Philadelphia's offense stagnated with the drop-off from Hurts to backup Kenny Pickett, who threw an interception to Frankie Luvu in his first meaningful NFL action in more than a year.

“We didn't do enough,” Barkley said. “We left a lot of plays out there, including myself.”

Luvu also leveled the hit on Hurts that knocked Philadelphia’s starting QB out of the game just a few minutes in. Hurts’ head also bounced off the ground at the end of his previous run, and he was ruled out after two trips to the medical tent on the sideline and the concussion evaluation that followed.

Hurts’ status is a question that will linger for the Eagles into their final two games of the regular season as the Super Bowl contenders eye a long playoff run. Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards in relief, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and the interception.

DeVonta Smith dropped a late pass that would have given Philadelphia a first down rather than a second field goal from Jake Elliott, and the receiver took responsibility for the mistake.

"I just dropped the ball," Smith said. “It cost us the game.”

Eagles: Beyond Hurts, edge rusher Josh Sweat left with an ankle injury and defensive tackle Jordan Davis limped off in the second quarter. ... Pickett said he had his ribs X-rayed and would undergo further testing.

Commanders: Lattimore and Brown left with hamstring injuries in the fourth quarter. ... Right tackle Andrew Wylie did not finish the game because of a groin injury. ... Rookie linebacker Jordan Magee left early in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

Eagles: Host Dallas next Sunday.

Commanders: Host Atlanta next Sunday night.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) acknowledges fans as he heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) celebrates his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles as he carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrating his touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) scores a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) breaks away from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) and runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) breaks away from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) and runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) avoids a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrating his touchdown with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and others during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)