Patriots Get Kick-Start and End Losing Streak

Maybe this will keep the New England Patriots’ critics quiet--for at least a week, anyway.

The Patriots, under pressure from their fans and Coach Pete Carroll, ended a three-game losing streak with a 31-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

New England has the NFL’s sixth-rated offense, but the keys Sunday were an 86-yard kickoff return by Derrick Cullors and a deflected pass that turned into a touchdown for linebacker Chris Slade.

The Patriots (6-4) appeared to be crumbling going into the game and Carroll challenged several players to pick up their games during the week. After beating Buffalo, they are in a three-way tie with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins for first in the AFC East.

Patriot running back Curtis Martin gained 93 yards in 26 carries and had a one-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that closed the scoring. Drew Bledsoe completed 15 of 22 passes for 200 yards and had a six-yard touchdown pass to Ben Coates.

“We control our own destiny,” Bledsoe said. “We know what we have to do. If we play well, we can win. We know that, and everybody in the league knows that.”

New England kicker Adam Vinatieri made a 42-yard field goal to extend his streak to 25 without a miss, but missed two attempts in the second quarter. He had not missed a kick since Oct. 27, 1996.

The Patriots had a 24-3 lead by the time Buffalo running back Antowain Smith jumped over from the one with 48 seconds left in the third period. It was the Bills’ first touchdown in seven quarters.

Buffalo quarterback Alex Van Pelt completed three of 12 passes for 38 yards and had three interceptions before he was benched to start the second half. Todd Collins finished 12 of 21 for 89 yards.