Stephen Gostkowski scored a game-winning field goal to secure an opening-day victory for the New England Patriots against the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
New England's defense started on a high note as Kyle Arrington stoke the ball from CJ Spiller and presented Tom Brady with a short field. He took full advantage by finding Julian Edelman for a nine-yard touchdown to give his side the lead.
The Patriots had the chance to extend their advantage but could not convert on third down as Julian Edelman was brought down by Aaron Williams. Gostkowski, however, nailed a 48-yard field goal to give Bill Belichick's side a 10-0 lead.
Buffalo got huge break when Patriots running back Steven Ridley fumbled the ball and Da'Norris Searcy returned it for a 75-yard touchdown to make the score 10-7 in favour of the visitors.
Brady got his offense going again when he found Edelman once more for another touchdown with an eight-yard strike.
However, just before the half-time interval, Brady was intercepted by Justin Rogers and Bills quarterback EJ Manuel fired an 18-yard strike to fellow rookie Robert Woods to bring his side back into the game at 17-14.
After the break, things got even better for the hosts when Manuel hit receiver Stevie Johnson with a fade in the endzone to give his team the lead for the first time in the game. The Patriots tried to respond but Brady fumbled the ball on the Bills' goalline and the home side came away with it.
Gostkowski then drew the Patriots within a point of the home side with a 33-yard field goal. Both teams failed to find the endzone late in the game, however, Brady produced an excellent late drive with Shane Vereen making surging runs.
This set up a 35-yard field goal for Gostkowski with nine seconds left on the clock and he drilled his kick through the middle of the posts to earn his side the win.
Simon Sinclair
