"The loss didn't serve as a wakeup call. One wasn't necessary.

The Patriots defense saw their warts in two early wins, even while celebrating their well-timed turnovers and propensity for goal-line stands. They didn't need a defeat to the Bills to alert them to their shortcomings.

All the result did was sound the alarm louder.

"We have to get better — fast," linebacker and captain Jerod Mayo said."