ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Patriots won the coin toss and elected to defer their choice 'til the second half.

Then, somewhat surprisingly, the BIlls elected to go into the fierce wind in the first quarter. That would seem to make it difficult for them to get off to a fast start in a game where they don't want the Patriots to build momentum.

Not surprisingly, Stephen Gostkowski's kickoff went through the end zone, and the Bills began their opening drive on their own 20, with the wind in their faces.

Buffalo proceeded to run the ball on six straight plays, picking up one first down before being forced to punt. Brian Moorman's low liner hit a wall of wind, dropped suddenly to the ground just past midfield, and began bouncing rapidly backward.

The distance? 13 yards, as the Pats' start their first possession at their own 49, with a gale at their backs.

-- JIM DONALDSON