NFL

Pats shake snow, Bills to get closer to East title

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - If a sore left leg couldn't stop Tom Brady, the unraveling Bills certainly didn't have a chance to slow down the New England quarterback.

Not with the Patriots moving toward another division title.

Despite a noticeable limp and playing on a slick, snowy field, Brady kept his feet and his poise in leading New England to victory.

"He sucked it up and made plays for us as he always does," receiver Troy Brown said.

Brady said he wasn't going to come out after getting hurt when he was tackled in the end zone after a 3-yard scamper to open the scoring.

Brady ran for a touchdown, threw for two and even set a block to open the way for Deion Branch on a reverse. What bugged Brady is that he was penalized on the play for an illegal crackback.

"I thought it was a good block," Brady said. "We don't get a chance to block a whole lot so you get excited when you can stick your nose in there and make a play."

Corey Dillon had 102 yards rushing and a touchdown, Brown and Christian Fauria caught touchdowns and New England piled up a franchise-record 32 first downs, to eight for Buffalo. New England could have clinched its third consecutive AFC East title, but Miami defeated San Diego to prevent that.

NOTABLE: The margin of defeat was the worst for Buffalo at home since a 38-7 loss to New England on Nov. 3, 2002.

[Last modified December 12, 2005, 01:10:15]