
Patriots beat Bills, 23-21

Robert Kraft signed an autograph for Matthew Gilbert, 12, of Buffalo before the season opener.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Bills fans came dressed in all kinds of clothing.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Cornerback Kyle Arrington wrapped up running back C.J. Spiller for a short gain.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Wide receiver Julian Edelman fought for yardage in the first half.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Edelman celebrated catching a touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

The Bills' Da'Norris Searcy returned a fumble by Patriots running back Stevan Ridley for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Ridley reacted after watching the replay of his fumble.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

He was benched after a fumble that the Bills recovered and returned for a 74-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Tight end Zach Sudfeld couldn't hold onto a pass from Brady, resulting in an interception by Bills defensive back Justin Rogers (left).
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson pulled in a touchdown pass to give Buffalo a 21-17 lead at the start of the third quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Brady took a hit from defensive tackle Kyle Williams in the fourth quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins pulled in a pass at Buffalo's 2-yard line, but the Patriots' drive was short-circuited when Brady fumbled shortly after.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Brady fumbled the ball on a fourth-and-one play.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso recovered Brady's fumble.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talked to his defense on the sidelines.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

The Patriots struggled against the Bills.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Brady handed off to running back Shane Vereen in the third quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Tackle Nate Solder provided a block on defensive back Jim Leonard as Vereen fought for extra yardage in the fourth quarter.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Vereen made sure that the Bills' Alan Branch knew his run was good for a first down in the final game-winning drive.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Wide receiver Danny Amendola looked for running room after a catch-and-run on the final game-winning drive.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Amendola made the reception for a 10-yard gain.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 35-yard game-winning field goal with nine seconds on the clock. The Patriots won, 23-21.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Bills head coach Doug Marrone and Belichick shook hands at the end of the game.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013

Belichick and his team headed off the field after taking a narrow win in the season opener.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| September 9, 2013