The New England Patriots lost their fourth consecutive game, falling just short in their comeback bid against the Buffalo Bills. Cam Newton’s fumble in the final minute sealed the 24-21 victory for the Bills, who defeated the Patriots in Buffalo for the first time since 2011.

It’s the first time the Bills beat the Patriots, regardless of venue, since 2016. With the victory, Buffalo improved to 6-2 and dropped New England to 2-5.

The Patriots are in the midst of their longest losing streak since 2002.

Let's look at three major takeaways from their four-game losing skid.

3. Patriots no longer run AFC East

The Patriots have seized the AFC East in each of the past 11 seasons. On the other hand, the Bills have not won a division title since 1995. That should change this season.

In winning their second straight contest, the Bills improved to 4-0 against AFC East opponents in 2020. By beating their division rival, the AFC East-leading Bills opened up a 3.5-game lead over the third-place Patriots. The Miami Dolphins (4-3), winners of three straight after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, sit in second place in the division.

It looked like the Patriots were going to steal another one in Buffalo until Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer stripped Cam Newton at the 14-yard line. Dean Marlowe fell on the fumble to secure the Bills’ tight win, which could signal a changing of the guard in the AFC East.

2. New England's passing attack is putrid

Cam Newton has not cracked the 200-yard passing mark since Week 2. He threw for 174 yards in Sunday’s loss, the fourth consecutive time he has been held under 200 yards.

With Julian Edelman (knee) and N’Keal Harry (concussion) sidelined, Newton had to turn to Jakobi Meyers often. Meyers, the second-year undrafted wide receiver, caught six of 10 targets for a team-best 58 yards. The Patriots have not had a receiver reach 85 yards in their four-game losing streak.

The Patriots have not done of good job setting up Newton to succeed in New England. His lack of offensive weapons around him has hindered his ability to thrive as a passer. Sure, Newton has been one of the least effective passers during this losing stretch, and, at times on Sunday, he badly misfired some throws.

Furthermore, he failed to throw a touchdown for the third consecutive start. But it’s hard to imagine many quarterbacks playing well in New England’s current receiving cast.

Only three Patriots receivers caught passes against the Bills: Myers, Damiere Byrd and Isaiah Zuber. Byrd totaled three receptions for 39 yards, while Zuber had one grab for 13 yards.

The Patriots’ only chance at offensive success this season will presumably come via the rushing attack.

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1. Damien Harris is the Patriots’ best running back

For all the offensive issues the Patriots have had during this losing skid, Damien Harris has established himself as a formidable running back. Harris rushed for a game-high 102 yards. He led the team in rushing yards for the third time in his four games played this season.

Harris reached pay dirt on a 22-yard scamper in the third quarter. It was the first touchdown of his career.

A third-round draft selection in 2019, Harris averaged a game-best 6.4 yards per carry. He out-carried Rex Burkhead 16-6 in the backfield.

Burkhead and James White are better options in the passing attack out of the backfield. However, Harris should be given the majority of the carries moving forward, even when Sony Michel (COVID-19) returns to action.