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          New England Patriots

          Who's up and who's down

          • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterDec 20, 2009, 08:21 PM ET
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
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          ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- One opinion of who's up and who's down from the Patriots' 17-10 win over the Bills:

          Up

          Tully Banta-Cain -- Outside linebacker brings the heat in the fourth quarter with three sacks, as the pass rush picks up momentum.

          Leigh Bodden -- Cornerback is steady with two passes defended. While the Patriots often play their two safeties deep over the top, Bodden shows he is up to the task when challenged.

          Randy Moss -- Receiver bounces back with five catches for 70 yards and one touchdown, while also drawing a big pass interference penalty.

          Mike Wright -- Defensive lineman fills in for Ty Warren at left end and brings energy to the front line with his physicality and pass rush. He finishes with six tackles (two for a loss) and one sack.

          Down

          Tom Brady -- Quarterback finishes 11 of 23 for 115 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

          Mark LeVoir -- Offensive lineman lines up in the wrong spot when in the game as a third tight end, then picks up an offensive pass interference penalty.

          Brandon Meriweather -- Safety can't bring down receiver Josh Reed on fourth down as the Patriots struggle to close out the game.