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1st half analysis

FOXBOROUGH -- Analysis at the half, as the Patriots lead the Bills 17-7:

The Patriots could not find their rhythm through the first 20 minutes of action. QB Tom Brady was not as sharp as he had been in the first two games, and a turnover at the goal-line on a Brady second-quarter sneak also kept things close.

But the Patriots seized control after that fumble, pinning the Bills in deep and then capitalizing on back-to-back energizing punt returns by Wes Welker. Perhaps more than anything, Welker's work in the punt return game helped turn the tide -- first his 29-yard return, then a 26-yard return. After both returns, the Patriots' running game got going, first with Sammy Morris, then with Laurence Maroney.

The Patriots' defense has generally kept it simple, staying in its base 3-4 look and daring the Bills to beat them. The Bills have stayed consverative, trying to keep backup QB Trent Edwards -- who came on for J.P. Losman -- out of danger. On the Bills' lone touchdown drive, Buffalo had success on the ground and on third down (3 of 3), with Patriots DL Jarvis Green missing a tackle on a key third down.

The Patriots get the ball to open the second half.