Buffalo’s last hope ended on a fourth-and-7 at the Patriots 40 when Holcomb completed a pass to Eric Moulds, who was stopped for no gain by Hank Poteat.

Bruschi was involved in a tackle on Buffalo’s second play from scrimmage, then slowed down Roscoe Parrish on a reverse that resulted in a 6-yard loss. After that, he made few noteworthy plays.

“He gave them a boost,” Mularkey said. “To come back from what he went through is something special. He’s back and it’s a positive thing because he’s good for the game.”

He had been the sparkplug and on-field strategist in the Patriots’ three titles over the last four seasons and had been working out and attending meetings regularly since training camp began in July.

Holcomb capitalized on the Patriots’ vulnerability to big plays with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Moulds for a 10-7 lead just four plays after Brady put New England ahead with a 33-yard scoring pass to Branch. The Patriots have allowed eight completions of 40 yards or more this season.

Rian Lindell kicked three field goals for Buffalo and Willie McGahee gained 136 yards on 31 carries.

Bruschi was the last defensive starter introduced before the game and raised his right arm to the roaring crowd. Several times before the Bills snapped the ball, he lifted both arms to urge on the fans.

They didn’t have much to cheer for most of the game.

The Patriots held the ball for just 7:53 in the first half and trailed 3-0 on Lindell’s 23-yard field goal. They appeared to tie the game on Adam Vinatieri’s 39-yard field goal with 7 seconds left. But it was nullified by a delay-of-game penalty and his 44-yarder hooked to the left.

Lindell added field goals of 35 and 44 yards in the fourth quarter.

Notes: Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour missed his third straight game with a knee injury. ... Buffalo’s only win in its last 10 games against New England was a 31-0 victory that opened the 2003 season.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

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