The Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson takes off for one of his long touchdown runs during Sunday's game vs. the Bills at Gillette Stadium. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The brightest spot in a tough day for the New England Patriots Sunday was without a doubt TreVeyon Henderson.

The rookie running back when drafted was billed as a home run hitter – a player who could score from anywhere on the field. Yesterday he had two dingers, a 52-yard run from scrimmage for a score and another of 65 yards in the second half that gave New England a 31-28 lead over the Bills in the fourth quarter. But it was a lead they couldn’t hold.

“Of course we’re not happy with that,” Henderson said. Of course we wanted to come out with the win. We knew Buffalo was going to come in and give it their best and play hard. … At the end of the day, I’m still thankful, even in moments like this. The biggest thing is we went to see where we can learn and just continue to grow from here.”

His two big runs are just a sign he’s getting more and more comfortable as a rookie.

“I think the biggest thing is over time being able to get more opportunities and go up against the best o the best each and every week,” he said. “It’s been helping a lot, just growth. We have a great running backs coaches well who disciplines us really well and he’s been helping me grow as well. I just want to leave it all on the field.”

DOWN DAY FOR DIGGS

Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 10 catches vs. the Bills in the team’s eye-opening win over two months ago, had just three for 26 yards on four targets on Sunday.

“Obviously we had a little lull,” Diggs said of the team’s tough second half. “We were trying; we were fighting back, clawing, defense gave us some opportunities. We’ve got to find a way to make it happen.”

PATRIOT INACTIVES

Out were linebacker Bradyn Swinson, tackle Marcus Bryant, defensive tackle Eric Gregory, tight end C.J. Dippre and receiver Efton Chism III.

The Bills noted inactive was corner Christian Benford, but the Patriots couldn’t really take advantage as Drake Maye threw for just 155 yards.

NOTES

Before the game, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the shooting Saturday at Brown University, and the Brown logo was displayed on the huge video board…

The Patriots rushed for 246 yards on just 25 carries which gave them the highest rushing average in franchise history, 9.8 yards…

When the Patriots and Bills get together, be prepared for a close game that goes down to the wire. The last six, including Sunday, have been decided by one score. That happened once previously in the series, from 1986 through 1988…

Next Up: The Patriots are at the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday night on NBC.