The Skinny:
Matt Cassel's desperation last second hail mary was picked off in the end zone by George Wilson allowing the Bills to hold on for a 16-10 win over the Chiefs. The Bills rushed for 200 yards in this game including 99 by Fred Jackson and 84 by Marshawn Lynch. Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Terrell Owens for a 9 yard touchdown pass to close out the first quarter. It was one of the few bright spots in the passing game as Fitzpatrick threw for just 86 yards. The Bills still had good control of the game before Jamaal Charles rumbled 76 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make a game of it but their final three drives ended in interceptions to keep the Chiefs from pulling the game out. Jairus Byrd had his club rookie record ninth interception in a very busy fourth quarter for the Bills defense
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The Turning Point:
The Chiefs had the momentum after Charles long scoring play. The momentum swung back to the Bills when Paul Posluszny picked off the first of three fourth quarter interceptions on a third and three pass from the Chiefs 48. The play went to review when it appeared Poz fumbled but after a lengthy review and communication problems the call stood and the Bills had the ball. A short drive ended in a field goal that gave the Bills a six point lead that proved to be huge.
The Big Drive:
It was the lone touchdown drive by the Bills. After they stuffed the Chiefs on 4th and goal from the 1 thanks to a seven yard shoe string sack by Aaron Schobel. They rumbled 92 yards in 8 plays in just 3:50 and scored right before the end of the first quarter. Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Terrell Owens on a crossing pattern and raced to the corner of the end zone on third and 8 from the nine yard line. The other big plays were a 47 yard run by Marshawn Lynch. Shawn Nelson made a nice 17 yard catch on the drive.
Stat of the Game:
The Bills turned the ball over three times but gave up zero points off of those turnovers. The Chiefs turned the ball over four times but it only lead to three Buffalo points.
What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
The field position really got flipped in the matter of two punts. On the final play of the third quarter Brian Moorman had a 73 yard punt from the Bills 20 to have the Chiefs start at their own 7. After a three and out that netted just two yards. Dustin Colquitt punted just 28 yards putting the ball at the Chiefs 37 for the Bills. The Bills couldn't capitalize on the opportunity as they went three and out and it ended with a missed 51 yard field goal by Rian Lindell.
Quick Slants:
- The Chiefs have scored just three points on their opening series all year long. They went three and out in this game.
- Kansas City mixed up the tempo on offense going between huddling fully, the no huddle, late formation changes, and quick snaps. The Bills had to waste one timeout because they couldn't get the proper personnel on the field and gave up big yards in between the 20s but the bend but don't break defense worked well.
- The Chiefs had three fourth and one plays in the first half. They were stopped on a sack on the first one from the Bills one. They kicked a field goal the second time and converted the third one.
- Mark Bradley beat Terrence McGee deep twice but was overthrown in the end zone both times.
My Take:
The Bills have now won two of three even though it is much more in indication of how weak the NFL is instead of any improvement shown by the Bills. This team is awful and all they did was hurt their chance at a higher draft pick as now the Chiefs are a shoe-in to have a higher pick than the Bills. Of course many would say they wouldn't do much with a higher pick anyway. Besides, it's always nice to see the Bills win. It will make Monday morning just a little bit easier to deal with.
What's Ahead:
The Bills come back home with another chance to stop the 12 game losing streak they have against the Patriots. They will be looking to also avenge a crippling opening day loss on Monday Night Football.
