Bills Lose Heartbreaker 35-34 Devastating loss may dash playoff hopes. by Steve Saslow
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Week 7
Titans
35
Bills
34
The Skinny: Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a late interception and then Matt Hasselbeck hit Nate Washington with a 15 yard touchdown pass on a 4th and 9 play to lift the Titans to a 35-34 come from behind win over the Bills. Fitzpatrick did throw three touchdown passes to Fred Jackson, Donald Jones, and Stevie Johnson. Brad Smith returned a kickoff 89 yards for a score in the loss. Chris Johnson had an 83 yard touchdown run and ran for 195 yards in just 18 carries to lead the Titans to the victory. We are not doing grades this week but check out our quick recap of the loss.
The Turning Point:
The Fitz Interception: With the Bills facing a 3rd and 7 from their own 39, Fitzpatrick threw a terrible pass that was picked off at the Titans 48 and gave them a chance that they would fully take advantage of.
The Big Drive:
The winning TD drive: After the interception Tennessee went 52 yards in just 7 plays in 1:54 to the winning score. Johnson had a 27 yard run on 3rd and 1 and Hasselbeck found Washington for the winning score on a 4th down play.
Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article: LB Bryan Scott vs. TE Jared Cook: Winner: Scott. Cook had just two catches. DE Mario Williams vs. RT David Stewart: Winner: Stewart. Williams was held in check. CB Aaron Williams vs. WR Kenny Britt: Winner: Williams. Britt didn't hav a big day RT Erik Pears vs. DE Derrick Morgan: Winner: Pears. Pears had a solid game on the right side. WR Stevie Johnson vs. CB Jason McCourty: Winner: Johnson. Stevie had five catches and a score.
Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out: 1. Get Fitz Going: Success! He did move the ball in the air but did make the big mistake late. 2. Score Early And Often: Failure! The Bills were playing from behind all day. 3. Win The CJ Battle: Failure! The huge day by Johnson was the main reason the Bills lost.
My Take:
Just another one of those games that Bills fans have to deal with. An excurciating loss that we have to live with for two weeks. It also shows that this team is not ready for a playoff run for the 13th straight year.
What's Ahead:
The Bills have their bye week as they look to get healthy before a daunting two game road trip to AFC powerhouses Houston and New England following the week off.
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