I love when the Bills win. My Frank's "Pasta Artichoke" leftovers are going to taste so much better.
-- Since I've been quick to defend Dick Jauron at certain points in the past, let me say that he did a worse job in this win than he's done in any of the four losses. He got way too conservative on the final drive of regulation, attempting a field goal on second down after letting :36 run down to :03.
THEN, after the Lee Evans replay reversal in overtime, he runs Marshawn Lynch on two very safe runs. Luckily, Rian Lindell nailed a kick from 47 yards away. I know, I know... they made the kick.
(And let's get this straight, the Lee Evans "bobble" was the right call according to the rules, but is one of the reasons football can be stupid. That should be a catch).
-- Not to pile on the point, but you have to wonder if Ryan Fitzpatrick could've engineered some points in the second half last week if Jauron had the guts to pull Trent Edwards. Again, Edwards is more-than-likely the better quarterback, but when your guy is struggling, you gotta have the gumption to try another one of your guys.
-- Here's to the defense. Yes, they got chewed up on more than one occasion on the ground, but they only allowed 13 points. Six interceptions is real nice.
-- Jairus Byrd with three picks in his last two games. The Bills sent out a "Tweet" saying he was the first Bills rookie since Nate Clements to grab three interceptions in a season... and he's got 10 weeks to go. I'm a big fan of the Oregon rookie, who is disproving that a full training camp is necessary...
-- ... while Aaron Maybin is the other side of the story. Who lines up that far offside? Furthermore, who does that right after the team is victimized for the same play? No tackles today, and maybe we're learning why Perry Fewell isn't trying to move this guy to linebacker... brains.
-- Note to Trent Edwards: It's not the concussion. No. 83 has been on the Bills all year. What a nice game for Lee Evans, one of the classiest guys in the league. His critics should note that he made catches in traffic and near the sidelines. Feeling good for a class act, whose value was shown while Terrell Owens was engaged in a battle with Darrelle Revis, a corner who is the real deal.
-- Ryan Fitzpatrick could quite simply be the Kelly Holcomb of Harvard, but I'm ready to see him next week, especially knowing more than a thing or two about concussions. Play it safe after an ugly injury. In a league with the Tom Brady Rule, there should be a fine there.
-- Fitzpatrick wasn't a stud by any means, but he did prove a few complaints that many people had about Edwards right. Fitzpatrick had a whole lot more time to throw because he refused to only tuck it and run. A lot of it may have to do with Bill-killer Kris Jenkins being knocked out of the game, but it was a lot more fun watching Fitz than it was Trent.
-- Even if I didn't like the conservative nature of the calls, I love that Alex Van Pelt showed more allegiance to the run this week. Eric Wood has the look of a career left guard (Edit note: even if, yes, as a commenter said, he does play right guard. Left guard is arguably a more important spot).
-- Running truly does seem to be a part of Ryan Fitzpatrick's arsenal, though certainly more like Matt Cassel than Michael Vick. I thought his scampers were well-chosen, unlike some quarterbacks' hesitations that cost them precious yards.
-- When Fitzpatrick dumped the ball to Corey McIntyre on a play in the second half, my eyes tried to trick me into thinking the pass was thrown to a lineman.
-- The Bills eight penalties should keep them near the top of the league, but the Jets' 14 penalties were a reminder that it could be worse. My dad texted me after the game that the Jets wanted to lose the game more than the Bills did.
-- On the Josh Reed "fumble," I was really disappointed that Jackson showed no instinct to grab the ball, even if he was trying to pretend it didn't hit Reed. The Bills made a lot of mistakes that should've haunted them. The good news is that the Jets are in their division. The bad new is the Patriots are, too, and they stomped the Titans, 59-0. Chris Johnson ran for 127 yards for Tennessee, which must be up there in the "most rushing yards in a 50-plus-point loss" category.
Stat line I enjoyed:
Mark Sanchez, 10-of-29, 119 yards, two sacks, five interceptions
--- I think the kid is going to be great, but my goodness did he look uncomfortable in the elements.
Stat line I didn't enjoy:
Jets running game, 40 carries, 318 yards
--- New York snagging eight yards-per-carry is alarming, but the Bills came up big when it matters. When you take into account some of the massive gains they gave up, the 8.0 isn't as ugly as it should be.
Game ball:
Byrd.
-- Folks, we have a safety.
Lastly...
I don't care if its ugly, and I know I'm a reporter who tries to stay unbiased in his analysis, but I love when the Bills win. I'm excited to not be quitting on the year. Will they make the playoffs? Probably not, but before this week we couldn't imagine which game on the schedule would be win No. 2. We've got it, and I'm ready for Carolina.
Next week:
Why am I ready for Carolina? Because the Panthers have the same quality wins that the Bills have in beating Washington and Tampa Bay. I think the Bills running game should be more of a factor against the Panthers, and regardless of quarterback we should see a contested game. I think it'll be just as ugly... but just as victorious. Bills get a defensive TD and move to 3-4 with a 20-17 win over the Panthers down South. It's the kind of "false hope" game the Bills regularly win, right?
Excellent.
They're well on their way to............7-9.
The Bills can't do anything right. They can't even lose when it's in their best interest.
Now we'll have the "playing for honor" crap the rest of the year, just enough to shaft them on draft day.
10/18/2009 9:13PM
whether you like jauron or not
its nice to see a win, no matter how its played
10/18/2009 9:17PM
Right call, bad rule
After the reversal of the Evans "catch" I was screaming at my TV. I'm still angry though not at the ref, he made the right call based on the rule, but the rule is rediculous. There must be about 5 people in the World who understand whatit means to make a catch in the NFL. Lets simplify this, two feet in bounds, don't let it hit the ground... catch.
10/18/2009 9:25PM
only one...
only one reaction you can have, the jets GAVE them this game and we are one of the worst teams in the NFL, it's that simple. Time to blow it up after this year & i want Sam Bradford shoulder and all
10/18/2009 9:31PM
Run D
With the injuries continuing the pile up and the Bills D not being able to stop the run in the last 4 weeks, Williams of Carolina will have a career day next week.
10/18/2009 9:32PM
Defense
318 yards? Is Perry Fewell joking? Players constantly in the wrong place, receivers left open. The defense will for the 4th year in a row finish in the bottom quarter of the league. Not getting players in the right place leads to yards and injuries for the opposition. How much worse can the linebackers play? These aren't the best players, but they are so poorly coached.
10/18/2009 9:32PM
Nice win
Can't wait to see Sanchez try to handle the elements in Orchard Park later this year. Oh, right...
10/18/2009 10:09PM
This prolongs the inevitable
I guess this win makes everything right.No need to change anything,we are on the right track now.
10/18/2009 10:13PM
so what did that billboard on the 90 say again?
you see billboards for jobs wanted, try reading them, instead of making a billboard saying for Ralph Wilson to clean house
10/18/2009 10:28PM
How did the O line play?
Jauron is still ridiculously bad.
10/18/2009 10:45PM
nothing to lose
Since Edwards and Fitzpatrick are going nowhere, the least the Bills could do now is to make a symbolic gesture and give Hamdan a shot.
10/18/2009 10:48PM
Meh...
I'm still too angry at the Browns loss to really enjoy this win. I'm not going to let it give me any false hope either. Glad to see Roscoe wasn't dressed, I'm all for cutting him at this point.
-usher
10/18/2009 10:50PM
We still draft a QB in the 2010 Draft
No doubt in my mind that we still draft a QB in the draft this year. Edwards would have to come back and light up the whole league like Eli Manning did the year they won the Super Bowl, it won't happen though. Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clauson would look good in a Bills Uniform.
10/18/2009 10:52PM
Waaah
A division win, on the road is a good win regardless.
10/18/2009 11:08PM
Refreshing
How refreshing was it to hear Fitzpatrick speak after the game? None of the 'Jauron-esque' equivocation that we heard from Trent last week. Although, yes, it was a win, but it feels like Fitzpatrick is a straight shooter. He seems less gullible and not willing to be a Jauron zombie like Trent. Maybe he's doesn't have the same throws, but I like his decisions better.
10/18/2009 11:18PM
well
Im glad for players like Evans, Lindell, Poz, and such. But that game was ridiculous and a tie would have been fitting.
10/18/2009 11:39PM
WIP again
Another work in progress. I am happy the Bills won! Hoping for 7-9. Thank you Sanchez. Is there any doubt why we will not get any better with the J-man? Run down the clock in regulation, on 2nd down, kicking in the worst end of the field? Let's see how Fitzpatrick performs preparing as the starter.
10/19/2009 12:13AM
Don't Quit Now!!
We need a top 5 pick to get a new QB and coach! Don't lose hope!
10/19/2009 12:52AM
Big deal...
The Bills didn't win this game.... the Jets did everything in their power to lose this game. I really hope they don't feel too good about this "win". I am glad to see a win since Jauron did his best to not make that happen. See coach, you can't lose them all no matter how hard you try to lose them.
10/19/2009 1:29AM
RE:so what did that billboard on the 90 say again?
Dude shut up Jauron sucks Bills suck this was a fluke that ruins our chances for a decent pick
10/19/2009 1:36AM
"It's tough to win games in this league"
I hate when Dicky J says this, however, today's game proved it, at least for the Bills. How do you barely scrape by with a win when the Jets turn it over SIX TIMES? Ridiculous, people. This should have been a landslide. I'm all for Jauronbeing fired after a win.
10/19/2009 1:51AM
Boo..
We need losses to get a good Q.B. draft pick, not a win. Lets face it - we wont make the playoffs, we wont have T.O. next year, we'll most likely lose some other key guys to salary.. So lets think about getting a Number 1 pick Quarterback for the future along with some better OLINE men.
10/19/2009 2:05AM
reactions
everybody else on the sideline jumped and smiled and was happy when the fieldgoal was made but jauron looked bleak, the same as if they lost was his reaction. does he even care? is there a pulse in that skeleton frame body
10/19/2009 2:39AM
"Jauronesque equivocation"?
This sounds too good these guys. If you'd just said that Trent dicks around with words the same way his coach does, it would have been more to the point.
10/19/2009 3:49AM
Bench Edwards for now
Bills looked much better with Fitzpatrick, he seemed to be a little more lucent in the pocket also, scanned the field well, got off the throws quickly, even completing the passing TD which I doubt Edwards would have done because he is either in a slump or just cannot perform. Also, would Edwards have snapped the ball and caught the Jets with too many players on field? Probably not.Overall, it was a fairly sloppy game, so while I cannot say for sure who is the better QB, they did win, so in my mind, Fitzpatrick should be in there for now, Edward's concussion should facilitate that move, because Juaron probably would not pull out Edwards on his own. Juaron's coaching is still an issue, too conservative like some people say, lacks any leadership skills, he is just another guy on the sidelines. When a team's destiny is guided by chance and injuries, something is very wrong.
10/19/2009 7:50AM
Draft pick
The Bills aren't going to pay a top 5 Draft Pick. Besides they don't know how to draft anyway.
10/19/2009 8:08AM
web pool..
what happens if you dont care who starts? the're both rotten
10/19/2009 9:27AM
I have to laugh
That game was a comedy of errors
10/19/2009 9:33AM
Aaron Maybin
wanted his name on the broadcast, so he lined up in the Jets backfield. Even with the head start the right tackle had no problem making Maybin a non-factor on that play. The worst tackle in the league will have no problem blocking this guy. He is going to be another 1st round bust.
10/19/2009 9:35AM
Start Fitzpatrick
I mean how cares if he is bad, at least he will throw the ball and give the wide receivers a chance to make a play. If I see one more lateral pass or 5 yard dump off on 3 and long I'm going to barf.
10/19/2009 9:52AM
RE:"It's tough to win games in this league"
Are you kidding man its the BILLS. Remember Monday night, Dallas, 6 turnovers and a 21-0 lead at half.
10/19/2009 10:27AM
A win is a win
No matter what people say the bills played this game out and won it. It gives them the confidence they need to win the rest.
10/19/2009 11:01AM
Can we get a qb please ?
Is Jeff Garcia available?Getting really tired of watching terrible quarterback play.
ith the 3 pick in the 2011 draft the Bills select Colt McCoy.........
10/19/2009 11:29AM
Like in the cartoons
If a crack on the noggin screwed Edwards up, maybe this one will straighten him out?
10/19/2009 11:33AM
Mr. Enberg
It's Sanchez...not Sannnchez
10/19/2009 11:39AM
re: A win is a win
Seriously?
10/19/2009 11:48AM
Who does that
Who kicks a 48 yard field goal on 2nd down with 30 seconds left on a 25 mph wind day. Fire him now. That should have cost us the game. Thank god the Jets did not show up.
10/19/2009 12:02PM
Evans "bobble"
Was a catch called on the field. There was no conclusive evidence that he bobbled it as he went out of bounds so the play should have stood as called.
10/19/2009 12:07PM
Who?
Who kicks a 48 field goal on 2nd down with 30 seconds left on a 25 mph wind day? Da, Dick Jauron does that. You almost seem slow to get the point.
10/19/2009 12:42PM
OK
A dose of reality to all you Fitz lovers. First of all, Fitz avg. pass completion went for 4.6 yards, Edwards is at 8.6 so lets destroy this myth that Fitz is the second coming of Lamonica (google it youngsters).
10/19/2009 12:47PM
Eric Wood
Eric Wood plays Right Guard
10/19/2009 1:05PM
Jauron
Can we still fire Jauron? Please?
10/19/2009 1:12PM
RE: Bench Edwards for Now
Totally agree with every thing said, except don't bench him for now, bench him forever. I say release him and bring in someone with more nerve, like Barney Fife. This guy is just plum afraid to throw the ball. It was a breath of fresh air with FitzP.
10/19/2009 1:22PM
re: draft pick
What is wrong with the way the bills draft? They draft exactly who they are supposed to every year. Lynch, Poz, Mckelvin, Hardy, and now maybin and wood. Just cause they dont pan out doesnt mean their scouting was bad. It just didnt work out, it happens all the time. The average NFL player only stays in the league for 3 years!
10/19/2009 1:37PM
re: like in a cartoon
laugh out loud. We can only hope
10/19/2009 5:05PM
Far better athletes
Far better athletes than Edwards have retired for fear of further concussions. For the good of all concerned, Trent, go ahead.
10/19/2009 6:32PM
Go Bills
Go Bills
10/19/2009 6:33PM
re: Far better atheletes
yes that person is correct thank you
10/19/2009 7:49PM
Don't let this fool win ya
The Bills will win the next five games.
10/19/2009 9:10PM
re: Bench Edwards for now
Disagree, fitzpatrick forced every throw and threw the pick right to the jets player. Hit him in the numbers. Sure he can play till Edwards comes back but edwards is the true starter.
10/19/2009 9:30PM
Levitre is the Left Guard
Wood is the Right Guard. If you liked the left guard's play, you were watching Levitre.
10/20/2009 4:31AM
It was OBVIOUS in preseason
Fitzpatrick was the better guy , even in the preseason. Did anyone but me bother watching Fitzpatrick's performance then? Is everyone blind or too stupid to see that this guy is far better than Edwards. He moves the team down the field better - I saw it in preseason, did anyone else?
10/20/2009 9:52AM
re:It was OBVIOUS in preseason
No you're right, it's you, you're legally blind. Better get over to Lenscrafters, time to up that prescription dude.
10/20/2009 10:57AM
Honestly I don't get it...
Why does a man staring death in the face care about a few bucks for decent football people? I mean his family is going to be fine after they sell the team for hundreds of millions.
10/21/2009 7:20AM
FITZ=WIN TRENT=LOSS
i think that says it all! if you win and move the team as opposed to lose and produce 1 offrnsive TD in 5 games i think that says it all and is as clear as you can make it, its not that difficult KIDS!
10/21/2009 10:44AM
Fitz=WIN TRENT=LOSS
Not rue at all, fitzpatrick as no experience at all and can't throw a pass in the numbers. He forces every throw and never breaks away from the person he's suppose to throw it to on the play. Come'on get real.
10/21/2009 12:27PM
re: FITZ=WIN TRENT=LOSS
You're right, another win in the column for Edwards as the starter!! I think you must have been the same guy saying that when Losman would start and stink and then Edwards would come in and save the game.
10/22/2009 1:57PM
re: Honestly
I agree. I mean, doesn't the guy want to go out a winner?
The Jim Rome Show
Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm
Are you interested in Donovan McNabb as the starting QB of the Bills in 2010?
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
E-Mail Story
Print Story
