The Buffalo Bills’ home opener on Sunday was a complete reversal of the blowout loss they suffered to the Jets last week. Buffalo dominated play and had a 35-3 lead over visiting Kansas City before surrendering a couple of “garbage” time touchdowns to the Chiefs to earn a 35-17 win. Last Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 3 interceptions, while this week, while still missing on a few throws early in the game, he had zero turnovers and threw a pair of impressive touchdown passes, the first an accurate over the middle toss to TE Scott Chandler, the second a quick slant to Stevie Johnson that the Bills’ top wide receiver turned into a 49 yard touchdown. Fitz’s numbers weren’t impressive, but he hit enough throws to keep drives alive and relied on his running game. That running game was keyed by a second straight monster game from C.J. Spiller, who rushed for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. Spiller became the first back to average over 10 yards per carry for his team’s first two games of the season since Jim Brown did it for Cleveland to open the 1963 season. That’s an eye-opening stat, and Spiller is also a threat as a receiver.
The Bills’ defense, barbecued on opening day by the Jets, turned in a stellar performance, sacking Chief QB Matt Cassel 5 times, forcing 2 fumbles and intercepting Cassel on the game’s final play. Kyle Williams had 2 of the sacks, while Alex Carrington, who once was a top D-line prospect but has not shown much, came to life with a sack and forced fumble.
The special teams turned the tables this week also. After giving up a long punt return for a touchdown against the Jets, this week the Bills got one of their own, an 88 yard thing of beauty from Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin was supposed to have won the job as the third corner on defense, mostly covering the opponents’ slot receiver, but he struggled against the Jets, not so much with his coverage ability but with his inability to make any plays on the ball. Justin Rogers got a lot of action as the “slot” corner in this game, but McKelvin, to his credit, is becoming a special teams playmaker, not only on kick returns but as a gunner on kick coverage also.
Overall, it was a solid team win for the Bills, and a much needed one after the Jet game mirrored the way most of the second half of last season went. It at least temporarily righted the ship, and should be a boost of confidence for both the players and coaching staff. Now it’s on to a matchup on the road with Cleveland, which has started 0-2 and won’t be an easy out. The Bills need to now prove they can keep their composure, stay competitive in, and win a game away from the friendly confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Louise
September 17, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Great win for the Bills! Big games from Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus as well. Dareus’ game especially big because of the heartbreak he suffered with the untimely death of his brother.