Archives for September 8, 2014

‘It was not clear when the injury happened. It was announced late in the third quarter that he would miss the remainder of the game.’

‘A two-year starter, his absence is a big blow because the Bears boast two Pro Bowl receivers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. With Gilmore out, former Bear Corey Graham starts at right cornerback for Buffalo.’

‘The Bears overcame a 17-7 second-half deficit and tied the game with 30 seconds left in regulation on Robbie Gould’s 37-yard field goal. Chicago, however, picked up just one first down before punting on its lone possession in the extra session.’

‘And they did it by making the most of their opportunities. Only two of the Bills’ 11 possessions in regulation time lasted for more than a single first down, but they took advantage of three turnovers to score 13 points and, in overtime, they stopped the Bears’ first possession and then drove 69 yards to set up the winning kick.’

‘hey have good depth at running back. When you have three backs who carry the ball at least five times each with a good balance between rushing and passing, and you rush for 193 yards rushing and win the game, that is a good omen. The ground game is a lot of help for a young quarterback.’

‘Quarterback EJ Manuel hit Mike Williams on a key 18-yard pass to get Buffalo in Chicago territory in the extra session, and then running back Fred Jackson put the exclamation point on the game with a 38-yard run to get the Bills down to the one-yard line. Kicker Dan Carpenter hit the game-winning 27-yard field goal to give the Bills their first win of the season.’

‘In overtime the Bears got the ball first and after picking up a first down, avoided disaster when Leodis McKelvin dropped an interception on a third down pass breakup. Buffalo got the ball back and after a beautful pass/catch combo from Manuel to Mike Williams, Fred Jackson ripped off a 38 yard run to the Bears one yard line. After getting the ball to the middle of the field on a kneeldown then taking a 5 yard delay of game penalty, Dan Carpenter nailed a game winning field goal to give the Bills the victory.’

‘So good feelings abound as the Bills won, the Patriots lost and the team that did them in, the Dolphins, are coming in for the home opener this Sunday. Enjoy it fans. For a week the Bills puts aside all the problems from the longest of football summers and hit the ground running, and stiff arming, in a game that finally mattered in 2014.’

‘I think you should feel good about how Manuel looked and you should also feel good about Nathaniel Hackett’s day as well. The Bills Offensive Coordinator showed some creativity both in personnel groupings and play calling. Hackett had plays where Spiller and Jackson were both on the field at the same time and Spiller lined up with receivers on occasion. Hackett showed a three man backfield with a running back, fullback Frank Summers and tight end Chris Gragg.’

‘This is only one game, but Manuel deserves credit for managing the game and making plays when they were needed. The way some people talk, you would think he’s 1-10 as a starting NFL quarterback, but he’s actually 5-6. I’m no closer today than I was yesterday in deciding if Manuel’s the Bills quarterback of the future, but getting a meaningful win on the road, something this team hasn’t done in years certainly helps him as he moves forward.’

‘However, just as it was the case in some of the team’s games in 2013, it is a step in the right direction for the young Manuel. Now, it’s a matter of sustaining that success for two weeks in a row.’

‘The Bills were far from perfect but I think there was a lot to like against the Bears. I think that’s a good way to describe the opener for QB EJ Manuel.’

‘Have to give “Saint Doug” and his staff their due. Everyone was talking about how this team was on the verge of imploding, but the Bills were ready to play in a hostile environment where they had been out-scored, 135-39, in their previous five visits.’

‘The Bills went into Chicago and won. And that’s what matters. EJ’s 1-0 in his sophomore season despite a brutal offensive line and some absurd officiating from a league with absurd rules.’

‘ It was just the fourth time in the last 22 season openers at Soldier Field where the visiting team emerged victorious.’