With the first quarter of the season done, who would have thought the Buffalo Bills would be not only on top of the AFC East, but sitting pretty at 4-0? Not many people.
Only the true Bills backers had faith in this bunch, and though "experts" slated Buffalo as a team on the rise, none of our favorite personalities from Bristol had the Bills undefeated at this point.
How could this be? What could this be attributed to? Consistent and poised quarterback play, relentless defense, and ability to adjust on the fly. The Bills' 31-14 rout of the St. Louis Rams marks Buffalo's third comeback win in consecutive weeks, and the third game in which the team didn't click until the second half.
When Trent Edwards dropped back and fired a 49-yard strike to Lee Evans to open the Bills' first drive, things were looking good for the Buffalo. Later in the drive, Marshawn Lynch had a shifty 20-yard run. But it was called back due to holding. This would become a recurring theme in a first half where the 0-3 Rams looked like the team without a loss.
Buffalo notched a 45-yard field goal to open up the scoring, and led 3-0 early in the first quarter. Then they kicked off to a Rams team hungry for some offense, hungry for first downs, and hungry for their first lead...of the season.
Five plays later all their hunger was satisfied when Donnie Avery, the first WR taken in this year's draft, took an end-around 37 yards and battered his way across the goal line. Following the extra point, St. Louis, yes, St. Louis, was on top 7-3.
After a few drives that ended between the twenties by both teams, Rian Lindell kicked his second field goal of the game, bringing the Bills within one, 7-6, in the latter parts of the first quarter.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Only three plays into the second quarter, Steven Jackson actually looked like a Ram when he scored on a 29-yard scamper, then jumped into a crowd that finally had something to cheer about. His run increased St. Louis' lead to 14-6.
Every Bills drive seemed to be thwarted by not only penalties and drops, but especially by Leonard Little and the Rams pass rush. The defensive line of St. Louis got to Edwards four times through the first two quarters. At the half, St. Louis had an eight-point lead, and really dominated on both sides of the ball.
So far, early in this 2008 season, the Bills (minus the opener against Seattle) have looked like two different teams from half to half. Again, they needed a strong second half to remain unbeaten. They got exactly that.
Their opening drive ended with a 22-yard TD run by elusive RB Fred Jackson. He looked more like a basketball player as his left to right crossover move on the Rams safety opened the lane for him to dive into the end zone for his first career touchdown. The Bills moved within one.
After Jackson's score, both offensive coordinators played it cool, resulting in no points, and the Rams held onto their slim lead, 14-13 heading into the final stanza.
The fourth quarter has belonged to Buffalo thus far, and the first play of the fourth kept their streak going, as Jabari Greer took a Trent Green over-throw 33-yards for a touchdown. The pick-six also marked Greer's first stop in the end zone. Here we go again, Buffalo leads 20-14.
Upon receiving the ball after solid defense, the Bills called upon their favorite big play receiver, Lee Evans. One-on-one coverage was just what offensive coordinator Turk Schonert wanted, and Trent Edwards delivered. He lofted a perfectly thrown ball that landed in the out-stretched arms of Evans, resulting in 39-yard score.
Sighs were heard all throughout the Edwards Jones Dome. Following a successful two-point conversion from Edwards to Evans, the Bills took command, 28-14.
The Bills' defense kept their muscles flexed and held St. Louis to no second half points, allowing Rian Lindell to add his third field goal of the game late in the fourth. When the clock hit zero, the scoreboard read Buffalo 31, St. Louis 14.
The Bills' third fourth-quarter comeback keeps them on pace with the famous '92 team that went all the way to the Super Bowl. Trent Edwards has truly become the best fourth-quarter signal caller this year, and the Bills have been firing on all cylinders in the second half.
Some way, somehow, Buffalo needs to get out of the gates in a full sprint rather than a slow jog, however. They seem to have the talent to compete, but playing a full 60-minute game is essential in contending, especially with six AFC East games, and San Diego ahead on their schedule. But a win is a win is a win, and Buffalo, along with Tennessee, remains one of the only two 4-0 teams in the NFL. (The Giants could move to 4-0 next week).
Things are looking good in Western New York. Their young team has come together nicely in the second half, and they are pulling out victories in the games they should win. Being 4-0, however, will put you in "deep-run-in-the-playoffs" talk, as well they should be. But only playing half the game will have their run stopped short.
All in all, the Buffalo Bills, billieve it or not, are undefeated.
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about 1 month ago
i've been watching the Bills for almost 30 years and can honestly say, "you are right"! In former years, being down that much in the first half would have doomed the Bills, but they seem to have a new outlook on "layin" down........keep goin, Bills and also your recaps are right on.......good analysis.
about 1 month ago
My kind of article. Like your analysis and agree in just about everything.
about 1 month ago
I am a huge Bills fan, but I refuse to tip my cap to Trent Edwards. I love what he is doing in the 4th quater, but he would not have to do that week after week if he played a full 60 mins like that.
I think Trent digs him self such a whole that it looks great what he does in the 4th. Meanwhile, outside of the Jags those comeback wins should have been blowouts.
about 1 month ago
Anyone who watched sportscenter or watched the game on tv knows what happened in it. I dont need an overexcited bills fan to word it so it sounds more dramatic. This game in a summary should go something like this:
Bills play down to worst team in the league and can not get lead in first half. A 40 year old concussed QB throws a pick in the second half and the bills finally are on top by a slim margin. The worst team in the NFL the past two years finally starts playing like the worst team in the NFL and the mediocre bills stay ahead. The End.
Billeve it or not the bills have played 3 of the bottom 10 teams in the nfl with the only legit. win coming at jacksonville in the last 2 minutes of the game. Yes they're 4 and 0 but teams like San Diego and New England wont let them come back in the fourth quarter when they're down. Expect lots of losses in weeks 7-12.....
about 1 month ago
by the way this jess character that comments on every article of yours sounds like a relative of yours. maye a uncle or even a parent.
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