What the Bills Can Take Away from Foxboro (besides defeat)

By BisonBoy  |   Tuesday, September 15, 2009  |  Comments( 184 )

Buffalo Bills
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Monday night’s game against New England was another in a long series of games where the Bills played well but did not “get it done”. The “get it done” message is typically rendered to teams that have a recent history of losing, like the Bills. We forget the games where they do “get it done” and focus on the painful losses. Putting this aside, the Bills can take tangible “goods” and “bads” away from Monday night’s loss.

The “Bads”
Buffalo’s offensive line killed a number of drives early with penalties including to unforgivable “did not line up on the line of scrimmage” formation penalties. OK, if you are getting penalties before the play while you standing still, you need to have your brain examined. OK, it was against first time player and starter Demitrius Bell. However, once we can understand, twice and you have a learning disability. To be fair, a few of the holding calls were just in lieu of allowing sacks as well. So, I’d rather have first and 20 than second and 17.

The Bills’ two superstar wideouts (Owens and Evans) were non-factors. This was largely a testament to the Patriots game-plan of doubling them both on most plays. However, great receivers get open. Otherwise, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and a host of other downfield monsters would never get a catch. This result also falls on Trent Edwards who continues to show a “judiciousness” that prevents him from throwing the ball to his wideouts. A few drops early in the game also hurt the Bills, particularly third down strikes to well covered Owens and Evans. Both dropped passes after contact. High quality receivers don’t do that.

The Bills’ secondary proved it was suspect, giving up over 375 yards to Brady, mostly on underneath throws. OK, this is the Pats game but shouldn’t the Bills have somebody besides a linebacker covering Ben Watson late in the game in obvious passing situations. This one falls on the coaches more so than the players.

The Bills’ special teams was supposed to be a key advantage for them but failed pretty badly in Foxboro. Brian Moorman had a below average punting day (save for one killer punt inside the 5). The Bills kick coverage improved during the game but gave up too much early. Finally, the kick return game was non-existent in setting up opportunities unless you were a Patriot. Two fumbles on kick returns by McKelvin on consecutive kicks. Somebody call Fred Biletnikoff for a fresh supply of stick-em.

The “Goods”
Trent Edwards (besides the lack of downfield throws) looked solid behind center. He generally made good throws and managed the no-huddle offense well. Sans rookie penalties, the Bills would have had more yards and more opportunities to score due in large part to Edwards’ play. Particularly impressive was Edwards’ accuracy on both long and short throws. We didn’t see a lot of throws behind receivers or over their heads. This contrasts markedly with Tom Brady who was off the mark for much of the game at critical times.

The Bills’ offensive play-calling was excellent from start to finish. The Bills seem to catch the Patriots off-guard in many situations. That tells you the Bills’ coaching staff was out thinking the Patriots staff. We haven’t seen that in a while (ever?). The use of screens was particularly effective and led to two scores.

The defensive line, although worn down by the last few series, was very good throughout the game. They put strong pressure on Brady who stood behind one of the most experienced lines in football. For those that forgot, Aaron Schobel showed why he was a Pro-Bowler with numerous pressures, a sack and a pick six. Kyle Williams also showed new promise as he often had his way with the Patriots interior.

The Bills have many of the signs of a young team that is learning to win. I know, we’ve all heard that song before. This time, Bills fans can take some real hope away as a team with 3 “never before offensive linemen” executed effectively and protected their quarterback in a way not seen in many years in Buffalo against a team many project as going to the Super Bowl. The Bills aren’t there yet but it’s a long season and each week, Bills fans should see improvement on both sides of the ball.
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