Bears Knock Off Bills 22-19
Bills Lose Third Straight By Three.
by Steve Saslow
at
Week 9
Bears  22
Bills  19
Gameday Grades
The Skinny:
The Bills fought hard again but found a new way to lose. Rian Lindell failed to convert an extra point for the first time in his career and the chain reaction that followed gave the Bears a three point victory. Lindell's miss gave the Bears a one point lead after Fred Jackson's four yard touchdown run. Corey McIntyre's first career NFL touchdown was followed by a missed two point conversion giving the Bills a 19-14 lead. The Bills were going for more when Ryan Fitzpatrick threw an interception that setup the Bears winning touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter. They would hit their two point conversion attempt for a three point lead. The Bills got into Bears territory one more time but turned it over on downs.

The Turning Point:
Fitzpatrick's first interception. The Bills were leading 19-14 and had the ball midway through the fourth quarter going for the knockout blow. Fitzpatrick underthrew an open Stevie Johnson and it was picked off.

The Big Drive:
That led to the drive of the game. The Bears only needed to go 23 yards after the 39 yard interception return. They did it in six plays when Jay Cutler hit Earl Bennett for a two yard score on 3rd and goal. They then hit the two point conversion on a shovel pass to Matt Forte to give them the three point lead and the win.

Stat of the Game:
Third down conversions. The Bears were 7 of 12 for a 58% conversion rate and the Bills were even better converting 10 of 16 for a 63% rate.

What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
The sloppy play mentally in this game. The Bears especially took several boneheaded penalties including back to back false starts on a drive that ended in a missed field goal.

Quick Slants:
- Toronto is definitely more like a road game instead of a home game. It seemed to be louder for the Bears.
- The Bills had 11 yards rushing in the first half, 7 from Fitzpatrick.
- Reggie Corner gave the Bears four points when he was called for an illegal hands in the face penalty on a third down and 12 stop. They scored their first TD on the drive instead of a field goal.
- So Lindell has his first extra point miss ever while Bears punter Brad Maynard got a good bounce on a punt to the one yard line.

My Take:
The last three games all resulted in tough three point losses. It is the same old story, the Bills don't know how to win. I went in to today with a positive attitude. I actually thought they had a chance to win, even when they fell behind again in the fourth quarter. They didn't win but I still can take a fairly positive outlook. This team does not quit, they are playing hard every week and sooner or late something has to break their way and they will get that win. Let's just hope they don't get too many wins, don't want to lose out on that top pick.

What's Ahead:
The Bills head back to Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in five weeks when the Lions come to town. Detroit will be trying to avoid setting the record for the longest road losing streak in NFL history. That happens with a loss while the Bills continue to look for their first win. Two teams that are still trying to find a way to win.

Gameballs

  • Stevie Johnson - He led the way with 11 catches for 145 yards.
  • Reggie Torbor - He was all over the field and had six tackles as well as being solid in coverage.
  • Roscoe Parrish - Seven catches for 60 yards and continues to make tough catches.


  • Goats
  • Reggie Corner - His penalty cost them four points and he was beaten a few other times as well.
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick - His mind is willing but his arm is not strong enough. He threw for 299 yards but two interceptions and many other inaccurate throws.
  • Fred Jackson - Two yards a carry, did little despite the score.
  • C.J. Spiller - He has yet to make an impact.


  • Player Of The Week
  • Stevie Johnson - He appears to have taken over the number one wide receiver spot.


  • Positional Breakdown and Grades
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