The Skinny:
We thought it couldn't get uglier than last week in Dallas, we were wrong. The Bills were thoroughly dominated in every phase for a third week in a row as they went down to defeat again in blowout fashion 35-8. The Bills scored on their opening possession on a Dave Rayner field goal and it was all down hill after that. Miami just physically beat up the Bills as the receivers were hit on almost every pass while the Miami receivers ran free down the field. Journeyman QB Matt Moore threw three touchdown passes, Reggie Bush ran for one and to add insult to injury they returned a blocked punt for a score.
The Turning Point:
This game was over in the first quarter when Matt Moore hit fullback (yes fullback!) Charles Clay for a 46 yard gain when he was wide open downfield. That setup Miami's second touchdown.
The Big Drive:
The opening TD drive by Miami set the tone for this game. They went 87 yards in 12 plays. The drive included two 19 yard pass completions and a 21 yarder. It ended on a one yard TD pass to Anthony Fasano.
Stat I Did Like:
0:00 on the clock, I was thankful when the game was over.
Stat I Didn't Like:
So many to choose from, let's choose fumbles. The Bills fumbled four times but didn't lose any. They were mostly a product of the poor snapping by fill in center Andy Levitre.
Quick Slants:
- This game was a battle of fill in kickers. Dave Rayner kicked for Rian Lindell for a second straight week. Shayne Graham was signed Saturday to replace an injured Dan Carpenter. Graham was worked out by the Bills when they signed Rayner.
- The NFL sellout policy is a joke. This game was officially soldout but the stadium was half empty.
- Donald Jones was demoted for the start of this game. He did not start and was on the field for just two plays on the opening field goal drive.
- The Bils came out in a four man front on the defensive line with Spencer Johnson and Chris Kelsay moving back to their normal end spots instead of outside linebacker. Marcell Dareus and Dwan Edwards played tackle.
My Take:
I have sat through many blowout losses over my 30+ years as a Bills fan but it's hard to imagine a stretch of three games where they just got their asses kicked in all phases like they have the past three weeks. They just got completely dominated and physically beat up by a team that came into the game with just two wins. They have fallen mightily since the great early start just like they did in 2008. This fall may be quicker and worse than the one by the Dick Jauron led team. This team is in total disarray and their season has come crumbling down around them. The defense is just pathetic, the offense can't get much going, and now the special teams are falling apart. It is tough being a Bills fan, just ask my remote control that went flying across the room in the 2nd quarter.
What's Ahead:
The Bills head back to New Jersey for the second time this year. They will take on a hungry Jets team that have already said that their playoffs start with this game. It will be tough to come out of there with a win. Of course, it would be tough for the Bills to come out of a game against a high school team with a win at this point.
