Bills Complete Incredible Comeback Win 38-35
Team shows tenacity in coming back from huge halftime hole.
by Steve Saslow
at
Week 2
Raiders  35
Bills  38
The Skinny:
Ryan Fitzpatrick hit David Nelson for a 6 yard TD pass with :14 left on fourth down to complete an unbelievable 38-35 comeback win over the Raiders. The Bills trailed 21-3 at halftime and took just three plays to get in the end zone on the opening possession of the third quarter as Fred Jackson scored from 43 yards out. The Bills would score the next two touchdowns to take a 24-21 lead on Jackson's second TD run just :50 into the fourth quarter. That was the first of five lead changes in the final quarter of this wild game. The team's went back and forth up and down the field. Scott Chandler and Stevie Johnson also caught TD passes as Fitzaptrick threw for 264 yards and Jackson had 117 yards on the ground while Nelson caught 10 passes.

The Turning Point:
35 points were scored in the fourth quarter as the two teams traded touchdowns, so there were many turning points. So we will take the last one, On 4th and 1 from the Raiders 6, Fitz finds Nelson wide open in the end zone. Honorable mention goes to the halftime adjustments.

The Big Drive:
There were many here also but we will also take the final scoring drive. It was a 14 play, 80 yard drive in 3:27. They did a great job of clock management taking out all but the final :14 of the game on the drive. Honorable mention goes to the 3 play, 80 yard drive to start the second half that started the comeback.

Stat of the Game:
Total yards: 935 of them between the two teams. Bills outpaced the Raiders 481-454 .

What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
Donald Jones did a great job as a defensive back pulling away an interception in the end zone two plays before the winning touchdown pass. His play saved the game.

Quick Slants:
- The Bills scored touchdowns on all five second half possessions.
- Brian Moorman only punted twice, the first two possessions.
- All six Raider kickoffs went for touchbacks.
- The game was over and everyone left, but the final interception of the hail mary pass by Da'Norris Searcy was looked at by replay review. 8 minutes later the referee came back on the field to confirm the pick.

My Take:
When the Bills fell behind early 14-0, I tweeted that they now are facing adversity for the first time all year, let's see how they respond. Well they responded real well. Not only did they score three straight touchdowns to take the lead. The offense then battled back two more times including a fantastic final drive. Fitzpatrick said it right after the game, last year this game is a loss. This isn't last year's team though, this team is playing with confidence and a belief in their abilities. Two weeks in a row they shocked me. The blowout road win in the opener was shocking, this comeback win may have been more shocking.

What's Ahead:
Today was the loudest the Ralph has been in a long time, it may get louder next week as the Bills welcome the Patriots to town as they are brimming with confidence. Do they have enough to put an end to the 15 game Pats winning streak? It will be fun to watch.

Gameballs

  • David Nelson - He had a career high 10 catches including the game winnning score.
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick - Shook off a bad interception and was fantastic in the second half. He was 28 of 46 for 264 yards and 3 TD passes. New contract should be coming his way soon.
  • Fred Jackson - He had 117 yards rushing, his 43 yard TD run started the comeback.
  • Stevie Johnson - 8 catches for 96 yards and a score. He gutted it out at less than 100%.
  • C.J. Spiller - Had his best game as a pro. Only carried four times but gained 63 yards.
  • Nick Barnett - Had 14 tackles and forced a fumble. Best day in a down day for the defensive unit.


  • Goats
  • Leodis McKelvin - Was beaten for a 50 yard TD by rookie Denarius Moore.


  • Player Of The Week
  • David Nelson - He was so tough going over the middle. Really picked up the slack when Roscoe Parrish went out with an injury.


  • NFL.com Gamebook
    Raiders Game Preview
    Gameday Homepage