The Skinny:
The Bills defense came to play in the first game after the bye as they got nine sacks and pitched a shutout as the Bills rolled over the Redskins in Toronto 23-0. Marcell Dareus had a breakout game as he led the way with 2½ sacks. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes to Scott Chandler. Fred Jackson ran for 120 yards and added 74 receiving as he continues his MVP type season. Rian Lindell hit three of four field goals.
The Turning Point:
The first touchdown. Fitzpatrick hit Chandler with a 20 yard TD pass. He made a nice move getting the ball inside the pylon as he dove out of bounds. That score was all they needed.
The Big Drive:
The series that led to the opening score. The Bills went 80 yards in 8 plays in 4:53 to the first score of the game. The drive started with a 26 yard completion to David Nelson. Jackson had 23 yards on the drive on four carries.
Stat I Did Like:
The nine sacks more than tripled their season total.
Stat I Didn't Like:
Two turnovers. Fitzpatrick lost the first fumble of the season and threw an interception in the end zone.
Quick Slants:
- It was the first time ever that a Mike Shanahan coached team was shutout. That includes his time as an assistant and his college career.
- Sacks certainly come in bunches. The Bills were on pace to challenge the lowest sack total in league history, they have now surpassed that total.
- The crowd in Toronto was more enthusiastic towards the Bills than in the past. It actually sounded like a home field advantage.
- Fitzpatrick showed his toughness by bouncing back after a very hard hit late in the second quarter.
My Take:
This is a game that a good team that has playoff hopes needs to win. They caught a mediocre team at the right time, the Redskins were banged up and on the road. I expected a big win and the Bills delivered. Every game they should win, they need to win because it may take 11 wins to get into the playoff in the tough AFC.
What's Ahead:
The Bills come back to the Ralph for the last time before December. It will be a huge division battle against the Jets that could have huge playoff implications. They really need to win this game to keep New York at bay in the very tough AFC playoff race.
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