The Skinny: Mike Gillislee ran 50 yards for the game clinching touchdown with 2:25 to go to lift the Bills to a 16-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The drive happened after both teams traded turnovers in the fourth quarter that kept the game a three point game. The only other points scored in the second half was a 32 yard third quarter field goal by Dan Carpenter. It was a sluggish first half for both teams. Tyrod Taylor hit Gillislee on a 14 yard screen pass to setup a Karlos Williams one yard touchdown run but Carpenter missed his league high 5th extra point of the season. Dan Bailey hit two of three field goal attempts in the opening half and the Kellen Moore led Cowboys were held scoreless in the second half.
The Turning Point:
Flutie-Esque Scramble: I guess it was fitting it came on the day that Taylor broke Doug Flutie's single season rushing record for a Bills QB. Late in the game the Bills were looking for the drive to run out the clock. On 3rd and 6 from their own 12 yard line. Taylor scrambled to his left then shed tacklers as he ran to his right and scrambled for 7 yards and the first down. That kick started the drive of the game.
The Big Drive:
Game Clinching TD: The Bills took possession with 6:53 to go clinging to a 9-6 lead. They went 92 yards in 9 plays and took 4:28 off the clock to Gillislee's big touchdown run. Besides Taylor's legendary scramble Gillislee also had a 15 yard run on the drive.
Stat I Did Like:
Rushing Yards: They reeled off another 236 yards rushing including 67 from Taylor, 76 from Williams, and 93 from Gillislee.
Stat I Didn't Like:
WR Receptions: Besides the five catches from Sammy Watkins the only other wide receiver with a catch was Chris Hogan he had two.
Scene Setters: - Bills wore blue jerseys with white pants for their return home on a rainy day in Orchard Park. - Ian Rapoport reported this morning what Sal Capaccio has been saying for a few weeks that Doug Whaley's job is safe. Rapoport also reported that he may get an extension. His contract expires after next season. - The Bills had seven different starters because of injuries as Nick O’Leary, Jordan Mills, Chris Hogan, Karlos Williams, Kevin Reddick, Mario Butler, and Walt Powell as the returner got starting roles they normally wouldn't have. - Today's pick for captains by Rex Ryan were Butler, Mike Gillislee, Dezmin Lewis, Mills, and O'Leary. - Former fantastic backup RB Kenneth Davis led the charge before the game. - Taylor caught up with former teammate Matt Cassel before the game. Cassel was benched last week by the Cowboys allowing Kellen Moore to make his first start in this game. - Jim Kelly gutting out a terrible game in the rain on the sidelines instead of a box. One of the reasons we love him.
Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article: LB Preston Brown vs. RB Darren McFadden: Winner: McFadden. He had 99 yards rushing but didn't make a game changing play. WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Morris Claiborne: Winner: Watkins. Claiborne did not play because of an injury but Watkins had 5 catches for 84 yards. RT Jordan Mills vs. LDE DeMarcus Lawrence: Winner: Lawrence. He had a sack but caused problems all day for Mills. S Corey Graham vs. TE Jason Witten: Winner: Graham. Witten only had one catch for 12 yards.
Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out: 1. Get Motivated: Success! They seemed to come ready to play and battled all day long. 2. Play Together: Success! They never fell apart when things got a bit tough but I acknowledge they never got real tough. 3. Pressure Moore: Failure! Didn't really get too much pressure on him but he isn't talented enough to take advantage of it.
My Take:
I know many will say a loss would have been better. Logically that is true, a loss gives them a better draft position but I always want the Bills to win and I'll have an extra pep in my step tomorrow because they got the win no matter how ugly it was. Now the Jets come to town and you know Rex Ryan would love to knock them out of the playoffs now that they can get in with a win.
What's Ahead:
The Bills close out the miserable, disappointing season against the Jets. At least it has some sizzle now with the Jets getting into the playoffs with a win in their first season without Ryan as their head coach. You know Ryan Fitzpatrick wants to beat one of his former teams to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Gameballs
Mike Gillislee - He had 93 yards on 9 carries, the game clinching score, and a 14 yard reception to setup their only other touchdown.
Tyrod Taylor - Completed 13 of 18 passes for 179 yards but added 67 big yards on the ground. His interception in the end zone just before halftime was his big blemish.
A.J. Tarpley - Had a nice interception and forced a fumble on a kickoff.
Leodis McKelvin - Had three pass breakups, one resulted in an interception. Was solid in coverage all day.
Goats
Jordan Mills - Had two penalties and gave up a sack.
Player Of The Week
Mike Gillislee - What a late season find for the Bills.
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Positional Breakdown and Grades
