Bills Pull Off The Upset With 33-18 Win
Team effort get the team their first win of the season.
by Steve Saslow
at
Week 3
Cardinals  18
Bills  33
The Skinny:
LeSean McCoy ran for two touchdowns while Tyrod Taylor added a touchdown run as the Bills pulled off a 33-18 upset win over the Arizona Cardinals at New Era Field. Aaron Williams pretty much clinched the win when he picked up an errant snap on a field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown in the second half.

The Turning Point:
Botched FG: It wasn't exactly the turning point but with the Bills up 23-7, Williams returned a botched snap for a touchdown that basically put the game away in the third quarter.

The Big Drive:
Early in the third quarter with the Bills leading 17-7 they went on a 47 yard drive in 6 plays to Taylor's 20 yard touchdown run that gave them a 23-7 lead. Walter Powell had a 14 yard reception on the drive.

Stat I Did Like:
Interceptions: The defensive backs that were much maligned last week had four fourth quarter picks of Carson Palmer.

Stat I Didn't Like:
Penalties: They had nine of them for 75 yards.

Scene Setters:
- Former OT John Fina led the charge before the soldout game at "The Cap".

Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article:
WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Patrick Peterson: Winner: Paterson. Watkins didn't play and none of the receivers did too much for the Bills.
RB LeSean McCoy vs. SS Tony Jefferson: Winner: McCoy. Had a big day with his first 100 yard rushing game of the season and two scores.
LBs Zach and Preston Brown vs. RB David Johnson: Winner: Browns. Even though Johnson had over 100 yards in total offense the Bills linebackers played very well. Zach Brown had 12 tackles
CB Stephon Gilmore vs. WR Larry Fitzgerald: Winner: Gilmore. Nice bounce back day for the Bills premier corner who had two interceptions while Fitzgerald had seven catches for just 60 yards.

Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out:
1. Pressure Palmer: Success! They had five sacks.
2. Band Together Like A Family: Success! They got a huge win despite being banged up.
3. Get The Ball To The Playmakers: Success! McCoy and Taylor made big plays with Watkins being sidelineed.

My Take:
A huge win in a desperate situation with several big players being sidelined allows the fans to feel good for a week.

What's Ahead:
It doesn't get any easier for Buffalo as they travel to "The Razor" which has been a nightmare place for the Bills. The Patriots are looking to go 4-0 without Tom Brady.

Gameballs
  • LeSean McCoy - He got his first 100 yard game of the season and two scores.
  • Stephon Gilmore - Nice bounce back game with two interceptions.
  • Zach Brown - He led the way with 12 tackles .
  • Kyle Williams - Was the only defensive lineman on the field on passing downs and was his old self.


  • Goats
  • None - Nice team win.


  • Player Of The Week
  • LeSean McCoy - Nice effort from one of the team leaders.


  • No Grades This Week. They will return next week!
    NFL.com Gamebook
    Cardinals Game Preview
    Gameday Homepage