Bills Blanked by Browns, Blizzard

by Brian Galliford on Dec 16, 2007 6:26 PM EST in News Comment 28 comments

Bills have no answer for Lewis, snow
(AP photo/Tony Dejak)

Inclement weather and a superior opponent proved to be too much for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and as a result, their playoff hopes are at a virtual end. Despite being in the game until just three seconds remained on the clock, the Cleveland Browns were dominant in an 8-0 victory that puts them in the driver's seat to clinch the AFC's final playoff spot.

Buffalo's inexperience showed through in this contest, as they were unable to make the types of plays that the Browns made to really keep the game close. The young offense could not get anything going through the air until their final drive, the defense had difficulty with the Browns' big-play offense in the first half, and even Brian Moorman struggled through the blizzard. The score doesn't really indicate it, but this Bills team struggled in all three phases of the game on Sunday.

Jamal Lewis Runs Wild
Running behind an offensive line that was once again dominant, Browns RB Jamal Lewis was a one-man wrecking crew, accumulating 163 yards on 33 carries (4.9 yards per carry). Most of that damage came in the second half, as the Bills were playing from behind and the Browns were trying to eat clock. Buffalo could not find a way to keep Lewis bottled up for more than mere stretches, and as a result, were able to control the tempo in the second half.

Even when the Bills were able to keep Lewis under wraps, the Browns somehow made plays through the air. Derek Anderson was efficient enough, throwing for 137 yards and making some well-timed big plays to Braylon Edwards (4-64), Joe Jurevicius (2-34) and Kellen Winslow (2-28). Buffalo's undersized defense was overmatched by the Browns' large skill position players; this was a theme in every phase, as Buffalo's small receivers had trouble getting open as well. The weather was responsible for the Browns only putting up 8 points; on a nice day, the Browns likely would have broken 30.

Edwards, Passing Attack Struggle
Buffalo's offensive attack was conservative for most of the game; Marshawn Lynch carried 21 times for 82 yards, and Fred Jackson added 7 carries for 16 more. Without a viable passing attack, however, the Browns focused on stopping the run, and other than a few big gainers, the Bills were bottled up on the ground to the tune of 3.4 yards per carry. The Browns were so focused on the run that their run blitzes were overly efficient, resulting in 5 Bills carries that were stopped for a loss.

Trent Edwards finished the day completing just 13 of 33 passes (39%), and seemed to have a lot of difficulty playing in the harsh conditions. The rookie was errant on plenty of throws, often having his tosses end up yards behind his intended receiver. Buffalo's wideouts, meanwhile, struggled to get open and hang on to the ball - both Lee Evans (4-36) and Michael Gaines had big drops late that would have made Edwards' job much easier. Edwards had the team down to the Browns' 10 yard-line with less than a minute remaining, but the young offense couldn't put it in the paint to tie the score.

Rumblings Game Balls
It's tough to come up with game balls for this performance; we'll hand them out nonetheless:

S Bryan Scott: He's been a nice surprise for the defense over the past couple of weeks, and his strong play continued today - his 5 stops were second most on the defense. This guy has played well enough to stick around on next year's roster.

The O-Line: They weren't helped out at all by the passing game or the play-calling, but once again Trent Edwards was not sacked, and they sprung a couple of big plays on the ground. This unit looks good heading into next year.

RB Marshawn Lynch: His 82 yards give him 940 on the season and put Buffalo's best player in prime position to crack 1,000 yards in his first pro season. He still gets taken down in the backfield a bit too often for my taste, but the guy is a stud.

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To me this game makes me see a little clearer

about what this team needs going into the offseason. Now, I dont really follow free agency in the NFL like I do the MLB but can you blame me, NFL free agency isn't that spectacular. So please, if a need can be fixed through free agency so be it, but here is my top four spots that need upgrade.

I'll start by saying a big time wide reciever. A big tall type with good hands and speed. We should get a top 15 so getting someone good shouldn't be a problem. I'm not high on a wide reciever for the first pick so if we could make a trade, pick up a free agent that fits, or pick up a good second rounder then im cool with that.

Tight end. Im okay with Royal on one side of the offense but we need a major upgrade here. Marv should know that if the Bills are going to suceed and trent suceed, then a dynamic tight end will help tremendously. A good security blanket will help Trents progress.

The next thing I think needs to be focused on is the defensive line. Tripplet doesn't do enough for me and I know that we can make a sufficant upgrade. I like Mcargo and think that he is one of the bright spots on a young defense. Once again, this could be done through the draft.

The final thing is I think we need someone else then Brad Butler. Dont get me wrong Brain, the line has held up but butler should be more of a reserve in my opinion. I think one more solid piece to the o-line and yeah, you got a great line for years to come.

So with this loss, I see that we arent far away from the playoffs then I thought. Despite all our starters getting hurt, and Poz being out, I think next years draft and free agency could really bulk up this team.

by NYTXFAN on Dec 16, 2007 9:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Disagree about Butler

I actually think that, at times, Butler has been our best lineman this season. If there's a guy who should be replaced, it's Fowler - in a division where the 3-4 scheme with big nose tackles is prevalent, Fowler isn't big enough to get the job done consistently.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Dec 16, 2007 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about...

Butler. He and Walker have been a decent RG/RT combo this year, and with another year to play together, they should be better. I'd actually like to see them extend his contract before it even comes close to expiring. Next year is the third year of a four year contract (I assume it's 4 years). Get him locked for little and long. At worst he's a competant back-up.

Good call on Fowler and the 3-4 schemes. He does get bullrushed too easily.

Will they let Fairchild attend to his new CSU duties now that the playoffs are out of reach?

by krytime on Dec 16, 2007 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll second that

I also think Fowler is the weakest link. I think a nice replacement for him can be found in the draft, maybe Steve Justice from Wake Forest with one of the 3rd rounders.

One guy who I think needs mentioning as a free agent is Chris Cooley. I think it was Peter King who posted the projected salary cap situations of all 32 teams, and the skins were listed at $20 million over, and Cooley was due a huge bonus. If he becomes avaiable Marv has to jump on him quickly.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 16, 2007 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WRs

Is it me, or did I notice several times the WRs being insistent on catching the ball in stride, instead of going and just "getting it?" I have a feeling that some balls could have been caught if guys only were willing to hit the turf to get them.

by krytime on Dec 16, 2007 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This isn't directed at anyone here

but I am sick of reading Bills fans who say that the Browns wanting it more or that the Browns have more heart, especially concerning Jamal Lewis and Marshawn Lynch. Lewis is bigger than two of our LB's! He was bound to get yardage. Our guys just couldn't hold up any longer. It was awesome how well they did in the early going.

The Browns have a better offense and we were overmatched at only gave up two field goals, one of which was pretty lucky. The Browns had no fear of our recievers so they could concentrate on our run game with run blitzes. Marshawn was a beast to get what he did.

I know this was a lose, but I don't feel all that bad about it. We stayed in it and had a shot. The better team beat us, collect yourselves and prepare for a reeling Giants team.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 17, 2007 1:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

if anyone else noticed this, but I saw at least 3 or 4 of Trents passes that were dropped IMO because he simply threw it too hard. In those kind of conditions , the ball is hard enough to catch as it is , I think he needs to learn when to throw a bullet and when to put some touch on the ball.
I also agree that we need an upgrade at center,
Fowler is the weak link IMO.
We also need some quality depth on the O-line.

rochester_cncguy

by cncguy on Dec 17, 2007 9:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Trent needs to learn how to throw in the cold

Being a California guy I not sure how much bad weather Trent has seen much less played in. He's going to have to learn how to play in cold weather, if this team is going to make it to the next level. I'm sure he can learn some tricks to help him a little, and I know it can be done, I mean hell Brett Farve is from Mississippi, how much snow did he see before going to Green Bay.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 9:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Last drive

One thing I noticed on the last drive - Fred Jackson was incredible at picking up the extra rusher on several of the plays. While he didn't have such a good day rushing the ball, that blocking was definitely one of the keys to making that drive happen.

I'm still puzzled by the Bills second-to-last drive; considering the time left and how bad Moorman was punting that day, it was strange to run on 3rd and 8 and punt on 4th and 4 from midfield.

by Krenn on Dec 17, 2007 9:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You're right

Fred was blocking great in there. I think the main reason they were keeping A-Train on the roster is because he's a vet who can block. With the emergence of F-Jack as a blocker as well as a runner I think we might have seen the last of A-Train in a Bills uni.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hold on people

We let Jamal run wild in this one. Which needs to be addressed. We have guys like Poz who are great at run defense who will be back next year. We lost 8-0. 0. natta. We should be focusing on the offense more so. Our D gave up 6 points where our O scored nothing. Our only threat in the passing game is Lee Evans. As mainly a deep threat, it had to be very difficult for Trent (a rookie) to get him the ball downfield in that weather. No one really as a challenge over the middle. I was hoping we'd get a WR with some size in FA or the draft, but we didn't. That is the first position I'd like to see us PROPERLY address. Really. what do we need more than a WR in the draft? Nothing. I'm not really big on college football so I'm not sure the guys we should be looking at, but we need someone who can make plays and challenge defenders. Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish are 5'9 and 5'10. They're not challenging anyone

by buffgetlowbills on Dec 17, 2007 12:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WR

Everyone is clamoring for a WR, and while I agree that it is a need, how many rookie WR's make big impacts? I think I would much rather have them draft a top tier pass-catching TE than a WR in the 1st round. I mean in the draft that Evans was selected, so what Rashaun Woods and Reggie Williams of Jax and I don't even think Woods is in the league and Williams is just starting to make some plays in his 4th year.

A TE is a better investment cuz he can block and catch so at least he is making more of an impact on the field. WE HAVE to have a red zone target. I want to see TE, WR and OLB/DE/ players selected. Our defense lacks freak athletes at the DE/OLB positions. We need hybrid guys that can rush the passer and get after it. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I can't take it though..............waiting another off-season and FA and draft to have hope again! I guess I should be used to it by now.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Dec 17, 2007 1:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agree

That is why I am not that high on any of the potential first round WR's. We will end up drafting right around 15 (give or take) and no recievers are worth that pick this year that fits our needs. Use that pick on a new OLB and take a TE in the second. From what I have read, no TE's are worth 1st rounders either. Get a WR in free agency and maybe another one of the second day.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 17, 2007 1:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

wide receivers last year

To prove the point about drafting receivers in the first or second round and expecting production from them right away, I did a little research.

pick #2 Calvin Johnson - 42-655
pick #9 Ted Ginn Jr. - 23-340
pick #23 Dwayne Bowe - 61-885
pick #27 Robert Meachem - 0-0 don't know if he's that bad or just hurt.
pick #30 Craig Davis - 17-144
pick #32 Anthony Gonzalez - 35-554
pick #44 Sidney Rice - 30-386
pick #45 Dwyane Jarrett - 6-73
pick #51 Steve Smith - 5-34

Bowe is easily the best when you take into consideration the offense he's in. Ginn I give some slack to because of the team he's on. Johnson and Gonzalez are on great offenses and they have good supporting casts as well, so their numbers are as expected. Smith has been hurt.
The Bills don't have a supporting cast on Offense that the Lions or Colts have, so I'm not sure that Johnson or Gonzalez would have the same success on the Bills, and other than Dwayne Bowe I don't think any other pick would have the impact on the Bills offense that is needed.I know we are talking about a different class of receivers this year but, I say free agency or trade is needed to fill the wr position not the draft.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 2:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WRs

The Bills will be sending out season ticket renewals within hours of the final game. My response will be, "I will renew, as long as you promise not to draft a WR in the 1st round."

Seriously, although there is a pressing need for a WR/TE to compliment Evans (who by the way, has been costing himself a ton of money in his next contract with his play this season), it shouldn't be filled through a draft pick on the first day.

The Bills will have a ton of cap money next year, but so does everyone else, with the exception of Washington. The key will be to get value w/o overspending. How much are these guys worth,and with that answer, could you see the Bills making a play for any?

Bryant Johnson
Drew Carter
L.J. Smith
Eric Johnson
Ben Troupe

by krytime on Dec 17, 2007 2:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

one guy not to forget

Billy Miller of New Orleans I believe is a free agent. He's always been a good receiver,(though very underrated.) and he's been healthier than Eric Johnson. I still don't think either is what we're looking for but he might be a low risk high reward kind of signing.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't

know nothing about the guy, I have to say. I'll have to take your word on it. Is he a WR or a TE?

by krytime on Dec 17, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Billy Miller

He's a tight end, had a few good years with Houston when they first came into the league. I believe he's an 8 year vet, so he has been around a while. Again I don't know how much I want him but if it comes down to Miller or Eric Johnson I'll take Miller.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How much would any of these guys..

Have helped this year? Look at this list of lost guys. It's incredible. Obviously, some have played parts of the year, although they have missed some significant time. Others never made it to the roster at all. But if we had some of these guys for the whole year, it becomes coulda, woulda, shoulda...

Spikes
Darwin Walker
Nate Clements
Poz
Price
Ko Simpson
George Wilson
Coy Wire
Jason Whittle
Jason Webster
Kevin Everett
Schouman
London Fletcher
Sam Aiken
Aaron Merz

by krytime on Dec 17, 2007 2:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Greed

Could I also ask for Carlos Dansby as a FA? What a compliment he'd be to Crowell and Poz. It would also eliminate the need to draft for another LB, and picks could be spent on shoring up the lines, which is the way to use the draft.

by krytime on Dec 17, 2007 2:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fat Chance

I like Dansby too but Marv likes to build through the draft, I think he'd draft a Linebacker before he signs one to a big contract.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bengals

Would anyone entertain the idea of a trade for Chad Johnson or T.J. Houshmandzadeh? It's common knowledge that those guys are schmucks in Cinncinati. Maybe Jauron could pull a Belicheat/Moss kind of move?

I'm not saying I'd neccessarily be in favor of such a move, but I'm at the point of considering any and all options to improve this team.

by krytime on Dec 17, 2007 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What about roy

Roy Williams wants out of Detroit. There's a name to chew on.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

never happen

DJ and Marv would never do a move like that...this is the Bills. Character is #1 and those guys are huge crybabies and everyone in the locker room in Cinci is getting annoyed with them....

The draft is to make your team better regardless of position....sure last year we got extremely lucky and addressed RB and MLB, our 2 biggest needs. As Marv always says, "you expect your BIGGEST improvements to your team to come from within." So everyone needs to get better....This year a ton of young guys got invaluable experience (i.e. Lynch/Edwards/Butler/Schouman/ on offense...McCargo/Williams/Ellison/Whitner/You-booty/Wilson...etc.... on defense)

We need those guys from the draft of 2006/2007 to rise up and play big time football next year...Sure maybe 1-4 drafted guys will impact the team on Offense and Defense, but honestly there is not a position on the squad that won't have significant competition next year.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Dec 17, 2007 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would love Chad Johnson

but I don't think he is a good fit here. T.J. is a different story but I doubt they dump him. I could see Johnson traded though.

In ref. to Dansby, I love that guy. He would be my number 1 offseason target if he makes it to free agency but word is that Arizona will never let him get there.

Bernard Berrian is a free agent too and could be an interesting fit.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 17, 2007 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'd...

take Roy and love him to death.....DJ coached in Detroit....maybe he has some connections....

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Dec 17, 2007 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

good call

I forgot about that. I think there's a better chance of seeing Roy, than either Chad or T.J.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 17, 2007 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

From PFW.com

"The Bills won't be actively starting their search for a successor until after the season, but sources tell us that the next offensive coordinator is likely to be someone currently outside the organization."

That is from their "The Way We Hear it" column. It kind of surprises me from a continuity standpoint. Maybe they don't feel that there is enough talent in the coaching ranks already on the team.

Hopefully they don't go "West Coast" again.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 17, 2007 3:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs