Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles: Open Game Thread

by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 8:34 AM EST in Buffalo Bills GameThreads

FINAL SCORE

Update [2007-12-30 16:4:16 by Brian Galliford]: That's all she wrote on the 2007 season for the Buffalo Bills, and just like '06, it ends with a record of 7-9. It's another disappointing finish, but there are a lot of positives to take away from this season. We'll have much more on this game, and the 2007 season as a whole, tonight and in the coming days.

Update [2007-12-30 15:56:48 by Brian Galliford]: We've hit the 2-minute warning, and the Eagles have just completed a 41-yard pass that will all but ice this one for an Eagles win. Stand by - two minutes remain on Buffalo's 2007 season.

Update [2007-12-30 15:16:5 by Brian Galliford]: A second turnover by Donovan McNabb - this time, a fumbled snap recovered by John DiGiorgio - has the Bills in scoring position at the outset of the fourth quarter. Come on, offense - we need touchdowns. Touchdowns are a good thing.

Update [2007-12-30 15:11:13 by Brian Galliford]: The Bills strike back quickly after a 56-yard rush by Marshawn Lynch sets up a first and goal. Once again, however, the Bills' red zone offense resembles a Pee Wee league, and they're forced to settle for 3. At some point, Jauron is going to have to risk a turnover on downs if he wants to win this game.

Update [2007-12-30 15:4:21 by Brian Galliford]: The football gods love Kevin Curtis. For a second straight week, Curtis has recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, this time off of a Reggie Brown fumble near the goal line (forced by Terrence McGee). An 11-point deficit is probably too big for Buffalo's elementary offense to make up, but we'll give it the college try.

Update [2007-12-30 14:54:30 by Brian Galliford]: Buffalo's off to a nice second-half start. Their D forces a quick punt, and then some nice air gains by Rob Royal and Marshawn Lynch get the Bills into FG position. 10-6. D up, Buffalo.

Update [2007-12-30 14:39:21 by Brian Galliford]: Third quarter is underway; Eagles ball. Let's see if our anemic offense can pick up the slack, score some points and pull out a win in the finale.

Update [2007-12-30 14:26:14 by Brian Galliford]: We've reached halftime in Philly. Some solid red zone work by Buffalo's defense has kept this game winnable for the Bills. Edwards: 7/12-46-0-0; Lynch: 13-56; Royal: 2-18.

Update [2007-12-30 14:22:47 by Brian Galliford]: Solid clock management and a couple of big passes get the Eagles into TD position on the 2-minute drill, but some big-time pressure from Buffalo's blitz snuffs out the TD threat. David Akers is good, and it's a TD lead once again for the Eagles. 20 seconds remain in the half.

Update [2007-12-30 14:8:16 by Brian Galliford]: On a drive set up by an Ashton Youboty interception, the Bills drive down and get a field goal from Rian Lindell. We're inside the two-minute warning; let's see if the Bills can keep the Eagles from scoring before the half.

Update [2007-12-30 13:42:36 by Brian Galliford]: That's the end of the first quarter, and it's been a poor one for Buffalo. Philadelphia is dominating time of possession, and the Bills have just 4 passing yards and 1 first down. Philly has a good D, and a good run game - a combination that has destroyed Buffalo this season.

Update [2007-12-30 13:35:25 by Brian Galliford]: On their second drive of the game, the Eagles methodically take the ball down the field, and McNabb makes the Bills pay with a short touchdown toss to Brett Celek. Buffalo's offense - anemic once again - needs to respond in a big way here.

Update [2007-12-30 13:3:15 by Brian Galliford]: We're underway in Philly for the season finale. Buffalo will start with the football; let's go Trent!

BUF Injury Report :: PHI Injury Report :: Bleeding Green Nation :: Game Preview

This is it, folks - the last day of real Bills football for a solid nine months. Depressing, right? The Bills can take a little edge off of that depression, however, by doing something they were unable to do in 2006: close their season with a win. With a .500 record in sight, look for our overachieving Bills to give us one final all-out effort, regardless of the outcome.

One last time, I'll be here providing live updates on the progress of the game in this open thread. This is your forum to discuss the game as it unfolds as well - all you need is a free account. I'll see you all live at 1PM. Go Bills!

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Bills Inactives

RB Shaud Williams, WR Scott Mayle, TE Ryan Neufeld, OT Patrick Estes, OT Jason Peters, DE Corey Mace, S Donte Whitner

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 12:47 PM EST reply actions

First Drive

Bills get an early first down on an 11-yard run by Lynch. Josh Reed had a nice block downfield on the play.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:05 PM EST reply actions

Drive over

Trent has Roscoe fall down on a third-down play. CBS just showed a disturbing graphic, and I'll add to it: Buffalo is now 4/26 on third downs offensively in their last 3 games.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

Jim Johnson going after Edwards

As is his forte, Johnson is sending plenty of green jerseys after Trent. Trent Cole got to Edwards on the first play (though Edwards turned it into a 2-yard scramble), and they blitzed twice more during the drive.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' First Drive

Bills nab a sack on McNabb early - DiGiorgio and Ellison team up on a nicely timed blitz.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:10 PM EST reply actions

Runyan Down

Time-out on the field as Runyan goes down on an 11-yard jaunt by Brian Westbrook. It'll be 3rd and 5 for the Eagles.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:12 PM EST up reply actions

First Down

McNabb to Curtis, who didn't have a Bill within 5 yards of him.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

If Runyan stays out...

that could be a plus for the Bills.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

Specifically Chris Kelsay

The blitz looks pretty good early. Our front seven is way more athletic than the Eagles' O-Line. We'll see if it helps consistently throughout the game.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:16 PM EST up reply actions

Youboty on the field

Good to see Ashton Youboty getting some PT today. He's playing when the Eagles have 3 wides; they do that often. That's one benefit to Donte Whitner missing this game.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

Another benefit...

is that Scott is getting the start. I hate that Whitner is out, but I am glad to see Scott play. He has played well this year when he has had the chance.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:16 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely

If he plays well today, and doesn't make mistakes, he'll probably have cemented himself a spot as a reserve/specialist on next year's roster. He's been a pleasant surprise.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

He has looked great this year against the run, but today we will see how he is in coverage.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

Depth

Next year there should be some great depth at safety with Whitner, Simpson, Wilson, Scott, Leonhard, Wendling...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

Odd man out

Leonhard may be the odd man out in that group. Wendling has developed into an essential special teamer for Bobby April, and there's no way we keep 5 safeties.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

Drive Over

Three straight incompletions from McNabb snuff out Philly's first drive. Buffalo is blitzing way, way more than they usually do.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:17 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' Second Drive

Starting from their 30, Marshawn picks up 5 on first down. He's looked strong early; we'll see if the passing attack can keep pressure off of him.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:20 PM EST reply actions

Three straight runs

Good to see that Fairchild is pulling out all the stops in his final game with the Bills. Lynch picks up 9 yards, 2 feet and 9 inches on three runs, and the Bills will punt once again.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Moorman still struggling

I'm not sure if it's windy in Philly, but it doesn't look bad from the couch (i.e., there haven't been any passing issues), yet Moorman has two punts under 40 yards. He's really struggled making consistent contact with the ball this season; we need the Brian of old back in 2008.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

I wonder

if he has some sort of nagging injury or something that he has been dealing with? Because, as you pointed out, he has not been the same this season. But, he has faked a couple of punts this year and ran well doing it, so you would think if he was injured he couldn't do that. Don't know, but, like you said, we need the old Brian back.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

I'd guess not

I think, if anything, he might miss his old long-snapper.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' second drive

Philly goes to Westbrook early in this possession, and he's stuffed by Bryan Scott. Looking for a strong performance against the run out of him today...

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:25 PM EST reply actions

Winston Justice sighting

Justice in for Runyan at RT - he's the guy who Osi Umenyiora abused for 6 sacks early this season.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

First Down

Our linebackers are terrible in coverage. Awful. First down Eagles as McNabb finds a wide open Celek (TE).

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

Tight End

Shows up again and again. Man, we really need one...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah...

We did hit Royal early; I really think Rob could be a nice threat if they can get a receiving TE to complement him.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

True

I bet Everett was going be that receiving option this year.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

He might have been

But we're going to need a more explosive guy than Everett hoped to be. Trent likes to use his tight ends (see production of M. Gaines), so getting him an elite option there would go much further to helping him develop than a #2 wideout, in my opinion.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

We are on the same page

I completely agree. All this talk of wideouts and picking a receiver high in the draft is kind of crazy to me. Do the Bills need another WR, preferably a big one?...yes they do. But a stud TE is a much bigger weapon and much harder to find. If a high draft pick is to be used on one or the other, get the TE. Get the receiver later on in the draft.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Precisely

We can drool over Malcolm Kelly's potential, but more often than not rookie tight ends have a much easier go of it. Heck, look at Brett Celek! That rings especially true when you can pick up a Greg Jennings or Sidney Rice after the first round.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

Another first down

Philly is countering Buffalo's blitz with three-step drops, and McNabb is accurate. Third first down of the game for Philly as he hits Jason Avant.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

Westbrook rolling

19 yard run for another first down as Thomas Tapeh gets an easy block on Crowell. Eagles are now at Buffalo's 20.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Ouch

Pass interference call on Youboty negates a stop by the Bills' defense in the red zone. Eagles have it first and goal.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

Easy TD

Buffalo looked good on the first two downs, but McNabb on third down flips it to Celek - even when he could have run it in himself. Buffalo didn't have a prayer of keeping Philly out of the paint on that play.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' Third Drive

Early incompletion to Evans on a slant - the pass was ahead of him, but I'd swear on my life he hesitated during the route...

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:40 PM EST reply actions

3 and out again

Edwards underthrows Evans on a deep pass for another 3 and out. First quarter is over, and our rookie QB has 4 passing yards.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, but

what a hit on the punt coverage by Costanzo. Costanzo!

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Indeed

And it was nice to see Moorman blast off a 56-yarder there. That's the Brian we know and love.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' third drive

Starts with a big screen play to Westbrook. If Buffalo keeps blitzing as often as they do, Westbrook is going to have 300 yards today.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:45 PM EST reply actions

Second first down of the drive

Philly is making it look easy offensively, calmly picking up 5-7 yards on underneath throws to move the chains.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

A sack for Big John

John McCargo just picked up his second sack of his career. 2nd and 18.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Too easy

Aaron Schobel on Westbrook? No chance. McNabb exploits it through the air for 30 yards. This is getting real, real ugly, real fast.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately

I thought it might get ugly today. The Eagles have really been clicking the last few weeks and Buffalo sure hasn't been. I am still holding out hope that Edwards will get something going, but...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

Big but

I don't see him breaking 100 passing yards today. This Eagles defense is too quick for him, and our receivers - Lee Evans included - are awful.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

Yep

And not to beat the dead horse again, but some creative play calling would help.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Youboty!

Ashton snuffs out Philly's drive with a gorgeous interception on McNabb. Play made not by Youboty, but by a great blitz by Angelo Crowell that forced McNabb to throw it off his back foot.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

The Bills look terrible. Edwards looks like a rookie. He looks frustrated and almost like he just wants the season to end.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 1:45 PM EST reply actions

That they do

We're just laying down for them. Very disappointing, considering we haven't laid down once all season.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

McCargo!

Great play!

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:46 PM EST reply actions

Right after sack

They pick up 30 yards just like that. Terrible, just terrible.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 1:50 PM EST reply actions

Bills' Fourth Drive

Set up by Youboty's pick, starting from our 24.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:51 PM EST reply actions

Third down

Couple of short gains by Lynch (ground) and Gaines (air).

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

First Down

Edwards, under heavy pressure, hits Fred Jackson (who made a great catch) for the first. Second first down of the game for Buffalo.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Big gainer

On a screen to Royal. 14 yards, and another first down. Bills at mid-field.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Moving backwards

False start on Dockery moves 'em back. Edwards is looking good under fire, but still struggling overall.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

He is getting it going...

Gaines, Royal, the backs...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

Scratch that

Another nice throw downfield to Gaines. First down inside the Eagles' 40.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

Gaines

Looks like he has some talent, too bad he hasn't been more involved this year.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

He might stick around

next year. Behind an athletic receiving TE and Royal, of course.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

I am a fan of Gaines.

He has some drops issues, but I like him. I would be very happy to have him as a 3rd TE next year.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 2:01 PM EST up reply actions

He's sneaky

You don't expect him to be as athletic as he is. He'd be a huge goal line threat as a third TE/blocking HB in goal line next year.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:02 PM EST up reply actions

Keeping it going

Marshawn busts off a 12-yarder, and the Bills are down to Philly's 24 with another first down.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Rookie mistake

An intentional grounding by Edwards turns first and 10 at the 24 into 2nd and 25 at the 39.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Scratch that.

2nd and 20 at the 34.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Sweeeeeet

Roughing the passer call on a 3rd and 18 Edwards incompletion extends the drive.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:02 PM EST up reply actions

Big hit on Lee

The Bills run a route short of the first down, and Evans gets absolutely jacked up by JR Reed. Fourth down inside the red zone; we'll see if Jauron goes for it with nothing to play for but pride. I'm not going to fault him either way.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

Good decision

to take the points. The offense looks like they might be getting in a rythm. Needed some points to show for it.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

Youboty

Thank you, Ashton. If he can just stay healthy, we may have something. CB's wearing #26 from OSU are good for us :)

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Ha

Ashton had a bad PI penalty earlier in the game. He just needs to play more consistently, and get some PT, and he'll be fine. Keep your eye on him today.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:07 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' fourth drive

This will be a short one, as we're under 2 minutes. It will start from the Eagles 20.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:10 PM EST reply actions

Midfield already

Two passes and the Eagles are near mid-field. Just over a minute to go, clock ticking, 3 timeouts each side.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Moving backwards

Two straight false start penalties by the Eagles have stunted their drive a bit. 1 minute remaining on the dot.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

First down

Kevin Curtis sits down in front of McGee, and McNabb hits him as easily as ever. 48 seconds. Timeout #1 for the Eagles. Keep it 7-3, Buffalo... please?

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

Up and Down for Ashton

He had the pick earlier, but he just missed badly on an easy sack, and the result was about a 30-yard gain to Greg Lewis. 37 seconds, 13 yard line of the Bills, still 2 timeouts.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:19 PM EST up reply actions

Sack for Ellison

Timeout Eagles. Come on, D... 32 seconds.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

Solid stand

It was looking like Philly would cruise into the end zone, but some serious pressure from the Bills' blitz keeps the Eagles out of the paint. Fourth down.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' fifth drive

Starts with a first-down throw to a wide open Reggie Brown.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions

Good job by the D

After the first first down, the Bills force a 3 and out. Aaron Schobel defended a screen to Westbrook brilliantly on third and 4, resulting in a loss of yardage. Come on, Roscoe.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Ha - Roscoe jacked up

by the Eagles' punter! Parrish slipped and it was an easy tackle for the punter, but it got the crowd pumped all the same. Let's go Trent.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' Fifth Drive

Starts with a 4-yard Lynch jaunt. Predictable.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:45 PM EST reply actions

Great screen

22-yard screen pass to Marshawn Lynch. Bills inside the Eagles' 40.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Another first down

13-yard pass to Royal over the middle. Lee Evans, by the way, is in the locker room - will update when CBS does.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

Close to a first

Roscoe gets it to the marker on 3rd and 4. Measurement coming...

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Dang. Short.

And on fourth and inches, Edwards is stood up. We'll be getting another measurement, but he looked like he got it on CBS.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

First Down!

Time to paint it, Buffalo.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

Ugly, Marshawn

Can't blame the kid for trying to make something happen, but you can't take an 8-yard loss on 2nd and goal. Field goal, anyone?

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

FG it is

Really needed a TD there. Our whole season in a a 3 play sequence in the red zone. Good teams put it in the end zone.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' sixth drive

Starting with some big plays. Jabari Greer was beaten badly on a mini flea-flicker to Kevin Curtis that takes the Eagles to mid-field.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions

Another quick first down

to Reggie Brown. It's starting to rain in Philadelphia. Rain big plays through the air for Philly, and literally raining. Uh oh, Trent.

Uh oh Keith Ellison as well, who is injured on the play.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

A 5th DB might be better than Ellison anyway...

Sadly...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, but...

Keith's been OK today. Looks good on the blitz.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

You've gotta be kidding me

Lucky, lucky bounce for the Eagles. Seems like all the good teams get those bounces; the Bills rarely do. Good hit by McGee on that one; Terrence looks dinged up though. Expect Parrish to return this kickoff.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

WR was wide open though

It was a lucky bounce, but it was a good throw and the reciever shouldn't have been so open.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' Sixth Drive

Starts at the 34. Guess how? Finally, they threw it. Incomplete to Reed.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:07 PM EST reply actions

BIG run by Marshawn

Our rookie just busted off a 56-yard run. First and goal from Philly's 10 on Lynch's longest run of the year; he's got 113 on the day.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

Draw on 3rd down?!

SOB!

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

That's what I said

I wouldn't have minded a screen there, but a draw? Priceless.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

Terrible

Fairchild can not leave fast enough. How do you not throw one pass at least in the end zone there? How? No excuse, terrible play calling, terrible offense, period.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

It's all Marshawn

He's been the only consistent threat - offense or defense - all season. Easily, by far and away, the team MVP this season.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' seventh drive

Will start from the 32 after a solid return by J.R. Reed. Come on, defense!

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Mario Haggan

is in at OLB for the injured Ellison. Third down and 6 coming up.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

YES!

McNabb bobbles a snap, and John DiGiorgio out-hustles everyone to pick it up. First down Bills at the Eagles 28!

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

Must, absolutely must

score a TD here. The Bills haven't gotten too many of these breaks, must take advantage.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' Seventh Drive

Starts with an 8-yard run by Fred Jackson down to the Eagles' 20 as time expires in the third quarter. One quarter of Bills football left in the 2007 season.

Not sure if Lynch is hurt or just gassed, but he's been on the sideline for a while.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:17 PM EST reply actions

Close again

Three straight runs, and the Bills are facing a measurement once again. If they're short, Jauron has to go for it. Right?

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

One would think

And hope...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

Stuffed on 4th

There will be a measurement, but it didn't look like Lynch got it. Turnover on downs, in all likelihood - maybe Jauron challenges the ball spot?

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

He should...

might as well. I can't believe they can't get inches with that huge O line.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Challenge coming

CBS announcers say Lynch was definitely ahead of the spot, but not sure if that means first down or not. My guess: it will be re-spotted (no timeout), re-measured, and re-affirmed that it was short.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

Play stands

Turnover on downs. Announcers don't like it either.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

Sickening

We outweigh the Eagles by 50 pounds on average and can't get a few inches!!! I hate to be so negative, but I am at the end of my rope. This offense sucks so bad. It will be really interesting to see the direction of the team in the offseason.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

Playcalling...

Why are they trying to run outside when they need inches? The offensive line is bigger than the defense, pound it up the gut. Heck, sneak it again. Running outside plays into the strength of the D, speed, and not what should be the strength of the O, power.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

These questions are rhetorical

at this point, because apparently Steve Fairchild-Mularkey cannot hear.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

But

I must vent!!!

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Trent

He should just start changing the play to something that makes sense. He can probably do better...can't do worse...

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' eighth drive

There's going to be a lot of "Buckhalter" on this drive, and it starts right away with a 10-yard rush and a first down.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:27 PM EST reply actions

Bad play by Curtis

Kevin Curtis had a first down there, but took away yardage. Fourth down. Run, Roscoe, run.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' eighth drive

Will start from their own 21. It's now or never if the Bills are going to finish 8-8.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:30 PM EST reply actions

We miss Evans

Certainly not for any production that Lee brings us, just for the fact that he's a threat. The job's never been easier for Philly's defense.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

Jackson fumble

Will all but ice the game for the Eagles. They have it deep in Buffalo territory, and a field goal puts the game away. Jauron should challenge - there's a chance he'd win it, as Jackson's elbow (holding the ball) looked very close to being down.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

Overturned

Bills are out of challenges, but they get the ball back. Let's go, Trent.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

A Sam Aiken sighting

Sam's first catch of the season goes for a big first down on 3rd and 9. Third catch of the day for a Bills receiver.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

Implosion

Brad Butler whiffs badly on a block that results in a 6-yard loss for Lynch; this came after a high throw to a wide open Royal. Punt.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Butler did whiff...

but there were at least 2 or 3 other Eagles there to make the tackle, so, it was dead either way.

I HATE FAIRCHILD!!!

Ok, sorry about that, but I feel better. Go Bills!

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

Please don't apologize

I, too, am giddy about the fact that Fairchild will be ruining his alma mater next season, and not our favorite team.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' ninth drive

Comes with 8:14 remaining in the season. Bills need a quick stop here, because clearly, our offense needs centuries to score touchdowns.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:42 PM EST reply actions

How many times this year

have the Bills surrendered first downs on 3rd and 10+? Bad, bad, bad. Eagles are in business with the clock ticking.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

No pass rush

That is the biggest issue, I think. Drop 7 in coverage and only rush 4, that equals no pressure and a big completion.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Bills get their stop

After getting some nice heat on McNabb on third down. One last chance for Buffalo's offense... don't get your hopes up.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

It may be sad...

but I still want to Billieve!

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' ninth drive

Starts with a run. 2 yard loss. Surprised? You might have been by the big gainer through the air on the next play to Josh Reed. Bills are in Philly territory. Do we dare to dream?

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:49 PM EST reply actions

Drive over

As the Bills can't keep guys off of Edwards. The Eagles are bringing some serious heat. They have the ball with 3:35; Buffalo has two timeouts. More pressure on the defense - that's been the status quo this entire season.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles' tenth drive

Starts inside their 20. All they need is 2-3 first downs and they'll finish .500.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM EST reply actions

There's one

Kevin Curtis on a short pass over the middle. Ticking toward the 2-minute warning.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Youboty lit up

41-yard pass gets the Eagles to the 2-minute warning. .500 is about a pixel away from faded away for the Bills. Eagles just about have this one on ice.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

The Bills get their stop...

... but they'll have only a few seconds left when they get the ball. It will, quite literally, take a miracle to tie this one up.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Bills' eleventh drive

On their own 20 with 10 seconds left. They'll get one, maybe two plays, and it's season over.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 4:03 PM EST reply actions

Reed falling on his butt

is a fitting way to end the season. Well at least my Madden '08 Bills are pretty good.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 4:05 PM EST reply actions

Mine too!

13-1, with one stupid loss to the Redskins. I've still got JP as my starting QB, but it doesn't matter who's in - Lynch is the man, and leading the race for league MVP.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 4:07 PM EST up reply actions