Grading the Bills: Game 8

The only difference in the outcome of this game from the rest was the fact the Bills lost in Canada.  In what felt like more of an away game than home, 

Rushing Offense: D+

The Bills running backs met the fifth best rushing defense in the league and learnt why.  While both Fred Jackson and Corey McIntyre scored touchdowns, none of the Bills backs solely ran for more than 20 yards in the game.  Averaging less than 3 yards a carry, the Bills backs could not get to the holes due to solid resistance all day long.  The offensive line could not contain the Bears attackers and atop it all, Jackson also lost a fumble.  

Passing Offense: C-

Fitz fizzled again, nothing more to say.  Actually, while throwing a touchdown and nearly 300 yards passing, Ryan Fitzpatrick also threw to late and costly picks in the last quarter, sealing a loss for the Bills.  Despite throwing the ball 51 times for over 60% completion rate, Fitz labored to move the ball upfield, and like last week, had several poor throws.  Steve Johnson had another stellar game on the other hand with 11 catches for 145 yards.  Once again Lee Evans seemed to be an afterthought.  Lastly, the offensive line could not contain the blitz, and while only giving up one sack, did not afford Fitzpatrick a protection for much of the game.

Rushing Defense: A-

Aside from giving up a handful of big runs, the Bills run defense somehow amassed itself to giving up only 105 yards rushing!  (I'm still reeling in shock over this feat)  Compared to giving up nearly 190 yards rushing a game, this is quite impressive, and moves the team into a very good direction.  Great effort by the D-Line and linebackers today against a strong running back.  Torbor and WIlliams get honorable mentions for their efforts today.  

Passing Defense: C+

An otherwise strong performance by the Bills secondary was marred by two Bears touchdowns and more alarmingly, no picks yet again.  Pressure was strong for much of the game, but yielded only one sack and fumble recovery by Spencer Johnson.  The last touchdown by the Bears was perhaps inevitable given the starting field possession by the Fitz interception in the fourth.  The return of Terrence McGee and the arrival of Shawne Merriman will be a welcome site for this motley crew.  

Special Teams: C

Rian Lindell left the game wondering how an extra point attempt could be blocked after 321 successful consecutive points in his entire career.  Moorman's poor punting average was helped by 2-3 landing within the 20 yard line.  Meanwhile, the kick and punt return game never got a chance to establish itself, but on a more positive note, coverage units were able to contain a powerful Bears return crew.  The Bills caught a bad break when Maynard's punt reversed direction and ended up on the one yard line (although by all means, we in Buffalo know it touched the Bears gunner's shirt) on what would be the Bills last unsuccessful drive.  
Spiller who?

Coaching: C-

Chan Gailey is still winless.  Perhaps (as some conspiracy groups may testify), he is playing to lose to get that coveted first pick in the next draft.  On one hand, the defense improved ten-fold, but the offense seemed to take a step back (against yet another tough defense), although that I feel is more on Fitz's throwing than the play calling.  Going for two was the right call, but unlike the Bears, clearly did not work.  I am looking forward to seeing how Gailey and Edwards will utilize Merriman in the defensive packages.  

Other Notes:

The Bills are now 0-8, well on their way to securing the number one overall pick this game in the spring!  Of concern was a late injury to Roscoe Parrish following a great attempt to catch the ball in the fourth quarter.  

Go Bills and optimistically yours, DynamicHero22