Grading the Bills: Bills v Cowboys - Game 9

For the second week in a row the Bills suffered a total collapse losing to the Dallas Cowboys 44 to 7.  The best moment of the game occurred when Nelson hugged his Cowgirl, but after that, it was a game to learn from and then forget.  Offensively the Bills struggled to throw the ball while defensively the Bills struggled all around.

Run Offense: B

Fred Jackson lost a fumble once again after a helmet to hand shot.  Aside from that though, Jackson played fairly well rushing for 114 yards on 13 carries for 8.8 yards a carry.  Fitz had 3 scrambles for 20 yards, while Spiller's sole run was stuffed for a single yard.  

Pass Offense: F

Since signing his new contract, Fitz has struggled and today was no different.  Fitz, while going 20 for 31 and a TD to David Nelson, only managed 146 yards (4.7 per attempt) and threw three picks.  Donald Jones led the team with 6 catches for 51 yards while TE Scott Chandler had 3 grabs for 34 yards.  Playmakers Stevie Johnson was limited to 2 catches for 8 yards while Fred Jackson had 4 catches for 1 yard.

Blocking Offense: C-

First play, Andy Levitre somehow lets DeMarcus Ware go untouched and Fitz was sacked.  While that was the only sack of the game, the line got pummeled on pass protection and couldn't set up screens.  Center Eric Wood left with a knee injury, and if he's gone, Levitre may find himself at center next week when Hairston returns full time and hopefully Bell as well.

Run Defense: F

While the Bills were able to limit backup Phillip Tanner, DeMarco Murray had a field day.  Murray ran 20 times for 135 yards or 6.8 yards a carry and 1 TD.  The Bills rarely got the penetration early to disrupt the play in the backfield.  Both George Wilson and Jairus Byrd kept needed to step up to make tackles.  

Pass Defense: F-

Playing man-man or zone, the Bills secondary, namely the corners, struggled to stop the Cowboy's pass attack.  Romo was sharp missing just three passes while throwing 3 TDs in a near flawless performance; and that was mostly in the first half.  Batten and Scott blew coverage on Witten, but more concerning was Florence blowing coverage on both TD passes to Laurent Robinson.  McKelvin got beat in a battle with Dez Bryant in the endzone, while McGee was beaten early as well.  The Aaron Williams pick is looking better than ever and his return next week will be welcome.

Pass Rush Defense: F

No sacks and Romo seemed at ease in the pocket all day long.  The Bills attempts to rotate the line and its rush linebackers had little success.  Blitzes were largely met.  Come back Kelsay about sums it up!!  

Special Teams: B-

While Dave Rayner missed his first field goal wide left, it was from 52 yards out.  Unfortunately, he never got a chance to try to make another one.  Brian Moorman was sharp as usual averaging 52 yards on three punts.  The Bills coverage units did really well on their few appearances although LB Chris White left with a knee injury.  C.J. Spiller averaged over 30 yards on two kick returns.

Coaching: F

Chan Gailey needed a strong showing after last week's lost, but could not establish a rhythm offensively or defensively.  The second half magic seems gone as well.  Going for it on fourth and two in the first half was the right call, but go for the first down and then the touchdown.  Also, I am not seeing Spencer Johnson as an OLB and given the loss of Kyle Williams, it would be better to shift him back on the line.  My final complaint is Gailey's lack of commitment to the run game despite the fact that Dallas had given up over 400 yards (nearly 6 yards a carry) in their last two games.  Now 5-4, the Bills have a crucial division game against the Fish next week.  If the Bills lose again, their playoff aspirations may be all but vanished.