Buffalo Bills Week 2 Game Ball: WR Stevie Johnson
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 11:30 AM EDT
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PrintWhen a football team erases an 18-point halftime deficit, scores five touchdowns on five possessions in the second half and wins a thrilling 38-35 home opener over a quality opponent, there are going to be a lot of candidates for a game ball. For his efforts in yesterday's win over the Oakland Raiders, we're giving our Week 2 game ball to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson.
David Nelson made the big catch, but Johnson gets our nod for the intangible factors. He had the production, of course, catching eight passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He was also targeted 15 times in the ball game, further proof of his status as Ryan Fitzpatrick's go-to receiver.
More importantly, Johnson drew three huge, drive-sustaining penalties in this game - two defensive pass interference calls on Oakland cornerback Chris Johnson, and an unnecessary roughness flag on safety Tyvon Branch. For the icing on the cake, Johnson endeared himself to Buffalo's blue-collar, ravenous fan base by fighting through a tweaked groin and cramps to be on the field - albeit hobbled - for the final score. This was a huge, character-defining win for the Bills, and Johnson was at the forefront of that effort.
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When u say johnson was hobbled… Anything serious? Is it worse than before the game?
by caboose on Sep 19, 2011 11:32 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
He was limping fairly seriously. I would say that he gets another rest day from practice at some point this week, but I’ll be surprised if he isn’t full go for Sunday.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
He came back in the game for the last play or two – he’ll be fine – probably turned an ankle a little bit or something.
by JustAskTheAxis on Sep 19, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
No – it was cramps. Like it says in the article. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
looked like cramps
if it was not for a official review of the chandler catch, johnson would have been on the sideline the next play. he came off the field limping for the third time, but the review took so long he came back.
Can't argue with any of the choices
But for my money, the comeback began with Freddie’s huge run in the 3rd. And for that, the game ball goes to either him or the OL.
But really, everyone raised their level of play during the second half yesterday. Give them all game balls! GAME BALLS FOR EVERYONE!
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Sep 19, 2011 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed
Tough call between, Stevie, Fitz, David Nelson, Chan, but I give it to my favorite Bill, Fred Jackson.
This is a good problem to have.
by Jean Rasczak on Sep 19, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
had to be Fred
I know we dont like to give gameballs to the same guys over and over but Fred deserves it again. I dont agree that the offensive line has played “stellar” either, even more why he deserves it. They have been solid but Fred has been shedding and carrying tacklers that come at him unblocked behind the line a ton and makes yards when he should lose them. When he does get solid blocking hes done for 35 yards. He has been the MVP of the NFL season so far.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Sep 19, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I would also give it to Fred Jackson
I have no quarrel with handing Stevie Johnson the game ball, but if it were up to me I would join Poz and give it to Freddie for the second week. His 43 yard run was the real turning point in the game. Once again he proved that he is the heart and soul of this team. It’s also worth noting that he is now the top RB in the entire NFL as of the end of week two and he has the second highest yards-per-carry average of any RB in Bills’ history (O.J. Simpson is first in that category, but believe it or not Freddie is closing in on him fast). Stevie Johnson surely made some clutch plays, but as I saw the game Freddie’s were even more crucial to the victory.
by Macktruck on Sep 19, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
interesting fact I read somewhere
forget where now but the writer said that since taking over for Marshawn Lynch as the starter, Fred Jackson has over 1,000 yards in just 14 games at an average of 4 1/2 per carry or something around there. Thats great stuff. Of course, if we were to throw in his receiving yards it would look even more amazing!
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
2nd half was great play calling
the play calling was vanilla in the first half and the receiver dropped atleast 4 or 5 passes
Does anybody still miss Lee Evans? I hadn’t even thought about him till you mentioned Johnson being Fitzy’s go-to guy.
by Dr. Brackish Okun on Sep 19, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions
Check out yesterdays’ second half game thread. There are a couple dozen comments on that topic.
.
I hereby nominate abayarde for BR boldest fan. By Mindbender
Agree. Its like pulling the panties off your new girlfriend for the first time!! By Sergeant Major Thor
by Buffalo for Eternity on Sep 19, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I strongly but respectfully disagree
The game ball has to go to Freddy Jackson again. It is a knee jerk reaction but I still feel he turned a number of bad plays into big gains. He was making strong Raiders tacklers look bad all game long. In my opinion he single handily sparked the Bills offense with his huge 46 yard touchdown.
Freddy at least deserves to share the game ball, without him we get blown out.
Did I mention the tank is a tank?
There’s no doubt in my mind that right now, Fred Jackson is Buffalo’s best player, period. He was excellent. I still go with Stevie, because he, too, was absolutely vital to this game. Example: if he’s not on the field on 4th & 1, the Raiders likely don’t run the coverage they run, and David Nelson probably isn’t uncovered.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually think Spiller was the key to play – I haven’t rewatched on TV, but live it looked like the defense was keyed in on Spiller to pick up just a yard or two, and they totally flowed to him – Nelson was left wide open…
Could be totally wrong, but that’s what I saw at the game.
by JustAskTheAxis on Sep 19, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Both the LB and the corner keyed on Spiller and left Nelson alone in the slot, if I remember correctly. I didn’t notice much else about the play though. It’s probably true that the safety on the right side of the field slid over to help cover Stevie, though.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Safety was shaded to the right side of the formation, where they had Stevie and Donald Jones lined up. Not sure that happens if it’s Jones and Ruvell Martin.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Safety was shaded to the right
Brian’s absolutely right on this point, but TheAxis and stetz are also correct in pointing out Spiller’s role. It seemed pretty clear that the LB or DB (cant make out the number on the replays) that was supposed to be responsible for Nelson’s route blows his coverage and follows Spiller. I think this was a simple blown coverage, while the other side of the field was opened up by a conscious decision to key on Stevie.
STAN UP MY BUFFALO NATION OUR DESTINY AWAITS AND WE WILL GO TO THE END OF THE LAND AND FIGHT FOR ALL THATS BEEN DENIED TO US - abayarde, who else?
Three guys moved to their right (offense’s left) to cover Chandler and Spiller. Nelson snuck in behind them.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
cj and freddy were on the field together a few times yesterday
it likely helped, plus cj actually ran well
i think stevie is the best player
fred is second, our oline did no open big holes, that was freddy and cj making it thru small seems, plus some great misdirection calls in the 2nd half
To me it all flows through Fitz. He led five consecutive scoring drives. Sometimes Fred showed up, other times Nelson, other times Stevie, and a few times Spiller/Jones/Chandler. But Fitz is the guy making line calls and finding the best matchup. Thats tough to put your finger on, but it literally makes every player look better. None of these guys is in a position to get a gameball without the great paly from the QB.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
If we’re going by that criteria, then we should just give everyone a game ball every time they win. Football is the ultimate team sport. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Can we give the game ball to the whole O? Hard to pick Stevie over David Nelson this week, but I understand your argument.
What a great problem to have!!!!!!
Try to be informed, not just opinionated.
Nelson played well, but Stevie was basically uncoverable all day – even when Fitz didn’t look his way, he was side open… If Fitz fed him the ball more, he could have had 15 catches easliy
by JustAskTheAxis on Sep 19, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
True. Another plus for #13 was the sure hands. No big drops yesterday.
Try to be informed, not just opinionated.
I don’t know. I think I’m making that argument that Fitz is the MVP, because without him the matchups these skill players exploit wouldn’t net them the success we’ve seen. That we may be rewarding the effect rather than the cause.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Sep 19, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
EVERYONE
is talking about the Bills today. By 8am I’d already had two friends mention the game. Can’t wait for the Raiders fans to arrive at work!! And I wonder where ESPN’s lame power rankings will have us tomorrow…
Probably around 18th.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
Six spots behind the oakland raiders
by Josh Elmer on Sep 19, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Worry about ESPN rankings
After next week. Rankings are meaningless, this is not college football. “Scoreboard”, as they say. however, to get true respect (and in the playoffs) we need to beat NE or NYJ at least once this year.
Still, this seems to happen quite regularly there… we beat a team, but are still behind them in the rankings. I mean, last year we were crap, so I get it… teams come in and underestimate us, we beat them, but their overall record is still better… fine. But after games 1 & 2, the 2 teams we beat should really be below us. KC I think is plummeting to the bottom this week. They’re rotten.
they wont take the bills too high this week
because they will not want to look dumb if new england beats them silly and will have a rock solid reason to move them way up if they beat NE
Stevie Johnson hobbling around the field....
….reminded me of Kellen Winslow, the HOF Chargers TE in that great game against the Dolphins back in the day.
Way to battle Stevie J., Game Ball indeed!
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Sep 19, 2011 11:50 AM EDT reply actions
that was my thoughts too
the game atmosphere was the same, i was telling people that story at work this am
That was one of the greatest non-Bill games I’ve ever seen in my life.
I hate Miami!!
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 19, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, but am worried going forward.
Stevie is seriously banged up. He was an intragal part of a shootout and I am not sure how many more of those type of games he can last through. I hope he gets some time off this week and it wouldn’t break my heart any if he was off until Friday and did a walk through. Also, of note is the loss of Roscoe Parrish, the plane hadn’t even taken off yet and he seems like he could be out for a while and possibly the season depending on the severity of his injury. Find room for Roosevelt and Aiken, get them ready for the up coming weeks. Hats off to Stevie, he is living up to his reputation as a serious player.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
It was mostly cramps they stretched him out on sideline. His groin will be an injury that bugs him most of the season just has to takw care of it during diwn time.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Sep 19, 2011 12:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thats going to happen. While putting him in the best position to succeed for himself and the team, Roscoe has to endure the consequences of being lined up with, and subsequently tackled time and time again by linebackers covering him in the slot.
time and time again?
he had like 1 catch, and 3 plays. it is week 2. he only made it halfway last year. I don’t understand why we continue to cut this guy slack as if he is the only fast guy to ever play the game.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Sep 19, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe because he can’t help if he gets injured or not? When he’s on the field, he produces. He’s fearless and will execute plays as instructed despite the large chance of getting the snot kicked out of him. Sure, we can hold it against him when evaluating whether or not it’s worth keeping him around, but why hold it against him as a player in terms of ‘cutting slack’?
The Referees blew the Personal Foul Call
Yes it was a lead with the helmet. No question.
But Stevie caught that pass, he even made a catching motion after the catch and then got drilled. i mean i will take the 15 but imagine fifteen on top of that reception eesssh.
Stevie made Oaklands secondary look as bad as Denrius Moore made ours look.
I’m with Van Scott on this one I hope he is healthy, We NEED him.
How about that amazing route on the TD, what a great fake inside, made the DB look silly. The catch on the sideline late in the 4th Q to keep his feet inbounds. I mean I can’t disagree with what everyone is saying because Freddie J had 2 TD’s (When was the last time Freddie had 2 TD’s) and is an absolute machine but Stevie not only played amazing, he played through an injury and also made Fitzy look a little better!
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 19, 2011 11:59 AM EDT reply actions
be happy it wasn’t a catch – if it was, then it would have been a fumble.
by JustAskTheAxis on Sep 19, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
No because the penalty would have negated the fumble.
The can’t cause a fumble with a facemask can you? A personal fould penalty is as such is doen’t matter what happens after.
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 19, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
They can't
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 19, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
That sentence makes no sense
It should read
" You can’t cause a fumble with a facemask, can you? "
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 19, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
no doubt there will be a fine on it
that play happened right in front of me, the surged with his helmet, i could not believe there was no flag
Interesting choice. He played great, but id say fitzy deserves it. He is the one engineering the drives. He showed tremendous poise.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
by chaucer on Sep 19, 2011 12:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I understand the selection. Stevie produced game-long while not 100%, performed in the clutch, and gutted it out when he had obviously severe cramps on top of his groin injury. He drew penalties and essentially was unstoppable all game. If we’re going the passing game route, though, I do wonder if Fitz isn’t the better choice. He was ice cold in the second half and threw for 3 clutch touchdowns.
That said, I still give it to Jackson because he’s running like a team MVP and it is obvious to me that so goes Jackson, so goes the Bills offense. Perhaps that counts against him. Any of those three would be fine choices. And they aren’t even the only ones: O-Line, Nelson, Jones, Barnett all had noteworthy games/clutch plays.
why it should be Fred
kicked off the comeback by coming out on the first drive of the half and refusing to come away with anything less than 6. That break through run was amazing.
Played a little fullback and threw a big block to spring CJ Spiller showing that Fred Jackson can not only do it all but will do it all to get a W.
Multiple times the Raiders defense gets a push into our backfield to put us into a 2nd and long or 3rd and long and Fred gets all slippery and somehow winds up giving us anywhere from back to the line of scrimmage to a 3-4 yard gain. You can’t underestimate how big those were in sustaining drives and moving the chains.
Fred was breaking off multiple big runs. You dont make a comeback if you dont pile up points quick and Fred never wasted any chances. The big TD run mentioned above put points up quickly and when he got the ball from the one he didnt waste the chance and got us in paydirt on his first try to keep the momentum moving.
Big reception well behind the line of scrimmage totally makes a clear cut tackle for a loss go for a gain in a crucial late game moment, slippery again, all day, against a stout front 7.
Through 2 games Fred Jackson has touched the ball 38 times to go for 257 yards with 2 touchdowns and no turnovers and is averaging nearly 7 yards every single time he touches the ball.
I am truly amazed by what Fred Jackson is doing, and I love that Chan Gailey is making him the focal point of the offense.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Clear cut tackle for loss
It was Richard Seymour. It happened right in front of us and all evening long afterwards, my buddy and i were shaking our heads saying, “How did he do that?!!!”
Here's hoping!
you had the best view
so tell me HOW DID HE DO IT? hahaha, I still cant figure it out!
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Gotta go with the..
Offensive Line with this one. They did a great job keeping Fitz upright during that comeback, and didn’t miss a beat when Urbik went down. Even when they were bringing their blitzes, our Oline kept it together. A sack at any point on that last possession would’ve killed our dreams.
Shot out to the big Fellas in the trenches….You get my game ball
olione pass blocking was good
their run blcoking did not look so hot, but oakland has a great dline, blitz pick ups were top notch by rb’s and by chandler at the goal line on the final drive
agreed.
But I probably would have said that if you had given the game ball to about 4-5 other guys too.
What a freakin game. I still am on a high from this one. And my boss is a Raiders fan… loving today :-)
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
BTW, can we get some love for overall team blocking? Outside of Roscoe and Spiller (who is improving), basically all of the skill players are plus blockers. They all compete hard in this regard, as well. Chandler just seems to be getting better and better as a blocker (which frankly may be more important than his budding receiving talents). Freddy is a manimal. Jones justifies his starting position through his blocking on top of being a solid, tough receiver. And you know if Fitz is involved in a play, he puts his body on the line. I love it. This is the comparatively unsung aspect of getting bigger @ WR.
Gotta be Freddy
Without Freddy Jack the passing game doesn’t open up…Oakland D looked lost cause every time they tried to cheat and drop back in coverage, Freddy ripped off a big run…Even Spiller forced that D to respect our check downs (as seen in the last play on O when the middle opened up)
by Andrew Crawford on Sep 19, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
with parish out
Do they bring Roosevelt up?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Sep 19, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I would think...
Especially because Im not sure Martin is a slot guy at all. He didnt look comfortable running the inside routes. I know Roosevelt worked the outside as well… but at this point I think he knows Buffalos offense better from all WR spots as opposed to Martin.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
Not to mention that...
Martin seems to have the dropsies.
The user formerly known as "PaperBagHeads."
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Sep 19, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
this team values completions and moving the ball
not the big play.
a guy like Roosevelt catches everyhthing, Martin droped everything
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
Should have been 4.
More importantly, Johnson drew three huge, drive-sustaining penalties in this game – two defensive pass interference calls on Oakland cornerback Chris Johnson, and an unnecessary roughness flag on safety Tyvon Branch.
I think it was the firs drive… he was completely tackled while the ball was in the air and they called nothing.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
You mean where they half ripped off his shirt? Nah, no penalty there, happens every play. ;o)
The user formerly known as "PaperBagHeads."
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Sep 19, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Do what buffalo did give it to wilson to many guys excelling to really give out just one ball.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Sep 19, 2011 12:51 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
GAME BALLS PLEASE
THAT IS WHAT THIS GAME DESERVES………….
Correct, Stevie gets it
Fred played out of his mind, and is the MOST underrated starting RB in the league. However, Stevie’s presence on the field changes the game, and ias Brian mentioned, they wouldn’t have hung in the game without the numerous penalties called against OAK due to the uncoverable Stevie Johnson! Also, Stevie showed resiliencey playing hurt. He is more than deserving of the game ball. Maybe next week we can give our D the game ball, please!
I'm probably getting a bit carried away here...
But could this be the best line in the nfl through the first 2 weeks? I mean, how many lines have allowed just 1 sack and those rushing averages. I haven’t done any research so i might be way off.
by BuffaloSpaniard on Sep 19, 2011 3:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Please, please, please, please
pay the man and re- sign him. Then i can buy my new Bills jersey with the number 13. I have to pay a lot for one here in Brazil.
by Fernando brazil on Sep 19, 2011 6:30 PM EDT reply actions
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