Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: Open Game Thread

by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 7:31 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills GameThreads

FINAL SCORE
Game Preview :: Pats Pulpit

Update [2007-9-23 15:55:30 by Brian Galliford]: This one, thankfully, is over. Ineffective offense, poor time of possession and continued (more devastating) injuries give the Bills a poor outlook even after this weekend. It's going to be a long week; the Jets come to Orchard Park next weekend in a game that should be a little easier for this team... but not much.

Update [2007-9-23 15:29:28 by Brian Galliford]: The Pats, still throwing despite a 24-point lead, strike again as Brady exploits a Greer-on-Moss matchup. Leave your final comments about the game and go enjoy the weather outdoors - I'm obligated to stay here; you, fortunately, are not.

Update [2007-9-23 15:19:37 by Brian Galliford]: Start of the fourth quarter, and it's 31-7 Pats. One positive: John Wendling, in his first NFL action, makes a great play on a Moorman punt, pinning the Pats at their 2-yard line.

Update [2007-9-23 15:12:23 by Brian Galliford]: The rout is on. Former Bill Sammy Morris houses it, making it 31-7. Two 3-and-outs by the Bills offense has compromised the D once again.

Update [2007-9-23 15:0:34 by Brian Galliford]: There's the Patriot offense we were expecting to see. Gashing runs by Maroney, a bomb to Moss and the payoff to Jabar Gaffney makes it a 17-point lead. Ready to throw downfield yet, Fairchild?

Update [2007-9-23 14:45:33 by Brian Galliford]: Third quarter underway. Hang in there, defense...

Update [2007-9-23 14:32:0 by Brian Galliford]: Halftime. The Bills have lost their QB, their defensive QB (Poz) and are playing about as well as you can expect - poorly. The 17-7 score is a bit misleading; unless the coaching staff lets Trent Edwards fire away in the second half, things will get ugly fast.

Update [2007-9-23 14:26:52 by Brian Galliford]: Strange defensive alignment for the Bills leaves Jabari Greer 1-on-1 with Randy Moss. Quick slant puts the Pats up 10.

Update [2007-9-23 14:15:43 by Brian Galliford]: After a long series of strange events (Pats turnovers, near-safeties, booming punts, two failed Pats challenges), the Pats finally get a score on a TD pass to Ben Watson. The Bills are still in this thing; we need a nice offensive drive right here to keep momentum from swinging, perhaps permanently.

Update [2007-9-23 13:38:13 by Brian Galliford]: OK, seriously - who would have put money on the Bills having the lead after the first quarter? You'd be rolling in it right now; Bills 7, Pats 3.

Update [2007-9-23 13:27:5 by Brian Galliford]: Touchdown Marshawn Lynch! The rookie is running very well (8 carries, 39 yards), but it was rookie QB Trent Edwards who made that drive (4/5, 55 yards). Bills lead?!

Update [2007-9-23 13:13:48 by Brian Galliford]: The Bills' defense, yes, bends but doesn't break. Playing with a short field after a turnover, the D surrenders just a field goal. Trent Edwards will likely be leading the offensive charge this drive, as J.P. Losman is currently hobbling around in the locker room with a lower leg injury.

Update [2007-9-23 13:2:49 by Brian Galliford]: We have kickoff. Let's go, Bills!

Update [2007-9-23 12:19:42 by Brian Galliford]: Bills inactives: CB/KR Terrence McGee, WR Sam Aiken, S Coy Wire, LB Keith Ellison, OL Duke Preston, DE Ryan Denney, and DE Copeland Bryan. Big time ouch on the loss of McGee; Jabari Greer starts at corner in his place, while it remains to be seen who will return kicks. (Thanks for the update, Thronsen).

Oh boy. This is going to be, to use a positive term, interesting. When the Bills take on the Patriots early this afternoon, bear one thing in mind: tempered expectations could make this game fun to watch. Operative word being "could" - because things may get ugly regardless of our expectations. At any rate, why go through this experience alone when you can chat live with Bills fans right here in the Bills/Patriots open game thread? I'll be here posting game updates and comments and hope to see you here with me - it's far healthier to commiserate with others than by your lonesome, am I correct? If you're looking for therapeutic release here but don't yet have an account, be sure to create one - it's free! See you at game time.

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Go Bills

I have little hope today, but ya never know. If my alma mater can shock the nation yesterday, then the Bills can do the same today.

We gotta slow Brady somehow, make some plays on ST, win the turnover battle and get some big plays out of the offense. And if we don't win....please don't get stomped guys.

Go Bills

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

Re: Syracuse

Heck of a performance yesterday. It would be nice to see a similar performance from our Bills, that's for sure.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

McGee Inactive

As per CB. Also Sam Aiken, and the usuals (Wire, Denney, etc)

by Thronsen on Sep 23, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

Another front office blunder rears it's ugly head.

Not bringing in a CB this week was nuts. They knew all week that McGee was a game time decision and Youboty was limited with his hip injury. Yet we go into the game against the best team in the league with TWO fully healthy corners.

Apparently Copeland Bryan's inactiveness every week is more useful to this team that a 3rd healthy CB.

I'm really getting flustered by this front office. There are just so many incompetent moves going on...

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions

"Incompetent"

Too early for incompetent, I think - we haven't seen how our reserves play yet. "Discouraging", however, works in this situation, because it would seem common sense to sign a corner when you're so beat up at the position.

For the Buffalo Bills, DE + CB = 5. Game on, Schobel/Kelsay/Youboty/Thomas/Greer.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Kick returner

I'd say Fred Jackson and/or Josh Scobey will return kicks. They've both done it before. Now, I wonder if either of them can play cornerback...

by Krenn on Sep 23, 2007 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

Strike that

Actually, I just noticed Fred Jackson is listed as the 3rd QB again. That just leaves Scobey. Or Parrish/Leonhard, of course, but they appear to be only punt returners.

by Krenn on Sep 23, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Jackson as 3rd QB

That means nothing. Eric Moulds was our emergency 3rd QB for a while, it's not like we were going to reduce his workload.

Chris Brown said Scobey will return kicks, though I'd rather Jackson do it. Jackson will be in on ST like he has been thus far this season however...

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

There goes that theory

With Losman looking done

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Losman injured

On the first play of the game. Lower leg, he's having trouble standing. Trent Edwards is on standby...

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Turnover

Third play of the game, a corner blitz by Ellis Hobbs gets Losman on a fumble. He's still hobbling around out there, barely making it off the field. Pats get a short field.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Tough to be Edwards

Foxboro is not the best place to take your first NFL regular season snap. We're behind you, kid - let's go!

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Heck of a drive

That was by far the best series this offense has had so far this year. If Losman is ok, I wonder if they put him back in.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

The question now becomes

Edwards or let Losman come back? Keep this in perspective - we're talking about this game.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

unreal

EWARDS, your the guy

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Sep 23, 2007 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

Leadership sucks

After the meltdown by Lee Evans last week, we get a stupid, stupid personal foul on Angelo Crowell. So much for our young captains... get it together, fellas.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

personal foul

How did he get that personal foul? How do you get a personal foul on a false start? STUPID! Got to stop em here on 3rd and 8. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET TOUCH BRADY? HE HAS A FORTRESS AROUND HIM

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Sep 23, 2007 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

Let's hope

Losman needs to stay on the sidelines

by angelturner on Sep 23, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

Fourth down stand

On an odd call by Bill Belichick, the Pats pass up a field goal and come up a few inches short on 4th and 7. Looks like he's got confidence in his defense, which is well-founded, but you gotta think the Pats should have taken the points there.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions

Poz injured

These injuries are getting absolutely out of control - this team is snakebit. Losman, Jason Whittle and now Posluszny are down. Let's hope we can get one or two of them back...

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

Not good

Looks like Poz broke something...

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Bad news

We can't catch a break 3 games into this season

by angelturner on Sep 23, 2007 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

Very compromised defensively

Only our starting D-Line is intact from the pre-season... this sucks.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Broken arm for Poz

Broken forearm. Out indefinitely.

Bills do, however, force a turnover... unfortunately they're on the one-foot line. If we get enough space to punt, it'll be a victory for the offense here.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

Probably gonna lose this challenge

I think it is going to end up a safety.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Have to agree

Though the one angle they showed us was bad.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Well then

Glad I don't know what I am talking about.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Bad teams

Make bad penalties

by angelturner on Sep 23, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Why I love Brian Moorman

Only Moorman could have a punt that was returned 29 yards net 46. 75-yard punt from our one-foot line.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

what a punt

that was a boomer. so-so game overall so far, but at least we are winning. on the injury front, this team just can't catch a break.

http://ifitsfairitsgone.blogspot.com

by nickfeely8 on Sep 23, 2007 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

We need a pash rush

It is too easy for Brady.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

You'll be waiting a while

This team can't generate a pass rush. We're going to have to scrap to keep the Pats' score low.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

3 and out

As expected, Edwards is struggling. Also - Wes Welker is killing us on the punt return, routinely making it easy for the Pats' offense. That's got to stop in the second half.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

good coverage

Greer did his best. I feel so bad for all these undrafted free agents being on the field 80% of the time! Come on, let's have a little grit

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Sep 23, 2007 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

Not sure about that

I realize that you don't want to turn the ball over at the end of the half and all, but, what have you got to lose? You have your timeouts; fling it around. It's not like this is a game between evenly matched teams. The Bills need to try and do something on every possession to stay in this game.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:33 PM EDT reply actions

what you have to lose...

Your rookie QB confidence, maybe?

by patamunzo on Sep 23, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't mind conservative

This team is in a pretty tenuous position right now; anything to destroy their psyche would ruin them the rest of the game. I was a proponent of sitting on the ball there; I do think, however, that they have to cut it loose early and often. Still no rhythm to the offense; get Lynch involved in the passing attack, Fairchild!

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Valid points

Guess I just want to see them get something going. Upon further consideration, I will go with you guys and the "sit on the ball" plan as the right call.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Schobel makes a play?!

Had Schobel not sniffed out that screen BEAUTIFULLY, that likely would have been a third down conversion for the Pats. That may have been Aaron's first good play of the season!

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

I know!

Both of the high-priced ends showed up on that 3 and out.

by fletcherjd on Sep 23, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Conservative O

Run, run, screen pass = 8 yards. Look, I know Edwards is a rookie, but we're still trying to win a football game here, Fairchild. Let's gain yards, not preserve confidence.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

This is just tough to watch

I mean, we have so many injuries, if a casual observer was watching I don't know if they could name any of our players, except Evans, AND HE HAS NOT CAUGHT A PASS!

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Sep 23, 2007 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

Pathetic

This team flat out sucks and it starts with Jauron.

Who runs the clock out with 90 seconds left and three timeouts?

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

Well...

An argument can be made that we haven't actually seen this team yet, because right now we're playing with a fourth quarter pre-season roster. We need to get healthy; the team that you claim sucks is not really the Buffalo Bills. There are bright spots; we just need to get healthy.

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by Brian Galliford on Sep 23, 2007 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I am referring to right now

We suck now because we are basically decimated defensively. And the O has looked terrible other than Marshawn. At this point we probably won't see much improvement since we'll be playing with a rookie QB and a D that consists of backups at nearly half the positions.

Regardless, I don't think Jauron is going to do much to make this team any better this year...

by Kurupt on Sep 23, 2007 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

well

is this going to start the QB controversy?

Bills fan in PA

by Bills fan in PA on Sep 23, 2007 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

this bad?

I mean going into the season I think everyone knew we were a 6-9 win team. But now, I don't know. it could be a 3-6 win team. So many injuries! RIDICULOUS! I mean the guys we have out there, sometimes it's just laughable. At least we get the JETS this week. Might as well start getting pumped for what # draft pick we might have next year! And 10 draft picks to work with! We could use 10 fresh bodies just to fill out the roster at this point

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Sep 23, 2007 6:08 PM EDT reply actions