Often times, fans of a losing team will mockingly give out a game ball to that team's punter after a loss. Even though the Buffalo Bills fell convincingly 27-11 to the New York Jets yesterday, Brian Moorman may have been eligible for this award even if the Bills had won.
On the first play of the second half, Rian Lindell was forced to tackle Jets kick returner Joe McKnight after Buffalo's kick coverage units let McKnight rip off a huge return to open the half. Lindell injured his shoulder on the play, and was only available to kick a short, 24-yard field goal in the second half.
In addition to his typical punting duties (two of four punts pinned inside the 20 and a 47.5-yard average), therefore, Moorman was forced to handle kicking duties. He did not get to kick for points, but had one nice kickoff into the end zone and put in a game effort on an onside kick late in the game that was nearly recovered by Buffalo.
Moorman is having a resurgent season after a so-so 2010 campaign. Though he's still not the player he once was, he was arguably the Bills' best - and most versatile - performer yesterday.
BUF 41, KC 7 Game Ball: RB Fred Jackson
BUF 38, OAK 35 Game Ball: WR Stevie Johnson
BUF 34, NE 31 Game Ball: RB Fred Jackson
CIN 23, BUF 20 Game Ball: SS Bryan Scott
BUF 31, PHI 24 Game Ball: SS George Wilson
NYG 27, BUF 24 Game Ball: OG Andy Levitre
BUF 23, WAS 0 Game Ball: DT Marcell Dareus