Buffalo Rumblings - Bills vs. Panthers 2013: Buffalo wins 24-23, moves to 1-1Buffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2013-09-17T10:50:02-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/44786912013-09-17T10:50:02-04:002013-09-17T10:50:02-04:00All-22: Stevie's game-winning TD
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<figcaption>Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Stevie Johnson was uncovered when he hauled in the Buffalo Bills' game-winning touchdown reception against Carolina - even though the Panthers had seen that exact route combination on a key play earlier in the game.</p> <p>How did <span>Stevie Johnson</span> get so wide open on his game-winning touchdown play against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> on Sunday? The answer is simple: Carolina had a miscommunication in the defensive backfield between a player that had seen the same play run earlier in the game, and a player that hadn't.</p>
<p>Tim Graham of <i>The Buffalo News</i> has an excellent post up today about "<a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/09/two-right-smack-anatomy-of-a-game-winning-play.html">Two Right Smack</a>," the play call that not only secured the decisive points in the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>' 24-23 win over the Panthers, but also a critical two-point conversion to tie the game in the third quarter. Read that post first, then come back here to take a look at the tape.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3235729/2pc_1_medium.png"></p>
<p>Above, you see the two-point conversion play in the third quarter. Johnson is in the slot to the right, with <span>Robert Woods</span> out wide. <span>Scott Chandler</span> is lined up in-line to that side of the formation. Lined up across from Johnson in the slot: cornerback <span>D.J. Moore</span>. Lined up across from Woods out wide: cornerback <span>Captain Munnerlyn</span>.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3235713/gws_1_medium.png"></p>
<p>Above, you see the alignment for the game-winning touchdown - and that it's flipped, with the play run to the left side this time. Johnson is again in the slot, covered by Moore. Chris Hogan is split out wide this time, and he's covered by <span>Josh Norman</span>, a backup that was forced into the game via injury. Chandler is on that side of the field, as well.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3235721/2pc_2_medium.png"></p>
<p>Back to the two-point conversion. As Johnson and Woods run their route combination - Johnson runs an out to the sideline, while Woods slants to the middle of the field underneath Johnson's cut - Moore follows Johnson, while Munnerlyn sticks with Woods. Both receivers are open on the play, but <span>EJ Manuel</span> takes the easier throw, hitting Woods on the slant for a fairly easy two-point conversion.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3235705/gws_2_medium.png"></p>
<p>On the final play, Moore looks like he wants to defend the route combination differently this time: he knows first-hand that the Bills went to the slant on this call earlier in the game. He's all over it. Given the situation - six seconds remaining, no timeouts - he assumes that the Bills will again want to hit that slant, as it's the quickest route on the tree. Rather than playing man coverage and sticking with their receivers, Moore tells Norman - as detailed in the Graham article linked above (seriously, read it) - to take the corner route, while he can play inside leverage on the slant route and potentially register a pass break-up or a pick.</p>
<p>Instead, Norman plays it incorrectly - both he and Moore stuck with Hogan in the slot - and the rest is history. Moore had the right strategy and learned from what he saw earlier in the game, but a breakdown with a new defensive back on that side of the field led to the breakdown, and Manuel made what may very well end up as the easiest game-winning touchdown pass of his professional career.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/17/4740552/bills-panthers-all-22-breakdown-stevie-johnson-game-winning-touchdownBrian Galliford2013-09-17T05:47:05-04:002013-09-17T05:47:05-04:00New podcast: overcoming adversity
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>The Buffalo Bills overcame a good deal of adversity to beat the Carolina Panthers, and the Buffalo Rumblings Podcast followed suit in recapping the first win of the Doug Marrone and EJ Manuel era.</p> <p>"We have a problem, you guys. [Expletive.]"</p>
<p>Those were the words coming out of Brendan Harrington's mouth last night after he, Matt Warren and I had wrapped up recording the latest episode of the Buffalo Rumblings Podcast. The approximately 40-minute show had abruptly stopped recording at about the 25-minute mark, and we were faced with the task of re-recording the final portions of the show again. Things looked bleak, even as we were rehashing happy Bills topics, unlike last week's <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-rumblings-podcast/2013/9/9/4713812/buffalo-rumblings-podcast-no-7-deja-vu-bills-vs-patriots">deja vu</a> moment.</p>
<p>That moment was not unlike a second-half stretch for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>, who turned the ball over twice and found themselves trailing the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> by six points with less than two minutes remaining. Like the Bills, who drove 80 yards for a game-winning touchdown to emerge victorious, 24-23, we were able to regain our momentum after our own stumble to finish the show out strong.</p>
<p>(But yeah, if you notice a spot in the middle of the show where the three of us are suddenly punchy and far less energetic... well, final editing can only do so much to cover up the frustration of a re-recording, and we aren't exactly Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Jesse Plemons over here.) Give props to Matt, whose crack on Brendan - like any of the Bills/Panthers turning point moments we discuss in the show - got us over the hump. He's a team player.</p>
<p>Our latest show is embedded below if you're into streaming it right here at Buffalo Rumblings. If you podcast elsewhere, it's also <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/buffalo-rumblings-podcast/id666960546" target="_blank">available in iTunes</a>, through our dedicated <a href="http://buffalorumblings.libsyn.com/rss">RSS feed</a> (for alternate subscription methods) and via <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/buffalorumblings/brp8_2013w3.mp3">direct download</a>. For archived shows, you can either subscribe through one of the links above and download those that way, or simply check out our dedicated <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-rumblings-podcast">podcast hub</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening - and as always, feedback is welcome and appreciated. Go Bills!</p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-rumblings-podcast/2013/9/17/4739940/buffalo-rumblings-podcast-no-8-overcoming-adversity-in-bills-panthersBrian Galliford2013-09-16T10:30:05-04:002013-09-16T10:30:05-04:00Fred Jackson: drop was intentional
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<figcaption>Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Was the biggest play on the Bills' game-winning drive against Carolina an intentional drop by Fred Jackson? One could make that argument.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> burned 96 seconds of game clock in marching 80 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in the waning moments of Sunday's 24-23 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>. Were it not for a key drop by veteran running back <span>Fred Jackson</span>, they may have run out of time rather than scoring with two seconds remaining.</p>
<p><span>EJ Manuel</span> and the Bills began their game-winning drive on their own 20-yard line with 1:38 left in the contest. Their first play of the drive was a seven-yard completion to <span>Stevie Johnson</span>, who took the ball out of bounds with 1:28 remaining.</p>
<p>Their next three plays were all dump-off passes to running backs. <span>C.J. Spiller</span> caught a 12-yard pass, and then Jackson hauled in a 14-yarder. Both plays kept the clock ticking, and when the ball was snapped for the fourth play of the drive, just 47 seconds remained.</p>
<p>Manuel's pass hit Jackson in the hands, a Panthers defender corralled him in the middle of the field, and fans in the stands groaned at the sight of more precious seconds ticking off the clock. Then a ref blew his whistle, waved his arms to signal an incomplete pass, and a sigh of relief went through the stands. The clock was stopped, and the Bills had 40 seconds left to play with.</p>
<p>After that play, my father turned to me in the stands and said, simply: "Nice veteran drop, Freddie." Those three plays - the pass to Spiller, and the two passes to Jackson - consumed exactly half (48 seconds) of that drive. Had that trio of plays lasted any longer, we may well have been commiserating this morning.</p>
<p>But was it a mere incompletion, or an intentional move on Jackson's part? Jackson confirmed after the game via Twitter that he had, in fact, dropped the pass on purpose.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Everyone asking. Yes, that was an intentionally drop on 2 min drive. Can't get tackled there and have clock run.</p>
— Fred Jackson (@Fred22Jackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fred22Jackson/statuses/379373565269016576">September 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>It's less than conventional when a purposely-dropped pass and a timely pass interference call work in tandem to set up a game-winning touchdown, but that's what happened for the Bills in Week 2. Plenty of plays were made on that drive, but one of the biggest was an incredibly savvy move by a veteran and a team captain to aid his rookie quarterback and coaching staff with time management.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/16/4736426/bills-panthers-fred-jackson-intentional-drop-game-winning-driveBrian Galliford2013-09-16T06:45:04-04:002013-09-16T06:45:04-04:00Bills snap counts from Sunday's win
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<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski</figcaption>
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<p>There's always something to learn from reviewing snap counts after a football game. For instance: did you know that rookie Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso has played every single snap on defense so far this season?</p> <p>The Buffalo Bills pulled out a last-second, 24-23 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, with EJ Manuel orchestrating a two-minute touchdown drive with no timeouts to steal the victory. The win puts Buffalo at 1-1 on the season as they begin to look forward to their first road game of the season next Sunday at the New York Jets.</p>
<p>NFL.com has published play time percentages for this weekend's game, so let's take a look at the Bills' snap counts to begin the analysis on yesterday's big win.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<table align="center" width="500" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Snaps</b></td>
<td><b>%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QB</td>
<td><span>EJ Manuel</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td><span>C.J. Spiller</span></td>
<td>44</td>
<td>59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td><span>Fred Jackson</span></td>
<td>30</td>
<td>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td><span>Tashard Choice</span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FB</td>
<td><span>Frank Summers</span></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td><span>Stevie Johnson</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td><span>Robert Woods</span></td>
<td>71</td>
<td>95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td><span>T.J. Graham</span></td>
<td>47</td>
<td>63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td><span>Chris Hogan</span></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TE</td>
<td><span>Scott Chandler</span></td>
<td>71</td>
<td>95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TE</td>
<td><span>Lee Smith</span></td>
<td>11</td>
<td>15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OT</td>
<td><span>Cordy Glenn</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OT</td>
<td><span>Erik Pears</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OG</td>
<td><span>Kraig Urbik</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OG</td>
<td><span>Colin Brown</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td><span>Eric Wood</span></td>
<td>75</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>For a second straight game, Buffalo's quintet of starting offensive linemen played every snap. Doug Marrone has said that he believes less in cohesion up front than some other coaches might, but the longer this group of players sticks together, the better off the team will be.</p>
<p>T.J. Graham may be to the Marrone and Nathaniel Hackett offense what Devery Henderson was for years in New Orleans: the oft-used vertical threat that never produced the way many expected him to. Graham has played a ton this season, but has very little to show for it as the fifth or sixth receiving option in the pecking order.</p>
<p>Unlike last week, when the Bills played almost exclusively 11 personnel (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE) against New England, the Bills sacrificed their third receiver for fullback Frank Summers on a sizable chunk of plays. Possibly related: the Bills were significantly better running the football in Week 2 than they were in Week 1, when Summers logged zero snaps.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<table border="1" width="500" align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Snaps</b></td>
<td><b>%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td><span>Kyle Williams</span></td>
<td>58</td>
<td>73%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td><span>Marcell Dareus</span></td>
<td>58</td>
<td>73%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td><span>Alex Carrington</span></td>
<td>50</td>
<td>63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td><span>Alan Branch</span></td>
<td>26</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td><span>Corbin Bryant</span></td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLB</td>
<td><span>Mario Williams</span></td>
<td>68</td>
<td>86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLB</td>
<td><span>Manny Lawson</span></td>
<td>59</td>
<td>75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLB</td>
<td><span>Jerry Hughes</span></td>
<td>36</td>
<td>46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLB</td>
<td><span>Jamaal Westerman</span></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td><span>Kiko Alonso</span></td>
<td>79</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td><span>Arthur Moats</span></td>
<td>33</td>
<td>42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td><span>Nigel Bradham</span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td><span>Leodis McKelvin</span></td>
<td>79</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td><span>Justin Rogers</span></td>
<td>74</td>
<td>94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td><span>Nickell Robey</span></td>
<td>43</td>
<td>54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td><span>Aaron Williams</span></td>
<td>78</td>
<td>99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td><span>Da'Norris Searcy</span></td>
<td>74</td>
<td>94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td><span>Jim Leonhard</span></td>
<td>30</td>
<td>38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td><span>Duke Williams</span></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td><span>Stevie Johnson</span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Unsurprisingly, the Bills played significantly less nickel defense against Carolina, which runs a more conservative offense formation-wise than does New England. Still, as usual in today's NFL, there was about a 55/45 split between nickel and base reps, as exemplified by the rep percentages for Nickell Robey (the nickel corner) and Arthur Moats (the base-down inside linebacker).</p>
<p>Speaking of Moats: it is now explicitly clear that he has surpassed Nigel Bradham on the depth chart as the second middle linebacker behind rookie Kiko Alonso, who has played every snap on defense so far this year. Bradham is one of the more prominent early-season disappointments for this football team. A hybrid defense works best when it has two every-down capable linebackers, and the Bills aren't there yet.</p>
<p>It was nice to see a lot more of Manny Lawson on the field. He is arguably the team's best run defender, is capable in coverage, and the defense seems to lose some of its stoutness when Jerry Hughes comes into the game as the designated pass rusher.</p>
<p>Rather than using one of its brand new cornerbacks in the dime role on Sunday, Mike Pettine decided to throw Jim Leonhard in as the dime back. That shouldn't be surprising; expect that trend to continue while the Bills' cornerback depth chart remains depleted.</p>
<p>What else sticks out to you, Bills fans?</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/16/4735892/bills-vs-panthers-nfl-week-2-bills-snap-counts-offense-defenseBrian Galliford2013-09-16T06:22:58-04:002013-09-16T06:22:58-04:00Local, national reaction to Buffalo's comeback win
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>Does EJ Manuel deserve credit for the comeback win, or blame for the hole the team was in to begin with?</p> <h4><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/1140/go-easy-on-ej-praise-after-bills-victory">Go easy on EJ Manuel praise after Bills' victory - ESPN</a></h4>
<p>Mike Rodak isn't wrong. It's just that Buffalo Bills fans don't want to hear it today.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Bills_Wall_of_Famers_Honored_at_Halftime/1b9deaa3-825b-4bce-b5ab-91b1aa3d28ca">Bills Wall of Famers Honored at Halftime - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a></h4>
<p>"Twenty-eight members of the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame were honored during a special halftime ceremony. Hear from former Bills Head Coach Marv Levy, Former QB Jim Kelly and more!" We didn't get to see it on TV, so check it out now.</p>
<h4>More clicks</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Mario-makes-a-difference/d670b525-5e79-4874-ab50-10c13dd4c6c0">Mario makes a difference - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Williams’ four and a half sacks in Sunday’s win over Carolina (24-23) set a team record for most sacks in a single game. The last Bills defender to have four sacks in a game was Cornelius Bennett, who did it 26 years ago (12/27/87) against Philadelphia."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Stevie-comes-up-clutch/bc0fb6dc-3df5-432e-98ad-ff6e2d08c1ac">Stevie comes up clutch - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"I’ve been chasing that play since Pittsburgh," said Johnson. "I’m happy that it happened. The feeling was great, I can’t lie, the feeling was great and we were ecstatic in there, but it’s Week 2. We’ve got to bounce back and get ready for the Jets."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Bills-win-in-dramatic-fashion/f79934ae-0869-4376-8406-f3f3af65310b">Bills win in dramatic fashion - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"It was an outstanding game," said head coach Doug Marrone. "What I talked to the team about was a great effort defensively on the short fields holding them to three. For them to stand up like that, that’s very difficult to do in this league against a team that has quite a bit of weapons out there. We didn’t do some smart things out there, but I’m proud of this team for believing in one another."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Statement-from-Bills-owner-Ralph-Wilson-Jr-on-the-Wall-of-Fame-ceremonies/f761b7f9-82a9-4442-912f-45bcb19b7fb1">Statement from Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. on the Wall of Fame ceremonies - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"I want to take this opportunity to, once again, thank each of our Wall of Fame members for their outstanding contributions and loyalty to the Buffalo Bills and for making professional football what it is today—the greatest sport in the world. This certainly includes our tremendous fans for their boundless enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty over the years. Today’s celebration shines a well-deserved light on their Wall of Fame honor as well."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Wall-of-Famers-encouraged-by-teams-potential/cd456f4a-7390-49a2-8c16-8b815fc1e00a">Wall of Famers encouraged by team's potential - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Jim Kelly, Joe Ferguson, and Marv Levy like that they see out of the offense and EJ Manuel.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Marrone-deals-with-elation-and-heartache/aecb4bae-05c5-4d1b-b7e4-04efc9d84aef">Marrone deals with elation and heartache - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"As Marrone took to the postgame lectern to address the media after Buffalo’s dramatic win he was overcome with emotion, knowing just 24 hours earlier a friend and colleague at Syracuse, Rob Edson, had died suddenly of an apparent heart attack at his Syracuse area home."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Doug-Marrone-We-go-out-expecting-to-win/754c1ee2-6c43-442b-84f2-ff493a350184">Doug Marrone Press Conference - BuffaloBills.com</a><br><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Fred-Jackson-Hopefully-its-a-sign-of-things-to-come/ddca9904-5031-405e-a4d1-ec276d57d243">Fred Jackson Press Conference - BuffaloBills.com</a><br><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Mario-Williams-finally-at-peace/6cec1b29-7cea-4cfc-8854-b507a43a4b4d">Mario Williams Press Conference - BuffaloBills.com</a><br><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Stevie-Johnson-Ive-been-chasing-that-since-Pittsburgh/3ef2383d-0bf0-4849-80fa-38c3a3735ae3">Stevie Johnson Press Conference - BuffaloBills.com</a><br><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/EJ-Manuel-I-was-thinking-touchdown/6338e048-4414-40c6-ab0c-95471c6c0faa">EJ Manuel Press Conference - BuffaloBills.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Bills-Roundup-Manuel-Leads-Last-Second-Win/2d602295-7d5f-4894-8636-3c3c4ec632f7">Bills Roundup: Manuel Leads Last Second Win - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br> EJ Manuel found Stevie Johnson for the go-ahead touchdown with two seconds remaining, and the defense held the Panthers offense in check, in a 24-23 win over Carolina.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Exclusive-Postgame-Locker-Room-Speech/a52e840a-4e00-4b41-bd3e-8b3c082688fe">Exclusive: Postgame Locker Room Speech - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Go inside the Bills locker room after the 24-23 win over the Panthers and hear the message from Doug Marrone and Kyle Williams."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Week_2_Panthers_vs_Bills_highlights/be08be07-24c7-40d2-9d8a-b102e7e2864b">Week 2: Panthers vs. Bills highlights - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel becomes the hero of the day as he leads the Buffalo Bills to a last-second, 24-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/a-poised-manuel-drives-bills-to-comeback-win-20130915">A poised Manuel drives Bills to comeback win - The Buffalo News</a><br>"The final march was mostly a combination of check-down passes and ball-carriers doing a good job of getting out of bounds to stop the clock. But Manuel came up especially big twice. The play before the TD, he eluded the pass rush and scrambled around right end for 9 yards to the Carolina 2. Two plays before that, the Panthers had him dead in the pocket – and a sack would have virtually ended the game. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound Manuel slipped away, spun out of their grasp and dumped the ball off to C.J. Spiller for a 4-yard gain with 21 seconds left."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/bucky-gleason/peace-at-home-gets-bills-williams-off-rough-road-20130915">Peace at home gets Bills’ Williams off rough road - The Buffalo News</a><br>"[Mario] Williams admitted that he had been a tormented man for some time. His problems had gone back a good five years, back to his days in Houston, before he found peace. It would be easy to assume years of bottled up angst poured out in a dramatic 24-23 victory over Carolina, a game in which he broke the franchise record for sacks in a game."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/touchdown-catch-by-bills-johnson-feels-like-redemption-20130915">Touchdown catch by Bills’ Johnson feels like redemption - The Buffalo News</a><br>"The defense showed up. This is the second week in a row where they’ve showed up. We’ve still got to catch up to them," he said. "That’s our challenge as an offense. The special teams, they’re solid, but the offense – we could still be on another level. We’ve got to play catch-up with our defense so we can be a balanced team."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bills-notebook-spiller-gets-back-on-fast-track-20130915">Bills notebook: Spiller gets back on fast track - The Buffalo News</a><br>"Spiller ran 16 times for 103 yards, averaging a familiar 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught four passes for 26 yards. And he didn’t fumble."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bills-report-card-pressure-from-pass-defense-pays-dividends-20130915">Bills report card: Pressure from pass defense pays dividends - The Buffalo News</a><br>Good grades abound for the Buffalo Bills after their dramatic win.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/mark-gaughans-quarterly-report-20130915">Mark Gaughan’s quarterly report - The Buffalo News</a><br>Mark Gaughan's breakdown of the game.</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/09/points-after-bills-24-panthers-23.html">Points after: Bills 24, Panthers 23 - The Buffalo News</a><br>"Quick highlights from the Buffalo Bills' thrilling victory over the Carolina Panthers in Ralph Wilson Stadium ..."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Bills-Manuel-brings-hope-and-emotion-to-a-win/17299282">WGR 550 SportsRadio - HAMILTON: Bills' Manuel Brings Hope And Emotion To A Win</a><br>"We have spent 10 years explaining away why that game was lost, but now, we’re explaining how the Bills may finally have some play makers. The Bills may finally have some guys that embrace the moment instead of fearing it."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Buscaglia-Sideline-Reactions-Bills-24-Panthers-23/17299368">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Sideline Reactions: Bills 24 - Panthers 23</a><br>"In years past, that was a game Buffalo usually falls on the wrong side of. They vowed as a franchise to become a more aggressive, attacking group to force the issue on their opponents. Two weeks in, the Bills seem as though they have a new identity they're trying on for size."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Thank-You-EJ-/17299250">WGR 550 SportsRadio - SIMON: Thank You EJ!</a><br>"I went from depression to euphoria in 1:36 of game clock time. Isn't it nice to be on the winning end of one of these games?"</p>
<p><a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/proart/20130915/sports03/309150060/bills-pull-off-improbable-victory?pagerestricted=1">Buffalo Bills come back to defeat Carolina Panthers | Democrat and Chronicle</a><br>"I’m not usually an emotional guy," Manuel continued. "I want to enjoy those types of things because that’s what you’re here for. It's definitely a momentous part of my young career."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/proart/20130915/sports03/309150053/three-out?pagerestricted=1">Sal Maiorana: Three ... and Out | Democrat and Chronicle</a><br>"Sal Maiorana reviews his keys to Sunday's game against Carolina." The answer to each of them was "Yes."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/1109/frank-summers-surprised-by-penalty">Bills' Frank Summers surprised by penalty - ESPN</a><br>"The call ... it all surprised me," Summers said. "Real tough call. On [special] teams you're trying to hold up people."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/1078/locker-room-buzz-buffalo-bills-2">Locker Room Buzz: Buffalo Bills - ESPN</a><br>""That's what I'm talking about! It's a new age, baby!" That sort of excitement, it seems, is par for the course for Hackett, at 33 the NFL's second-youngest offensive coordinator. "</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/1055/rapid-reaction-bills-24-panthers-23">Rapid Reaction: Bills 24, Panthers 23 - ESPN</a><br>"Stock watch: Falling -- Manuel. After avoiding critical mistakes in the opener, Manuel was strip-sacked and then intercepted on back-to-back drives in the second half. Both turnovers came deep in Bills territory, but the Bills' defense was able to bail him out, holding the Panthers to field goals both times. Manuel's best throws of the game came in the middle of the field. He struggled in the red zone until the last drive, when he found Johnson, who was wide open. "</p>
<p><a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/15/panthers-start-pointing-fingers">Panthers start pointing fingers | Toronto Sun</a><br>"Wide receiver Steve Smith called out some of his teammates 'for not executing.'"</p>
<p><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/15/bills-come-back-for-stunning-win-over-panthers/">Bills come back for stunning win over Panthers | ProFootballTalk</a><br>"On a day of manic swings, mistakes by young quarterbacks, injury depleted secondaries and confusion, the Bills stole a 24-23 win on Stevie Johnson’s touchdown with two seconds left." Yeah, that's right.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/16/4735910/buffalo-bills-news-ej-manuel-comeback-winMatt Warren2013-09-16T05:00:07-04:002013-09-16T05:00:07-04:00Sound off: post-game awards from Bills-Panthers
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<p>The next episode of the Buffalo Rumblings Podcast will be recorded this evening, and we're looking for your feedback on the Bills' 24-23 win over the Panthers to use during the show.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are now 1-1 after yesterday's exciting, last-minute 24-23 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>. I imagine that when Brendan Harrington, Matt Warren and I record the next episode of the Buffalo Rumblings Podcast tonight, we'll be in fairly good spirits recapping the win and looking ahead to Week 3.</p>
<p>As usual, we're looking for your feedback to feature in the podcast in our usual post-game awards post. Unlike last week, when we were sifting through a gut-wrenching defeat, these awards won't feel forced this week - and all of them will be deserved.</p>
<h4>Offensive Player of the Game</h4>
<p><span>C.J. Spiller</span> is back on track (16 carries, 103 yards). <span>Fred Jackson</span> (63 yards and a touchdown on 16 touches) made some incredibly savvy veteran plays throughout the game. <span>Stevie Johnson</span> had a very good game (eight receptions, 111 yards, one touchdown), and obviously hauled in the game-winning score. And yeah, there may be a good argument to make on behalf of <span>EJ Manuel</span> (27-39, 296 yards, one touchdown, two turnovers), who orchestrated the game-winning drive.</p>
<h4>Defensive Player of the Game</h4>
<p>For a second straight week, the Bills held an offense operated by a talented quarterback largely in check for four quarters. More to the point, this defense forced three Panthers field goals in the fourth quarter, which is the only reason the team was in position to make their last-ditch drive effort to begin with. Maybe you want to give out a game ball to the whole unit; it'd be completely fair to single out <span>Mario Williams</span> (a single-game franchise record 4.5 sacks) or <span>Kiko Alonso</span> (10 tackles, one sack, one interception), too.</p>
<h4>Turning Point of the Game</h4>
<p>At what point did you feel that the flow of the game shifted in Buffalo's favor? We imagine we'll be reading a lot of replies pointing to the <span>Luke Kuechly</span> pass interference call on Johnson here - or perhaps just the final touchdown - but there may be an argument to make for some of those earlier defensive stops holding Carolina to three points, no?</p>
<p>Note that we're not doing a Goat of the Game this week, because the Bills won the contest, and we have no desire to be buzz killers. Let's hear your feedback, friends!</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/16/4735328/bills-24-panthers-23-post-game-awards-buffalo-rumblings-podcastBrian Galliford2013-09-15T16:25:34-04:002013-09-15T16:25:34-04:00Bills overcome miscues in 24-23 win
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<figcaption>Rick Stewart</figcaption>
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<p>EJ Manuel drove the Bills 80 yards in nine plays with 1:38 remaining and no timeouts, hitting Stevie Johnson for a two-yard score to steal a win from Carolina, 24-23.</p> <p>A late pass interference call on <span>Luke Kuechly</span> gave Buffalo new hope, and <span>EJ Manuel</span> found <span>Stevie Johnson</span> for a touchdown with two seconds left as the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> found a win to beat the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a>, 24-23.</p>
<p>Manuel was his most poised in the final two-minute drill, driving the Bills 80 yards in 1:34 with no timeouts to pull out the win. He had a costly fumble and interception deep in his own territory earlier in the fourth quarter, but you probably won't remember that. Instead, you'll remember Johnson actually holding on to a big, game-winning catch. (You also might remember a dominant <span>Mario Williams</span>, who set a franchise single-game record with 4.5 sacks.)</p>
<p>Cam Newton shook off the poor playcalling of Mike Shula, who did his best to limit the effectiveness of Carolina's running game, for 229 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air. Carolina was held to 308 yards of total offense, as Buffalo's defense bailed the team out in key situations and held a solid running game in check all day.</p>
<p>Buffalo (1-1) now heads to New York to face the Jets on a long week after their Thursday night loss. We'll have much more on this win Monday morning. Let the Manuel hero worship begin.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/15/4734002/bills-panthers-final-score-nfl-week-2Matt Warren2013-09-15T14:29:45-04:002013-09-15T14:29:45-04:00Bills vs. Panthers: second half game chat
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>The Buffalo Bills are down to the Carolina Panthers going into the half but they get the ball back to open the third quarter.</p> <p><span>Dan Carpenter</span> made up for a shorter miss by nailing a 55-yard field goal for the only points of the first half seemingly dominated by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> lead 7-3 on a late touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Greg Olsen. Mario Williams has three sacks in the first half and Newton has been pressured all day.</p>
<p>EJ Manuel is 10-for-15 with 102 yards while <span>C.J. Spiller</span> has eclipsed his rushing total from last week with 49 rushing yards and had a long one called back on a <span>Lee Smith</span> holding penalty. The Panthers had two nice drives to bookend the first half. <span>Kiko Alonso</span> picked off Newton to end the first threat but Buffalo wasn't as lucky on the Panthers' second long drive. Buffalo made it through the first quarter without a penalty but was nailed with four for 25 yards in the second quarter.</p>
<p>The Bills will be<a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/15/4732654/buffalo-bills-wall-of-fame-honored-at-halftime-today"> honoring their Wall of Fame members</a> at halftime. Chat up that ceremony and the second half right here.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/15/4733652/nfl-week-2-bills-vs-panthers-score-second-halfMatt Warren