A Few Thoughts About The Game, in no particular order.....

[Wayne Cubed]

I don't want to take the wind out of anyone's sails. Wins are fun.

 

I do like what Nick Mendola said in a comment yesterday. It's buried so I'm sharing it here:

 

I also want to point out that after the Miami win, we were riding high, and rightfully so. The Bills had just beaten a team that had just schooled the Patriots. The division looked wide open.

 

Next week will be as important a test, and I still think we need to see a lot better from Orton and especially Hackett to secure a win.

 

I'm going to be there, so I have a little skin in this next game. Here's hoping.

 

Sorry but that's a ridiculous comment. (not yours Mendola's)

 

1. It's not like Henery was some amazing kicker who all of a sudden had a problem hitting kicks vs the Bills. Which would have meant the Bills were very lucky. Detroit has had kicking problems all year. Henery was only 1/2 his last game. The Bills did a hell of a job to make the kicks of the longer variety, therefore increasing their odds of a miss.

 

2. To say Manuel could have preformed the same against the Lions is also a bit ridiculous. For 2 weeks straight he couldn't get it done against 2 good defense, but all of a sudden he would have gotten it done against the Lions. Would EJ have checked to the run on the 2 point conversion? Would EJ have thrown deep to Goodwin on the 3rd and long? Who knows is the answer and is a terrible comment.

 

3. It's not the Bills fault Calvin, Reggie and Joique were nicked up. You play who's lined up across from you every week. And thats a nice comment that Matt Stafford looked awful and it couldn't possibly be that the Bills defense was just playing lights out.

 

Sorry, but why does every Bills victory have to come with an asterik. Yea it wasn't a pretty win, but they were still able to beat a team on the road, with a very, very good defense.

[Fixxxer]

Great post as always, Bill. I woke up this morning and read every post in this thread, and have come to the conclusion that while there are a lot of decent folks on this board, and a number of good Bills fans, there are also a tremendous number of people who apparently have no idea what they are watching on Sunday.

 

We have people saying Mario Williams' dominant performance on the D line isn't good enough because he makes too much money, that the Bills committed too much to the running game against one of the best D lines in the league (they ran 22 times, attempted to pass 45), and that it doesn't matter if Sammy Watkins becomes a star because the Bills still paid too much to get him.

 

Here's the thing, people -- the Bills beat a team that just a couple of weeks ago embarrassed Aaron Rodgers by coming back from 14 down, on the road, with a journeyman QB who hadn't played since last December. They allowed Detroit to convert ONE out of ELEVEN third downs -- without blitzing! They had a rookie WR make a play-of-the-year type catch to put them in position to kick a 58-yard FG.

 

These are the games no Bills team of the past 14 years had a chance at winning.

 

My dad is still in the hospital but I took my iPad to him so he could watch the game on Sunday Ticket. Yesterday after they won he apparently cheered and the nursing staff at first thought he was in distress, until the nurse who had been checking on him told them it was ok. I called my mom's cell phone and had her put it on speaker, and I played the shout song for them.

 

My parents were going to use my tickets next week to go to Buffalo for the Pats* game and unfortunately can't do that now, but what a great time to be a Bills fan.

 

Sit back and enjoy this -- we haven't see the likes of it in some time.

 

Go Bills!

 

Hope your dad is OK eball.

[machine gun kelly]

Bill - I look forward to your post the most every Monday morning and agree each week with 95% of your points. Thanks and please keep it up. I don't have time to read all posts due to that work thing, but have read about half so far. It's fun on Monday morning, I don't everyone else's routine, but I open up my I-Pad, start looking through TSW, have NFL Network on, but muted, and put NFL Radio on to hear Ross and Papa's comments on Monday.

 

Ok, so I'm an addict. Isn't that the first step?

 

Eball, sorry on your dad. Get better, but cool you brought him your I-Pad.

 

Onto the game.

 

- the defense played like it was their Super Bowl. What a performance by that unit, willing them to win, and without our best defensive player in Kyle Williams, and I believe Bradham was out too. Stefan Charles played well, and Dareus responded to the need for a big game.

 

- give Orton some time. He had no pre-season, no off season, and no reps with the #1's until probably this week. He knocked the rust off in the first half with a bad interior line, and had an excellent second half. I bet we'll see a better performance out of him next week, even as good as the Patriots can play like yesterday.

 

-this defense will need to continue to dominate against the run as the Pats hammered Cincy yesterday with ground and pound, and screens and play action by the TE's. I believe we can do it.

 

- our WR are good and will look even better as the synergy improves with Orton. I noticed on runs we were in the second half putting in Frank Summers, sliding Henderson to help the guard to stop Suh, and Frank the tank had to handle the RT. it worked on some plays.

 

GO BILLS!

[Bill from NYC]

Great post as always, Bill. I woke up this morning and read every post in this thread, and have come to the conclusion that while there are a lot of decent folks on this board, and a number of good Bills fans, there are also a tremendous number of people who apparently have no idea what they are watching on Sunday.

 

We have people saying Mario Williams' dominant performance on the D line isn't good enough because he makes too much money, that the Bills committed too much to the running game against one of the best D lines in the league (they ran 22 times, attempted to pass 45), and that it doesn't matter if Sammy Watkins becomes a star because the Bills still paid too much to get him.

 

Here's the thing, people -- the Bills beat a team that just a couple of weeks ago embarrassed Aaron Rodgers by coming back from 14 down, on the road, with a journeyman QB who hadn't played since last December. They allowed Detroit to convert ONE out of ELEVEN third downs -- without blitzing! They had a rookie WR make a play-of-the-year type catch to put them in position to kick a 58-yard FG.

 

These are the games no Bills team of the past 14 years had a chance at winning.

 

My dad is still in the hospital but I took my iPad to him so he could watch the game on Sunday Ticket. Yesterday after they won he apparently cheered and the nursing staff at first thought he was in distress, until the nurse who had been checking on him told them it was ok. I called my mom's cell phone and had her put it on speaker, and I played the shout song for them.

 

My parents were going to use my tickets next week to go to Buffalo for the Pats* game and unfortunately can't do that now, but what a great time to be a Bills fan.

 

Sit back and enjoy this -- we haven't see the likes of it in some time.

 

Go Bills!

 

Hey, I'm sorry to hear about your dad, and I pray that he has a speedy and total recovery.

[GunnerBill]

Mario needs to play better though considering how much money he is being paid.

 

Sorry??? Are you for real? Mario was outstanding considering he was being double teamed 80% of the time. He collapses the pocket and when things break down the other guys are cleaning up. The vast majority of sacks that the Bills have had this year have been a result of pressure by Mario Williams, even if he isn't the one bringing the QB down. This D-Line is superb because three of the guys, Mario, Kyle and Marcel need to be double teamed in order to stop them and you don't have enough men on the field to do that.

 

But I'm sorry to suggest Mario is not playing well is nonsense. He has been stout against the run so far this year too.

Edited October 6, 2014 by GunnerBill

[John Adams]

Sorry??? Are you for real? Marion was outstanding considering he was being double teamed 80% of the time. He collapses the pocket and when things break down the other guys are cleaning up. The vast majority of sacks that the Bills have had this year have been a result of pressure by Mario Williams, even if he isn't the one bringing the QB down. This D-Line is superb because three of the guys, Mario, Kyle and Marcel need to be double teamed in order to stop them and you don't have enough men on the field to do that.

 

But I'm sorry to suggest Mario is not playing well is nonsense. He has been stout against the run so far this year too.

 

Exactly. The D line dominated yesterday. I don't remember more than one blitz. They just crushed the Lions.

 

While we're piling on the refs, how about the awful spot on the Goodwin catch. He went out at maybe the 1-2 yard line but they spotted the ball at the 4. Non-issue as they scored the TD but those refs yesterday may have been the worst I've ever seen.

Edited October 6, 2014 by John Adams

[JohnC]

 

Nobody said he didn't have a good game. I said he needs to play better based on his salary. He is paid 2x as much as Kyle Williams. 3x as much as Darius. and 8x more than hughes. He got one sack today. Yes he played good. He needs to be a difference ,maker though in games where it matters. That is all I am saying. He is not being a difference maker in these games. I am glad he is on this team. I just want him to play at a level commensurate with his pay compared to the guys he plays alongside of.

 

Mario Williams is a difference maker. Because of the way he plays the offense has to give him more attention allowing the other defenders more single battles. The Bills ' victories are mostly due to the defense. Without a doubt he has been an instrumental player on that unit. Whatever rich salary Mario is getting he is earning it in spades The bottom line is that it isn't about the contract as it is about the performance. He has been a sterling performer.

[BuffaloBill]

My thoughts were thank God the Bills finally won one of "these" games. We've lost so many over the years. Also, every win is huge relative to the division and playoff picture. Once again, next week is a big, big game.

[JohnC]

Great post as always, Bill. I woke up this morning and read every post in this thread, and have come to the conclusion that while there are a lot of decent folks on this board, and a number of good Bills fans, there are also a tremendous number of people who apparently have no idea what they are watching on Sunday.

 

We have people saying Mario Williams' dominant performance on the D line isn't good enough because he makes too much money, that the Bills committed too much to the running game against one of the best D lines in the league (they ran 22 times, attempted to pass 45), and that it doesn't matter if Sammy Watkins becomes a star because the Bills still paid too much to get him.

 

Here's the thing, people -- the Bills beat a team that just a couple of weeks ago embarrassed Aaron Rodgers by coming back from 14 down, on the road, with a journeyman QB who hadn't played since last December. They allowed Detroit to convert ONE out of ELEVEN third downs -- without blitzing! They had a rookie WR make a play-of-the-year type catch to put them in position to kick a 58-yard FG.

 

These are the games no Bills team of the past 14 years had a chance at winning.

 

My dad is still in the hospital but I took my iPad to him so he could watch the game on Sunday Ticket. Yesterday after they won he apparently cheered and the nursing staff at first thought he was in distress, until the nurse who had been checking on him told them it was ok. I called my mom's cell phone and had her put it on speaker, and I played the shout song for them.

 

My parents were going to use my tickets next week to go to Buffalo for the Pats* game and unfortunately can't do that now, but what a great time to be a Bills fan.

 

Sit back and enjoy this -- we haven't see the likes of it in some time.

 

Go Bills!

 

Eball, I had the same sensation that you had after reading some of the contrarian comments. It leaves you wondering if you watched the same game. It's not so much about disagreeing over some aspects of the game. That is normal. But sometimes the outlier opinions that are not grounded in the actual game can be very confounding.

 

Sorry to hear about your father. Hope he is doing better. I'm sure the dramatic victory perked him up.

[Chuck Schick]

If you're going to call something out , at least follow the thread and the conversation.

OP said something like "this performance is why you trade up for Sammy Watkins"".

You responded with examples from 2011 trade-ups for Gabbert, Baldwin and Ingram. The comparison might have had some merit at the time of the trade for sure, since there is always uncertainty of the player you are drafting.

But I think your examples only proved that these teams traded up for the WRONG GUY, not that the move itself was terrible. For us---and I am knocking on wood like crazy---- Watkins has put that argument to rest.

[thebandit27]

@bill in NYC. Not too sure about Gilmore having a decent game. I thought the Tate TD was one of his worst moments. A guy runs a curl to the end zone and Gilmore is 3 yards from him. He continues to frustrate me.

 

The one Gilmore moment that got me was the 19-yarder at midfield he gave up to Tate...looked lost on that one.

 

The TD he was responsible for coverage over the top; Preston Brown didn't make his drop at the snap like he was supposed to (it's a 3rd and goal, Preston, and a zone scheme...you need to drop to depth young man) to cover the underneath portion of that pattern.

 

It's a team sport, and Mario makes Williams and Darius that much better. As a unit they played incredibly well, I see nothing to complain about. Just because someone is paid 2x or 3x someone else does not mean you can expect them to "play" 2x or 3x better. They are really jelling as a group and I'm loving what Schwartz is doing..

 

Mario is phenomenal. Teams literally cannot run to the edge of the defense because of him. Make no mistake at all, the reason the run D is so good, and guys like Stefan Charles can beat single blocking inside, is because Mario is a wrecking ball in there.

 

Getting beat I can take. 1-2 stupid penalties + getting beat, I cannot.

 

He's taken some dumb ones, no doubt. Yesterday's defensive holding call was the single worst defensive holding call I've ever seen in my life. Calvin Johnson grabbed Gilmore's collar and shoved him, and the call was defensive holding. That, the non PI call where Sammy was groped, and the PF penalty when someone bumped Stafford during his slide (which, by the way, happened in at least 4 other games yesterday that I counted--I watched every game) were absolute atrocities.

 

It wasn't just one-sided either...Chandler absolutely mugged DeAndre Levy on Jackson's run in the 3rd quarter. It was a brutal hold, right in front of the umpire, and no call.

 

Brutal.

 

My thoughts were thank God the Bills finally won one of "these" games. We've lost so many over the years. Also, every win is huge relative to the division and playoff picture. Once again, next week is a big, big game.

 

Yes, this.

[CodeMonkey]

So many high points that have already been mentioned. The only consistent negative for me was Spiller. His running was anemic, and the way he completely whiffed on a block that any competent RB would have made that almost cost the Bills a safety was inexcusable. He was a major liability the entire game.

 

And I will also echo the sentiments of some that it was really nice seeing a Bills QB make passes like Orton was in the 2nd half!

[John Adams]

So many high points that have already been mentioned. The only consistent negative for me was Spiller. His running was anemic, and the way he completely whiffed on a block that any competent RB would have made that almost cost the Bills a safety was inexcusable. He was a major liability the entire game.

 

And I will also echo the sentiments of some that it was really nice seeing a Bills QB make passes like Orton was in the 2nd half!

 

That "block" better wake him up. Yes he was about to get steamrolled but he needed to put up some effort there to at least make the lineman give up a step. I don't expect him to fully Fred Jackson the guy but that was the kind of effort that makes your team question your heart.

 

As it was, Orton was going to get squashed from the right too but the CJ whiff might have gotten Orton killed.

 

I'm hope that play embarrasses him into upping his protection effort.

 

Someone in this thread questioned why they don't put CJ in a position to make more catches. I question this too. In space, he's a massive threat.

Edited October 6, 2014 by John Adams

[GG]

That "block" better wake him up. Yes he was about to get steamrolled but he needed to put up some effort there to at least make the lineman give up a step. I don't expect him to fully Fred Jackson the guy but that was the kind of effort that makes your team question your heart.

 

As it was, Orton was going to get squashed from the right too but the CJ whiff might have gotten Orton killed.

 

I'm hope that play embarrasses him into upping his protection effort.

 

A play like that earned Yonel Jordain a one way ticket.

[Maddog69]

Excellent recap, as always.

 

Thanks for posting

[Tyrod's Tailor]

A play like that earned Yonel Jordain a one way ticket.

 

Blast from the past!

[Kirby Jackson]

1) Gotta start with a shout out to Carpenter. That kick was miraculous! Just freaking great!!!!! And it had a few yards left!

 

2) In the middle of the 3rd quarter, Watkins was mauled by the defender. The flag was tossed by the official who was RIGHT THERE and picked up. Is that how this works? The league should look into this. I HATE complaining about calls, but this was simply outrageous. Sadly, more to come on this topic.

 

3) Marcel Dareus played the game of his life. On his sack for a forced fumble, he was clearly held. Today, this kid was every single thing we wanted him to be in every way.

 

4) Here is the deal wrt Pears. He is an average Right Tackle. He doesn't suck at RT. He has no business playing Guard. NONE! But he retaliated on the late hit by Fairley, and he is a tough guy. I respect him for fighting for his teammates.

 

5) Help on the way,

I know only this;

I've got you today

Don't fly away.....

'cause I love what I love

and I want it that way.

 

6) Watkins was just SO good today, I am going to re-evaluate the trade, which I was totally against.

 

7) Orton? I need more time to sort out what he does. We probably all do. But his pass to Goodwin was each and every bit as good as it gets, no?

 

8) Woods was blocking his ass off today. He threw a block on a run by FJ in the 3rd quarter that MADE the play.

 

9) Schwartz was another person who confused me today. At the end of the first qtr., they rushed only 3 on 3rd and 8 and gave up a td. I KNOW that Pettine would have applied more pressure. That said, his defensive calls overall were VERY good imo. Let's face it, the defense kept us in the game, so I am going to give credit and thanks.

 

10) Have I blasted Gilmore when I saw fit to do so? Certainly. Well, the pass interference call against him in the 2nd quarter was absolute BS!!!!! If anything, Johnson hit him in his facemask. The truth is that he played a decent game today and this football team needs him to step up. I am thrilled to see him play well.

 

11) OK, I have a confession to make. I watched the game today in a crowded place. After one of Marcel's brutal sacks I yelled, "He's my son!" People were looking at me and the replay and gave me some room and strange looks. Yeah, I am a Bills fan.

 

12) Sorry, I am pissed at the fact that we had 2 delay penalties in the first quarter. We are not a good enough team to do this and win on a consistent basis.

 

13) Spiller was awful today. He can't see a hole. He dances and gains 2, if that.

 

14) Thank you Jerry Hughes for giving it your all on every play!!!!! Seriously, you go!!!

 

15) There is nothing that grabs me more than when the Bills fight back. Not one f*&^%$g thing. It makes them better people, better players, and it is what WE deserve as fans.

 

16) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

17) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As always Bill you are spot on.

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

my synopsis

 

Oh SHIP a pick 6. bummed from the start.

 

what a snooze fest, boring

 

THUNK Detroit

THUNK Buffalo

 

excellent they tied it up,

oh crap they couldn't sustain a f-ing drive and get a FG

oh crap there goes the game - the Lions attempt a 50 yard field goal ------- No Good

 

wait what?

Carpenter from 58 yards out ?!?!?! :beer: r

[CodeMonkey]

my synopsis

 

Oh SHIP a pick 6. bummed from the start.

 

what a snooze fest, boring

 

THUNK Detroit

THUNK Buffalo

 

excellent they tied it up,

oh crap they couldn't sustain a f-ing drive and get a FG

oh crap there goes the game - the Lions attempt a 50 yard field goal ------- No Good

 

wait what?

Carpenter from 58 yards out ?!?!?! :beer: r

And it would have been good from 65, what a freaking kick.

[Coach Tuesday]

I was skeptical of the so-called "wide nine," and Schwartz's supposed philosophy of using the front four (and three) to generate pressure. Well, yesterday it was clear that he knows what he is doing. The Bills' front four (and sometimes three!) was crushing the Lions' pocket like an aluminum can on almost every passing play. I don't recall seeing something quite like that in a very long time. And without Kyle, no less. That was the difference in the game.