simmytbone
12-14-2014, 07:20 PM
Hey guys,
On a Very Special Note today, the Buffalo Bills got a HUGE Victory by def. the Green Bay Packers and as a result, the Bills have swept the NFC North for the 1st time in years
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20140907_BUF@CHI
Jackson sets up winning FG, Bills beat Bears 23-20
By ANDREW SELIGMAN | AP Sports Writer
Sep. 7, 2014
CHICAGO (AP) Fred Jackson showed no signs of slowing down as he raced along the sideline, and the Buffalo Bills might be ready to kick things into a higher gear, too.
A stunning overtime victory over the Bears was a good start.
Jackson set up Dan Carpenter's field goal in overtime with a 38-yard run to the 1 and the Buffalo Bills surprised Chicago 23-20 on Sunday.
The veteran running back ran for just 61 yards, but he came through with a big one at the end.
''I am old, but I can still play,'' the 33-year-old Jackson said.
The Bears had just punted to open the extra period and Buffalo took over on its own 22 to start the winning possession. The Bills got the ball to the Chicago 39 when the 33-year-old Jackson turned toward the left side and broke off his big run, pushing safety Chris Conte out of the way twice inside the 10 before being knocked out of bounds at the 1.
Buffalo's EJ Manuel backed up 3 yards and put the ball in the middle of the field. After a delay of game, Carpenter won it with a 27-yarder.
It was a good start for the Bills as they enter a new era following the death of founding father and Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson. They're trying to end a 14-year playoff drought and they started by knocking off a team eyeing a run to the postseason.
''It's so difficult to win on the road in this league, especially on opening day I think it's even tougher,'' Bills coach Doug Marrone said. ''I'm proud of them. It was different, I'm not going to lie to you. It was different in that locker room before the game.''
Jackson said, ''It was a great statement win for us to put all that stuff behind and focus on the season.''
This was not what the Bears had in mind. They got little pressure from a revamped defense despite the addition of five-time Pro Bowl end Jared Allen, and there were some questionable decisions at times by Jay Cutler, who got picked off twice while throwing for 349 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears trailed 17-7 at the half after Buffalo scored 17 unanswered points and came up short down the stretch after tying it.
The Bills looked like they might pull this one out in regulation with a 20-17 lead after Dan Carpenter kicked a 33-yard field goal.
That came after Cutler threw across his body and tried to squeeze a pass to Martellus Bennett on a third-and-1 at the Buffalo 34. Kyle Williams came away with his first career interception, instead.
But the Bears answered after the Bills grabbed the lead.
They drove from the 20 to the Buffalo 19, and Cutler threw an incomplete pass to Brandon Marshall in the end zone before Robbie Gould tied it with a 37-yard field goal with 30 seconds left in regulation.
''You guys are going to be as negative as possible,'' a surly Cutler said. ''But we've got a lot of games left, we did a lot of good things. Obviously we made mistakes today and we've got to clean them up and got to keep it going.''
Manuel completed 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards for Buffalo. He also had a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Robert Woods added 78 yards receiving.
Chicago's Matt Forte ran for 82 yards and had 87 receiving. Brandon Marshall caught eight passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. Alshon Jeffery also had 71 yards receiving, although he spent most of the second half on the sideline because of a hamstring injury.
Bennett had 70 yards receiving and a TD, but left guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza left the game with ankle injuries.
It wasn't a great afternoon for a revamped defense, either. Allen, the star addition in the offseason overhaul, was a nonfactor in his Bears debut. But Trestman thought it was a good day overall for that group - Jackson's long run aside.
''At the end of the day you keep them in the 17 to 20-point range, that should be enough for us to win,'' he said. ''And if we hang onto the football, take care of it we would have been in a good position to do that.''
NOTES: Bills LB Keith Rivers left the game because of a groin injury and S Aaron Williams was being evaluated for a concussion afterward. Buffalo also held out CB Stephon Gilmore because of a nagging groin injury. ... Trestman thought Jeffery might return at some point in the second half, but that didn't happen. ... Slauson and Garza did not think they were seriously injured.
4 weeks later....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141005_BUF@DET
Bills beat Lions on 58-yard field goal
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Oct. 5, 2014
DETROIT (AP) Bills kicker Dan Carpenter responded to an alleged laser pointer shining from the stands in Detroit with laser-point accuracy.
After banking a 50-yard attempt off the left upright in the third quarter, Carpenter split the goal posts from 58 yards with 4 seconds left for a 17-14 come-from-behind victory over the Lions on Sunday.
''I hit it really good. It was one of those things I really like to not leave opportunities like that short,'' said Carpenter. ''I hit the ball really well, a lot better than I did on the 50-yarder.''
And this time, there wasn't a laser shining in holder Colton Schmidt's face, as apparently happened on the earlier miss.
The Bills filed a complaint with NFL security officials after both Schmidt and quarterback Kyle Orton said that someone in the stands was shining a laser pointer at them.
Without going into detail, coach Doug Marrone said the issue was resolved before the game ended. In fact, Marrone said, the laser was less of a distraction than it was a motivator.
''We felt that Dan could do it,'' Marrone said. ''At that point, with the adrenaline and everything, he was fired up.''
NFL spokesman Michael Signora said the league was waiting for its security representative in Detroit to file a game report. The Lions said in a statement that they were aware of the reports and contacted NFL security regarding the issue.
The Bills (3-2) snapped a two-game skid in Orton's debut as Buffalo's starter after EJ Manuel was benched this week. And their defense had six sacks in delivering coordinator Jim Schwartz a win in his return to Detroit after being fired as Lions head coach last season.
The Lions were undone by placekicking. Alex Henery missed all three field goals attempts, including a 50-yarder that sailed wide left with 21 seconds remaining.
Coach Jim Caldwell was already hinting of being ready to make another switch at kicker two weeks after Henery was signed to replace rookie Nate Freese.
''It's a performance-based league, plain and simple, and you have to perform,'' Caldwell said. ''Anyone that doesn't, we take a look and see if we can improve that one way or another.''
The Lions (3-2) squandered a 14-0 lead, dropped to 2-1 at home and also lost several key regulars to injury.
Receiver Calvin Johnson did not return after aggravating a right ankle injury in the first minute of the third quarter. Starting running back Reggie Bush didn't finish the game after also hurting his ankle.
Johnson was hurt when he reached down to make a 7-yard catch and was immediately hit low by cornerback Leodis McKelvin. Johnson clutched his right ankle and was briefly treated on the field. He then got up and slowly walked off the field.
Caldwell called the hit as ''a pretty good whack,'' but said it was too early to determine the severity of the injury.
Golden Tate picked up the slack with seven catches for 134 yards and a 9-yard touchdown catch. The Lions' defense assisted the offense, with cornerback Rashean Mathis returning an Orton interception 41 yards for a score.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford went 18 of 31 for 221 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Orton bounced back from a slow start and the interception.
''It wasn't the first and it won't be my last,'' said the 10-year journeyman who improved his career record to 36-35, including a perfect 5-0 against Detroit. ''You've got to keep that trigger, and put a little bit more pressure on yourself to make the plays next time.''
He finished 30 of 43 for 308 yards with a 2-yard touchdown to Chris Gragg. And he set up the decisive score by hitting rookie Sammy Watkins over the middle for a 20-yard gain. The ball was thrown behind Watkins, but he reached back with his right hand, tipping the ball forward and making the grab.
Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus had five tackles and a career-best three sacks. He had several reasons to be motivated. He wanted to step up with fellow starter and mentor Kyle Williams sidelined by a knee injury. And then he wanted to win for Schwartz.
''It really meant more to him than just a game,'' said Dareus. ''We all took it to ourselves to go out and do the best we could for Schwartz and for the team, and just pull it out.''
NOTES: Bills RB Fred Jackson followed Gragg's touchdown with a rush for the 2-point conversion that tied the game with 9:23 left. ... Orton won a game for the eighth time when tied or trailing in the fourth quarter or in overtime. ... The Lions have allowed 16 sacks in the past four games. ... Detroit's kickers have hit just 4 of 12 field-goal attempts.
2 weeks later....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141019_MIN@BUF
Bills beat Vikings 17-16 on Watkins' 2-yard catch
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Oct. 20, 2014
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Quarterback Kyle Orton keeps delivering in the clutch since taking over the starting job in Buffalo. And receiver Sammy Watkins is certainly showing signs of playing up to his dynamic first-round draft-pick promise for the Bills.
The 10-year NFL journeyman and 21-year-old rookie combined for a 2-yard touchdown with 1 second left in a 17-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
''Any time you get a chance to go on a game-winning drive, it's awesome,'' Orton said. ''We hung in there, made some mistakes, but in the end we got the win, and that was our goal.''
Facing second-and-goal, Orton accepted the shotgun snap and immediately turned to his left, where he zipped a pass to Watkins who was a few yards deep in the end zone and had a step on cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
The touchdown capped a 15-play, 80-yard drive in a game the Bills offense turned the ball over four times and lost starting running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson to injuries.
Orton shook off an interception and a lost fumble to finish 31 of 43 for 283 yards and two touchdowns, both to Watkins who finished with nine catches for 122 yards.
''To make the last play to win the game in Buffalo, it's the best feeling ever,'' said Watkins.
The player selected with the No. 4 pick out of Clemson then smiled and referred to his teammates when asked about his rookie status, ''I never really feel like a rookie except when those guys make me feel like one.''
Orton, who signed with Buffalo a week before the start of the season, improved to 2-1 since replacing second-year starter EJ Manuel.
He won his first start three weeks ago with a drive that set up Dan Carpenter's 58-yard field goal with 4 seconds left in a 17-14 win at Detroit.
The Bills (4-3) snapped a two-game home losing streak, and bounced back from a 37-22 loss to New England.
The Vikings (2-5) lacked finish on both defense and behind the Teddy Bridgewater-led offense that managed one touchdown - Cordarrelle Patterson's 4-yard catch - and three field goals on five trips inside the Bills 40.
''There are no words that can describe this loss,'' defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said. ''It's the last play of the game. I've got nothing to say about that except it hurts.''
The Vikings had their opportunities, only to give Orton new life on the final drive that began with 3:07 left.
Orton extended the drive by converting a fourth-and-20 with a 24-yard pass to tight end Scott Chandler over the middle. Three plays later, Orton hit Watkins on a crossing pattern for an 18-yard gain on third-and-12.
And Orton set up the decisive score by threading a 28-yard pass to Chris Hogan at the 2 along the left sideline.
''That hurt. Everything hurt. The touchdowns, fourth-and-20, everything hurt,'' said defensive end Everson Griffen, who had three sacks. ''We want the victory. It feels better when you get a victory. The sacks don't mean nothing when you lose.''
Bridgewater went 15 of 26 for 157 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his third career start, and first on the road. Rookie running back Jerick McKinnon had 103 yards rushing.
Ahead 13-10, the Vikings squandered a chance to build a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter when Bridgewater faced a first-and-goal at Buffalo's 7.
They instead went backward after Bridgewater was sacked on consecutive plays. Minnesota settled for a 33-yard field goal.
The Bills finished with five sacks and Leodis McKelvin had two interceptions.
Not all the news was good for Buffalo.
Coach Doug Marrone said Spiller is out indefinitely after hurting his left shoulder while falling hard to the turf following a 53-yard run in the second quarter. Spiller was in tears while being carted off the length of the field.
Jackson's status is uncertain, too. He had his head in his hands while being carted from the sideline with a groin injury late in the first quarter. Marrone said the team is awaiting tests to determine the severity of Jackson's injury.
The injuries depleted Buffalo's backfield to third-string running back Anthony Dixon and fullback Frank Summers.
Dixon finished with 51 yards rushing.
NOTES: Vikings starting center John Sullivan (concussion) and starting right guard Vladimir Ducasse (right knee) did not return after being hurt. Coach Mike Zimmer did not have an update on their status. ... The four turnovers by the Bills were their most since committing five (four interceptions and a fumble) in a 27-6 loss at Tampa Bay last Dec. 8. ... At halftime, the Bills honored retired radio play-by-play broadcaster Van Miller, by placing his name on the Ralph Wilson Stadium's Wall of Fame.
and finally....
Today is the Day for the Bills as they shutdown Aaron Rodgers
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141214_GB@BUF
Bills' defense stifles Packers in 21-13 win
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 14, 2014
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Veteran Mario Williams and third-string newcomer Bacarri Rambo made for an unlikely Buffalo Bills defensive duo.
They played havoc with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a 21-13 victory on Sunday.
Rambo, filling in after backup safety Duke Williams was hurt early in the third quarter, intercepted Rodgers on consecutive drives in the second half. Williams helped seal the victory when he forced Rodgers to fumble, which led to running back Eddie Lacy being tackled by Nigel Bradham in the end zone for a safety with 1:51 left.
Marcus Thigpen scored on a 75-yard punt return, and Dan Carpenter hit all three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder in the second half to help keep Buffalo (8-6) in the AFC playoff picture. The Bills are assured their first eight-win season since going 9-7 in 2004.
The Packers (10-4) had a five-game win streak snapped, and squandered an opportunity to get closer to their sixth consecutive playoff berth.
Rodgers finished 17 of 42 for 185 yards and two interceptions. It was an unlikely meltdown for Rodgers and the offense that entered the game on a tremendous roll.
Rodgers had been picked off just three times this season, and none since throwing two in Green Bay's last loss, 44-23 at New Orleans on Oct. 26.
The Packers were limited to Lacy's 1-yard touchdown run and two field goals by Mason Crosby.
This from a team coming off a 43-37 win over Atlanta and that had outscored its past five opponents by 210-113. Rodgers combined for 1,580 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and no turnovers in his previous five games.
All that came to a halt against a dominating Bills defense that last week contained Peyton Manning. Despite a 24-17 loss at Denver, the Bills ended Manning's 51-game streak with a touchdown pass.
The Bills acquired Rambo last month after cornerback Leodis McKelvin sustained a season-ending ankle injury. Rambo had played 13 games with Washington before being cut after Week 2 this season.
Rambo took over for Duke Williams, who was playing in place of injured starter Da'Norris Searcy (hamstring).
This time the Bills defense - with help from its special teams - bailed out its sputtering Kyle Orton-led offense, which was limited to 253 yards and 13 first downs. Orton finished 14 of 27 for 158 yards and an interception.
The Packers were held to 333 yards - their lowest total since managing 320 in a 42-10 win over Minnesota on Oct. 2. And they held Green Bay to 10 points on eight first-half possessions.
The Packers entered the game having scored six touchdowns and four field goals in each of their previous 10 first-half drives spanning the past two games.
The Bills went ahead for good when Carpenter capped their second-half opening drive with a 51-yard field goal.
The game's momentum turned later in the quarter, after Carpenter hit a 35-yard attempt to put Buffalo up 16-10.
Two plays into the Packers' next possession, Rambo sprinted 10 yards from midfield to make a sliding interception of Rodgers' pass intended for Randall Cobb at the Green Bay 45.
His second one came on the Packers next drive when Rodgers' pass intended for Jarrett Boykin over the middle, tipped off the receiver's hands and to Rambo. That set up Carpenter hitting a 48-yard field goal.
The Packers weren't done until their first play on their final possession.
From his 10, Rodgers dropped back and had the ball knocked out of his hand by Mario Williams. The ball rolled into the end zone, and was untouched before being scooped up by Lacy.
Lacy first sidestepped a tackle attempt by Nickell Robey, which slowed him down enough to be caught from behind by Bradham.
Thigpen provided a spark after the Bills offense combined for one first down and 12 yards on its first three possessions.
With Buffalo trailing 3-0, Thigpen fielded Tim Masthay's punt at the right hash mark, and then cut across the field to find a hole up the left side.
Mario Williams also contributed a special-teams play, by blocking Crosby's 53-yard field-goal attempt with 6:01 left in the second quarter.
credit: cbssports.com
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014090702/2014/REG1/bills@bears
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014100502/2014/REG5/bills@lions
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101901/2014/REG7/vikings@bills
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014121402/2014/REG15/packers@bills
On a Very Special Note today, the Buffalo Bills got a HUGE Victory by def. the Green Bay Packers and as a result, the Bills have swept the NFC North for the 1st time in years
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20140907_BUF@CHI
Jackson sets up winning FG, Bills beat Bears 23-20
By ANDREW SELIGMAN | AP Sports Writer
Sep. 7, 2014
CHICAGO (AP) Fred Jackson showed no signs of slowing down as he raced along the sideline, and the Buffalo Bills might be ready to kick things into a higher gear, too.
A stunning overtime victory over the Bears was a good start.
Jackson set up Dan Carpenter's field goal in overtime with a 38-yard run to the 1 and the Buffalo Bills surprised Chicago 23-20 on Sunday.
The veteran running back ran for just 61 yards, but he came through with a big one at the end.
''I am old, but I can still play,'' the 33-year-old Jackson said.
The Bears had just punted to open the extra period and Buffalo took over on its own 22 to start the winning possession. The Bills got the ball to the Chicago 39 when the 33-year-old Jackson turned toward the left side and broke off his big run, pushing safety Chris Conte out of the way twice inside the 10 before being knocked out of bounds at the 1.
Buffalo's EJ Manuel backed up 3 yards and put the ball in the middle of the field. After a delay of game, Carpenter won it with a 27-yarder.
It was a good start for the Bills as they enter a new era following the death of founding father and Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson. They're trying to end a 14-year playoff drought and they started by knocking off a team eyeing a run to the postseason.
''It's so difficult to win on the road in this league, especially on opening day I think it's even tougher,'' Bills coach Doug Marrone said. ''I'm proud of them. It was different, I'm not going to lie to you. It was different in that locker room before the game.''
Jackson said, ''It was a great statement win for us to put all that stuff behind and focus on the season.''
This was not what the Bears had in mind. They got little pressure from a revamped defense despite the addition of five-time Pro Bowl end Jared Allen, and there were some questionable decisions at times by Jay Cutler, who got picked off twice while throwing for 349 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears trailed 17-7 at the half after Buffalo scored 17 unanswered points and came up short down the stretch after tying it.
The Bills looked like they might pull this one out in regulation with a 20-17 lead after Dan Carpenter kicked a 33-yard field goal.
That came after Cutler threw across his body and tried to squeeze a pass to Martellus Bennett on a third-and-1 at the Buffalo 34. Kyle Williams came away with his first career interception, instead.
But the Bears answered after the Bills grabbed the lead.
They drove from the 20 to the Buffalo 19, and Cutler threw an incomplete pass to Brandon Marshall in the end zone before Robbie Gould tied it with a 37-yard field goal with 30 seconds left in regulation.
''You guys are going to be as negative as possible,'' a surly Cutler said. ''But we've got a lot of games left, we did a lot of good things. Obviously we made mistakes today and we've got to clean them up and got to keep it going.''
Manuel completed 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards for Buffalo. He also had a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Robert Woods added 78 yards receiving.
Chicago's Matt Forte ran for 82 yards and had 87 receiving. Brandon Marshall caught eight passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. Alshon Jeffery also had 71 yards receiving, although he spent most of the second half on the sideline because of a hamstring injury.
Bennett had 70 yards receiving and a TD, but left guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza left the game with ankle injuries.
It wasn't a great afternoon for a revamped defense, either. Allen, the star addition in the offseason overhaul, was a nonfactor in his Bears debut. But Trestman thought it was a good day overall for that group - Jackson's long run aside.
''At the end of the day you keep them in the 17 to 20-point range, that should be enough for us to win,'' he said. ''And if we hang onto the football, take care of it we would have been in a good position to do that.''
NOTES: Bills LB Keith Rivers left the game because of a groin injury and S Aaron Williams was being evaluated for a concussion afterward. Buffalo also held out CB Stephon Gilmore because of a nagging groin injury. ... Trestman thought Jeffery might return at some point in the second half, but that didn't happen. ... Slauson and Garza did not think they were seriously injured.
4 weeks later....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141005_BUF@DET
Bills beat Lions on 58-yard field goal
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Oct. 5, 2014
DETROIT (AP) Bills kicker Dan Carpenter responded to an alleged laser pointer shining from the stands in Detroit with laser-point accuracy.
After banking a 50-yard attempt off the left upright in the third quarter, Carpenter split the goal posts from 58 yards with 4 seconds left for a 17-14 come-from-behind victory over the Lions on Sunday.
''I hit it really good. It was one of those things I really like to not leave opportunities like that short,'' said Carpenter. ''I hit the ball really well, a lot better than I did on the 50-yarder.''
And this time, there wasn't a laser shining in holder Colton Schmidt's face, as apparently happened on the earlier miss.
The Bills filed a complaint with NFL security officials after both Schmidt and quarterback Kyle Orton said that someone in the stands was shining a laser pointer at them.
Without going into detail, coach Doug Marrone said the issue was resolved before the game ended. In fact, Marrone said, the laser was less of a distraction than it was a motivator.
''We felt that Dan could do it,'' Marrone said. ''At that point, with the adrenaline and everything, he was fired up.''
NFL spokesman Michael Signora said the league was waiting for its security representative in Detroit to file a game report. The Lions said in a statement that they were aware of the reports and contacted NFL security regarding the issue.
The Bills (3-2) snapped a two-game skid in Orton's debut as Buffalo's starter after EJ Manuel was benched this week. And their defense had six sacks in delivering coordinator Jim Schwartz a win in his return to Detroit after being fired as Lions head coach last season.
The Lions were undone by placekicking. Alex Henery missed all three field goals attempts, including a 50-yarder that sailed wide left with 21 seconds remaining.
Coach Jim Caldwell was already hinting of being ready to make another switch at kicker two weeks after Henery was signed to replace rookie Nate Freese.
''It's a performance-based league, plain and simple, and you have to perform,'' Caldwell said. ''Anyone that doesn't, we take a look and see if we can improve that one way or another.''
The Lions (3-2) squandered a 14-0 lead, dropped to 2-1 at home and also lost several key regulars to injury.
Receiver Calvin Johnson did not return after aggravating a right ankle injury in the first minute of the third quarter. Starting running back Reggie Bush didn't finish the game after also hurting his ankle.
Johnson was hurt when he reached down to make a 7-yard catch and was immediately hit low by cornerback Leodis McKelvin. Johnson clutched his right ankle and was briefly treated on the field. He then got up and slowly walked off the field.
Caldwell called the hit as ''a pretty good whack,'' but said it was too early to determine the severity of the injury.
Golden Tate picked up the slack with seven catches for 134 yards and a 9-yard touchdown catch. The Lions' defense assisted the offense, with cornerback Rashean Mathis returning an Orton interception 41 yards for a score.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford went 18 of 31 for 221 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Orton bounced back from a slow start and the interception.
''It wasn't the first and it won't be my last,'' said the 10-year journeyman who improved his career record to 36-35, including a perfect 5-0 against Detroit. ''You've got to keep that trigger, and put a little bit more pressure on yourself to make the plays next time.''
He finished 30 of 43 for 308 yards with a 2-yard touchdown to Chris Gragg. And he set up the decisive score by hitting rookie Sammy Watkins over the middle for a 20-yard gain. The ball was thrown behind Watkins, but he reached back with his right hand, tipping the ball forward and making the grab.
Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus had five tackles and a career-best three sacks. He had several reasons to be motivated. He wanted to step up with fellow starter and mentor Kyle Williams sidelined by a knee injury. And then he wanted to win for Schwartz.
''It really meant more to him than just a game,'' said Dareus. ''We all took it to ourselves to go out and do the best we could for Schwartz and for the team, and just pull it out.''
NOTES: Bills RB Fred Jackson followed Gragg's touchdown with a rush for the 2-point conversion that tied the game with 9:23 left. ... Orton won a game for the eighth time when tied or trailing in the fourth quarter or in overtime. ... The Lions have allowed 16 sacks in the past four games. ... Detroit's kickers have hit just 4 of 12 field-goal attempts.
2 weeks later....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141019_MIN@BUF
Bills beat Vikings 17-16 on Watkins' 2-yard catch
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Oct. 20, 2014
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Quarterback Kyle Orton keeps delivering in the clutch since taking over the starting job in Buffalo. And receiver Sammy Watkins is certainly showing signs of playing up to his dynamic first-round draft-pick promise for the Bills.
The 10-year NFL journeyman and 21-year-old rookie combined for a 2-yard touchdown with 1 second left in a 17-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
''Any time you get a chance to go on a game-winning drive, it's awesome,'' Orton said. ''We hung in there, made some mistakes, but in the end we got the win, and that was our goal.''
Facing second-and-goal, Orton accepted the shotgun snap and immediately turned to his left, where he zipped a pass to Watkins who was a few yards deep in the end zone and had a step on cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
The touchdown capped a 15-play, 80-yard drive in a game the Bills offense turned the ball over four times and lost starting running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson to injuries.
Orton shook off an interception and a lost fumble to finish 31 of 43 for 283 yards and two touchdowns, both to Watkins who finished with nine catches for 122 yards.
''To make the last play to win the game in Buffalo, it's the best feeling ever,'' said Watkins.
The player selected with the No. 4 pick out of Clemson then smiled and referred to his teammates when asked about his rookie status, ''I never really feel like a rookie except when those guys make me feel like one.''
Orton, who signed with Buffalo a week before the start of the season, improved to 2-1 since replacing second-year starter EJ Manuel.
He won his first start three weeks ago with a drive that set up Dan Carpenter's 58-yard field goal with 4 seconds left in a 17-14 win at Detroit.
The Bills (4-3) snapped a two-game home losing streak, and bounced back from a 37-22 loss to New England.
The Vikings (2-5) lacked finish on both defense and behind the Teddy Bridgewater-led offense that managed one touchdown - Cordarrelle Patterson's 4-yard catch - and three field goals on five trips inside the Bills 40.
''There are no words that can describe this loss,'' defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said. ''It's the last play of the game. I've got nothing to say about that except it hurts.''
The Vikings had their opportunities, only to give Orton new life on the final drive that began with 3:07 left.
Orton extended the drive by converting a fourth-and-20 with a 24-yard pass to tight end Scott Chandler over the middle. Three plays later, Orton hit Watkins on a crossing pattern for an 18-yard gain on third-and-12.
And Orton set up the decisive score by threading a 28-yard pass to Chris Hogan at the 2 along the left sideline.
''That hurt. Everything hurt. The touchdowns, fourth-and-20, everything hurt,'' said defensive end Everson Griffen, who had three sacks. ''We want the victory. It feels better when you get a victory. The sacks don't mean nothing when you lose.''
Bridgewater went 15 of 26 for 157 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his third career start, and first on the road. Rookie running back Jerick McKinnon had 103 yards rushing.
Ahead 13-10, the Vikings squandered a chance to build a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter when Bridgewater faced a first-and-goal at Buffalo's 7.
They instead went backward after Bridgewater was sacked on consecutive plays. Minnesota settled for a 33-yard field goal.
The Bills finished with five sacks and Leodis McKelvin had two interceptions.
Not all the news was good for Buffalo.
Coach Doug Marrone said Spiller is out indefinitely after hurting his left shoulder while falling hard to the turf following a 53-yard run in the second quarter. Spiller was in tears while being carted off the length of the field.
Jackson's status is uncertain, too. He had his head in his hands while being carted from the sideline with a groin injury late in the first quarter. Marrone said the team is awaiting tests to determine the severity of Jackson's injury.
The injuries depleted Buffalo's backfield to third-string running back Anthony Dixon and fullback Frank Summers.
Dixon finished with 51 yards rushing.
NOTES: Vikings starting center John Sullivan (concussion) and starting right guard Vladimir Ducasse (right knee) did not return after being hurt. Coach Mike Zimmer did not have an update on their status. ... The four turnovers by the Bills were their most since committing five (four interceptions and a fumble) in a 27-6 loss at Tampa Bay last Dec. 8. ... At halftime, the Bills honored retired radio play-by-play broadcaster Van Miller, by placing his name on the Ralph Wilson Stadium's Wall of Fame.
and finally....
Today is the Day for the Bills as they shutdown Aaron Rodgers
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141214_GB@BUF
Bills' defense stifles Packers in 21-13 win
By JOHN WAWROW | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 14, 2014
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Veteran Mario Williams and third-string newcomer Bacarri Rambo made for an unlikely Buffalo Bills defensive duo.
They played havoc with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a 21-13 victory on Sunday.
Rambo, filling in after backup safety Duke Williams was hurt early in the third quarter, intercepted Rodgers on consecutive drives in the second half. Williams helped seal the victory when he forced Rodgers to fumble, which led to running back Eddie Lacy being tackled by Nigel Bradham in the end zone for a safety with 1:51 left.
Marcus Thigpen scored on a 75-yard punt return, and Dan Carpenter hit all three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder in the second half to help keep Buffalo (8-6) in the AFC playoff picture. The Bills are assured their first eight-win season since going 9-7 in 2004.
The Packers (10-4) had a five-game win streak snapped, and squandered an opportunity to get closer to their sixth consecutive playoff berth.
Rodgers finished 17 of 42 for 185 yards and two interceptions. It was an unlikely meltdown for Rodgers and the offense that entered the game on a tremendous roll.
Rodgers had been picked off just three times this season, and none since throwing two in Green Bay's last loss, 44-23 at New Orleans on Oct. 26.
The Packers were limited to Lacy's 1-yard touchdown run and two field goals by Mason Crosby.
This from a team coming off a 43-37 win over Atlanta and that had outscored its past five opponents by 210-113. Rodgers combined for 1,580 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and no turnovers in his previous five games.
All that came to a halt against a dominating Bills defense that last week contained Peyton Manning. Despite a 24-17 loss at Denver, the Bills ended Manning's 51-game streak with a touchdown pass.
The Bills acquired Rambo last month after cornerback Leodis McKelvin sustained a season-ending ankle injury. Rambo had played 13 games with Washington before being cut after Week 2 this season.
Rambo took over for Duke Williams, who was playing in place of injured starter Da'Norris Searcy (hamstring).
This time the Bills defense - with help from its special teams - bailed out its sputtering Kyle Orton-led offense, which was limited to 253 yards and 13 first downs. Orton finished 14 of 27 for 158 yards and an interception.
The Packers were held to 333 yards - their lowest total since managing 320 in a 42-10 win over Minnesota on Oct. 2. And they held Green Bay to 10 points on eight first-half possessions.
The Packers entered the game having scored six touchdowns and four field goals in each of their previous 10 first-half drives spanning the past two games.
The Bills went ahead for good when Carpenter capped their second-half opening drive with a 51-yard field goal.
The game's momentum turned later in the quarter, after Carpenter hit a 35-yard attempt to put Buffalo up 16-10.
Two plays into the Packers' next possession, Rambo sprinted 10 yards from midfield to make a sliding interception of Rodgers' pass intended for Randall Cobb at the Green Bay 45.
His second one came on the Packers next drive when Rodgers' pass intended for Jarrett Boykin over the middle, tipped off the receiver's hands and to Rambo. That set up Carpenter hitting a 48-yard field goal.
The Packers weren't done until their first play on their final possession.
From his 10, Rodgers dropped back and had the ball knocked out of his hand by Mario Williams. The ball rolled into the end zone, and was untouched before being scooped up by Lacy.
Lacy first sidestepped a tackle attempt by Nickell Robey, which slowed him down enough to be caught from behind by Bradham.
Thigpen provided a spark after the Bills offense combined for one first down and 12 yards on its first three possessions.
With Buffalo trailing 3-0, Thigpen fielded Tim Masthay's punt at the right hash mark, and then cut across the field to find a hole up the left side.
Mario Williams also contributed a special-teams play, by blocking Crosby's 53-yard field-goal attempt with 6:01 left in the second quarter.
credit: cbssports.com
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