It's always better to win ugly than lose pretty. Although the box score looks beautiful and the end result is exactly what they wanted, the Buffalo Bills did not look crisp tonight. Either way, they got off on the right foot and walked away with a 13-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
One of the reasons they were able to win this game (or at least keep it from overtime) was a blocked field goal early in the contest courtesy of offensive lineman Langston Walker. It changed the momentum early on and started things going in Buffalo's direction.
As I stated prior to the game, keeping an eye on rookie linebacker Paul Posluszny was a must and he didn't disappoint. He led both teams with nine tackles and added a sack for good measure. Although it was only his first preseason game, it's clear that he's a ballhawk -- just as advertised. He seemed to be in the pile after every play and even if he wasn't involved, he was waiting in the wings.
One thing that should concern the Bills and their fans was the amount of cushion being given by their secondary. They would play 5-7 yards off the receivers and the Saints would just take it, especially early in the game. For the Bills sake, I really hope this isn't part of their defensive game plan because it's not going to work in their favor. If you give an NFL team seven yards, they are going to take all seven every time.
Finally, wide receiver Roscoe Parrish deserves some kudos for an amazing catch on a pass from Craig Nall (5 of 7 for 54 yards) inside two-minutes in the second quarter. If it were the regular season, you'd see that highlight about 5,000 times before the week was over.
Note: Before I forget, Fred Jackson also had an impressive game, gaining 68 total yards and a touchdown.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-11-2007 @ 12:04AM
George B Vieto said...
It looks like the New Orleans Saints will not repeat as NFC South champions.
Reply
8-11-2007 @ 3:41AM
Gregg said...
There was nothing overly spectacular about Parish's catch that you referred to. The ball was on the money except for being a little high. Parish had perfect position and only had to jump a little. He better catch that pass everytime. It's not like it was behind or in front of him.
Reply
8-11-2007 @ 5:20AM
Puddy said...
Well I think the Buffalo Bills found their next great linebacker, Posluszny was awesome! You were on the money when you said ballhawk. Either the Saints offense is that bad. or the Bills D might surprise some people this year. I`ll keep my fingers crossed.
Reply
8-11-2007 @ 7:26AM
Dan Benton said...
Gregg - As someone who plays football, I can honestly say there was nothing routine about that catch. It was a very, very good catch and the announcers expressed similar feelings to mine.
Reply
8-11-2007 @ 11:04AM
jeremy littlefield said...
THE BILLS LOOKED CONSISTANTLY SLOPPY THROUGHOUT THE GAME. BUT HEY! I AGREE, A SLOPPY WIN IS BETTER THAN A PRETTY LOSS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. I TRY NOT TO READ ALOT INTO THESE PRESEASON GAMES. THEY ARE GOOD FOR GETTING YOUR ROOKIES READY FOR THE NFL AND MAKING LAST MINUTE TWEEKS TO YOUR STARTING LINEUP. I WAS PLEASENTLY SURRPRISED HOWEVER BY THE SAINTS STARTERS. REGGIE BUSH LOOKED GOOD AND THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN DREW BREES AND DEVERY HENDERSON WAS GREAT. THEIR DEFENSE LOOKED GOOD AS WELL. IN THE NFC I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE THE TEAM TO BEAT. I WILL HOLD MY OPINION ON THE BILLS UNTILL THEY HAVE ANOTHER WEEK TO WORK OUT THE KINKS.
Reply
8-11-2007 @ 1:03PM
Tony said...
Don't be so fast to count the Saints out just because of a couple of preseason losses. Last year they were 1-3 in the preseason and when it was time for the real games, the true Saints came to play. I think the Saints have what is needed to repeat what they did last year, probably more.
Reply