Pretty big game in the AFC East today, which has suddenly become one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL from top-to-bottom, after being, essentially, the Patriots and three hapless squads a year ago. The Patriots and Bills entered play today with identical 5-3 records, and in the end it was New England that was able to come away with a 20-10 victory, improving to 6-3 on the season. Buffalo, meanwhile, has now dropped three in a row, falling to 5-4. The loss was also the tenth straight for the Bills against New England. If the Bills -- or any team in the AFC East, for that matter -- ever want to stake their claim on the division, they're going to have to start, you know, beating New England at some point.
Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel completed 23-of 34 passes for 234 yards, while opening the scoring in the first quarter with a 13-yard touchdown run. The story of the day for New England, however, was the running of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, as the undrafted rookie out of Mississippi picked up his first career 100-yard game, registering 104 yards on 20 carries. He helped seal the game in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard plunge, capping off a 19-play drive, giving the Patriots a commanding 20-3 lead.
Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards struggled for much of the day, completing 13-of-23 passes with two interceptions. He did throw a 14-yard touchdown pass to James Hardy with less than two minutes to play, though, by that point it was way too little, way too late.
The Bills were held to just 60 yards rushing on 18 attempts, with Marshawn Lynch leading the way as he picked up 46 yards on 14 carries. Lynch has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark this season, while his season-high was an 83-yard showing in week three against Oakland.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-09-2008 @ 11:22PM
Jeanne said...
What a great game for Matt Cassell and the Mighty Mighty Patriots...those passes, that run in touchdown..it's all good in the hood. Well played, well deserved win...in you FACE Bills. We miss you Tom, doing the best we can. Keep talking to Mattie Boom Battie letting him in on your secrets.
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11-10-2008 @ 11:12AM
Bill, Depew said...
I have an idea. If Wilson could petition the NFL to allow Marshawn Lynch to drink prior to games and to use his SUV on the field during games, our running game should be just fine. He has shown that he can really mow people down when he's in his vehicle and driving impaired. As for the fast start...look at the records as of 11/8 of the teams the Bills have beaten...won 12, lost 28. That's a .300 winning percentage. These 5 opponents are not exactly wild card material are they?
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11-12-2008 @ 9:16PM
Paulie said...
Never being a huge fan of Lawrence Maroney or his running style it is refreshing to see a RB who takes the ball up field as soon as he gets it. Of course I am talking about Benjarvus Green-Ellis. He is a tough runner and a productive one at that and after his last performance it is clear that he may also be able to break off the big play. Keep giving this kid the ball and ship Maroney off for a third round pick next year. Now i know many people will say i am jumping on the wagon a little early but with a runner like this it is easy to tell he is alway going to run hard and with more experience he will be able to see the holes better only making him more productive.
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