Buffalo Bills performance analysis after seven weeks – NFL Special Part 2
We continue our performance analysis of Buffalo Bills in the first seven weeks of this season.
We will look into games played from Week 4 to 7 in this section.
Bills were heading with a 2-1 record into Week 4 and had recovered well after their season opening loss against New York Jets.
Week 4: New England Patriots
Bills’ high-priced defence collapsed as Patriots managed to score a record-breaking 45 points in the second half, thanks to extraordinary performance by their quarterback Tom Brady. He completed 22 out of 36 passes for 340 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick gave a mixed bag of performance. Even though he finished 22 of 39 for 350 yards along with four superb touchdowns, it all went in vain as he gave away four interceptions.
Bills saw their star running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller returning to the field after recovering from their respective injuries. However, both the players failed to give better output.
Patriots defence completely dominated the game as they got six turnovers and three sacks during the game.
It was a bad start to stretch of games in which Bills were to play four of their five games on road.
Week 5: San Francisco 49ers
Bills looked completely miserable as they got a 3-45 beating from San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
The offence was completely gutted after their running game was capsized by 49ers defence. The offence carried ball 19 times for a mere 89 yards.
On the other hand, Bills defence was nowhere to be seen as 49ers quarterback Alex Smith gave his best performance of the season with 18 of 24 for 303 yards and three touchdowns.
49ers offence covered 621 yards and broke the franchise record for most yards covered in a game.
It was Bills’ second consecutive loss by big margin, which highlighted a lot of loopholes on both sides of the field.
Week 6: Arizona Cardinals
Bills came out 19-16 winners in a tightly-fought game against Arizona Cardinals that went into overtime. It was a crucial win for Bills after two very poor performances. Bills defence got five sacks during the game.
A field goal from kicker Rian Lindell sealed the victory for Bills. The opportunity came after Cardinals quarterback John Skelton was intercepted.
Spiller returned to form as he carried the ball 12 times for 88 yards. Jackson also played a major role in a dominant performance by Bills running game. He covered 53 rushing yards and scored a touchdown.
Week 7: Tennessee Titans
Turnovers cost Bills another game as they lost 35-34 against Tennessee Titans. Fitzpatrick was intercepted twice which lead to decisive touchdown by Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Bills defence again let their team down as they allowed out of form running back Chris Johnson to cover 195 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick completed 27 of 35 for 225 yards and scored three touchdowns. Running game was not up to mark. Bills offence is ranked 30th in the league in passing yards covered after seven weeks.
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