Buffalo Bills 17
Arizona Cardinals 41
A Game For The Birds
Bills look Uninspired in Phoenix, Routed 41-17
The Off-Field Distraction:
“I lay on the couch, shivering under three blankets, as the Bills take the field. My fever continues to hold its grip on me, forcing me to watch the game with one eye open and feeling like I was actually lying in the desert. On the third play of the game, Trent Edwards goes down and isn’t getting up. More chills run through my body, this time it’s not the fever, it’s the dread of watching our QB sprawled out on the turf. Little did I know that all the offensive firepower in the world wouldn’t have made a difference in this one. As the 4th quarter dragged on, my condition worsened. You might think it was the way the Bills were playing or I wasn’t consuming enough fluids, but in actuality, I just couldn’t help but feel overheated watching JP run around Arizona sporting a brawny-sized beard. I don’t care where you’re from, that thing can’t breathe well in a temperate climate.”
The Re-Cap:
After four straight wins to open the season, the Bills traveled into Arizona and walked right into a buzz-saw. The Cardinals were coming off two straight losses on the east coast, and were due to put a hurting on someone in their own house. A hurting is exactly what took place. On the third play of the game the Red Birds K.O.’d Trent Edwards, thus sending an early message that there would be no messing around in Tempe. The defense was slaughtered from the get-go, unable to slow down the geriatric Kurt Warner. Warner consistently zipped hard slants on third-downs to keep drives alive. Not only could the defense not get off the field on third down, they couldn’t keep Arizona out of the end zone. The Edwards injury would have little significance as the defense really never gave the offense a chance to stay in the game.
The bye week will do Buffalo well. They can take solace in their 4-1 start and take a timeout to review their early season mistakes. More importantly, they have an opportunity to rest up and get healthy. Schobel, Stroud, Simpson, Edwards, McGee, and Parrish are just a few key players who are in desperate need of a week off. Sounds like everyone except McGee is a definite go this week against San Diego.
The Good:
The Bills were humbled and brought back to earth by a non-division or conference opponent. I think many people felt the Bills were in trouble going into this game, but if they had to drop one, losing to an NFC West opponent is the best way to go. I think the team needed a sort of reality check that will serve them well for the rest of the season. Also, for anyone that thinks the Bills lost to a low-end team, ask Dallas how easy playing in ‘Zona is.
The Bad:
The revamped defense was shredded all day long against a potent offense. There was no pressure on the immobile Warner, a defense that entered the game number one in third down conversions could not get themselves off the field, and the personnel on the field consistently were a step behind their opponent. I think the secret is out, teams know that the Bills want to play a very aggressive style of defense. Every week you’re seeing more quick, three step drops, by the opposing quarterbacks and the ball is getting out of the hand and to a receiver who is running a quick timing route. The Bills might have to play off the line more, and rely on the defensive line to create the pressure.
The Ugly:
Kurt Warner has to lose those gloves. He looks like the Six-Million Dollar Man out there with his extra padding, big mouth guard, and enhanced knee braces. I don’t know how the guy survives an entire game under center, but not only does he live to tell about it, he usually plays pretty well. He is one of the few players in the NFL whose bones you can hear creaking in your living room. There have been many QB’s who have stayed past their prime and if Kurt Wants to be one of those guys, that’s fine by me. But come on Kurt, lose the Iceatoner’s! You look like a fool! I haven’t seen anything this ridiculous since Mrs. Warner called a radio station to yell at them for ridiculing her husband.
Post-Game Coverage:
The Bills were due to play a lousy game and they did. Now we find out if we have a team that goes into a slump after getting thumped, or they learn from their mistakes and come out a better team this weekend at home against the Chargers. The Chargers are a tough team who is much better than their 3-3 record. The Bills have had two weeks to prepare of the Bolts and Dick Juron is 2-0 coming out of the bye week since he has become the coach of the Bills. Hopefully those two things will get the Bills back on track. The home crowd should be in a frenzy as they have not seen their beloved Bills in three weeks! The Ralph will be rocking, the Jills will be dancing, and two guy that have never met will practically become family when they’re sandwiched together at the urinal trough in the restroom. Here’s hoping that’s a sign of good luck!
Games to Win to Prove Donte Whitner correct: 6