2006 Buffalo Bills season
Encyclopedia
The 2006
Buffalo Bills
season began with the team trying to improve on their 5–11 record in 2005
.
was fired shortly after the end of the 2005 season
. Marv Levy
, who had coached the Bills from 1986–1997, was named as his replacement, with hopes that he would improve a franchise that failed to make the playoffs during Donahoe's tenure. Shortly thereafter, Mike Mularkey
resigned as the Bills' head coach, citing family reasons along with disagreement over the direction of the organization. Dick Jauron
, former coach of the Chicago Bears
, was hired as his replacement.
The Bills season opener at New England marked the first time the Bills did not open at home since 1999. The Bills played all of their games on Sunday afternoons this season, joining the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans as teams without an appearance on primetime in 2006.
, Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Bills opened the regular season on the road against the New England Patriots
on September 10. The Bills got off to a fast start, as on the very first play of the game, OLB Takeo Spikes
sacked opposing QB Tom Brady
, causing a fumble and allowing the Bills to score a 5-yard TD, by MLB London Fletcher-Baker
. The Pats would then tie the game up on a 9-yard pass to opposing WR Troy Brown
. The Bills would regain the lead on a 53-yard FG by Rian Lindell
. Afterwards, in the second quarter, RB Anthony Thomas
would make the score 17–7 at halftime, with an 18-yard TD run. However, The Bills continued their late-game struggles from 2005, as they gave up 12 unanswered points (a 17-yard pass to Kevin Faulk
, a 32-yard Field Goal by Stephen Gostkowski
, and a safety by Ty Warren
) in the final 30 minutes of the contest. With their first game a loss, the Bills start at 0–1.
, Miami Gardens, Florida
For Week 2, the Bills traveled to Dolphin Stadium
to take on the Miami Dolphins
. The Bills managed to get the only score of the first half with a 33-yard field goal by Kicker Rian Lindell
in the first quarter. It wasn't until the third quarter that the Bills were to score again. QB J.P. Losman
threw a 4-yard pass to WR Josh Reed
, while Lindell kicked a 45 and a 43-yard field goal. Even though the Dolphins managed to score in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard pass to WR Chris Chambers
(with a failed 2-point conversion), the Bills defense dominated the game, as they sacked Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper
seven times (along with two forced fumbles) and blocking a punt, allowing Buffalo to win easily. With the win, the Bills moved to 1–1.
, Orchard Park, New York
Dressed up in their 1960s throwback jerseys, the Bills played their Week 3 home-opener against their fellow division rival, the New York Jets
. Buffalo started off with QB J.P. Losman
throwing a 51-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
for the only score in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Jets tied the game up with a 3-yard TD run by RB Kevan Barlow
. The Bills managed to get a 36-yard Field Goal by Kicker Rian Lindell
, but the Jets managed to take the lead, as QB Chad Pennington
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Chris Baker within the closing seconds of the half. In the second half, the Bills fell behind as LB Victor Hobson
returned a Buffalo fumble 32 yards for a touchdown, which would be the only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to close the gap, as Lindell kicked a 28-yard field goal. However, the Jets increased their lead with RB Cedric Houston
getting a 5-yard TD run. The Bills would get another touchdown, as Losman ran 12 yards for a touchdown. Even though the Bills recovered their onside kick; the Jets made the Bills go three-and-out for Buffalo's defeat. With the loss, the Bills dropped to 1–2.
, Orchard Park, New York
Staying at home, the Bills took on the Minnesota Vikings
. In the first quarter, Buffalo got a small deficit as Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell
got a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills scored on an RB Willis McGahee
1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Minnesota got a last-second field goal by Longwell, who kicked it from 49 yards out. In the third quarter, Buffalo pulled ahead as QB J.P. Losman
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Peerless Price
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Bills scored a 28-yard field goal with kicker Rian Lindell
. However, the Vikings QB Brad Johnson
completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. Buffalo prevented the two-point conversion and ran the clock out. , giving the Bills to get their first home victory of the year.
, Chicago, Illinois
The Bills traveled to Soldier Field
to take on the Chicago Bears
, where Head Coach Dick Jauron
would go up against his former team. From the start, Buffalo was in trouble, as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
kicked two field goals in the first quarter (a 42-yarder and a 43-yarder). Then, in the second quarter, three straight touchdowns came from the Bears (a 8-yard pass to WR Bernard Berrian
, RB Cedric Benson
's 1-yard run, and a 15-yard pass to WR Rashied Davis
) put the Bills in a deep hole. In the third quarter, Gould put up another field goal for Chicago (a 32-yarder), while in the fourth quarter, Gould would kick a 41-yard field goal and Benson would get another 1-yard TD run. The Bills would get a late touchdown, as QB J.P. Losman
completed a 5-yard strike to WR Lee Evans
, ending the Bears 11-quarter streak of not allowing their opponents to score a TD. In the end, Buffalo ended up getting routed and it would drop them to 2–3.
, Detroit, Michigan
The Bills flew to Ford Field
to take on another NFC North team, the Detroit Lions
. From the start, the winless Lions were dominated the first quarter, as kicker Jason Hanson
kicked a 43-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo got into the game, as QB J.P. Losman
completed a 44-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
. However, Detroit responded, as QB Jon Kitna
completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. The Bills would get kicker Rian Lindell
to get a 53-yard field goal to end the half . After a scoreless third quarter, Lions kicker Hanson got a 29-yard field goal, putting Detroit up 20–10. The Bills tried to catch-up, as Losman completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Ryan Neufeld
. The Lions ended up getting win #1 as the Bills fell to 2–4.
, Orchard Park, New York
Coming off a road loss to the Lions, the Bills returned home for a rematch with their AFC East rival, the New England Patriots
. Previously, Buffalo almost won and New England came back to win. This time, it wasn't even close. In the first quarter, the Patriots took an early lead with RB Corey Dillon
running 8 yards for a TD. Kicker Rian Lindell
would get a 40-yard field goal, but the Patriots wouldn't allow Buffalo to score, as Dillon got a 12-yard TD run. After a scoreless second quarter, the Pats continued to make the game difficult for the Bills as in the third quarter, QB Tom Brady
threw a 35-yard TD pass to rookie WR Chad Jackson
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Lindell would get another field goal, as he kicked one from 46 yards out, but New England put the game away as Brady completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Doug Gabriel
. After getting swept by the Patriots, the Bills had lost three-straight games and fallen to 2–5.
, Orchard Park, New York
Coming off their Bye Week, the Bills stayed at home for a Week 9 game with the Green Bay Packers
. In the first quarter, even though RB Willis McGahee
would leave the game with injured ribs, kicker Rian Lindell
kicked a 28-yard field goal, which gave the Bills the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Buffalo's defense scored as LB London Fletcher-Baker returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, QB Brett Favre
hooked up with WR Donald Driver
on a 1-yard TD pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay kicker Dave Rayner
kicked a 49-yard field goal to tie the game up. The Bills increased their margin as QB J.P. Losman
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
. Afterwards, a 76-yard interception return by rookie Free Safety Ko Simpson
set up a 14-yard TD run by RB Anthony Thomas
, which finished the scoring in favor of Buffalo. With the win, the Bills improved to 3–5.
, Indianapolis, Indiana
Fresh off of their victory over the Packers, the Bills flew to the RCA Dome
for a Week 10 match-up with the Indianapolis Colts
. In the first quarter, Buffalo got off to a fast start with kicker Rian Lindell
making a 22-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Indianapolis struck back with QB Peyton Manning
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
. The Colts would follow-up with kicker Adam Vinatieri
kicking a 31-yard field goal. The Bills defense made a stand, as CB Terrence McGee
returned a fumble 68 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Indianapolis regained the lead with RB Joseph Addai
completing a 5-yard TD run. Buffalo would respond with Lindell making a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Bills drew closer with Lindell's 43-yard field goal and had a chance to take the lead late in the game, but a 41-yard try went wide right, sealing the victory for the Colts. With the loss, the Bills fell to last place in the AFC East at 3–6.
, Houston, Texas
The matchup at Houston was expected to be a boring affair, but it was anything but. The first quarter saw a dominating offensive performances by WR Lee Evans
, who caught six passes for 205 yards and a pair of 83-yard scores. Evans fell just five yards short of the NFL mark for most yards receiving in a quarter, set by Qadry Ismail
in 1999. However, Houston was not intimidated and kept the game close going into the half. In the second half, the Bills' offense slowed down greatly, but Houston kept flying, mostly on the arm of QB David Carr
, who tied the NFL record for most consecutive completions in a game with 22. DB Dunta Robinson
intercepted a Losman pass and ran it in for an easy score, giving the Texans a 21–17 edge that would hold until the waning seconds, when Losman led the Bills down the field and hit WR Peerless Price
with a pass in the back of the end zone with nine seconds left (the play was reviewed and upheld). In the 24–21 victory, Losman set his career high for passing yardage with 340, and Evans set a new franchise record with 265 yards receiving. With the win, the Bills improved to 4–6.
, Orchard Park, New York
With the momentum of a last second victory against Houston and the return of RB Willis McGahee
, who had missed the previous three weeks with rib injuries, the Bills took an early lead and held off the Jaguars at the end. After Jacksonville scored with :34 seconds remaining and after a questionable squib kick, J.P. Losman
threw a pass down the sideline to WR Roscoe Parrish
who just kept his toes in to set up a game winning Rian Lindell
FG as time expired.
Parrish had earlier made the game's biggest play of the game when he had an 82 yard punt return for a TD. With their second straight victory, the Bills moved up to 5–6.
, Orchard Park, New York
Keeping some slim playoff hopes alive, the Bills stayed at home, donned their throwback jerseys again, and faced a fierce Week 13 challenge against the San Diego Chargers
. In the first quarter, the Chargers struck first with kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 42-yard field goal, while RB LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 51-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo continued to struggle as QB Philip Rivers
completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, the Bills scored with QB J.P. Losman
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal
, while RB Willis McGahee
got a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Tomlinson got a 2-yard TD run. A 6-yard TD pass from Losman to WR Peerless Price
closed the gap, abut a failed onside kick sealed any chance of Buffalo's comeback victory. With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–7.
, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Hoping to avoid being swept by their AFC East rival, the Bills met the Jets at The Meadowlands
. Bills RB Willis McGahee
extended his string of 100-yard rushing games vs. the Jets to five with 125 yards on 16 carries. This included a 57-yard TD in the first quarter. After allowing a 10-yard TD pass from Jets QB Chad Pennington
to WR Laveranues Coles
and a Mike Nugent
field goal, the Bills broke the game open with a 77-yard J.P. Losman
pass to WR Lee Evans
and a 58-yard interception return for a TD by CB Nate Clements
. The Jets cut their deficit to 8 after a field goal on the ensuing possession, but would end up scoreless for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the Bills defense held the Jets in check as a Pennington fumble in the third quarter set up another J.P. Losman TD pass; this time to TE Robert Royal
. The Bills would add a field goal of their own in the fourth quarter to extend their lead 31–13. The Bills remained in playoff contention mathematically with a 6–7 record as they sat two games behind current wild card occupants Jacksonville and Cincinnati.
, Orchard Park, New York
The Bills played at home
against their rivals, the Miami Dolphins
. In order to remain in contention for the playoffs
, the Bills had to defeat Miami—which they did in convincing fashion.
Bills' quarterback J.P. Losman
played well with 200 yards passing, 3 touchdown passes and no interceptions. However, Miami's quarterback, Joey Harrington
was ineffective, throwing only 98 yards passing, with 2 interceptions and achieved a 0.0 passer rating
.
After a scoreless first quarter, Losman threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to tight end Robert Royal
, putting the Bills ahead 7–0 into halftime. In the third quarter, Losman threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Reed
, putting the Bills up by two touchdowns 14–0. In the final quarter, Losman threw another TD pass to wide receiver Lee Evans
.
Miami had the ball on Buffalo's 1-yard line with 6 seconds left in the game. Looking for a touchdown, Miami's backup quarterback Cleo Lemon
threw a pass intended for Chris Chambers
but was batted down at the line of scrimmage
by Ryan Denney
, keeping the Dolphins scoreless.
With this win, the Bills improved their record to 7–7.
, Orchard Park, New York
After the victory over Miami, the Bills stayed at home for a Week 16 intraconference game with the Tennessee Titans
. The Titans (like the Bills) were 7–7 and also hunting for a wildcard berth.
In the first quarter, Buffalo scored first with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 21-yard field goal. Tennessee would respond with QB Vince Young
completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
. The Bills came back with RB Willis McGahee
's 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Titans regained the lead with kicker Rob Bironas
getting a 42-yard and a 20-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bills came back with Lindell kicking a 36-yard and a 45-yard field goal. Then, Tennessee went back into the lead with Young's 36-yard TD run. Buffalo would kick a 21-yard field goal from Lindell before halftime. In the third quarter, QB J.P. Losman
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
and afterwards Lindell kicked a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans won the game with Young completing a 29-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Jones and Bironas' 30-yard field goal. J.P. Losman
led the Bills on one final drive down to the Titans 28, but driving against a wind that was gusting up to 20 mph, the Bills elected not to try a potential game-winning field goal. With the loss, not only did the Bills fall to 7–8, but it also knocked them out of the playoff race.
, Baltimore, Maryland
The Buffalo Bills
ended their season with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens
. Bills' quarterback J.P. Losman
. threw for 237 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Willis McGahee
rushed for 23 yards on 11 carries. Wide receiver Lee Evans
had 7 receptions and 145 yards with 1 touchdown.
In the first quarter, Ravens' kicker Matt Stover
made a 26-yard field goal
, bringing the Ravens up 3–0 at the end of the first.
Just before halftime, Stover made another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. Ravens were leading 6–0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Stover made his third field goal of the day, bringing the Ravens up 9–0. But a few moments later, Losman threw a deep pass to Lee Evans for a 44-yard touchdown
. This brought the Bills in the game and down by only two points. A few minutes later, Losman threw a pass that was intercepted by Chris McAlister
and returned for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Matt Stover made his fourth and final field goal that increased the Ravens' lead.
The Bills lost and their final record was 7–9. However, this record was an improvement over last year's 5–11 record.
2006 NFL season
The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006...
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season began with the team trying to improve on their 5–11 record in 2005
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
.
Offseason
General Manager Tom DonahoeTom Donahoe
Tom Donahoe is a former general manager and president of the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.-Biography:Prior to his tenure with the Bills, he was director of football operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1991-1999...
was fired shortly after the end of the 2005 season
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
. Marv Levy
Marv Levy
Marvin Daniel Levy is a former American and Canadian football coach, front office executive and author.He is a former professional football coach, in the CFL as head coach of the Montreal Alouettes , and in the NFL as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills , coaching the Bills...
, who had coached the Bills from 1986–1997, was named as his replacement, with hopes that he would improve a franchise that failed to make the playoffs during Donahoe's tenure. Shortly thereafter, Mike Mularkey
Mike Mularkey
Michael Rene Mularkey is an American professional football coach and a former college and professional football player. He played college football for the...
resigned as the Bills' head coach, citing family reasons along with disagreement over the direction of the organization. Dick Jauron
Dick Jauron
Richard Manuel Jauron is the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2006 until November 2009. Jauron has previously held head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and, on an interim basis, with the...
, former coach of the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, was hired as his replacement.
NFL Draft
The Bills acquired their second pick (#26 overall) from a trade with Chicago.| Round | Pick # | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | Donte Whitner Donte Whitner Donte Whitner is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the Ohio State University... |
Safety | Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes football The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of The Ohio State University. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA, playing at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I-A, level. The team nickname is derived from the state... |
| 1 | 26 (from Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... ) |
John McCargo John McCargo John McCargo is an American football defensive tackle who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Defensive Tackle | North Carolina State |
| 3 | 70 | Ashton Youboty Ashton Youboty Ashton Youboty is an American football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes football The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of The Ohio State University. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA, playing at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I-A, level. The team nickname is derived from the state... |
| 4 | 105 | Ko Simpson Ko Simpson Yukota "Ko" Simpson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Safety | South Carolina South Carolina Gamecocks football The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice... |
| 5 | 134 | Kyle Williams Kyle Williams (defensive tackle) Kyle Derrick Williams is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Louisiana State.-High school:Williams attended Ruston... |
Defensive Tackle | LSU LSU Tigers football The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as... |
| 5 | 143 | Brad Butler Brad Butler Bradley Jay Butler, Jr. is a former American football guard and tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played high school football at E.C... |
Offensive Tackle | Virginia Virginia Cavaliers football Virginia Cavaliers football is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
| 6 | 178 | Keith Ellison | Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Oregon State Oregon State Beavers football The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive... |
| 7 | 216 | Terrance Pennington Terrance Pennington Terrance Pennington is an American football guard and offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Offensive Tackle | New Mexico |
| 7 | 248 | Aaron Merz Aaron Merz Aaron Andrew Merz is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Guard | California California Golden Bears football The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to... |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 10, 2006 | at New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 19–17 | |
| 2 | September 17, 2006 | at Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 16–6 | |
| 3 | September 24, 2006 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 28–20 | |
| 4 | October 1, 2006 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W 17–12 | |
| 5 | October 8, 2006 | at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 40–7 | |
| 6 | October 15, 2006 | at Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
L 20–17 | |
| 7 | October 22, 2006 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 28–6 | |
| 8 | Bye | |||
| 9 | November 5, 2006 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W 24–10 | |
| 10 | November 12, 2006 | at Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
L 17–16 | |
| 11 | November 19, 2006 | at Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 24–21 | |
| 12 | November 26, 2006 | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 27–24 | |
| 13 | December 3, 2006 | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 24–21 | |
| 14 | December 10, 2006 | at New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 31–13 | |
| 15 | December 17, 2006 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 21–0 | |
| 16 | December 24, 2006 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
L 30–29 | |
| 17 | December 31, 2006 | at Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
L 19–7 | |
The Bills season opener at New England marked the first time the Bills did not open at home since 1999. The Bills played all of their games on Sunday afternoons this season, joining the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans as teams without an appearance on primetime in 2006.
Week 1: at New England Patriots
at Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Foxborough, Massachusetts
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 16,246 people, 6,141 households, and 4,396 families residing in the town. The population density was 809.1 people per square mile . There were 6,299 housing units at an average density of 313.7 per square mile...
The Bills opened the regular season on the road against the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
on September 10. The Bills got off to a fast start, as on the very first play of the game, OLB Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Gerard Spikes is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 13th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
sacked opposing QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
, causing a fumble and allowing the Bills to score a 5-yard TD, by MLB London Fletcher-Baker
London Fletcher
London Levi Fletcher-Baker is an American football linebacker who has played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League since 2007. Undrafted in 1998, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams as a rookie free agent, where he spent four seasons. In 2002, he was signed to the Buffalo...
. The Pats would then tie the game up on a 9-yard pass to opposing WR Troy Brown
Troy Brown
Troy Fitzgerald Brown is a former NFL wide receiver, cornerback and punt returner in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall...
. The Bills would regain the lead on a 53-yard FG by Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
. Afterwards, in the second quarter, RB Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas (American football)
Anthony Jermaine Thomas is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the running backs coach at at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Thomas was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
would make the score 17–7 at halftime, with an 18-yard TD run. However, The Bills continued their late-game struggles from 2005, as they gave up 12 unanswered points (a 17-yard pass to Kevin Faulk
Kevin Faulk
Kevin Troy Faulk is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at LSU.As of 2010, Faulk is the longest-tenured current member of the Patriots,...
, a 32-yard Field Goal by Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
, and a safety by Ty Warren
Ty Warren
Ty'ron "Ty" Markeith Warren is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
) in the final 30 minutes of the contest. With their first game a loss, the Bills start at 0–1.
Week 2: at Miami Dolphins
at Dolphin StadiumDolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
, Miami Gardens, Florida
Miami Gardens, Florida
Miami Gardens is a Miami suburban city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The city name comes from one of the major roadways through the area, Miami Gardens Drive. According to the 2010 U.S...
For Week 2, the Bills traveled to Dolphin Stadium
Dolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
to take on the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Bills managed to get the only score of the first half with a 33-yard field goal by Kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
in the first quarter. It wasn't until the third quarter that the Bills were to score again. QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
threw a 4-yard pass to WR Josh Reed
Josh Reed
Joshua Blake "Josh" Reed is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, while Lindell kicked a 45 and a 43-yard field goal. Even though the Dolphins managed to score in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard pass to WR Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
(with a failed 2-point conversion), the Bills defense dominated the game, as they sacked Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
seven times (along with two forced fumbles) and blocking a punt, allowing Buffalo to win easily. With the win, the Bills moved to 1–1.
Week 3: vs New York Jets
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
Dressed up in their 1960s throwback jerseys, the Bills played their Week 3 home-opener against their fellow division rival, the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Buffalo started off with QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
throwing a 51-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
for the only score in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Jets tied the game up with a 3-yard TD run by RB Kevan Barlow
Kevan Barlow
Kevan C. Barlow is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
. The Bills managed to get a 36-yard Field Goal by Kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
, but the Jets managed to take the lead, as QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Chris Baker within the closing seconds of the half. In the second half, the Bills fell behind as LB Victor Hobson
Victor Hobson
Victor Brian Hobson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
returned a Buffalo fumble 32 yards for a touchdown, which would be the only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to close the gap, as Lindell kicked a 28-yard field goal. However, the Jets increased their lead with RB Cedric Houston
Cedric Houston
Cedric Leonard Houston is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.-Early years:...
getting a 5-yard TD run. The Bills would get another touchdown, as Losman ran 12 yards for a touchdown. Even though the Bills recovered their onside kick; the Jets made the Bills go three-and-out for Buffalo's defeat. With the loss, the Bills dropped to 1–2.
Week 4: vs Minnesota Vikings
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
Staying at home, the Bills took on the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo got a small deficit as Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
got a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills scored on an RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Minnesota got a last-second field goal by Longwell, who kicked it from 49 yards out. In the third quarter, Buffalo pulled ahead as QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Bills scored a 28-yard field goal with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
. However, the Vikings QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. Buffalo prevented the two-point conversion and ran the clock out. , giving the Bills to get their first home victory of the year.
Week 5: at Chicago Bears
at Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
, Chicago, Illinois
The Bills traveled to Soldier Field
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
to take on the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, where Head Coach Dick Jauron
Dick Jauron
Richard Manuel Jauron is the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2006 until November 2009. Jauron has previously held head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and, on an interim basis, with the...
would go up against his former team. From the start, Buffalo was in trouble, as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kicked two field goals in the first quarter (a 42-yarder and a 43-yarder). Then, in the second quarter, three straight touchdowns came from the Bears (a 8-yard pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
's 1-yard run, and a 15-yard pass to WR Rashied Davis
Rashied Davis
Rashied Khalid Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at San José State...
) put the Bills in a deep hole. In the third quarter, Gould put up another field goal for Chicago (a 32-yarder), while in the fourth quarter, Gould would kick a 41-yard field goal and Benson would get another 1-yard TD run. The Bills would get a late touchdown, as QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 5-yard strike to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
, ending the Bears 11-quarter streak of not allowing their opponents to score a TD. In the end, Buffalo ended up getting routed and it would drop them to 2–3.
Week 6: at Detroit Lions
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
The Bills flew to Ford Field
Ford Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
to take on another NFC North team, the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. From the start, the winless Lions were dominated the first quarter, as kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
kicked a 43-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo got into the game, as QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 44-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. However, Detroit responded, as QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Bills would get kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
to get a 53-yard field goal to end the half . After a scoreless third quarter, Lions kicker Hanson got a 29-yard field goal, putting Detroit up 20–10. The Bills tried to catch-up, as Losman completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Ryan Neufeld
Ryan Neufeld
Ryan Matthew Neufeld is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1999...
. The Lions ended up getting win #1 as the Bills fell to 2–4.
Week 7: vs New England Patriots
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
Coming off a road loss to the Lions, the Bills returned home for a rematch with their AFC East rival, the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Previously, Buffalo almost won and New England came back to win. This time, it wasn't even close. In the first quarter, the Patriots took an early lead with RB Corey Dillon
Corey Dillon
Corey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
running 8 yards for a TD. Kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
would get a 40-yard field goal, but the Patriots wouldn't allow Buffalo to score, as Dillon got a 12-yard TD run. After a scoreless second quarter, the Pats continued to make the game difficult for the Bills as in the third quarter, QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
threw a 35-yard TD pass to rookie WR Chad Jackson
Chad Jackson
-New England Patriots:On the first day of the 2006 NFL Draft, the Patriots traded draft picks with the Green Bay Packers to move up sixteen places in the second round to select Jackson, giving up a third-round pick acquired in a trade...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Lindell would get another field goal, as he kicked one from 46 yards out, but New England put the game away as Brady completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Doug Gabriel
Doug Gabriel
Douglas Gabriel is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Orlando Predators an Arena Football League team in Orlando Florida. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. After getting swept by the Patriots, the Bills had lost three-straight games and fallen to 2–5.
Week 9: vs Green Bay Packers
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
Coming off their Bye Week, the Bills stayed at home for a Week 9 game with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, even though RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
would leave the game with injured ribs, kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
kicked a 28-yard field goal, which gave the Bills the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Buffalo's defense scored as LB London Fletcher-Baker returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
hooked up with WR Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
on a 1-yard TD pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
kicked a 49-yard field goal to tie the game up. The Bills increased their margin as QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
. Afterwards, a 76-yard interception return by rookie Free Safety Ko Simpson
Ko Simpson
Yukota "Ko" Simpson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
set up a 14-yard TD run by RB Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas (American football)
Anthony Jermaine Thomas is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the running backs coach at at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Thomas was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, which finished the scoring in favor of Buffalo. With the win, the Bills improved to 3–5.
Week 10: at Indianapolis Colts
at the RCA DomeRCA Dome
RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons ....
, Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
Fresh off of their victory over the Packers, the Bills flew to the RCA Dome
RCA Dome
RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons ....
for a Week 10 match-up with the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Buffalo got off to a fast start with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
making a 22-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Indianapolis struck back with QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne
Reginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...
. The Colts would follow-up with kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
kicking a 31-yard field goal. The Bills defense made a stand, as CB Terrence McGee
Terrence McGee
Terrence Dewayne McGee is an American football cornerback and kick returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by Bills in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
returned a fumble 68 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Indianapolis regained the lead with RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
completing a 5-yard TD run. Buffalo would respond with Lindell making a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Bills drew closer with Lindell's 43-yard field goal and had a chance to take the lead late in the game, but a 41-yard try went wide right, sealing the victory for the Colts. With the loss, the Bills fell to last place in the AFC East at 3–6.
Week 11: at Houston Texans
at Reliant StadiumReliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
, Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
The matchup at Houston was expected to be a boring affair, but it was anything but. The first quarter saw a dominating offensive performances by WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
, who caught six passes for 205 yards and a pair of 83-yard scores. Evans fell just five yards short of the NFL mark for most yards receiving in a quarter, set by Qadry Ismail
Qadry Ismail
Qadry "The Missile" Ismail is a former National Football League wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and the Indianapolis Colts in a 10 year career that lasted from 1993 to 2002...
in 1999. However, Houston was not intimidated and kept the game close going into the half. In the second half, the Bills' offense slowed down greatly, but Houston kept flying, mostly on the arm of QB David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
, who tied the NFL record for most consecutive completions in a game with 22. DB Dunta Robinson
Dunta Robinson
Willie Dunta Robinson is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Houston Texans 10th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina.-Early years:...
intercepted a Losman pass and ran it in for an easy score, giving the Texans a 21–17 edge that would hold until the waning seconds, when Losman led the Bills down the field and hit WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
with a pass in the back of the end zone with nine seconds left (the play was reviewed and upheld). In the 24–21 victory, Losman set his career high for passing yardage with 340, and Evans set a new franchise record with 265 yards receiving. With the win, the Bills improved to 4–6.
Week 12: vs Jacksonville Jaguars
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
With the momentum of a last second victory against Houston and the return of RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, who had missed the previous three weeks with rib injuries, the Bills took an early lead and held off the Jaguars at the end. After Jacksonville scored with :34 seconds remaining and after a questionable squib kick, J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
threw a pass down the sideline to WR Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
who just kept his toes in to set up a game winning Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
FG as time expired.
Parrish had earlier made the game's biggest play of the game when he had an 82 yard punt return for a TD. With their second straight victory, the Bills moved up to 5–6.
Week 13: vs San Diego Chargers
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
Keeping some slim playoff hopes alive, the Bills stayed at home, donned their throwback jerseys again, and faced a fierce Week 13 challenge against the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Chargers struck first with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 42-yard field goal, while RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 51-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo continued to struggle as QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, the Bills scored with QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal
Robert Royal
Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, while RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Tomlinson got a 2-yard TD run. A 6-yard TD pass from Losman to WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
closed the gap, abut a failed onside kick sealed any chance of Buffalo's comeback victory. With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–7.
Week 14: at New York Jets
at Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
, East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,913. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
Hoping to avoid being swept by their AFC East rival, the Bills met the Jets at The Meadowlands
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
. Bills RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
extended his string of 100-yard rushing games vs. the Jets to five with 125 yards on 16 carries. This included a 57-yard TD in the first quarter. After allowing a 10-yard TD pass from Jets QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
to WR Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Leon Coles is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University....
and a Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
field goal, the Bills broke the game open with a 77-yard J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
and a 58-yard interception return for a TD by CB Nate Clements
Nate Clements
Nathan D. Clements is an American football cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 21st overall in the 2001 NFL Draft...
. The Jets cut their deficit to 8 after a field goal on the ensuing possession, but would end up scoreless for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the Bills defense held the Jets in check as a Pennington fumble in the third quarter set up another J.P. Losman TD pass; this time to TE Robert Royal
Robert Royal
Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Bills would add a field goal of their own in the fourth quarter to extend their lead 31–13. The Bills remained in playoff contention mathematically with a 6–7 record as they sat two games behind current wild card occupants Jacksonville and Cincinnati.
Week 15: vs Miami Dolphins
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
The Bills played at home
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
against their rivals, the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In order to remain in contention for the playoffs
NFL playoffs
The National Football League playoffs are a single-elimination tournament held at the end of the regular season to determine the NFL champion. Six teams from each of the league's two conferences qualify for the playoffs based on regular season records, and a tie-breaking procedure exists in the...
, the Bills had to defeat Miami—which they did in convincing fashion.
Bills' quarterback J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
played well with 200 yards passing, 3 touchdown passes and no interceptions. However, Miami's quarterback, Joey Harrington
Joey Harrington
John Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...
was ineffective, throwing only 98 yards passing, with 2 interceptions and achieved a 0.0 passer rating
Passer rating
Passer rating is a measure of the performance of quarterbacks or any other passers in American football and Canadian football. There are at least two formulae currently in use: one officially used by the National Football League and the Canadian Football League, and one used in college football...
.
After a scoreless first quarter, Losman threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to tight end Robert Royal
Robert Royal
Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, putting the Bills ahead 7–0 into halftime. In the third quarter, Losman threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Reed
Josh Reed
Joshua Blake "Josh" Reed is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, putting the Bills up by two touchdowns 14–0. In the final quarter, Losman threw another TD pass to wide receiver Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
.
Miami had the ball on Buffalo's 1-yard line with 6 seconds left in the game. Looking for a touchdown, Miami's backup quarterback Cleo Lemon
Cleo Lemon
Cleo "Cleonardo" Lemon, Jr. is a Canadian football quarterback in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
threw a pass intended for Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
but was batted down at the line of scrimmage
Line of scrimmage
In American and Canadian football a line of scrimmage is an imaginary transverse line beyond which a team cannot cross until the next play has begun...
by Ryan Denney
Ryan Denney
Ryan Craig Denney is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, keeping the Dolphins scoreless.
With this win, the Bills improved their record to 7–7.
Week 16: vs Tennessee Titans
at Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
, Orchard Park, New York
After the victory over Miami, the Bills stayed at home for a Week 16 intraconference game with the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. The Titans (like the Bills) were 7–7 and also hunting for a wildcard berth.
In the first quarter, Buffalo scored first with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 21-yard field goal. Tennessee would respond with QB Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
Bobby Wade
Robert Louis Wade, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. The Bills came back with RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
's 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Titans regained the lead with kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
getting a 42-yard and a 20-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bills came back with Lindell kicking a 36-yard and a 45-yard field goal. Then, Tennessee went back into the lead with Young's 36-yard TD run. Buffalo would kick a 21-yard field goal from Lindell before halftime. In the third quarter, QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
and afterwards Lindell kicked a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans won the game with Young completing a 29-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Jones and Bironas' 30-yard field goal. J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
led the Bills on one final drive down to the Titans 28, but driving against a wind that was gusting up to 20 mph, the Bills elected not to try a potential game-winning field goal. With the loss, not only did the Bills fall to 7–8, but it also knocked them out of the playoff race.
Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens
at M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
, Baltimore, Maryland
The Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
ended their season with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Bills' quarterback J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. threw for 237 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
rushed for 23 yards on 11 carries. Wide receiver Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
had 7 receptions and 145 yards with 1 touchdown.
In the first quarter, Ravens' kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
made a 26-yard field goal
Field goal (football)
A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
, bringing the Ravens up 3–0 at the end of the first.
Just before halftime, Stover made another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. Ravens were leading 6–0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Stover made his third field goal of the day, bringing the Ravens up 9–0. But a few moments later, Losman threw a deep pass to Lee Evans for a 44-yard touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
. This brought the Bills in the game and down by only two points. A few minutes later, Losman threw a pass that was intercepted by Chris McAlister
Chris McAlister
Christopher James McAlister is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona....
and returned for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Matt Stover made his fourth and final field goal that increased the Ravens' lead.
The Bills lost and their final record was 7–9. However, this record was an improvement over last year's 5–11 record.