Buffalo Bills: Game Recap

Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Buffalo Bills running back

(35) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Second Half

The second half of the game was back and forth for both teams.  The offense behind Thad Lewis did not look in sync at all.  A couple of runs by Bryce Brown helped, but the consistency was not there.  The defense in the 3rd quarter, which was most likely a mix of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string players, still looked strong.

Coming into the fourth quarter, the defense began to break down a bit but this is more or less the guys fighting for a roster spot.  The Panthers at this point moved the ball consistency down the field and ended up with a touchdown, making the score 13-12 with an unsuccessful attempt at a 2 pt conversion.

With a great return by T.J. Graham, the Bills started near midfield on their first drive of the 4th quarter with Jeff Tuel at the helm.  The offensive line looked a lot more consistent this game than last.  Cyrus Kouandjio, who had some balance issues last game, looked a lot better on the pass protection as well as the run game.  This 4th quarter offense was able to move the ball and in the end put 7 more points on the board.

Offensively, the line did struggle throughout the game in goalline situations.  They got blown back on more than one occasion and this is  end where they need to be the lower team and drive that defensive line into the end zone.  Too much penetration by the defensive line and the linebackers for the goalline offense to be affective.

Overall the Bills as a team looked better than they did last week.  Manuel seemed to be a lot more comfortable and it showed with his consistency.  The offensive line looked better as well.  The running game didn’t miss a step and the defense started strong, had some hiccups in the middle, and finished where they started.  The defense was the more consistent group of the team, with the second team offense behind Thad Lewis having the move trouble.

The Bills did take the game from the Panthers even with a late touchdown, but another unsuccessful 2 pt conversion finalized the game 20-18. Bills Win!