Nov 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts kick returner T.Y. Hilton (13) avoids a tackle by Buffalo Bills wide receiver Ruvell Martin (82) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
In a game where the defense seems solid and the offense struggled, the Bills fell just short. The Bills lost to the Colts by one touchdown, 20-13, to drop to a 4-7 record on the season. Although there were some positives to take away from this game, it still hurts any hopes for the team to make the playoffs this season.
Both teams started the games with a three and out, but the Colts took the lead with an important special teams play. Returner T.Y. Hilton took a Shawn Powell punt 75 yards to the house.
The Bills best drive of the first half followed, with the team moving down the field in 11 plays to get into field goal range. Rian Lindell made his first of two field goals on the day from 33 yards out.
After exchanging field goals the Bills took a chance late in the second quarter by throwing three passes in a row from inside their ten yard line. None of the passes were completed, and the Bills were forced to punt. Andrew Luck drove the Colts all the way down to the one yard line, but Indianapolis was forced to take a field goal due to time. That score gave Indy a 13-6 lead at half.
The second half saw the Bills defense stall as C.J. Spiller seemed to be taken out of the gameplan by Chan Gailey. After rushing for 50 yards in the first half Spiller had only had one carry in the first 13 minutes of the second half.
The Colts offense gained some momentum, taking a 20-6 lead thanks to a Luck touchdown throw to Hilton. Thinks were looking bleak for the Bills, but there was still plenty of time for a comeback.
The Bills responded with a quick 78 yard drive, featuring a 41 yard rush by Spiller. Buffalo scored their first touchdown on a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass to tightend Lee Smith to make the score 20-13.
After a three and out by the Colts the Bills had a chance to tie things up. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw another untimely interception to Tom Zbikowski. This time though Fitzpatrick was bailed out by Stevie Johnson, who knocked the ball out and recovered the fumble. The Bills got one more shot, but their drive stalled after a poor screen play. The Bills punted and never got the ball back.
Although the offense had its struggles, the defense once again looked better. Mario Williams looked like the player he should be, recording three sacks and three tackles. Marcell Dareus had five tackles and a sack while Justin Rogers had his first interception of the season.
Fitzpatrick had an average day, throwing 17 for 33 passes for 180 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Spiller had 14 carries for 107 yards while Fred Jackson only had 6 carries for 16 yards. Stevie Johnson had an excellent day, catching 6 balls for 106 yards. Scott Chandler had 26 yards receiving while T.J. Graham had 24 yards.
Luck threw for 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Vick Ballard led the rushing attack with 41 yards, while Donald Brown had 26 yards. Reggie Wayne became the league leader in receptions with his 8 catch 102 yard game. Tight end Dwayne Allen had three receptions for 36 yards, Hilton had 33 yards, and Donnie Avery had 31 yards.
The Bills fall to 4-7 while Indianapolis moves to 7-4. The Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next week following the Jags victory over the Tennessee Titans.