Defense, along with timely runs help propel Bills to win in Overtime

Eric Wood said it best after the game when he tweeted the following, "@EWood70: Great team win! Sorry about all your survivor pools out there."  The Bills certainly did surprise a lot of people by pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the day by winning in Chicago 23-20 in OT.  The defense picked off Jay Cutler twice and forced a fumble from Brandon Marshall adding up to three critical turnovers for Chicago.  The 427 total yards by the Bears offense shows they were able to move the ball most of the day, but that bend but don't break defense really helped Buffalo.  Cutler was 34/49 for 349 yards 2 TD's and 2 Int's, while Forte led the Bears with 82 yards on the ground.

On the flip side, The Bills offense got big plays when they needed them.  EJ wasn't great, but he was in control throughout 16/22 for 173 yards 1 TD and 1 Int.  The three headed monster that is the Bills running attack killed the Bears for 193 yards on the ground, capped off by Fred Jackson's 38 yard run to set up the game winning Dan Carpenter field goal in overtime.  Manuel delivered some beautiful second half throws, two of which jump out right away.  The first one was that incredible catch by Robert Woods in which it looked like he was just floating forever in mid air.  The second one was the 20 yard pass in OT to Mike Williams that put the Bills in Chicago territory.  On the stat sheets, they will go down as just two completions, but I think there is more to that.  On the post game show last night, a caller said something very interesting that stuck with me.  He referred to those two throws as the first time he has ever seen EJ "throw his receivers open."  How many times have fans, myself included, criticized Manuel for his lack of accuracy? I'll tell you..... too much!  But I saw yesterday as a big step going forward for his confidence.  Williams wasn't open when he threw it, but he put it in a spot where only his guy could go get it.  With the receivers Buffalo has, just putting it up there and telling them to go get it is a pretty good option.  

Biggest play of the game: Middle of the 4th quarter, tied game.  The Bills just surrendered their 10 point lead and all the momentum was with Chicago.  Bears ball 3rd & 1 at the Buffalo 34 Cutler rolls right pumps, pumps, throws across the field picked off by KYLE WILLIAMS?! That's right, the 300 + lb. defensive tackle grabbed his first interception of his career when he stepped in front of tight end Martellus Bennett.  It stopped all of the momentum and the Bills went on to take the lead once again and eventually win.  

Game MVP: This one is so easy for me.  When the news came down that Stephon Gilmore was unable to play, it looked as though the Bills were in deep trouble.  Against this offense without your #1 corner on the road is tough.  Luckily for Buffalo, they had Corey Graham.  The Bills captain was the best player in this game.  His interception in the first half set up the CJ Spiller touchdown, then more importantly his deflected passes while guarding Brandon Marshall saved the game.  He blanketed the Bears number 1 receiver and made things difficult for him all night.  It kept the Bears out of the end zone and eventually led to a HUGE road win. 

Game Injuries: Two starting defensive players left the game LB Keith Rivers (groin), and S Aaron Williams (concussion like symptoms).  Their status for next week is unknown at this time.

Next Week: The Bills return to the friendly confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium for the home opener against the division rival Miami Dolphins. 1 pm kickoff CBS