Published: November 18, 2008 11:09 pm            

BILLS: Lynch, running game finally get going

ORCHARD PARK — Marshawn Lynch’s elusiveness extended from the field to the locker room Monday night.

Dressed in all black, the Buffalo Bills running back quickly made his way past reporters following a 29-27 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The group of middle-aged men with pens and tape recorders provided about as much resistance as an NFL defense. Of course, Lynch hasn’t spoken with the media save for one time this season, so his refusal to speak wasn’t taken personally.

The Bills who did face the music in the locker room instead spoke about the performance of their second-year teammate.

“We talk every week about getting the run game going,” tackle Langston Walker said. “Sometimes situations don’t allow us to run the ball as much as we’d like to, but (Monday) was that day when we were doing well. I don’t know the stats, but it looked like Marshawn was getting out there.”

To be specific, Lynch was getting out there to the tune of 119 yards on 23 carries and a career-high 10 receptions for another 58 yards and a touchdown. The receiving score was the first of Lynch’s career.

Not surprisingly, though, there weren’t many players in a subdued locker room interested in talking after the lowest point in a season that’s quickly becoming filled with them.

“We wanted to take it upon ourselves to try and have a good game,” running back Fred Jackson said. “We were able to do so, but didn’t make enough plays, obviously.”

With Monday’s effort, the Bills improved to 24th in the league in rushing, while Lynch moved to 15th individually. With a poor rushing defense on tap in the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s a chance both of those numbers could improve.

At least that’s the silver lining to a black cloud that now hangs over what was a promising 2008 campaign.

Contact editor Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.

        

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