Published: November 30, 2008 10:28 pm            

BILLS BY QUARTER: Against San Francisco

FIRST QUARTER

San Francisco 7, Buffalo 0

The Good: Run defense. The Bills stuffed stud running back Frank Gore through the first few series, keeping him to 18 yards on his first 11 carries. That’s a 1.6-yard-per-carry average for those keeping track at home.

The Bad: Pass defense. The Bills made dud quarterback Shaun Hill look like a Pro Bowler through the first few series, surrendering big plays on San Fran’s first four third-down attempts. Would have been five, but Jason Hill ran a bad route and only got seven on a third-and-8.

Key Stat: San Francisco went 4 of 5 on third down.



SECOND QUARTER

San Francisco 10, Buffalo 0

The Good: Chalk one up for John Wendling’s backside. The special teamer took a kick off his posterior and the Bills had a chance to get a late score with under 10 seconds left before bumbling it. It was, believe it or not, the best play of an otherwise miserable quarter.

The Bad: Everything else. Rian Lindell’s 20-yard field goal hit the upright, and from there things went downhill. An ugly series in which Duke Preston ran into Trent Edwards then put himself offside was followed the next series by a Marshawn Lynch fumble.

Key Stat: San Fran had just one first down, yet outscored the Bills.



THIRD QUARTER

San Francisco 10, Buffalo 3

The Good: The Beast was unleashed with Edwards injured, and Lynch’s 50-yard run down the right sideline was the highlight. He couldn’t get in and it cost the Bills again — they managed just a field goal. Still, it was clearly a momentum-changing play after the news that Edwards wouldn’t return.

The Bad: Why is Roscoe Parrish, the smallest guy on the team, running a post-up route at the goal line? Despite a decent throw by J.P. Losman, San Francisco’s Donald Strickland knocked down the pass and the Bills missed out on another chance.

Key Stat: Lynch, five carries for 66 yards.



FOURTH QUARTER

San Francisco 10, Buffalo 3

The Good: Losman made three nice throws, getting the ball deep into San Francisco territory. His best was a dart to Josh Reed on a third and nine that went for 14 yards. That got Buffalo to the 28-yard line but ...

The Bad: ... again the Bills couldn’t get it in. This time, Buffalo tried Freddy Jackson on third and one from the 6-yard line, but lost a yard. The Bills decided to go for it, but Losman was under pressure and couldn’t find a receiver. No points.

Key Stat: Final drive — four plays, minus-five yards.

        

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