Buffalo Bills return fumble 74 yards for touchdown (GIF)

facebooktwitterreddit
Sep 8, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) pursues during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) pursues during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley was expected to have a huge season-opener against the lowly Buffalo Bills defense, but he has struggled with turnovers early in the game and one resulted in a long score for Buffalo.

Ridley slipped while trying to cut back on the field and then dropped the ball before he was touchdown down.

As a result, Bills safety Da’Norris Searcy scooped up the ball and took it 74-yards to the house.

Here is a GIF of Ridley’s mistake and the Bills touchdown, via Deadspin:

GIF via Deadspin
GIF via Deadspin /

The touchdown recovery allowed the Bills to pull within three points with just over two minutes to go in the first half.

The game has been all New England, but one costly mistake has changed all of the momentum and allowed the Bills to stay in it.

It’s hard to imagine the Bills continuing to hang on, but the Patriots will need to tighten things up and find a way to take better care of the ball and get in the endzone.