The Detroit Lions struggled to get anything going at home and the Buffalo Bills were able to pull off the shocking upset on the road.
This game seemed to set up in favor of the Lions. They were at home and they were facing the Bills in Kyle Orton‘s season debut. Things weren’t so easy, however, and Detroit got everything they could handle and more as the Bills came back and won by a final score of 17-14.
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Orton proved to be an immediate upgrade over second-year quarterback EJ Manuel. The veteran threw for 308 yards in this game with one touchdown and one interception. Orton’s mustache game was in fine form, as was his quarterback play in the second half. Given the chance to get his team in field goal range as the game wound down, Orton did just that.
Not to be overlooked is the work of Buffalo kicker Dan Carpenter, who made three field goals and drilled a 58 yarder for the win.
You cannot get too far into this game without discussing poor Alex Henery. The Lions’ kicker attempted three field goals and missed three field goals. The unfortunate reality for Mr. Henery is that he will probably be looking for work after this game.
Matthew Stafford and the Lions’ offense felt the sting of not having Calvin Johnson available at full strength once again in this game. Johnson only had one catch for seven yards in limited action. The rest of the offense struggled against a punchy Bills defense. Stafford threw for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception. George Winn did most of the work on the ground, rushing for 44 yards on 11 attempts.
Golden Tate was the offensive star for the Lions, hauling in six catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Besides being the most productive player on the field, Tate made a key play to set up Alex Henery’s winning field goal attempt.
The Bills put their stamp on this game by playing good defense and getting key plays on offense when they needed them. In a weak AFC East, the Bills have to be asking the hopeful question: why not us? With a quality win on the road like this one, maybe the Bills are onto something here.
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