2008 Buffalo Bills season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Buffalo Bills
season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League
and their 49th season overall. They finished with a record of 7–9 for the third consecutive year. They started the season 4–0 before a 3–9 stretch.
The team was eliminated from playoff contention in week 15, which secured their ninth straight year without a playoff appearance.
entered his third year (2006 to 2009) with the Bills. Turk Schonert
began his first year as offensive coordinator.
As part of the 5 year Toronto
deal the Bills will play a pre-season game every other year there. This season's pre-season game in Toronto is week 2.
One regular season home game per year will be played at the Rogers Centre
in Toronto, Ontario as part of a five-year deal. For 2008, December 7's matchup with the Miami Dolphins
was staged in Toronto.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as running back Marshawn Lynch
got a 21-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Bills increased their lead with wide receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish
returning a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. The Seahawks would respond with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck
completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Burleson
. Buffalo would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 35-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Seattle responded with kicker Olindo Mare
nailing a 45-yard field goal. Afterwards, Buffalo dug into their bag of tricks. Appearing to attempt a 32-yard field goal, holder Brian Moorman
completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Ryan Denney
. The Bills would pull away with quarterback Trent Edwards
completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end Robert Royal
.
With this impressive win, the Bills start off their season with a 1–0 record.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as RB Marshawn Lynch
got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Jaguars would respond with kicker Josh Scobee
getting a 28-yard field goal. The Bills would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
kicking a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Jacksonville took the lead with RB Maurice Jones-Drew
getting a 2-yard TD run and Scobee getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars increased their lead with Scobee nailing a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, Buffalo rallied as QB Trent Edwards
completed a 7-yard TD pass to rookie WR James Hardy
, along with Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.
With yet another impressive win, the Bills improved to 2–0.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board with RB Marshawn Lynch
getting a 14-yard TD run. Oakland responded with Janikowski kicking a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo began to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland immediately responded with Russell completing an 84-yard TD pass to WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
. Afterwards, the Bills completed its rally with QB Trent Edwards
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
. Then, Buffalo sealed the win with kicker Rian Lindell
nailing the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the win, the Bills improved to 3–0 for the first time since 1992.
Also, during halftime, former Bills DE Bruce Smith (the NFL's All-Time Sack Leader) was added to the Bills Wall of Fame.
for a Week 4 interconference duel with the winless St. Louis Rams
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kicker Rian Lindell
got a 45-yard field goal. The Rams would respond with WR Donnie Avery
getting a 37-yard TD run. The Bills would answer with Lindell's 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with RB Steven Jackson
getting a 29-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo began to rally as RB Fred Jackson got a 22-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills completed their comeback with CB Jabari Greer
returning an interception 33 yards for a touchdown, QB Trent Edwards
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
, and Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.
With the win, Buffalo got its first 4–0 start since 1992.
for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Cardinals QB Kurt Warner
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead as RB Tim Hightower
got a 17-yard TD run. The Bills would respond as QB J.P. Losman completing an 87-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
, yet the Cardinals replied with RB Edgerrin James
getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo would answer right back with Losman getting a 1-yard TD run, yet Arizona closed out the half with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bills tried to catch up as kicker Rian Lindell
got a 48-yard field goal, but the Cardinals answered with Warner completing a 2-yard TD pass to Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, Arizona pulled away as Rackers nailed a 38-yard field goal, along with Hightower getting a 2-yard TD run,
With the loss, Buffalo went into their bye week at 4–1.
QB Trent Edwards
(3/3 for 18 yards), who originally started, was knocked out the game on the Bills' third offensive play by Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson with a concussion.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kicker Rian Lindell
got a 38-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with QB Philip Rivers
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Malcom Floyd
. In the second quarter, the Bills regained the lead with QB Trent Edwards
(fully recovered from his concussion) completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
, along with Lindell getting a 27-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Diego regained the lead with Rivers completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
. Buffalo would answer with RB Marshawn Lynch
getting a 9-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills pulled away with Lindell nailing a 44-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did Buffalo improve to 5–1, they also got their first 3–0 home start since 1995.
A power outage at Ralph Wilson Stadium, caused by three helium balloons coming in contact with a transformer, led to portions of the game not being televised. For a short time during the first and second quarters, the game was played with no public address announcers, no scoreboard, and the time was kept by the officials on the field.
for a Week 8 AFC East duel with the Miami Dolphins
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano
. The Bills would respond with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Lindell got a 43-yard and a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bills increased their lead as RB Marshawn Lynch
got an 8-yard TD run. However, Miami began to respond as kicker Dan Carpenter
got a 43-yard field goal, while RB Ricky Williams
got a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins sealed Buffalo's fate as Carpenter made a 45-yard field goal, LB Joey Porter
causing QB Trent Edwards
to fumble the ball in his own endzone (leading to a safety), and Carpenter nailing a 35-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–2.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Jets kicker Jay Feely
got a 37-yard field goal. Buffalo would respond as QB Trent Edwards
completed a 9-yard TD pass to rookie TE Derek Fine
. However, New York responded as Feely got a 26-yard field goal, along with safety Abram Elam
returning an interception 92 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as Feely got a 20-yard field goal. Buffalo would respond with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 53-yard field goal, but the Jets replied with RB Thomas Jones getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to rally as CB Jabari Greer
returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. However, New York pulled away with Feely making a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, Buffalo fell to 5–3.
with a Week 10 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Patriots QB Matt Cassel
got a 13-yard TD run. In the second quarter, New England increased their lead as kicker Stephen Gostkowski
got a 32-yard field goal. The Bills would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Patriots answered with Gostkowski nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England pulled away with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo ended the game with QB Trent Edwards
completing a 14-yard TD pass to rookie WR James Hardy
.
With their third-straight loss, the Bills fell to 5–4.
. In the first quarter, Buffalo struggled early as early interceptions from QB Trent Edwards
helped Browns kicker Phil Dawson
get a 40-yard and a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased their lead as WR/KR Joshua Cribbs
got a 2-yard TD run. The Bills would answer as Edwards completed an 18-yard TD pass to RB Marshawn Lynch
, along with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Browns answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field. Buffalo would reply with Lindell getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland greatly answered as RB Jerome Harrison
got a 72-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Bills immediately replied as rookie CB Leodis McKelvin
returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Browns would respond as Dawson got a 22-yard field goal. Buffalo would take the lead as Edwards got a 1-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. The Bills would try to rally, but in the haunting image of Super Bowl XXV
, Lindell missed a 47-yard field goal wide right.
With their fourth-straight loss, Buffalo fell to 5–5.
for a Week 12 duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen
completed a 36-yard TD pass to RB Jamaal Charles
. The Bills would respond with RB Marshawn Lynch
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as kicker Rian Lindell
made a 21-yard field goal. Kansas City answered with Thigpen completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. Buffalo would regain the lead as Lindell got a 39-yard field goal, while rookie CB Leodis McKelvin
returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs struck back with kicker Connor Barth
getting a 45-yard field goal, yet the Bills continued their offensive explosion as Lindell got a 34-yard field goal, along with QB Trent Edwards
getting a 15-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo continued its poundings with Edwards getting a 5-yard TD run, while Lindell got himself a 38-yard field goal. Kansas City tried to rally as Thigpen completed a 45-yard TD pass to WR Mark Bradley
, yet the Bills replied with Edwards completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Josh Reed
. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo pulled away as Edwards completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Derek Schouman
. The Chiefs tried to come back as QB Quinn Gray
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe
, yet the Bills' lead was too much for Kansas City to overcome.
With the win, Buffalo improved to 6–5.
This marked the first time the Bills scored 50+ points on an opponent since Sept. 1991 against the Pittsburgh Steelers
(52–34).http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=buf&tm2=pit&yr=1991
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as 49ers QB Shaun Hill
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. In the second quarter, the Bills continued to trail as kicker Joe Nedney
made a 50-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Buffalo tried to rally as kicker Rian Lindell
nailed a 22-yard field goal, but the team struggled offensively for the rest of the game.
With the loss, the Bills fell to 6–6.
QB Trent Edwards
(10/21 for 112 yards) didn't play the second half, due to a groin injury.
for their first game of their Canadian International series, with an AFC East rematch against the Miami Dolphins
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
completed a 20-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano
. The Bills would answer with kicker Rian Lindell
. After that, Miami pulled away as kicker Dan Carpenter
made three field goals (50, 35, and 27 yards).
With the loss, Buffalo fell to 6–7.
for a Week 15 AFC East rematch with the New York Jets
. With Trent Edwards
still recovering from a groin injury, J.P. Losman was given the start.
Early on in the first quarter, Buffalo trailed as Jets running back Thomas Jones got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Bills would respond with a 34-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell
, but New York would answer with quarterback Brett Favre
completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery
. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Losman got an 8-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Steve Johnson
. However, the Jets got the halftime lead with a 47-yard touchdown run from running back Leon Washington
.
In the third quarter, the Bills would keep pace as Lindell made a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York would respond with kicker Jay Feely
nailing a 31-yard field goal. Buffalo would regain the lead as running back Fred Jackson powered his way for an 11-yard touchdown run. However, the Jets prevailed as safety Abram Elam
forced a fumble, allowing DE Shaun Ellis
to return the ball 11 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did the Bills fall to 6–8, but they were eliminated from the playoff race.
for a Week 16 duel with the Denver Broncos
. Buffalo would trail early in the first quarter as Broncoso quarterback Jay Cutler
got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Matt Prater
getting a 23-yard field goal. Denver would increase its lead in the second quarter with Prater making a 30-yard field goal. The Bills would respond with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell
, followed by running back Marshawn Lynch
's 2-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo took the lead with Lindell's 49-yard and 28-yard field goal, but the Broncos answered with Cutler's 6-yard touchdown run. The Bills would strike right back in the fourth quarter as quarterback Trent Edwards
completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Steve Johnson
. Denver would tie the game with Prater nailing a 43-yard field goal. Fortunately, Buffalo rallied with running back Fred Jackson getting an 8-yard touchdown run, followed the defense surviving the Broncos' late-game drive.
With the win, the Bills improved to 7–8.
. Buffalo would trail early in the first quarter as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
got a 33-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as running back LaMont Jordan
got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, New England would add onto their lead as Gotkowski nailed a 23-yard field goal. Try as they might, Buffalo was unable to get much momentum within the game.
With the loss, the Bills closed out their season at 7–9 for the third-straight season.
, considered by many to be the top cornerback in the draft, in round 1, and James Hardy
, a 6'5" playmaking receiver also considered to be among the best in the class, in round 2. Tight end, however, was not addressed until Round 4, with the selection of Derek Fine
. Depth picks filled out the rest of the draft order.
ESPN
draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr.
gave the Buffalo Bills a C+ grade for their 2008 NFL Draft, praising the selections of McKelvin and Hardy but criticizing the selections of Corner and Fine as reaches in the 4th round.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and their 49th season overall. They finished with a record of 7–9 for the third consecutive year. They started the season 4–0 before a 3–9 stretch.
The team was eliminated from playoff contention in week 15, which secured their ninth straight year without a playoff appearance.
Coaching staff
Head coach Dick JauronDick Jauron
Richard Manuel Jauron is the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2006 until November 2009. Jauron has previously held head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and, on an interim basis, with the...
entered his third year (2006 to 2009) with the Bills. Turk Schonert
Turk Schonert
Turk Leroy Schonert is a former quarterback, quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in the National Football League.-Early years:...
began his first year as offensive coordinator.
NFL Draft
Buffalo found some impact players in the 2008 NFL Draft. Leodis McKelvin was named to the Sporting News All-NFL team in his rookie year. Demetrius Bell eventually won a starting job at offensive tackle in Buffalo, a position he holds as of 2011. Stevie Johnson had a breakout year in 2010.| Round | Pick # | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | Leodis McKelvin Leodis McKelvin -Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The... |
Safety | Troy Troy Trojans football The Troy Trojans football program represents Troy University, Alabama, in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-A, of which it has been a member since 2001... |
| 2 | 41 | James Hardy James Hardy (American football) James W. Hardy, III is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Indiana University.-High School career:... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Indiana Indiana Hoosiers football The Indiana Hoosiers football program represents Indiana University Bloomington in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football and in the Big Ten Conference.-Bowl games:... |
| 3 | 72 | Chris Ellis Chris Ellis (American football) Chris Ellis is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
| 4 | 114 | Reggie Corner Reggie Corner Reggie Corner is an American football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Akron Akron Zips football The University of Akron Zips are a college football program representing the University of Akron that competes in NCAA Division I FBS Mid-American Conference football... |
| 4 | 132Supplemental | Derek Fine Derek Fine Derek Fine is an American football tight end who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.Fine has also been a member of the St... |
Tight End Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Kansas Kansas Jayhawks football The Kansas Jayhawks football program is the intercollegiate football program of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference.... |
| 5 | 147 | Alvin Bowen Alvin Bowen Alvin Bowen is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Iowa State Iowa State Cyclones football The Iowa State Cyclones football team represents Iowa State University in college football. The Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. ISU started playing football in 1892, however, it did not become an official sport until 1894... |
| 6 | 179 | Xavier Omon Xavier Omon Xavier Omon is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Running Back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
NW Missouri State |
| 7 | 219 | Demetrius Bell Demetrius Bell Demetrius Carte Bell is an American football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He is the son of former basketball star Karl Malone.-Early life:... |
Offensive Tackle | Northwestern State |
| 7 | 224 | Stevie Johnson | Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Kentucky Kentucky Wildcats football The Kentucky Wildcats football team is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the East Division of the Southeastern Conference.-History:Paul "Bear" Bryant Era... |
| 7 | 251Supplemental | Kennard Cox Kennard Cox Kennard Devane Cox is an American football cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... |
Preseason schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Score | Stadium | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Record | NFL.com Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9 | at Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
L 14–17 | FedEx Field | 7PM | WKBW-TV WKBW-TV WKBW-TV, channel 7, is the ABC affiliate for the Buffalo, New York television market, and is one of many local Buffalo TV stations seen over-the-air and on cable in Canada. Its transmitter is located at 8909 Center Street in Colden. The station is owned by the Granite Broadcasting Corporation, who... |
0–1 | Recap |
| 2 | August 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... In Toronto |
W 24–21 | Rogers Centre Rogers Centre Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium, in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated next to the CN Tower, near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League... |
7:30PM | WKBW | 1–1 | Recap |
| 3 | August 24 | at Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
W 20–7 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
8PM | NFL Network NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
2–1 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
L 6–14 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
6:30PM | WKBW | 2–2 | Recap |
As part of the 5 year Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
deal the Bills will play a pre-season game every other year there. This season's pre-season game in Toronto is week 2.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Opponent | Result | Record | Game Site | NFL.com Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday September 7 | 1:00 PM | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W 34–10 | 1–0 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 2 | Sunday September 14 | 1:00 PM | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
at Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 20–16 | 2–0 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | Sunday September 21 | 1:00 PM | CBS | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 24–23 | 3–0 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 4 | Sunday September 28 | 4:05 PM | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
at St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 31–14 | 4–0 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
Recap |
| 5 | Sunday October 5 | 4:15 PM | CBS | at Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 41–17 | 4–1 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
Recap |
| 6 | Bye Week Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
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| 7 | Sunday October 19 | 1:00 PM | CBS | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 23–14 | 5–1 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 8 | Sunday October 26 | 1:00 PM | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
at Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 25–16 | 5–2 | Dolphin Stadium Dolphin Stadium Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It... |
Recap |
| 9 | Sunday November 2 | 1:00 PM | CBS | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 26–17 | 5–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 10 | Sunday November 9 | 1:00 PM | CBS | at New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 20–10 | 5–4 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
Recap |
| 11 | Monday November 17 | 8:30 PM | ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 29–27 | 5–5 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 12 | Sunday November 23 | 1:00 PM | CBS CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... |
at Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
W 54–31 | 6–5 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
Recap |
| 13 | Sunday November 30 | 1:00 PM | Fox | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
L 10–3 | 6–6 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
| 14 | Sunday December 7 | 4:05 PM | CBS | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 16–3 | 6–7 | Rogers Centre Rogers Centre Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium, in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated next to the CN Tower, near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League... (Toronto) |
Recap |
| 15 | Sunday December 14 | 1:00 PM* | CBS | at New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 31–27 | 6–8 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
Recap |
| 16 | Sunday December 21 | 4:05 PM* | CBS | at Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 30–23 | 7–8 | Invesco Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
Recap |
| 17 | Sunday December 28 | 1:00 PM* | CBS | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 13–0 | 7–9 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Recap |
- Green background indicates win.
- Red background indicates loss.
- An asterisk (*) indicates games potentially moved to Sunday Night FootballNBC Sunday Night FootballNBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color...
due to flex scheduling.
One regular season home game per year will be played at the Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium, in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated next to the CN Tower, near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League...
in Toronto, Ontario as part of a five-year deal. For 2008, December 7's matchup with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
was staged in Toronto.
Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Bills began their 2008 campaign at home against the Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as running back Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
got a 21-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Bills increased their lead with wide receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
returning a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. The Seahawks would respond with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nate Burleson
Nate Burleson
Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...
. Buffalo would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 35-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Seattle responded with kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
nailing a 45-yard field goal. Afterwards, Buffalo dug into their bag of tricks. Appearing to attempt a 32-yard field goal, holder Brian Moorman
Brian Moorman
Brian Donald Moorman is an American football punter who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played collegiately at Pittsburg State.Moorman is a two-time Pro Bowl selection for...
completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Ryan Denney
Ryan Denney
Ryan Craig Denney is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Bills would pull away with quarterback Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end Robert Royal
Robert Royal
Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
.
With this impressive win, the Bills start off their season with a 1–0 record.
Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming off an impressive home win over the Seahawks, the Bills flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 2 duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Jaguars would respond with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
getting a 28-yard field goal. The Bills would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
kicking a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Jacksonville took the lead with RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard TD run and Scobee getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars increased their lead with Scobee nailing a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, Buffalo rallied as QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completed a 7-yard TD pass to rookie WR James Hardy
James Hardy (American football)
James W. Hardy, III is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Indiana University.-High School career:...
, along with Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.
With yet another impressive win, the Bills improved to 2–0.
Week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders
Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Bills went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 3 duel with the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board with RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
getting a 14-yard TD run. Oakland responded with Janikowski kicking a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo began to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland immediately responded with Russell completing an 84-yard TD pass to WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
. Afterwards, the Bills completed its rally with QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Then, Buffalo sealed the win with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
nailing the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the win, the Bills improved to 3–0 for the first time since 1992.
Also, during halftime, former Bills DE Bruce Smith (the NFL's All-Time Sack Leader) was added to the Bills Wall of Fame.
Week 4: at St. Louis Rams
Coming off their last-second home win over the Raiders, the Bills flew to the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for a Week 4 interconference duel with the winless St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 45-yard field goal. The Rams would respond with WR Donnie Avery
Donnie Avery
Donnie D. Avery is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.-Early years:...
getting a 37-yard TD run. The Bills would answer with Lindell's 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with RB Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
getting a 29-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo began to rally as RB Fred Jackson got a 22-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills completed their comeback with CB Jabari Greer
Jabari Greer
Jabari Amin Greer is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Tennessee....
returning an interception 33 yards for a touchdown, QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
, and Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.
With the win, Buffalo got its first 4–0 start since 1992.
Week 5: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Bills flew to the University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Cardinals QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead as RB Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
got a 17-yard TD run. The Bills would respond as QB J.P. Losman completing an 87-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
, yet the Cardinals replied with RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo would answer right back with Losman getting a 1-yard TD run, yet Arizona closed out the half with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bills tried to catch up as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 48-yard field goal, but the Cardinals answered with Warner completing a 2-yard TD pass to Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, Arizona pulled away as Rackers nailed a 38-yard field goal, along with Hightower getting a 2-yard TD run,
With the loss, Buffalo went into their bye week at 4–1.
QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(3/3 for 18 yards), who originally started, was knocked out the game on the Bills' third offensive play by Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson with a concussion.
Week 7: vs. San Diego Chargers
Coming off their bye week, the Bills played a Week 7 duel with the San Diego ChargersSan Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 38-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Malcom Floyd
Malcom Floyd
Malcom Floyd is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wyoming...
. In the second quarter, the Bills regained the lead with QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(fully recovered from his concussion) completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
, along with Lindell getting a 27-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Diego regained the lead with Rivers completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. Buffalo would answer with RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
getting a 9-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills pulled away with Lindell nailing a 44-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did Buffalo improve to 5–1, they also got their first 3–0 home start since 1995.
A power outage at Ralph Wilson Stadium, caused by three helium balloons coming in contact with a transformer, led to portions of the game not being televised. For a short time during the first and second quarters, the game was played with no public address announcers, no scoreboard, and the time was kept by the officials on the field.
Week 8: at Miami Dolphins
Coming off their win over the Chargers, the Bills flew to Dolphin StadiumDolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
for a Week 8 AFC East duel with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano
Anthony Fasano
Anthony Joseph Fasano is an American football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame...
. The Bills would respond with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Lindell got a 43-yard and a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bills increased their lead as RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
got an 8-yard TD run. However, Miami began to respond as kicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
got a 43-yard field goal, while RB Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins sealed Buffalo's fate as Carpenter made a 45-yard field goal, LB Joey Porter
Joey Porter
Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a...
causing QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
to fumble the ball in his own endzone (leading to a safety), and Carpenter nailing a 35-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–2.
Week 9: vs. New York Jets
Hoping to rebound from their embarrassing divisional road loss to the Dolphins, the Bills went home for a Week 9 AFC East duel with the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Jets kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
got a 37-yard field goal. Buffalo would respond as QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to rookie TE Derek Fine
Derek Fine
Derek Fine is an American football tight end who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.Fine has also been a member of the St...
. However, New York responded as Feely got a 26-yard field goal, along with safety Abram Elam
Abram Elam
Abram Elam is an American football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Notre Dame and Kent State....
returning an interception 92 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as Feely got a 20-yard field goal. Buffalo would respond with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 53-yard field goal, but the Jets replied with RB Thomas Jones getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to rally as CB Jabari Greer
Jabari Greer
Jabari Amin Greer is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Tennessee....
returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. However, New York pulled away with Feely making a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, Buffalo fell to 5–3.
Week 10: at New England Patriots
Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the Bills wrapped up their three-straight divisional games in Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
with a Week 10 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Patriots QB Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
got a 13-yard TD run. In the second quarter, New England increased their lead as kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
got a 32-yard field goal. The Bills would close out the half with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Patriots answered with Gostkowski nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England pulled away with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008. After playing college football his freshman and sophomore seasons at Indiana University, Green-Ellis...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo ended the game with QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing a 14-yard TD pass to rookie WR James Hardy
James Hardy (American football)
James W. Hardy, III is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Indiana University.-High School career:...
.
With their third-straight loss, the Bills fell to 5–4.
Week 11: vs. Cleveland Browns
Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Bills went home for a Week 11 MNF duel with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo struggled early as early interceptions from QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
helped Browns kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
get a 40-yard and a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased their lead as WR/KR Joshua Cribbs
Joshua Cribbs
Joshua "Josh" Cribbs is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He played collegiately for Kent State University. He holds the NFL record with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns...
got a 2-yard TD run. The Bills would answer as Edwards completed an 18-yard TD pass to RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
, along with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Browns answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field. Buffalo would reply with Lindell getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland greatly answered as RB Jerome Harrison
Jerome Harrison
-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
got a 72-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Bills immediately replied as rookie CB Leodis McKelvin
Leodis McKelvin
-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Browns would respond as Dawson got a 22-yard field goal. Buffalo would take the lead as Edwards got a 1-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. The Bills would try to rally, but in the haunting image of Super Bowl XXV
Super Bowl XXV
Super Bowl XXV was an American football game played on January 27, 1991 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1990 regular season. The National Football Conference Champion New York Giants defeated the American Football Conference ...
, Lindell missed a 47-yard field goal wide right.
With their fourth-straight loss, Buffalo fell to 5–5.
Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to snap a four-game losing streak, the Bills flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a Week 12 duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
completed a 36-yard TD pass to RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles
Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. The Bills would respond with RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
made a 21-yard field goal. Kansas City answered with Thigpen completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. Buffalo would regain the lead as Lindell got a 39-yard field goal, while rookie CB Leodis McKelvin
Leodis McKelvin
-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs struck back with kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
getting a 45-yard field goal, yet the Bills continued their offensive explosion as Lindell got a 34-yard field goal, along with QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 15-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo continued its poundings with Edwards getting a 5-yard TD run, while Lindell got himself a 38-yard field goal. Kansas City tried to rally as Thigpen completed a 45-yard TD pass to WR Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley
Mark Anthony Bradley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, yet the Bills replied with Edwards completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Josh Reed
Josh Reed
Joshua Blake "Josh" Reed is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo pulled away as Edwards completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Derek Schouman
Derek Schouman
Derek Schouman is an American football tight end for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boise State.He has also played for the St...
. The Chiefs tried to come back as QB Quinn Gray
Quinn Gray
Quinn F. Gray, Sr. is a former American football quarterback who played for four seasons in the National Football League and one season each in the United Football League and NFL Europe. He played for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2003, the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2005–2007, the Kansas City...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
, yet the Bills' lead was too much for Kansas City to overcome.
With the win, Buffalo improved to 6–5.
This marked the first time the Bills scored 50+ points on an opponent since Sept. 1991 against the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
(52–34).http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=buf&tm2=pit&yr=1991
Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Coming off a road win over the Chiefs, the Bills went home for a Week 13 interconference duel against the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as 49ers QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. In the second quarter, the Bills continued to trail as kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
made a 50-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Buffalo tried to rally as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
nailed a 22-yard field goal, but the team struggled offensively for the rest of the game.
With the loss, the Bills fell to 6–6.
QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(10/21 for 112 yards) didn't play the second half, due to a groin injury.
Week 14: vs. Miami Dolphins
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the 49ers, the Bills flew to the Rogers CentreRogers Centre
Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium, in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated next to the CN Tower, near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League...
for their first game of their Canadian International series, with an AFC East rematch against the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 20-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano
Anthony Fasano
Anthony Joseph Fasano is an American football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame...
. The Bills would answer with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
. After that, Miami pulled away as kicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
made three field goals (50, 35, and 27 yards).
With the loss, Buffalo fell to 6–7.
Week 15: at New York Jets
Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Bills flew to The MeadowlandsGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 15 AFC East rematch with the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. With Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
still recovering from a groin injury, J.P. Losman was given the start.
Early on in the first quarter, Buffalo trailed as Jets running back Thomas Jones got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Bills would respond with a 34-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
, but New York would answer with quarterback Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery
Jerricho Cotchery
Cotchery was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.-New York Jets:In 2004, Cotchery caught 6 passes for 60 yards in 12 games as the team's 5th receiver...
. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Losman got an 8-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Johnson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.His first reception came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, and went for 8 yards. In Week 15, against the New York Jets, Johnson caught his first touchdown reception, a two-yard pass from J. P....
. However, the Jets got the halftime lead with a 47-yard touchdown run from running back Leon Washington
Leon Washington
Leon Washington is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State. He is married to Charity Washington with whom he has a son...
.
In the third quarter, the Bills would keep pace as Lindell made a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York would respond with kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
nailing a 31-yard field goal. Buffalo would regain the lead as running back Fred Jackson powered his way for an 11-yard touchdown run. However, the Jets prevailed as safety Abram Elam
Abram Elam
Abram Elam is an American football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Notre Dame and Kent State....
forced a fumble, allowing DE Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis
MeShaunda "Shaun" Pizarrur Ellis is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . Ellis was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee...
to return the ball 11 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did the Bills fall to 6–8, but they were eliminated from the playoff race.
Week 16: at Denver Broncos
Hoping to snap a three-game losing streak, the Bills flew to Invesco Field at Mile HighINVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
for a Week 16 duel with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Buffalo would trail early in the first quarter as Broncoso quarterback Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 23-yard field goal. Denver would increase its lead in the second quarter with Prater making a 30-yard field goal. The Bills would respond with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
, followed by running back Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
's 2-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, Buffalo took the lead with Lindell's 49-yard and 28-yard field goal, but the Broncos answered with Cutler's 6-yard touchdown run. The Bills would strike right back in the fourth quarter as quarterback Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Johnson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.His first reception came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, and went for 8 yards. In Week 15, against the New York Jets, Johnson caught his first touchdown reception, a two-yard pass from J. P....
. Denver would tie the game with Prater nailing a 43-yard field goal. Fortunately, Buffalo rallied with running back Fred Jackson getting an 8-yard touchdown run, followed the defense surviving the Broncos' late-game drive.
With the win, the Bills improved to 7–8.
Week 17: vs. New England Patriots
Coming off their road win over the Broncos, the Bills closed out their season at home with a Week 17 AFC East rematch with the New England PatriotsNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Buffalo would trail early in the first quarter as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
got a 33-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as running back LaMont Jordan
LaMont Jordan
LaMont Damon Jordan is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, New England would add onto their lead as Gotkowski nailed a 23-yard field goal. Try as they might, Buffalo was unable to get much momentum within the game.
With the loss, the Bills closed out their season at 7–9 for the third-straight season.
Notable roster additions
- DT Marcus StroudMarcus StroudMarcus LaVar Stroud is an American Football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars 13th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
- Acquired via trade with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for 2008 3rd and 5th round selections. - LB Kawika MitchellKawika MitchellKawika Uilani Mitchell is an American football linebacker who currently is a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round in the 2003 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints...
- Signed as a free agent from the New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - DT Spencer Johnson- Signed as a free agent from the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. - TE Courtney AndersonCourtney AndersonCourtney Jerome Anderson is a former American football tight end. Born in Greenville, Texas, Anderson attended high school in Richmond, California and played college football at Contra Costa College and San Jose State University. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the...
- Signed as a free agent from the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Released on August 30. - CB William James – Signed as a free agent from the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Released on August 30, after being beaten out in training camp.
Notable roster losses
- DT Anthony HargroveAnthony HargroveAnthony La'Ron Hargrove is an American football defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech.Hargrove has also played for the Buffalo Bills as...
- Suspended by league for one year January 24 - RB Anthony ThomasAnthony Thomas (American football)Anthony Jermaine Thomas is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the running backs coach at at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Thomas was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
- Released on February 27 - DT Larry TripplettLarry TripplettLarry Tripplett is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.Tripplett has also played for the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle...
- Released on February 29 - LB Coy WireCoy WireCoy Michael Wire is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.-Atlanta Falcons:...
- Released on February 27, failed physical - WR Peerless PricePeerless PricePeerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
- Released on February 14 - WR Sam AikenSam AikenSamuel Aiken is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- Signed with the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
as a free agent - CB Jason WebsterJason WebsterJason Richmond Webster is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
- Signed with the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
as a free agent - TE Michael GainesMichael GainesMichael J. Gaines is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
- Signed with the Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
as a free agent
NFL Draft
Going into the 2008 NFL Draft the teams biggest needs are at wide receiver, cornerback, and tight end. Specifically, the team's top three wide receivers were all under 5'11" in height, and a large wide receiver was a high priority for the team. The Bills had a large number of selections in the 2008 draft and addressed these needs by selecting Leodis McKelvinLeodis McKelvin
-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
, considered by many to be the top cornerback in the draft, in round 1, and James Hardy
James Hardy (American football)
James W. Hardy, III is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Indiana University.-High School career:...
, a 6'5" playmaking receiver also considered to be among the best in the class, in round 2. Tight end, however, was not addressed until Round 4, with the selection of Derek Fine
Derek Fine
Derek Fine is an American football tight end who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.Fine has also been a member of the St...
. Depth picks filled out the rest of the draft order.
Draft Results
- Round 1(11)- Leodis McKelvinLeodis McKelvin-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
, CB, TroyTroy TrojansThe Troy Trojans were a Major League Baseball team in the National League for four seasons from 1879 to 1882. Their home games were played at Putnam Grounds , Haymakers' Grounds , and Troy Ball Clubs Grounds , all in the upstate New York city of Troy. Overall, the franchise won 131 games and lost... - Round 2(41)- James HardyJames Hardy (American football)James W. Hardy, III is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Indiana University.-High School career:...
, WR, IndianaIndiana Hoosiers footballThe Indiana Hoosiers football program represents Indiana University Bloomington in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football and in the Big Ten Conference.-Bowl games:... - Round 3(72)-Chris EllisChris Ellis (American football)Chris Ellis is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, DE, Virginia TechVirginia Tech HokiesThe Virginia Tech Hokies are the athletic teams officially representing Virginia Tech in college sports. The Hokies participate in the NCAA's Division I Atlantic Coast Conference in 19 varsity sports. Virginia Tech's men's sports are football, basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, soccer,... - Round 4(114)-Reggie CornerReggie CornerReggie Corner is an American football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, CB, AkronAkron ZipsOne of the unique nicknames in all of intercollegiate athletics belongs to The University of Akron. Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the Zips in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname... - Round 4(132)-Derek FineDerek FineDerek Fine is an American football tight end who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.Fine has also been a member of the St...
, TE, KansasKansas JayhawksThe sports teams at the University of Kansas are known as the Jayhawks. They are one of three schools in the state of Kansas that participate in NCAA Division I. The Jayhawks are also a member of the Big 12 Conference... - Round 5(147)-Alvin BowenAlvin BowenAlvin Bowen is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, OLB, Iowa StateIowa State CyclonesThe Iowa State Cyclones are the athletic teams of Iowa State University. The university is a member of the Big 12 Conference and competes in NCAA Division I, fielding 16 varsity teams in 12 sports.*Men's sports... - Round 6(179)-Xavier OmonXavier OmonXavier Omon is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, RB, Northwest Missouri State UniversityNorthwest Missouri State UniversityNorthwest Missouri State University is a state university in Maryville, Missouri. Founded in 1905 as a teachers college, it offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus, based on the design for Forest Park at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, is the official Missouri State Arboretum.... - Round 7(219)-Demetrius BellDemetrius BellDemetrius Carte Bell is an American football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He is the son of former basketball star Karl Malone.-Early life:...
, OT, Northwestern State UniversityNorthwestern State UniversityNorthwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as... - Round 7(224)-Steve JohnsonSteve Johnson (American football)-Buffalo Bills:Johnson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.His first reception came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, and went for 8 yards. In Week 15, against the New York Jets, Johnson caught his first touchdown reception, a two-yard pass from J. P....
, WR, KentuckyKentucky Wildcats footballThe Kentucky Wildcats football team is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the East Division of the Southeastern Conference.-History:Paul "Bear" Bryant Era... - Round 7(251)-Kennard CoxKennard CoxKennard Devane Cox is an American football cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, DB, PittsburghPittsburgh Panthers footballPittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr.
Mel Kiper, Jr.
Mel Kiper Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland is an American football analyst for the ESPN television channel. He has served as an analyst for ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's potential draft picks.-Career:With the emergence of ESPN2 and ESPN.com,...
gave the Buffalo Bills a C+ grade for their 2008 NFL Draft, praising the selections of McKelvin and Hardy but criticizing the selections of Corner and Fine as reaches in the 4th round.