Cardiac Kids: Buffalo's Comeback Win Over Oakland Propels Bills to 3-0

The Bills' battled back from a nine point deficit with under seven minutes to go, was capped off when Rian Lindell's 38-yard field goal sailed between the goal posts as time expired.

Buffalo can take a lot from this game. They know to never under-estimate an opponent, as they saw first hand that any team can play with any other team in this hyper-competitive NFL.

They know that Trent Edwards is growing into a leader and that his first two (Washington/Jacksonville) 4th quarter heroics were not an aberration. They know they have to play tough every week, and that 3-0 does not equate to playoffs.

Entering this ball game, all the "experts", analysts, and fans had probably chalked up a win to the hosting Bills. They had come off two wins over playoff teams from a year ago, and they were facing “team turmoil” with young, in-experienced players throughout their lineup.

If the opening kickoff is an indicator of how a game will be played out, this Sunday’s was a great one. Johnny Lee Higgins’ 69-yard opening kickoff return gave the Raiders a much needed shot in the arm. The shot was a very potent one as the Raiders drove down the field and started the game off with a Sebastian Janikowski 23-yard field goal. 

The first quarter seemed to be in DVR mode, as every series was seemingly similar; The Bills starting in bad field position, not moving the ball, punting it away. The Raiders moving the ball on the ground, and kicking field goals.

After an inconsistent offensive and defensive performance in the first quarter, the Bills got on the board with Marshawn Lynch's 14-yard TD run. He soared through the air, just reaching the ball across the corner pylon. Ralph Wilson Stadium started rocking.

But after a Trent Edwards fumble with 4:53 left in the half, and another Sebastian Janikowski field goal at the two minute warning, Ralph Wilson Stadium was hardly at a dull roar. The Bills had a valiant drive going late, seemingly assuring a field goal try, until a Lee Evans fumble was recovered by Gibril Wilson at Oakland's 29 yard line. Somewhat stunned "Billievers" went to get a hot dog at the half, with their team down 9-7.

The 2nd half was a complete 180 from the 1st half of similar scoring drives for the Raiders and inconsistency from Buffalo. The 2nd half had all you could ask for in a NFL contest.

Buffalo started off with a promising drive to begin the 3rd, but a rare miss by Rian Lindell again killed the buzz in the stadium, and opened the door for the Raiders. Jamarcus Russell had problems completing passes, and Darren McFadden along with Michael Bush carried the load nicely, but the Raiders offense couldn't score any points, leaving the Bills in the game. 

The combination of a beautiful positioned punt by Shane Lechler and a Buffalo penalty landed the Bills inside their own two yard line on their next drive. On 2^nd down, free agent signee, DeAngelo Hall intercepted Edwards controversially, as he ripped the ball away from Lee Evans as the two fell to the turf.

A review by Dick Jauron didn't have any conclusive evidence to over-turn the original call, and the Raiders finally pushed into the Bills end zone, when Russell steam-rolled in for six from a yard out.

The Bills needed help. Their offensive line needed to hold up, and Edwards had to show up if the Bills were going to stay in this game, and he did. Trent lead his Bills on a 96-yard scoring drive that was sealed when Marshawn Lynch, along with the entire offensive line, plunged forward for a touchdown, bringing the Bills within two, 16-14. Again, Ralph Wilson Stadium was alive.

If any fans have seen all the different ways to lose, it has been the faithful of the Buffalo Bills. When Johnny Lee Higgins broke through the seam and scored on a 84-yard slant, that was placed over the out-stretch arm of Paul Posluszny by Russell, Bills fans were ready to add another crushing loss to their list of past disappointments. Ralph Wilson Stadium was as quiet as you will ever hear it.

Trent Edwards, the newly found leader wasn't ready to give up, though a nine point deficit with 6:37 on the clock is even a bit much to ask of a seasoned vet. Edwards displayed veteran-like composure as he orchestrated a 69-yard drive, spreading his throws around to all his receivers, and delivered a 14-yard strike to Roscoe Parrish as he was hit, again bringing Buffalo within two.

With the crowd finally on their side, the Bills defense locked up, forcing Shane Lechler to punt away to Roscoe Parrish, giving the Bills a chance to win.

Trent Edwards looked very calm with the game on the line in his final drive. Shades of Jim Kelly appeared with the way he was operating his no-huddle offense with ease. Catches by Reed and Parrish set up Rian Lindell’s buzzer beating field goal that erupted the Bills crowd into song and dance.

Edwards compiled a career high 279 yards through the air, while completing 24 of his 39 passes, with one TD, and a controversial interception. His late game scoring drives proved to be exactly what the Bills needed to over-come a game plagued with turnovers and costly penalties.

If your a Bills fan, your really “standing up, and shouting” now. Your team has won in blowout fashion, has a road and home comeback victory, and is maturing a little more every Sunday. Not only are Western New Yorker’s “Billieving”, but the Buffalo squad is gaining much deserved respect from around the league. Buffalo travels to St.Louis to face off against the winless Rams on Sunday. Kickoff set for 4:05 EST.