Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys: Key Things Learned from Buffalo's 44-7 Loss

The Buffalo Bills traveled to Big D to take on the Dallas Cowboys in a game that had significant playoff implications for both teams. The Bills were manhandled in all facets of the game, and the final score of 44-7 displayed just that. 

Without wide receiver Miles Austin, the Cowboys were still able to use their explosive weapons, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, to dismantle the "opportunistic" Bills defense that had been creating incredible amounts of turnovers through the first half of the season. 

This slideshow features four things we learned about the Bills in this devastating loss. 

Leodis McKelvin Is a BUST

Just look at Dez Bryant owning Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin on a 34-yard touchdown grab that put the Cowboys up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

McKelvin was selected 11th overall in the 2008 NFL draft, and hasn't nearly lived up to that status. 

While he continues to excel in his coverage ability by staying downfield with opposing wide receivers, he can't deflect passes and often gets burned on plays like this. 

The Bills Have Absolutely No Pass Rush

The Bills were unable to come close to Tony Romo, which was a huge factor in Romo's outstanding day in which he completed nearly 80 percent of his passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. 

The Bills do have 15 sacks on the year; however, 10 of those came against the Washington Redskins in their annual Toronto game.

Using a 306-pound defensive tackle as an outside linebacker is not exactly the pass rush strategy the Bills' faithful wanted to see.  

Containing Tight Ends Is Still a Major Issue

Entering Sunday's game, the Bills have allowed opposing tight ends to catch 37 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns. That trend continued again, as Jason Witten caught five passes for 37 yards, most coming in key third-down situations. 

The Bills defense really needs to focus on this, as they face Anthony Fasano twice, Dustin Keller, Antonio Gates, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski in five of their last seven contests of the year. 

Fred Jackson Continues To Dominate

Fred Jackson continued his outstanding 2011 campaign, notching another 100-plus-yard performance under his belt. Ranked second in the National Football League in yards from scrimmage with 1,309 (917 rushing, 392 receiving), Jackson continues to be the focal point of the Bills' offense. 

His power-running and ability to break tackles has been a major reason the Bills have been able to pull away with most of their victories. 

If the Bills still think their playoff hopes are alive, they need Freddy to be a workhorse down the stretch.