The Armchair View

Buffalo Bill's Football from the Comfortable Seats

Goin' to Kansas City

I was very happy with the Bills this week. That had no business being close in this game, never mind winning it, and were it not for some bad bounces (Ray Lewis' arm, a couple of fumbles) this would have been our first win of the season. I'll reserve my judgment until we see a repeat performance next week, but it did see like we saw the glimmer of progress from the offensive side of the ball. Fitzy was playing well beyond his previous level. He was poised, relatively accurate, and highly effective. Over 370 yards and 34 points on the board leaves me scratching my head about where this level of production came from. He made a few poor decisions (not converting fourth down with an open receiver in front of him, for instance), but overall you can't argue that he looked great.

Fitzy clearly benefited from the absence of Cornell Green and the inspired play of the offensive line against one of the top defenses in the league. They opened holes, they held the pocket, and looked downright above average. Fred Jackson makes any line look better, and its great to see him get a few carries. Hopefully Spiller was watching how Fred runs north-south and holds on to the ball, because you never know when someone is coming up from behind. Overall it was inspired play by the offense that will go unheralded because of the continuously disappointing play of the defense.

The defense is still shockingly bad. No pressure up front, led by our friend Mr. Kelsay. That said, I liked the concept of throwing Stroud back inside with Kyle Williams. I just wish we had some real defensive ends (no offense Spencer Johnson) to go with them. I sincerely hope next year's draft is all about the lines. They'll make our linebackers look a little better, though talent is sorely lacking in that unit as well. Even our secondary looks bad in George Edwards' scheme. I thought Edwards would get laid off during the break. Now with five consecutive games giving up over 30 points, you have to think our elderly owner is getting an itchy trigger finger.

I think we have a real shot at the game in KC. It's all a question of whether we can continue our offensive prowess from last week, and whether George Edwards misses the flight. Either way, last week clearly gives us something to build on.

Previous columns from Danny Simon:

Getting our swagger back Buffalo Bound Dolphins Fitz Returns