Week 6 Recap: Buffalo 24, New York Giants 27

Ill-timed turnovers, weak defense drop Bills in second close loss of season

Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw leaps
over Bills defenders into the endzone.  He scored three
times on Sunday.

   For a team expected to live at the bottom of the AFC East standings this year, entering the bye week with a 4-2 record should be considered a major accompishment. 
   The problem is, the Bills had a very good chance at walking away with another close victory on Sunday.  Instead, the team that thrived on its opponents mistakes for the first 5 weeks of the season, suddenly became sloppy, undisciplined and careless with the ball. 
   Some may be inclined to blame the aggressive offensive playcalling for Sunday's loss.  But the real problem was yet another dreadful performance by the Buffalo defense, along with poor execution by Ryan Fitzpatrick with the team in scoring position.  Bills fans have come to expect these up-and-down performances by their maddeningly-inconsistent quarterback.  Unfortunately, this might be a game that comes back to haunt them in the playoff race.
   The coaching staff now has two weeks to fix an absolutely pathetic defense, while hoping to get some players healthy on the offensive line.

Game Observations:

1)  The never-ending quarterback quandry...
   I want to have confidence in Fitzpatrick.  I really do.
   I want to believe he's the guy who will finally break the playoff drought.  I want to believe he will lead us to our first Super Bowl win in franchise history.  I don't want to "Suck for Luck" or any other rookie quarterback, for that matter.
   But for every amazing play Fitz makes, there will be another that emphasizes his glaring weaknesses as a pro.  His fourth quarter interception was only the nail in the coffin, completing an absosolutely terrible day for the quarterback.  Equally damaging was the second quarter sack - due to Fitz holding the ball way too long - knocking the Bills out of field goal range.
   Fitzpatrick's play has gotten progressively worse as the season has gone along, as teams have generated more pressure, used more bump and run coverage, and forced him to complete the long ball down the sideline.

2)  Cornerback carousel...
   Honestly.  Is there anyone on this roster that can cover? 
   So far, I've had to call out Leodis McKelvin (roasted by rookie receivers in the Oakland and Cincinnati games), rookie Aaron Williams (constantly abused by Tom Brady before getting hurt) and Reggie Corner (torched last week against Philadelphia). 
   Add Drayton Florence to the list.
   Throughout the afternoon, Florence could be seen helplessly chasing Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (4 catches, 96 yards) around the field, and committing horrible pass interference infractions.

3)  Get that seat warm...
   At this rate, it's only going to be a matter of time before the fans start calling for the head of defensive coordinator George Edwards.
   The Bills have let up over 400 yards in five straight games.  They can't cover anybody.  They can't generate a pass rush.  When the game is on the line, they can't stop the run either. 
   With almost two full draft classes and several veteran free agents at his disposal, Edwards can't cry about a lack of talent.  Players have had over a year to adjust to his scheme.  He's running out of excuses.
   Not to mention, Dave Wannstedt is waiting in the shadows.

4)  It wasn't all bad...
   Running back Fred Jackson continues to make his case for the NFL's most valuable player.  His draw in the first quarter was huge and proved that he's just on another level this season.
   The offensive line will get a lot of criticism, but they also played well against one of the league's toughest defensive lines.  Despite the mounting injuries, most of the day's pressure (and the two sacks) came with Fitzpatrick holding the ball too long.

Looking to Week 8