Turnovers Hurt Carolina In 20-9 Loss To Buffalo

NFL News - October 26th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Despite a horrific offensive day, the Buffalo Bills managed to get past the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Sunday. The Bills were held to only 167 total yards, but managed to capitalize on 4 turnovers by the Panthers to get their second win in a row. The Panthers (2-4) have been plagued by turnovers all year, especially interceptions, and Sunday was no different. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme threw for 325 yards, but had 3 interceptions on Sunday. This brings his season total to 13 picks and only 4 touchdowns. Matt Moore and A.J. Feeley are his backups, but Delhomme isn't sure where he will stand following Sunday's performance and after being asked about him retaining his job said this...

"In my heart, yeah, but I mean let's be honest, I don't think I'm a dummy," said Delhomme, whose passer rating is 56.5. "When you're not playing well offensively, you always have to look at the quarterback."

The first half of this game got off to a slow start for both teams. Marshawn Lynch got Buffalo on the board first on a 7 yard touchdown run to put the Bills ahead 7-0. Carolina would then get a safety when Buffalo running back Fred Jackson could not get out of the end zone on a run and the score was 7-2 heading into halftime.

After a scoreless third period, the Bills began to capitalize on Delhomm'es mistakes. Jairus Byrd intercepted a pass by Delhomme that was tipped by Carolina's Steve Smith. This set up Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's 2 yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans to put Buffalo up 14-2. Fitzpatrick, who replaced Trent Edwards as the starter, finished the game with 123 yards and 1 touchdown. Carolina's only touchdown of the game came in the fourth quarter on a 15 yard run by DeAngelo Williams. Buffalo place kicker Rian Lindell would add two field goals in the final period to give the Bills their 20-9 win. Carolina greatly out gained Buffalo and had 425 yards of total offense, but managed only 7 offensive points. The Panthers also missed two field goals and fumbled a punt to give them four turnovers for the game.

Buffalo receiver Terrell Owens was quiet once again and only caught 3 passes for 27 yards. He has been held under 100 yards receiving in his last seven games, but is happy to get the win despite his lack of production.

"You can't really complain about a win," Owns said. "Defensively, those guys are keeping us in ballgames."

The Panthers came into the game favored by 3 1/2, but failed to live up to the NFL betting odds prediction. Turnovers prevented them from covering the spread and proved costly in their loss. They will need to regroup as they head to Arizona on Sunday to face the Cardinals. Buffalo will host Houston on Sunday.

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