Pretty big game in the AFC East today, which has suddenly become one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL from top-to-bottom, after being, essentially, the Patriots and three hapless squads a year ago. The Patriots and Bills entered play today with identical 5-3 records, and in the end it was New England that was able to come away with a 20-10 victory, improving to 6-3 on the season.
Buffalo, meanwhile, has now dropped three in a row, falling to 5-4. The loss was also the tenth straight for the Bills against New England. If the Bills -- or any team in the AFC East, for that matter -- ever want to stake their claim on the division, they're going to have to start, you know, beating New England at some point.
Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel completed 23-of 34 passes for 234 yards, while opening the scoring in the first quarter with a 13-yard touchdown run. The story of the day for New England, however, was the running of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, as the undrafted rookie out of Mississippi picked up his first career 100-yard game, registering 104 yards on 20 carries. He helped seal the game in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard plunge, capping off a 19-play drive, giving the Patriots a commanding 20-3 lead.
Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards struggled for much of the day, completing 13-of-23 passes with two interceptions. He did throw a 14-yard touchdown pass to James Hardy with less than two minutes to play, though, by that point it was way too little, way too late.
The Bills were held to just 60 yards rushing on 18 attempts, with Marshawn Lynch leading the way as he picked up 46 yards on 14 carries. Lynch has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark this season, while his season-high was an 83-yard showing in week three against Oakland.
Patriots 20, Bills 10: BenJarvus Green-Ellis Helps Carry New England originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
