The News' football writers assign grades for different aspects of the game.

Grading the Bills

Running game

Worst game of season. Averaged 1.8 on 30 carries. Jackson had five carries for just 2

yards. He hasn't been the same since Lynch came back. Grade: D.

Passing game

Fitzpatrick made a couple of big throws. Otherwise, nothing remarkable. But he didn't turn

the ball over, which will endear him to his head coach. Grade: C-.

Run defense

Held Panthers to 116 yards, which is less than half what the Bills had been allowing the

previous four games. Odd that Carolina didn't stick with it. Grade: B+.

Pass defense

Three more interceptions, giving them nine the past two weeks. If this keeps up, people

might actually think the Bills have a good pass defense. Grade: A+.

Special teams

Best game of season. Panthers had seven drive starts inside their own 20-yard line. Late

fumble recovery on punt was big. A McGee sighting on kickoff return! Grade: A.

Coaching

A signature Jauron win. No turnovers, four takeaways, defense gives up huge yardage but

doesn't break. Fewell, who grew up nearby, had a fine game plan. Grade: A.

Grading the Panthers

Running game

Ran for 116 yards and 4.6 average, but made curious decision to abandon it in second half.

Williams had just four carries after halftime. Grade: B.

Passing game

Jauron said he thinks the world of Delhomme. Why wouldn't he, after seeing the embattled

Carolina QB throw three balls to Bills defensive backs? Grade: F.

Run defense

Shut Bills down, holding them to 1.8 yards a pop and a long run of 8 yards. Teams shouldn't

lose games playing that sort of run defense. Grade: A.

Pass defense

Got consistent pressure on Fitzpatrick, held Owens in check. Got caught on heels on 50-yard

bomb to Evans. Didn't take the ball away. Grade: B.

Special teams

Kasay had worst game in years, missing two field goals in first half. Return game was

abysmal. Late fumble on punt was a momentum-killer. Grade: F.

Coaching

If Fox is such a tough guy, why did he go away from run in second half? Delhomme is a

wreck. Hard to fathom how he could put the game in his hands. Grade: D.