Bills-Cardinals report card
Grading the Bills
Running game
C+ Averaged 4.9 per carry, but never established a consistent rhythm once they fell behind. Passing game
C-Losman relieved Edwards and produced two TDs, one an 87-yard bomb to Evans. But overall, he showed why he’s no longer a starter. Run defense
C Held James in check for most part, but looked bad on Hightower’s two touchdown runs. Whitner felt soft run D let Cards set the tone. Pass defense
F Very little pass rush, soft coverage, poor tackling . . . Have we forgotten anything? Not sure McGee would have made a major difference. Special teams
C Lindell hasn’t missed from inside 40 yards since Dec. 11, 2005. Just thought Bills fans might like some positive news. Coaching
D Team talked about playing its best game, coaches didn’t have them ready to do it. Fewell becoming a little predictable on his blitzes.
Grading the Cardinals
Running game
B Kept the Bills honest with 123 yards, 3 TDs and 3.6 average per carry. Not bad for team that was last in NFL in yards per rush coming in. Passing game
A+ Warner looked like the MVP of nine years ago, picking apart the hapless Bills with short, precise throws. Run defense
B-Passing game was the key, forcing Bills to play from behind. Bills had only 17 carries, a season low. Pass defense
A-Botched coverage on Evans’ 87-yard TD, but come on, these were the same guys who got torched for six passing TDs the week before. Special teams
B+ Didn’t allow McKelvin to hurt them on returns. Ali Highsmith looked like Ali, Muhammad when he crushed McKelvin on one return.
Coaching
A Clearly fired up after losing two in row on Eastern trip. Offensive game plan was inspired.
— Compiled by News football writers
