Report card: Bills top Bears. 35-13
Check out Bills Wire’s Week 16 report card for the Buffalo Bills (12-3) following the team’s 35-13 win over the Chicago Bears (3-12):
Quarterback: B+
(Photo taken by Quinn Harris/Getty Images).
On Saturday, the conditions weren’t ideal for a strong passing attack. The two interceptions Allen made were still concerning. They showed that Allen had some misjudged decisions. Allen, however, took the defense’s offer and completed 15 of 26 passes for 172 yard and two touchdowns. Allen also had a rush on ground.
Running backs
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Devin Singletary, James Cook and James Cook were the Bears’ defense. The day was designed for the ground game and the duo did a great job. Singletary ran 12 times and gained 106 yards. James Cook ran 11 times and gained 99 yards. Each player had a touchdown.
Wide receivers of B-
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
As the temperatures were cold, the unit is able to move around in the grade. Dawson Knox and Gabe Davis each had three catches, and one touchdown reception. Stefon Diggs was quiet, only catching two passes for 26 yards. Even in the cold, it appeared that Allen’s receivers couldn’t create separation on a regular basis.
Offensive line: A-
The offensive line dominated the Bears trenches. It was the best unit looked all season. Cook and Singletary could run wild because of the offensive line group. Buffalo ran for 254 yard, which was a record in the league. Although the pass defense was excellent, the passing attack didn’t seem to be in sync throughout this game.
The defensive line:
Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo also won the battle for the defensive side of ball in the trenches. Although David Montgomery did have a few good runs, the Bills defense kept him in check. Justin Fields was also kept in check by the group, who did their best to keep him contained. AJ Epenese, Ed Oliver recorded sacks.
Linebackers: A
Tremaine Emmerson and Matt Milano kept things under control at the middle of defense. Both players were strong against the run. Edmunds also did a good job in pass coverage. The Virginia Tech graduate recorded a game record nine tackles. Milano proved once more that he is a strong force for the Buffalo defense.
Secondary: A-
The Bears did not gain any momentum through the air thanks to their secondary. The Bills didn’t give up anything to Fields in the air, except for the Pettis touchdown reception. The group was pleased with the Jaquan John interception.
Special teams: B
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
The Bills special team game was affected by the weather. Tyler Bass missed a field-goal and a penalty kick. Nyheim Hines missed two field goals and a PAT. Buffalo’s coverage unit, while not impacted by the weather, did allow multiple long returns in the game. Sam Martin for his part, threw a few punts. Martin averaged 53.7 yards per punch.
Coaching: A-
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
The Bills had a rough first half, with the team not playing a very clean game of football. But, Buffalo won the second half. McDermott’s challenge play was a great call. Ken Dorsey continued with the run-game, which proved to have been the strength for the team.