Tonight was the first Buffalo Bills game to air on Monday Night Football since September 26, 1994. (You would be forgiven for not knowing this, even if you watched the game, since the announcers only mentioned it about fifty billion times.) It was not their first Monday night win, alas, despite the excitement of the game — which ended with a last-second field goal by Dallas.
Final score: 25-24 — the only time the Cowboys led in the game.
The two interceptions run back for touchdowns and McGee’s punt return were just fun to watch. I was generally happy with the aggressive, let’s-actually-try-to-win-this-one playcalling by the coaching staff, despite the dismal results on offense — yards but no points, and too many stifled drives. The electric feeling of the game was great and the fans were both loud and ever-present. While I’m sure the in-stadium home crowd was dejected, they did get to see a heck of a show. It’s just too bad that the Bills couldn’t pull a victory out along the way.
Oh, and while I agree that Edwards looked poised at quarterback — the television announcers wouldn’t stop talking about it — let’s not forget that the offense was still responsible for only three points this week. The lack of offensive production when it counted also appeared to lead to a worn-down Bills defense — the unit was simply on the field for too long in the second half. I wouldn’t be surprised if fatigue contributed to giving up 9 points in the last 20 seconds.
The weather to the east of Ralph Wilson Stadium was off-and-on heavy rain punctuated by thunder and lightning. I was wondering if Orchard Park had the same weather, and if they’d be able to even play. They did, and lightning didn’t strike for the Bills. (Sorry, I couldn’t help it.)