A big letdown for the Bills, who still had a shot at the playoffs coming into the game, a week after taking down the Packers at home. After taking an early seven-point lead on a 42-yard touchdown pass, Buffalo stalled on offense. They managed only a field goal in the second and third quarters before heating up again late, but it was too late to complete the comeback as they fell 24-26 in Oakland.
The tough loss was their seventh on the season and eliminated Buffalo from playoff contention and they can’t even affect playoff seeding in their matchup against the Patriots in Week 17. Conversely, the Raiders picked up their third win of the season and travel to Denver for the final week.
Buffalo Bills – Performances of Note
Fred Jackson, RB: +0.2
Breakdown: One of the bright spots on Buffalo’s offense, Jackson had a rough game in pass protection and on the ground gaining just 10 yards on his six carries. As a receiver, though, he was incredibly effective, gaining 93 yards coming out of the backfield and forcing six missed tackles, including a pair at 11:59 of the fourth.
Signature Play: 4Q, 1:48. Keeping the Bills in contention late in the game, Jackson broke another couple of tackles on his way for a 34-yard gain, getting out of bounds to stop the clock in the process.
Scott Chandler, TE: -2.4
Breakdown: Only asked to block a handful of times in his 57 snaps, Chandler stood out negatively on those plays both in pass protection and run blocking. Gave up a hit, allowing Justin Tuck outside in the second quarter, and whiffed on Khalil Mack on a quick pass at 8:26 of the fourth. Chandler had a solid game otherwise, catching four passes and an impressive touchdown to start the fourth quarter, though was also the intended WR on one of Kyle Orton’s interceptions.
Signature Play: 4Q, 15:00. Beat linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong on the post, fighting through a tackle attempt by the safety to reach the end zone and cut Oakland’s lead to two.
Nickell Robey, CB: +2.0
Breakdown: Played just 34 snaps, but covered well and didn’t allow a single catch in three targets. Maintained close coverage on Kenbrell Thompkins’ double move at 8:19 of the second, forcing a field goal. He denied Oakland on third down again later in the quarter (1:18), breaking up the slant to James Jones. Also added a tackle in kickoff coverage, showing value on special teams.
Signature Stat: Robey has allowed a reception on average once out of every 10 snaps in coverage in the slot. Only seven slot corners have given up a reception less frequently.
Oakland Raiders – Performances of Note
Khalil Mack, LB: +5.8
Breakdown: Another dominant performance from Mack, who had one of his best games of the season rushing the passer. Collected seven total disruptions, getting to Orton during his throwing motion on multiple occasions (e.g. 2Q, 12:25), with much of his success coming via an inside move against tackle Seantrel Henderson. Add to that three stops in run defense and it was a well-rounded performance from the rookie.
Signature Play: 2Q, 4:27. Mack faced little resistance from Henderson, using the threat of an outside rush to win inside and get to the quarterback, forcing an incompletion on third down.
Donald Penn, OT: +5.8
Breakdown: Bouncing back from a rough game against Justin Houston and the Chiefs, Penn played well in both pass protection and run blocking, where he wasn’t spectacular, but had few negative plays and consistently sealed his man inside, while also making several good blocks at the second level.
Signature Play: 1Q, 4:59. Nice job opening the gap and taking Kyle Williams inside, though the blocking wasn’t quite as good elsewhere as the Buffalo defense stopped the rusher for no gain.
Miles Burris, LB: +1.5
Breakdown: Overcame two missed tackles to have one of his better games this season. In on 10 tackles, including five defensive stops, looking more able shedding blockers than we’ve seen at times. Also played decently in coverage, allowing just 35 yards in five targets.
Signature Play: 2Q, 5:09. Beat guard Erik Pears inside to take down the runner at the line of scrimmage.
PFF Game Ball
Khalil Mack gets this one for another ridiculous performance, this time doing it more as a pass rusher than we’re used to seeing.
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