1 - Hauschka hits a pair of record-breaking field goals
Bills first-year kicker, Stephen Hauschka, continues to raid the record books in Buffalo. He hit a mix of short and long distance field goals on Sunday that contributed to two different records.
Hauschka's first make of the game came from 25-yards out in the first quarter. That chip shot marked his 100th consecutive game recording a point. He's now the fourth active kicker with a 100-plus game streak.
His next field goal for the record books came in the fourth quarter. It was a 52-yard kick. Hauschka has proven lethal from long distance. He has now converted 12 straight field goals from 50-plus yards, tying an NFL record. The 10-year veteran joins Blair Walsh, Robbie Gould, Justin Tucker, and Matt Prater as the only kickers in league history to make 12 straight from that distance.
Hauschka's last field goal of the game didn't break any records, but it was the most pivotal. With 18 seconds remaining in the game he nailed a 30-yard attempt to give the Bills a 30-27 lead. That kick proved to be the difference in the game. He was happy to have the opportunity, as he missed a 41-yard field goal earlier in the game.
"Oh yeah. Especially in a game where you didn't capitalize earlier," Hauschka said. "As a kicker you can't dwell on it, but you know you put the team in a tough position. You hope you get that opportunity later in the game to win it for your team."
2 - Scarce cornerback unit fights through injury
The Buffalo Bills game day roster against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only had four cornerbacks. Those corners included: E.J. Gaines, Leonard Johnson, Shareece Wright, and Tre'Davious White. When Gaines was ruled out in the third quarter with a hamstring injury it put the team in a tough situation.
White mentioned after Sunday's 30-27 win how Gaines' presence was missed on the field.
"It's definitely tough, man. He's a guy that came in and has had big time games for us," he said.
The Bills were limited to three corners after Gaines' departure. Wright was the next man up and assigned to the outside opposite of White. He wasn't perfect, but hung in there and tallied five tackles to help keep Buffalo a perfect 3-0 at home.
"We've got a veteran guy, Shareece Wright," White said. "It's not his first time coming in and doing it. He's used to it and he does a great job when he comes in."
Moving forward the Bills will be scanning the free agent market and waiver wire, knowing a hamstring injury is not an easy one to return from for a cornerback. They may have to add a pair of cornerbacks so they've got enough depth on the roster should injury strike again.
3 - Offensive line continues to shuffle
Buffalo's offensive line is by no means set in stone. Each week seemingly is a different starting five, but it's working. The team has depth on the line and on Sunday it proved to be beneficial.
Among the changes Sunday, Cordy Glenn made his first start at left tackle since the season opener. Vladimir Ducasse made his second consecutive start at right guard while John Miller was a healthy inactive.
Dawkins came in at left tackle on approximately every third series as the team is still working in Glenn from his ankle injury. Groy got used as an eligible tackle and almost took a snap at center as Wood lost his shoe on a play. The Bills opted to take a timeout rather than have Groy snap the ball.
The Bills starting center, Eric Wood, talked about the unique amount of talent they have on the offensive line.
"We have a ton of depth. A lot of teams around the league are fighting to find five good offensive linemen," he said. We have 10 active offensive linemen right now, nine with a good amount of starts under their belts. That's pretty rare in this league."
Buffalo had seven linemen active in Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Those linemen were: Cordy Glenn, Dion Dawkins, Eric Wood, Jordan Mills, Ryan Groy, Richie Incognito, and Vladimir Ducasse. All seven saw time on Sunday, with Dawkins and Groy being substitutes off the bench.
It may be shuffling around, but the Bills offensive line is finding its footing. The unit propelled the running game to its best performance since Week One with 173 rushing yards.
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