Each week we'll spend Monday dissecting the more interesting statistics and noteworthy items that came out of Sunday's game. Some stats may surprise, others might impress and some might tick you off, but we try to cover it all in Second Down.
Name that player
Marshawn Lynch's 56-yard touchdown run was the longest by a Bill at home since what other former running back also had a 56-yard scoring run?
Owning Cincinnati
With Buffalo 33-21 victory Sunday, the Bills have now won nine straight over the Bengals, good for second longest in team history over one opponent. It matches the nine-game winning streaks that Buffalo has had against Denver (1962-67) and New England (1971-75). The Bills longest win streak against one opponent is the New York Jets (1987-92).
Lynch's big day
Lynch's 153-yard rushing day was good for the third highest single rushing total by a rookie in Bills history. Only Greg Bell (206) and Terry Miller (208) had better rushing days as rookies. Lynch currently stands fourth in the league in rushing (690 yards) although there's a good chance that Baltimore's Willis McGahee will pass him on Monday Night Football this week.
Controlling clock
By being able to run the ball as successfully as they did the Bills set a season high in time of possession with almost 36 minutes of possession time against the Bengals (35:42). It's the fifth straight game Buffalo has held the ball longer than their opponent, making it their longest streak since a six-game stretch in 1998 (games 10-15). Under Dick Jauron the Bills are 7-2 when they win time of possession.
Mr. Ubiquitous
Angelo Crowell was all over the field against for Buffalo's defense posting a team leading 14 tackles. He leads the team in tackles for the season as well with 76 now on the years. Crowell has been one of the team's top two tacklers in five of their eight games this season.
Evans second half emergence
It looks like Lee Evans is making another second half surge when it comes to his production. The Bills top wideout had his second straight 100-yard receiving game posting a season high 165 yards on nine catches including an eight-yard touchdown reception. It's the first time a Bills player has posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving games since Peerless Price did it in 2002 (10/6 vs. Oak., 10/13 at Hou.). His 165 yards was the second highest total of his career. In his last three games against the Bengals Evans now has 19 catches for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
Reed hits 200
Josh Reed's third catch Sunday was the 200th of his Bills career making him the 12th Bills player to reach the milestone. He had six reception in all Sunday for 55 yards half of which went for first downs. With his next catch Reed will tie Jay Riemersma (204) for 11th on the all-time receptions list.
Lindell the extra point king
Rian Lindell's extra point that capped the opening drive set an NFL record for most consecutive extra points to start a career eclipsing the mark previously held by Tommy Davis (234, 1959-65). Lindell now has 237 straight PATs. Lindell also set a season high Sunday with 15 points. It's the 15th game in Lindell's career with the Bills in which he's reached double figures.
Kiwaukee's big play
It took eight NFL seasons, but Kiwaukee Thomas recorded his first NFL interception on the Bengals final drive of the game enabling the Bills to run out the clock. He's the eighth different Bills player with an interception this season.
Tight end involvement
Buffalo's tight ends were a factor in the team's passing game. Robert Royal and Michael Gaines combined for five receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. If you add in FB/TE Derek Schouman, the tight end group accounted for seven grabs for 67 yards.
Name that player answer
Antowain Smith had a 56-yard touchdown run as a rookie as well. It came against Detroit at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Oct. 5, 1997.
