1999 - Week 15 - Buffalo Bills at Arizona Cardinals

before our kickoff right now Tennessee Miami and Buffalo have the top three spots Seattle in a spiral so is New England take a look at the NFC Detroit Green Bay and Minnesota the Giants at seven and seven Dallas at seven and seven in the NFC Arizona can go to seven and seven with a win tonight believe it or not Arizona still has his shot at the NFC East title what does that say that that they're really good or that the NFC East is really bad I think it's the latter Vince Tobin in his fourth year he guided this club to the playoffs last year a historic occasion for the Cardinals the chip Kevin Williams the deep man across Victoria that of bounds at the 33 at quarterback his numbers aren't as lofty as a year ago but he still has them on the birds of the playoffs Linton and gash behind Flutie Eric moulds as his playmaker averaging over 60 yards in captain Reid in the tight end Reiner's mark a pump FINA six-year veteran reuben brown who has made the last three Pro Bowls Ostrosky Ziggler and sprigs and now Thurman Thomas comes out on the field [Applause] first down a flag is down when the pass is intended for Bobby Collins one of the backups I danced well so much for the running game [Applause] Johnny Greer our referee tonight one of the finals the NFL really like the way he controls a ball game offside 57 [Applause] the Cardinals defensive line injury-riddled has Burke swinger Drake and Simeon rice number two in the NFL with 13 and a half sacks the rest for the moment to change the play is the deal bulletins will get the call the rest of that Cardinal defense at the linebacker Fredrickson Ron McKinnon excellent in coverage and leads the team in tackles and SAP the secondary led by all-pro Aeneas Williams who has been to five straight Pro Bowls Knight pennant and Lassiter Bryce with 13 and a half sacks number two on the leg no Cardinal has ever led the NFL in that department he says it's just like track he wants to be the first guy out of the boys intense stops shot of the 40 they need to reach the 43 for a first down Dave McGinnis the defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals and really the defense has carried this football team all year they've struggled on offense they've not been able to get any kind of rhythm and its plays like Simeon rice has been making with the sacks and Gnaeus Williams taking on the most potent receiver that an offense has but the guys in the middle of the ones are gonna have to make it happen tonight and they're missing three of their four starters on the defensive line what would have been a dominant defensive wall bad snap tomato place up with it and plays to Remus by he has it in cargo territory no we're talking to Flutie about dreamers well yesterday and he said he really hasn't worked much as we can he just took his time took it easy because he was injured he said but this guy means so much to me going down the middle first of all the defensive back falls down and when the back falls down grievers was wide open Paul that's Jay Jay McCleskey a little bit of a mismatch anyway you got a six foot five tight end a five foot eight guy trying to cover the girls can work their first third in 32 throw [Music] runs overnight inside the 20 I gotta believe that this is a makeup game for Doug Flutie he knows that he played so poorly last week against the Giants and and he told us when we sat down I just didn't play well it was one of those days and Doug is the type of a guy that if he plays bad one week I guarantee he's refocused come out and made some good decisions with the football so far an impressive drive so far for Buffalo [Applause] [Music] [Applause] that's it back and near the 15 Antoine Smith the solid little Walcott's pointed out out with a turf toe injury so Linton becomes the featured tailback behind Sam - Thurman Thomas will also run from that slot tonight well one of the reasons Linton's there and Antoine is not active as you know he played in a few games he runs a couple of plays Mike and then he comes out they said they wanted some consistency so what they did is they put him down this way to put Jonathan Utley there all week long second and seven precluding [Applause] [Music] [Applause] clearly in the bills author Philips was absolutely right when he said this offense is pretty good and we saw the way Doug Flutie operates and he spreads him out he's got moles in the slot and really there hasn't been a card no touch one of those receivers off the line that entire Drive Cristi for the point after and the bills making an early statement headshots provided by the Southwest Airlines aerial cam i above Sun Devil Stadium for ESPN's Sunday Night Football the Bills took three minutes and 24 seconds and Eric moulds made the touchdown cat from Flutie who was three for three on the drive [Music] Christie will kick to Mariel Bates who waits in his two yard line that's Bates fourth in the NFL and kick returns better than 25 a shot thanks to me 8 [Applause] and across the 25 show that touchdown that was too easy it really was too simple Mike and really the defensive structure is the problem that's moles in the slot up here you see a little red dot that's the linebacker that's the safety what the linebackers got to do is come up and jam him he can't let him run the free release and wind up going down the middle of the football field untouched he literally doesn't get touched by a cardinal till he gets hit at the two yard line leaping into the end zone you're gonna put a slot if somebody want him get on his nose [Music] [Applause] we gained about six Arizona's offense run by jake plummer he's had a four-year thirty-fifth to the last in the quarterback rankings 18 interceptions only six touchdown passes the backs Burrell and makovicka the receivers Moore and Frank Sanders who leads the club with 56 catches and hardy the tight end the offensive line almost totally reworked because of injuries Jewish Dexter Graham discipline [Applause] only a yard this time for the bills defense the frontline has Hansen Ted Washington in much better shape this season and having a big gear and Smith very good linebackers Rogers Hollow sex Sam coward so good they changed the defense to get him on the field and northern the secondary as urban and Smith that the corners Jones at one safety Curt Schultz at the other Schultz their leading interceptor second all-time a little edgy white insects he has 169 this year [Applause] women that was intended for Sanders but he stumbled coming out of his break in the past whistle over his head he has Bruce Smith yesterday by playing he said I had a sore shoulder but when I saw this offensive line it was all makeshift I was amazed that I had to play shoulder got better immediately as Arizona goes 3 and out Kevin Williams waits at his 20 [Applause] exactly the kind of start the partners offense did not mean their kids signaled and made at the 28 yard line fun of 39 and no return [Music] a bottle had been able to play the last company ball [Music] lady dumps this one off and Sam's - we'll take it out never 35 like the most important thing for the Cardinals nice they wanted to control Doug Flutie and what they're doing is they're only bringing the ends up the field so far they want to keep him in the well they feel like if he has to throw the football from that pocket they can keep him the problem is they're gonna have to get on the tight end they can't open up the middle of the football field like this or he'll be there all day picking them apart Thurman Thomas is the single some time [Applause] Thomas gets the carries against the run bliss and the kidding right Lahaul takes him down at the 35 well this is one of the things you're going to have to sacrifice if you're going to let him stand back there Doug Flutie in that pocket you're going to have to send some people that time they had a blitz on Ron MacKinnon is number 57 watch this he comes out and he goes up into the hole he meets Thurman Thomas there no yardage well I actually picked up a yard MacKinnon won the Harlan Hill award the division 2 that's the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy of North Alabama the first defensive player ever to win it another glitch to talk to fairytales he only gets a couple of yards shy of a first down that's a nice job by the Cardinal defense the bills try to outflank him with the two receivers set up there and then they bring the tight end over but good penetration and good pursuit stops them from getting the first down [Applause] the punting team comes on and they may measure knew they looked a full yard shy less than that can still fourth down well you've had a cold yes what does that have to do you have a cold you can't see as far it's understandable your eyes get cloudy right knee I'm in this booth we can barely see the field anyway it's in front of us we know that you know what's really strange is when planes fly under you and the pilots wave at you hi we are Mack Cody waits for the punt Chris Moore will kick just having a terrible season averaging only 39 3 a kick and the net is under 35 [Applause] hi and short Cody across the 30 breaks the tackle [Applause] returned thirty-eight just ranked 30th in the NFL but the second half against the Redskins last week it should have been somewhere around 38 three first downs three yards rushing 33 passing they handed only 11 plays on offense and couple that with a vet with only scoring 19 points in the first quarter doesn't leave a lot of room for error Morrell picks up about five Marc Trestman their offensive coordinator had a chance to visit with him this week and you know he's got Jake Plummer he's trying to get Jake comfortable in this offense and last week against the Redskins he had three or four plays where there were opportunities for Jake to get the ball down the field get it to Rob Morton and he's just rushing things he's not as comfortable he's not as patient as he was last year in the pocket warmer the quick out of Hardy the tight end juggling at the sideline but he made the catch here's Jake Plummer on how last week's dreadful performance had affected him it wasn't in the lowest point of my life but as far as football and you know being just frustrated at what was going on and how how I performed personally and how the team performed and just the whole day you know it was a pretty pretty low point what made it even worse was that it was a very big game a very big game that can help us control our destiny plumber throws too high for Sanders he couldn't hold it and it's plays like that that I'm talking about Sanders is open in the middle and Jake tries to gun this thing and this ball has no touch on I want you to watch how hurried he is and how rushed he looks nobody's hurting him no problem throws it he gets hit a little bit but still the ball is delivered before he gets hit by the defender and it should be a much more accurate throw he seems a bit rushed still player the punter Williams Williams what's it go and it makes the endzone 49-yard kick but a net of only 29 and the bills will have it at the 20 comdata game home game this snow day nunchaku oh it's Equinox I still have something are you know suddenly the study I'm done this bills lead at seven to nothing the game plan coming in for Buffalo was to run the ball fall so far it's been the Doug Flutie show well he's four for four for 65 yards and here's why he spreads the defense out first one down the middle to Riemersma then was looking at moles on a lefty they see it so the fact on a ring right hand side and then here is a touchdown of mold but you could see the lanes that he could throw in and by getting his Leahy who spreads the defense out he'll start from their own story [Applause] lady to throw again too high for Riemersma funny how we study quarterbacks and we analyze every throw throws get away from guys and I mean you're not gonna go 21 for 21 or 25 for 25 in a game there's a case ball just sailed out a little bit I'm gon say one thing they're doing doing Simeon rice they've got FINA on him but but if Ruben Brown is unfair that he comes out to help pretty cool attention [Applause] and the blitzing linebacker Ron Fredrickson peeled back to make the tackle what did they do this nice they had Simeon rice on the outside shoulder of John FINA number 70 and they take him out he actually holds FINA and that Fredersen comes inside he almost overruns the play watches you CC me right 70 97 he just stands right there FINA doesn't make the block Fredersen makes the tackle third and ten worthy scrambles across the 30 volcanoes but they will say he is down and if it's spotted across the thirty it is a first down in the US William stack that is the dimension that Vince Tobin was concerned with when you take a look at the way they try and rush a man you bet you have to be so disciplined but not only that you have to keep an eye on them when they rush they want to rush in straight lines right up here Doug Flutie manages to step up make the play and then pick up the first down offensive line does a good job of stay with everybody nice switch on the twist and then Doug knows exactly where to go for the first down he's lost over 400 yards this year for quarterback since number one in the NFL Kwami Lassiter with the coverage but Flutie put it right there yeah but I think mol saw McKinnon number 57 the linebacker coming out they had another blitz on on the on the right hand side the left-hand side of the offense and then McKinnon number 52 watch this he almost gets the ball he doesn't see Fuji doesn't see him but Kenneth if he's looking at the ball he might have had a shot at it but I think moles was looking at him [Applause] second and ten the Linton is [Applause] [Music] [Applause] this one is complete up to the 36 yard line Andre Reed with his second catch of the night McKinnon makes the tackle read only need six more catches to pass art Plunkett to become number two all-time and NFL catches he came into game needing only 60 yards to pass Steve Largent for number four all-time in yards say hey there's a guy I've known since the day he came to Buffalo and there are many people in the National Football League to work harder than Andre Reed they can still catch he still runs fluting toss outside he's got the first down to Kevin Williams he put so much pressure on a deep and when you run a little play-action fake inside it just holds the linebackers long enough it gets dug to the edge and he can dump it off right now Joe Penn during the offensive coordinate I would think would have to think about throwing the ball up top everything has been little slants little crosses in the middle here you got an opportunity you run a little play-action fake you take a shot with Eric moulds down the field on aeneas Williams another first down for Buffalo peerless prices came in the game don't come to the near side [Applause] play action again by flavor here was price Tom Knight took him out of bounds but it's a gain of 22 they run peerless price across the field and no one even looked at him they're all looking at Eric moulds exactly Eric Bowles takes off running down the field he goes down the field peerless price lines up on the left hand side of the offense here comes Chris price watch this and watch when he goes across there is absolutely no one with and that's what kid in the linebacker forget about that no one is near this guy now what really helps it out is the play-action fake it forces the linebackers to jump up and creates the void between the backers in the back Mike Arizona is already battling injuries but this may be the worst of all cornerback aniyah's Williams has a right toe spring right now he's getting a tree tape but I'm told this returned his questionable mic and that is the guy Salomon who it's just the heart and soul of this defense he works as hard as anybody in football and he was also supposed to be the guy who was going to shadow Eric moulds tonight [Applause] take the reverse and drop ESPN Sunday Night Football continues next week as look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they take on Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers join us right after burn time at 8:15 Eastern ESPN and ABC your exclusive networks for primetime NFL football second and 10 clearly goes to the center [Applause] what's coming Thurman Thomas in a-flat turning the loss with couple into a gain of a couple well they got Thurman Thomas Thomas Berke as number 60 he is the third guy in her depth chart at the defensive end position he's starting type but this is what Thurman Thomas does better than most people in the National Football League not only catching the ball out of the backfield but to set up a screen when you talk about Thurman Thomas he sets up a screen better than anyone look at this the linemen let him go through now it gets outside he's on Burt it almost makes him miss if he does but he held him long enough for his other defensive as she gets into filling space [Applause] [Music] [Applause] knew he was going to be drilled into a strike anyone what focus and what toughness to stand in there as the Blitz comes flying in there it is look see him come flying in real hard Ryan Hart comes in and darn near takes him apart winds up getting the ball out to moulds who makes the play first and goal Buffalo [Applause] [Music] [Applause] you know what I'd rather say continuous effort then second effort because on a if you say second ever it's like the first effort he quit you know you're right watch his legs they don't stop number 35 is Jonathan Linton the blocking in him he stopped at the one-yard line you think watch his legs his legs don't stop and then he gets the ball across the goal line touchdown [Applause] that was Simeon rice number 97 on him and couldn't hold him heck of an effort by the second year man out of North Carolina who gets his third touchdown run of the season and the bills pouring it on here in the first quarter of 40 nothing other impressive March this 180 yards Linton finished it off and it's 14 nothing what was the Cardinals worst nightmare to fall behind early just like this they don't score early in games and they haven't been very efficient throwing the ball so they're going to have to do something here they only average 14 point 3 points a game [Applause] to the 20 it's the NHL on espn2 this Tuesday at 9:00 Eastern Chris Pryor and the st. Louis Blues head to the desert to take on Jeremy running to the Phoenix Coyotes ESPN espn2 at ABC your official networks of the National Hockey League Mike you said the average 14.3 they got point three to play with right now that's right Honda as an offense it's gonna give him the 14th that you don't think the bills are going to give it to me [Music] wants to throw on to the tight-end fights for extra yardage and gets 5 the Arizona Cardinals working on a streak this would be 14 games but they have not scored an offensive touchdown in the first quarter look at jake plummer on that last note Joey had all the time to throw the football and was still high and during warm-ups he did the same thing every throw he made was high in a way he's gonna settle down a little reaction by former this one is hi we wanted a flag on this Rob more thought he was interfered with by Cantor but I don't think he got that with a ladder Kenny Irvin on Rob more Rob more 85 going to the outside look where the ball is that ball is up and away everyone is sailing on it Jimmy you see anything mechanically so far yeah and first of all I know it's his thumb is still bothering because he told me it was so he doesn't really have the grippy so he grip on the ball that he he has had and he doesn't have the control throw on the ball which is very obvious third and five before Murr got this when the sailors and Sanders has a first down at the 31 Antoine Winfield made the tackle and that's the end of the first quarter Buffalo on top early 14th or nothing at Arizona listen ESPN Doug Flutie has been kept out more time with George Chuvalo but somehow he always seems to find a way to come back you live in Buffalo you bug you've seen the newspaper listening to the radio they just rip it him up yeah but that's why he come back see Doug Flutie two things he does not read the newspaper nor does he listen to the radio or watch television and with that he finds his own confidence well you just got all kinds of snow oh yeah the other part of that is is Doug's a heck of a football player yes the one thing nobody's nobody's ever given him credit for is the ability to make plays that's what he is he's a playmaker Noelle with the carry a hard run up to the 40 well I know there are a lot of teams in the National Football League that would love to have Doug Flutie as their quarterback I'll tell you who is number one that would love to have them the Buffalo Bills they've got him and they're not let them go and they can say all the things you want to say about them on the radio stations and the newspapers and this happens to a lot of quarterbacks in towns there aren't that many great or good starting quarterbacks in the National Football League and I'm about to let neither one of these guys go Rob Johnson being the other one yeah but you know Mike Doug Flutie is the kind of a guy a lot of guys had a shot at nobody wanted him every team in the National Football League for years had a shot out of it nobody wanted it and I would still say that general managers today would still get stuck in their stereotype and say we don't want a guy that small we want the bigger guy well the director of pro scouting for the Buffalo Bills AJ Smith wanted him and got him bet he did and it's up to jake plummer now on the other side to get his offense going he's got it a little bit started now they're in a little bit of a rhythm he's got to keep it going they have had almost no running has really struggled intercepted by Schultz the three safety came over and had a shot at it and Schultz gets an unbelievable jump on this even after the play-action look at how far he runs to make a play on the ball this is incredible he is right in the middle he is gonna take off and run this way with the proper angle and everything there is a play-action fake he hardly freezes now as the ball goes look at him go up watch him get to the intersection goes up try and reach it no reason why he shouldn't have had that you wonder why the Bills have so few interceptions because they can't hold on to the ball where you fell about a grape planning in our committee Ernie to the 46 and Thomas Smith up from the corner to make attack he had the kitchen yeah you right there is Pittman who aggravated a turf toe injury he's the only back that has any kind of a rushing average this year in limited action 64 carries averages 4.5 Marella's under three baits under two and a half maca victim a fullback is at zero seven carries no your Michael you'd be better off on offensive defense just talking about the guys we're happy cuz we're too many to hurt morale the lost average in the NFL with at least 150 carats because a strike that would be a first down at the buffalo 42 robbed more you know why this is such an important play can turban does a terrific job staying close but it's this is very important to Jake because jake plummer told me on friday he said I'm gonna have to throw the ball in places and rob and Frank are gonna have to make catches because their defense plays so tight now here's a case where a guy has said I'm gonna have to do something and it turned out for that's got to give them some confidence draw a plane row took a wicked shot from the shortstop end of that run you know what they talk to you talk about Lynch down the Tampa Bay they've got guys that dick can hit in the National Football I get safety well this guy 24 he's on muddles yeah he is he's on everybody's Christmas list now Pat Pat Williams number 93 he gets double-teamed right here watch this back to the inside actually when he gets blocked Aaron grim that just slips him by himself Mario Bates comes in in second includes the big man the United Sates will get the bureau takes it outside [Music] and the Cardinals finally get it going on offense whether one thing you've got to like about this drive with the Cardinals are down 14 points and they're not getting away from their offense we're still staying with it even though they're only averaging 14 point 3 points per game and and this really comes from studying the Raider tapes and the giant tapes two teams that Marc Trestman felt like his offense did a good job against and the way they had success was one running right at them and that's what they're doing with a very patchwork offensive line it is those guys deserve a lot of credit they're switched all over the place morale that time hit in the back or Bates that time he was hit in the back - its Shaun price and Pat Williams number 93 came up to cut him down they were talking about Pat Williams that way they're talking about when he comes in the game the whole defense is up lanata say anything about Ted Washington but watch him he just beats the center and the guard and gets into the backfield they have really have no chance number 67 was Chris Dishman who also mr. block a look at Pat Williams - penetration in the backfield for a loss of about a half a yard [Applause] and plumber can't get Sanders where he wants him has to burn a timeout Arizona's first of the first half 1024 to go on the HAMP up one still up by Cardinals driving down 14 to nothing second quarter Barthel has been running the ball pretty well could be a good chance for some type of play ash [Applause] play action debates [Music] fighting for extra yardage but it'll be a couple shy of a first down Thomas Eck and Marcellus Wiley hustling down field that's what running the football can do for you now Jake is really on skates back there because he's getting a lot of pressure from different guys but the fact that you can run the football a little bit it buys you just enough time to get receivers open little play-action not a lot of time set let it go does a good job of avoiding the pressure manages to get the completion he almost throws more accurately on one foot sometimes than he does with two at god-person was Pat Williams again this will be the 15th play of the drive killer the time choice for mourning complete in there is the flag urban grabbed him and let him go just before the ball got there an urban comes up blame pass interference 27 defense well any urban wave Phillip said this balls over his head this Rob war he's grabbing them actually that's more holding than it is pass interference but look where this ball is can he catch it oh yeah hey Ken even if he's not being held probably you know this is five first downs for this team this is more first towns in this Drive five of them commit had in the last three quarter first and goal wait [Applause] by Henry Jones ago [Music] all you talk about Jonathan Linton teeth and his feet moving on the last Buffalo touchdown watch mario bates starts to the right cuts back gets him but doesn't stop he keeps the drive going [Music] they just don't get clean shots at them and you expect the backs to run over defensive backs and Jake's got to feel so thrilled nice drive and it has him back in the ball game jackie philip poland after 80-yard Drive 2:35 and drives by the offense to simultaneously experience what Kevin Williams from the 15 near the 30 all right let's go live to the internet with enhanced TV and there is our score for the year 132 to 90 mu Paul says thank goodness for trivia let's go to Joe Theismann what is your play pick my play pick for this first and ten by the Buffalo Bills second with I'm thinking I'm thinking I can tell home boy you don't hurt yourself why not okay go ahead huh all right yeah you can I say gets the ball to Thurman it's gonna be a running play for me [Applause] 20 returned now squamous except for you know how dangerous he is and how much these people really respect Doug Flutie he froze Simeon rice has got a shot at him and he's standing back in the backfield and you talked about before Joe about the defense events coming up field watch the left of your screen number 97 is Simeon rice he's going to appear now watch Flutie freeze him he froze was right in his tracks and then moves up the field and he's also so much faster than people give him credit for he can really really work the lengthy goes back in a tailback ladies short set scrambling again throws on the run and it's incomplete all right you've got a third down coming at all what is what's your pick let me see the formation that's fine who said that it's either okay hey Paul we know you do better with trivia but tonight it goes back to the game good luck you know this happens to be my pick so knock it off I got a concentrate here I understand there are two people rooting for you now yep down Guam [Applause] [Music] and he's gonna throw it he's going to throw the ball of Thurman Thomas intro to the title these Thurman's in there that's not his pick let's coming [Music] flirty here's the feeling more out to the 43-yard line Paul congratulations your record is still spotless well he didn't gain anything if I didn't lose any this time either the thing the thing about Flutie is Vince Tobin wanted his people to be able to rush lanes what happens is they collapsed the pocket and when they do that there's no container on Doug and once he gets outside if you're gonna blitz you got to have contained bring people up the middle but there's got to be somebody outside responsible for keeping them in the pocket turi carries 24 yards there's the passing number [Applause] [Music] [Applause] this one the price in the Cardinal territory at the 49 let's check in with Solomon Walcott Saleh Mike you may notice while receiver Andre Reed is not on the field that's because he's been taken into the locker room for an examination on toad it's a real problem we have to get you more information but cornerback hand Ervin he is also out of the game he's been taken to the locker room for x-rays on his left foot he may not return I'm told his return is questionable all right thanks Solomon that's bad news [Applause] big hole fighting slash two yards at the 38 he is not only a big hole put a pig back and tough to bring down well I'm gonna tell you what they had MacKinnon was on in 57 he supposedly made the initial stop but at the end of it watch how many people it takes to actually bring him down here's Linton 3557 MacKinnon he has him by himself there's one guy two three four five and now six thank you [Applause] we buy food [Applause] picked up by Tommy fan at the school in safety now say he stepped out of bounds [Applause] the receiver ever got to the spot that Doug Flutie wanted Doug Flutie anticipated where Bennett was going to be Bennett anticipated where the ball was going to wind up Tommy Bennett did a terrific job on that play areas right in the middle he's going to see the receiver coming he's going to intersect and sit and pick it off right at the intersection watch when he starts to break on the ball Rudy's jumping here comes breaking on it gets in front of price winds up with the big int Tommy Bennett is always gonna remember where he came from he keeps a bright yellow jacket at his house a reminder of his days as a security guard and the great drugs Jim you don't think he's happy to be in the NFL [Applause] [Music] contact no flying Rob Moore was tied up with Antoine Winfield bumped him twice boy is this a smart play now first of all Kenny Ervin is out they go bring in the rookie Antoine Winfield at the corner they take rob moore their best receiver and they just run him down the field Antoine Winfield look at this coverage the ball is thrown to the outside and he has Curt Schultz with his inside that's good coverage and that's a nice call by the official rob was just losing his footing [Applause] we'll get the ball wrapped up by Ted Washington and when he grabs you you're not going any further well that's what errand grinning told us yesterday who he is the center on his football team he says the one thing about Ted Washington he is so quick if you don't stay with him and hold and watch him he's going to get rid of Graham and make the play in the hole I think that's the thing that is so impressive he stands people up and then he has the quickness to be able to shed him and go get the tactical bacon a great player his 78th tackle of the season he always makes a lot of stops [Applause] want to scream [Music] too many defenders not enough blockers he's out to the 45 well if you're gonna run a screen I don't think you run to the screen and then throw the ball because what happens when you're running to the screen you're bringing all the defensive people with you sometime the pressure makes you go places you really don't want to go yeah but I think he got out of that one quicker than he had to he could have still stayed back there maybe he couldn't find Morel and that's why he rolled out there is a marker down the legal receiver downfield against Arizona if I'm buffalo I decline this and just take the ball and let him punt I wouldn't give him another chance it holds we'll receiver downfield the right tackle the penalties decline fourth down a good move by way get the football in your hands don't give him another chance you're not gonna miss plummet being downfield he's six eight 355 not gonna miss him anywhere [Applause] 12 surrounded [Applause] at the corner Smith was downfield to throw a whale of a block for him and he got a 12 yard return [Music] Junior the bills president his general manager John Butler is not here tonight back home with his family in Buffalo his wife Alice and her father Jim had a serious car accident on Friday they are in intensive care and our best wishes go out to their family for a speedy recovery bulletin on the carry he'll get a couple John Gotti's for today John and your family you bet you know this guy is never ever John Butler has never missed a game any place he's ever been this the first time while understandable language yes this one the numbers the bills with a hundred more yards passing [Applause] that has been so good for the pills so far in this game five people at gardeners come with a blitz through the unloads in a hurry moulds to the 32 gotta bounce oh boy is he a rock I mean that is one big wide receiver he's just he's so strong he's so powerful that when a defensive back hits a big fairly dense him and I sort of don't understand Buffalo is sort of reverted back to trying to run the football when they spread the field down he's been extremely successful and I would think that they could use that formation a bit more third called a yard from the 33 [Applause] they're down inside of six seconds worthy to throw for maids tried to spin around and make the cat good coverage by Tom Knight and molds could not make the circus act work there's a heck of a job by night you got molds 101 he doesn't but gets a handle on within two five and then the throw is outside Doug Flutie really rushed the throw up the field didn't put it exactly where he wanted to to give Eric a chance to make a play on the ball Cardinal defense doing its job now they've settled in get the ball back in there offenses and see if they've got that confidence built up then the strength of their ballclub all year long more to pump to cold drive the tournament kick Cody when the C to the 46 yard line the step away from breaking him all the way what would you Chris Moore the punter had to make the save attack but would you kick a ball that low and you don't give your guys a chance to get within five yards you better be there to make the tackle Chris Moore the West Airlines aerial cam high above Sun Devil Stadium for ESPN's Sunday Night Football 14-7 Bill's the Cardinals with great field position of the buffalo 46 they have set up that reverse a couple of times they'll run it eventually it is the 25th birthday before Jake for tonight really a year he would much rather forget he has been injured since midway through the preseason and I think the biggest thing that we talked about in the last couple of days he hasn't been able to practice Joe well it hurts some plus and you know when you're injured Mike and that's the first time he has felt anything like that he was Superman and now he's found out he's not invincible [Applause] [Music] [Applause] you have to be able to go out and practice rose and learn the people I watched practice on Friday he made a couple of throws to players and he commented to me says if Mario Bates is coming out of the backfield I can't throw the ball that hard those are the things you learn in practice and those are the things that he's missed now you start to see this audience getting diluted he's been back about three weeks [Applause] bait stop to shy of the 30 a native son who went to college here at Arizona State one other thing though we were in Kansas City talking to Elvis Grbac Elvis Grbac said after the ninth week I feel comfortable that's it you know here's a guy that when he was out jake plummer and it's not making excuses because he won't for himself but for six weeks he couldn't even throw the ball back splitting his hurt and you've got to practice in order to be proficient in what you do [Applause] second and six warmer under pressure now that was the kind of throw we got used to save for jake plummer last year everybody did and got what it does it also gives marc trestman his coach an opportunity to call plays and give him a chance to get cut loose [Music] we have reached the two-minute warning officially at 157 Cardinals down by a touchdown but drive it Chris Berman in the Motorola halftime report fastest three minutes in television congratulations to the Colts they win the AFC East today and will try to sort out the NFL playoff picture they say one thing about the Colts after the game they the whole team went out and shook hands with the fans wasn't it great was terrific me the football got a chance to do some things with Laura flea-flicker back to Palmer incomplete was covered by Winfield but he missed Frank Sanders who was so incredibly wide open Jake is going to absolutely be very upset with himself but this is the area that he struggled in against the Redskins last week he had players wide open and he missed them [Applause] alright here's here's the interference rob moore antonio winfield number 26 well I would call holding before I call interference yeah but I mean the big thing was the opportunity to get to touchdown both the balls in the air holding is interference that's right thank you [Applause] I want you to see this last play and this is this is really what's plague jake plummer more than anything me you see marc trestman in the coordinator makes the call you watch Frank Sanders go right across here you'll see Rob Moore come in and go teeth watch how wide open Frank Sanders is look at stop right there we can take a look at that right on the 10-yard line from about the hash mark over look at that there isn't a player anywhere near him well that's because the other guy are picked off Thomas Smith doesn't matter but you still to me when you see Rob Moore doesn't have outside position on the corner you've got to go to your secondary receiver Marc Trestman has done a terrific job of getting opportunities for Jake a place to throw the ball he just hasn't quite been able to get comfortable and find the guy that's been unbelievable wide open only been two flies against Buffalo both huge pants that are turning ball [Applause] inside the to Curt Schultz led the charge to stand him up I like Maria Bates's courage but trying to move Ted Washington into the end zone it's impossible to do that Curt Schultz number 24 gets in Ted Washington's number 92 watch this Graham is the center he holds him straight up look at this boom he hits Schultz is there you're not moving that again at that point it's over isn't that right take a knee and now Plummer wants another timeout the play clock was winding down wide open its ears now [Applause] sending gold base [Applause] the Arizona Cardinals spotted Buffalo 14 pending the extra point they'd come back to table and they've done the one thing that I didn't think they would be able to do and that's run the football fairly effective against that Buffalo defense [Applause] jacqui for the point after [Applause] and we're tied well you know I talked to you about Ted Washington before watch what he does to the center Graham what [Applause] Kevin Owens from the 13 shy of the 30 in the back flouted almost to the sewol past that it keeps it and forced out of bounds give at the sidelines Tommy Bennett took him out but you know I'm at eight he's good he's been a shovel passage to Thurman Thomas Thurman Thomas is covered throw what underhand is consider the past and it would have been a penalty nobody ever said he wasn't [Applause] price can't get there without a bomb third and six [Applause] let's kill me forty with time Riemersma has the first down to the 45 Tom Knight made the tackle [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] saluted quickly the bowl in the Cardinal territory at the 49 you know who's done a great job so far John Fein of the left tackle for the bills we have not called Simeon Rice's name for harassing floated and things been doing this by himself intended for Englishman and for [Applause] pick pioneers William cut in front of mold if he makes the catch he's gone number 85 unsportsmanlike conduct number 34 of the opposite seed the soldier will come alive 15 yards and the damn count want them apparently Thurmond through his helmet yet take a look at the job Aeneas Williams does on Eric bolts he's in the slot bowls trying to pick up the first down Williams just breaks and actually Moe I'll take it molds does a good job he grabs his right arm and doesn't let him pick it off but that's part of the study habits of æneas Williams he knows what the routes look like sometimes he's in the facility at 5:30 in the morning looking at tape and Joe you're right he knew what that route was he broke on it immediately I need professional football I think it's amazing while the fans don't like the decision to take a knee but they have to like the fact that the Cardinals spotted the bills 14 points and have come back to tie it that's the end of the first tab to score the bills 14 the Cardinals 14 now let's join Chris Berman Phillip they're locked in the duel with the Cardinals at 14 14 and I think they've missed some great opportunities in that first half Joe they they got away from the thing that really sets up everything for them go 5 wide and throw it they start the game they spread out the Cardinals the Cardinals really can't figure out how to match up the way they want to handle it and Doug goes out and starts very well now all of a sudden you see he's settled back down 14 completions in 23 attempts this is just the first half for Doug Flutie starts well in the beginning scrambles around get Sanjay readout on the sidelines comes back slides makes a play as he always does with his legs again moving around make a play dump it off to Thurman he gives you a lot of different looks and he's accurate and sharp with the ball with the touchdown the moat I mean I think Doug has done typically what Doug Flutie does in a football game makes plays keeps things alive bundles will get the ball first Bates at the 15 across the 30 to the 32 let's go to Salomon Wilcox ollie yeah my vince Tobin says that despite the fact that his offensive line is banged up and wracked with injuries he said that he's not surprised with the fact that they are able to run the ball said that the back of offensive linemen are more healthy than the starters on the other side he said he fully expects Simeon rice the wind has one-on-one matchup with offensive tackle John FINA said that's something Simeon rice has to get done here in the second half has put pressure on Doug Flutie Mike all right Solomon and rice is the only starter on the defensive line who was in there for Arizona because of injury a couple covers it take a look at the first half stats and Buffalo dominating 214 total yards to 109 what's not included they're the two big interference calls that got the Cardinals in first and goal situations and most of those statistics really have occurred in just one quarter because the first quarter the Cardinals couldn't get anything started at six plays in the first boy scrambles in sack back at the 33 Phil Hansen the unsung other defensive end with your defensive end on the same line as brute Smith you don't get talked about all I'm Ted Washington who goes to the Pro Bowl so they don't even mention you're like third in line but Phil Hansen just stayed at home he did the job Tony you were talking about the defense of Arizona only Cindy and Rice's starting look at this offensive line they have two guys who played to right the same position Aaron Graham to Center and Anthony Clement who's a rookie playing at right tackle their dentist you say to a job so far [Music] [Applause] plumber throws too high in its dwop [Applause] Darryl Porter had a shot and an interception and couldn't hold it and Rob Moore just sort of picks the ball up and looks back at Jake Plummer in total disbelief as to where the ball was going these guys have not been able to get on the same page all year and tonight almost every pass that Jake throws winds up being a little bit high that one was high an inside player to kick to Kevin Williams [Applause] Anglet toward the far sideline in the Williams Omega fair catch on the run at the 24 good punt 43 yards and no return Doug Flutie will have it on offense when we come back to the desert check out a live in back inta no no you don't get to pick again okay living the offense start from the 25 Doug Flutie has thrown the ball fairly effectively effectively in this game but if most of it has been outside you see the pants chart here work down the middle of the field seven times with four completions but most of the throws have been under 15 yards and outside take a look at the bottom number outside 10 of 16 for 122 yards now that's more dictated by Arizona's defense they're keeping someone in the middle of the field and they're not gonna learn to get the ball down too [Applause] [Music] the 33 that will bring up a curtain to MacKinnon on the stop - I think this is as good offense this is what this team needs to do they can't just sit down I said in the beginning this game and have that foodie throw the ball 40 times and expect to win they've got to set up some kind of run because putting play action rolling out is where he's really effective and Joe Hendry the offensive coordinator really wanted to start this way but when he saw the success he had spreading the formation he stayed with what went with him for third into Clinton on the toss [Applause] the packet is the first down to the 39 nice block by Sam gashed the pullback and that's what he does so beautifully Saheb - number 33 he's gonna block Simeon rice number 97 what Sam - he goes out excuse me he doesn't block rights right friend runs himself out of it Sam - this gets an extra block downfield we asked yesterday last thermos how many places Sam - had he says there's only one game 45 the offensive line coach come on get out there I'm telling you I swear when you see him through the entire ballgame it looks like he's just smelling something bad over there and he's a great offensive line coach look at it looks like a line coach Teddy he haven't seen Andre while that's the pass he is out with a rib contusion will not return to this ballgame he missed 11 beams this year hurt on the first play of the season opener had a bruised liver and a bruised kidney and they've really missed him for 11 games and he thought when he came back last week for the first time in those 11 games that they sort of ease him in maybe get a dozen plays he wound up with 35 now he gets the game plan for this week and he now we've seen him run the football he's in on third down because Antoine Smith is unable to play Jonathan Linton back in on first in town from midfield [Music] [Applause] this is what the bills told us they wanted to do at the beginning of the game but at the beginning of the game they came out chucking it right now they're ramming it right down Arizona's throat there's senator Jerry Ostrovsky number 60 and dusty Ziegler took his right number 61 look at look at the block they just passed the guy down Ziegler passes him down Klaus Trotsky name goes out and gets another guy this team can run the football and the football is an attitude their way night [Music] maybe changing the boy [Applause] wait at the middle of a solid tackle by Rob Fredricksen all you talked about Buffalo being able to run historically they have always been able to run ranking higher and rushing yards than passing for 12 straight years and that's even going back to well to countless I'm thinking when you think of that red gun that Jim Kelly ran and how effective they were the football even though they spread people out there comes the Blitz and they may have gotten there early or someone moved on the offensive line we'll check it for you well Aeneas Williams wanted to Chuck Eric Bowles at the line of scrimmage and they banged a little early neutral zone infraction right defensive in go second down they call it Simeon rice but that mean at 35 Aeneas rice on 80 moles on the outside watch these two guns now they say Simeon rice there's the infraction no I think it was hideous yeah Simeon rice is basically taking himself out of this he's helping Tina all night long playing way outside finally that he's played in a two-point stance there he is again up talking the screen he is not the kind of a defender who should play in a two-point stance he's to 65 to 70 he's much better served with his hand on the ground hey watch the stance look at this that's that's that's the easiest target in the world of block looking I guess just owns him FINA he's not even getting FINA sweat he's maybe getting sweaty blocking him I mean Simeon has really not been effective and should never get in a two-point stance spotted up to 25 first g10 what's coming lassiter makes the tackle as they reach the 18 yard line Rashaad swinger head up around the ankle show you were talking about FINA just look where Simeon rice lines up he's 97 feet 270 and I'll see that doesn't just turn out Tina's already out there and I'm you know he's doing a great job look at this John feena's feet are moving perfectly Simeon Rice's has the same move straight up the field Streeter said if you want to run that move that's fine you just stay to the outside gonna man 9 running plays on this drive 52 yards dancing around not much there they need to reach the 15 for a first down he is shy of it Pawlenty had one thing on Simeon rice and there's Joe Penry the right weight focused on sitting right when you have a Doug Flutie as a quarterback he is being told get up the field get up the field all the time and I think it's really taken him out of his game he's been forced to play mostly contained and it doesn't serve him not to be an active part of making plays he hasn't in close on that I've really totally let this guy go for the quarterback he's quick enough to go one [Applause] [Music] pushed down Buffalo you know what folks no pass place in this drive you know as you said this is this is an attitude check right here well they started at the 25-yard line and they're now inside the 15 to the 13 yeah but if you want to run a pass play down here you get Riemersma back Flutie has a lot of confidence in them you know I wouldn't be surprised that they continue to pound but boy you know those linebackers will be coming up to try and make [Music] [Applause] johnny of the 11 Thomas Berke pulls down from the defensive end spot in a hurry joy I think they went to the locker room there's a big blackboard down and they wrote we are going to run the football the second half period and I guess I guarantee of Karl Marx the guy that wrote it he sort of snuck in early put it up there well when he fights for his guys like he does to run the football and most every offensive lineman loads around the football you better block there you're coming out of there second [Applause] [Music] [Applause] blood spilling [Applause] Patrick after Sydney and rice random to the sideline I said Simeon rice is fast enough that was the loss of 17 fluty with a strike down to the 16 yard line that time he hit Williams in stride I think one of the things that Locke was upset with him with that last play is Joe the two running backs Jonathan Linton the Sam - both ran by Simeon rice neither one of them Kwok but cash is out in the past round I agree with that one I mean there's no question but the full-back is out in flat as they wind up that lease are gonna have an opportunity to kick the field loads - Kirsty trying to snap out of the swamp he's missed five of his life and puts it right down the middle the bills for Christmas Paul you have a cactus that lights up [Laughter] [Applause] Bates at the 8th [Applause] and Santa Claus without his suit with 356 to go third quarter and worn out his sweater under his arms both pits are blowing on balls ever you're sitting next to on the plane way home to the 33 it's been well the Cardinals owner and president and they have a lot of government officials right now working to help him get a new stadium out here in the desert put together a task force to try and get a complex in the stadium this of course the home of Arizona State University Murrell check in with Solomon Walcott Sally Mike in a last-ditch effort to build the Cardinals a new stadium and attract a future Super Bowl to the area governor Jane Hall well she's asked a group of prominent business and civic leaders to serve on a task force to study funding options for a new stadium now the challenge facing the task force is to find financing and how it would actually minimize the impact on the Arizona citizens now the task force will submit a recommendation in February of next year and they're trying to put this together because if it doesn't happen there's a good chance that the Cardinal may not be able to stay here in Arizona all right Salman plumber goes out to Sanders Sanders to the 39 yard line should have a first down and they really need a dome out here if you have ever been to Phoenix in August during preseason or September or even October you just can't sit on a metal seat in the Sun you can't yeah but you can play some great golf 32 spread on you I'd say these guys are upset Rob Moore told me said we'd rather play games in September and August and September out here we never get appointments out here then plumber think he threw that one away as Winfield was all over Sanders this defense makes it so hard to work to the wide receivers because they play the corners up and the safeties back and you really have to work to get people open they do they really just look the corners are up here the safeties are gonna fly and unless you can get somebody down the middle of the football field that's the only place that this defense is vulnerable these guys have played together a long time they're linebackers can all run very well and they're very coordinated Winfield is in there in the first half Morel with nowhere to go nears the forty Phil Hansen and Sam coward combined on the time we know we have not mentioned Bruce Smith's name and they're kind of going away from him but on that last play Bruce Smith made a move down inside that force Morrell to not run up the middle but to run outside and he didn't make the play didn't have to [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] in trouble and tries to throw to David Boston the rookie who was peeling back to give him a target Shaun Moran was putting the heat on plumber talk about the pressure from Bruce Smith here he comes up the field can't block him now this is supposed to be a screen but Bruce manages to make sure that Jake isn't very comfortable plumber has only passed for 54 yards he's hit 8 of 16 and they need him to step up here in the second half Williams signals fair catch and makes it at the 15 but there are markers down on the play 45 yard punt no return ineligible man downfield pick it again the kicking team downfield number 40 will penalize five yards and read kick player will have to do it again [Applause] Williams on the run he gets it out to the 35 that's a net gain of 20 yards on the penalty Doug Flutie with the upper hand over Jake Plummer who has only thrown for 54 yards tonight but Mike the most important thing is no interceptions and I think sometimes it shows that if the quarterback just doesn't make mistakes your team can stay in a game really they do the voice makes a couple of tackles and picks up five Jonathan Linton you know and I think the reason he's running so well tonight and everything's being effective for him is because he was the guy at practice all week they said Antoine Smith was sat down they said we're gonna go with Jonathan Linton and Thurman Thomas in that backfield and Jonathan Linton if you look at him he's running I mean that that six yards he picked up he picked up on his own there's Antoine Smith out with the turf toe it will be second and five Linton again and for the second straight run danced in the hole and then burst forward picked up for this time and we'll make it third and a yard from the 45 but the quarter will run out first the bills trying to go to nine and five the Cardinals trying to get back to 5-under and in the third quarter Buffalo by three over Arizona over the Cardinals Buffalo football third a yard from the 45 Thurman Thomas is the running back let's get the call and has the first down [Applause] Simeon Simeon rice had him right in the short hairs and Thurmond did a terrific job of putting the spin move on trying to pick up the first down Simeon is going to come in and have a shot at it comes off low Kevin Williams is gonna plot live outside nope look at Thurman spin and try and pick up that extra yard Adam did not get the greatest spot in the world out of that by the nose oh well I said it first [Applause] I don't think that play called for Kevin Williams to block I don't think so you're right the third quarter of the bills totally dominating offensively ten minutes and 18 seconds of possession and 64 yards to only 12 for the Cardinals Jonathan Linton is the new tailback Vogler's show blitz again flag is down Flutie throws it's complete and the 50 Cardinals were in the neutral zone they were and they'll take the penalty he was Tommy Bennett who is the strong safety came up and got him at the line of scrimmage and just got too far by winding up in first down in five they accept the penalty the right back into another run run situation you bet offside 28 deep it's still first down coming up when we're done here SportsCenter Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen bring you up on the day in sports Peyton's place in the playoffs our NFL Blitz the week 15 breakdown and Vince Carter is our Sunday conversation first and five for Buffalo just in the cogwheel territory cuts it outside cuts it back and is close to another first down at the 44 this isn't good for Vince Tobin's defense either they're not real big up front and you have to be concerned the size of Buffalo's offensive line matched up against the size of Arizona's defensive line is not good for Arizona 61 dusty Ziggler he's gonna block on Drake Jerry Drake 76 look at this he just takes him right down the line of scrimmage that's just an outstanding block also got him by the Jersey but it's not holding unless you get caught they have only passed twice in the second half they had 116 zone you'll be the throw here drills is short the gain of about four to peerless price [Applause] Tennessee keeping his shoulders we're all inside the 32 the 29 you talk about a guy that reads the defense Thurman Thomas I mean they think they call this playfully turns around etosha Thurman looked at the defense there was a big gap on the left-hand side of the offense right-hand side of the defense this play was designed to go right watch where Thurman goes he's not going right watch him come back to the inside and outstanding blocked by reuben brown number 79 in the hole and then Thurman cuts it back for the first down [Applause] VP of the NFL still hasn't the mayor's is eating up the Cardinals defense as well as the clock and having a chance to talk to Thurmond last night Pete last week when he was introduced he was the last player introduced on the offense he said he felt like he was 25 years old again the Ovation the fans that the fans gave him just made him feel so special he was coming back Joe I mean and I don't think there's any because he was out this whole year he wants to now it's a lot of money and if meant man he said if management doesn't want him back then he'll retire he's not going to go anyplace out I think they should bring them back coming back Lipton goes out as a flanker to the top of your screen Cluny against the Blitz [Applause] his price stopped on the round he stopped coming across a minute what a great play by night he played the ball careless stars second interception how do you optimize got an ad got a great ballgame with 10 minutes and 56 seconds to go the bills leading the Cardinals by 317 214 welcome back to Arizona everybody the announcement of the Pro Bowl team will come next week the voting ends on Tuesday last year here were the quarterbacks Testaverde Flutie and Elway for the AFC Chandler Cunningham and young for the NFC gonna have six new quarterbacks I think I think it was a real good chance I think would have a lot of young players a lot of new guys Marvin Harrison Edwin James certainly Jevon Kearse but this could right this one could have more new names than any we've seen along Tony Bracken's a lot of Jackson gold offensive play and it's also gonna change the design in position Tony Gonzalez at Kansas City I mean if he doesn't make it something really wrong you're gonna see it at almost every single position new people in football and that is and Jacksonville has never put a defensive player in the cold air coalition too high for the tight end Harvey if nothing else Jake Plummer has made his mark not only in college but in the NFL as one of those guys to light it up in the fourth quarter and bring his team from behind he doesn't need to light it up right now what he needs to do is get some first downs and give his defense a chance to catch their breath just get some first downs and get going [Applause] second and ten former runs for his life and throws it away well the way the defense came through there I thought there was a screen set up but I never saw it well you're talking about Pat Williams again number 93 a guy we talked about in the first half and this guy they say he lights it up when he comes on the field well he splits a double-team here watch this ninety-three gram is the center the guard misses him this he doesn't open doesn't help and here he comes up the field but this guy can move it Jake Weimer must wonder what's going on here [Applause] third and ten this Happy's hit only one of six minutes Buffalo come through the forum and a lot [Applause] with time contact no play sandurz good coverage by Darryl Porter Darryl Porter was going for the ball and that was incidental contact it was I don't think the ball could have been caught anyway and he's limping you see Sanders on and out and up there's really nowhere to go Buffalo has everybody covered ball winds up being thrown out of bounds three and out for the Cardinals [Applause] Williams fair catch makes it at the 22 a good punt 44 yards in no return we'll come back on the field trying to protect the right now the Cardinals have to find an answer on defense they need to stop against a buffalo but he's run the ball down the throat this second half through 2030 well you know Buffalo Bills be talking about the beginning and the bills came out of first quarter in past they're running about Jonathan Linton I mean these guys have been hard-nosed tonight Jonathan Linton Vassell touchdown his continuous effort there here's Jonathan Linton again up the middle of the and it finally you're going to see Thurman Thomas his run up the middle reads the blocks these guys have done their job by half the Cardinals with only ten yards rushing in the second half the bills a TI [Applause] [Music] and to the total of first down out to the 34 you Vince Tobin can see it slipping away from his ballclub well the problem we talked about is you just don't have a lot of big people on the defense the offensive line sitting down looking at film trying to figure out what's going on a bunch of new guys in there so you lack the communication defensively that defensive line is just out there all day Thomas Birkin and the rest of the guys have been on the field the whole second half they expected to have wodsworth Shawn Smith and Weiss this year was critical of dominant defensive line so a little bit of Thomas lowers his head swear and wodsworth who's in there now make the tack let me just say this if Buffalo continues to run this type of an offense and don't take some shots down the field to try and get a score and get a big play they're gonna leave Arizona in this thing long enough that they could let this game get away from when you don't have the likes of an eric swan putting pressure on Flutie you may as well take a shot down the field try and get a big play second and six [Applause] what's coming [Applause] [Music] nifty move for a tight end and in the Cardinal territory every sub lavitus hears rumors my six foot five and two hundred and about sixty five pounds and when you when he catches the ball who watch the moves he has now he thinks he's a wide receiver here comes Flutie on a bootleg got to the outside rivers might catch it watch this what's his feet hmm but I don't you know the amazing thing about it only took him like four steps to slow down I would qualify this nifty those were rather nifty moves former high school quarterback he was even a quarterback at Michigan as a redshirt freshman and Tom Knight is the injured player to the Arizona Cardinals we'll check on his condition when we come back to Tempe Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen standing by for SportsCenter they'll have the NFL report an ugly incident with the Browns and an official Peyton Manning is he something special in the cult saluted their fans after a win today Raptors and the Lakers Carter against Kobe [Applause] please to have a no-show floating punks and goes down there was also a flag down Simeon rice if he's credited with that sack we'll have 14 and a half for the year you may give it to him because he's the one that fell into Doug he may have also been tackled the reason he did fall into Doug Flutie that time he was down in a defensive lineman stance jerry Ostrosky called for the hold they decline it and take the sack and Simeon rice now 14 and a half if he really has been the only guy on this defense the defensive line in particular that has been able to stay healthy enough to play and to post those kind of numbers is pretty special Huggle show blitz again so the town attorney so it breaks the tackle inside the 45 that was Thomas Berke number 60 with defensive end Thurman Thomas ran through Thurman Thomas is you know such a great player means so much to the Buffalo Bills and when you watch this look at Burke he's number 60 defenseman watch with Thurman duck look at the power and Thurman's legs they just don't stop and he turns it back up inside picks up about eight yards on the point averaging better than four yards of carry tonight 53 yards Taylor and he had a really conscious of Doug Judy Clinton off the China one in this situation let's again flirty throws complete to molds they have a first down Aeneas Williams took him out at the 35 [Applause] they moved Simeon rice around look at this time there's this Center Ostrosky and Ziggler they tried to bring him up the middle to give him a chance Doug Flutie knows exactly where he wants to go through there's a nice throwing lane and that's really what offensive linemen are taught to do and I don't care how tall a quarterback is are short every quarterback needs lanes to throw through unless you're 69 you can throw over those guys Linton on the toss we'll lose yardage on this one let's go to Salomon Woollcott Salomon guys there was more numbers to add to the Cardinals mass unit cornerback Tom Knight was kicked in his right shin then he rolled his right ankle I was told that he's questionable right now they're taping it up it appears that he may be able to go back into the ballgame Mike and they'll really need him the starting corner opposite aeneas williams this football team the Cardinals they should rent a wing at the local hospital and put just put all their guys in Vince Tobin's guys have played hard I mean the the offense really hasn't had a chance to support this defense they played really played one quarter the second quarter is the only thing that this offense has been able to generate any and the bills take a timeout as the play clock was winding down they'll face second and 13 when we come back provided by the Southwest Airlines aerial cam high above Sun Devils Stadium for ESPN's Sunday Night Football glad you could join us the bills up by three and driving second and 13 latigo Riemersma Frederickson nails him with the 30 tom knight who had the leg retake tis back in the cardinal defensive lineup i think when you play offense the way the bills have played it here in the second half you really put a lot of pressure on the receivers and the quarterback and if you don't take a shot down the field you don't get the big played if you make one mistake after how long you've had the ball that defeats the purpose [Applause] [Music] I'm talking about take your shot a gay of 26 it will be first and goal Aeneas Williams has got to cover Eric moulds all over the field this time he just takes off excellent throw by Doug Flutie to the outside allow Eric moulds to adjust to it what's he adjustment he makes over the right shoulder terrific job [Applause] first and goal Buffalo [Applause] [Music] only a yard of course this game a lot more impact than just for the Buffalo Bills a win tonight would eliminate the Jets in San Diego and New England so people in those three cities hoping against hope that the Cardinals can hold here on the New England New England started out so well and just came crashing down boy they went down in a hurry they couldn't run the football at Bell and we've seen Buffalo control this entire second half by wonderful second and goal [Applause] Lewton [Applause] [Music] he has to do is stay inside Sam - gets a block had her call a timeout with Cardinals but Jonathan Linton trying to run outrun the defense to the outside he doesn't he's got 33 in front of him Sam - and all he has to do is cut it up that's the shortest distance between two points is a straight line I learned that one look at the block Sam - is blocking inside when he does blocked and that's marked madniks number 53 come on I think he's one of the funniest men I've ever met well I've done so Arizona used a timeout otherwise Buffalo is just gonna drain that clock well the way Vince Tobin's got this thing figured to go you stopped them here you make them kick the extra point you know you kill those good me you get the you get your timeout back with the two-minute warning so the clock will be stopped three times basically Tory gets feeling Carl mock called the offensive plays they've never passed I can assure you or no one a hand what a hit whether you need it or not there's a goal [Applause] touch them [Applause] perfect strike from fully to his favorite target jayleen was much he loves to get through his big tight end down around the goal line rimas was right there second one am Thurmond outside good little move on Chavez ball goes up touchdown he said passing lanes Joe look at this Lane that thing is wide open in the middle he has a clear shot at number 85 Riemersma that's a touchdown Christie for the point after and it's 2414 the bills extend their lead to ten we'll only 301 Thanks [Applause] to the 35 nice return Antoine Winfield with the tackle we told you how anemic the Cardinals offense was a week ago in the second half against Washington they had a measly 33 yards that looks like a juggernaut compared to this 12 plays 10 on the ground 2 in the air that's 12 yards in a half but part of that is they went they run 11 last week they've run 12 and unless you have the ball and you've got to get some third down [Applause] plumber room to run fry salmon's dropped it that will cut down on your ESPN Sunday Night Football continues next wait Redskins look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they take on Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers join us right after burn time at 8:15 Eastern the SPN and ABC your exclusive networks for primetime NFL football former has missed his last six that one is to rob more up at the 45 yard line and now they're saying that city complete so Plummer is 8 of 21 on the night I don't think those last two were here to his fault oh he put him right there well this robbed robbed more that ball hits him no you got to put the ball away and he does not have it secured he never had your offensive line struggles with protection your quarterbacks rushing now your quarterbacks putting the ball in the hands of the receivers and the receivers can't hold on everybody says what's wrong with the offense is it the plays no it's the execution of the plays that's the problem plumber on 3rd and 10 for a first down the workmen passed him up at the 48 yard line his first catch on the night Cardinals in the hurry up [Applause] singers [Applause] you know once the offense has come alive mainly thing that you know has been on target four in a row last two have been caught plumber trying to keep it going through into triple coverage that time Sanders was bracketed I know it's late in the game but now the offensive line they're doing something they work very well for pass their only game well they're only rutting that well it's been a little bit of a struggle for Jake in the second half he's had a lot of pressure put on them but the bills are only rushing three sometimes four and they're able to know where they're coming from so they can block [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] people are going to ask where has just been the entire game well they're gone they finally went down the field with the football they've kept the game close we talked about them trying to keep it close into the fourth quarter the offense I think might have left their defense out on the field just a little too long but at least Vince Tobin's offense has a breath of fresh air to it Jackie for the point after and the lead has been cut to a field goal [Applause] robbed more work in the middle of the football field [Applause] very comes off Sanders goes outside little push inside and that nice job of laying out and going to get the ball jake has time to throw this is what he can do when he has some time and knows where he wants to go and again you know this all starts from protection you say they know where they're coming from but these guys stepped up and did a pretty good job and gave him a lane and time to throw the football on that series they did look at how he cradles the ball and doesn't ever let it get to the ground more with his fifth touchdown catch of the year you know what's amazing about that whole thing they didn't use any other timeout they still have to they can stop it twice which means Buffalo would need that one first down the salt of the way I don't think you're on sidekick here I got to know I think you kick it off you use your timeouts you have to put it on the defense to stop them you don't want to give Buffalo a short field if you don't get at least give yourself a chance by kicking it deep and making them go the distance so if they do point you have a shorter distance to try for the field goal now after saying all that they're gonna onside kick they kick it deep let me say I just knock them use their timeouts they get the ball back with 45 or 50 seconds left and they have two kickers out there spot player the punter and Kris Jackie and they will go with the outside [Applause] like in the beginning and I like in a rush now but whether you like it or not in sidekick what a tough tough way to see it disappear after you clawed your way back within three yeah but you talk about a heads-up play by Henry Jones Henry Jones just stepped up caught the ball and took off watch this he doesn't get a chance never gives it a chance to hit the ground see that you'll be a blame for the guys on the kickoff team going down the field number 52 is Mark Maddux he's a linebacker should have made the play didn't 37 yard kickoff return for Henry Jones Paul do you think Henry Jones will get on your show now you will have didn't want him all year it's not that I didn't want him to have time for me we depth you gonna have time for him coming up here I don't know there's had a great play look at this I mean that was he was gone he could have run to Tucson there's Bruce DeHaven special teams coach that's the way you go get it coach Phillips he's thrilled this is what we needed to do David wit with the two timeouts left if there was one timeout I would have agreed with them but with the two timeouts left and if you can get the ball back with 45 seconds you know you took your three pass plays to get a touchdown you don't need that for a shot at the field goal and a possible shot of overtime at a times you're also supposed to cover on kickoff teams Marc Frederick's in our statistician pointing out a couple of real oddities today an onside kick returned for a touchdown and the division leader the Buccaneers losing by 45 points that is a little strange strange here it's been a strange year since the opening week and all of a sudden you have a guy by the name of Tyrone Wheatley who just couldn't play in New York and looks all world in Auckland and got a big new contract Gettleman congratulations to him [Applause] across the 30 down again by 10 [Applause] warmer through the hands of Boston he's made five really good throws problem is only two of them caught well David Boston could smell hurt Schultz coming up he knew he's gonna get whacked Ralph Wilson on the birds are seeing his team go nine and five and in goody-good playoff position [Applause] Vollmer too long for more covered well by Smith we got some help from Porter coming over from the safety you know you're in a situation Joe where you really can't just like go for the first downs because we're gonna lose the clock you've got to go down you've got to go you're right Paul you if you try and dump it off that's exactly what Buffalo would want them to do you tackle them let the clock run down make them use up their timeouts they need a big completion here at least to try and use up the time [Applause] [Music] is thanks Graham Bush Cody makes the catch that is going to be an illegal touch by a wide receiver he went out of bounds came back caught the ball and that's simple thing about if he can't be the first guy I know and it's something that going yeah that's what this discussion with Johnny Greer is the Hat tells you he was out of bounds that's why the side judge is not wearing it till illegal touching other pants the receiver went out of bounds came back in and was the first to touch the pants the down count down watch as he comes back she works towards the sidelines there his left foot steps out of bounds Matt Cody tries to get in would have been a completion but he's got to be much more aware of where he is than that and that's a lot of the inexperience on this Cardinal team there are very young football team and they really lack on-field leadership I think this football team will be something special next year and plumber goes down Marcellus Wiley while he gets the sack they turn it over on downs and that is going to drop the Arizona Cardinals to six and eight Ted Carroll's defense has done a terrific job again Wade Phillips said hey look our defense is playing as well as anybody we think if we can get up 17 points on somebody nobody can beat us well the turning point to me seemed to be when Buffalo came out and starting the third quarter and said guys no surprises no tricks we're gonna run it right down your throat and a couple times they did put the ball in the air want to get picked off a few times which created problems now this team also knows the Buffalo Bills know that if they're gonna continue on when and get to the playoffs and win in the playoffs they have to run the football Flutie will take a knee and they'll force Arizona to spend the time out here is the updated wildcard standings in the AFC Tennessee Buffalo in Miami holding the top three spots you're wondering about the tie Buffalo beat the Dolphins twice so they have a tiebreaker edge if it comes down to that Seattle which is in free fall now in fourth in the NFC Green Bay in Minnesota at 7 and 6 fighting for those last two spots the Giants Dallas and Carolina now all 7 and 7 mathematically Arizona is still in it at 6 and 8 and how that only man man about the job Baltimore has done Brian Billick in that group a his they've been coming on like Barnstormers if they had gotten off to just a little bit better one more one more win possibly for Baltimore the way they're playing the way their defense is playing they could be up that ladder quite a game every team in the NFC East but Andy Reid's got that team I think pointed in the right direction - they're playing better they're playing tougher certainly has a heck of a defense Arizona has spent its last timeout with 110 to go nice to have Thurman Thomas back on the field after missing 11 games he certainly contributed tonight there's Eric bol saying you know we ran the ball entirely too much a little more to me he imperialists talking things over of course Bruce thought he would get a sack tonight see I think now you're getting into the time of year for the Buffalo Bills they know the playoffs are there they have the veteran leadership that the Arizona Cardinals don't I don't think the Cardinals need to grow up a little bit more get some leadership out there floating will taking me again and now Arizona cannot stop the clock [Applause] we've got Christmas to look forward to guys next week merry Christmas to all our viewers into all our into all our families woop since we won't be with them that's right Robin but my wife and her children we will be with you the day after Christmas from San Francisco in a very important game for the Redskins because they'll finish with Miami no if you don't go we don't go then we'll be fired as a group and because of the ABC playoff schedule we do not have a game on January 2nd this will be our final game of the season Washington at San Francisco the fact that will be the final Sunday night game of the century how's that thank you thank you mr. mark pain our director with a little trivia no you're not you not me what are you doing for New Year's cry we get to do another game in the new millennium though no we do we do a January the 8th through a wild card game on ABC and we've been trying to figure out where that might be and we still don't doesn't work done we still have no idea the bills will not rest a field goal attempt they're just going to run this fourth down play [Applause] and where he's gonna ball drove to the end zone and incomplete boy there's one you don't forget well you know what he did he went back and to run the clock out he just just held her held it held in just threw the ball away the old Dan Marino play at the end of them he threw that one away but I tell you what if he completes that ball if they throw for a touchdown there's gonna be some bad blood forever between these clubs well you got to have a great memory you know why why we play once every ten years yeah that's true I don't care how long it would take they couldn't wait til the next opportunity this will be the well maybe not the last play they may have a couple but Merry Christmas everybody same to you Tim to you Jim view in the family mrs. ball everyone here in the booth what a great job they decorated our booth tonight it looked it really looked a lot like Eastern hey Solly merry Christmas to you sorry 14 seconds to go [Applause] former throws incomplete intended for Sanders it's got to be the worst portion of any game for a quarterback it is no there's nothing you can do been there but you gotta try it anyway what you doing the thing is is there are holes to throw into it's just that you know you're mad at yourself and say well geez why couldn't I gotten them before the opportunity doesn't present it something for theirs Marc Trestman the offensive coordinator trying to get plays for Jake Jake Plummer has learned this year how to play with pain he knows how to play hurt and I think he will be a terrific quarterback but he's still got a lot of learning today in this game and it's intercepted picked off by Donovan Grier who touches the toes at the sideline and that will end the ball game our final score the pills 31 the Cardinals 21 coming up next boys entered in Patrick and Rich Eisen all the latest dues scores and highlights for Joe Theismann Paul McGuire some of the world cats and our entire ESPN crew this is Mike Patrick good night from Tempe [Music] you

Channel: Jean-Paul Müller

Views: 3,780

Keywords: Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, 1999, BillsMafia, Bills Mafia

Id: n-TII_m3h4w

Length: 117min 40sec (7060 seconds)

Published: Thu Dec 19 2019