The injury-hit Washington Redskins have been dealt more pain in the first half against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, with a Scott Chandler touchdown and two Rian Lindell field goals putting the Bills up 13-0 at half-time.
This was a must-win game for the Bills, given the remaining obstacles in their schedule, including two clashes with divisional rivals the New York Jets and trips to the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, another AFC East powerhouse. And on their second drive of the game, they took the lead with an eight-play, 80-yard drive, featuring two fine catches from receiver David Nelson and a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to tight end Chandler.
The Redskins’ recent injury woes have been well documented, with Tim Hightower, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley all sidelined. It has left head coach Mike Shanahan with limited resources to work with – and two sluggish, scoreles quarters suggest that the weeks ahead will be tough for Washington supporters.
Quarterback John Beck threw for just 66 yards in the first half and the ground attack - 24 total rushing yards - was equally well snuffed out by the Bills defense. The Redskins best first half opportunity came after a Fitzpatrick fumble presented Beck with excellent field position. But Washington failed to cash in as Graham Gano’s field goal attempt was brilliantly blocked by Buffalo’s Spencer Johnson.
Lindell extended the Bills’ lead with a 37-yard field goal midway through the second quarter, sparking the thunderous sound effects that greeted each Buffalo score - and added another from 44 yards with the final play of the half. Those sound effects are sure to reappear in the second half as Fitzpatrick looks to press home his team's advantage.
With Beck taking a pummelling at the hands of the Bills linemen, the 13-0 lead looks like a mountain to climb for the Redskins in the second half.
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