2012 Buffalo Bills season

2012 Buffalo Bills season
Owner	Ralph Wilson
General manager	Buddy Nix
Head coach	Chan Gailey
Home field	Ralph Wilson Stadium
Results
Record	6–10
Division place	4th AFC East
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	C. J. Spiller, RB Kyle Williams, DT Jairus Byrd, S
AP All-Pros	Jairus Byrd, S
Uniform
←  2011 Bills seasons 2013  →

The 2012 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League (NFL), the 53rd overall and the third and final under head coach Chan Gailey. The team had hoped to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999, but failed and continue to own the NFL's longest playoff drought.

2012 was the final year on the Bills' current lease with Ralph Wilson Stadium as well as the final year on the current Bills Toronto Series agreement. The league had approved an additional five-year extension of the Toronto series, extending through 2017, on the condition that the Bills and Rogers Communications come to an agreement extending the series, ^[1] a condition that both sides have indicated willingness to do. The Bills and the league demanded significant and expensive renovations to Ralph Wilson Stadium as a condition of renewing the stadium lease. ^[2] The Buffalo News reported renovations could top 200 million dollars. ^[3] The Bills and Erie County (the owners of Ralph Wilson Stadium) missed the deadline for a long-term agreement in September 2012. ^[4] However, on December 21, the Bills agreed with Erie County to a 10-year lease on Ralph Wilson Stadium, extending it through for at least another 7 years. ^[5]

Personnel changes

On January 2, 2012, one day after the conclusion of the season, George Edwards was fired from his position as defensive coordinator. Edwards had been the defensive coordinator for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Former NFL and college head coach Dave Wannstedt was promoted to defensive coordinator. (Bills head coach Chan Gailey had been the offensive coordinator under Wannstedt in 2000 and 2001, when Wannstedt was Miami's head coach.)

Roster changes

Buffalo's defensive linemen at training camp in August 2012

In his annual season-ending press conference, general manager Buddy Nix laid out his priorities for the offseason. Nix stated that the team was eager to re-sign wide receiver Stevie Johnson, kicker Rian Lindell and offensive tackle Demetress Bell. Johnson and Lindell were successfully re-signed; Bell was signed by Philadelphia. He also stated that he wanted to re-sign running back Fred Jackson and have him retire as a Bill. ^[6] Jackson whose contract ran through the end of the 2012 season was having a career season before a mid season 2011 injury. Johnson renewed his contract with the Bills for five years and $36.2 million on March 5, 2012. ^[7]

On March 15, 2012, the Bills made the biggest free agent acquisition in team history, signing all-pro defensive end Mario Williams to a contract worth $100 million over six years, with $50 million guaranteed, the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history. ^[8] The recruiting of Williams took place over three days, starting with general manager Buddy Nix and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt escorting Williams to Buffalo in a private jet. Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly was also part of the recruiting.

On March 21, 2012 Mark Anderson, who had 12.5 sacks with the Patriots over the 2011 regular season and playoffs, signed a four-year deal with Buffalo. ^[9] With announced plans to switch to the 4–3 defense the Bills could field Mario Williams at left end and Anderson on the opposite side in passing situations. Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus will anchor the middle of the defensive line.

On May 11, 2012 the Bills made yet another high-profile signing by signing QB Vince Young to a one-year contract to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick. ^[10] Young was the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft. He was nonetheless released in the middle of the preseason, with Gailey citing inconsistency as the reason, and replaced by Tarvaris Jackson, whom the Bills acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Because Jackson was not ready for the start of the regular season, the Bills will go with four quarterbacks on its roster for the first several weeks of the season.

Kickoff specialist John Potter, a rookie, made the 53-man roster. He will specialize in kickoffs to ease pressure on the team's aging kickers, placekicker Rian Lindell and punter Brian Moorman, who handled the duties in the past. (Moorman would be released from the roster three weeks into the regular season.)

2012 Draft

Main article: 2012 NFL draft

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College
1	10	Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina
2	41	Cordy Glenn	Guard	Georgia
3	69	T. J. Graham	Wide receiver	NC State
4	105	Nigel Bradham	Outside linebacker	Florida State
	124 [a]	Ron Brooks	Cornerback	LSU
5	144	Zebrie Sanders	Tackle	Florida State
	147 [b]	Tank Carder	Inside Linebacker	TCU
6	178	Mark Asper	Guard	Oregon
7	251 [c]	John Potter	Kicker	Western Michigan

Notes

^{^[a]} The team acquired an additional fourth-round selection (#124 overall) in a trade that sent wide receiver Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens.

^{^[b]} The team acquired an additional fifth-round selection (#147 overall) as part of a trade that sent running back Marshawn Lynch to the Seattle Seahawks.

^{^[c]} Compensatory selection.

Undrafted free agents

Stanford safety Delano Howell, Missouri State running back Chris Douglas, Virginia Tech cornerback Cris Hill, Colorado State offensive lineman Paul Madsen, Florida State punter Shawn Powell, Texas offensive lineman David Snow, Penn State safety Nick Sukay, Mercyhurst safety/long snapper Ian Wild, Texas A&M linebacker Garrick Williams and Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp. ^[11] Corp was later released.

Staff

2012 Buffalo Bills staff

Front office President – Ralph Wilson CEO – Russ Brandon Executive vice president/general manager – Buddy Nix Senior vice president of football administration – Jim Overdorf Director of Football Administration – Don Purdy Assistant general manager/director of player personnel – Doug Whaley Player Personnel Analyst – Kevin Meganck Director of pro personnel – Tom Gibbons Pro Personnel Coordinator – Rob Hanrahan Director of college scouting – Chuck Cook Head coaches Head coach – Chan Gailey Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator – Dave Wannstedt Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/running backs – Curtis Modkins Quarterbacks – David Lee Wide receivers – Bob Bicknell Tight ends – Pete Metzelaars Offensive line – Joe D'Alessandris Assistant running backs – Charles Huff Assistant offensive line – Andrew Dees Offensive quality control/assistant wide receivers – Kevin Patullo

Defensive coaches Defensive line – Giff Smith Assistant defensive line – William Inge Linebackers – Bob Sanders Defensive backs – George Catavolos Assistant defensive backs – Adrian White Defensive quality control – Eric Thatcher Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Bruce DeHaven Assistant special teams – Stan Kwan Strength and conditioning Head strength and conditioning – Eric Ciano Head strength and conditioning – John Gamble

Final roster

2012 Buffalo Bills roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 14 Ryan Fitzpatrick  7 Tarvaris Jackson  4 Tyler Thigpen Running backs (RB) 20 Tashard Choice 38 Corey McIntyre FB 28 C. J. Spiller Wide receivers (WR) 18 Kevin Elliott 11 T. J. Graham 15 Chris Hogan 13 Stevie Johnson 82 Ruvell Martin 16 Brad Smith Tight ends (TE) 42 Dorin Dickerson 85 Lee Smith

Offensive linemen (OL) 77 Cordy Glenn T 75 Chris Hairston T 67 Andy Levitre G 73 Chris Scott T 61 David Snow C 60 Kraig Urbik G 66 Thomas Welch T 68 Keith Williams G 70 Eric Wood C 71 Sam Young T Defensive linemen (DL) 93 Mark Anderson DE 92 Alex Carrington DE 99 Marcell Dareus NT 91 Spencer Johnson NT 73 Jay Ross NT 95 Kyle Williams 94 Mario Williams DE

Linebackers (LB) 50 Nick Barnett ILB 53 Nigel Bradham OLB 59 Greg Lloyd Jr. OLB 56 Shawne Merriman OLB 54 Kyle Moore OLB 58 Kirk Morrison ILB 43 Bryan Scott LB 55 Kelvin Sheppard ILB 51 Chris White OLB Defensive backs (DB) 33 Ron Brooks CB 29 Crezdon Butler CB 31 Jairus Byrd FS 27 Stephon Gilmore CB 24 Terrence McGee CB 21 Leodis McKelvin 25 Da'Norris Searcy SS 30 Mana Silva FS 23 Aaron Williams CB 37 George Wilson SS Special teams  9 Rian Lindell K  6 Shawn Powell P 65 Garrison Sanborn LS

Practice squad 35 Zach Brown RB 97 Corbin Bryant DT 88 Derek Buttles TE 81 Marcus Easley WR 96 Jarron Gilbert DE 62 Adam Grant T 36 T. J. Heath CB 63 Andrew Jackson G 26 Justin Rogers CB 56 Brian Smith LB Reserve 74 Colin Brown G (IR) 80 Mike Caussin TE (IR) 84 Scott Chandler TE (IR) 75 Chris Hairston T (IR) 22 Fred Jackson RB (IR) 19 Donald Jones WR (NF-Ill.) 90 Chris Kelsay DE (IR) 52 Arthur Moats OLB (IR) 86 David Nelson WR (IR) 79 Erik Pears T (IR) 76 Chad Rinehart G (IR) 72 Zebrie Sanders T (IR) 98 Torell Troup DT (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 13 reserve, 10 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 9	Washington Redskins	L 6–7	0–1	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
2	August 17	at Minnesota Vikings	L 14–36	0–2	Mall of America Field	Recap
3	August 25	Pittsburgh Steelers	L 7–38	0–3	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
4	August 30	at Detroit Lions	L 32–38	0–4	Ford Field	Recap

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 9	at New York Jets	L 28–48	0–1	MetLife Stadium	Recap
2	September 16	Kansas City Chiefs	W 35–17	1–1	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
3	September 23	at Cleveland Browns	W 24–14	2–1	Cleveland Browns Stadium	Recap
4	September 30	New England Patriots	L 28–52	2–2	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
5	October 7	at San Francisco 49ers	L 3–45	2–3	Candlestick Park	Recap
6	October 14	at Arizona Cardinals	W 19–16 (OT)	3–3	University of Phoenix Stadium	Recap
7	October 21	Tennessee Titans	L 34–35	3–4	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
8	Bye
9	November 4	at Houston Texans	L 9–21	3–5	Reliant Stadium	Recap
10	November 11	at New England Patriots	L 31–37	3–6	Gillette Stadium	Recap
11	November 15	Miami Dolphins	W 19–14	4–6	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
12	November 25	at Indianapolis Colts	L 13–20	4–7	Lucas Oil Stadium	Recap
13	December 2	Jacksonville Jaguars	W 34–18	5–7	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
14	December 9	St. Louis Rams	L 12–15	5–8	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
15	December 16	Seattle Seahawks	L 17–50	5–9	Rogers Centre (Toronto)	Recap
16	December 23	at Miami Dolphins	L 10–24	5–10	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
17	December 30	New York Jets	W 28–9	6–10	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

 #  Indicates the game was part of the Bills Toronto Series.

Game summaries

Week 1: at New York Jets

Week One: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	7	7	14	28
Jets	7	20	14	7	48

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: September 9
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 79,088
• Referee: Robert Frazer
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon

Game information

First quarter Jeremy Kerley 12-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:49. Second quarter Stephen Hill 33-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 14–0, Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:31. Jeremy Kerley 68-yard punt return Jets 21–0 C. J. Spiller 56-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 21–7, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:34. Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, Jets 24–7, Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 7:09. Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, Jets 27–7, Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 1:24. Third quarter Antonio Cromartie 40-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), Jets 34–7 Stephen Hill 33-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick) Jets 41–7, Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 2:10. Scott Chandler 5-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–14, Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:12. Fourth quarter Donald Jones 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–21, Drive: 13 plays, 96 yards, 6:14. Stevie Johnson 29-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Jets 41–28, Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 0:54. Shonn Greene 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 48–28, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:41. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 18/32, 195 Yds, 3 TD, 3 INT NYJ –Mark Sanchez, 19/27, 266 Yds, 3 TD, 1 INT Top rushers BUF –C. J. Spiller, 14 Car, 169 Yds, 1 TD NYJ –Shonn Greene, 27 Car, 94 Yds, 1 TD Top receiverss BUF –Steve Johnson, 4 Rec, 55 Yds, 1 TD NYJ –Stephen Hill, 5 Rec, 89 Yds, 2 TD Top tacklers BUF – Nick Barnett – 5 tackles, 4 assists NYJ – LaRon Landry – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble

Week 2: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Two: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	0	0	17	17
Bills	7	14	14	0	35

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: September 16
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), mostly sunny
• Game attendance: 69,402
• Referee: Robert Dalton
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein

Game information

First quarter C. J. Spiller 17-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 7–0, Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 5:52. Second quarter C. J. Spiller 5-yard run (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 14–0, Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:55. Scott Chandler 10-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 21–0, Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:29. Third quarter Ryan Succop 33-yard field goal Bills 21–3, Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:33. Stevie Johnson 49-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 28–3, Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 1:57. Leodis McKelvin 88-yard punt return (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 35–3 Fourth quarter Dwayne Bowe 33-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Bills 35–10, Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:13. Dwayne Bowe 2-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Bills 35–17, Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 2:51. Top passers KC –Matt Cassel, 23–42, 301 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 10–19, 178 Yds, 2 TD Top rushers KC –Peyton Hillis, 11 Car, 66 Yds, 0 TD BUF –C. J. Spiller, 15 Car, 123 Yds, 2 TD Top receivers KC –Dwayne Bowe, 8 Rec, 102 Yds, 2 TD BUF –Stevie Johnson, 2 Rec, 56 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers KC –Derrick Johnson – 7 tackles, 2 assists BUF –Stephon Gilmore – 7 tackles, 0 assist

Week 3: at Cleveland Browns

Week Three: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	14	0	3	7	24
Browns	0	7	7	0	14

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: September 23
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), rain
• Game attendance: 69,353
• Referee: David Scott
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein

Game information

First quarter: T. J. Graham 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:21. C. J. Spiller 32-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 14–0, Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:53. Second quarter: Trent Richardson 6-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Bills 14–7, Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:41. Third quarter: Rian Lindell 37-yard field goal, Bills 17–7, Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 4:22. Travis Benjamin 22-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick), Bills 17–14, Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:38. Fourth quarter: Stevie Johnson 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 24–14, Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:27. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 22–35, 208 Yds, 3 TD CLE –Brandon Weeden, 27–43, 237 Yds, 1 TD, 2 INT Top rushers BUF –Tashard Choice, 20 Car, 91 Yds, 0 TD CLE –Trent Richardson, 12 Car, 27 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers BUF –Stevie Johnson, 7 Rec, 61 Yds, 1 TD CLE –Jordan Cameron, 5 Rec, 45 Yds, 0 TD Top tacklers BUF – Nick Barnett – 8 tackles, 1 assist CLE – Craig Robertson – 8 tackles, 1 assist

Week 4: vs. New England Patriots

Week Four: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	0	14	31	52
Bills	0	14	7	7	28

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: September 30
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 70,684
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf

Game information

First quarter Stevan Ridley 6-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:07. Second quarter Scott Chandler 24-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), TIE 7–7, Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:08. Scott Chandler 20-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 14–7, Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:12. Third quarter Donald Jones 68-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 21–7, Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:37. Danny Woodhead 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Bills 21–14, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:58. Tom Brady 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), TIE 21–21, Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:19. Fourth quarter Rob Gronkowski 28-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 28–21, Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:01. Stevan Ridley 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 35–21, Drive: 6 plays, 42 yard, 1:44. Brandon Bolden 7-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 42–21, Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:50. Brad Smith 35-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Patriots 42–28, Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:57. Brandon Lloyd 25-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 49–28, Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:30. Stephen Gostkowski 30-yard field goal, Patriots 52–28, Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:58. Top passers NE –Tom Brady, 22–36, 340 Yds, 3 TD BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 22–39, 350 Yds, 4 TD, 4 INT Top rushers NE –Brandon Bolden, 16 Car, 137 Yds, 1 TD BUF –C. J. Spiller, 8 Car, 33 Yds, 0 TD Top receivers NE –Wes Welker, 9 Rec, 129 Yds, 0 TD BUF –Donald Jones, 2 Rec, 90 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers NE – Rob Ninkovich – 7 tackles, 3 assists, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack BUF – Nick Barnett – 15 tackles, 5 assists

Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Five: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	3	0	0	3
49ers	3	14	7	21	45

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 7
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Jerome Boger
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Game information

First quarter David Akers 19-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0, Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:17. Second quarter Rian Lindell 31-yard field goal, TIE 3–3, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:44. Kyle Williams 43-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 10–3, Drive: 2 plays, 79 yards, 0:52. Michael Crabtree 28-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 17–3, Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:05. Third quarter Frank Gore 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 24–3, Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:44. Fourth quarter Mario Manningham 10-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 31–3, Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 7:48. Colin Kaepernick 16-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 38–3, Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:05. Anthony Dixon 3-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 45–3, Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:29. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 16–26, 126 Yds, 0 TD, 1 INT SF –Alex Smith, 18–24, 303 Yds, 3 TD, 0 INT Top rushers BUF –Brad Smith, 1 Car, 35 Yds, 0 TD SF –Frank Gore, 14 Car, 106 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers BUF –Scott Chandler, 4 Rec, 40 Yds, 0 TD SF –Michael Crabtree, 6 Rec, 113 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers BUF – Nigel Bradham – 6 tackles SF – Patrick Willis – 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Week 6: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Six: Buffalo Bills at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Bills	9	0	7	0	3	19
Cardinals	3	7	3	3	0	16

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

• Date: October 14
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. Arizona time
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 60,385
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker

Game information

First quarter Jay Feely 49-yard field goal, Cardinals 3–0, Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:55. Kevin Kolb sacked in the end zone by Chris Kelsay, Cardinals 3–2 C. J. Spiller 10-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 9–3, Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 5:01. Second quarter Larry Fitzgerald 9-yard pass from Kevin Kolb (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 10–9, Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:38. Third quarter Jay Feely 49-yard field goal, Cardinals 13–9, Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 6:18. Fred Jackson 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 16–13, Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:35. Fourth quarter Jay Feely 61-yard field goal, TIE 16–16, Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 1:58. Overtime Rian Lindell 25-yard field goal, Bills 19–16, Drive: 2 plays, −1 yards, 0:45. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 18–32, 153 Yds, 0 TD ARI –Kevin Kolb, 14–26, 128 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top rushers BUF –C. J. Spiller, 12 Car, 88 Yds, 1 TD ARI –William Powell, 13 Car, 70 Yds, 0 TD Top receivers BUF –Stevie Johnson, 6 Rec, 82 Yds, 0 TD ARI –Larry Fitzgerald, 6 Rec, 93 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers BUF – Kelvin Sheppard – 9 tackles, 2 assists ARI – Daryl Washington – 14 tackles, 2 assists, 1 forced fumble

Week 7: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Seven: Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	14	7	7	7	35
Bills	14	6	14	0	34

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: October 21
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), mostly sunny
• Game attendance: 68,836
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon

Game information

First quarter Chris Johnson 16-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:22. Fred Jackson 3-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), TIE 7–7, Drive: 13 plays, 93 yards, 7:37. Chris Johnson 83-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 14–7, Drive: 1 play, 83 yards, 0:18. Brad Smith 89-yard kickoff return (Rian Lindell kick), TIE 14–14 Second quarter Jamie Harper 1-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 21–14, Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:13. Rian Lindell 31-yard field goal, Titans 21–17, Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 6:22. Rian Lindell 42-yard field goal, Titans 21–20, Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 1:47. Third quarter Jamie Harper 1-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 28–20, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 2:58. Donald Jones 15-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Titans 28–27, Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:53. Stevie Johnson 27-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 34–27, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36. Fourth quarter Nate Washington 15-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 35–34, Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:54. Top passers TEN –Matt Hasselbeck, 22–33, 205 Yds, 1 TD BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 27–35, 225 Yds, 3 TD, 1 INT Top rushers TEN –Chris Johnson, 18 Car, 195 Yds, 2 TD BUF –Fred Jackson, 9 Car, 71 Yds, 0 TD Top receivers TEN –Nate Washington, 6 Rec, 43 Yds, 1 TD BUF –Stevie Johnson, 5 Rec, 71 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers TEN – Jordan Babineaux – 12 tackles, 4 assists BUF – Nick Barnett – 9 tackles, 4 assists

Week 9: at Houston Texans

Week Nine: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	6	3	0	9
Texans	7	0	7	7	21

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: November 4
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 71,698
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter Owen Daniels 39-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Shayne Graham kick), Texans 7–0, Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:00. Second quarter Rian Lindell 22-yard field goal, Texans 7–3, Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:40. Rian Lindell 38-yard field goal, Texans 7–6, Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 0:47. Third quarter Arian Foster 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), Texans 14–6, Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:16. Rian Lindell 39-yard field goal, Texans 14–9, Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:30. Fourth quarter Garrett Graham 5-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Shayne Graham kick), Texans 21–9, Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:30. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 25–38, 239 Yds, 0 TD HOU –Matt Schaub, 19–27, 268 Yds, 2 TD Top rushers BUF –C. J. Spiller, 6 Car, 39 Yds, 0 TD HOU –Arian Foster, 24 Car, 111 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers BUF –Donald Jones, 6 Rec, 65 Yds, 0 TD HOU –Andre Johnson, 8 Rec, 118 Yds, 0 TD Top tacklers BUF – Mario Williams – 7 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack HOU – Glover Quin – 6 tackles, 2 assists

Week 10: at New England Patriots

Week Ten: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	17	7	7	31
Patriots	10	14	7	6	37

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: November 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 68,756
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, Patriots 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 4:27. Stevan Ridley 1-yard run (Stepen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 10–0, Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:30. Second quarter Rian Lindell 41-yard field goal, Patriots 10–3, Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:47. Danny Woodhead 15-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 17–3, Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 2:58. Fred Jackson 14-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Patriots 17–10, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:06. Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 24–10, Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:09. Scott Chandler 3-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Patriots 24–17, Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:23. Third quarter Danny Woodhead 18-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 31–17, Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:38. Fred Jackson 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Patriots 31–24, Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:29. Fourth quarter Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, Patriots 34–24, Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:27. Donald Jones 2-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Patriots 34–31, Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 1:29. Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, Patriots 37–31, Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 5:41. Top passers BUF –Ryan Fitzpatrick, 27/40, 337 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT NE –Tom Brady, 23/38, 237 Yds, 2 TD Top rushers BUF –Fred Jackson, 16 Car, 80 Yds, 2 TD NE –Stevan Ridley, 22 Car, 98 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers BUF –Stevie Johnson, 6 Rec, 86 Yds, 0 TD NE –Wes Welker, 6 Rec, 74 Yds, 0 TD Top tacklers BUF –Stephon Gilmore – 5 tackles, 1 assist NE –Brandon Spikes – 5 tackles, 6 assists, 1 forced fumble

With the loss, the Bills dropped to 3–6 and 0–11 against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Week 11: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Eleven: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	0	0	7	14
Bills	13	6	0	0	19

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: November 15
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), clear and crisp
• Game attendance: 69,118
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – BUF – Top rushers MIA – BUF – Top receivers MIA – BUF – Top tacklers MIA – BUF –

By beating the Dolphins on a Thursday Night Football showdown, Buffalo improved to 4–6 and snapped an 8-game losing skid against division rivals.

Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Twelve: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	3	0	7	13
Colts	7	6	7	0	20

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 64,366
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers BUF – IND – Top rushers BUF – IND – Top receivers BUF – IND – Top tacklers BUF – IND –

Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Thirteen: Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	0	10	0	8	18
Bills	7	10	10	7	34

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: December 2
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), rain
• Game attendance: 53,971
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein (blacked out locally)

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers JAC – BUF – Top rushers JAC – BUF – Top receivers JAC – BUF – Top tacklers JAC – BUF –

Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Fourteen: St. Louis Rams at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	0	0	15	15
Bills	3	3	6	0	12

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: December 9
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 68,109
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Mike Martz and Krista Voda

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers STL – BUF – Top rushers STL – BUF – Top receivers STL – BUF – Top tacklers STL – BUF –

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Bills Toronto Series

Week Fifteen: Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	14	17	16	3	50
Bills	7	10	0	0	17

at Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Date: December 16
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 40,770
• Referee: Scott Green
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers SEA – BUF – Top rushers SEA – BUF – Top receivers SEA – BUF – Top tacklers SEA – BUF –

With the loss, the Bills fall to 5–9 and are officially eliminated from postseason contention.

Week 16: at Miami Dolphins

Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	3	0	7	10
Dolphins	7	7	10	0	24

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 23
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 54,462
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Randy Cross

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers BUF – MIA – Top rushers BUF – MIA – Top receivers BUF – MIA – Top tacklers BUF – MIA –

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

Week Seventeen: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	3	6	0	0	9
Bills	7	7	0	14	28

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: December 30
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 28 °F (−2 °C), mostly sunny
• Game attendance: 54,533
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon (blacked out locally)

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers NYJ – Mark Sanchez BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick Top rushers NYJ – Shonn Greene BUF – C. J. Spiller Top receivers NYJ – Jeremy Kerley BUF – Stevie Johnson Top tacklers NYJ – Bart Scott BUF – Nick Barnett

Standings

AFC East
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) New England Patriots	12	4	0	.750	6–0	11–1	557	331	W2
Miami Dolphins	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	288	317	L1
New York Jets	6	10	0	.375	2–4	4–8	281	375	L3
Buffalo Bills	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	344	435	W1

Statistics

Team leaders

	Player(s)	Value
Passing Yards	Ryan Fitzpatrick	2471 Yards
Passing Touchdowns	Ryan Fitzpatrick	20 TDs
Rushing Yards	C. J. Spiller	907 Yards
Rushing Touchdowns	C. J. Spiller	5 TDs
Receiving Yards	Stevie Johnson	705 Yards
Receiving Touchdowns	Scott Chandler	6 TDs
Points	Rian Lindell	83 Points
Kickoff Return Yards	Leodis McKelvin	453 Yards
Punt Return Yards	Leodis McKelvin	387 Yards
Tackles	Nick Barnett	82 Tackles
Sacks	Mario Williams	9.5 Sacks
Interceptions	Jairus Byrd	5 INTs

stats values are correct through Week 14. '

League rankings

• Total Offense (YPG): 346.4 (17th)
• Passing (YPG): 199 (26th)
• Rushing (YPG): 147.9 (4th)
• Total Defense (YPG): 368.5 (24th)
• Passing (YPG): 229 (13th)
• Rushing (YPG): 139.2 (30th)

Stats correct through week 14.

References

1. "Five-year extension of Buffalo Bills' Toronto series approved". NFL.com. May 22, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
2. Bailey, Budd (December 31, 2011). 2011 in review: In sports, high hopes and painful losses. The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 1, 2012.
3. "Progress made in Bills lease/renovation talks". The Buffalo News. June 15, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
4. Jewell-Gee, Denise (September 12, 2012). Bills, county agree they need one-year extension of stadium lease. The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
5. Wawrow, John (December 21, 2012). "Bills staying put after agreeing to new lease". Yahoo! Sports . Retrieved December 21, 2012.
6. Buffalo Rumblings: Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix Lays Out Team's Off-Season Priorities
7. "Buffalo Bills sign RB Fred Jackson to two-year extension". NFL. NFL.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
8. Gaughan, Mark (March 15, 2012). "Bills' Williams: 'Can't wait to get out there and make things happen'". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
9. Gaughan, Mark (March 21, 2012). "Bills sign productive pass rusher in Anderson". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
10. "Vince Young agrees to one-year deal with Buffalo Bills". NFL. NFL.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
11. "Bills sign 10 undrafted rookies, including Aaron Corp". NBC Sports. NBCSports.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.

External links

• Official website