The2008 Buffalo Bills season was the 39th season for the team in theNational Football League (NFL) and their 49th season overall. The team finished with a record of 7–9 for the third consecutive year. It started the season 5–1 before a 2–8 stretch to finish the season.

After a 5–1 start to the season, starting quarterbackTrent Edwards suffered aconcussion in week 5 atArizona after anAdrian Wilson hit. Edwards had started the year throwing 4 touchdowns and two interceptions through the first five games. After the injury, he threw 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, before missing two of the final four games of the season with a groin injury. After their 4–0 start, the Bills won only three of their final 12 games of the year.

Despite strong years from second-year running backMarshawn Lynch (1,036 rushing yards, 1,336 yards from scrimmage) and wide receiverLee Evans (1,017 receiving yards),^[1] the team was eliminated from playoff contention in week 15, which secured their ninth straight year without a playoff appearance.

The Bills signedMinnesota Vikings defensive tackleSpencer Johnson,New York Jets fullbackDarian Barnes andNew York Giants linebackerKawika Mitchell in free agency.

Also, the Bills traded forJacksonville Jaguars defensive tackleMarcus Stroud, sendingBaltimore's 2008 3rd round selection, andChicago's 5th round selection.

• DTMarcus Stroud – Acquired via trade with theJacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 2008 3rd and 5th round selections.
• LBKawika Mitchell – Signed as a free agent from theNew York Giants.
• DTSpencer Johnson – Signed as a free agent from theMinnesota Vikings.
• TECourtney Anderson – Signed as a free agent from theOakland Raiders. Released on August 30.
• CBWilliam James – Signed as a free agent from thePhiladelphia Eagles. Released on August 30, after being beaten out in training camp.

• DTAnthony Hargrove – Suspended by league for one year January 24
• RBAnthony Thomas – Released on February 27
• DTLarry Tripplett – Released on February 29
• LBCoy Wire – Released on February 27, failed physical
• WRPeerless Price – Released on February 14
• WRSam Aiken – Signed with theNew England Patriots as a free agent
• CBJason Webster – Signed with theNew England Patriots as a free agent
• TEMichael Gaines – Signed with theDetroit Lions as a free agent

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Buffalo found some impact players in the 2008 NFL draft. Leodis McKelvin was named to theSporting News All-NFL team in his rookie year; he became a dynamic kick- and punt-return specialist. Demetress Bell eventually won a starting job at offensive tackle in Buffalo, a position he held for four seasons. Stevie Johnson had a breakout year in2010; he became the first receiver in Bills history to gain 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons.^[2]

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 9	atWashington Redskins	L 14–17	0–1	FedExField	Recap
2	August 14	Pittsburgh Steelers	W 24–21	1–1	Rogers Centre(Toronto)	Recap
3	August 24	atIndianapolis Colts	W 20–7	2–1	Lucas Oil Stadium	Recap
4	August 28	Detroit Lions	L 6–14	2–2	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap

One regular season home game per year was played at theRogers Centre inToronto, Ontario as part of a five-year deal. For 2008, December 7's matchup with theMiami Dolphins was staged in Toronto.^[3]

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 7	Seattle Seahawks	W 34–10	1–0	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
2	September 14	atJacksonville Jaguars	W 20–16	2–0	Jacksonville Municipal Stadium	Recap
3	September 21	Oakland Raiders	W 24–23	3–0	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
4	September 28	atSt. Louis Rams	W 31–14	4–0	Edward Jones Dome	Recap
5	October 5	atArizona Cardinals	L 17–41	4–1	University of Phoenix Stadium	Recap
6	Bye
7	October 19	San Diego Chargers	W 23–14	5–1	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
8	October 26	atMiami Dolphins	L 16–25	5–2	Dolphin Stadium	Recap
9	November 2	New York Jets	L 17–26	5–3	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
10	November 9	atNew England Patriots	L 10–20	5–4	Gillette Stadium	Recap
11	November 17	Cleveland Browns	L 27–29	5–5	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
12	November 23	atKansas City Chiefs	W 54–31	6–5	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap
13	November 30	San Francisco 49ers	L 3–10	6–6	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
14	December 7	Miami Dolphins	L 3–16	6–7	Rogers Centre(Toronto)	Recap
15	December 14	atNew York Jets	L 27–31	6–8	Giants Stadium	Recap
16	December 21	atDenver Broncos	W 30–23	7–8	Invesco Field at Mile High	Recap
17	December 28	New England Patriots	L 0–13	7–9	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are inbold text.

The Bills began their 2008 campaign at home against theSeattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as running backMarshawn Lynch got a 21-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Bills increased their lead with wide receiver/punt returnerRoscoe Parrish returning a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. The Seahawks responded with quarterbackMatt Hasselbeck completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverNate Burleson. Buffalo closed out the half with kickerRian Lindell getting a 35-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Seattle responded with kickerOlindo Mare nailing a 45-yard field goal. Afterwards, Buffalo dug into their bag of tricks. Appearing to attempt a 32-yard field goal, holderBrian Moorman completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to defensive endRyan Denney. The Bills pulled away with quarterbackTrent Edwards completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight endRobert Royal.

With this win, the Bills started their season with a 1–0 record.

Coming off an impressive home win over the Seahawks, the Bills flew toJacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 2 duel with theJacksonville Jaguars. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as RBMarshawn Lynch got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Jaguars responded with kickerJosh Scobee getting a 28-yard field goal. The Bills closed the half with kickerRian Lindell's a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Jacksonville took the lead with RBMaurice Jones-Drew getting a 2-yard TD run and Scobee getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars increased their lead with Scobee nailing a 39-yard field goal. Buffalo rallied as QBTrent Edwards completed a 7-yard TD pass to rookie WRJames Hardy, along with Lindell's yard field goal.

With yet another win, the Bills improved to their first 2–0 start since 2003.

Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Bills went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 3 duel with theOakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Raiders kickerSebastian Janikowski got a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board with RBMarshawn Lynch's 14-yard TD run. Oakland responded with Janikowski's 32-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QBJaMarcus Russell getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo began to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland immediately responded with Russell completing an 84-yard TD pass to WRJohnnie Lee Higgins. Afterwards, the Bills completed its rally with QBTrent Edwards completing a 14-yard TD pass to WRRoscoe Parrish. Then, Buffalo sealed the win with kickerRian Lindell nailing the game-winning 38-yard field goal.

With the win, the Bills improved to 3–0 for the first time since 1992. With the Patriots' loss to the Dolphins, the Bills are now in first place in the AFC East after 3 weeks.

Also, during halftime, former Bills DEBruce Smith (the NFL's All-Time Sack Leader) was added to theBills Wall of Fame.

Coming off their last-second home win over the Raiders, the Bills flew to theEdward Jones Dome for a Week 4 interconference duel with the winlessSt. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kickerRian Lindell got a 45-yard field goal. The Rams responded with WRDonnie Avery getting a 37-yard TD run. The Bills answered with Lindell's 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with RBSteven Jackson getting a 29-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, Buffalo began to rally as RBFred Jackson got a 22-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills completed their comeback with CBJabari Greer returning an interception 33 yards for a touchdown, QBTrent Edwards completing a 39-yard TD pass to WRLee Evans, and Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.

With the win, Buffalo got its first 4–0 start since 1992.

Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Bills flew to theUniversity of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 5 interconference game with theArizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Cardinals QBKurt Warner completed a 2-yard TD pass to WRLarry Fitzgerald. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead as RBTim Hightower got a 17-yard TD run. The Bills responded as QBJ.P. Losman completing an 87-yard TD pass to WRLee Evans, yet the Cardinals replied with RBEdgerrin James getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo answered with Losman's 1-yard TD run, yet Arizona closed out the half with kickerNeil Rackers getting a 47-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bills tried to catch up as kickerRian Lindell got a 48-yard field goal, but the Cardinals answered with Warner completing a 2-yard TD pass to Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, Arizona pulled away as Rackers nailed a 38-yard field goal, along with Hightower getting a 2-yard TD run,

With the loss, Buffalo went into their bye week at 4–1.

QBTrent Edwards (3/3 for 18 yards), who originally started, was knocked out the game on the Bills' third offensive play by Cardinals safetyAdrian Wilson with a concussion.

Coming off their bye week, the Bills played a Week 7 duel with theSan Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Buffalo drew first blood as kickerRian Lindell got a 38-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with QBPhilip Rivers completing a 14-yard TD pass to WRMalcom Floyd. In the second quarter, the Bills regained the lead with QBTrent Edwards (fully recovered from his concussion) completing a 2-yard TD pass to WRLee Evans, along with Lindell getting a 27-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, San Diego regained the lead with Rivers completing a 12-yard TD pass to WRVincent Jackson. Buffalo answered with RBMarshawn Lynch getting a 9-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills pulled away with Lindell nailing a 44-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did Buffalo improve to 5–1, they also got their first 3–0 home start since 1995.

A power outage at Ralph Wilson Stadium, caused by three helium balloons coming in contact with a transformer, led to portions of the game not being televised. For a short time during the first and second quarters, the game was played with no public address announcers, no scoreboard, and the time being kept by the officials on the field.

Coming off their win over the Chargers, the Bills flew toDolphin Stadium for a Week 8 AFC East duel with theMiami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QBChad Pennington completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEAnthony Fasano. The Bills responded with kickerRian Lindell getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Lindell got a 43-yard and a 47-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bills increased their lead as RBMarshawn Lynch got an 8-yard TD run. However, Miami began to respond as kickerDan Carpenter got a 43-yard field goal, while RBRicky Williams got a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins sealed Buffalo's fate as Carpenter made a 45-yard field goal, LBJoey Porter causing QBTrent Edwards to fumble the ball in his own endzone (leading to a safety), and Carpenter nailing a 35-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–2.

The Bills went home for a Week 9 AFC East duel with theNew York Jets. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Jets kickerJay Feely got a 37-yard field goal. Buffalo responded as QBTrent Edwards completed a 9-yard TD pass to rookie TEDerek Fine. However, New York responded as Feely got a 26-yard field goal, along with safetyAbram Elam returning an interception 92 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as Feely got a 20-yard field goal. Buffalo responded with kickerRian Lindell getting a 53-yard field goal, but the Jets replied with RBThomas Jones getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to rally as CBJabari Greer returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. However, New York pulled away with Feely making a 31-yard field goal.

With the loss, Buffalo fell to 5–3.

Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the Bills wrapped up their three-straight divisional games inGillette Stadium with a Week 10 AFC East duel with theNew England Patriots. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Patriots QBMatt Cassel got a 13-yard TD run. In the second quarter, New England increased their lead as kickerStephen Gostkowski got a 32-yard field goal. The Bills closed out the half with kickerRian Lindell getting a 25-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Patriots answered with Gostkowski nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England pulled away with RBBenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo ended the game with QBTrent Edwards completing a 14-yard TD pass to rookie WRJames Hardy.

With their third-straight loss, the Bills fell to 5–4.

Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Bills went home for a Week 11 MNF duel with theCleveland Browns. In the first quarter, Buffalo struggled early as early interceptions from QBTrent Edwards helped Browns kickerPhil Dawson get a 40-yard and a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased their lead as WR/KRJoshua Cribbs got a 2-yard TD run. The Bills answered as Edwards completed an 18-yard TD pass to RBMarshawn Lynch, along with kickerRian Lindell getting a 26-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Browns answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field. Buffalo replied with Lindell getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland greatly answered as RBJerome Harrison got a 72-yard TD run. The Bills immediately replied as rookie CBLeodis McKelvin returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Browns responded as Dawson got a 22-yard field goal. Buffalo took the lead as Edwards got a 1-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. The Bills' Lindell missed a 47-yard field goal wide right.

With their fourth-straight loss, Buffalo fell to 5–5.

Hoping to snap a four-game losing streak, the Bills flew toArrowhead Stadium for a Week 12 duel with theKansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Chiefs QBTyler Thigpen completed a 36-yard TD pass to RBJamaal Charles. The Bills responded with RBMarshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as kickerRian Lindell made a 21-yard field goal. Kansas City answered with Thigpen completing a 2-yard TD pass to TETony Gonzalez. Buffalo regained the lead as Lindell got a 39-yard field goal, while rookie CBLeodis McKelvin returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs struck back with kickerConnor Barth getting a 45-yard field goal, yet the Bills continued their offensive explosion as Lindell got a 34-yard field goal, along with QBTrent Edwards getting a 15-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, Buffalo continued its poundings with Edwards getting a 5-yard TD run, while Lindell got himself a 38-yard field goal. Kansas City tried to rally as Thigpen completed a 45-yard TD pass to WRMark Bradley, yet the Bills replied with Edwards completing an 8-yard TD pass to WRJosh Reed. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo pulled away as Edwards completed a 17-yard TD pass to TEDerek Schouman. The Chiefs tried to come back as QBQuinn Gray completed a 3-yard TD pass to WRDwayne Bowe, yet the Bills' lead was too much for Kansas City to overcome.

With the win, Buffalo improved to 6–5.

This marked the first time the Bills scored 50+ points on an opponent since Sept. 1991 against thePittsburgh Steelers (52–34).[1]

Coming off a road win over the Chiefs, the Bills went home for a Week 13 interconference duel against theSan Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as 49ers QBShaun Hill completed a 12-yard TD pass to WRIsaac Bruce. In the second quarter, the Bills continued to trail as kickerJoe Nedney made a 50-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Buffalo tried to rally as kickerRian Lindell nailed a 22-yard field goal, but the team struggled offensively for the rest of the game.

With the loss, the Bills fell to 6–6.

QBTrent Edwards (10/21 for 112 yards) didn't play the second half, due to a groin injury.

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the 49ers, the Bills flew to theRogers Centre for their first game of their Canadian International series, with an AFC East rematch against theMiami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Buffalo trailed early as Dolphins QBChad Pennington completed a 20-yard TD pass to TEAnthony Fasano. The Bills answered with kickerRian Lindell. After that, Miami pulled away as kickerDan Carpenter made three field goals (50, 35, and 27 yards).

With the loss, Buffalo fell to 6–7.

Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Bills flew toThe Meadowlands for a Week 15 AFC East rematch with theNew York Jets. WithTrent Edwards still recovering from a groin injury,J.P. Losman was given the start.

Early on in the first quarter, Buffalo trailed as Jets running backThomas Jones got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Bills responded with a 34-yard field goal from kickerRian Lindell, but New York answered with quarterbackBrett Favre completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJerricho Cotchery. In the second quarter, Buffalo took the lead as Losman got an 8-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiverStevie Johnson. However, the Jets got the halftime lead with a 47-yard touchdown run from running backLeon Washington.

In the third quarter, the Bills kept pace as Lindell made a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York responded with kickerJay Feely's 31-yard field goal. Buffalo regained the lead as running backFred Jackson powered his way for an 11-yard touchdown run. However, the Jets prevailed as safetyAbram Elam forced a fumble, allowing DEShaun Ellis to return the ball 11 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, not only did the Bills fall to 6–8, but they were eliminated from the playoff race.

Hoping to snap a three-game losing streak, the Bills flew toInvesco Field at Mile High for a Week 16 duel with theDenver Broncos. Buffalo trailed early in the first quarter as Broncos quarterbackJay Cutler got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by kickerMatt Prater getting a 23-yard field goal. Denver increased its lead in the second quarter with Prater's 30-yard field goal. The Bills responded with a 37-yard field goal from kickerRian Lindell, followed by running backMarshawn Lynch's 2-yard touchdown run.

In the third quarter, Buffalo took the lead with Lindell's 49-yard and 28-yard field goal, but the Broncos answered with Cutler's 6-yard touchdown run. The Bills struck right back in the fourth quarter as quarterbackTrent Edwards completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiverStevie Johnson. Denver tied the game with Prater nailing a 43-yard field goal. Buffalo rallied with running backFred Jackson getting an 8-yard touchdown run, followed the defense surviving the Broncos' late-game drive.

With the win, the Bills improved to 7–8.

Coming off their road win over the Broncos, the Bills closed out their season at home with a Week 17 AFC East rematch with theNew England Patriots. Buffalo trailed early in the first quarter as Patriots kickerStephen Gostkowski got a 33-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, the Bills' deficit increased in the third quarter as running backLaMont Jordan got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, New England added to their lead as Gostkowski nailed a 23-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Bills closed out their season at 7–9 for the third-straight season.

• 2008 Buffalo Bills at jt-sw.com
• 2008 Buffalo Bills at ProFootballArchives.com
• 2008 Buffalo Bills atPro-Football-Reference.com
• Buffalo Bills Official Website
• Buffalo Bills Team Page atNFL.com

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