Off Field News Overshadows Buffalo Bills Shut Out Win

The Buffalo Bills defense pitched their first preseason shutout in 20 years with a 21-0 win over the New York Giants at the newly renamed New Era Field on Saturday, but two announcements made before the game were the bigger story.  Two hours before kickoff the Bills announced that running back Karlos Williams had been released.  Then an hour before the game the Bills announced that defensive tackle Marcel Dareus was voluntarily entering a rehabilitation facility.

The Bills apparently had had enough of Williams.  He reported to mini camp in the spring more than 25 pounds overweight and when he reported to training camp at St. John Fisher he was more than 30 pounds overweight.

The NFL also informed the Bills that Williams would be suspended for the first four games of the season for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.  General manager Doug Whaley said Williams' release was strictly performance based.  Williams returned to the practice field earlier in the week and played poorly.

Meanwhile, for the second consecutive year Marcel Dareus will serve an NFL-imposed suspension at the beginning of the season.  Last year it was one game for a failed drug test.  This year it'll be four games for a missed drug test.

In a statement released by the Bills Dareus stated;

“After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility. I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.”

After the pre-game drama, the Bills got to work on the field and held the Giants to 166 yards in total offense, recovered two fumbles and picked off two passes in a 21-0 victory.  Tyrod Taylor passed for 132 yards and a touchdown in just over a quarter of playing time.  The prettiest play of the night was a 57-yard pass play from Taylor to tight end Charles Clay after Taylor scrambled to escape a defender.  E-J Manuel also had a touchdown pass while rookie Jonathan Williams ran for another score.

The Bills improve to 1 & 1 in the preseason.  Their next game is Friday night against the Redskins in Washington.