Bears score 2 TDs on defense, throttle hapless Bills

[November 05, 2018]  Jordan Howard ran for two touchdowns and the Chicago defense scored twice -- all four touchdowns coming in the second quarter -- as the Bears blew out the Buffalo Bills 41-9 on Sunday at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Cornerback Eddie Jackson returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown and defensive end Leonard Floyd scored on a 19-yard interception return less than four minutes later for the Bears (5-3), who have four defensive touchdowns this season.

Chicago won despite totaling only 190 yards of offense and 11 first downs. Mitchell Trubisky completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards, a 2-yard touchdown pass to Trey Burke and an interception. Howard rushed for 47 yards on 14 carries.

Even with defensive star Khalil Mack sitting out for a second straight game with an ankle injury, the Bears held the Bills' hapless offense to 264 yards and forced four turnovers, bringing their season takeaway total to 21.

Buffalo (2-7) scored a touchdown for the first time in three games but was held to less than 14 points for the seventh time this season (and sixth game in a row). The Bills have now totaled 96 points through the first nine games, the fewest in franchise history.

Nathan Peterman had another turnover-plagued performance for the Bills with three more interceptions. Peterman has now been intercepted 13 times in 133 career attempts, including playoffs. He finished 31 of 49 passing for 189 yards and led the Bills in rushing with 46 yards and a 1-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

The Bills turned to Peterman after he was twice benched for poor performance as rookie Josh Allen (elbow) and veteran Derek Anderson (concussion) were both out.

Chicago scored four touchdowns in a span of 12:20 to take a 28-0 lead before halftime.
 
 Special teams miscues by the Bills gave the Bears a short field on their two second-quarter touchdown drives.

Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) makes a tackle on Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) during the third quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

 Howard walked in for a 1-yard touchdown to cap a 37-yard drive that was aided by Logan Thomas' late-hit penalty on a punt return. Howard later scored on an 18-yard run in the final minute of the half after Tarik Cohen returned a punt 38 yards to the Buffalo 23.
 
 Bears rookie linebacker Roquan Smith forced the fumble by Bills tight end Jason Croom that Jackson returned for a touchdown, and Floyd plucked a tipped pass out of the air for his defensive score, part of a stretch of three takeaways on consecutive drives for the Bears. Adrian Amos Jr. intercepted a pass that bounced off the hands of receiver Terrelle Pryor, who was signed by the Bills earlier this week, for the third turnover in the stretch. Kyle Fuller picked off Peterman in the third quarter.
 
 Cody Parkey added 23- and 45-yard field goals in the second half. Burton's touchdown reception came with 4:40 remaining.
 
 Buffalo's Stephen Hauschka made a 41-yard field early in the third quarter.
 
 --Field Level Media

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