Bledsoe Rules in Overtime - Los Angeles Times
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Bledsoe Rules in Overtime

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From Associated Press

The Buffalo Bills, who can’t seem to win in regulation, certainly make up for it in overtime.

Drew Bledsoe set an NFL record with his fourth career overtime touchdown pass, a 26-yard play to Travis Henry 1:58 into the extra period, giving the Bills a 33-27 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Three of Buffalo’s first four games have gone into overtime, an NFL first. The Bills (2-2) won the last two that have gone past regulation, a big turnaround for a team that was 3-6 last season in games decided by seven points or less.

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“We hope winning these close games is a big building block,” Bills’ Coach Gregg Williams said. “Every week in this league, most games come down to the wire. Our guys made the plays they needed to make to win.”

Jim Miller completed 19 of 31 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (2-2). Chicago hadn’t lost two consecutive games since December 2000.

The Bills, meanwhile, are coming off a 3-13 season in which they didn’t record their second victory until their 12th game.

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“I think we’re starting to develop and believe in ourselves,” said Bledsoe, who was 28 for 36 for 328 yards and four touchdowns. “We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the ability to play with anybody in the league.”

After the Bears went three-and-out to open overtime, the Bills took over at their 44 after Brad Maynard’s 31-yard punt.

Bledsoe connected with Eric Moulds for a 32-yard gain along the left sideline. On the next play, Bledsoe rolled right and, just as he was being hauled down from behind, found Henry in the flat. Henry did the rest by running the last 20 yards for the score.

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“You can run the ball a couple of times to set up the field goal, but why not take a couple of shots at the end zone?” Bledsoe said of his overtime philosophy.

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