SB Nation - Marcus Stroud

Run defense a key off-season priority in Buffalo

Brian Galliford — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:30:14 -0000

Run and stop the run. It's an old football cliche, and it's cliche because it works. Successful NFL teams, by and large, are able to run the football effectively, and they're able to prevent their opponents from doing so.

The Buffalo Bills can't stop the run this season. Through 12 games, the Bills have surrendered 2,065 rushing yards, or about 172 rushing yards per game. The New York Jets - victors over Buffalo last night - have been particularly effective running against Buffalo, racking up 567 yards (283.5 per game) in two games against the Bills' porous run front this season. The Bills are ranked dead last in the league defending the run, giving up 11 more yards per game than the second-worst team - Oakland.

This season is the fifth of the decade in which the Bills have surrendered more than 2,000 rushing yards in a season. With four games remaining on the schedule, they're on pace to surrender around 2,700 rushing yards in 2009. If the Bills hit that number, they'll have fielded their worst run defense since 1978, when that 5-11 Bills outfit allowed its opponents to rush for a whopping 3,228 yards, or slightly over 200 yards per game.

Before they reach that lofty goal, however, there are some putrid Bills teams of yesteryear that they must first eclipse. The 1985 Buffalo Bills gave up 2,462 rushing yards on the season. They finished 2-14. (Surprise!) The '79 Bills (7-9) gave up 2,481 yards, and the 1983 Bills (8-8) gave up 2,503 yards. With four games left, at the current pace, these Bills are on pace to surpass all of those memorable teams.

Can the run defense be fixed?
Yes, it can. Anything can be fixed. But Buffalo's got a lot of work to do.

For starters, they need to make at least two major personnel changes. Buffalo's starting defensive tackle duo of Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams are stout in the middle - according to Football Outsiders stats, they were the sixth-best DT duo in the league against the run in 2008 - but they also wear down, and Buffalo's depth players at the position lack the block-shedding abilities of Williams and the sheer power of Stroud. A massive defensive tackle would not only add a run-stuffing dimension to the defensive line rotation, but if he's big enough and can anchor, he also gives the team some schematic flexibility.

(Speaking of scheme - forget about changing it, because there's not a single scheme employed by NFL coaches that isn't equipped to stop the run. I know fans are clamoring for the 3-4, but ask the Cleveland Browns just how proficient they are at stuffing the run. Buffalo doesn't need a scheme change - though obviously they might get it with a new coach - they just need personnel tweaks.)

Paul Posluszny also needs to be moved out of the middle. In any defensive scheme, middle linebackers need to be able to shed blocks, and with all due respect to Poz - a guy I'm not nearly as down on as some folks here - he's not proven himself capable of slipping blocks consistently. Poz was a better player on the outside at Penn State, and that's where he belongs in the NFL, as well. Kawika Mitchell, when he returns, is still a solid fit at weak-side linebacker. That just leaves Posluszny's vacated middle linebacker spot as a major need area for this defense. Someone big, fast and capable of stacking and shedding, if you please, Mr. Future Bills GM Guy. Oh, and while you're at it, please find capable reserves at linebacker as well - we'll need more than one.

A little discipline wouldn't hurt, either. Buffalo has been susceptible to misdirection plays for years now; the Bills' ends and corners need to be more disciplined in their gaps to prevent big chunks of yardage being surrendered.

One last thing. The best friend of any run defense, good or bad, is a competent offense. Playing with leads is never a bad thing, despite Buffalo's best attempts to prove otherwise. Yes, Buffalo needs to fix its defense, but take a look around you - the best teams in the NFL this season have the best offenses. If you think the Bills have major work to do in shoring up their run defense, they've got a decade's worth of awful offensive football to shore up as well.

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Buffalo Bills Run Defense

John B — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:39:57 -0000

More photos » by Seth Wenig - AP

Browse more photos »

The Jets went off for 318 rushing yards on the Bills in the first meeting. They are giving up 165.1 yards on the ground, which is the most in the league. They give up 4.8 per rush. That's Adrian Peterson's average over the past two seasons. That means every back they face turns into the 2008-2009 version of Adrian Peterson. Ok, that might be hyperbole, but the Bills are really bad at stopping the run. That's bad for them, considering the Jets are the number two rushing offense per game in football.

Surprisingly for a run defense so lousy, the Bills actually do not have a disaster tackle situation. Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams are a good pair. Stroud's not having a great year, but he's still a guy who commands a lot of attention. Williams always seems to hold his own in the middle of the line. Aaron Schobel has also been decent.

Let's get into where the Bills will have problems. It's on the right side, which is New York's strength. End Chris Kelsay does a poor job holding the point of attack and containing. The Bills have also had a nightmarish year in terms of linebacker injuries. Chris Draft wasn't playing anywhere at the start of this season. He's now starting outside for Buffalo and seeing a ton of time. The other outside linebacker, Bryan Scott, is a safety by trade and very undersized for the position at 219 pounds. Paul Posluszny in the middle is an emerging quality young player, but there is very little depth for the Bills.

The problem for the Bills in the first game was even their good players against the run got beaten. Nick Mangold and Brandon Moore had their best games of the year against Stroud and company on the line. If the Bills have any hope of slowing down the ground game, this will have to improve. The way this offensive line is playing, that's a tall order. Even if the Bills play this to a draw, they are weak in the back of the front seven. We'll see a lot of eight man fronts out of necessity. I don't think the Jets go for over 300 yards again, but I do think they should have another good performance on the ground.

New York Jets Pass Offense vs. Buffalo Bills Pass Defense

John B — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:09:55 -0000

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

Browse more photos »

You may remember the first meeting between the Jets and Bills as one of the most disastrous showings in the history of quarterbacking by Mark Sanchez. A week after holding Derek Anderson to a 2 for 17 game, Buffalo intercepted Sanchez 5 times in an overtime victory. More than any other factor, their pass defense won the Bills that game. Through one week of Rex Ryan's codes to Sanchez, things have worked out. Sanchez made good decisions against the Panthers, and the Jets won the game. Mark didn't try to do too much. If the Jets want to leave ~~Orchard Park~~ Toronto with a win, they could sure use an efficient game from the rookie quarterback.

The Bills will look to use the same formula everybody use against the rookie quarterback, attempt to generate pressure. Aaron Schobel leads their club with 6 sacks. He's probably the best pass rusher they have, although slowing him down will be an easier task for D'Brickashaw Ferguson than handling Julius Peppers. Schobel hasn't been a model of consistency this year, though. Chris Kelsay, who is battling a shoulder injury, is the other end. He has 3 sacks. You'd have to think Damien Woody has a favorable matchup.

In the middle, Marcus Stroud returned from a knee injury for the Miami game. He is a guy who always occupies attention. Neither he nor Kyle Williams register many sacks, but their job will be to get a push up the middle and flush Mark Sanchez from the pocket. We may find out a lot about the status of his knee and that brace.

Buffalo blitzed sparingly under Dick Jauron. Since Jauron's dismissal, the numbers appear to have increased a bit. Paul Posluzny is the most likely guy to come from the middle. It could present a test for the middle of the line dealing with the tackles.

Cornerback Terrence McGee has been limited by a knee injury for the Bills. Drayton Florence will start next to him. Florence is having a nice year, but he and a gimpy McGee are a good matchup for Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery. They do have a pair of good cover safeties in Donte Whitner and George Wilson.The problem could be the run defense for the Bills, though. The Jets ran all over them in the first meeting. You have to think the biggest adjustment they will make will be to stop the run. That probably means they'll want their safeties up and won't dedicate them as much to the passing game.

Buffalo has been decimated at the linebacker position by injury. In one regard, that might help them in this matchup. Bryan Scott is starting at outside linebacker. He was converted from the safety position and is a good pass defender, which leaves the Bills in good shape covering Dustin Keller. Posluszny is also a good pass defender. The other starting linebacker, Chris Draft, was limited in practice with a neck injury and is probably the weakest cover linebacker the Bills have but is still solid. It will have to be a day for the receivers. Sanchez should have time to find them. Again, after the rushing numbers the Jets posted in their first meeting, the Bills won't be overly aggressive for fear of being caught up field.

Identifying the "crux players" on Buffalo's roster

Brian Galliford — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:30 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Browse more photos »

Two weeks ago - a day before the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Dick Jauron, in fact - we here at Buffalo Rumblings took a look at the core players of Buffalo's roster. The idea behind the post was to identify players that, based on their contract status with the franchise, are very likely to survive a regime change at One Bills Drive.

We'll recap the fruits of that labor quickly after the jump, but the purpose of this post is to take that exercise a step further. With the core players out of the way, it's time to look at the players that I'll term "crux players" - guys with flexible contract situations that will define a new regime's focus on re-building the Bills.

Core player recap
We named 17 current Bills as "core players," splitting the group up into vested veterans, young players with promise and role-playing veterans awaiting new roles once the regime change is complete. Of those 17 players, we defined a solid 9 as starting-caliber, a further six as fringe starters, and two as reserves. Here's that breakdown:

Starters: RB Fred Jackson, WR Lee Evans, G/C Eric Wood, DE Aaron Schobel, DT Marcus Stroud, LB Kawika Mitchell, CB Terrence McGee, FS Jairus Byrd, P Brian Moorman

Fringe starters: TE Shawn Nelson, OT Brad Butler, OG Andy Levitre, DE Aaron Maybin, DT Kyle Williams, CB Leodis McKelvin

Reserves: C/G Geoff Hangartner, DT Spencer Johnson

Keep in mind that all of these players are currently under contract through the end of the 2012 season. That means that, if each plays to the end of their contract, they'll be in Buffalo for another three years. The fact that each player has at least three years left on his deal at least ensures that they'll be part of the roster in Year 1 of a new regime, and many of them will be playing considerably large roles.

For this exercise, the criteria changes a bit. "Crux players," as far as we're concerned for now, are players that, once the 2009 season ends, will have either one or two years left on their current deal. Each is under contract for the 2010 season, but each also has a deal that makes it possible for a new regime to play football in 2010 without these players under contract. They are truly "crux" players in that a new regime will be making its most important decisions amongst this group. The entire new direction of the franchise from a personnel standpoint will be based largely on evaluations of these 19 players.

Keep in mind, also, that this list changes if 2010 is an uncapped year. Ask MattRichWarren about it.

Buffalo's 19 "crux players"
You'll have a task at the end of this exercise, but for now, here's a quick summary of the 19 crux players on Buffalo's roster:

Trent Edwards, QB - Signed through 2011. He's been benched and needs a new environment, but some talent remains.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB - Signed through 2012. Has proven to be reliable as a backup, but is not considered a franchise signal-caller.
Brian Brohm, QB - Signed through 2012. A project player with some solid tools, there's a chance he never sees the field for Buffalo.
Marshawn Lynch, RB - Signed through 2013, with an opt-out clause in the final year. No longer the starting running back, Lynch might be the subject of trade talks this off-season.
Corey McIntyre, FB - Signed through 2011. Run-of-the-mill player.
James Hardy, WR - Signed through 2012. Buffalo invested a second-round pick in him, and the talent is there, but Hardy has had injury issues and hasn't seen the field much.
Roscoe Parrish, WR - Signed through 2012. Has clamored for a trade, but a new regime might be inclined to keep him as a punt returner. Unlikely to get PT as a WR anywhere.
Steve Johnson, WR - Signed through 2012. Held in high regard by current regime, but that could change quickly, and doesn't carry the same investment as Hardy.
Derek Fine, TE - Signed through 2012. Probably survives a regime change because he's a role player with special teams ability.
Demetrius Bell, OT - Signed through 2012. Has struggled with injuries and on the playing field, but again, there is raw ability to work with.
Chris Kelsay, DE - Signed through 2011. A heady veteran who has improved under position coach Bob Sanders, but has a large salary that might seal his fate.
Chris Ellis, DE - Signed through 2012. Does not play a significant role now and that's not likely to change, but represents a significant investment ('08 third-round pick).
John McCargo, DT - Signed through 2011. Nothing more than a rotational tackle at this point in his disappointing career.
Paul Posluszny, LB - Signed through 2011. Sure to be the most intensely-debated player on this list.
Drayton Florence, CB - Signed through 2011. Has been excellent as a fill-in starter, and has scheme versatility.
Reggie Corner, CB - Signed through 2012. Reserve-type corner that has his uses, but should never be counted on as a starter.
Donte Whitner, S - Signed through 2011, with an opt-out clause in the final year. Could be a UFA as soon as this coming March. New regime might feel differently about him.
John Wendling, S - Signed through 2011. Special teams player only.
Rian Lindell, K - Signed through 2012. Reliable and gets more consistent with age.

Your Task
There's your list, folks. Some of those names obviously carry much more weight and importance than others. Your task: pick out the players that you believe are worth keeping around. Then, of those names, split them into starters and reserves. Combined with your input from the original post, this should really cement your ideas about where you'd take the franchise if you were GM.

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/29

MattRichWarren — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:21:37 -0000

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 12 | BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown's things to watch for.

Buffalo Bills set to host Miami Dolphins | Democrat and Chronicle
John Wawrow's AP preview

Simmons expected to start – Inside The Bills
The seven-year veteran Kendall Simmons is expected to start at right guard in place of rookie Eric Wood.

Game Previews
Bills-Dolphins Preview | BuffaloBills.com
Preview from the Associated Press.

Bills Daily Gameday Preview
The Bills blog gives its preview.

Dolphins' Porter out to prove he's not all talk : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Expect Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter to have blood in his eye Sunday when he faces the Buffalo Bills.

NFL Preview - Miami (5-5) at Buffalo (3-7) | Sports Network
The 2009 season has descended into the abyss for the Buffalo Bills. On Sunday, when Perry Fewell makes his Ralph Wilson Stadium debut as the team's interim head coach, the 3-7 Bills will be looking to drag the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins down with them.

Week 12 NFL game previews - USATODAY.com
Dolphins @ Bills is a third of the way down the page: The Dolphins have won the past three meetings by an average of 16.7 points.

Bills-Dolphins scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Here is Allen Wilson's breakdown of today's matchup.

Game Day: Buffalo Bills | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana's six points and gameday preview.

Dolphins vs. Bills Preview | wgrz.com
Adam Benigni spoke with Dolphins color Commentator Joe Rose as the team arrived at the Adam's Mark hotel in downtown Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills Game Day (Two Bills Drive)
Gameday preview by the Bills blog, Two Bills Drive.

Who has the edge: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - Miami Dolphins - MiamiHerald.com
Armando Salguero breaks down who has the edge during several specific times in the game like when the Bills run or the Dolphins pass.

Team in Transition
Russ Grimm emerges as candidate for Bills job | ProFootballTalk.com
Charley Casserly of CBS's The NFL Today suggested the Cardinals line coach.

Mike Shanahan, Leslie Frazier among NFL coaching candidates - Don Banks - SI.com
Don Banks profiles the list of potential head coaches fir 2010.

The Tuna recipe to NFL success : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Dolphins football chief Bill Parcells built winners in New York, New England and Dallas, and now he has helped remake Miami in his own image. The veteran coach's doctrines are no secret; adopting them could pay major dividends for the Bills.

A strong GM is a thing of the past in these parts : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan profiles Colts GM Bill Polian.

UFL's Jim Haslett Contacted for NFL Job --FanHouse
Haslett didn't elaborate or even say if it was for a head coaching job or a coordinator position.

Tasker, Reed named Hall of Fame Semifinalists
Hall of Fame announces 25 semifinalists | ProFootballTalk.com
No-brainers for enshrinement are Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. Tim Brown might have to wait until Carter gets in. Reed arguably should get in before either of them.

NFL Videos: Road to Canton with Rod Woodson
The Hall of Fame DB discusses Tim Brown, Cris Carter, and Andre Reed. When asked to pick one of the 3 he picks Andre calling him "the most complete" and "the greatest at yards after the catch".

Reed, Tasker Make Final 25 List for NFL HOF : Buffalo Sports Daily
"In what is sure to raise the ire of Buffalo Bills fans everywhere, Darryl Talley was inexcusably not included among the final 25."

More Bills News
ONLY GATORS Get Out Alive - Florida Gators college football
New Bills practice squader Jason Watkins played on the UFL's New York Sentinels.

Calls and Effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Officials already have marched off 75 infractions against the Buffalo Bills. Their 71 accepted penalties last year were the NFL's second-fewest.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
"[Eric Wood] is back in town ... and everything looks good," interim coach Perry Fewell said.

Mace jersey number – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown is worried that Mace's promotion means Marcus Stroud may be limited even if he plays.

Prep work already on Jets – Inside The Bills
Buffalo's position coaches already have the shell of the game plan set up for the Thursday night game against the Jets.

Felser: Bills need to find out Brohm's capabilities : The Buffalo News
The Bills need to find out everything there is to know about Brohm and his possibilities as a quarterback who could produce a contender in Buffalo says Larry Felser.

Buffalo Bills have lost their home-field advantage | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana laments the loss of Buffalo's homefield advantage.

Video: Kelly wants Bills to draft Tebow - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN takes a look at Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's recent comments about Tim Tebow being a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills.

Wilson owes a debt to fans like Chuck : Donn Esmonde : The Buffalo News
Donn Esmonde uses a fan named Chuck Jones to highlight some of the struggles Bills fans go through rooting for the team when they are so bad.

Answer Man: Buffalo Bills should consider McCoy | Democrat and Chronicle
"I believe McCoy has the arm strength, accuracy, mobility and savvy to be a very good NFL quarterback for a long time."

Bills finished with Edwards | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack thinks the BIlls addition of Brian Brohm means they are permanently done with Trent Edwards on any level - backup this year, backup next year, starter if Fitzpatrick is hurt.

Bills Tweets
Terrell Owens
Is it time 2 put the Xmas tree??? I'm puttin up my tree rite now: http://tweetphoto.com/5516897

Thurman Thomas
@DarrylTalley ur a hall of famer in my book, I love you and ur family

Lydell Sargent
Mannn Tim Tebow has hearttt bro!!! Heart, Passion, Swag!! I can respect it....

ESPN's Adam Schefter
Q: What do you think the chances of terrell owens staying in buffalo?
A: Far less than chances he'd ever play there.

Former Bill Ross Tucker
Love the fake QB sneak by ND. We did that in Buffalo vs. Seattle in 2004. Mike Mularkey special.

Ross Tucker
JeremyNPike: "One more game and the Bills would have been in the playoffs. So close that year."
Tucker's response: "Tell me about it."

Thurman Thomas
Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wld be nice if 72,000 fans gave the Dolphins the Bud Adams at the same time... I'm just saying

Thurman Thomas
They sld show nothing but Bills/Dolphins highlights on jumbo tron today.... 90's highlights...Y I'm not workin over there blows my mind

The AP's John Wawrow
#Bills #Dolphins an absolutely perfect late November morning for Buffalo. Mild, partly cloudy. 2 bad not many fans showing up early.

Thurman Thomas
I asked Thurman: "Do you hate the Dolphins more or less now than you did before your one year there?"
He responded: "less it ws a different experience, but I gained alot of friends there. Taylor, Zac,McDuffie,even got 2 spend time wit Marino"

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/22

MattRichWarren — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:33:10 -0000

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Bills-Jaguars Primer
Joe Buscaglia gets us primed and ready to go for the game in Jacksonville.

Buffalo Bills Game Day | Democrat and Chronicle
Reporter Sal Maiorana breaks down today's Buffalo Bills game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 11
Chris Brown's thorough look at the game against the Jaguars.

Game Previews
Bills-Jags scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson's breakdown of the Bills-Jaguars matchup.

NFL Game Center: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars - 2009 Week 11
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Game Center featuring previews and live coverage of the game.

Bills hope to get off and running with Fewell : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"Today's game against Jacksonville would be a good time to get [the rushing attack] rolling, as the Bills usher in the tenure of interim head coach Perry Fewell."

Buffalo Bills shift focus to Fewell, Fitzpatrick | Democrat and Chronicle
Perry Fewell and Ryan Fitzpatrick take over this team and are exciting about making their mark.

NFL Preview - Buffalo (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4)
he Sports Network gives you the information and quotes you need to get ready to watch today's game.

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Gameday Preview
Two Bills Drive gives their preview for the Bills game.

Jaguars Gameday: Jacksonville vs. Buffalo | Jacksonville.com
Game preview from Jacksonville.com

Your Bills vs Jags Game Day Preview : Buffalo Sports Daily
Pat Moran at BSD gives his answers for how to beat the Jaguars.

Gameday Prep: Bills vs. Jaguars | The Goose's Roost
Your gameday prep from the good folks at TGR.

Video: Another long day for Bills' run D - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Jenny Dell's AccuScore report for Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars was shot before we learned talented Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and linebacker Keith Ellison won't play. Even so, AccuScore gave Maurice Jones-Drew a 55 percent chance of rushing for at least 100 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars won 68 percent of AccuScore's 10,000 simulations.

Niagara Gazette - NFL: Crohn’s among Garrard’s foes
Tim Schmitt profiles Jaguar's quarterback David Garrard and his fight with Crohn's disease.

Team in flux
Sullivan: Plenty left for Bills to play for : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan knows that many Bills players and coaches are fighting for their jobs in these last seven weeks of the year.

Report: Bills had "back channel" communications only with Gruden | ProFootballTalk.com
WIVB's source has slightly changed. The Bills only hand "back channel" dealings with Gruden and won't hire anyone until after the season. The latter isn't a big surprise.

Gruden declines comment on Bills report - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Jon Gruden isn't commenting on a report that he had a meeting with the Bills.

Felser: Who cleans up after the horse is ridden out of town : Larry Felser : The Buffalo News
Larry Felser wants the Bills to hire Ron Wolf or Ernie Acorsi as consultants to help hire a new GM.

Inside the NFL: Trestman would be good coaching fit, but not here : Mark Gaughan : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan of the says the Bills shouldn't hire Marc Trestman, the Montreal Allouettes coach. He's "even more low key than Jauron," says the columnist.

Bills need a proven GM - Corning, NY - The Corning Leader
Bob Benz wants the Bills to hire Mike Holmgren or someone like him to be GM to turn this team around.

Sully on Sports: Live Chat With Sully
Jerry Sullivan chats about potential GM candidates and much more.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Five underrated NFL executives
PFW's Nolan Nawrocki identifies five evaluators who have played key roles in building championships. (This article was recommended by Sully during his chat.)

Midseason change different from '86
Chris Brown interviews Andre Reed and Jim Kelly about the last midseason coaching hire, Marv Levy. He also explains the major differences between 1986 and 2009, for instance, Marv wasn't "interim" head coach.

More Bills News
Maybin gives back – Inside The Bills
Aaron Maybin gave back to his Baltimore hometown this week.

OT Scott pressing forward – Inside The Bills
Bills OT Jonathan Scott talks for the first time since his dad's passing.

Brooks Brothers Best Dressed at Jacksonville | BuffaloBills.com
George Wilson took over for Gibran Hamdan on this little feature. Some nicely dressed guys there.

Calls and Effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills lead the NFL by far with 23 false starts, about twice the league average. 37 different players have been flagged a total of 60 times. Demetirus Bell is still leading the league with 10 on his own.

Book review: Game Changers, by Marv Levy - thestar.com
Game Changers is a book by Marv Levy and Jeff Miller about the greatest plays in Buffalo Bills history. The Toronto Star gives its book review.

Buffalo Bills fans might want to watch UFL title game | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
J.P. Losman and his coach Jim Fassell hook up with Jim Haslett's undefeated Florida Tuskers in a matchup of past (and future?) Bills.

For Brohm, Christmas comes early | The Louisville Courier-Journal
Brian Brohm had a hectic week but a week he is glad took place.

Bills Tweets
MovetheSticks
Only take a QB in round 1 if you LOVE him... Most of these bottom 6-7 teams have holes all over the place, take best player period

Thurman Thomas
Play like Hell and Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stroud one of three Bills starters out for Sunday

Brian Galliford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:54:36 -0000

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

Browse more photos »

The Buffalo Bills, led by interim head coach Perry Fewell, will be looking for a win in Jacksonville without the services of three key starters.

Marcus Stroud did not practice all week with a knee injury and has been ruled out, according to BuffaloBills.com. This could potentially leave the Bills with just two healthy defensive tackles on Sunday. Also ruled out were tackle Demetrius Bell (knee), linebacker Keith Ellison (thigh) and cornerback Ashton Youboty (ankle).

Stroud's absence is of critical importance. The Bills have the NFL's worst run defense, and they're about to take on the NFL's fifth-leading rusher in Maurice Jones-Drew without their most proven run defender. Exacerbating that issue is the fact that fellow defensive tackle Kyle Williams is on the injury report as well, listed as questionable with a knee injury that has caused him to miss Buffalo's last two games.

Spencer Johnson will start in Stroud's place, and if Williams can't go, John McCargo will make his first start of the season as well. Converted safety Bryan Scott will make a second straight start at outside linebacker in place of Ellison. Rookie guard Andy Levitre will flip out to left tackle in place of Bell, with veteran Seth McKinney getting the nod in Levitre's left guard spot.

Joining Williams as questionable for Sunday are receiver James Hardy (groin), cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and rookie free safety Jairus Byrd (groin). McGee and Byrd were both limited in practice on Friday. With Donte Whitner returning to the lineup (he's not listed on the injury report and practiced all week), George Wilson would start at safety if Byrd can't go. If McGee cannot play, the Bills will dress just three healthy cornerbacks in Jacksonville (Drayton Florence, Reggie Corner and Ellis Lankster).

Meanwhile, Jacksonville will be missing one key defensive starter (cornerback Rashean Mathis) and is likely to be without another (middle linebacker Justin Durant is doubtful).

Game Preview Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars

Jonathan Loesche — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:27:43 -0000

Buffalo Bills (3-6)	Week #11	Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
	VS.

Date:	November 22nd, 2009	Location:	Jacksonville, FL
Time:	1:00 PM EST	Stadium:	The Jack
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Jaguars -9
Radio:	Click Here	Over/Under:	43
Weather:	Low 70's, 50% chance of rain	Injury Report:	Click Here
SBN Coverage:	Buffalo Rumblings	Coverage Map	Click Here

First, I want to offer an apology for helping drag this site back down into negative territory. I realize that 99% of the people who come to this site are either season ticket holders or do their best to attend as many games as they can. We all appreciate the support you show this team. Now, we have a game to play Sunday!

The Buffalo Bills travel to Northeast Florida this week as something of an enigma. Head coach Dick Jauron was fired on Wednesday and rumors that the Bills are already in talks with Mike Shanahan have already begun to emerge. Not to mentioned benching Trent Edwards for Ryan Fitzpatrick, having the worst run defense in the NFL, and the malignant locker room cancer Terrell Owens.

The Jaguars are coming off perhaps their most impressive road win since the 2007 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh. Maurice Jones-Drew is already within sight of the franchise's single season touchdown record, needing only two more to tie Fred Taylor's record of 14. Mike Sims-Walker's performance against the Jets seems to have signaled his arrival as a #1 wide receiver. The defense has seen a resurgence under the 4-3, and it seems the Jaguars will have meaningful games past Thanksgiving.

What does this all add up to? Well, under Jack Del Rio this usually means the Jaguars will under perform and either squeak out a win or lose. However, something strikes me as it being different this time. Click below to read why.

Jaguars Offense vs Bills Defense

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an easily pushed around object? We'll find out Sunday as Maurice Jones-Drew gets a golden opportunity going against the Bills run defense. The Bills are averaging giving up 173 yards a game on the ground. Yes, you read that right, 173 yards a game.

The Bills do have a good pass defense though. They rank 9th in the league against the pass, though that may be because teams realize they don't need to throw that much to beat them.

The Jaguars will see the return of long time defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. Stroud was traded to Buffalo during the 2008 off season after several injury filled season's seemingly signaled the end of his great career. However, it seems that wasn't the case as Stroud has played in all 25 games since joining the Bills and putting up repectable numbers to boot. If any Bills player will care about the out come of Sunday's game, it will be Marcus.

Move along nothing to see in that last paragraph.

Offensively, expect the Jaguars to pound the ball to Jones-Drew early and often to see if they even need to throw the ball. The Jaguars managed to gash the Jets #1 rush defense very well last week, and If you have both Sims-Walker and Jones-Drew on your fantasy team, I think it's obvious who to sit and who to start.

Jaguars Defense vs Bills Offense

This is the match up that be worried. The Jaguars will be without Rashean Mathis and Justin Durant this week because of injuries. That means almost certainly Reggie Nelson will once again be at corner. Let me put this into perspective, Reggie Nelson one on one with Terrell Owens. TO may be over the hill, but I still don't like that match up one bit.

If however, premadonna TO shows up and doesn't care, then I don't think the Bills have much of a chance this week offensively. Marshawn Lynch has been banged up and more of an off the field problem than anything else. In fact, Fred Jackson is their leading rusher at this point in the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick torched the Jaguars last year in Cincinnati, but that 2008 team would lose 34-7 to this year's Jaguars.

Special Teams and Intangibles

Simple this week, the Bills fired their head coach and are being lead out by a man who already knows he doesn't have a chance to even play himself into the position. Some are saying this will lead them to come out being fired up, but I say this team comes out flat and disinterested, only to get even more disinterested when Jones-Drew gets 7 yards everytime he touched the ball.

Player On The Hot Seat

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

Jones-Drew has the franchise TD record in his sights, and he is going against the worst run defense in the league. Not to mention he'll be needed to chew up clock in case TO and the Bills offense does decide to show up Sunday.

Prediction

Jacksonville Jaguars 31

Buffalo Bills 10

Maurice Jones-Drew goes off for 210 yards and four touchdowns while the Bills get their only points in garbage time.

-Jonathan Loesche

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/20

MattRichWarren — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:59 -0000

Stefanie Spielman dies at 42 | ProFootballTalk.com
Former Buffalo Bill Chris Spielman's wife has died after a very public battle with breast cancer. She beat it four times but the fifth was too much to ask after 12 years. Heartfelt condolences to the Spielman family.

The Associated Press: Bills owner tells AP big changes could be coming
"It's not about money, it's about winning," Wilson said by phone from his home in suburban Detroit. "If it was about money, we wouldn't have brought in and paid for somebody we know was a great player [Terrell Owens]. Anybody that says I'm cheap is looking down the wrong side of the street."

Scott unlikely to bump Levitre from LT – Inside The Bills
Jonathan Scott practiced at every position except center yesterday in preparation for what Chris Brown terms a "backup role". Coach Fewell did leave the door open for Scott to start at LT.

Search for a Coach
Bills' head start could force Snyder's hand | ProFootballTalk.com
Mike Florio speculates that the Bills entering the fray for Mike Shanahan could force not only the Redskins to make quick decisions but the Bears as well.

An adjustment for Fewell – Inside The Bills
Coach Fewell will have to adjust to calling his plays from the sideline this week.

Bills' job might be tough sell : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan outlines the hurdles to hiring a big name coach like the small market, lack of quarterback, and tight purse strings.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - John Clayton On Bills Coaching Search
ESPN's John Clayton was on with Schopp and the Bulldog yesterday. Here's what he said about the coaching search.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Tasker, Lodish dish
Former Bills Steve Tasker and Mike Lodish talk about Dick Jauron, GM candidates, and potential head coaches moving forward.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - OPINION: Fear of Fewell
Joe Buscaglia is afraid that if Perry Fewell puts together a 4-3 run over the next seven games that Ralph Wilson may remove his interim title.

Scott Pitoniak: Sounds like Ralph Wilson means business
Scott Pitoniak doesn't think the Bills should wait until the end of the year to get their new coach in place if he is available.

Bills-Shanahan summit savvy for both sides - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham speculates that Mike Shanahan may be using the Bills as leverage (then why didn't he do that with the Redskins?) and the Bills may be using Shanahan to placate the fan base.

POLLOCK: Way more than change of coach needed by Bills | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack questions and defends the Bills over a myriad of issues related to the organization.

Memo to Shanny: Just say no to Buffalo | All Things Broncos
Jim Armstrong gives the usual "there's nothing in Buffalo" routine imploring Shanahan to stay away from Buffalo because of "snow".

Non-Coach News
More on the QB decision – Inside The Bills
Alex Van Pelt discusses benching Trent Edwards and promoting Ryan Fitzpatrick.

McGee’s knee taking longer to heal – Inside The Bills
Terrence McGee is already past the expected 14 day healing time window on his knee scope. He says there have been no setbacks but he doesn't want to push it.

Touchdown Turkeys helps Food Bank | BuffaloBills.com
The Buffalo Bills Women’s Association comprised of Bills player and staff wives, fiancées and girlfriends did some early Thanksgiving food shopping for the Food Bank of Western New York on November 12th.

Levitre set to man left tackle | BuffaloBills.com
The timing couldn’t be better for Andy Levitre as the Bills are facing the worst pass rush in football.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on DT Kyle Williams participating in individual work today: "I was very encouraged. It's always good to have him on the football field. Just to have him in a limited fashion was good."
- After learning of Buffalo's offer to QB Brian Brohm, the Packers offered a deal of their own to the QB. But Brohm thought it would be better to part ways with Green Bay. "I just wanted a fresh start, a new start and I think Buffalo gives me that," he said.

Brohm signing could push Edwards out : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson profiles new quarterback Brian Brohn and his impact on the future of the QB position in Buffalo.

Bills notebook: Defense aims to be sharp against Jags' "ball of butcher knives' : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Maurice Jones-Drew is fourth in the league in rushing and will be trying to plow through the Bills defense this week.

Why the Bills signed Brian Brohm - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Brohm gives the Bills the longer-range prospect they were lacking and the hope they no longer see when they consider Edwards' future.

Root of Buffalo's problem easy to tackle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham traces the timeline of the left tackle position from the trade of Jason Peters to Dick Jauron's firing.

Sunday's Jaguars vs. Bills game will be blacked out | Jacksonville.com
It's the fifth regular season game and the seventh, counting the two preseason games, that has been blacked out.

Bills looking for turnaround against Jaguars - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Marcus Stroud and Perry Fewell both got their starts in the NFL in Jacksonville. They are both featured prominently in this game preview.

Bills' receivers give Fitzpatrick a thumb's up : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
His receivers seem genuinely excited about him taking over again. And Trent Edwards' chances to ever become "The Man" in Buffalo appear all but over.

This Bud Says F* You - Front Office Fans
Front Office Fans, a SBN blog, openly mocks Bud Adams' double-barreled salute as outdated.

SB Nation's Week 11 NFL Picks - SB Nation Bloggers Pick Jags
Maurice Jones-Drew will be the latest beneficiary of the Buffalo Bills' generous rush defense. Buffalo interim head coach Perry Fewell will have to wait to get his first win, according to our bloggers.

BallHype - NFL/Pro Football Blog Rankings
Every once in a while I check in at Ball Hype to see how Rumblings is doing. Buffalo Rumblings is currently ranked 13th on the internet as the most-linked to NFL weblog. Among individual team blogs, BR ranks fifth by an owe-so-slim margin.

Bills Tweets
Terrell Owens
2day ws a good day! A lil insight as 2 wht new head coach Perry Fewell's thought process is...it is 2 practice & play w/a purpose!!

Fake Perry Fewell
If I can go 4-3, I will have the 4th highest winning % in the history of Bills HC's. Sounds like $3 million/year to me. When I go 5-2, I'll be #1. Bills fans, I think you found your big-time coach. It's me!

Jodn DiTullio
I was told today my a source that Shanahan encouraged the Bills to sign Brian Brohm away from the Packers. More on this at 3:00 at WHTK.com

Aaron Maybin
Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room. Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/19

MattRichWarren — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:13:53 -0000

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Report: Brohm signs
Prolific college passer and Green Bay practice squad quarterback Brian Brohm is now a member of the Buffalo Bills active roster, according to the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

Brandon is conspicuous by his absence : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Brandon still hasn't spoken publicly about Jauron's overdue ouster, or what might lie ahead for the Great Dysfunctional Family at One Bills Drive.

Diner morning news: No magic wand for Fewell | National Football Post
Michael Lombardi says Perry Fewell is walking into a difficult situation because the Bills don't lack passion or drive, they lack talent and that's something Fewell can't inspire.

Coaching Changes
11.18 Adam Schefter w/ Schopp + Bulldog on WGR 550
ESPN's Adam Schefter is all over the Bills search for a new Head Coach.

PFTV looks at the Jauron firing | ProFootballTalk.com
Here's the first of the five new segments, regarding the termination of Coach Jauron and whatever else we talked about but that I can't currently remember. Oh an Florio pronounces PF's name wrong.

Stroud on Jauron: "We let him down" | ProFootballTalk.com
"I feel like we let him down a little bit," Marcus Stroud said on Sirius XM radio, per Sean Leahy of USA Today, "as far as us not being able to produce and do the things we should have done to help the coach keep his job."

NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive Shanahan likely to meet with Bills officials next week "
"This is his (Wilson’s) last coach and (he) is going to do everything it takes to get it right," the source said of the 91-year-old owner.

Most Bills surprised by Jauron dismissal – Inside The Bills
Lee Evans, Aaron Maybin, Kyle Williams, Jairus Byrd, Terrell Owens, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Marshawn Lynch and Andy Levitre weigh in on their coach's dismissal.

BillBoard: Let's not get carried away
Mark Gaughan throws some water on the Mike Shanahan news.

BillBoard: Bills coaching search
They also already have told interim head coach Perry Fewell that the remainder of the season amounts to a seven-week interview for him, and he will be assured of getting a formal interview with the Bills after the season ends. It’s expected any other assistant coach on the current staff who wants an interview will get one, as well.

Big names are in play for Bills' coaching search : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Among the many personnel men who get mentioned as front-office candidates include former Raiders and Tampa Bay executive Bruce Allen, Chicago college scouting chief Greg Gabriel, former New Orleans executive Rick Mueller, former Redskins and Texans GM Charley Casserly and former Titans GM Floyd Reese.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - What they're saying...
Nick Mendola compiles national football voices into one column discussing the state of the Bills. It ain't pretty.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Jim Kelly gives his opinion on the Bills
Jim Kelly had some very good things to say as he joined Schopp and the Bulldog the other day.

Democrat and Chronicle | Sports Exchange Blog
Bob Matthews writes Jim Haslett might be a good choice to replace Dick Jauron.

Video: AFC East Huddle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN.com's John Clayton takes a spin around the AFC East to discuss the Dick Jauron firing, Ronnie Brown's injury, the fallout from Bill Belichick's fourth-down decision and a change on the Jets' coaching staff.

Star ex-pupil praises Fewell as a leader - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Perry Fewell's greatest pupil, Aeneas Willaims, was pleased to receive news the Buffalo Bills had promoted Fewell to be their interim head coach.

Melted Faces and Freezing Lakes | The Goose's Roost
Ryan at TGR is frustrated because the Jauron firing, like so many other decisions at OBD, has come too late in his opinion.

NFL Videos: Wednesday's Around the League
Steve Wyche and Jason La Canfora report on the Bills' coaching search and more.

Marv Levy Reacts to Jauron Firing | wgrz.com
Marv Levy uses his gift for linguistics to discuss his hire, Dick Jauron.

Ex-Jaguar Fewell becomes foe as Bills' head coach | Jacksonville.com
Bills' new coach making debut vs. former team.

Bills a mess even without Dick Jauron | detnews.com | The Detroit News
"You knew [Dick Jauron was cooked], quite frankly, because history says former Lions coaches -- even an interim one like Jauron that might've deserved a longer look here -- don't become coaches elsewhere. "

A first step for Bills - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
"Firing Jauron isn’t a cure for all of the team’s problems. The list of problems goes well beyond the coaching staff ."

Other Bills News
Fewell: Ryan gives Bills best opportunity to win - AFC East Blog - ESPN
David Amber delves into new coach Perry Fewell's decision to start Ryan Fitzpatrick instead of Trent Edwards.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills interim coach Perry Fewell displayed his sense of humor when asked about how to get rid of false start penalties. "We worked on that today. I started to cut the guy’s finger off when he jumped offsides," he said with a laugh. "But (head trainer) Bud (Carpenter) told me I shouldn’t do that."
- Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on inteirm coach Perry Fewell. "He addressed the team this morning, real straight-forward, going to tell you how it is. He’s here to kind of break us out of our little funk and I think he’s a good guy to do it. He’s got some fire in him."

Woodson Is Honored; Allen Is Released; Brohm In Buffalo - Acme Packing Company
Brian Brohm declined the Packers offer of a spot on the active roster to join the Bills.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 11: Hanging On to the Top for Dear Life -- NFL FanHouse
The Bills sit at 26, moving down one spot from 25.

OchoCinco News Network Poll
Who most deserves his first Pro Bowl in 09'? Vote for Jairus Byrd.

Bills know jobs on the line – Inside The Bills
When a head coach is dismissed during the season it’s an obvious indication that more change is soon to follow at the conclusion of the season.

Drafting a QB an improving possibility – Inside The Bills
"[Trent Edwards] has one year remaining on his contract in Buffalo, but with the way things are going the likelihood that the Bills draft a quarterback high next April is improving every day."

Bills notebook: Fewell adds fire to practice : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Perry Fewell set a hard-working tone Wednesday in his first practice as interim head coach with the Buffalo Bills complete with full pads.

Fewell adds his own fire to Buffalo Bills | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Leo Roth and other local sportswriters are really impressed with coach Fewell's approach of having them practice outside and in pads.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS: Fewell makes impression on first day as Bills coach
The players and media are still abuzz over Perry Fewell's more animated approach.

Quiet Gaddis Signing Prelude to Levitire at LT? : Buffalo Sports Daily
Wednesday morning the Bills signed interior linemen Christian Gaddis to the practice squad (his third stint there) and released C.J. Hawthorne.

Do Not Trust These Men: Week 11 | National Football Post
Ray Gustini pokes fun at Ralph Wilson.

Jaguars notebook: CB Mathis to miss Buffalo game | Jacksonville.com
Coach Jack Del Rio ruled Mathis out because of a groin injury the cornerback suffered last week in the fourth quarter against the Jets.

Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd would gladly trade interceptions for victories | NFL and Seattle Seahawks - OregonLive.com
Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian interviews former Oregon Duck cornerback Jairus Byrd about his interceptions and the Buffalo Bills.

Bills-Jaguars Preview - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Here's your first look ahead to the game this Sunday.