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Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/17

MattRichWarren — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:42:37 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Practice is inside and out – Inside The Bills
"In an effort to have the players ready for the elements interim head coach Perry Fewell has his players spending portions of practice inside the Fieldhouse with all the doors open to let in the freezing cold air, and outside on the team’s grass field."

Scott: safety by trade, LB by necessity - BuffaloBills.com
Lead editor Chris Brown talks with the Bills' defensive staff and LB Bryan Scott about his transition from safety to linebacker this year.

Buffalo Bills might face local TV blackout Sunday vs. New England Patriots | Democrat and Chronicle
"If the 2000 remaining tickets are not sold by 1 p.m. today, the home game will not be televised in the western New York market for the first time this season."

Buffalo Bills' defense to face test with Wes Welker | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
"On that opening night in New England, Tom Brady threw for 378 yards in his first game back after sitting out almost all of 2008 with a knee injury. He found Welker 12 times for 93 yards, and Moss caught 12 for 141 yards. Oh, and tight end Ben Watson caught two touchdown passes in the final four minutes to deliver a pulsating 25-24 Patriots victory, New England's 12th in a row over the Bills."

Bills Notebook: Terrell Owens does like the cold: Buffalo News
"Asked what he thought of the weather, he said: 'I can't remember. I'm still frozen. I'm trying to thaw out right about now. Brutal.' Was it good to get outside a little and get acclimated? 'Absolutely not,' joked Owens.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Cold Snap
"Ryan Fitzpatrick is the exception. The Arizona native doesn't mind being outside, and noted that the Bengals didn't have an indoor practice facility. He said that helped the Bengals quarterbacks be better prepared for the cold, and thinks Fewell's decision to put the offense outside was a good one, though a stiff wind limited some of their drills."

Belichick on Bills screen game – Inside The Bills
"The screen game was its most effective in Week 1. The Patriots will undoubtedly be better prepared for it this time. It’s probably safe to assume the Bills will use it sparingly this week knowing the Pats will be looking for it."

Beating Pats could boost Fewell's stock with Bills -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY
"If Fewell, who's 2-2 after Dick Jauron was dismissed, is to solidify himself as a serious contender for the job beyond this season, there's no better opportunity than this. A win over the Patriots (8-5) would snap the Bills' 12-game losing streak against their AFC East rivals, a drought which began after Buffalo's 31-0 season-opening victory in 2004."

Stevie Johnson chops the dreds! – Inside The Bills
"Steve Johnson said equipment manager Dave Hojnowski had to tighten his helmet one head size now that the hair is gone." I don't even recognize him in the picture that's in the post.

Brady, Moss don’t practice – Inside The Bills
Tom Brady (finger), Randy Moss (rest), Ty Warren (ankle) and Vince Wilfork (foot) didn't practice for the Patriots yesterday.

Bills and Jills spread holiday cheer - BuffaloBills.com
"Ninety children and their families had a great time celebrating the holidays with the Bills players, Jills cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo and Santa Claus at the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Club’s Annual Holiday Party held December 15th in the Jim Kelly Club at Ralph Wilson Stadium." Bryan Scott played Christmas carols and other Bills participating were Ryan Denney, Chris Draft, Jon Corto, Ellis Lankster, Jairus Byrd, Andy Levitre, Jamon Meredith, Andre Ramsey, Nick Hennessey, Jason Watkins, Garrison Sanborn, Cary Harris, Ashlee Palmer, Shawn Nelson, Rashaad Duncan and Lonnie Harvey.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- It looked like a few Bills skill players were surprised to do some work outside in the cold. The rest of the team worked indoors. WR Steve Johnson was in shorts, and someone eventually gave him a sweatshirt. Quipped one equipment man: "It's like the pop quiz at school you didn't study for."
- Bills WR Terrell Owens believes playing well outside in cold weather has more to do with the mental aspect of the game than the physical aspect. "It's all about just being mentally prepared to catch the ball," he said. "The ball's going to be hard."

Video: AFC East Blogger's Blitz - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tuesday night on ESPNEWS, anchor Ducis Rodgers and blogger Tim Graham discussed a variety of AFC East topics.

New-look Bills - BostonHerald.com
"I wouldn’t say it was our best night," Tom Brady said about opening night. "I don’t think any of us felt really great about the way we played and kind of escaped with a victory. I’m sure Buffalo was very disappointed with the outcome of the game just because they had us there for a long time."

Harvard kid answers NFL call - BostonHerald.com
Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald interviews former Hardvard QB Ryan Fitzpatrick about his days playing for the Crimson and his new gig with the Bills.

Belichick recalls the night T.O. put on a show - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise
"Hauling in nine passes for 122 yards came up second best to game MVP Deion Branch (11 receptions for 133 yards) as the Eagles came up second best to the Patriots, 24-21, on that February night at Alltel Stadium [in Super Bowl XXXIX]."

New coach Fewell has had positive impact on Bills | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal
"While head coach Bill Belichick acknowledged that under Jauron the Bills were always prepared for their meetings with the Patriots, he also gave a tip of the cap to Fewell, calling him an "excellent" defensive coach who has done a good job of getting Buffalo to play well in all three phases of the game."

Fitzpatrick takes NFL detour - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News
"At this point in his life, Ryan Fitzpatrick figured he'd be putting on a suit and tie every day in Manhattan rather than shoulder pads and cleats in an NFL locker room."

Patriots deal with banged-up defensive line - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"It’s uncertain whether Wilfork will be ready for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. With three games left in the regular season, New England (8-5) leads the AFC East by one game over the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets and three over the Bills."

Wilson: Bills cut Klopfenstein | National Football Post
"In order to make room for newly-signed offensive guard Richie Incognito, the Buffalo Bills have released veteran tight end Joe Klopfenstein," reports Aaron Wilson.

AccuScore Report: Patriots-Bills - ESPN Video - ESPN
Jenny Dell tells you if the Patriots can get past the Randy Moss distractions and win against the Bills.

Oakland Raiders sign quarterback J.P. Losman | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
The Oakland Raiders signed J.P. Losman, a former starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, to be it's No. 3 quarterback. Charlie Frye gets the nod over Jamarcus Russell.

Incognito claimed off waivers
Incognito claimed off waivers; Mitchell is no fan : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"Incognito was rated by NFL players as the dirtiest player in the league in a poll conducted by the Sporting News recently. "

BillBoard: Bills claim 'dirtiest player'
"The Bills have claimed the player who could be the second coming of Conrad Dobler. Actually, comparing Incognito to Dobler is giving Incognito too much credit at this point of his career. Incognito is a three-year starter and has 44 career starts. Dobler, who played for the Bills in 1980 and '81, had a 10-year career in the NFL and was a three-time Pro Bowler."

Bills recognize Incognito - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"Maybe Incognito and New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork will sit down for tea and crumpets Sunday. Incognito might just be passing through Buffalo. His contract expires after the season. "

Team in Transition
Candidates abound for Bills' personnel job : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan compiles a list of potential general manager candidates for the Bills.

Brian Brohm
Brohm: "I’ll be ready if called upon." – Inside The Bills
"The offensive system has steadily become more and more familiar to [new qyarterback Brian Brohm]. But getting an opportunity on the field before the 2009 season is over looks remote at best at this point in time. "

Fewell on Brohm prospects – Inside The Bills
"I don’t know how far he is along in the development of our offense because he doesn’t take the reps in our offense. He takes the reps with our scout team," said Fewell. "So to put him in that position might be a recipe for failure for him. But you never say never."

Sullivan: Why keep Brohm in closet? : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
"It seems the Bills lead the league in allowing people to figure things out on the fly. But suddenly, a month isn't enough time for Brohm to at least suit up as the No. 2 quarterback."

Bills fans shouldn't expect Brohm in '09 - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"Eight seconds doesn't sound like a lot. But when a coach stands silent for that long in front of dozens of waiting reporters, it can feel like an eternity. Count out eight seconds in your head. That's how long a bull rider has to stay on a Brahmin's back, and it's how long it took Bills interim coach Perry Fewell to formulate a diplomatic response when asked if he'd consider putting quarterback Brian Brohm in."

Bills Tweets
Twitter / Steve Bradley
Still 2,000 tickets remain for Bills-Pats on Sunday. Could this be the first local television blackout of the season?

Twitter / Daniel Jeremiah
Incognito story: During OL drill at combine, he was so out of control, I said he was going to hurt himself, tore his acl 1 min later, no lie

Twitter / Sal Maiorana
Perry Fewell was asked if he would play QB Brian Brohm. He thinks it would put Brohm in a bad situation, but he also said "never say never.:

Twitter / Nicholas Mendola
Alex Van Pelt says the #Bills still have no plans to use Brian Brohm this year.

Twitter / Eric Stangel
NFL - Richie Incognito, waived by Rams, is claimed by Buffalo. Perfect fit. The Bills have been incognito all season

Twitter / Sal Maiorana
So the Bills signed OG RIchie Incognito. Labeled a dirty player. What I've heard, probably true. But he could now be best O-lineman team has

Twitter / Sal Maiorana
T.O. didn't like practicing outside: "I’m still frozen," he said w/ a laugh. "This is by far the coldest practice I’ve ever been a part of."

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Link, 12/10

MattRichWarren — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:01:51 -0000

Bills' Maybin barely toes the line : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
"In time, Maybin might turn into a star. But it's disconcerting to watch so many other rookies having good years while the Bills' top pick struggles to find himself. Well, they're 4-8. Maybe someone up top should tell Fewell the time has come to find out about Maybin."

All Fundamentals Team - Brian Moorman
The Bills' punter was named to the USA Football "All Fundamentals team" for his excellent form on and off the field.

Lindell having another strong season | BuffaloBills.com
"The most accurate kicker in franchise history, Lindell is putting together another solid season. Entering this weekend’s action the veteran kicker is 20-23 on field goal attempts this season (87%). With four games left to play Lindell is within striking distance of his single-season career high in field goal percentage set back in 2006 when he went 23-25 for a 92 percent success rate."

Bills bleeding away points in the red zone : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"The Bills have scored just nine touchdowns inside the opponent's 20-yard line, tying the St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders for the fewest in the NFL. The Bills' 27 red-zone possessions are tied with the Detroit Lions and Sunday's opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, for the fifth fewest in the league."

Byrd’s injury improving – Inside The Bills
"Fewell wasn’t ready to go so far as to say that Jairus Byrd’s snaps will be increased significantly as a result of his improved condition. But it’s a good sign that the rookie ballhawk could be out on the field more than he has been in recent weeks."

Bills notebook: Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"Cornerback Terrence McGee practiced fully for the first time since having knee surgery during the bye week. Whether he's able to return to the starting lineup won't be known until the end of the week. Defensive tackle John McCargo also practiced fully after being sidelined the last two weeks with a calf injury."

Injury report – Inside The Bills
Terrence McGee practiced fully. Check out the list of players who didn't here.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Bills vs. Chiefs; So Similar, It's Scary
"Fewell was asked if some of the Bills younger players, like Aaron Maybin, James Hardy and Steve Johnson would see playing time over the last few weeks of the season. He replied that he's trying to put the best 45-man roster on the field each week and that the younger players that aren't playing as much will get a chance when he (Fewell) feels that they give the Bills a chance to win. "

Time for Bills to go with Brohm? | Democrat and Chronicle
"One way the Bills could make some headway on 2010 is to start finding out, as soon as possible, if new quarterback Brian Brohm is someone that could help the team."

Back to Work With the Bills | Democrat and Chronicle | Three-Point Stance
Sal Maiorana looks back at the Jets loss and forward to next season.

Bills looking toward 2010 for Maybin - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"I think he's going to be a dynamic player for us," said Perry Fewell. "It's very tough to play in this league, and I think he will get better, and he’ll be a top-flight pick. Maybe not at the end of this season, but he’s going to be a top-flight pick for this football team."

Video: AFC East Huddle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN's John Clayton takes his weekly spin around the AFC East and touches on a variety of subjects.

Jones, McNabb headline the top fantasy starters for Week 14 | NFL.com
Terrell Owens is a "Start 'Em" this week now that he's not locked up against Darrelle Revis.

wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | Bills Roundtable
Watch 2-On-Your-Side's Adam Benigni and Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on this week's Bills Roundtable.

Owens and Lynch have long pass contest | WIVB.com
45 second clip of Terrell Owens and Marshawn Lynch in a long pass contest following Wednesday’s practice.

Bills search for motivation | WIVB.com
"We're all competitors number one," Fewell said Wednesday. "We talked about it this morning, that in order to get what you want in life, you have to have enthusiasm and a vision. Our vision is to win."

Bills top draft pick DE Maybin remains motivated - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"Maybin is willing to lower his expectations a little for this year. The level of confidence he has in his abilities, though, remains unchanged."

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on LT Demetrius Bell (knee): "That's a day-to-day thing with Bell. He worked out Monday, really looked good on Monday. Did not participate today so we’re just trying to find out what the problem is there."

Further Evidence Edwards Is Done : Buffalo Sports Daily
Pat Moran, who two weeks ago called for Briam Brohm to get a look, now wants Trent Edwards back as the starter since he lit up the Chiefs a year ago.

Countdown Daily AccuScore Report: BUF-KC - ESPN Video - ESPN
Jenny Dell tells you the chances the Bills go into Kansas City and beat the Chiefs

Saints sign LB off Bills practice squad – Inside The Bills
"LB Anthony Waters, who was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad on Oct. 14 in the wake of a rash of injuries at the LB position, has been signed by New Orleans as they deal with injuries themselves at the LB position."

Owens open to re-signing with Bills in 2010 | BuffaloBills.com
"Terrell Owens seems to view the Bills as the victim of circumstance in 2009, which is why he’s not as discouraged by what has transpired this season as some might think." He is quoted as saying, "It’s no coincidence as (Ryan) Fitz(patrick) has been in the offense that I’ve been getting involved and he’s kind of been dropping back and looking downfield and he’s seen on the film where I have been open and we’ve taken full advantage of that."

Bills Week 14: Bills at Chiefs | Buffalo News Video
"The Bills head to Kansas City this week where they face the the Chiefs. Last time the Bills played in Arrowhead Stadium the Bills racked up 54 points in a win. Can the Bills repeat this season? Al, Sully and Rodney take a look at the matchup."

Bills celebrate Play 60 with students | BuffaloBills.com
The event included appearances by wide receiver Lee Evans, safety George Wilson, linebacker Chris Draft, long-snapper Garrison Sanborn, linebacker Jon Corto, defensive end Aaron Maybin, safety John Wendling and team mascot Billy Buffalo as they encouraged kids to stay fit.

Wilson: Bills work out Pettiti | National Football Post
The Bills worked out former Cowboys offensive tackle Rob Pettiti, late of the UFL's Florida Tuskers, Tuesday.

Team in Transition
WGR 550 SportsRadio - Getting a new football coach - in 12 stages
Jeremy White's 12-step program of getting over your old coach and finding your enthusiasm for the next season.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Assistants will draw interest for head-coaching jobs
"With the majority of the teams likely to be looking for new head coaches at the end of the season also having financial concerns that figure to keep them from pursuing heavy hitters such as Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden and Mike Holmgren, PFW this week takes an in-depth look at the more affordable alternatives whom our leaguewide sources have identified from the NFL assistant-coaching ranks."

2010 NFL Draft
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Cover-3: A Man Named Suh
FO profiles the big Nebraska DT.

Locker might return to Washington - San Jose Mercury News
"Washington coach Steve Sarkisian says he's "very optimistic" that star quarterback Jake Locker will return to the Huskies for his senior season rather than enter the NFL draft."

Bills Tweets
Nic Harris
Off tired, think this is what they call the rookie wall, imma fight thru! Time to bite down!

Letterman writer Eric Stengel
Terrell Owens has signed with a modeling agency. A couple of gigs and maybe the guy can finally get some attention!!

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.

Keys to Victory: Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans

Kurupt — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:13:19 -0000

The Buffalo Bills head down to Tennessee to face the Titans in a Week 10 matchup of teams trying to stay in the periphery of the playoff race. The Bills are coming off their bye week, while the Titans are coming off a nice road victory in San Francisco.

These two teams have some similarities, mainly poor defenses and quarterback deficiencies, though the Titans are showing signs of life that the Bills have yet to show this season. Tennessee features the NFL's leading rusher in second year RB Chris Johnson, and possesses many of the same pieces of a team that racked up 13 wins last year. The Bills, meanwhile, continue to struggle on both sides of the ball, but will see the return of quarterback Trent Edwards this weekend. It may not be a big factor in this game, but Edwards' return could provide a momentary jolt of energy in the lifeless Bills' offense.

As always, it won't be easy for the Bills, but this is a very winnable game if they can key on a few important aspects against the Titans.

Protect Edwards: The last thing the Bills offense wants or needs is to let Edwards get beat up, again. The offensive line will be as healthy as its been since Week 3, and are coming off a much needed bye week. With some fine tuning, we might actually see some improvement from this unit. Where it matters most is keeping Edwards upright and giving him time to succeed. Most of us believe Edwards will be playing out the string as the Bills starting quarterback over the final half of the season, but a strong finish could prove to the new regime that he is worth keeping around. I'd like to see him at least get the chance to put it together over the final 8 games instead of constantly running for his life. Let's at least see some excitement out of the passing game, or maybe just the chance that that could happen. Edwards also needs to let it rip and play a completely different brand of football from what he's used to. Maybe some protection will give him the confidence to do that. We can hope, can't we?

Get the ground game going: The Titans run defense has really struggled lately, allowing 162.5 yards per game, 9.0 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns in their past two games. Again, the offensive line could be in for a slight improvement in this area, which could open up things for Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson more than usual. The Bills need to keep Chris Johnson off the field. The best way to do that is by controlling the ball and moving the chains. We saw an improvement in the Bills rushing offense over the second half of the season, last year, so let's hope for a nice repeat.

Utilize the RB's in the passing game again: In the three games that Trent Edwards was out (I'm including the Jets game), Lynch and Jackson combined for just six catches, all by Lynch. Prior to that, they combined for 31 receptions in five games, even with Lynch missing three games. Since it's been a struggle to run the ball, getting these guys the ball on the outside with more room to run could help the team move the chains much better than they have been. Jackson, in particular, needs to be integrated into the offensive gameplan more than he has recently.

Slow the speedy Johnson: That's what she said. It's going to be a chore for the Bills to even keep Chris Johnson under 150 yards this week. Buffalo's run defense is dead last in the league, allowing 173.6 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. Johnson is averaging 120 yards per game, and a stunning 6.7 yards per carry. This matchup looks as lopsided as they get. The Bills aren't going to shut Johnson down, but they can slow him and limit the big plays. If they can avoid allowing the 50+ yarders that Johnson is known for, and keep him relatively in check, they'll have a good chance in this game. But if Johnson has another monster game (think 200+ yards and 2+ TD's), I'm not sure the Bills can win this game.

Force Vince Young to make plays: I mean with his arm. Young has completed 27 of 37 passes for 297 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. That's a pretty solid game. Oh, that's over two games. It's obvious that the Titans have taken the pressure off of Young by running the ball so well with Johnson. Young hasn't needed to make many tough throws or pressure packed passes since he rejoined the starting lineup. That needs to change this week. Over the years, Young has proven to be a well below average passer, as evident by his career 69.5 QB rating. Forcing him to beat the Bills through the air is much easier said than done, but would go a long way towards picking up a road W this week.

Keep Young in the pocket: In addition to forcing Young to make plays, it'll be imperative to keep him in the pocket. His best attribute might be his ability to improvise and makes things happen with his legs. Young has hurt the Bills with his legs in the past, so this will definitely be one are the defense is keying on. He has completed just 57% of his passes during his career. Keeping him in the pocket and forcing him to throw instead of run favors the Bills, heavily. Plus, this will give Jairus Byrd more opportunities to extend his streak of multiple interception games!

Get the young player more playing time: Steve Johnson, James Hardy, Shawn Nelson, Nic Harris and even Chris Ellis and Ellis Lankster would all benefit greatly from increased playing time as the season continues. With the team hanging on for dear life in the playoff race, the time is pretty much there to start preparing for next year, even if this staff won't be here. Let's hope they understand the importance of playing these guys instead of wasting them on the sidelines.

Improve, improve, improve: Coming off the bye week, there is no reason this team shouldn't come out prepared and better than the last time we saw them. They're healthier, they were able to get much needed practice reps and they were able to gameplan for two weeks for this game. This has to be the game where the offense shows some signs of life, right? If not, I doubt we see much more from that unit this year....

*******

The Bills face the tough task of shutting down Chris Johnson while getting their own offense going this week. It's another winnable game that the Bills must find ways to make plays. An entire team effort will be required in this one. Let's go Buffalo, and enjoy all the games this weekend!

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/14

MattRichWarren — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:01:54 -0000

Bills go to the "Extreme" | BuffaloBills.com
For those of you that don't live in the area, Extreme Makeover Home Edition built a house in Buffalo last week. Here's a rundown of the extensive support the Bills team, players, coaches, and cheerleaders gave to the campaign.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - Where Hardy Stands
Nick Mendola compares Hardy's career numbers to those of the other 10 WRs drafted in the second round in 2008.

Breaking down the free-agent class of an unpredictable offseason
For those of you who have been looking, here's a list of guys who will be Unrestricted Free Agents if the CBA does not change at all between now and the offseason. Kudos to Jason La Canfora.

NFL Videos: O-Line Confidential: Bills, Week 9
A look at offensive line confidential of the Buffalo Bills from Week 9 of the 2009 season. (It's different than the one from Week 3.)

Bills run defense will be tested | WIVB.com
The Bills banged up defense will be hard-pressed to stop the Titans explosive running attack this Sunday.

SB Nation's Week 10 NFL Picks - SB Nation
"The Bills give up an NFL worst 173.6 yards rushing yards per game. Chris Johnson leads the NFL with 959 rushing yards. Sometimes this is easy."

Between the Lines: Who's Allowing the Most Sacks? -- NFL FanHouse
The Bills do surprisingly better than I thought they would in this look around the league.

Bills take hands-off approach to S Byrd's success - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"I try not to tell him too much because I might screw him up," Fewell said with a laugh. "That’s the best coaching I can give."

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
Bills WR Terrell Owens on his hip injury: "I fell asleep on the couch Monday night, woke up and early that morning I just felt like I was kind of stiff from sleeping on the couch. I don’t know what happened ... this is something that happens so I’m not really worried about it."

Fan Friday 11-13 – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown's Fan Friday focuses in on motion on offense, Aaron Maybin's minimal impact, Fred Jackson's lost carries, Steve Johnson (expected to be the first WR off the bench if Owens can't go), and Trent Edwards as the QB of the future.

6 Bills probable for Sunday – Inside The Bills
Injury report for Blogs.BuffaloBills.com

Bryan Scott likely to start at LB | BuffaloBills.com
With starter Keith Ellison looking less and less likely to play after missing two days of practice, it appears that the favorite to start in his place Sunday is the veteran strong safety.

Bills' notebook: Owens should play Sunday : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens ran routes, caught passes and looked pretty healthy as he participated in his first practice of the week on Friday.

Hanging 10 with Hamdan: Week 10
This week, Hammy sits down with rookie phenom Jairus Byrd who recently got a haircut.

Bills will be keeping fast company on Sunday : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"So, can the Bills stop Johnson? Their defense's record this season isn't promising."

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - Owens: "I'll be ready"
For those fond of facial hair, Chris Kelsay says he plans not to shave his impressive beard until January, even after Kyle Williams and Aaron Schobel cut their beards.

Tennessee's 'D' spurs its revival | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
The Titans finally have gotten back to their defensive formula of sacking quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. They have eight sacks and six turnovers in the past two games — both wins.

Bills vs. Titans: Five Questions with Buffalo Rumblings - Music City Miracles
"Johnson's big plays continue as Titans roll past Buffalo" - Benedict Galliford

Video: Oher, Bills could've been big - AFC East Blog - ESPN
In hindsight, Michael Oher would really help the bills right now according to Tim Graham.

Final Word: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
An out-of-the blue hip injury may signal the beginning of the end for Terrell Owens' career.

NFL Midseason Report: SN's All-Pro Team - Clifton Brown - NFL - Sporting News
Jairus Byrd made the Sporting News Midseason All-Pro team as one of the two best safeties in the entire league.

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Week 8 vs Texans

Ron From NM — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:55:49 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

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Well, it took a while coming, but the Buffalo Bills ran into a team that refused to sink into mediocrity for an entire game. The Houston Texans shot themselves in the foot for the entirety of the first half, but during halftime, someone in their locker room said something to the effect of, "Hey, we're better than this." Sadly, a corresponding comment in Buffalo's locker room went something more like, "Keep on keeping on."

While it is small consolation, the Bills' offensive line actually improved in one key area: killed plays. While the line has been averaging 7.8 killed plays per game, that number dropped to 5 against Houston. Every lineman but one killed a play. You'll no doubt be surprised to learn that the lone exception was one Kirk Chambers.

I knew that Mario Williams had a quiet day, but I was stunned to see that he didn't even show up on the stat sheet. Yeah, weird. I'm guessing that Williams was slipping in a pool of his own drool as he salivated at the thought of going up against Buffalo's below-average tackles. Super Mario did have an impact, even if it didn't make for a line on the stat sheet, it just wasn't as much as could have been foreseen.

Drive 1
Pass 1: Josh Reed 4 yards
Demetrius Bell sealed 91 inside where Andy Levitre was waiting for him. Geoff Hangartner and Eric Wood doubled 95. Marshawn Lynch chipped Willams for Jamon Meredith, though it didn't look like Meredith really needed the help. Derek Fine let 94 move to the inside and kept him from getting back to the outside to chase Ryan Fitzpatrick on the rollout. By the way, I was absolutely delighted to see that Buffalo finally caught on to the fact that everyone else had caught on to the naked bootleg to the right/none-yard pass to the TE. The Texans seemed genuinely surprised when Fitzpatrick rolled to his left and threw the ball to a WR instead. Way to (finally) adjust!

Run 1: Lynch 8 yards through the right C gap
94 knocked Bell backwards and knifed inside to chase the play. He almost had a tackle for loss (TFL). Levitre went to the second level but had no one to block. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91. Hangartner blocked him down the line while Wood peeled and tried in vain to pick up 56 in the second level. Meredith tapped 59 in the second level but didn't lock him up. Fine let Williams rush upfield and kept him out of the play.

Run 2: Lynch 8 yards through the left C gap
Bell pushed 91 inside to seal the edge. Levitre helped with 91 then hit 59 in the second level. He then, possibly against explicit directions to the contrary since no one else did for most of the day, sustained his block until Lynch was past him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95. While Hangartner moved him to the right, Wood peeled and hit 56. Meredith let Williams go upfield and then stoned him when he tried to chase the play. Fine jumped inside of 94 and rode him around on a circle away from the play.

Run 3: Lynch -1 yard through the right C gap
Bell chucked Williams then hit 59 in the second level but didn't sustain his block. Levitre stood up 91 and then got a two-yard push on him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95 and drove him three yards to the left. Meredith ignored 94 to go hit 31. 94 killed the play by sending Lynch deeper than he should have had to go. However, Lynch avoided 94 and could have easily picked up the 2 yards needed for a first down by simply plunging straight ahead. Instead, he danced as he tried to spring it for a bigger gain. He's got to understand that getting the first down gives Buffalo three more chances to pick up a big play. In theory. Stop laughing! It could happen. Well, you can't rule it out at any rate... Meanwhile, Fine got under Williams' right shoulder and kept him on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 2: INC bad pass to Reed against a blitz
Bell pushed 99 past Fitzpatrick. Levitre and Hangartner doubled and stuffed 94. 91 spun inside of Wood and got into the pocket. Wood stuck with him and pushed him past Fitzpatrick. Williams got around the corner and hit the QB after the ball was away. Lynch picked up 59 who came in late, but only because Lynch had stayed in to block.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Lynch's decision to dance instead of crash forward for easily attainable yardage

Drive 2
Pass 3: Terrell Owens 3 yards
Williams got around Bell and got a hand on Fitzpatrick after the throw. Levitre and Hangartner kept 95 on the line of scrimmage (LOS). Wood and Meredith doubled 94 and Lynch picked up 91 when he stunted. Meredith was hurt on the play, bringing Chambers in for the balance of the game. Yes, Buffalo has been snake bit at the tackle position...

Run 4: Lynch no gain through the right C gap
Bell kept Williams on the edge of the LOS. Levitre chucked 95 and was then too slow to catch 56 at the second level. (56 is Brian Cushing, by the way, and he's really fast.) Hangartner helped 95 go to the left and thus out of the play. Wood rode 91 down the line and to the ground. Chambers didn't really block anyone. He tried to help Wood with 91, but Wood was already taking him away from Chambers. Had Chambers instead shot into the second level, he could have picked up 59, which would have gotten Lynch a yard or two. Fine rode 94 to the inside to set the edge.

Pass 4: Steve Johnson 5 yards (on third and 7)
Bell beat Williams to the corner. Williams shoved Bell further upfield to get inside of the pocket, but too late. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 94 initially. Hangartner kept his head moving and saw that Wood needed to release 95, so Hangartner left Levitre and picked up 95. Wood had to release 95 to keep 99 from cutting inside of Chambers. It was an example of excellent communication by the offensive line. Meanwhile, Johnson had to come back from beyond the sticks to catch the misplaced pass by Fitzpatrick. Had Fitzpatrick put the ball where it needed to be (instead of two yards short of the line to gain), Johnson would likely have had first down yardage.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's bad pass

Drive 3
Run 5: Fred Jackson 3 yards through the right C gap
Bell let Williams go upfield and kept inside of him until the play was over. Levitre went to the second level and hit 59, but didn't sustain his block. Hangartner got a little push on 92, but 92 swam past his right shoulder to get inside and chase the play. Wood chucked 91 and then popped Cushing, but didn't sustain his block. Cushing slowed Jackson down. Chambers drove 91 inside and down. Fine pushed 29 all over the field. Jonathan Stupar had a slow motion cut attempt on 94. 94 never went down, but it really slowed him down.

Run 6: Jackson 4 yards through the left B gap
Bell hit 54 and pushed him inside. He didn't sustain his block and 54 was in on the tackle. Levitre hit 54, but didn't sustain that block either. Hangartner jumped to the left of 92 and kept him from chasing the play. Wood pushed 91 to the right, then went upfield and abused 26 deep in the secondary. Chambers doubled 94 with Fine and kept him on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 5: Sack -8 yards against a 5 man blitz
Williams blew past Bell which forced Fitzpatrick to step up and into Cushing. Levitre kept 94 from working his way inside. 94 spun and got free, but too late to make a difference. Hangartner tossed a blitzing 59 to the ground. Wood and Chambers doubled 94. Fine and Stupar doubled 98. Had Bell made his block, Fitzpatrick could have drifted to his right, as there was good protection to that side. Cushing would have had to slow to turn the corner and Fitzpatrick would have had time to get his pass off. Possibly the most galling thing about the play is that the Bills had 7 blockers and still gave up the sack.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Bell's non-block on Williams.

Drive 4
Run 7: Owens 29 yard reverse for TD through the left C gap
Bell went to the second level and missed the cut on 54, but got enough of him to slow him down. 54 was about 2 steps too late to push Owens out of bounds. Levitre pushed 95 to the right. Hangartner let 95 penetrate to the right and chase the fake. Wood submarined 91 and put him down. Chambers turned 94 away from Owens and kept him there. Fine had no one to block, and Stupar tapped 56. Evans sprang the play when he came back to pick up the defensive back, sealing him off from Owens' run lane.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: N/A

Drive 5
Pass 6: Fine 9 yards
Everyone blocked like it was a run to the right. Fitzpatrick again rolled out to the left, which again caught the defense off guard.

Run 8: Jackson 3 yards through the left C gap
Bell pushed 91 to the inside to set the edge. Levitre went to the second level and stuck to Cushing, who still managed to get in on the tackle. Hangartner stood up 95. Wood helped with 95 and then popped 59, but he didn't sustain his block, instead moving on to hit 54. Chambers turned Williams upfield and kept him from chasing the play. Fine locked up 29 and wrestled him around the secondary. Stupar had a beautiful cut on 94 to open the run lane.

Pass 7: INC against a 5 man blitz
Bell handed 94 to Levitre to pick up a blitzing Cushing. Unfortunately, Levitre was helping Hangartner with 91 and never even looked at 94. 94 decked Fitzpatrick while he was throwing, leading to the INC. Wood stuffed 95 and Chambers stopped Williams at the corner. This was not a display of effective communication. Levitre should have kept his head moving.

Run 9: Jackson 3 yards through the A gap
Bell and Levitre doubled 91. Hangartner and Wood took 95 three yards off the line. Wood then picked up Cushing and battled him in the second level. Chembers got inside 94 and kept him on the edge of the LOS. Stupar hit 59 in the hole, kind of like an effective fullback. (I wish Buffalo had one of those.) Fine stuffed Williams on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 8: Reed 15 yards against a 6 man blitz
Bell stuffed 98. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood easily handled a pair of defensive linemen. Chambers effortlessly beat Williams to the corner. Fine stopped 59 and Jackson picked up a delayed blitz by Cushing.

Run 10: Jackson 4 yards through the left C gap in Wildcat formation
Bell went to the second level and hit Cushing but didn't sustain his block. Levitre kept under 95's left shoulder to slow him down. Hangartner went to the second level and didn't hit anyone, never mind that 59 was right in front of him. Wood got a three-yard drive on 92. Chambers tapped 54 but didn't sustain his block. Fine blocked 93 at the edge of the LOS and slowed him down enough to open the run lane.

Run 11: Jackson 1 yard through the left C gap in Wildcat formation
Bell drove 95 inside to set the edge. Levitre helped with 95 but then wasn't fast enough to catch anyone in the second level. Hangartner worked 92 down the line to the right. Wood turned 54 away from the play in the second level. Chambers kept Williams on the edge of the LOS. Fine didn't really block 93 on the edge of the LOS and then also didn't really block a LB in the second level.

Pass 9: Sack -2 yards against a 6 man blitz
Bell fought Williams to the corner. When Fitzpatrick stepped up in the pocket, Williams shed the block and got in on the tackle. Levitre stopped 94, but 94 was in on the tackle when Fitzpatrick tried to scramble. Hangartner let 59 shoot right past him and then curiously set up to pick up any blitzer. Wood did an okay job on 91. 98 went to the corner and easily beat Chambers back to the inside with a spin move. Jackson did a pretty good job picking up 59, all things considered, though 59 did cause Fitzpatrick to pull the ball down and try to scramble.

Blitzes: 3
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Hangartner's non-block on 59 on third and 5

Drive 6
Pass 10: Lynch -2 yard screen
Bell let 98 push him upfield then jumped outside to seal him away from the screen. Levitre semi-shielded 91 but didn't keep him from disrupting the play. Hangartner ran outside and pushed Cushing past the play. Wood couldn't get inside or under 91, even with Levitre slowing him down. Chambers got inside Williams and kept him sealed away from the play.

Run 12: Lynch 5 yards through the left C gap
Bell went to the second level and tried to keep Cushing away from the run lane. Levitre turned 94 and drove him three yards down the line. Hangartner chucked 91 and hit Cushing in the second level as well. Wood got inside of 91 and kept him away from the play. Chambers stopped 98 on the edge of the LOS. Fine crossed the formation to hit Williams, who still got in on the tackle.

Pass 11: Reed 9 yards
Bell stopped Williams. Levitre helped Hangartner with 94 and then, by staying aware of what was going on around him, helped Bell with Williams. Wood took 91 on an arc away from the QB and stuck with him after 91 tried to throw him off. Chambers kept 98 down after he slipped while trying to turn the corner.

Run 13: Lynch 14 yards through the A gap
Bell went to the second level and hit Cushing, turned him around, and then put him down. Levitre dropped back and blocked Williams like he was in pass protection. He then went to the second level but couldn't find anyone to hit. Hangartner turned 94 to the left to set one wall of the run lane, while Wood turned 91 to the right to set the other wall. Chambers had no one to block and wandered into the second level. Fine pushed 98 upfield and around the corner. The hole was so big that Lynch had plenty of room to juke 59. The hole was so enormous because the Bills caught the Texans in a blitz.

Pass 12: INC tipped pass against a 6 man blitz
Bell stuffed 98. Levitre was crushed by 94, who barely broke stride. Hangartner picked up a blitzing 59 and turned him out to open the throwing lane. Wood picked up 91, but let him get a hand up to tip the pass. Chambers neutralized Williams. Jackson stopped Cushing.

Pass 13: Evans 5 yards
Bell and Levitre doubled 94. Hangartner stopped 91. Wood had no one to block and kept looking from 91 to 90 to pitch in if he was needed. Chambers pushed Williams well past the corner.

Pass 14: INC to Owens in end zone against a 6 man blitz
This certainly appeared to be a called run play to the right, and everyone blocked like it was. Had Fitzpatrick handed the ball off to Lynch, it looked like he had a clear path to the pylon for a TD. Instead, Fitzpatrick threw the ball on a sight read. Unfortunately, he threw the ball two beats too late. If he'd thrown it on time, Owens would have had a TD pass in his (stone) hands.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's poorly timed throw to Owens

Drive 7
Run 14: Lynch 3 yards through the left B gap against an 8 man front
Bell turned 93 out, but he slid back inside to chase the play and get in on the tackle. Levitre drove 91 three yards to open the hole. Hangartner chipped 91 and went to the second level where he tapped 54. 95 went down the line with Wood and was in on the tackle. Wood just couldn't cut him off. Chambers hit 31 at the second level. Fine hit Cushing and kept himout of the play. Stupar crossed the formation to hit Williams.

Pass 15: INC long pass to Owens
Bell did a good job not letting Williams get upfield. Hangartner and Levitre doubled 93. Wood did a good job taking 91 past Fitzpatrick and Jackson helped Chambers with 94.

Pass 16: Lynch 5 yards
Bell beat Williams to the corner and reacted well to his attempt to move back to the inside. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 94. When 91 twisted, Levitre picked him up. Wood helped Hangartner with 94 when 91 twisted away from him. Jackson chipped 98 on the way out to the flat for Chambers. Lynch didn't run his pattern past the sticks. He was tackled immediately and two yards short of the first down.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 1
Drive Killer: Lynch's decision not to run his pattern to the sticks

Drive 8
Run 15: Lynch 4 yards through the left B gap
Bell fell on 29, who was just trying to absorb a blocker. Levitre pulled and cut Cushing in space. Hangartner pulled and inadvertently shielded 91 from the play. Wood hit 95 but lost him in the wash, while Chambers had no one to block. Stupar missed a cut on Cushing and Fine jumped inside of 94 to keep him from chasing the play.

Pass 17: Scramble 3 yards against a 5 man blitz - Lynch called for holding
Bell handled Williams. Levitre danced with 54 who never sold out on the blitz - possibly waiting to cover Lynch if he left the backfield. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95, but Wood kept his head turned towards 91 in case Chambers needed help. Chambers didn't need the help. The holding call was pure BS. 59 blitzed and plowed into Lynch. His momentum caused both players to go down in a heap.

Pass 18: Owens 10 yards
Lynch was assigned to help Chambers, but it really wasn't needed. Levitre gave ground to a bull rush by 95, but 95 lost his balance and fell forward. Hangartner was ready to help with 91 or pick up a blitzer. Wood took 91 upfield and Chambers stuffed 94.

Pass 19: INC Lynch drop against a 6 man blitz
Bell almost put Williams down. Levitre pushed 94 inside and got out for the screen. He then pushed 54 past Lynch. Hangartner was ready to block downfield. Wood let 91 go upfield but stuck with him in order to block him if he chased the play. 98 wound up tripping, so Chambers kept him down. It was the perfect play call, and if Lynch hadn't dropped it, he had all kinds of room in front of him. There were only 5 defenders downfield and Lynch had a couple of linemen in front of him.

Blitzes: 2
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Lynch's drop

Drive 9
Run 16: Jackson 4 yards through the right C gap
Bell locked up 94 on the end of the LOS. Levitre tried to turn 91 away from the play. He didn't succeed, but he kept under his pads and slowed him down considerably. Hangartner pushed 91 and wasn't fast enough to catch the linebackerss. Wood pushed 92 to the inside and away from the play. Chambers missed a block on 54 in the second level. Fine didn't get much of a block on Cushing. Stupar crossed the formation and cut Williams.

Run 17: Jackson 4 yards through the left C gap
Bell sealed 94 inside with Levitre's help. 91 shot inside of Hangartner and should have had a TFL. Wood hit 54 in the second level. 54 threw off his block, but Wood circled back and nailed 54 again. Chambers hit 92 but couldn't stay with him due to the wash. Stupar kept after Cushing and kept him out of the play. Fine hit 59 and stopped him in his tracks.

Run 18: Jackson no gain through the right C gap
Bell tried to cut 54 in the second level and wasn't fast enough. He did slow him down. Levitre cut 94 immediately. Hangartner went to the second level and rode 59 down. Wood got wiped out while blocking 91 by the Hangartner/59 pileup. 91 went down as well, but got up to get in on the tackle. Chambers pulled to lead the play and pushed Cushing out of the way. Fine was chopped down in the wash. Stupar killed the play by being driven 4 yards upfield by 98. That sent Jackson way too deep to get back to the line, and let the secondary react and make the tackle for no gain.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Stupar

Drive 10
Run 19: Lynch 5 yards through the left C gap
Bell and Levitre pushed 91 three yards to the right and into the wash. Hangartner held his ground against 98. Wood chipped 98 and went to the second level, but had no one to block. Chambers kept Williams on the edge of the line. Perhaps he was just frustrated, but Williams didn't really seem particularly motivated on the play.

Pass 20: INT
94 got past his block, fell, got up and hit Fitzpatrick below the knees. Levitre tried to help with 94, but was shielded from him by Bell. Hangartner kept 91 on an arc away from Fitzpatrick. Wood and Chambers doubled 98, while Wood stayed alert for any blitzers. Jackson and Lynch picked up a stunting 98. T.O. broke off his pattern, so there was no one deep except Texans. However, the drive was actually killed by the refs. There's no excuse in the world for the refs not throwing a roughing the passer flag on the Texans. It was the exact same hit that put Brady out for the year in 2008 and is supposed to be a point of emphasis with officials. Funny how that doesn't seem to apply to Buffalo's quarterbacks.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: ref's non-call of a blatant roughing the passer penalty

Drive 11
Pass 21: Owens 14 yards
Bell pushed 98 past the corner. Levitre stuffed 94. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91, while Hangartner kept looking for blitzers. Chambers beat Williams to the corner.

Pass 22: Owens 8 yards
Bell pushed 98 to the inside to Levitre and picked up a twisting 94 from him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91. Chambers stuffed 90 at the corner.

Pass 23: Lynch 3 yards
Bell stopped Williams. Williams worked back to the inside and Bell wouldn't have been in position to stop him if the QB had held the ball. Levitre pushed 91 upfield and away from Fitzpatrick. Hangartner had no one to block. Neither did Wood, so he helped Chambers with 94.

Pass 24: Owens 4 yards
Bell and Levitre pushed Williams past the corner. Hangartner had no one to block. Wood handed 91 to Chambers in order to pick up a twisting 94.

Pass 25: Evans 24 yards
Bell and Levitre doubled 94 while Hangartner and Wood tag teamed 91. Chambers took Williams all the way around the corner.

Pass 26: INT off tipped pass
Bell hit 56 and pushed him downfield, where he was in perfect position to tip the pass and make the INT. Levitre had no one to block. Hangartner was driven back to Fitzpatrick by 93's bull rush. Wood picked up a stunting 95 and Chambers easily handled Williams. Fitzpatrick didn't keep track of Cushing and threw the ball without realizing he was in the throwing lane.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's INT

On the third drive of the second half, the crowd really hated the third consecutive running played that was called (Run 18), but I didn't. Buffalo was trying to impose its will on Houston, and the previous 9 non-Wildcat runs had gained at least 3 yards. Buffalo was running the ball reasonably well, and a run on third and 2 against a 7 man front was a high percentage play. It just so happened that Stupar didn't do his job. The only way you can pin that one on Dick Jauron or Alex Van Pelt) would be to blame them for not doing a better job of coaching Stupar during the week... but even that rings hollow as Stupar, by and large, had a pretty good day blocking on run plays.

You can blame Jauron for the fake punt following the Stupar debacle. After all, the Bills were only down by 7. However, the Bills' offense had done nothing (again), and it seemed pretty clear that the defense had been worn down to a nub (again). In this case, blaming Jauron for his preparation during the week seems more reasonable. After all, it's not like the offensive woes are a new phenomenon.

Is anyone else wondering if Buffalo - in ‘win now' mode during the off season - erred by picking Aaron Maybin instead of a guy like Cushing? Cushing looked terrific and super fast. Yeah, I know. If Buffalo had picked him he'd be on IR due to the defensive injury curse that seems to hang over the Bills. Still, the guy has been productive, while Maybin has yet to contribute.

People might point to Buffalo's low rushing output, but consider that Buffalo averaged 5.4 yards per attempt against the Texans. Throw out Owens' reverse, and it's still a respectable 4.1-yard average. 30 runs would have put the Bills on pace for about 150 yards. Unfortunately, the miscues (bad passes, drops, missed blocks) meant that the Bills didn't have those extra 10 downs. I was both surprised and disappointed to see Buffalo essentially abandon running between the tackles for the game. Yes, the way to attack a 4-3 is on the edge, but that doesn't make it alright to abdicate the middle.

Left C	Left B	A	Right B	Right C
9-64	3-11	2-17	0-0	5-10
7.1	3.7	8.5	0.0	2.0

After a disastrous outing in Miami, Chambers bounced back to have a very average game. He did a good job containing Williams (as did Bell), sometimes with assistance and sometimes on his own. This was the Chambers of previous years, the one who was good enough to fill in for starters. Let's hope he's back to stay instead of just visiting, since it seems likely that Buffalo will be calling on him again soon.

Don't get too excited about the high run grade for Levitre or the low run grade for Hangartner. In each case, the small number of run plays magnifies the good/bad plays. Levitre had 4 good run plays against no bad ones, while Hangartner had 3 bad run plays against zero good ones. When I do the mid-season grades write up, you'll see that Levitre isn't that good and Hangartner isn't that bad when viewed over time. (Also, Meredith had only 3 run plays and 3 pass plays and had 1 bad play in each category.)

Player	Run Grade	Pass Grade
Demetrius Bell	75.0	73.5
Andy Levitre	79.2	72.7
Geoff Hangartner	71.8	74.2
Eric Wood	76.1	72.7
Kirk Chambers	75.0	74.1
Jamon Meredith	68.3	68.3

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 4 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

Kurupt — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:45:09 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

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Welcome back once again to Fantasy Friday here at Buffalo Rumblings. Last week was a complete failure for the Buffalo Bills, both on the field and for fantasy purposes. The only positive aspect of last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints was that Buffalo shut down Drew Brees, which many, including myself, figured wouldn't happen. Kudos to the Bills' defense for that.

On the offensive side of the ball, Fred Jackson was the only player with a pulse (excluding Josh Reed, who shouldn't matter for anyone's fantasy teams), putting up 97 yards on 22 touches. Lee Evans had his most active game of the year, with 4 catches for 31 yards, but that doesn't really say a whole lot. Terrell Owens threw up the fantasy no-no, a goose egg. Finally,Trent Edwards showed why you shouldn't expect him to be a consistent fantasy starter, or even someone you should consider starting on a week-to-week basis.

After last week's rough outing, the Bills can start anew this week against the hated Miami Dolphins. Join me after the jump for a look at this week's individual fantasy players of note for Bills at Dolphins:

Quarterback
Trent Edwards - Last week, he was Trentative Checkwards, as he finished with 156 yards passing, 1 interception and a putrid 4.5 yards per attempt. Let's hope he steps up this week and gets his game, and the offense, going. The Saints did an excellent job of harassing him, changing up coverages and bringing a variety of blitzes to confuse and fluster him all game. With a weak set of tackles blocking for him and a defensive-minded Dolphins team on the docket, expect them to try similar tactics. If the offensive line can hold up and give him some time, he could be in line for a pretty decent game. The Dolphins' pass defense is giving up 265 yards per game, has allowed 4 passing touchdown, hasn't registered an interception (knock on wood!) and opposing quarterbacks have posted a 103.3 QB rating. They've been susceptible to the big play, having allowed 11 passes of 20+ yards (third-most in the NFL) and 5 passes of 40+ yards (most in the NFL). Edwards and his receivers will have opportunities to put up some big plays this week, especially if Joey Porter isn't there to make his day miserable. I think he'll rebound from last week, take a few more shots down the field, and post some solid numbers once again. I don't think those numbers will be good enough to consider him a starter this week, or going forward. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Chad Henne - The former Michigan standout will be making his first career start this weekend. In relief of Chad Pennington last week against the Chargers, Henne played scared and was rather inaccurate. Perhaps due to nerves or inexperience, he just didn't look to go downfield, instead settling for his underneath checkdowns. Look for that to continue this week, although he should be more comfortable in going downfield some. I expect there to be some nerves and some poor throws, but he's got the talent to make things happen. I'm guessing Perry Fewell will try his darnedest to confuse Henne, so there should be mistakes. With Henne making his first NFL start, you better not have to consider starting him. If so, I'm sorry. He could be a nice option once he settles in, so keep an eye on his progress. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Running Backs
Fred Jackson - I listed him first for a reason; I expect him to get more than Marshawn Lynch this week, as Lynch will be making his season debut. Those touches will be earned, too. Jackson has been one of the best running backs in the league so far this season, as he is currently second in the NFL in total yards (141.7 ypg) to Tennessee's Chris Johnson. It's tough to take too many touches away from a guy who's been playing so well. With that said, this is a tough matchup for him and Lynch. The Dolphins have been extremely stout against the run so far this season, ranking third in the NFL in yards allowed per game (66.0) and yards per carry (3.0). I don't think he'll have a ton of success, but there's no reason to believe he can't get roughly 50-60 yards on 12-15 carries. The Dolphins struggled in the opener against RBs out of the backfield, as Falcons RBs finished with 8 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. They've clamped down the past two games, allowing a total of just 4 receptions for 45 yards. Jackson will get his chances through the air, however, so expect the receptions to be there for those of you in PPR leagues. Verdict: Sit 'Em in default league, Start'Em as a flex in all or in PPR leagues.

Marshawn Lynch - Well, after a slew of bad injury news this week, Beast Mode's return gives us a positive going into Sunday. I know we all want him to explode onto the scene this week, but I just don't see it happening after a month of no contact or practices. He will get the start and probably see a lot of carries early to get him into the flow again. I don't see him getting more than 12-15 carries this week, so I'm guessing his numbers shouldn't exceed Jackson's there. He'll probably get the goal line carries again, so if the Bills can finally get inside the 5-yard line, Lynch will get the touchdown opportunities. Don't go expecting the moon from Lynch this week, but he could be a valuable flex option for those with that as part of your league. Verdict: Start'Em as a flex, Sit'Em in 2 RB leagues.

Ronnie Brown - With Henne making his first start, I fully expect Miami to continue running the ball early and often. Brown has been rather good this year, rushing for 254 yards, 2 touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry. After allowing the Saints to run all over them last week, the Bills' defense could be ripe for the picking this week. The Dolphins run behind a good offensive line against a beat up and weary Bills defense. The Wildcat could be out in full force this week, as I'm expecting the Dolphins to roll out a few wrinkles this week, which includes some passes. Brown has thrown from the formation in the past, so be on the lookout for that this week. I think Brown will have a solid game, with the potential for a very good game, and will be a target for Henne as a checkdown option. Verdict: Start 'Em

Ricky Williams - Believe it or not, Williams has been a very viable fantasy option this season. He's rushed for 163 yards, at 4.8 yards a pop, and has totaled two touchdowns (1 each rushing and receiving). He's averaging 14 touches per game, so he's getting a fair share of the work. With a lot of good fantasy runners on bye this week (Brian Westbrook, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams) or banged up (LaDanian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Clinton Portis, Kevin Smith, Willie Parker), you may have to plug Williams into your lineup. I'd definitely consider him a solid flex option this week, and have no problem recommending him, even our against our beloved Bills. Verdict: Start 'Em as a flex.

Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens - I think it's safe to say T.O. is not a happy camper after getting shut out last week against the Saints. It's ridiculous that the team couldn't get him the ball, and didn't try to get it to him or Lee Evans more often. There's no doubt in my mind that Alex Van Pelt will be trying to get T.O. the ball early this week. He may be on the verge of losing Owens to a meltdown, and somewhat rightfully so, if another week goes by and he isn't involved much. It's about time Owens gets more slants, drags and even quick throws out to him if the defender plays off the line. As mentioned above, the Dolphins are susceptible to the big play, so expect some shots downfield to Owens again this week. Let's hope we finally connect early. T.O., you're on notice! I might be done suggesting you as a starter if you aren't productive again this week, even if it's not really your fault! Verdict: Start 'Em

Lee Evans - I know, I know. I've talked about how juicy a match-up this could be for our passing game, and Evans has simply dominated the Dolphins in the past (693 yards, 8 TD's in 10 career games), but I'm done recommending him. He's just too unreliable an option, even though I'd hardly say it's his fault. The offense just isn't designed to get him the ball that often, at least thus far. I'm on a full-out wait and see approach with Evans from here on out. Until he is used consistently, he'll be sitting on my bench (if I owned him). After talking about how I wouldn't even consider starting him this week, watch him go for 100+ and multiple touchdowns. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Josh Reed, Steve Johnson, Roscoe Parrish - Reed had some value last week, catching 6 balls for 60 yards, and has 10 catches for 106 yards over the last two games, but I find it hard to believe there aren't better options out there. If you play in a PPR league and are decimated by the bye week (say two or three of the following: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Roddy White, Steve Smith, DeSean Jackson), you could consider him this week. It might not be a bad option considering he'll likely catch his normal 4-6 passes for around 50 yards. Take a chance if you have to, but I'm probably looking elsewhere. Verdict: Sit 'Em all.

Davone Bess - Bess is the Dolphins leading receiver thus far, hauling in 17 passes, but those have gained just 140 yards. He's a very good underneath option for Miami, and should be the top option for Henne. Henne targeted Bess 7 times, completing 5 of them for 39 yards, in a little more than a quarter of play last week. Not great, I know, but Henne only completed 10 passes and had 19 attempts, so Bess was obviously in his sights a good chunk of the time. I think Bess is a very solid play this week, especially in PPR leagues. He should be Henne's binky again this week, and it wouldn't surprise me if the Dolphins were a bit conservative in their passing game, keeping it short and underneath. Bess benefits from that, especially going against a Bills defense that has allowed the underneath route routinely. Remember, Bess had 9 catches for 74 yards in the Toronto game last year, so he's done it against the Bills before. Verdict: Sit 'Em in default leagues, Start'Em in PPR leagues.

Ted Ginn Jr. - I guess Dolphins fans don't like him all that much. As Bills fans, we don't like him either. Ginn had a very solid fantasy performance in Week 2 against the Colts, posting 11 catches for 108 yards (along with some costly drops). He only has 2 catches for 26 yards in the other two games, including a donut last week against San Diego. He torched us once last year, but I really can't see that happening again. I think he'll get involved more than he was last week, but I doubt we'll see him catch more than a handful of passes. He's always a threat to break one, so you always have that potential, but Ginn isn't a fantasy starter or option this week. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Greg Camarillo - Camarillo is a very underrated possession receiver, but hasn't done a whole lot so far this season, catching 7 passes for 44 yards. He was having a very good season last year (55 receptions for 613 yards in 11 games) before tearing his ACL. He seems to have lost his role as the underneath, checkdown option to Bess, but he could be in for more work this week with Henne. He shouldn't be owned, but might be a guy to keep an eye on if Bess or Ginn go down at some point this season. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Tight End
Derek Fine - Talk about getting more work in the passing game than he should... Fine had 9 targets from Edwards last week against New Orleans, turning those into 5 receptions for 34 yards. It was an average performance, highlighted by a couple of drops, but as Derek Schouman was before him, Fine will probably continue to be a prominent option for Edwards. That's probably not a great thing for the performance of our offense, but Fine could be a sneaky fantasy option at some point this season. We'll have to see how he is used once Shawn Nelson is healthy and whether he continues with the 9 or so targets a game, but the potential for 4-6 receptions a game is there. I'm sure you have much better TE options, but Fine is another guy to keep on an eye as the season progresses, even if he's not that great of a receiving option in real life. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Shawn Nelson - It sounds like Nelson might be available this week as he continues to recover from a sprained shoulder suffered in week 2. I'm guessing he continues in the role he was playing before he got hurt, which was the second TE used occasionally in the passing game. It'd be nice if we could give him all of Fine's targets in the passing game, but his below average blocking will keep him off the field for a good chunk of games. It'd be prudent to get him more involved soon though, so we shall see if he can develop quickly into a solid receiving threat. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Anthony Fasano - I've seen various fantasy "experts" suggest Fasano as a quality starting option this week. I just don't see it. He has a whopping 3 receptions for 11 yards so far this season, and it's unclear whether he'll be a favorite of Henne. Even with the Bills rolling with their backup safeties this week, I find it hard to suggest starting a guy who has done so little this year. He had a decent season last year, and was a good red zone option, so maybe the production will return. Let's see it first. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Kicker
Rian Lindell - Lindell is always a kicker who is more likely to kick FGs than extra points. He had 5 FGs in the first two games, but only had the one extra point last week. Against a stingy Dolphins rush defense, the Bills offense might continue their propensity to settle for FGs. In what very well could be a lower scoring affair, Lindell could be a useful option in fantasy this week. I always prefer kickers for top offenses, so look to those first, but it might be worth picking Lindell up to plug him into your line up this week. Verdict: Borderline Start 'Em

Dan Carpenter - Carpenter also had 5 FGs on the season, but just 4 extra points. However, with a QB making his first career start against a defense who's usually pretty stout in the red zone, Carpenter might be the Dolphins' best scoring threat this week. Like Lindell, he could make for a good plug and play this week. Again, take your chances. Verdict: Bordeline Start 'Em

Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo - Normally, against a quarterback making his first NFL start, I'd have no problem suggesting a team defense to go against them, even the Bills, but with all the injuries, I think it's worth it to look elsewhere. The return units have done nothing all season, as well. If you're stuck and need a defense, the Bills could make for a decent play, but I wouldn't expect a whole lot. Turnovers and sacks are still hard to come by for this team. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Miami - The Dolphins' defense hasn't been very good for fantasy purposes this year. They have yet to record an interception, have just 5 sacks, and have a lone fumble recovery. They need to show they can get it done before considering them for your starting defense. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Sleepers
Josh Reed - Gotta choose someone, right? As mentioned about him above, Reed could make for a good play in PPR leagues this week. If you could get a guaranteed 5 receptions for 55 yards out of a one-week fill-in, you'd take it, right? You could probably do worse.

Davone Bess - I'd be more inclined to start Bess if I were you. He has a pair of 7-reception games so far this young season, and was the apple of Henne's eye last week, so he could be in line for a pretty good performance. I think he'll put up better numbers than Reed, and definitely has the much better chance of reaching the end zone. Don't forget, he returns punts for the Dolphins too, and we all know how much the Bills love to punt.

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 3 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

Kurupt — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:30:15 -0000

Welcome back to Fantasy Football Friday here at Buffalo Rumblings. We're quickly nearing the end of September and the time when most fantasy squads begin proving whether they are contenders or not. It's about the time when we start learning whether all those pre-season fantasy projections and rankings were legit, or just random hopes.

The Buffalo Bills will be facing the New Orleans Saints this Sunday in a game that will be rich in fantasy starters. It's a great matchup for the Bills players who are fantasy-worthy - one of the best they'll have all season. Can they live up to our hopes for a big statistical performance and victory? Let's dive into this week's individual fantasy players of note for the Bills and Saints, and my random advice, after the jump.

Quarterbacks
Drew Brees - If ever there was an every-week starter, Drew Brees is it. I can't imagine anybody ever sitting Brees unless you lose points for success. Brees is the best QB in fantasy right now, and unfortunately, there's no reason to believe the Bills will shut down Brees this week. Unless you're one of those Bills fans who never starts an opposing player on your fantasy roster, Brees will be there piling up points for you this week. Verdict: Start 'Em

Trent Edwards - Edwards has a juicy matchup this week with New Orleans' 29th-ranked passing defense. Normally, I'm not one who would ever consider starting Edwards in a non-bye week or non-injury fill-in, but if I owned him I'd probably be getting ready to move him into the starting lineup. If the Bills get down early or get down big, Edwards will be throwing to make the game closer. If they control the clock and sustain drives, there should be plenty of opportunities to put a couple balls in the end zone. The Saints will bend all day and aren't an intimidating defense. After seeing the way our RB has chewed up chunks of yards this season, I'm guessing the Saints will be daring Edwards to beat them. He should do a good job of that and is in line for some gaudy stats this week. Whether that will be good enough for a Bills victory, who knows, but that's irrelevant for this discussion. Donovan McNabb owners should be happy to have Trent as their backup this week. The only thing that should hold owners back from starting Edwards this week are the matchups the top QBs face this week. Of those normally ranked ahead of him, only Kurt Warner (vs Ind), Tony Romo (vs Car) and Matt Ryan (@NE) face defenses ranked in the top half of the league in defending the pass. Warner might be the only one I'd consider benching for sure, but even then, that game is likely to be a shootout. Edwards may not get many starts simply because of the other matchups around the league. Verdict: Start 'Em in deep leagues and two-QB leagues.

Running Backs
Pierre Thomas - It's looking more and more like Thomas will start this week after missing the first week and only playing special teams last week. His knee is not yet 100%, but it's darn close. He's looking to wear a smaller, less bulky brace, and has practiced all week. My guess is he starts and gets 12-15 touches. He's been productive whenever he's been in the lineup, so if by Sunday he's a definite go, then he'll likely be a solid RB2 this week. I would definitely start him as a flex option this week. If his status is still up in the air, or the Saints don't plan on working him too much, keep him on the bench. Verdict: Start 'Em if he's a definite go, RB2/flex

Reggie Bush - I really hate Reggie Bush as a running back. Every time I watch the Saints, I wonder why they don't just call him a WR. He lines up enough in the slot and he runs the ball exactly how you'd expect a WR to take a handoff. Expect him to get his normal 7-10 carries and another 5-7 receptions. As always, Bush is a much better option in PPR leagues and as a flex. Going up against Bills LBs Kawika Mitchell and Keith Ellison in coverage - a group that has allowed RBs to catch 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown in two games this season - Bush will be plenty active and have a chance to put up better-than-usual numbers. Verdict: Start 'Em in PPR leagues or as a flex

Mike Bell - Bell is currently 4th in the NFL in rushing yards with 229 on 45 carries. However, he's probably not going to play after spraining his MCL. He would have lost touches to Thomas anyways. Keep him stashed on your bench and hope he gets a shot again when he's healthy. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Lynell Hamilton - Unless you're a Saints fan, you're probably saying..."who?" With Bell likely out and Thomas still a bit iffy, Hamilton is next in line for touches. More on him later. Verdict: Pick him up, and keep an eye on Thomas

Fred Jackson - Jackson has been one of the biggest surprises in all of fantasy football so far this year. He's currently second in the NFL in total yards behind Tennessee's Chris Johnson, averaging 164 yards per game thus far. Freddy also leads the Bills in receiving with 11 receptions for 108 yards. Expect another heavy workload this week as the Bills try to control the ball. Look for the screen pass to make its presence felt again. I don't think the Saints' LBs can cover him at all. Jackson is looking like one of the best starts in the league this week; I just wish I had him on my teams. Verdict: Start 'Em

Wide Receivers
Marques Colston - I think Colston is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the league. He's big, strong, has great hands and makes plays. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, he scores a ton of touchdowns too. He's an every-week starter, even with Brees spreading the ball around more than fantasy owners would like. I bet he finishes as a Top 5 WR this season, and maybe even No. 1, if he remains healthy for the whole year. He should see plenty of opportunities against the Bills' mediocre pass defense. Verdict: Start 'Em

Lance Moore - During a slow start this season (just 2 receptions), Moore has been battling a hamstring injury he suffered early in last week's game against Philadelphia. He might not even play this week, having missed practice again on Thursday. He's a guy that will produce this season; he just needs to get healthy first. Look elsewhere this week. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Devery Henderson - Henderson is one of those fantasy players that flashes big time potential from time to time, but never puts it together on a consistent basis. He seems to start fast every year, then disappear for long stretches. He's got shaky hands and isn't much of a threat to catch more than a handful of passes each week. He is one of the better deep threats in the league, and Brees loves going downfield to him. The Bills' defense has done a rather good job of avoiding big plays for a couple of years now, so expect them to be keying on Henderson deep. He's got boom or bust potential every week, which is why you should never rely on him. However, with Moore probably missing the game, Henderson will have plenty of opportunities. He's a decent WR3 this week. Verdict: Start 'Em

Robert Meachem - The 2007 Round 1 pick has just 15 career catches after missing his rookie year to a knee injury. He's another big play receiver, as he's averaged over 23 yards per reception on those 15 catches, and scored four times. With Moore likely out, Meachem will see plenty of playing time, but hasn't proven enough to rely on. He should have his best game of the season to date this week, but I'm not sure I'd risk starting him. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Terrell Owens - After spending more time dropping passes than making plays, T.O. was able to get into the end zone in the fourth quarter last week. Hopefully, that's the play that really gets him going. His targets aren't where he wants them to be, and not where we want them to be either. At some point, Alex Van Pelt and Edwards need to find ways to get Owens the ball more. The reverse last week was a good start, but now the underneath looks need to start coming. Derek Schouman has done a good job controlling the underneath passing game for Edwards thus far, but now that he's out for the season, Owens and company need to step up their games. That means stop dropping touchdowns! One of these games, T.O. is going to have a monster game. This week is a good opportunity. Verdict: Start 'Em

Lee Evans - Like Owens, Evans needs more looks, but he also needs to step up his game. He dropped a touchdown last week as well, though it wasn't as easy of a ball that Owens dropped. Edwards started looking downfield more last week, and I expect that to continue as the offense gets more comfortable. Evans will get his chances to make some big plays this week, but the rest of his fantasy game is always so questionable. I think he'll have a nice game this week, and this is probably one of the last times I suggest starting him all year. I'm going against what I'd normally do with Evans, and would start him this week. Verdict: Start 'Em

Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish, Steve Johnson - Don't bother. Reed has the most value, but isn't worth starting even if a potential passing contest.

Tight Ends
Jeremy Shockey - I think he's been one of the most overrated players in the league since he was drafted. His hands will always remain a question mark to me, and his inconsistencies and injury history are too much for me to bother with him on a weekly basis. The Bills' defense has given up a ton of points to tight ends this year. In fact, they've given up the most fantasy points in the league to that position. Yuck. With that said, I still don't like Shockey. I think the Bills will do a good job on him this week, and would guess that most fantasy teams have him as their second TE anyhow. I'd be going with the other, but understand if you roll with Shockey. Verdict: Toss up, but I say Sit 'Em

Shawn Nelson, Derek Fine - With Schouman done, those looks will have to go somewhere. Expect the WRs to start seeing more passes, but Edwards still needs a security blanket underneath. Nelson still doesn't look ready for a full-time workload, so don't expect him to be that guy. I don't think his role will change all that much, yet. By default, Fine could be in line for decent production going forward. He'll be a solid option for Edwards, but not much of a fantasy option. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Kickers
John Carney - Carney is tied for second among kickers in points scored so far this season. Being the placekicker for the most prolific offense in the league will do that for a guy. Despite being limited with range on longer field goals, Carney will have plenty of chances to put points on the board each week. If you get extra points for longer field goals, you might want to look into a kicker who will get more FG opportunities, but Carney is a kicker that should be started in every league based on the number of points he'll likely score. Verdict: Start 'Em

Rian Lindell - Guess who's tied with Carney for points scored thus far? Since we're talking about Lindell here, I'm guessing you should be able to figure it out (even you, Saints fans!). The Bills have done a good job of putting points on the board, and that should continue this week. Normally, I wouldn't consider LIndell a starting kicker for fantasy teams, but this week he looks like a good bet. Verdict: Start 'Em

Defense/Special Team
New Orleans - The Saints have been a pretty opportunistic defense thus far with 7 turnovers forced, two sacks and a touchdown, but that was done against a pair of quarterbacks making their first career starts. They need to prove it over the long haul, or play the Rams, before I consider starting them, though. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Buffalo - Against the Saints? Are you crazy? Verdict: Sit 'Em

Sleepers
Lynell Hamilton - If Pierre Thomas were to be limited again this week, I'd expect Hamilton to get a good chunk of the carries, and perhaps even the majority of them. He's big (235 pounds) and has taken many of the first team reps in practice this week. At the very least, he could be a solid goal line option for the Saints this week. If you are in a deep league, go pick him up and see how the next couple of days plays out. He could be a good option by the time 4PM Sunday rolls around.

Shawn Nelson - I'm not really sure the Bills have any real sleeper options available, but Nelson could surprise if given more snaps. The team will likely be looking to increase his role in the passing game as the season progresses. With Schouman out, that time frame may have been sped up a bit. He's going to be a red zone option all season for this team, but if he starts getting more looks between the 20s, he might be a solid option going forward. Don't expect huge numbers, but he'll always be a threat for a touchdown with his size.

*****

This could be a fun one for fantasy teams this week. Hopefully, the Saints' offensive players disappoint! As always, use this post as your fantasy open thread. Good luck everyone!

With Schouman out, Bills' Nelson must step up

Brian Galliford — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:18:10 -0000

When the Buffalo Bills selected Southern Miss TE Shawn Nelson with their fourth-round pick (No. 121 overall) this past April, many draft experts applauded the selection. Nelson, at one point projected to go as soon as the second round, presented the Bills - a team that hasn't had a legitimate tight end threat in years - with a tremendous value selection that could contribute immediately, and more importantly, who wouldn't need to start right away.

That time has quickly come to an end. Starting tight end Derek Schouman has been put on season-ending Injured Reserve, and although second-year man Derek Fine is a very capable blocker, he's still vastly unproven as a receiver. On a Bills team full of receiving talent, however, it is crucial that their rookie tight end - who is currently dealing with an injury himself, by the way - pick up the slack at tight end.

Two-week targets
For the first time in quite some time, the tight end has become a viable part of Buffalo's passing attack. No other single player has been targeted more by QB Trent Edwards in Buffalo's first two games this season than RB Fred Jackson, who has been thrown to 15 times. Bills receivers have been thrown to 24 times (with Lee Evans and Terrell Owens getting 19 of those looks; Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish the rest). Add in the 16 targets that Schouman and Nelson got in Weeks 1-2, and the tight end position literally accounted for about 29% of Edwards' throws - not a high number, certainly, but undoubtedly a significant one.

In his third season out of Boise State, Schouman had emerged as a nice safety valve for Edwards. As it stands today, Schouman - who, again, is lost for the season - is second on the team with 9 receptions and 103 yards (both figures eclipsed only by Jackson). And although Nelson himself got off to a strong start with two catches and a touchdown in his first professional game, Schouman was without doubt "the guy" at tight end.

Now, the rookie needs to step up. He missed more than three quarters' worth of the Tampa Bay win with a sprained shoulder, but he has returned to practice in preparation for Week 3, albeit on a limited basis. He's only been targeted five times by Edwards, but has produced when called upon. He's also shown willingness as a blocker (though he's shown a lack of polish there, too). He still doesn't need to be an every-down tight end - really, Fine is quite good in that department - but he does need to pick up where Schouman leaves off as a receiver.

Passing game still a work in progress
We can't exactly look at this situation as Nelson needing to replace a pretty important cog in a perfectly functioning passing attack. Edwards and company have been good through two games; if Buffalo gets 220 yards, two scores and minimal turnovers out of this attack on a weekly basis, they're going to win a lot of football games. But there are some things that need to change - and we've discussed those already this week.

Owens and Evans need more targets and, far more importantly, more production. That's likely to occur with Josh Reed ailing (he has yet to practice this week); Roscoe Parrish is working through an ankle injury as well. It'd be nice, too, to see Steve Johnson get some reps (and with Reed hurt, that opportunity might come this week), and Jackson will remain a large part of the passing offense as well.

Given how defenses are playing Buffalo at the moment - taking away the deep ball and putting lots of double coverage on Owens and Evans - and given the way Edwards prefers to operate as a quarterback, however, it's imperative that the Bills maintain as many quality Tier 2 (read: not Owens, Evans or Jackson) receiving threats as possible. The slot receivers and running backs will get their looks, but the efficiency of the passing game dwindles a bit if there is no production from the tight ends. Fine can play, but again, he's highly unproven. Forget about Jonathan Stupar. Buffalo's most talented tight end is Nelson, and if he can capably fill the safety valve role Schouman vacates, Buffalo's offense should continue to click, no matter what defenses throw against us.

Bills will need to air it out in New England

Brian Galliford — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:00:34 -0000

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Hey! Did you hear that the Buffalo Bills are playing the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football? That happens in a hair over two days' time, folks. Whether the Bills or their fans are prepared or not, the 2009 NFL regular season is about to begin - perhaps in brutal fashion in Western New York.

Knowing how these Bills/Patriots have unfolded in the past - i.e. the Bills have been playing from behind far more frequently than not - it's not exactly a stretch to say that the Bills will be throwing the ball a lot in this particular matchup, either. Add in other factors, such as personnel and injuries, and the likelihood skyrockets. Trent Edwards' right arm should be sore Tuesday morning, even if he avoids hits - and, perhaps unfortunately, putting the ball in the air is by far the Bills' best chance to pull off a huge upset.

The isolation of Fred Jackson
Much has been made about the fact that in his last game against New England, RB Fred Jackson - starting in place of suspended starter Marshawn Lynch - rushed for 136 yards on 27 carries. Somehow, I sincerely doubt that Bill Belichick and the few Patriot defenders that remain with the team from last year have forgotten that impressive performance. Jackson will be the first player that Belichick will try to erase from this game.

Considering Buffalo's depth and skill at receiver, Belichick will almost certainly concentrate resources early on eliminating Jackson and the running game from the equation, putting all of the pressure on Edwards to win the game. One-dimensional offenses are dreams come true for opponents. Given the fact that the Bills' two backup runners, Xavier Omon and Corey McIntyre, have a combined six career NFL carries, Belichick doesn't need to worry about seeing waves of fresh runners. Jackson will get all of the work, and Belichick knows it.

That doesn't, however, mean that Jackson will be ineffective - just keyed on. He'll still have opportunities to make plays if the run is stopped - but, obviously, he'll need to do it through the air.

The hamstring of Derek Fine
Many won't factor this into their thinking, but the likely DNP for TE Derek Fine is significant in this game. The Bills only employ two tight ends aside from Fine - Derek Schouman and Shawn Nelson. Nelson, a rookie out of Southern Miss, is expected to see the bulk of his playing time in red zone situations and from the slot, where his biggest assets (size, speed, hands) are put to best use, and where his biggest weaknesses (in-line blocking) are a non-factor.

Without Fine, and with Nelson's inexperience blocking factored in, the number of two tight end sets the Bills can run in New England dwindles significantly. Buffalo, in years past, has used two tight ends in most of their run fronts. Without that extra in-line blocker - and without McIntyre's natural fullback position being a significant part of the offense - Buffalo will be running from one-back, three-wide sets frequently, which is difficult to do. Once again, this increases the chances of throwing on a play-by-play basis.

Getting your best players on the field
Given the lack of depth at running back and tight end, easily the deepest and most gifted skill position for the Bills is, obviously, wideout. Much will be made of Lee Evans and Terrell Owens heading into this game. A key decision to make, however, is which secondary personnel to put on the field to keep defenses honest in covering Evans and Owens (and, to an extend, keeping an eye on Jackson as well).

Nelson will see work. Omon will see some carries as well, just to keep Jackson as fresh as possible. But their snaps will be severely limited, as they should be, because players like Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish and Steve Johnson are, quite simply, better football players. Buffalo doesn't have a chance at winning this game if they don't get the ball into the hands of their best players. In this particular instance, players like Reed, Parrish, Johnson and even Nelson will need to make chain-moving plays to sustain drives. They won't be doing so unless the ball is thrown. Jackson, too, has that capability, but if he can't do it on the ground, he'll need to do it through the air.

You see where we're going with this. Everything, seemingly, dictates that the ball will be thrown early and often - and that's without mentioning the fact that the Patriots, with their potent offense, have a strong chance at grabbing an early lead. The no-huddle offense may be Buffalo's one saving grace, no matter what Ron Jaworski believes.

The no-huddle factor
Evaluating all of the above, it's easy to see why Dick Jauron has been interested in the no-huddle. Everything above are things that the Bills, in reality, cannot control. Their personnel hand has been forced. The no-huddle offense puts some of that control back into their hands.

It's risky. The no-huddle would need to function nearly perfectly, and it would need to do so in a quick, yet time-occupying manner. Ideally, the Bills will keep the ball out of New England's hands as long as possible; in order to do that, they need to sustain drives. The quick pace is the only way they can force New England into anything, particularly exhaustion, and more importantly, it might be their only chance at keeping the offense balanced. We all know what will happen if the plan backfires - the exact opposite of what the Bills would like to do.

I mentioned earlier this week that Edwards, entering his make-or-break season, is necessarily under a ton of pressure simply because of the position he plays. That pressure amplifies any time you play a tough opponent on a national stage, and it will only grow further if the Bills are forced to throw early and often. We'll see if the no-huddle attack can abate some of that pressure.