SB Nation - Aaron Maybin

Bills 16, Chiefs 10: Week 14 Film Session

Brian Galliford — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:44:53 -0000

The Buffalo Bills improved to 2-2 under interim head coach Perry Fewell and 5-8 on the season in defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 16-10, in Week 14. The win featured the Bills' best rushing effort of the season (200 yards on the ground) and another four turnovers forced by the defense, all on interceptions.

As usual, we've got some quick thoughts and observations after reviewing the film from the win.

Aaron Maybin needs more playing time. Unfortunately, he's not going to get it. The Chiefs officially ran 69 offensive plays on the day, but Maybin was only lined up defensively on 12 of those plays.

There were two issues to getting Maybin onto the field more in this particular game. First and foremost, the Chiefs put a wrinkle into their offensive game plan in which they went no-huddle on nearly every third down opportunity they had. That decision likely took 3-6 snaps away from Maybin. The second issue appears to be that Fewell isn't comfortable allowing Maybin to do anything other than play right end, where Aaron Schobel takes the lion's share of reps.

People are still up in arms about Maybin's lack of production this season, but they should be more worried about the fact that the coaches aren't comfortable enough with him to give him reps at left end. (In fairness, Ryan Denney isn't seeing a lot of reps these days, either, as both Schobel and Chris Kelsay are having very solid seasons.) My opinion on Maybin hasn't changed - it's still way too early to write him off. His potential remains elite, and nothing he's done (or hasn't done) this season leads me to believe he won't reach said potential. But I'd feel more comfortable in that proclamation if Maybin got more snaps the rest of the way.

Paul Posluszny needs to move outside. He also needs to come off the field on obvious passing downs. Clearly, that's not going to happen on the season - Poz is the only NFL-caliber linebacker on the roster, after all - but it's something to bear in mind going forward. Posluszny is another defender who takes either way too much abuse or way too much praise, which is indicative of what he ideally brings to a football team - he's not an every-down defender or the cornerstone player for a defense, but he's not exactly a guy you just kick to the curb, either, because he can play.

I'm going to get a bit more into this once the season has closed and things (i.e. the coaching search and front office re-organization) have settled, but I firmly believe that the Bills are one major piece away from fielding a pretty excellent defense. That piece is a middle linebacker. No offense to Posluszny, who I think definitely has and deserves a place on this team, but he doesn't possess the block-shedding ability to be elite at his current position. Moving Posluszny outside, getting a healthy Kawika Mitchell back and inserting a talented middle linebacker that can shed blocks would do wonders for this defense. (Yes, I'm aware that a little depth at all positions wouldn't hurt, either. I said "major" piece.)

Expect more big runs allowed. That's not exactly rocket science, I realize, but there's actually a good reason that the Bills will likely give up more big runs this season beyond the "they stink at stopping the run" obviousness. Fewell spent a lot of time plunging 7 or 8 guys into the line of scrimmage at the snap in an effort to shut down underrated Chiefs back Jamaal Charles. On 19 of Charles' carries, that method worked, and Charles gained only 67 yards (3.5 yards per carry) on those runs. That's not exactly superb run defense, but it's better than awful.

But on just one play, Fewell got caught in a blitz, and Charles took the run 76 yards to the house. Donte Whitner had Charles dead to rights in the secondary, but Charles caught him flat-footed - and when Jamaal Charles catches you flat-footed, you're flat-out screwed. Charles ran by Whitner as if the Chiefs had installed a No. 20 statue in the middle of their Arrowhead Stadium field. Those big runs will continue to be a problem because the Bills, for obvious reasons, will need to keep plunging guys into the line to try to contain the run as best as possible.

Pound the rock. We talked about this at length yesterday, but I just thought I'd put in this friendly reminder.

Fitzpatrick's pocket poise is deteriorating. It's not difficult to fathom why, but obviously, that's bad news. Fitzpatrick became the starting quarterback full-time when Fewell was promoted to his current role, and the Harvard product got the nod because of his superior pocket presence and field vision when compared to backup quarterback Trent Edwards.

For a time - and by "for a time," I mean back-to-back performances against Jacksonville and Miami in which Fitzpatrick threw for 543 yards and put the ball in the end zone, via arm or legs, three times - Fitzpatrick played well. But in consecutive weeks, Fitzpatrick has looked much more wary in the pocket, and has not done as stellar a job at buying time and finding receivers as he did in previous weeks. (To his credit, he did exhibit excellent patience and pocket awareness on his first-quarter touchdown strike to Terrell Owens.)

Buffalo actually has a chance to pick up another win or two before the season ends. It won't happen unless Fitzpatrick plays with the swagger he exhibited in the win over Miami, and only that will give the coaching staff the confidence to re-open the playbook a little bit.

On Nic Harris. Many have asked me via e-mail about rookie linebacker Nic Harris, who made the start at strong-side linebacker in place of veteran Chris Draft. My answer: Harris looks like a fringe NFL player. He's instinctive, active and can run, but he's only physically able to play linebacker in this specific system, and he doesn't have the athletic prowess to play safety in any defensive scheme. I thought he was OK against the Chiefs, but that's not exactly difficult to do. Don't marry yourself to the idea of this guy turning into much more than a Keith Ellison-type reserve, particularly since a regime change might mean a scheme change, which would dramatically decrease Harris' chances of making the team next season.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/15

MattRichWarren — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:47:31 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

3 days ago: Buffalo Bills defensive back Jairus Byrd (31) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Lance Long in the the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. Long was call for pass interference on the play. The Bills 16-10. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Browse more photos »

Buffalo Bills’ All-Decay Team : Buffalo Sports Daily
"Every franchise has its busts, but few can put together a complete lineup of failures who came with so much promise. These aren’t just any scrubs; they’re guys who, based on what was invested in them, were counted on to make the team respectable at least. " Can't say I agree with Willis McGahee on here.

S Byrd leads NFL and interception-happy Bills - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
John Wawrow of the AP analyzes the Bills' interception totals from the year. [Ed. Note: Check out the caption on the photo above and catch the mistake.]

Evans again forgotten on Bills' offense : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
"You have to feel a twinge of sympathy for poor Lee Evans. Good guy. Good teammate. Good in the community. Good hands. Great speed. But in his sixth NFL season, the Bills' wide receiver is struggling through the most discouraging season of his career."

Bills replay: Running backs finally run wild : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
In his game tape review, Allen Wilson focuses in on the Bills run blocking and running backs.

Buffalo Bills Replay | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
"We're trying to say some nice things about the Bills because this might be our last chance. This is probably the last game they're going to win this season." Thanks Sal!

Perfect ending for Colts, Saints would be Super Bowl | Democrat and Chronicle
Buffalo was holding opponents to a 62.5 passer rating before Kansas City's Matt Cassel registered a 35.4 rating in a 16-10 home loss to the Bills. The Bills entered Sunday with a 25th-ranked 70.0 passer rating themselves, and Ryan Fitzpatrick had a 65.8 rating in victory Sunday.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
The Bills are currently leading the league in INTs with 25. The last time Buffalo had that many takeaways through the air was in 1975.

Moorman has shot at elusive number – Inside The Bills
"After Sunday’s masterful performance in which he finished with a net average of 53, Moorman’s net average for the season is now 41.4, good for third in the league."

Monday Morning Quarterback - Peter King - SI.com
King named Brian Moorman his special teams player of the week for punting four times for a 53-yard average and not surrendering a return yard. He forgot to mention the other stuff like getting a bad snap up for Rian Lindell and calling a timeout instead of taking a delay of game penalty.

Run game revs up - BuffaloBills.com
"My hat goes off to Jonathan Stupar because he played every play on offense," said Fred Jackson. "He was on the field (throwing up) at one point. He was a guy that wanted to perform for us and help us get a victory. Jamon coming in as another tight end to help us [when Shawn Nelson went down]. It was about guys just wanting to get a victory."

Scott growing into role at linebacker : The Buffalo News
"He's a big safety and a small linebacker," Fewell said. "Bryan is really stepping up to the plate for us because we need guys to step up to the plate. It's not the role that he envisioned himself to be in at the beginning of the season but it shows how unselfish he is and how unselfish this team is."

What Else Can We Expect? | Democrat and Chronicle | Three-Point Stance
Sal Maiorana lauds defensive ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay for playing well and explains why he dislikes Aaron Maybin so much. He also calls for Brian Brohm because Ryan Fitzpatrick "couldn’t start for about 20 Division I college teams."

No passing mark yet for Fitzpatrick | Olean Times Herald
"One question was emphatically answered on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium: neither Trent Edwards nor Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Bills’ quarterback come training camp next July."

Taking out the Trash: Bill of goods - George Winkler - Fantasy Source Blitz - Sporting News
"Perry Fewell says he's sticking with Fitzpatrick, but it doesn't take an Ivy League education for fantasy owners to know the Harvard grad should be punted."

Bills Announce Tickets Available For Last Two Games | WKBW News
The Bills have announced that approximately 2,000 tickets are available for Sunday’s game vs. the New England Patriots and over 5,000 tickets remain for the January 3rd game vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

Countdown Daily Insight Center: NE-BUF - ESPN Video - ESPN
Football Scientist KC Joyner takes you into the IBM Insight Center to tell you the keys to victory.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Jake Locker Could Have Been #1
"Sam Bradford is a mid-first round talent. I project Colt McCoy as a late first to early second round pick, with the likes of Tim Tebow, Dan LeFevour, Tony Pike and Sean Canfield in a glut just beyond him. Watch out for Arkansas's Ryan Mallet, however. He's a very raw talent and underclassmen, but has the skills to sneak in to the first round if he elects to leave early."

It's my mom's birthday today so happy birthday mom!

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/13

MattRichWarren — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:58:15 -0000

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 14
Chris Brown's comprehensive list of matchups and advantages to watch today.

Gameday Prep: Bills at Chiefs | The Goose's Roost
Ryan from TGR gives one of the best game previews out there.

Special Special Teams … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs | Chiefs Football at BobGretz.com
"There are certain coaches in the NFL that make for sleepless nights for other coaches. Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/special teams Bobby April is one of those coaches."

Game previews
1st qtr could determine a lot – Inside The Bills
The Bills, who have struggled to score points all season actually start games pretty well. They’ve outscored their opponents 57-30 in the first quarter this season. The Chiefs on the other hand struggle mightily in the first quarter. They’ve been outscored 76-19.

Something has got to give – Inside The Bills
"Kansas City’s pass defense has been torched for big plays all season. They’ve given up a league high 15 pass plays of 40 yards or more. With deep threats like Lee Evans and Terrell Owens on the field I’d like to think the Bills can add to that total."

Bills hope to reverse trend – Inside The Bills
"Since 2005, the Bills are combined 5-11 in the last quarter of the season. The good news is Buffalo is unbeaten in their last four games against AFC West opponents."

Parting of the Red Sea: Arrowhead will be friendlier to Bills : The Buffalo News
"Arrowhead Stadium and its fervent fans used to give Kansas City a major home-field advantage. Not any more. With the Chiefs stumbling and attendance slipping, the confines look a lot friendlier for the Bills."

Bills-Chiefs scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Rodney McKissic breaks down today's matchup.

Bills-Chiefs Game Preview - BuffaloBills.com
The Associated Press game preview for today's game.

Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs look to salvage pride | Democrat and Chronicle
"Right now it's just about playing for each other and trying to get some momentum to end this season on a good note," said Lee Evans, the disappointment undeniable in his voice. "I think that's how you've got to approach it and you just stay professional and work every day."

Experts Split on Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills Game - Arrowhead Pride
"The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead Stadium. Unlike previous weeks, the experts are actually split on this one."

NFL Preview - Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9)
The Sports Network preview of today's game.

NFL Game Center: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs - 2009 Week 14
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs NFL Game Center from NFL.com

Buffalo Bills Game Day (Two Bills Drive)
The Bills blog Two Bills Drive gives their game preview.

Chiefs-Bills scouting report - KansasCity.com
The Kansas City Star and their game preview breaking down team vs. team in several key areas.

Week 14 NFL game previews - USATODAY.com
"Buffalo is surrendering 172.1 rushing yards per game and its undersized front seven is an appealing target for Jamaal Charles. Only four teams in NFL history have finished a season allowing more than 170 rushing yards per game."

Other Bills News
Calls and Effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Jairus Byrd leads the division with 3 penalties of 15 yards - two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and one offsetting unnecessary roughness. Two other Bills, cornerback Reggie Corner and linebacker Kawika Mitchell, have been zapped for two 15-yarders. On another note, the Patriots passed the Bills as the most-penalized team in the AFC East by yardage last week.

Bills need tackles, LBs in next draft : Larry Felser : The Buffalo News
"In its last eight drafts, Buffalo selected just one tackle above the fifth round. That was Mike Williams, one of the foremost flops in the team’s history. They must acquire at least two tackles able to protect a quarterback while he tries to locate an open receiver. The next priority is the drafting of linebackers."

Jerry Sullivan: Drafting high would serve Bills well : The Buffalo News
The only time the Bills have picked higher than 8th in the last 25 years they selected Mike Williams. "OK, so they had one top-seven pick in a quarter-century and blew it. Does that mean you run scared from picking high for the rest of eternity? If picking in the middle is so great, how come the Bills have been a joke for so long? "

Owens adopts 81 families - BuffaloBills.com
"Owens’ Catch A Dream Foundation, held its third Annual ‘December to Remember’ event at One Bills Drive for underprivileged families and children. The 81 Western New York families were nominated online at TerrellOwens.com and Owens chose the families he felt were most in need."

Bills Tweets
Nic Harris
Off to KC, possible 2nd start of the season....wish me luck!! Time to Ball out....

Aaron Maybin
GAMEDAY...Time to go to work!!!!!

Vote: Most disappointing 2009 Buffalo Bill

Brian Galliford — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:30:14 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Browse more photos »

The 4-8 Buffalo Bills still have a full quarter of their season to get through, but they're also on the verge of missing the playoffs for a tenth consecutive season. While we could spend our time in this space talking about the intricacies of four mostly-uninteresting football games, it's much more fun - and constructive, in my humble opinion - to start wrapping this season up and moving on. Again.

The premise here is simple. As a community, we're voting on the one Buffalo Bill that has most disappointed us this season. I know, the season isn't over, so there are new and unique ways that these players can twist the knife over the next month. We're doing it anyway. I've got five nominees; if you have a differe

Trent Edwards. Buffalo built its entire attack around Edwards being "the guy" at the game's most important position. The no-huddle was installed to play to Edwards' intellect, the offensive line was re-tooled, and an explosive playmaker at receiver was brought in. Then everything crumbled - the line, the offensive coordinator, and most importantly of all, Edwards' confidence. He's now the backup quarterback, and his career looks all but over in Buffalo.

Marshawn Lynch. Coming off of a Pro Bowl season, Lynch missed the first three games of the season on a league-mandated suspension. Since his return to the lineup, Lynch hasn't rushed for more than 69 yards in a game, and once Dick Jauron was replaced by Perry Fewell as head coach, Lynch lost his starting job to two-year understudy Fred Jackson. He's still an extremely talented back, but his touches are down, mostly because he hasn't been productive.

Terrell Owens. At least to me, it's been profoundly intriguing to watch Owens play in person and on my favorite team. I love the guy. But he was brought here to "fix" the offense, and while that was always an unrealistic expectation - particularly given the status of the offensive line - Owens' numbers have at least been slightly disappointing. Through 12 games, he's had one 100-yard receiving effort. He's nowhere near the offense's biggest problem, but even if it's unrealistic, I don't think there's a fan out there who isn't secretly craving more big plays before T.O. leaves Buffalo forever.

Demetrius Bell. We heard about his athleticism as a rookie, and after a solid training camp, the Bills cut Langston Walker and installed Bell at left tackle, protecting Edwards' blind side. He struggled with consistency early, and of late, he's struggled with shoulder and knee injuries. He might not play again this season, and he certainly hasn't proven he's capable of handling the left tackle spot next season.

Aaron Maybin. Right idea, wrong player? Quite possibly. Buffalo needed an instant-impact player with their top draft pick this past April, and while I'll still maintain for the time being that Maybin's potential is elite, it was clear from the moment he declared himself eligible for the 2009 NFL Draft that he'd be a project-type player. A 21-year-old kid at the most difficult defensive position to break in at? People are surprised that he has yet to record an NFL sack?

Poll

Cast your vote for Most Disappointing Buffalo Bill.

Jets Flight Connections 121109

dvdvil — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:42:53 -0000

Rich Cimini writes that FS Kerry Rhodes "admitted that he yelled at Thurman" yesterday.

Kerry says it was not an altercation.

HC Rex Ryan won't commit to who will start at free safety on Sunday.

Rhodes thinks it will be him.

DC Mike Pettine says it all depends on Tampa's offense.

LB Larry to the Izzo goes to the IR. (I like saying "Larry to the Izzo.")

CB Darrelle Revis is constantly in touch with Sean Gilbert, Deion Sanders, Broncos CB Ty Law and DB Coach Dennis Thurman, who keep reminding him that he can still get better. Scary, ain't it?

It's amazing to think that Darrelle is fourth in the ProBowl votes so far this year. Fourth. Revis Island is fourth. He trails Champ Bailey, Nnamdi Asomugha and Antonio Cromartie. Oh, and that's only in the AFC. Take the whole league, and he goes lower than that.

As for RBs, Thomas Jones is not even in the top three. You can also vote for him as the FedEx Ground Player of the Week. You only have a few hours left, so hurry up and do it. *UPDATE: The poll is now closed.*

More connections after the jump.

Filip Bondy says that sitting QB Mark Sanchez is a good thing.

The Sanchize is just too damn competitive for his own good.

OC Brian Schottenheimer says that because they were leading against Buffalo, they were being conservative with QB Kellen Clemens.

He's been a patient back-up, and a Jets win would be good for Clemens.

Kellen will be ready.

RG Brandon Moore knows the game plan is to run, and OL Coach Bill Callahan shows some love for the underrated lineman.

The Buccaneers will have to deal with the Jets' strong rushing offense.

The Buccaneers will have to deal with the Jets' complicated defense.

Former Jet SS Victor Green now works for the Bucs.

Former Buc Warrick Dunn gives back to Tampa Bay.

Former Jets HC Eric Mangini keeps doing good for New York. The world champs have been taken down a peg. A whole peg.

Patriots LB Adalius Thomas is not so happy with his head coach.

We did make Dolphins QB Chad Henne look like Dan Marino, didn't we?

Who the heck is Aaron Maybin?

We shouldn't look ahead yet, I know, but is there a chance we won't be playing against Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux?

And lastly, the Jets playoff push is codenamed "Mission: Impossible":

and the home of the... JETS!!!

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!!

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/9

MattRichWarren — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:27:05 -0000

Simmons still playing catch-up with Bills : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Rodney McKissic profiles the season of guard Kendall Simmons, the newest member of Buffalo's injury-depleted offensive line.

Bills still want to finish strong - BuffaloBills.com
"Coming off the field after practice early this week, the players made it clear that finishing strong is top priority with four games to play."

2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot | Pro-Football-Reference.com
PFR has put together a 2010 Hall of Fame Ballot with stats. Go check out and compare.

Chiefs enter the blackout derby | ProFootballTalk.com
"The Chiefs have announced that 3,500 tickets need to be sold before Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Chiefs have not suffered a local blackout since December 16, 1990, giving the franchise a 155-game streak of sellouts."

Chiefs Blackout Alert: 3,500 Tickets Remaining for Bills - Arrowhead Pride
Arrowhead Pride is doing their best to get the game sold out.

Terrell Owens wants to play 2-3 more years | ProFootballTalk.com
Terrell Owens told Jay Glazer he wants to play for two or three more years.

Buffalo Bills' problem is "our own stupidity" | ProFootballTalk.com
"Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams says he and his teammates are good enough that they could be right in the thick of the AFC East race. Williams says he's figured out what the problem is: He and his teammates are stoopid."

Bills players support KED | BuffaloBills.com
Buffalo Bills players Aaron Maybin, Fred Jackson, Chris Kelsay, and Bryan Scott sent a strong anti-drug message to kids in their support of the Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) Campaign Monday night at an autograph session at McKinley Mall.

Spielman enters Hall weeks after wife's death : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Former Buffalo Bills Chris Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame a few weeks after his wife, Chris, Succumbed to a long battle with cancer.

Buffalo Bills the Early Favorites Over the Kansas City Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
The Bills are favored by a mere point in Arrowhead.

AFC East Roundup - The Sports Network
"The Bills won a wild 54-31 win affair at Kansas City last Nov. 23rd. The team has averaged 15.4 points in their 17 subsequent contests."

How I See It: AFC East Stock Watch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's stock is falling in Tim Graham's (and everyone else's) eyes after his 34.3 passer rating Thursday night.

Week 14 power rankings: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills fall to 26 and as a result, the Raiders moved past Buffalo. Goes to show you how much a QB means.

Video: Bills hung 54 on Chiefs last year - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"ESPN's KC Joyner previews Sunday's matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Joyner believes the key for Kansas City will be forgetting last year's 54-31 loss."

Patriots scored in decade with trades for Randy Moss, Wes Welker - 2000s: The Decade in Sports - SI.com
Nate Clements signing with the San Francisco 49ers is the second-worst free agent signing of the decade mainly because of the contract. Mike Williams is the third-biggest draft bust.

Tom Brady, Patriots are tops in NFL decade; Lions at bottom - 2000s: The Decade in Sports - SI.com
Terrell Owens was named the Villain of the Decade.

Titans 22, Bills 16 - AFC wild card; Jan. 8, 2000 - 2000s: Top 10 NFL Games - Photos - SI.com
Music City Mirage is number 7 on the list of top ten games of the decade.

2010 NFL Draft
Evaluating Notre Dame’s early entries | National Football Post
NFP looks at Jimmy Clausen.

Jake Locker seeking NFL info; Ryan Mallett dodges draft question - Mocking The Draft
Top quarterbacks have yet to make a decision on their NFL futures.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/7

MattRichWarren — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:25:12 -0000

Ed note: with news coming yesterday of the NFL's plans to change the way it shares revenue and the utter lack of Bills news, I decided to give a refresher on some changes that will take place without the salary cap as it's set up in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Looking ahead to a potential uncapped NFL year - Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Rumblings, with a bit of help from SI's Peter King, takes a look at the potential ramifications of an uncapped NFL season in 2010.

INSIDE THE CAP with J.I. Halsell: What Free Agency Will Look Like in an Uncapped Year: The Final Eight Plan
Great write up from Inside the Cap about how free agency is going to change in the uncapped year.

Week 11 MMQB - Peter King - SI.com
"The uncapped year is definitely going to happen. We're already running short on time. I could be wrong ... But I think at this point in the life of the NFL, the uncapped year is something the owners are willing to take a look at. If that ends up happening, it could really change the landscape of the NFL.'' -- New York Giants center and player rep Shaun O'Hara, to me and Bob Papa on Sirius/XM NFL Radio Friday morning.

MMQB June 8 - Peter King - SI.com
Changes with the CBA would affect retired players on disability, too. Read more here.

Players Are Starting To Figure Out That Uncapped Year Is A Mirage | ProFootballTalk.com
Minimum individual salaries would still be applied from this season but teams wouldn't have a salary floor.

Uncapped year may mean less money for free agents - Mike Florio - NFL - Sporting News
Mike Florio discusses the ramifications on most free agents in the uncapped year.

Other News
Jaguars Makes Roster Moves - Press release on jaguars.com
Former Bills draft pick DB Kennard Cox was signed by the Jaguars to their active roster.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Draft Spotlight - Jimmy Clausen
Joe Buscaglia runs down Clausen's list of awards and history in preparation of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Bills Tweets
Aaron Maybin
finally back in Buffalo....its 30 degrees...smh

Nic Harris
Back to work, productive day ahead!

Peter King on Twitter:
Teams will still share about $6 billion in rev. it's a shot across the bow to players, who will seek to get NFL's intentions overturned. [The report cited only 100M would not be shared but rest of 6B is safe for now.]

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/3

MattRichWarren — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:43 -0000

BillBoard: Toronto not excited about Bills
"While the Bills will have a lot of fans in Rogers Centre Thursday night, there will be a large segment of spectators cheering for the Jets and those with no rooting interest at all. Meanwhile, the local papers are filled with stories about how poorly Bills games are being received by the public. "

Bills Gameday vs. Jets | Democrat and Chronicle
Beat writer Sal Maiorana breaks down tonight’s game between the Bills and Jets in Toronto.

Rogers hitches itself to the wrong team - The Globe and Mail
"In buying into a dysfunctional football organization like the Bills, the organization bringing the NFL to Canada was always fighting a losing battle."

Jauron a vanishing act in team photo(shop) - ESPN.com
"Before Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the Bills gave away team photos as fans passed through the turnstiles at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Former head coach Dick Jauron, fired two weeks ago, was removed from the team photo as though he never existed."

Game Previews
Bills try to bring the noise in Toronto : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
"The Bills did not have a home-field edge when they played Miami in Toronto last year. The crowd was split about 50-50 in terms of cheering for each team. In fact, it would be more accurate to say it was 30-30, with about 40 percent of the crowd not particularly rooting for either side."

Bills-Jets scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Breaking down tonight's matchup with Allen Wilson.

Short turnaround puts stamina to the test : The Buffalo News
"This will be the teams' third game in 12 days, a grueling stretch that forced both teams to scale back their practices this week."

T.O. telling Toronto to show – Inside The Bills
"Here I am," Terrell Owens said. "It feels good. Looking forward to the game tomorrow and all of the Canadians out here in Toronto – you all come out and support the game tomorrow, it’s going to be a good one."

"We’re here!" Bills arrive in Toronto for game | BuffaloBills.com
Perry Fewell discusses the trip north and the atmosphere that the BIlls feel and want from the fans.

Do Or Die For Bills & Jets In Toronto : Buffalo Sports Daily
Pat Moran previews tonight's game against the Jets.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - T.O. and the Bills in TO
"The Bills fielded questions from the media at the Rogers Center in Toronto about Thursday's game against the Jets. Here are Wednesday’s transcripts:"

Toronto may not give Buffalo Bills home-field advantage vs New York Jets | Democrat and Chronicle
"Tonight, the Bills "host" the New York Jets in the second of five regular-season games Buffalo will play in Toronto as part of an agreement that deposited $78 million into the team's bank account and is supposed to expand the market base, thus providing future financial stability for the franchise."

Rochester Time Warner viewers won't see Buffalo Bills game against New York Jets | Democrat and Chronicle
"If you're a Time Warner Cable subscriber, you can watch the Buffalo Bills play the New York Jets tonight from the comfort of your home — IF you live in Buffalo, but not if you live in the Rochester area."

T.O. eager to play in T.O. when Bills host Jets | Bleacher Report
Terrell Owens is going to invite Darrelle Revis to his birthday party this weekend - after he scores on him. In the words of John Wawrow here, "Snap!"

Video: Jets will run over Bills in rematch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
With better ball control by Jets rookie Mark Sanchez , who threw five interceptions, ESPN analyst KC Joyner sees the Jets taking the rematch.

NFL Preview - N.Y. Jets (5-6) at Buffalo (4 -7)
The Sports Network previews tonight's game.

NFL Game Center: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills - 2009 Week 13
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills NFL Game Center

NFL Videos: Top 5 Jets-Bills moments
Scott Hanson counts down the top 5 Jets-Bills moments before they square off Thursday night.

NY Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez eager for another shot at Buffalo Bills | New York Jets - NJ.com
"Before Mark Sanchez can completely move forward and bring an entire organization with him, he must exorcise his personal demons from the Jets’ first meeting with the Buffalo Bills."

Bills Daily Gameday Preview
The Bills blog previews the match.

View From the Great White North
Woolsey: Hopeful Bills look to future - thestar.com
Trent Edwards' picture hangs outside the Rogers Centre next to a mural of B.J. Ryan. Both are signs that their teams are moving on.

Bills' Mace excited to play in Toronto | Football | Sports | Toronto Sun
Corey Mace is Canadian and his CFL rights belong to the Argonauts but he hopes he only plays one game a year in Toronto.

Fewell turns Bills’ offence around - The Globe and Mail
"There’s no doubting the Bills (4-7), whose season will continue tonight in Toronto at Rogers Centre with a so-called home game against the New York Jets (5-6), have been quick to embrace the go-for-broke approach of the new coach."

Owens thinks Toronto could support NFL team - sportsnet.ca
The national sports outler gives its preview of the game including T.O., Canadian players Corey Mace and the Jets' Jamaal Westerman, and the viability and success of the Toronto series.

The Sports Network - National Football League
The ESPN of Canada gives their preview for the game.

It's fourth down, what next? | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Steve Simmons lauds Ralph Wilson for not moving the Bills put chides him for not having a succession plan in place.

More Bills News
Kelly's Call: Fitz, Fewell and the future | BuffaloBills.com
"[Ryan Fitzpatrick] took the approach of letting it all hang out. As he saw it, there was little to lose and a lot to gain. From what I saw he took advantage of the situation and he didn’t wait."

Centre stage an unlikely spot for Hangartner : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan profiles Buffalo's other free agent signing, center Geoff Hangartner.

Video: AFC East Huddle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN.com's John Clayton takes a look at the state of the AFC East heading into Week 13.

No drops for T.O. with new QB, coach - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Owens hasn't dropped a pass since Fewell and Fitzpatrick took over. He's also been singing Ryan Fitzpatrick's praises.

Fewell creating buzz in Buffalo - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Fewell was ringing up a 79 percent as of Wednesday morning.

Buffalo-Area Businesses Pay the Price for Bills’ Trip - NYTimes.com
Local businesses and families are severely impacted by the Bills moving one game to Canada and the loss of revenue on game day.

POLLOCK: Fewell getting a crash course as head coach | Olean Times Herald
"You come in a lot earlier and you have to watch both sides of the ball," said Fewell about the change. "Different things that come up through the day: personnel situations, practice squad situations, communication with different members of the staff, be it the training staff, the GM, personnel staff ... and that’s time consuming."

Stat Sheet Remains Mostly Empty For Evans : Buffalo Sports Daily
"While Terrell Owens has been the desire of new starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s affection, Lee Evans shopping cart for footballs has been mostly empty."

Pocket Presence: Time For a Change -- NFL FanHouse
"Buffalo's probably out of it at 4-7, but if Fitzpatrick continues to play well, they'll at least have something to build on for next season." Really?

Biggs: Vikings check out a quarterback | National Football Post
The Minnesota Vikings put veteran quarterback Gibran Hamdan through a tryout today, according to a league source. They were also working out WRs and with a solid QB position there, it makes you wonder if he wasn't just an arm.

Pro-football-reference.com blog " NFL ratings through 12 weeks
Buffalo ranks 23rd in the NFL according to PFR.

Team in Transition
All this Bills fan wants for Christmas is ... Ron Wolf! | Nick Bakay | NFL.com
"Memo to Ralph Wilson: Even if your Buffalo Bills win by seven touchdowns Thursday night on NFL Network, don't let that fool you. This team is in dire need of a major facelift."

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Trestman loves Canada
"[Marc] Trestman is happy in Quebec, and says he will not head to the NFL." Sorry CBF.

Comments on Fewell – Inside The Bills
Steve Mariucci and Mike Martz both offered their take on how Fewell has to approach things from here on out.

Bills Tweets
Kawika Mitchell
Goin back 2 Buffalo. Everything is on point w/ my leg. Doc sounds +. Time 2 build strength! May the fun begin

Aaron Maybin (from yesterday)
Focused on tomorrow....I AM the Master of My Fate. I AM the Captain of My Soul!

Sal Maiorana
I follow Aaron Maybin on Twitter. His latest tweet: "I am the Master of My Fate. I Am the Captain of My Soul!" I just wish he'd make a tackle

Poll

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177 votes

338 votes | Poll has closed

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.