SB Nation User Blog: MattRichWarren

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/12

MattRichWarren — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:38 -0000

Scott to start at LB? – Inside The Bills
Scott got some first team reps at linebacker Wednesday. Nic Harris seems to be the alternative to Scott.

Sullivan: As T.O. fades, Bills should look at Hardy : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan suggests that James Hardy should get some of T.O.'s reps at wideout.

Midseason Report: Bills - AFC East - ESPN
Tim Graham breaks down the Bills at the halfway point of their year.

Bills look to James Hardy to help passing game | ProFootballTalk.com
Hardy will try to erase the memory of his disastrous rookie year after getting activated Wednesday from the physically unable to perform list.

Whitner believes he’s ready – Inside The Bills
"Felt pretty good," said Donte Whitner after Wednesday’s practice. "Did a little more than I did the other day. So it feels good."

Omon likely to return – Inside The Bills
Omon has appeared in just six career games (four in 2009), so he still has practice squad eligibility. It’s presumed that provided Omon clears waivers that the Bills will sign him to their eight-man practice squad.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills QB Trent Edwards will start this week against Tennessee. He has not played since suffering a concussion on Oct. 18 against the New York Jets. "Trent’s earned the right to be back in there and we’re really looking forward to seeing him play," coach Dick Jauron said.
- It looks like there's a good possibility Bills SS Bryan Scott could start in place of the injured Keith Ellison at LB this week. "We’ve been so unlucky there (with injuries) that it gives us what we think may be our best shot," coach Dick Jauron said.

Bills speak up with confidence : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Here are some reasons the Bills might be ready to play a watchable game on offense this week in Tennessee from reporter Mark Gaughan.

Owens tops Bills' injury list : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Bills receiver Terrell Owens was among several Bills not practicing fully on Wednesday. Full details here.

Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans Series at a Glance - Music City Miracles
A look at the series history between the Bills and Titans.

Video: AFC East injury update - AFC East - ESPN
ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell takes a look at injuries to Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens and other AFC East players.

Dungy: Vick to Bills 'an intriguing situation' - AFC East - ESPN
"That was just my personal opinion," Dungy said. "I didn't have anything to base that on, no conversations with anyone else. They haven't gotten consistent quarterback play in the last three or four years. That's probably been their Achilles' heel. I think it could be an intriguing situation."

Video: Midseason AFC East Report Card - AFC East - ESPN
ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton gives you his midseason grades for each team in the AFC East.

Should the Bills reinstall Trent Edwards at QB? - AFC East - ESPN
ESPN Stats & Information data digger Matt Lyon passed along some interesting stats that illustrate the differences between Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Fun with AccuScore: Playoff field and draft order - AFC East - ESPN
The Buffalo Bills are given a 1.1 percent chance at the playoffs and 0.3 percent at the division. They are currently projected to draft ninth.

POLLOCK: Do you really think Vick’s a fit for Bills? | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack gives his thoughts on Vick to the Bills.

tennessean.com | Nashville Tennessee Titans | The Tennessean
The Titans page of the Tennessean website. Know they enemy.

Edwards back in starting role for Buffalo Bills | Democrat and Chronicle
Trent Edwards will be back as Buffalo's starting quarterback Sunday when the Bills travel to Tennessee to take on the rejuvenated Titans.

Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans Series at a Glance - Music City Miracles
A look at the series history between the Bills and Titans.

AFC & NFC News N' Notes - Baltimore Beatdown
AFC & NFC News n' Notes comes from the NFL and has mid season projections for players and teams in both conferences. Scroll down for Bills info.

NFL Week 10 Power Rankings: Steelers Making Themselves Heard - SB Nation
The Bills drop from 24 to 25 in this week's poll of SBN bloggers as the Titans jump from 26 to 23.

Buffalo Rumblings looks at Bob Kalsu on Veteran's Day

MattRichWarren — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:28:33 -0000

Buffalo Rumblings looks at Bob Kalsu on Veteran's Day

Kalsu was a Sooner before he was a Bill. He was the only active NFL player killed in Vietnam.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/11

MattRichWarren — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:28:35 -0000

A Name on the Wall - SI Vault
Bob Kalsu had just finished a stellar rookie year in the NFL when he chose to serve in Vietnam—and became the only U.S. pro athlete to die there.

A Tribute to Bob Kalsu - Buffalo Rumblings
On Memorial Day, Buffalo Rumblings saluted a Buffalo Bill that gave his life for his country - Bob Kalsu. Here it is again on Veteran's Day as we remember all the Veterans who have fought for our country.

History Story » Football's wartime heroes » Pro Football Hall of Fame
The following is a list of former NFL players, coaches, and team personnel killed in World War II, the Vietnam War, and Afghanistan.

Bob Kalsu (1945 - 1970) - Find A Grave Memorial
Information and photos of Kalsu and his gravesite.

Current Bills news
Handing out some first-half hardware | Jason La Canfora | NFL.com
Best Newcomer in the AFC is a three-way tie between Michael Oher, Brian Cushing, and Jairus Byrd. He also calls the opening weekend hope the Bills got on MNF the "Fool's Gold Award".

Parrish mentioned in poll – Inside The Bills
Roscoe Parrish came in 5th on the SI poll of most dangerous return men.

McGee in wait and see mode – Inside The Bills
McGee said he plans to practice Wednesday, but it’s expected that he’ll be limited and hopefully feel good enough to do a little more each practice day leading up to Sunday’s game at Tennessee.

Bills' Whitner itching to return : The Buffalo News
Whitner wants to play on Sunday when the Bills visit the Tennessee Titans, but he can't say for sure he'll be able to.

Week 10 power rankings: AFC East - AFC East - ESPN
The Bills dropped two spots while on their bye week. The teams that pulled ahead of them were the Carolina Panthers (from No. 23 to 21) and Tennessee Titans (from No. 26 to 23).

Video: Going deep should be part of Bills plan - AFC East - ESPN
KC Joyner analyzes Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Joyner advises the best way for the Bills' offense to thrive will be throwing long balls from the start.

Bills Ready To Promote Hardy.. Who Gets Cut? : Buffalo Sports Daily
After missing nearly ten months of football, 2008 second round draft pick James Hardy officially returns to the Buffalo Bills this week. Pat Moran looks at who is likely to get cut to make room.

Bills Jackson thoughts on offense | WIVB.com
"In my mind, I would say we need to run the ball better," Fred Jackson says, "and protect Fitz or Trent, whoever is back there."

Rookie Focus: Bills' Byrd has natural flight path to the ball - USATODAY.com
USA TODAY takes a closer look at Jairus Byrd:

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - First half report card
Nick Mendola doles out his musings from the first half of Buffalo's season. He gives the Bills an overall "D".

History Story » The AFL “Originals”
In our weekly look at the AFL as part of the league’s 50th Anniversary Season celebration in 2009, here’s the story of a group of 19 players who competed in all ten seasons that the league existed. The Bills on the list are Harry Jacobs, Jack Kemp and Paul Maguire.

At the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of 1918, the German army surrendered following the Great War. Armistice Day was celebrated until after World War II when the day was renamed Veteran's Day to honor all veterans. Take some time to remember them today and for those of you that served or are serving, thank you.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/10

MattRichWarren — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:51:28 -0000

Safety situation – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown speculates on where guys are going to end up now that Bryan Scott and Donte Whitner are back healthy and Jairus Byrd isn't likely to go to the bench.

Vick to Bills would be a flawed plan : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
"What do Austin Collie, Johnny Knox and Keenan Burton have in common? They're all NFL wide receivers with more catches than Lee Evans or Terrell Owens."

Bills' toothless run D to face toughest task yet - AFC East - ESPN
Tim Graham looks at the numbers and it isn't good for Buffalo's run D with the Titans' Chris Johnson coming to town.

More Vick rumor and opinion
BillBoard: Vick to the Bills in 2010 draws mixed reactions
"We don't know who will be calling the personnel shots for the Bills in 2010," says News writer Allen Wilson. "There is no guarantee that a new coach and/or general manager would have any interest in Vick."

Players on Vick – Inside The Bills
Lee Evans, Trent Edwards, and Donte Whitner give their thoughts on the Mike Vick rumor.

Scott Pitoniak: Vick isn't the answer in Buffalo
The Rochester writer opines on Mike Vick and Trent Edwards' future.

Vick to Bills would be a flawed plan : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
"Sure, the Bills need help at quarterback. What they don't need is a washout who couldn't read defenses or make accurate throws before he went to jail."

Non-Vick Links

Keep an eye on the AFC wild-card race - AFC East - ESPN
The Bills are six spots and two games behind the final wild card teams (unfortunately one of them is the Texans).

Kawika Mitchell sounds off on Larry Johnson | ProFootballTalk.com
"LJ doesn't respect women so I have no thoughts about him really," Mitchell said. "People like that r nothing. At 1 point we were boys."

Whitner stumping for Byrd Pro Bowl – Inside The Bills
When asked about the rookie, who leads the league in interceptions, Donte Whitner believes the Pro Bowl is realistic for the young defensive back provided he can turn in some similar plays in the second half of the season.

Changes for offense minor – Inside The Bills
"I don’t think you’re going to see a dramatic or completely different offense," said Lee Evans. "But hopefully we’ll be able to do some things and mix it up a little bit. Get more guys involved."

Both Scotts set to go | BuffaloBills.com
Jonathan Scott and his similarly-named teammate Bryan are both expected back in the lineup after a month on the sideline.

Bills' plan changes, but QB undecided : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
The Bills are 3-0 in the first game after the bye under Jauron.

Keep an eye on the AFC wild-card race - AFC East - ESPN
The Bills are six spots and two games behind the final wild card teams (unfortunately one of them is the Texans).

POLLOCK: It was Moss, Levy and a football day | Olean Times Herald
Firmer Bills’ coach Marv Levy has joined Dennis Green, Jim Mora, Brian Billick, Mike Ditka, Romeo Crennel and the late Bill Walsh in a Coors Light commercial.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/9

MattRichWarren — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:13:49 -0000

Dungy: Buffalo is "dark horse" for Vick in 2010 | ProFootballTalk.com
"But I think a dark horse is Buffalo . . . They talked originally. There was some communication there. I think that could be a good spot," NBC analyst and Vick advisor Tony Dungy said.

Dungy: Bills would be good fit for Vick next year : The Buffalo News
The Eagles signed Vick to a $1.6 million contract for 2009, with a team option for the second year at $5.2 million.

Dungy says Vick could be headed to Buffalo - AFC East - ESPN
"That the Bills were speaking with Vick before the season suggests they weren't totally satisfied with their quarterback situation months ago -- before they fired their offensive coordinator, before the no-huddle offense fizzled, before Edwards suffered another concussion."

More on Vick
Tony Dungy, Reputable Twittermongerer | The Goose's Roost
TGR likens a potential Michael Vick signing with the Terrell Owens move this past offseason as a way to make money first and potentially get better on the field second.

Bills Should Sign Vick -- IF Dungy Comes Too | WGRZ.com
Ed Kilgore mentions that $5.2M for a QB like Vick would be risky but it would be worth it if Dungy came to coach.

Actual Bills news

Thurman Thomas Show: Film Session
Thurman Thomas breaks down how Jairus Byrd has been in the right place at the right time for all his interceptions.

Jeff Nixon: Fame is a Vapor : Buffalo Sports Daily
Former Bills DB Jeff Nixon discusses fleeting fame, team first attitude, and Jairus Byrd in hopes that all this instant fame and success doesn't go to his head.

Buffalo Bills exhibit boosts attendance : The Buffalo News
Admissions to the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society are through the roof thanks to the "Buffalo Bills 50th Season" exhibit.

Bills Should Chase Jaws - 13WHAM.com
Mike Catalana suggests the Bills should look to the MNF booth to sign Ron Jaworski up as their next GM.

Moss ties Owens on TD list | ProFootballTalk.com
Randy Moss tied Terrell Owens with 140 touchdown catches yesterday. They are in second place well behind Jerry Rice.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/8

MattRichWarren — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:58:16 -0000

The Bills Should Have No Illusions About What They Are | Ed Kilgore | WGRZ.com
"We're past debating the future of Dick Jauron as coach of the Buffalo Bills. There is no question they'll have a new head coach next season, but will Ralph C. Wilson allow COO Russ Brandon to do what REALLY needs to be done as this team heads for a tenth straight season without a playoff berth?"

Analysis: Why the Bills have failed to make the playoffs | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana gives his very thorough breakdown on what has kept the Bills so mediocre for so long.

Mount Crushmore: What went wrong? | Democrat and Chronicle
Interactive graphic with some of the faces of who is responsible for the last decade without the playoffs.

How Bills D-line improvises – Inside The Bills
Buffalo’s veteran defensive linemen have been given the freedom to improvise with their pass rushes by the defensive coaching staff. Chris Kelsay explains how it happens.

Kelsay credits DBs with sack total – Inside The Bills
Kelsay credits the DBs with making the QB hold onto the ball longer. Perry Fewell gives props to new DL coach Bob Sanders.

Getting Maybin going | BuffaloBills.com
"Our focus [over the bye] is to shore up our run defense first," said defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. "And then what we can do with our top pick to help him be more effective in the second half of the season."

Bills are stalled in twilight zone : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
The cold, sobering reality for the Buffalo Bills and their fans is there is no quick fix for their offensive problems at the midway point of the 2009 season.

Voice of the Fans | Democrat and Chronicle
Fans give their thoughts on the last ten years.

Leo Roth: State of the franchise has Talley tweeting mad | Democrat and Chronicle
That burning love of team, profession and city is why Darryl Talley takes it upon himself these days to call out the current Buffalo Bills. The front office. The coaches. The players. The ball boys. Anyone responsible for a decade of disaster.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS: T.O. sizzle has fizzled as team stumbles into bye
It wasn’t that long ago, in the springtime of the Buffalo Bills’ offseason, when T.O.-mania was in its infancy. A buzz of hope bloomed around town that this franchise might finally be relevant again.

Calls and effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East - ESPN
The Bills (59) and Demetrius Bell (9) still lead the AFC East in penalties but the gap is closing, for the team anyways.

In three-and-outs, Pats rank top six both ways - AFC East - ESPN
The Buffalo Bills are 19th on offense at 36.8 percent and 17th on defense at 35.6 percent.

Gameday Prep: Bills Play Next Week | The Goose's Roost
The Goose's Roost previews the day in football.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/7

MattRichWarren — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:17:41 -0000

Rosenhaus says Bills line "potentially worst in the league" | ProFootballTalk.com
Terrell Owens' agent goes off on the Bills coaching, QB play, and pays special attention the Bills offensive line as reasons why his client is under performing in Buffalo this year.

Bills sack numbers are up | BuffaloBills.com
Through the first eight games the Bills rank seventh in the league in sacks with a respectable 18. To a man credit is paid to Buffalo’s new defensive line coach Bob Sanders (pictured above during training camp).

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Excuse me, Mr. Wilson
Nick Mendola wonders aloud what it would be like to sit down with Ralph Wilson like two members of Cleveland's Dawg Pound did with Brown's owner Randy Lerner. His main question is how does Ralph feel about this team and he comes up with three possibilities.

Between the Lines: Who Sends the House and Who Plays It Safe? -- NFL FanHouse
Most of the Bills sacks (61.1% or 11 of the 18) have come on 4-man rushes.

Fan Friday 11-6 – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown answers questions on huddling, concussion helmets, Jairus Byrd's Pro Bowl chances, the LB-safety shuffle due to injuries, and Byrd's chance at defensive rookie of the year.

Bills players renew college ties | BuffaloBills.com
A handful of Bills players are spending part of their five day break taking on the role of fans as they will travel to the stadiums of their alma maters Saturday afternoon.

Decade of Disappointment | Democrat and Chronicle
If you haven't seen it, the Rochester D&C and WGRZ in Buffalo have put together a report about the Bills since the Music City Miracle. Sunday is the big day so look for more in this Sunday's D&C.

Take your pick: Jauron-Edwards or Fassel-Losman - AFC East - ESPN
WECK in Buffalo had Graham on and proposed a straight trade of Jauron and Trent Edwards for Fassell and J.P. Losman. I'm gonna pass. What do you think?

Most absurd AFC East result: Browns 6, Bills 3 - AFC East - ESPN
Tim Graham names the one game I attended this year the most absurd of the first half in the AFC East after fan voting.

Final Word: AFC East - AFC East - ESPN
For reasons (hopefully) clear to all Bills fans, the Bills need to reinstall Trent Edwards as the starter if he is healthy.

What To Look For: Week 9 - Baltimore Beatdown
With a sack this week, Dwight Freeney would join Bruce Smith with the third longest streak of 8 games with a sack.

A Hanging 10 Extra
George Wilson "makes" a miracle basketball shot while chilling with Gibran Hamdan.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/6

MattRichWarren — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:31:17 -0000

Offense focused on moving the sticks | BuffaloBills.com
The Bills have used the bye week to focus on converting third downs. This will help even out the time difference their defense is on the field.

Bills' Hardy will join the crowd : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
The Bills have until Wednesday to activate or IR James Hardy. Jay Skurski puts forth the names of Roscoe Parrish and Todd Johnson as likely casualties.

Where Bills run ‘D’ is getting hurt – Inside The Bills
The Bills are giving up the majority of their yards to the outside with opponents averaging 7.31 yards per rush on Buffalo's left side (Kelsay). Chris Brown gives a complete breakdown of where the yards are coming from.

Don’t blame the run game – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown shows that most of the Bills problems are on converting third and short yardage.

Question Mark: No-huddle offense hastened Walker's exit from Bills : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan of the BUffalo News answers questions on Langston Walker, futility following turnovers, and Jeff Garcia.

Bills still have a shot to win AFC East - AFC East - ESPN
AccuScore pegged the Bills' chances at winning the AFC East at 1 percent and their chances of making the playoffs at 2 percent. Zubaz reference, too.

The Real Biggest Reason The Bills Don’t Win : Buffalo Sports Daily
Pat Moran goes back to 2002 to show how Tom Modrak has become the namesake of the article.

Rookie Watch - ESPN
Jairus Byrd comes in 4th on the midseason list of rookies behind Percy Harvin, Michael Oher, and Brian Cushing.

Bills kickoff 50 days of savings | BuffaloBills.com
Every day through December 24th there will be a special merchandise offer for Bills fans to take advantage of. Check it out.

With no game preview the pickings are slim, folks. Catch up on the front page articles.

Bills have tried various methods to address QB

MattRichWarren — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:49:53 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

Browse more photos »

Since Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season, the Buffalo Bills have tried virtually every strategy available to find the next great franchise quarterback. With Trent Edwards faltering in his third year, the Bills may once again be in the market for the "next franchise quarterback". How might the Bills go about obtaining him? What has the organization tried in the past that may make them weary to go down a specific path again? The quarterbacks' winning percentages with the Bills are listed following each bio.

Draft a second-tier prospects in picks 15-45: Todd Collins (1995-1997), J.P. Losman (2004-2008)
The Bills selected Todd Collins No. 45 overall in the 1995 draft. That year, he started his first game in relief of an injured Kelly. The following year, he started three more games before taking over as the full-time starter when Kelly retired. In 1997, Collins' only full season as the starter, his numbers were adequate, going 215 of 391 with 2,367 yards. His 55% completion percentage and 12-13 TD-to-INT ratio were very lackluster, as was the team's 6-10 record. (41% winning percentage)

J.P. Losman was drafted No. 22 overall in the 2004 draft. In fact, the Bills traded up to get him, giving away their 2004 second-round pick and 2005 first-round pick to obtain the rights to the Tulane QB. Losman started for only one complete season throwing for 3051 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2006. The Bills went 7-9 that year but in 2007 Losman took a severe step back losing the first three games of the year and looking awful in the process. (30% winning percentage)

Trade for a promising backup: Rob Johnson (1998-2001)
Following the one season with Todd Collins, the Bills traded their first- and fourth-round draft picks to the Jaguars for backup quarterback Rob Johnson. In three season in Jacksonville, Johnson had started one game and thrown 35 passes. Due to chronic injuries, Johnson started a majority of games for the Bills only once, in 2000, going 4-7 as a starter. His stats were impressive; he could just rarely led the Bills to a victory. (35% winning percentage)

Sign a free agent to stabilize the position: Doug Flutie (1998-2000), Kelly Holcomb (2005-2006)
36-year-old Doug Flutie joined the Bills in 1998 at the same time as Johnson. Flutie had last played in the NFL in 1989, but had found success in the Canadian Football League, breaking passing records and winning six league MVP awards and three Grey Cups. As starter for Buffalo, he found his way onto the field in relief of the oft-injured Johnson and won a lot of games for the Bills. In 1998, he went to the Pro Bowl after leading the Bills to the playoffs, going 7-3 in his 10 starts. He once again led the Bills to the playoffs in 1999, compiling a 10-5 record as the starter. Wade Phillips, for reasons only known to him and a select few, named Johnson the starter for the playoff game, and following the (dubious) loss to the Titans, Johnson entered the 2000 season as the starter. Flutie was released after the 2000 season for salary cap reasons. (70% winning percentage)

In Holcomb's first year with the Bills, he started exactly half of Buffalo's games opposite Losman, winning exactly half of his starts. He was seen as the safe, knowledgeable veteran, in contrast with the wild and risk-taking Losman. He managed to complete 67% of his passes - the highest percentage in team history with at least 40 passes - but his yards per attempt was so low (6.6) that it hardly scared opponents' defenses. In 2006, Losman started every game for Buffalo, and following the season, Holcomb was traded to the Eagles, who turned around and traded him to the Vikings. (50% winning percentage)

Starter by default: Alex Van Pelt (1995-2003)
Alex Van Pelt was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers a few months after they selected him in the seventh round of the draft. Buffalo signed him and he sat behind Kelly and Collins... and every other quarterback the Bills brought in after them. He started three games in relief of Collins in 1997, but returned to the bench until November of 2001, when he replaced the injured (again) Johnson. Van Pelt and Johnson each started 8 games that year, with AVP throwing for an impressive 2,056 yards and 12 touchdowns. Following that season, the Bills made a bold move to bring in a different answer to the question of Buffalo's starting QB. (38% winning percentage)

Trade for an established vet: Drew Bledsoe (2002-2004)
Following the 2001 season, Buffalo sent their 2002 first-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for Drew Bledsoe, who had become expendable with the emergence of Tom Brady. Bledsoe had a superb first year in Buffalo. He set the franchise record for passing yards (4,359), completions (375) and attempts (610), and became the last Bills quarterback to be voted to the Pro Bowl. In 2003, he had less of everything, including wins. After that season the Bills drafted Losman, and Bledsoe produced another so-so campaign under new coach Mike Mularkey. They almost managed to make the playoffs, dropping the final game of the season to Pittsburgh's backups. (48% winning percentage)

Draft a guy in a later round: Trent Edwards (2007-present)
In the 2007 draft, the Bills selected Edwards in the third round. At the time, Edwards was considered a value pick and a replacement at backup for the departed Holcomb. But Losman suffered ~~a dirty~~ an unfortunate injury, and Edwards stepped into the starter's role. Edwards won three of his first four starts, the lone loss being a heartbreaking MNF defeat at the hands of the Cowboys, before succumbing to injury himself. Upon his return, he won two more games, pushing his record to 6-1 as Bills starter and exciting the fan base. The Bills started hot again in 2008, rolling off four straight under Edwards. But over the course of the year wins, became fewer, though Edwards was still improving. So far to start the 2009 season, Edwards has appeared to show signs of regression, and is not considered by most fans to be the "next great franchise quarterback" anymore. (52% winning percentage)

Draft a top tier guy in the first 15 picks: None
In 2004, the Bills were rumored to be interested in trading up to select Ben Roethlisberger, but the Jaguars, the supposed other party, decided to draft the immortal Reggie Williams instead. The Bills have not had many high first-round picks, due in large part to trading them to obtain Johnson, Bledsoe and Losman. In 2006, the Bills passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler to draft Donte Whitner (No. 8), and in 2007 decided against Brady Quinn in favor of Marshawn Lynch (No. 12).

The real problem with going down this road this year are the teams in front of the Bills in draft order (at least as it stands now). The Rams, Seahawks, Redskins, Raiders, Titans and Browns may all be in the market for a quarterback, and are ahead of Buffalo now, and will likely remain there. The Jaguars will also be picking in the vicinity of the Bills, and possibly will be searching for a quarterback. In order to secure their favorite player, the Bills may have to move up from around spot nine or ten into the top four picks. This type of move would be very costly, both in picks and salary, but would be the only way for Buffalo to guarantee selecting a top tier quarterback.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/5

MattRichWarren — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:15:06 -0000

Sullivan: Bills could use blast from Super Bowls past : Sports Columns : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan advocates for the Bills to look no further than Cleveland and restructure their front office midseason. He specifically mentions hiring Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly as offensive consultants even if it's a gesture to the fans. Could the guys pictured above help?

Scott at LB a real possibility – Inside The Bills
Jauron calls Bryan Scott at linebacker a "possibility" and Chris Brown thinks Scott would get the start should Keith Ellison not be able to go citing Chris Draft's insertion into the lineup as the coaches wanting experienced players there.

Byrd’s status – Inside The Bills
"It sounds as if Jairus Byrd should be good to practice at some point next week. If not Monday when the team returns from their bye weekend, then Wednesday."

Marcus' Mailbag | BuffaloBills.com
Check out Marcus Stroud's video and see footage from his bowling event and what guys have planned for the bye week.

Bills Roundup | BuffaloBills.com
The Bills look to regroup over the bye week.

Back to basics for O-line – Inside The Bills
The bye week practices were an opportunity for Buffalo’s offensive linemen to tighten up their individual game with a hard core return to the basics

T.O. knows Alvin and the Chipmunks – Inside The Bills
"Just in this last game offensively we only had like 45 plays and defense they were out there like 70-plus plays," Terrell Owens said. "When you give a team a short field, Barney Fife and Alvin and the Chipmunks can go out there and score." He was laughing by the way.

10th Annual Hunter’s Hope Ball – Inside The Bills
The 10th Annual Hunter’s Hope Candlelight Ball will be taking place in just a couple of weeks, on Nov. 20th at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Clarence. Hunter's Hope is the charity founded by former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly to honor his son, Hunter, and the fight he had with Krebbe's disease.

Bills notebook : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Tackle Jonathan Scott, out the past three games with an ankle sprain, was back working at practice for the first time since his injury.

2009-10 Buffalo Bills Poster Series | Buffalo News
The 50th Anniversary team was featured on the back page of the Buffalo News.

Bills fans’ early exit from lousy game seen as helping to cut arrests in half : City & Region : The Buffalo News
With fans leaving the game early last weekend, the Orchard Park police saw a sharp decline in the number of arrests on game day.

Who makes the playoffs from the AFC East? - AFC East - ESPN
Even if the Bills somehow manage to get back to 5-5 their final three games are against the Patriots, Falcons, and Colts (though the Colts should have the number one seed wrapped up by then). Playoffs?

Here's a grade for T.O., Ginn: Incomplete - AFC East - ESPN
ESPN Stats have compiled a list of dropped passes through Week 8 and found Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens leads the league with nine.

Video: Buffalo Bills at the bye - AFC East - ESPN
ESPN's Trent Dilfer takes a look at the state of the Buffalo Bills' offense as the team heads into its bye week 3-5. Dilfer says it starts not with getting Terrell Owens involved, but establishing the run.

POLLOCK: In short, ‘D’ hasn’t been bad for Bills | Olean Times Herald
"And, as much as Buffalo’s offense deserves criticism, the preoccupation with its ineptitude has stolen the credit coordinator Perry Fewell’s defense deserves."

Have the Bills hit rock bottom? | WGR video
Jerry Sullivan sits down with Schopp and the Bulldog to talk about the ineptitude of the Bills offense.