Die Hard Sports Fan

The Buffalo Bills will face the Arizona Cardinals tomorrow afternoon at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Broadcast Info:

Game: Buffalo Bills (3-0) @ St. Louis Rams (0-3)
TV: CBS (Bill Macatee, Steve Beuerlein)
Radio: 97 Rock (Buffalo), 103.3 The EDGE (Buffalo), WHAM 1180 AM (Rochester), WNSS 1260 AM (Syracuse), FAN 590 AM (Toronto). All done by John Murphy, Mark Kelso and Paul Peck on the Bills radio network.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

FOR BILLS FANS WATCHING THE GAME IN THE BUFFALO AREA:

Remember you will need to bust out the rabbit ears for this one if you have Time Warner Cable.  With the local CBS channel being pulled off the air for the time being you will have to unplug your cable from the back of your TV and then plug in the antenna.  The quality for this game won’t be too great though seeing as it is coming over the air.  Try to find a friends house with satellite, as they will not be affected by this.

Game Notes:

• The Bills have won four consecutive games against the Cardinals and lead the all-time series, 5-3.
• Quarterback Trent Edwards is only the second Bills quarterback to win three consecutive games after trailing in the fourth quarter
• Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud leads all NFL defensive linemen with four passes defensed.  He is questionable in this game.
• Following a loss at Washington in Week 3, the Cardinals spent the week leading up to their game at Buffalo on the East Coast in order to avoid traveling across three time zones in consecutive weeks. Arizona was 2-0 before losing both games on the road trip.
•  Steve Breaston will have to step up his game because Boldin can’t go. Breaston was one of three receivers for the Cardinals with 100-plus receiving yards against the Jets.
• The Bills have scored 45 fourth-quarter points this season
• Buffalo hasn’t had a 5-0 start since 1991.
•  Larry Fitzgerald reached 350 receptions in his career in only his 64th game, the third fastest in NFL history. Only Boldin (58) and Lionel Taylor (63) were faster.
• The Line: The Cardinals are favored by 1. Over/Under 44.5.

Injury Report:

Bills - Out of Game: TE Derek Fine (Hand) and WR Roscoe Parrish (Thumb).  Doubtful: CB Terrence McGee (Knee).  Questionable: DT Marcus Stroud (Shoulder) and DE Aaron Scobel (Foot).

Cardinals - Out of Game: WR Anquan Boldin (Head).  Doubtful: DE Bertrand (Groin).  Questionable: TE Leonard Pope (Ankle), SS Adrian Wilson (Hamstring), and TE Jerame Tuman (Hamstring).  Probable: G Elton Brown (Shoulder), DT Darnell Dockett (Hamstring) and DT Gabe Watson (Knee).

Quote of the Week:

“It’s exciting.  I feel like we’ve come a long way. Working together this offseason and through these four games, I feel like we’ve developed something that I think this organization respects and seeing that, I think they’re rewarding a very valuable commodity to this team.”

-Bills QB Trent Edwards on the Lee Evans contract extension

Open Thread:

Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Bills fans from around the world.

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Hello and welcome back to the site Bills fans!  Our Countdown to Kickoff posts have begun.  To start it off, Paul Kasprzak joins us for an interview.  Paul currently blogs about the entire NFL at his site, kasperskorner.speakupwny.com, but he is also a Bills fan.  He was kind enough to take some time away from writing to join us (as always my questions are in bold while the answers given are in normal font).  Here we go!

 

First I would like to start it off with some NFL news.  Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin was fired on Tuesday.  What are your thoughts on this?

Nobodys fault but his own.  For him to think he could get his dad to run the defense is crazy.  It never would have happened if the Raiders pursued it.  The Buccaneers are notorious for not letting coaches go under contract.

 

I’ll stick with the entire NFL for this question.  Who is the best and worst team so far this season?

Worst team is by far the Saint Louis Rams.  They have a boat load of money tied up into aging stars like Orlando Pace, and Torry Holt.  It is going to be at least five years before they turn it around.

 

The best is the Bills.  They have won four straight.  They have won with two units that are in the process of some overhauls, and have not gotten the execution down yet.  The offense should be scary by the end of the year, and Trent Edwards stats should blow peoples’ minds away.  The west coast offense is one of the premier offenses in the National Football League.  It gives the quarterback a better chance to succeed by allowing him to get into a rhythm easier with the short passes, which in the second half benefits the running game.  It benefits from the pass, because defenses in the second half are just flat worn out from being on the field so long.

 

Now we will get to the Bills who are now 4-0, one of only two teams in the NFL who have that record.  What are your thoughts on how the Bills have looked through the 1^st quarter of the season?

They have looked pretty good.  Defensively, they have it together.  The addition of Stroud, thus forcing defensive tackle Kyle Williams to move over, has been huge.  Both of them together are probably one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the league.  The other units I addressed in the previous question.

 

What have you thought of 2^nd year QB Trent Edwards?

He is without a shadow of a doubt the franchise quarterback of the Bills, and by the end of the year, statistically, will be one of the top five in the league.

 

How about the coaches?  What are your thoughts on the job Head Coach Dick Jauron, and new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert have done so far this season?

They have done a good job.  The only thing you can complain about is the play calling by the coordinators in the first half of the Saint Louis Rams game.  Not enough blitzes on defense, and too many deep passes on offense.  The deep jump fade was a bad call.  It is an extremely difficult thing to do.  The wide receiver has to find the ball get to the right spot, and then time his jump perfectly, so that he catches it at the peak of his jump.  Personally, I would have waited to call this till Edwards and Hardy perfected the goal line fade.

 

Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but looking at the Bills schedule where do you see them finishing this season?

Somewhere between 11-5 to 13-3.  Every game for the Bills this year is winnable if the defense keeps performing the way it has.

 

Now let’s get into the game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.  How big of a factor do you thing CB Terrence McGee being out of the lineup will have on the Bills defense?

Not much at all.  Most likely the Cardinals will be with out wide receiver Anquan Boldin, and in the offseason they lost their third wide receiver Bryant Johnson to free agency.  Even without McGee they should be fine, and the Kurt Warner of old finally reared its head again.

 

What are your “keys to the game” in order for the Bills to pull off a victory?

Simple, minimize their mistakes.  They are talented enough that if they execute the plays they were designed they can beat any team. 

 

Now I have to ask you for a prediction.  Who do you have winning this one?
The Bills.  Kurt Warner is unreliable, and is a turnover machine.  Without Boldin the defense will load up against the run, and force Warner to try and beat the Bills with a double teamed Larry Fitzgerald.

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Today was suppose to be a breakdown of the matchup between the Buffalo Bills DB’s and the Arizona Cardinals passing game, but breaking news came out about two players that will force this breakdown to be pushed back a day or two.

For starters, Cardinal’s WR Anquan Boldin has not been ruled out for the Week 5 matchup between the two teams.  Boldin suffered a devasting hit in the final minute of the Cardinals, Jets game.  He was taken off the field by a stretcher.  Rotoworld.com is reports that Boldin has about a 50-50 chance to play though.  Here is what they had to say:

Anquan Boldin (head) didn’t practice Wednesday, but the Cardinals aren’t ruling him out for Week 5 against the Bills.  Coach Ken Whisenhunt says Boldin needs to be cleared medically before any determination on his playing status is made. Boldin says his only injury is a “fracture near his sinus.” His chances of facing Buffalo seem 50-50 at best. 

So with seemingly good news coming out of Cards Camp, what did the Bills get?  Well it wasn’t great news coming out of Bills camp, but hey at least their starting CB Terrence McGee was not ruled out.  McGee was hurt in the win against the St. Louis Rams.  Here is what the Canadian Press is reporting (it is the most recent story published on McGee):

Cornerback Terrence McGee, who wore a brace on his left knee and walked with a noticeable limp, was one of three Buffalo Bills defensive starters to miss practice Wednesday as the team prepared to play at Arizona this weekend.

Coach Dick Jauron wouldn’t rule McGee out, saying he will continue to have his sprained knee tested through the end of the week. McGee said the knee was still sore, but had improved since Monday, when he had difficulty walking.

“I haven’t given up hope yet,” McGee said. “I’m really not too sure. I’m just trying to see from day to day.”

Don’t be alarmed too much Bills fans.  The other two defensive starters missing pratice today were DT Marcus Stroud (left shoulder) and DE Aaron Schobel (foot). They were both hurt in the last game, but both finished the game.  Both are also expected back at pratice tomorrow. 

If McGee can not go, Nickel corner Ashton Youboty and 1st round pick Leodis McKelvin would be the two guys getting the playing time.  Both have played pretty well so far this season.

Needless to say the breakdown between these two teams will take place later in the week when the injury report comes out.  My question to those of you out there is, “Who is more important to their team if they are unable to play and why?”.  Please leave the answer is a comment or send the response to buffbillsfan517@yahoo.com.  I will address the best/most interesting answers in the breakdown that comes later in the week. 

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The Redskins overcame a big play and some mental errors to win the game against the Cardinals. 1st Quarter The Redskins drove the length of the field going six for six for 37 yards. Clinton Portis finished the drive with a nifty short yardage run that required him to keep his head up and see the lanes. The Cardinals opened up the game with their first series ending in a punt, mostly due to a delay of game penalty on an intended fourth down and inches attempt. After the penalty, they decided to punt instead. Ladell Betts missed a blitz pickup and the resulting sack stalled the Redskins second drive. Thus, Durant Brooks started off the game with his first punt going for only 35 yards. 2nd Quarter Redskins open up the quarter with the ball after recovering a fumble by Edgerrin James. Shaun Suisham connected on a 46 yard field goal after the drive stalled, again. The Cardinals put together a long, 84 yard drive, assisted by a pass interference penalty on Carlos Rogers that resulted in a touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Anquan Boldin against Fred Smoot. After another stalled drive by the Redskins, Durant Brooks unleashed a 56 yard punt and pinned the Cardinals deep in their own territory. On the ensuing possession by the Cardinals, with just a 1:11 minutes left in the half, the drive stalled for no points. Score: Redskins lead, 7-10. 3rd Quarter Cardinals open the 2nd half and drive 80+ yards with the help of a personal foul penalty on Fred Smoot, and an offsides penalty. Redskins defense saves against a touchdown however on the play of LaRon Landry and Jason Taylor; both of them breaking up key plays of the drive. On the next series, the Redskins get their first 1st down since the 1st quarter with a short pass to Chris Cooley. Devin Thomas got into the game for a 16 yard misdirection play. Antwaan Randle-El, on a trick play, passed to Chris Cooley to bring the Skins to the Red Zone. Cooley caught a screen and ran all the way to the two yard line. Todd Yoder completed the touchdown drive with a 2 yard reception from Jason Campbell from a formation that looked like a short yardage package. Cardinals come right back with a 62 yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald against Reed Doughty and LaRon Landry. On the next drive, Jason Campbell keeps the drive going early with a scramble out of the backfield. After another short pass to Randle-El, the quarter ends. Score: Tie, 17-17 4th Quarter Redskins open the quarter needing 7 yards for a 1st down, but only pick up 4. Durant Brooks hits a good punt to place the Cardinals inside their 20 yard line. On 2nd and eight, Kurt Warner attempted to go long again only to have the ball interecepted by Carlos Rogers. He returned the interception into the Red Zone. The Redskins quickly convert the turnover to a touchdown pass on a WR screen pass from Jason Campbell to Santana Moss. Cardinals next possession was harrassed by the Redskins blitz package and a sack by Rocky McIntosh. For a moment it appeared that Devin Thomas had his first career TD. But, it was nullified by a personal foul penalty by Stephon Heyer. Nevertheless, the Redskins put a number of first downs together in methodical fashion; for a while. The drive stalls at the Arizona 32 yard line. Shaun Suisham hooks the ensuing field goal attempt wide left to get the ball back to the Cardinals. Cardinals go three and out and punt the ball to Randle-El and the Skins. Redskins get the ball back deep in their territory and effectively run out the clock. Score: Redskins, 17-24 Wrap Up Jason Campbell finished the day with a 112 QB rating, passing for 193 yards on 22 completions from 30 attempts, and two touchdowns. Surprisingly, Campbell was also the Redskins second leading rusher of the game with 26 yards from scrimmage. Clinton Portis finished the day with only 68 yards rushing. But, he scored the opening drive touchdown of the game. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley each had seven receptions for 70+ yards. Moss scored a touchdown on a WR screen catch and run. It is the first time a Redskins receiver has caught a touchdown pass in six consecutive games since Bobby Mitchell did it in 1961. The defense was prepared for the Cardinals. For the most part, with the exception of a long pass for a touchdown, the Cardinals were held in check. Specifically, the Redskins defense held Kurt Warner to under 200 yards passing, and only 116 yards rushing. Shaun Suisham went 1 for 2 in FGs, missing one long attempt wide left. He was perfect on extra points. Durant Brooks, the rookie, punted four times for an average of nearly 43 yards. His longest of the day was a 56 yard boomer. What should be noted here is that Brooks was able to get enough air under the ball which essentially limited the Cardinals from effective punt returns. In fact, the Cardinals had two punt returns. One was stopped for no yardage. The second was for only 3 yards. Download a detailed Game Summary.

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Quarterback

Last week, the Miami Dolphins entered the game with a plan to shut down the running game and make QB Kurt Warner beat them with the pass. Well, that might have worked in recent years. But, as of right now…not so much!

Warner destroyed the Dolphins. He threw for 361 yards, three touchdowns, and ZERO turnovers. Moreover, he finished the day with a PERFECT rating of 158.3. That, by the way, is the third time in his career that he has achieved a perfect rating. It’s been a while since we’ve seen this version of Warner. Personally, for this week, I’d prefer more of the Warner from the past few years. Unfortunately, I think we’re going to see the current Warner, which more closely resembles his glory years with the St. Louis Rams.

Speaking of his achievement against the Dolphins, Warner is quoted by the Associated Press, as such:

When you have one of those days when everything’s clicking and you feel like you can’t be stopped, it brings back a lot of memories of those great years…The game was slowing down. I was putting the ball where I wanted to put it, and it felt good.

At 37 years old, and being the veteran that he is, there is not much we can do to fool him. Rather, we need to be in his face, all day. And, when we get there, if he’s still holding on to the ball, which isn’t likely, we need to put him on his butt…hard! The only time that Warner hasn’t played well in the past is when he is being pressured, rushed, and hit. That’s how Tom Brady got his first NFL Super Bowl ring.

But, thus far this season, that hasn’t happened. In fact, the Dolphins used that defensive strategy and blitzed Warner from all different angles. They even knocked him down a number of times; sacked him twice. It didn’t work. So, clearly, either we need to do it better than the Dolphins. Or, we need a different strategy.

The Cardinals are 2-0 for the first time in 17 years. If they come in to our house and win on Sunday, it will be the first time enjoying a 3-0 record since 1974.

Greg Blache has his hands full this week in preparation for this matchup.

 

Running Backs

Edgerrin James rushed for 55 yards on 18 carries last week. Each yard was a hard fought victory. Still, it was enough to lift James to become only the 14th back in the history of the NFL to gain 15,000 yards from scrimmage. Without question, James is still a good, effective running back and has all the ability to hurt us if we ignore him. He shares time with Tim Hightower, a big, powerful back that has seen the end zone twice in as many games. Both of these guys can move the chains.

 

Receivers

Big. Strong. Fast. And, great hands. That’s all that really needs to be said about the Arizona Cardinals receivers. The combination of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald has been too much for opposing defenses this year. Boldin had six catches for 140 yards. It was the 22nd time in his relatively short career that he’s had over 100 yards receiving in a game. He can play some ball. Fitzgerald, on the other side, is definitely no slouch either. Last week he caught six passes for 153 yards. It was his 14th time in his even shorter career that he has been over 100 yards in a game.

~ ~ ~

It is often said that defense is a state of mind…an attitude, if you will. For this weeks game, we need every ounce of attitude we can muster, and a heavy dose of execution. It would be too easy to look past these Cardinals and start thinking about the upcoming trips to the Dallas Cowboys and Phildelphia Eagles. But, that would be foolish.

These guys are coming to play. And, they believe that they can give us a spankin’. Well, they have the paddles to do it. But, our *attitude* needs to be that we’re going to bring some lead pipes to their paddle party.

Hail to the Redskins.

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This week, the Cardinals come to town. Today, they hail from Arizona instead of St. Louis. Today, they have an accomplished and seasoned QB in Kurt Warner, who has played in two super bowls, winning one. Today, they are coached in part by one of our favorite hogs: Russ Grimm. And, today, they bring two WR’s that make the entire league sit up and take notice.

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are big, strong, and very fast. Warner likes to throw. And given the Redskins ability to shut down the opposing team’s rushing attack, they will come to town looking to expose our cornerbacks and defensive backfield.

Moreover, unlike any Cardinals team since the year of 1991, this team comes to town undefeated after the first two games. They have confidence. Yet it is still measured. Darnell Docket, their defensive tackle, in speaking about their two wins against the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers, he said in a recent interview:

“Not to take anything away from them, they have great players, but we’re much more talented that both those teams. We won those games. We’re supposed to…We’re going to start playing against some real teams, especially on the road.”

They are coming to town with the expectation of winning. And, Warner intends to throw the ball and to throw it often.

I don’t believe that Warner ever lost his swagger. I realize that some think he lost confidence while bouncing around the league and playing the backup role since his days of glory with the St. Louis Rams. Rather, I believe he leaned on his faith, which has allowed him to remain the consummate professional. He is the right QB at the right time for the Cardinals.

We must respect his game, because he’s going to bring it!

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