Die Hard Sports Fan

The Buffalo Bills not only dropped a heart breaker last night against the Cleveland Browns 29-27 on Monday Night Football but they also ended their postseason chances.

Usually in losses like this, there is plenty of blame to go around but this game was not the case.  

The offensive line finally stepped up and not only did they not allow a sack but they also looked like they knew what they were doing running blocking.  Marshawn Lynch was able to break the century mark for the first time this year after a 119 yard effort. 

The defense wasn’t lights out but they did the job to the best of their ability.  Despite losses in the secondary like starting safety Donte Whitner and corner back Jabari Greer, Terrence McGee stepped up his game and played very well.  Minus a 76 yard run by Josh Cribbs in the 4^th quarter, the Bills run defense also played very well, keeping Jamal Lewis in check.  Overall the defense led up 176 yards through the air and 161 on the ground while also holding Cleveland to 5 field goals despite them having great position through the entire game.  Forcing a team to go 3 for 13 (23%) on 3^rd down isn’t too shabby either.   

Special teams proved why they were one of the best units in the game also (despite that final field goal).  Leodis McKelvin finally had his break out game as a returner, showing his great speed and field vision and returned 1 for a 98-yard touchdown.  He went on to average 61 yards on his 3 returns.  Fred Jackson also did very well.  He was getting the ball when the Browns were trying to kick the ball away from McKelvin on line drive or high kicks.  Jackson had 4 returns for an average of 15 yards but remember he was getting the ball on the 30-35 yard line to start his returns.  Roscoe Parrish also had a game changing return to set up a score.  He only got the ball once but when you go 34 yards the other way, that is always a good sign of not only Parrish but the blockers too.

The coaching was so-so.  To be honest, I really liked the defensive game plan.  They showed multiple blitzes to confuse young quarterback Brady Quinn and it worked.  He went 14 of 36 for 185 yards. 

The game calling towards the end was a little puzzling but I understand where it was coming from.  Instead of passing the ball, trying to get it a little closer for Lindell, they decided to run it for 3 straight plays.  I didn’t really like it but I do understand it.  It got the Browns to use all 3 timeouts and also they didn’t have too much confidence in Trent Edwards after his 3 picks in the 1^st quarter.  Instead of risking a turnover, they keep it with the safe choice.  Again, I didn’t like it at all, but understood where they were coming from. 

The coaches did a good job to finally turn the o-line around although poor game management happened again in this one.  The Bills wasted timeouts in places they shouldn’t have but on a plus note at least they didn’t have to challenge anything.  Head Coach Dick Jauron doesn’t know where the red flag is anyways.      

So let’s take a look at what worked in this game.  Running game; check.  Offensive line; check.  Defense; check.  Coaching; well not 100% but still got the job done.  

So what are we missing?  On yes, the quarterback.

Trent Edwards was a complete disaster for the 4^th game in a row.  He threw three interceptions in the 1^st quarter and from that point on he looked scared.  He would drop back to pass, get plenty of time, and then just throw it to check down, again and again and again. 

That is what his one touchdown pass was in this game.  He dropped back, looked downfield, held onto the ball way too long and then finally dropped it off to Lynch who made the play.  

Edwards looked like a little child who just didn’t want to disappoint anyone and we had to sit there and watch him.  It really looked like he was indeed scared.  He wouldn’t throw the ball down the field at all.  His go-to-guy in Lee Evans was open on multiple occasions but he could not get him the ball.  Evans, the #1 WR on this team had 0 balls thrown his way!  Are you kidding me? 

The Browns didn’t even bring pressure in this game either.  They just dropped back into a zone, usually when Edwards excels by ripping apart defenses.  For some reason though he just couldn’t get the ball to his team and lost a lot of confidence.

From poor reads to terrible passes we have now watched a guy who was being named for MVP early in the season, to a young QB struggling to make his way into the league and get wins for his team.  

Now, I still think Edwards is the man at the QB position but I see why you J.P. Losman fans are now starting to come out of hiding again.  One thing I can agree with you with, at least Losman will get the ball down the field.  What team catches it though is a different story.

Hey it could be worse though, we could be Detroit Lions fans.

Share This

The Buffalo Bills drop a heartbreaker to the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football by a score of 29-27.

1st Quarter

The Bills started out shaky and that is being kind to QB Trent Edwards who started off the game with 3 interceptions.

However the defense remained strong, despite the short field they had to guard against, they held the Browns to just 6 points on 2 field goals off the foot of kicker Phil Dawson.

Browns led, 6-0.

2nd Quarter

The Browns got out to a fast 13 point lead after a 2 yard touchdown run by Josh Cribbs.  It looked like the game might be over before it even began.

Running back Marshawn Lynch was not just going to roll over and quit though and finally “Beast Mode” was turned on after a beautiful 18 yard pass reception from Edwards.  The play was all Lynch though as he made defenders miss and dragged guys into the end zone.

Rian Lindell was able to cut the lead to 3, after a 26 yard field goal to end the quarter.  

Going into the tunnel at halftime, the Bills were down 13-10.

3rd Quarter

The 3^rd quarter was a back and forth affair that only had 6 points put up on the scoreboard between the two teams.  Lindell and Dawson both added another field goal, so going into the 4^th. Browns still had the lead 16-13.

4th Quarter

After stopping Jamal Lewis for most of the game, the Bills running defense looked strong.  Jerome Harrison changed that in one run as he went 76 yards for a touchdown that gave the Browns a 10 point lead.

It looked like the Bills were going to need another huge comeback to get back into this one but a rookie made it a little easier.  On the kickoff after the touchdown, 1^st round pick Leodis McKelvin took back the return 98 yards for a touchdown!  The game was back to a 3 point affair.

After another Browns field goal, Trent Edwards led a small drive that resulted in 6 after he dove in for a 1 yard touchdown run.  

On the following drive for the Browns, Brady Quinn led his team down the field and sent up a 53 yard field goal attempt that was good.  Browns take back the lead 29-27.

After the kickoff the Bills took over and need some yards.  Edwards threw a good pass to TE Robert Royal and after 3 running plays the Bills had a 47 yard field goal attempt for the win.

Lindell pushed it though and it sailed wide right giving the Browns a 29-27 win.

Wrap Up

Trent Edwards went 16 of 26 for 148 yards, 2 touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 passing) with 3 INTs.

Marshawn Lynch hit the century mark for the 1^st time this season.  He got 119 yards on 23 carries and also caught 10 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.  Beast mode is back!

Leodis McKelvin had a huge game returning the ball.  Not only did he have a 98 yard kick return for a TD but he also averaged 61 yards on 3 chances, having solid returns all night.  

Share This

The Buffalo Bills could be getting some key reinforcements back this week to take on the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football this week and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Bills Safety Donte Whitner has been medically cleared to play and participated in most of the defensive drills during Friday’s practice.  Whitner says that he has a full range of motion.  His versatility on defense has been missed as he has lined up all over the field.  From safety to cornerback, Whitner has played it all this season.  Getting him back will be a much needed boost to the passing defense.   He’s officially listed as questionable. 

All signs point to guard Brad Butler playing too. Butler worked with the first team offense Friday and didn’t miss a snap.  It looks like he will return to the starting lineup to try to turn this running game around.

Also for the offense, TE Robert Royal and WR James Hardy are listed as questionable.

It looks like Josh Reed will remain inactive though for this game.  The #2 wide receiver has missed the last few weeks.  He is still nursing a strained Achilles that has been keeping him out of the lineup since the game against Miami.  DE Aaron Schobel is also out, still recovering from a foot injury.

Share This

The Bills unplugged the Chargers to improve to 5-1 on the year, and remain in control of 1^st place in the AFC East.

1st Quarter

The Bills got on the scoreboard (that wasn’t working) first with a field goal by Rian Lindell but Chargers QB Phillip Rivers owned the Bills offense.  He went 10 of 11 for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Chargers up after one, 7-3.

2nd Quarter

The Bills fought back in this quarter as Trent Edwards hooked up with Lee Evans on a fade pattern to the end zone.  Evans caught the ball one handed before getting both feet in.  The Bills also recorded 3 more points on another field goal by Lindell.

Bills go into the tunnel at halftime, up 13-7.

3rd Quarter

The Chargers would battle back to take the lead on a 12 yard TD pass from Rivers to WR Vincent Jackson.  The lead wouldn’t last long though as Marshawn Lynch would get a monster block form Fred Jackson, and Lynch would be able to trot into the end zone for a TD.  

Bills head into the 4^th, now up 20-14.

4th Quarter

No comeback needed in this one for the Bills as they actually had the lead to start the 4^th.  The Bills are able to hold the Chargers to no points in this quarter and add a field goal of their own to hold on and win 23-14.

Wrap Up

The Bills top rush defense held one of the best in the game (LT) to 41 yards on 14 carries.

Trent Edwards went 25 for 30, for 261 yards and 1 TD pass.

On the ground, Lynch had 70 yards, and 1 TD on 19 carries.  Backup Fred Jackson had 9 carries for 33 yards.

In the receving game, Lee Evans caught 8 balls for 89 yards and a TD.  Josh Reed had 3 catches for 32 yards while TE Robert Royal had 4 for 53.  

Greer and Paul Poz led the team in tackles with 8 and 7 respectively.  

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

Share This

It is being reported by multiple sources that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez is being shopped around in the NFL trade market.  The Chiefs are talking to multiple teams about their star tight end, although no one team has been mentioned yet.

My question is why don’t the Buffalo Bills try to take a run at him?  So I am here to list my reasons why they should.

1. They have the Cap Room

Tony Gonzalez does come over with a pretty nice contract (in the Bills eyes).  He did sign a five year, $35 million deal back in 2006 but $17.75 million of that is guaranteed.  The rest of Gonzalez’s contract calls for him to make $1 million in 2008, $4 million in 2009, $4.5 million in 2010 and $5.75 million in 2011. 

Now the number isn’t exact, but the Bills have about $20 million in cap space that they can still work with.  The Bills have plenty of room to add Gonzalez’s contract. 

2.  The Bills Need a Good Tight End

Sorry Robert Royal but you just aren’t getting the job done.  You are a very mediocre tight end that really shouldn’t be starting in the NFL.  You are a good run blocker but are not really a threat in the passing game which is a shame for your QB. 

Trent Edwards loves throwing to the guys underneath, like his running backs and tight ends but he doesn’t really have a tight end to throw to.  The 6 foot 5, 251 pound Gonzalez would give Edwards a huge target to throw to and also another red zone target.  Let’s be honest the Bills need another target on offense.  Marshawn Lynch is in a little bit of a slump, and Lee Evans is still drawing double teams with the Bills lack of a true #2 wide receiver (Josh Reed is more of a slot guy, rookie James Hardy still is learning the game, and Roscoe Parrish is out for the next few weeks due to a thumb injury).       

3. The Bills have been looking for a Good TE

Not sure if any of you guys out their remember it or not, but the Bills were taking a hard look at now Tennessee Titans TE Alge Crumpler during the off season but were unable to sign him.  They then went after guys like Courtney Anderson and Tim Massaquoi and even drafted Derek Fine in the NFL Draft this year (Anderson and Massaquoi were cut, and Fine has not been activated yet because of a thumb injury).  

They know they need a tight end and hopefully they are still looking for one right now.

4.  Sure Tony is Getting Older, but He is Still an Elite TE

Sure people take a look at his number this year, 21 receptions for 193 yards and 2 TDs, and say the 32 year old is done but that is mostly because he is on such a bad team and hasn’t had one QB throwing to him this season.  The Chiefs are just throwing random QBs in there each week and Tony’s numbers are really hurting because of it. 

Remember this is a guy coming off a great 2007 campaign when he caught 99 passes for 1172 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

He is just off to a slow start and has plenty left in the tank to be elite in the next few years.

5. The Bills Could Use a Vet

The Bills are a young team just learning how to win games in this league.  Why not bring in a 12 year vet that has been there before?  The Bills oldest player on the offense is 30 year old Robert Royal who never been on a playoff team.  

The Bills could really use a smart veteran like Gonzalez that would not only open up the offense more, but also provide some leadership to the young guys in the locker room.

6.  He is a High Character Guy

The Bills love their players to be character guys, who are not only good at football but also stay out of trouble.  Gonzalez is very active in charitable organizations like the Tony Gonzalez Foundation, the United Way, and the Boys and Girls club just to name a few. 

Not only is he a great player, but a great person too. This is a guy that the Bills organization would love to have.

7.  All of This Could Be Yours for a Draft Pick

It is being reported that all the Chiefs are looking for is a decent draft pick (or picks) in exchange for their star TE.  Earlier in the off-season, Saints TE Jeremy Shockey was traded for a 2^nd round and 5^th round pick, something the Bills could easily muster up (also keep in mind that Shockey is four years younger at the age of 28).  The Bills already have their young, core players on the squad.  This season they can afford to give up a couple picks to better themselves for the next few years with a star TE in their offense.  

Gonzalez is still an elite tight end who currently holds the NFL tight end record for receptions, touchdown catches and yards receiving.  He has also gone to 9 pro bowls in his career and could still make the trip for a few more.  I would love to see the Bills go after him in an attempt to make a run for the playoffs, something the team hasn’t done for over a decade.  

Don’t agree at all?  Think I am nuts?  Want the Bills to try to get this guy today?  Please write your reactions in the comment box below or send over an email to buffbillsfan517@yahoo.com.  Your feedback is gr

Share This

Hello Bills fans.  What a way to start the season.  At first glance at the schedule, I said to myself that playing against Seattle would be a tough first game.  Seattle has been a playoff team since Holmgren became coach and has a real good offense.  The way the first quarter started, I thought this might be one of those 13-10 games or something close to that.  I had left for Buffalo on Saturday morning right before the storm hit here on Long Island.  My flight was canceled and we had to call the airline to get on an earlier flight.  Once I arrived, I was at peace right away.  I love going up to Buffalo.  Its such a great place to visit and everyone is nice to talk to.  I reached the parking lot across from the stadium around 10:30.  There were very few spots available.  The place was packed.  You could feel the energy from the fans tailgating that this would be our day.  The Bills really played well on all three phases of the game.  The offense started flat but I feel that was due to the rain.  Once Marshawn ran it in, the place was loud.  The defense is so quick with guys like Aaron Schobel, Kawika Mitchell, Paul Posluszny, and Terrence McGee.  Marcus Stroud could not be blocked by anyone on Seattle’s o-line.  Roscoe Parrish is one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.  I saw the whole punt return unfold and got to see him run into the endzone I was sitting near.  Trent Edwards settled in nicely and had some impressive throws that were hauled in by Lee Evans.  Robert Royal’s td was awesome as well.  Brian Moorman’s td pass to Ryan Denney got everyone up on their feet.  Great call by coach Bobby April.  He is the best special teams coach in the league.  As always it was a great trip but its even better when the Bills win.  Can’t wait till November 17 for the Monday night game against Cleveland.  I will be in attendance and hopefully leave as happy as I did this time.  Go Bills. 

Share This

1st Quarter

Rain was coming down hard and you could tell that both of the teams quarterbacks didn’t play much in the preseason.  It was a quarter filled with incompletions and punts.  The Bills went on a drive with 4:04 left in the 1^st quarter.  It started with great field position (had the ball at midfield).  Trent Edwards dropped back and threw a nice ball to Lee Evans down the sideline.  Completed for 32 yards.  On this same drive the Bills were stuck on 3^rd and 11.  It looked like they would have to settle for a field goal but a great play call changed that.  The Seahawks showed blitz and it looked like it would work but then Edwards handed the ball to Marshawn Lynch on a draw play.  Evans threw a great block downfield that sprung Lynch for a 21 yard touchdown. 

Bills lead 7-0 after one quarter of play.  

2nd Quarter

The Bills special teams is going to have to step up if they want to stay in ball games this season and they showed up big on a punt return for a TD by return man Roscoe Parrish.  Parrish caught the punt and then showed why he is a game changer, makes cut and breaking tackles before he took it all the way to the house, finishing the 64 yard run. 

Later in the quarter with about 5:00 on the clock, the Seahawks went on a drive of their own.  On 2^nd and 10, the Bills had blown coverage and the Seahawks looked like they could take advantage.  Matt Hasselbeck threw a deep ball to Nate Burleson who was wide open.  He jumped up, had the ball in his hands but just couldn’t hang on.  The next play Hasselbeck dropped back and threw a fade to Burleson who made a great catch in the end zone with Bills CB Jabri Greer on the coverage.  Seahawks finally get on the board, 14-7.

Bills kicker Rain Lindell then added a FG to add to the Bills lead, 17-7.

Then after the Seahawks failed to do anything with a minute left, they gave the ball back to Buffalo.  Edwards made a few good passes which set up Lindell with another FG try.  The 38 yard attempt was up and good.

Bills lead at halftime, 20-7.

3rd Quarter

Seahawks wide receiver Burleson was injured in the 3^rd quarter while running a pattern on 3^rd and 7 with under 6 minutes left.  He ran an out and fell to the ground holding his knee.  He did not return to the game.

Seahawks would also add a FG to the mix.  Score is now 20-10.

With under 3 minutes left in the 3^rd, the Bills lined up for another FG try.  The snap was good, the holder (and also punter) Brain Moorman got the snap and then stood up to throw a fake.  Ryan Denney (the DE and special teams player) was wide open and ran into the end zone for the first TD of his career.  The trick play worked and the Bills are now up, 27-10.

On that kickoff following the Bills TD, Jon Corto the Orchard Park native (who was featured in a previous story) forced a fumble.  Bills recover!  The Bills then went for the stranglehold.  On first and 10, Edwards faked a handoff and steps up in the pocket.  He then delivers a strike to TE Robert Royal who caught it for a 30 yard TD.  Bills now lead 34-10.

4th Quarter

It was just a quarter where the Seahawks couldn’t do anything and the Bills were content with running out the clock.  With :34 left in the game, the Bills finally accomplished something that they were close to the entire game.  They intercepted a pass.  Terrence McGee picked off the Hasselbeck pass and that would seal the game.  BILLS WIN 34-10!

Wrap Up

Trent Edwards went 19/30 with 215 yards and a TD with no INTs.

Marshawn Lynch led the ground game carrying the ball 18 times for 76 yards and a TD.  Fred Jackson also contributed with 31 yards on 10 attempts.

Brain Moorman (holder and punter) went 1/1 for 19 yards and a TD.

It seemed like everyone was catching passes in this game with 6 different players recording receptions.  Evans had 4 catches for 102 yards, Royal had 6 catches for 52 yards and a TD.  Josh Reed caught 3 balls for 37 yards, Denney of course had the TD catch for 19 yards.  The running backs also got mixed into the action with Lynch catching 3 catches for 18 yards.  Not only did Parrish serve as a big return man but he also caught 3 balls for 6 yards (mostly on screens).

Lindell went 2/3 on field goals with one of them being blocked.

McGee had an INT, Denney, Aaron Schobel and Kawikea Mitchell all had 1 sack.  DT Kyle Williams had 1.5 sacks while newcomer Marcus Stroud contributed with .5 sacks. 

Not only did Moorman throw the TD pass, he also averaged 40.6 yards a punt (on 9 punts) with 3 inside the 20.

Keith Ellison played well at LB today in place of Angelo Crowell who will be out for the year.  All of the newcomers on D looked amazing too, not to mention 2nd year man Paul Poz.

MORE TO COME on this game tomorrow where I tell you what my feelings are.  Of course it will be happy though because the Bills WON!  LET’S GO BUFFALO!

Share This

Hello Bills fans.  As the roster was trimmed to 53 players, there were a few suprises that made the team.  The first was converted safety to linebacker Jon Corto.  I thought linebacker Blake Costanzo would make it over Corto because he was a great special teams player.  The coaches must feel they can develop Corto and help him make the transition just like they did for Coy Wire.  Corto did look good in the preseason games and was around the ball constantly.  Corto needs to add a little size but will be mostly used on the special teams units.  A suprise cut was cornerback Will James.  I thought James would add experience to our secondary and win the nickel position battle.  Ashton Youboty had a tremendous preseason with a couple of interceptions and was named the starting nickel back by the Bills today.  The team decided to go with rookie cornerback Reggie Corner instead of James as a backup.  Another suprise to me was that the team only kept three tight ends.  Robert Royal is the starter but second year man Derek Schouman and rookie Derek Fine are injured.  Schouman is scheduled to be ready for opening day but Fine will be out for a while due to thumb surgery he had last week.  Lets hope Royal and Schouman can stay healthy and we dont have to worry about finding a tight end mid-season.  Check out the complete 2008 roster on buffalobills.com.  Go Bills. 

Share This

Hello Bills fans.  I was able to watch the first half of tonights game online.  I have to say that the offense has woken up.  Trent Edwards was 9-11 for 104 yards and two td’s.  Robert Royal caught both td passes from Trent on perfectly thrown balls.  Lee Evans had three catches for 55 yards and Marshawn Lynch carried the ball five times for 25 yards.  The offensive line had great push on running plays and protected Trent everytime he dropped back.  The starting defense started a little shaky but rebounded nicely by getting an interception.  The defensive line had great pressure and forced Big Ben to throw into traffic.  The ball was deflected by Ko Simpson into the hands of Donte Whitner.  I know its only preseason but this was the type of play I was looking for.  Go Bills. 

Share This

Hello Bills fans.  As the 2008 season approaches, there is a great article on buffalobills.com about Trent Edwards and how he is looking to improve his game.  Trent states that he will spend time with Lee Evans and Robert Royal over the next few weeks.  Players are basically on their own until training camp officially starts on July 25th.  Im excited to hear that Trent will spend some extra time with his key targets that weren’t able to fully practice due to injuries.  Evans did attend most of the OTA’s but did not participate in team drills.  Royal didn’t practice at all due to a knee surgery he is recovering from.  I cant wait for the season to start.  Go Bills. 

Share This