Beast of the East Report- Week #15

by Chris Menn, Bill Choinski, Phins_054

Buffalo Bills

Post Mortem-

Wow- Buffalo has won their first back to back wins since week 1 of the season- and they FINALLY did it the way we were expecting the Bills to deliver since preseason- via a power running attack. 41 rushes to only 15 pass attempts, giving the Bills an impressive 17-6 win over the Jets.. Maybe it was turn back the clock day at the Ralph, as it was nearly 30 years minus 1 week to the day OJ Simpson broke the 2,00 yard barrier against these very Jets. The groggy and fuzzy Bledsoe, concussion victim the previous 2 weeks, had it easy - 15 attempts, 9 completions for 72 yards. It was a Joe Ferguson- like performance for Bledsoe- as Henry put together "Juice" like numbers himself- with a career best 169 yards and 2 TD's.

And did Travis Henry send a statement to Willis McGahee or what? Rumors flew all week that McGahee would dress for the game only to have him inactivated hours before the start. Still nursing an assortment of ailments- from the sore ribs to a cracked bone in his leg- he still managed his career best 169 yards- and how appropriately in homage to the Juice's jersey number- on 32 carries. Henry has shown more guts this season than any player I can remember in a long time. He deserves to be the #1 back next season- and the two should make quite the fire and ice combination. Now The Bills just need an offensive philosophy that will utilize them.

In the Huddle-

In keeping with the retro- 1973 theme- the Bills' offensive line earns much of the credit for Henry's career day. Injuries forced a realignment of the line, and it seems to be for the better. By no means were they the second coming of the Electric Company, the line had it's best day of the season. Jonas Jennings was placed on IR last week, and Marques Sullivan did a masterful job filling in. The forgotten man on the line earlier this season- not even activated for games- he returned to his natural left tackle position after an aborted attempt on the right guard spot. Mike Pucillo, the much maligned right guard most of the season, also missed the game due to injury- and he may have lost his spot when he comes back. Former Dallas Cowboy retread Ross Tucker took over and played like he's been there for years. Granted, the Jets were missing some horses up front, but they blew away the Jets' defensive line allowing Henry 5.3 yards a carry and the Bills to gain 14 first downs via the run.

Sam Adams led another inspired defensive effort- as the Bills held the Jets to 2 field goals. Adams had 2 sacks and 7 tackles. London Fletcher led the team with 12 tackles. Buffalo stifled the Jets, holding them to a mere 215 yards on the ground. Buffalo's efforts have given them the top ranking for defense in the AFC (second in the league), holding opponents to 15.4 points and to 267 yards a game. It's hard to explain how this is possible- with the Bills in the bottom 1/4th of the league in turnovers and in the bottom half in sacks. All they do is hold teams to a lot of boring 3 and outs. Boring- but effective.

Coming up-

Buffalo has very slim playoff hopes- but the cards are somewhat falling their way early. Tennessee- the Bills next opponent, may be without starting QB Steve McNair- who is suffering from cracked bone spurs. Losers of the last 2 games, the Titans are desperate to get back to their winning ways to keep their own playoff destiny in their own hands. The Titan's defense has been hobbled of late as well. If Buffalo wishes to win their third road game of the season, they will need to employ the formula used in the Jet victory- a steady dose of Travis Henry and a suffocating defense. If the Bills can keep this game in the low teens for scoring, and if they can catch a break with either an inexperienced backup or an immobile McNair- they could win a FG battle late. I think the Bills will pull a miracle of their own in Music City- Bills win a close one 13-10. Let the "Gregg Williams stays" rumors begin!Bill Choinski

Jets Report

Post Mortem-

After playing their best game of the season, the Jets played pathetically losing to the Bills 17-6. The run D looked horrendous giving up 169 yards on the ground to an injured Travis Henry. The offense had their problems also allowing five sacks and throwing a pick. Chad was off going 15-29 for 155 yards and Curtis had an average day rushing for 84 yards in 25 attempts. After losing this one, it is now safe to say that this season is over. This team will try to play spoiler in their last two games against playoff teams, but with the way they have been playing, it is more likely that they are going for a higher pick in the draft.

Injury Report

John Abraham has decided to call it a season this year after injuring his groin against Philly earlier this year. Jon Carter is the fourth Jet this year to go on IR due to a knee injury against Buffalo last week. The injury report for this week's game against Pittsburgh is that Sam Cowart is out with a thigh injury and that Kareem McKenzie is probable with a leg injury.

In the Huddle

Curtis Martin became the league's 12th all-time rusher last week passing O.J. Simpson. The offense has been off and on these past couple of weeks going from scoring a lot to not scoring at all sometimes since Chad had returned. Part of this is due to injuries that have depleted the Jets receiving corps and bad play calling has something to do with this also. The Jets have better come up with a better game plan other than running the ball on a third and long twice. In addition, they look like they do not adjust at all allowing the same things to happen all day long.

Looking Head

Well the only thing I am looking ahead to is the off-season in which this team is going to improve themselves by getting new personnel on the defense and hopefully on the coaching staff as well. The upcoming game has only one factor that the losing team will have a better draft position come April. For my prediction of this game, I think that the Jets will find a way to lose this one by having Bettis run all over the defense and not adjusting towards the run. The final score will be Steelers 24 Jets 13. - Chris Menn

Dolphins Report

Post Mortem-

The Offense and Jay Feidler came crashing back down to earth Sunday. The offense was stagnant and unable to run the ball well, let alone throw. Still, as bad as the offense was, the defense played well enough for us to win. We could have until Jay threw the critical INT giving NE an easy six points. Luck was again with NE on the PAT. Not only did the ball bounce off the right upright, but also the left before falling in. The ugliest game I have ever witnessed…Yes 62-7 included. NE wins division…how, I am still trying to understand.

In the Huddle-

Good news: None really except for the defense Bad news: One of the few games where I can say we were definitely out coached and game planned. Bradys punt on 4th down was a microcosm for the entire game. Naturally that punt was downed at the one yard line. Of course Feidler threw the easy pick for six. Game over. Merry Christmas NE…

Injury Report-

Jay was sacked five times, aggravating his knee. He may miss the Philly game, but somehow I am sure he will play.

Coming Up-

The hottest team in the NFC…Great. I would say that “Well, at least we are at home.” But we actually suck there so there’s no point getting excited about that. Still, I think Miami can win this game. Here’s why. Philly is on a hot streak true and yes they are also hunting for home field, but they are due for a loss. A loss to Miami doesn’t hurt the Eagles as much as a loss hurts us. Yes I know it’s a reach but I think the Phns pull this one out. Bottom Line…Miami 17 Philly 9 - Phins054