October 31, 2006

Patriots’ Fan Alleges Attack at Hands of Bills’ Fans

The Boston Herald today has an article with a Boston man and his wife who is four months pregnant alleging that the man was attacked after entering a porta potty. I have no idea whether they are telling the truth but I have absolutely no difficulty believing their account due to my own past experiences.

Bills Look to Rebound vs Packers

Buffalo receiver Lee Evans knows his team hasn't come close to showing the consistency needed to be successful during the first half of this season. He, along with his teammates, are hoping the just concluded bye week was just what the Bills needed to help right their ship.

Bills hit the basics in bye week

Considering the Buffalo Bills have dropped their last three games and have fallen three games under .500, last week's bye was a good time for a little fine-tuning.

Few get testy as NFL tries to clean up

Buffalo Bills linebacker Mario Haggan keeps winning the lottery no NFL player cares to win. Five times this season Haggan has been selected at random by computer. Five times he's been required to provide a urine sample to determine if performance-enhancing substances are at work in his system.

Offensive Line Making Most of Their Time

Three practices in a bye week likely won't get everything ironed out with respect to the changes made to Buffalo's offensive line, but the coaching staff and the men up front are determined to make it an effective change sooner rather than later as their first big test approaches Sunday versus Green Bay.

Bruce Lasko Named Bills H.S. Coach of the Week

Coach Bruce Lasko of Lackawanna High School has been named the Buffalo Bills High School football “Coach of the Week” for the ninth weekend of the 2006 season (October 28-29).

Bills report: Inside slant

The tight end has long been an ignored position in Buffalo, and while the Bills' new coaching staff hinted that things would be different this season, they haven't been.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills ranked 29th in passing at 163 yards per game, 30th in sacks allowed with 21, and last in third-down passing at 21.6 percent. The education of QB J.P. Losman started off well but soon hit a bumpy road.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Veteran OG Chris Villarrial, never one to mince words, on Buffalo's offensive struggles: "It's like 'Groundhog Day.' It's all we talk about is not killing ourselves, and that's what we're doing. The players are frustrated, the fans are frustrated, the coaches are frustrated, it's just one of those things.

Insults, injuries: Mass. man beaten at N.Y. stadium

While his helpless, pregnant wife watched in horror, a Woburn man says, he was viciously beaten outside the Buffalo Bills’ football stadium last week by a liquored-up mob of New York fans embittered after the Pats crushed their team.

Lack of TE production hindering Losman's development

Although not often talked about, the lack of production from the tight end position has been an area of concern in Buffalo for quite some time. The last time the Bills had a truly viable threat from the position was the 2001 season. The team finished just 3-13, but Jay Riemersma's 53 receptions were a key reason why the offense finished a respectable 13th in total yardage.

October 30, 2006

Former Buffalo Bill to speak to QB Club

Former Buffalo Bills lineman Joe Delamielleure, who is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will be the guest speaker at the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Tuesday night at 7 at the University Center Club at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Bowen Now Healthy, Biding His Time

The date of August 12 is almost three months in the rearview mirror. It's a distant memory for most NFL players in the middle of the regular season routine. But for Matt Bowen it was the day that dramatically altered his expectations for his first season with the Bills.

Early analysis of the Bills' draft (Day Two)

On the second day of the draft, the Bills had a whopping six selections. Although it's still extremely early in the careers of these rookies, let's see how they're stacking up seven games into their first regular season.

October 29, 2006

'SI' cover story would be big boost for Sabres

Buffalo teams have been featured on Sports Illustrated's cover only 13 other times, including five with O.J. Simpson (that's not counting his June 27, 1994, cover: "The Charge: Murder")

Bills worship

All these people on their weekly pilgrimage to Orchard Park or their big-screen TV. Maybe they go to church, maybe not, but they never miss the Bills game. It looks to me like for some people, being a football fan is their religion.

Dumb plays taking their toll on Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills knew they were playing poorly. But while crunching game tape this bye week, they were still shocked to see the amount of — to steal a word their owner used — "dumb" things they've been doing.

BILLS DOSE: Bills dominant, at least in reality

They might be struggling on the field, but the Buffalo Bills have a solid squad on the Madden ‘07 video game. At least, according to Takeo Spikes.

Q&A with Dick Jauron

Jauron, who’s in his first season with the club, knows the Bills have a long way to go. But, as he said, “We’re going to come out of it, and we’re going to be a really good football team. And I wish it would be the very next game. I wish that would happen, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I do believe it’s going to happen.”

October 28, 2006

Whitner Finding His Way

Seven games into his rookie season Bills top pick Donte Whitner is making progress. Though a lot of the big plays have yet to come down the pike from the rookie, he has been productive. The starting strong safety is third on the team in tackles with 49, has one interception and a pair of pass breakups.

October 27, 2006

Bills Need to Re-Shuffle Scouting Department

The latest reshuffling of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line is proof of something we said in past years. Buffalo needs a complete overhaul of its scouting department on both the college and pro levels. General managers in the National Football League certainly do their share of scouting and player evaluations, but the grunt work belongs to the scouts who search the nation’s campuses for players who can help the team. As we all know, the Bills haven’t gotten a lot of help in recent years.

Bills look forward to free weekend

The Buffalo Bills long-awaited bye weekend began at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday when the team wrapped up practice and was given the OK by coach Dick Jauron to go home.

Bye week analysis of the Bills' draft (Day One)

Through their first seven regular-season games of 2006, the Buffalo Bills ' record is a horrendous 2-5, and the team is sitting in second-last place in the mediocre AFC East. Naturally, that's nowhere near where Buffalo wanted to be on its bye week, especially considering the team was impressive through its first four games.

October 26, 2006

Lock, Stock And Barrel: Pats On Their Way To AFC East Title

Seven weeks later, the New England Patriots look nothing like the team seen losing 7-0 to Buffalo within the first 12 seconds of the season's first game. New England has officially flipped the switch, and this was evident as the team dominated in all three phases of it's 28-6 win over the Bills on Sunday.

Bruce Smith inducted into Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

It's not a coincidence that the Buffalo Bills haven't reached the playoffs since 1999. After all, that was the last season Pro Bowlers Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed played together before the team released them in a salary-cap purge. The postseason drought hasn't come as a total shock to Smith, who was in the 11-member class of 2006 inducted into the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

Schobel Closing Fast

Pretty soon it will be getting harder and harder for Aaron Schobel to go unnoticed. Buffalo's top defensive end, who is coming off a performance that included two sacks, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble against New England, is now two sacks away from becoming one of the top three sack artists in franchise history.

Levy's Bills remain work in progress

The healthy, tanned glow he wore during training camp having long faded, Marv Levy looks and sounds a little weary as he eases himself into the chair to assess the Buffalo Bills' poor start.

Bills get first long weekend off since July

The Buffalo Bills long-awaited bye weekend began today when the team wrapped up practice around 11 a.m. and players were given the OK by coach Dick Jauron to go home.

Bills pulling for red-hot, popular Sabres

The NFL's Buffalo Bills will be rooting for the Buffalo Sabres to make NHL history tonight by winning their 10th consecutive game to open the season.

Losman says blame him, too, for offensive-line problems

Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman is OK with ingenuity over continuity.

But he doesn't want his original five starting offensive linemen to take all the heat for his struggles during the Bills' 2-5 start.

Prater gets tryouts with Dolphins, Bills

Matt Prater’s phone had not been ringing for much of the past six weeks. But Wednesday, the former Estero High kicker was coming back from his second tryout in two days.

Mailbag: Will Buffalo's new O-line make a difference?

Has anybody noticed how accurate J.P. Losman throws when on the run or rolling out? What I really mean is, does anybody on the Bills' staff realize that they can make him more effective, dangerous, protected and accurate by mixing it up and doing this more?

Losman a work in progress for Bills

The Buffalo Bills knew there would be growing pains during quarterback J.P. Losman's development. Perhaps no one imagined they would be this severe.

October 25, 2006

Bills favor NFL's international approach

The thought of the Buffalo Bills playing a game in Germany or Britain as a way to bring international exposure to the franchise is appealing to the team hierarchy.

Bills' Losman takes share of blame

Quarterback J.P. Losman doesn't want his original five starting offensive linemen to take all the heat for his struggles during the Buffalo Bills 2-5 start.

Lindell is Mr. Reliable

Heading into the 2005 season there were a lot of doubts about Rian Lindell's long term future with the Bills. Unable to connect from long distance on a consistent basis had the powers that be at One Bills Drive exploring their options at the kicker position. Fast forward to the middle of the 2006 campaign and the Bills brass is likely trying to come up with their best approach in holding onto their kicker as he's due to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

Bills do the offensive line shuffle

Jason Peters' star continues to rise in the Buffalo Bills' organization.

The third-year offensive lineman got another promotion Tuesday when the team shifted him from starting right tackle to starting left tackle.

Bills have no shortage of big names playing for jobs

Currently an unimpressive 2-5, the Buffalo Bills will spend the eighth weekend of the season on a bye. Once Buffalo resumes play on Nov. 5, plenty of its players could be performing in their final nine games in Bills uniforms. In fact, there are quite a few high-profile Bills likely on their way out, including a couple of Pro Bowlers.

October 24, 2006

Bills shuffle offensive line

Three straight losses and a sputtering offense have prompted major changes along the Bills’ inconsistent offensive line. Out at left guard is Tutan Reyes, replaced by left tackle Mike Gandy. Right tackle Jason Peters slides over to fill the void at left tackle, and rookie seventh-round pick Terrance Pennington is now in at right tackle.

Clements reportedly offered to Tampa

The Buffalo Bills explored trading cornerback Nate Clements to Tampa Bay last week, according to a Sporting News report. In return, the team would have received defensive tackle Anthony “Booger” McFarland, who ended up being shipped to Indianapolis for a second-round pick.

Bad Bills Buck Stops at Wilson’s Desk

Recent statements by Bills owner Ralph Wilson reveal the disappointment, anger, and frustration in the team’s owner. Talking about the Bills’ circumstances Wilson stated that the fans deserve better and expressed empathy with them, particularly those that spend money on tickets only to get treated to what the Bills have put forth.

Payne & Sciandra Named Bills H.S. Coach of the Week

Coach Frank Payne of Iroquois High School and Coach Angelo Sciandra of Cardinal O’Hara High School have been named the Buffalo Bills High School football “Coaches of the Week” for the eighth weekend of the 2006 season (October 21-22). Two coaches have been selected as the “Coaches of the Week” since no coach was selected in week seven due to the storm.

Big Changes on Bills Offensive Line

With an offense ranked 30th in the league, pass protection a glaring problem and a running game dropping from top ten status to near the bottom third of the league, Buffalo's coaching staff made wholesale changes to their offensive line.

Jauron going back to basics to fix flaws

Reeling from a three-game losing streak, the Bills head into their bye week with a 2-5 record and facing a season on the brink of collapse. Jauron's task is finding a way to turn the season around before it is too late.

Struggles have been group effort

For the first month of the season, quarterback J.P. Losman was close to convincing even his most ardent detractors that he was worthy of leading the Buffalo Bills' offense. But after watching Losman struggle badly during the team's current three-game losing streak, some fans are calling for a change under center. Don't count on it. Bills coach Dick Jauron has no intention of benching Losman. At least not right now.

What can Bills learn during bye week?

Sal: The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Bills. With three consecutive humiliating losses, this is the perfect time to stand back and take a hard look at all three phases of their game and try to salvage some semblance of a meaningful season.

Bills say Losman keeps his No. 1 job

Of course, the fans don't call the shots, Marv Levy does, and Marv has a message for everyone: Losman is the guy, at least for the foreseeable future. "Sure you're concerned about him," Levy said. "But I see things in him that are good, and I think he's going to be a good quarterback despite the struggles he had (Sunday)."

Kelsay's penalty shows Bills still lacking discipline

When the Buffalo Bills hired Dick Jauron to replace Mike Mularkey as head coach last January, the former sideline general for the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions was expected to bring a disciplined approach. The Bills, who were often bogged down by foolish mistakes in the past, were to become a team that would lose based on being outplayed, not giving games away.

Sticking With Losman

Those on the outside looking in have expressed the need for change, but the head coach of the Buffalo Bills is staying the course. Despite a three game losing streak and the struggles to score points on offense Dick Jauron, when asked if he's sticking with J.P. Losman as his quarterback, answered succinctly. "Absolutely," Jauron said.

October 23, 2006

Bills report: Inside slant

When a team brings together new coaches, new players and new schemes, growing pains are bound to happen.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

The Patriots' 52 wins over Buffalo are the most against any opponent and they've dominated the series under coach Bill Belichick since 2001. Belichick is 11-2 against the Bills with New England, winning six in a row. So why does he always build up the Bills to make them sound like the '85 Bears?

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills (2-4) could be without their leader in touchdown catches and punt returns when they try and break a two-game losing streak against the AFC East-leading New England Patriots (4-1) at home.

Bills 28-6 Loss To Patriots More Of The Same

The Buffalo Bills once stood at 2-2 and had high aspirations of challenging the New England Patriots for the AFC East division crown. Three games later and a second humbling loss to the Patriots has Buffalo wondering what went wrong. Despondant after Sunday's 28-6 loss, the Bills head into the bye week wondering if they can stop the slide and turn things around.

Another Systematic Win For The Patriots

The Buffalo Bills harassed Tom Brady nearly all day, but the inability of the Buffalo offense to score -- or even hold on to the ball -- proved too much to overcome. PI's Shane Leketa recounts the game and the Patriots overwhelming performance after their bye week. New England improved to 5-1 while Buffalo fell to 2-5. Final Score: Patriots 28 - Bills 6.

Never satisfied, Patriots aim higher

What the New England Patriots have over everyone else is the understanding that they're a perpetual work in progress. We see 28-6, they see 286 things they could have done better. We see a pinpoint touchdown pass to Doug Gabriel, their quarterback sees a throw he never should have made.

Bad day leaves onlookers uncomfortably numb

You can forgive a team for losing. You can accept their physical limitations. You can live with their youth, and their continual, confounding mental mistakes. But right now, the Bills are guilty of the worst sin of all:

Pats catch on to team concept

The New England Patriots aren't exactly loaded with wide receivers who will be found on your fantasy team, unless you're in the basement.

Runaway at The Ralph

Running game

(D-PLUS): Willis gained 59 yards on only 3.0 a carry. Coaches did not abandon run. Run game did not lose the game for Bills.

Royal is king for a day

Four catches for 36 yards hardly represents a great performance for a receiver. But for a tight end in the Buffalo Bills' offense, it qualifies as a banner day. Royal was signed last offseason because of his blocking, but on Sunday he finally got a chance to have more than a cameo role as a receiver.

Mistakes by McGee lead to benching

Cornerback Terrence McGee was asked two weeks ago if he felt his level of performance had dropped this season. "I've dropped down a couple levels," he answered. "I'm not playing with the consistency I would like to play."

Smackdown

The Buffalo Bills are in a serious slump, and that's a bad thing because they never were humming along this season. Sunday's 28-6 loss to the New England Patriots further dampened the hope that the Bills might be a middle-of-the-pack team this year.

Bills Brushed Aside by Belichick’s Patriots En Route to Bye Week

What does one say anymore about this team? Déjà vu perhaps! Seriously. It’s one season after another of nothing but lip service attempting to sell fans a bill-of-goods yet with the crate being empty when it arrives, the contents stolen by those entrusted with ensuring that it arrives in tact.

Bills' report card

Quarterbacks: J.P. Losman's regression continued with a game far worse than his statistics (16 of 26, 193 yards) would indicate. His three turnovers gave him 11 on the year and prevented the offense from answering the call of four TD drives mounted by Patriots' QB Tom Brady.

The two-minute read

CB Terrence McGee was not injured in the third quarter after Chad Jackson burned him for a 35-yard TD pass. McGee was benched by coach Dick Jauron, and he only returned to play on defense after his replacement, Greer, hurt himself after getting burned for a 31-yard reception by Doug Gabriel.

A dark, ugly loss for Buffalo

The Bills had an opportunity to cheer up their beleaguered fan base when they hosted their nemesis, the New England Patriots. They failed miserably.

Buffalo's Week 7 ineptitude starts with Losman

Sunday saw the Buffalo Bills ' ride to the bottom of the 2006 barrel continue, with the team falling 28-6 to one of its biggest AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots . Various problems bogged the Bills down in their Week 7 loss, which dropped them to 2-5, but the greatest concern was the performance of third-year quarterback J.P. Losman.

October 22, 2006

10 QUESTIONS - Patriots at Bills

The Buffalo Bills are close to being competitive, at least that's what many of the faces on television have been saying. Not so says one expert who charts all of the Bills plays on a regular basis. AFCEast Report.com's Mark Weiler shares his thoughts on why Buffalo has more issues than the TV pundits have told you about.

10 Quotes and a Cloud of Dust: Week 7

After beating the Dolphins in Week 5, the Patriots entered their bye week 4-1. The Bills took a step backward last week by losing to formerly winless Detroit. Now it's time for a rematch of their Week 1 match-up, when the Bills led 17-7 at halftime only to watch the Patriots come back for the 19-17 win.

Patriots-Bills Preview

The New England Patriots again have taken control of the AFC East. They just have not been very dominant in doing so. New England looks to improve to 4-0 against divisional opponents when it returns from its bye week to face the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Dillon, Maroney hope to run wild on Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney strolled into the locker room after Friday's practice cracking jokes and playfully jabbing one another. They weren't talking about strategy or discussing the game plan for Sunday's rematch in Buffalo. They were actually debating who's the best player in the NBA - Kobe Bryant, LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.

NFL weather watch: Wet and windy Sunday

New England Patriots (-5 ½, total set at 37 ½) at Buffalo Bills Site: Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Stadium style: Enclosed seating; artificial surface. Rain started falling early in Buffalo today and is expected to continue falling well past kickoff at the Patriots-Bills game.

Bills out to bully Brady

FOXBORO -- We all know -- and more importantly, Matt Light knows -- how Aaron Schobel can get to the quarterback. The Bills’ pass rushing, right defensive end has sacked Tom Brady 8.5 times over his career, and no other NFL player has gotten to the Pats quarterback more (Miami’s Jason Taylor also has 8.5 sacks on Brady).

Bills (losses) piling up

Coming off a bye week, running backs Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney should be rested and ready to take on a defense that has been susceptible to the run all season. Maroney's energy is infectious.

Ex-Bill sculpts buffalo for youth club

The Boys & Girls Club on the West Side soon will be the new home for a buffalo to roam. Mike Hamby, a former Buffalo Bills player who is now a world-renowned sculptor, will donate "Running Thunder," a 5-foot-long bronze buffalo worth $20,000, to the John F. Beecher Clubhouse on 10th Street. The clubhouse's renovated recreational grounds - about the size of a football field - is where this buffalo will roam.

Bill need to run Willis, keep Pats from pounding rock

In a two-game span, RB Willis McGahee has gone from being the NFL's leading rusher to the Bills' most underutilized weapon. Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild needs to get McGahee involved more. . . . The Patriots have been tough against the run, giving up only 86 yards per game.

BURSTING TO GET BACK

In his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, outside linebacker Takeo Spikes was the epitome of an impact player. From sideline to sideline, he has been a do-it-all talent who earned his first two Pro Bowl appearances and All-Pro honors while averaging 127 tackles and totaling seven interceptions, five sacks, five forced fumbles and three recoveries.

Bills are desperate for a victory

The Buffalo Bills are a team in need of a reason to believe today. Ugly losses the past two weeks to Chicago and Detroit had to have shaken the Bills' collective confidence. They were not admitting that this week, but everyone acknowledged the frustration of losing to previously winless Detroit last week.

Pats need good health on defense

The Pats enter today's game at Ralph Wilson Stadium having allowed an average of 14.8 points per game. That's the kind of number that wins championships, no matter what the play on the other side of the ball looks like.

It's not nearly time to close the book on Brady

During training camp before the 2005 season, Charles Pierce approached Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and said he was interested in writing a book about him. "I don't think I'm old enough for one of those books," Brady said.

Clock is ticking on Losman's status

Last Monday evening following his ghastly performance against Detroit, which followed his ghastly performance against Chicago, there had been more than enough doubt creeping into the Buffalo Bills' decision to plan their future with J.P. Losman as their quarterback.

Get ready for a wacky season

After two impressive weeks of missing a combined three picks, I took a nosedive last week and managed to only pick four games correctly. Ouch!... New England at Buffalo (+6): The Bills are stuck spinning their wheels when it comes to playing the Patriots.

NFL STANDINGS, INJURY REPORT

NEW YORK -- The updated National Football League injury report for this week's games as provided by the league:

Coming off bye week, Patriots remain wary of Bills

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked this week about his thoughts on the state of the AFC East – that is, the declining state of the AFC East. Predictably, he wouldn’t take the bait.

The scouting report

Season on the Brink was a best-selling book written by John Feinstein that chronicled a year in the life of Bobby Knight when he was coaching at Indiana University. “Season on the brink” could also be the headline for today’s Bills game against New England. At 2-4, the Bills are staring into the abyss of another disappointing season if they don’t pull off an upset.

Q&A: Kyle Williams

The Buffalo Bills addressed their needs on the defensive line in April, drafting John McCargo in the first round and Kyle Williams in the fifth. With McCargo out for the season with a broken foot, Williams is on his own when it comes to interjecting talent and youthful enthusiasm into the middle of Buffalo's defense.

Bills face must-win game vs. nemesis Patriots

"They're all unbelievably critical to you and this week is no different," Jauron said in reference to this afternoon's game between the Bills and New England Patriots at sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium. Ah, but this week is a little different for the Bills.

Patriots set for division bout with rival Bills

Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney strolled into the locker room after Friday's practice cracking jokes and playfully jabbing one another. You'd be in a lighthearted mood, too, if you saw the Bills' run defense. Buffalo is tied for 20th in the league, allowing 117.2 yards per game despite a speedy, veteran linebacker corps that features Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher-Baker.

Bills-Pats, the sequel

"Being down seven like five seconds into the year was not really what I was dreaming of the night before the game," Brady said. "I'm glad we overcame that. We actually put together a nice touchdown drive after that strip sack. And it's extremely important to get off to a good start, especially in Buffalo.

October 21, 2006

Belichick, Patriots not taking Bills for granted

Credit Bill Belichick for this: New England's coach might be the only one capable of making the Buffalo Bills out to resemble a juggernaut.

Bills Run Defense Must Step Up on Sunday

New England rookie running back Laurence Maroney averaged 5.1 yards per carry in the season opening 19-17 win over the Bills. That's one key stat that the Bills must improve on if they want to win this Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Tripplett tackles lack of sacks

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Larry Tripplett doesn't need to be reminded of the fact that he does not have any sacks or any tackles for losses so far this season.

Pats are a tough team, just like always

"We've got a lot of respect for Buffalo," the master of coach-speak continued. "We know we've got our work cut out for us going on the road. And this division's always tough." The Patriots have lost once at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the Belichick era, and they have won 28 of their last 35 AFC East games. How tough can it be?

Evans well aware of Harrison

There was a momentary silence, then nervous laughter on the other end of the phone line earlier this week when Buffalo Bills' wide receiver Lee Evans was asked if he agreed that Patriots' safety Rodney Harrison was "the dirtiest player in the NFL" as voted by 361 NFL players in a Sports Illustrated poll.

October 20, 2006

Bills WR Parrish, G Reyes and C Fowler all practice and could play vs. Patriots

Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish , guard Tutan Reyes and center Melvin Fowler all practiced Friday and could play Sunday when Buffalo hosts New England.

Football Meteorology For Week 7

Late October marks the time when the outdoor teams from the north really start to get significant weather advantages. It snowed last week in Buffalo and also here in between Chicago and Detroit.

Three hobbling Bills expected to play

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (Oct. 20, 2006) -- Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish, guard Tutan Reyes and center Melvin Fowler all practiced and could play Oct. 22 when Buffalo plays host to New England.

Schobel's speed strengthens Bills' sack attack

Buffalo Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel is like a streaky hitter in baseball. When he's cold, he's really cold. But when he gets hot, he's en fuego.

Patriots getting up to speed

The New England Patriots have become easy to overlook, like a remarkable attraction disregarded by commuters who have strolled by it for years and no longer notice.

Jauron believes Bills still on right course

When it comes to snapping some life into his team, a hockey coach can switch goaltenders, bench an entire line that's not producing, switch systems in one practice.

Sans decent blocking, Losman's in a tough spot

After helping guide the Buffalo Bills to an impressive and surprising 2-2 start, third-year quarterback J.P. Losman had plenty of accolades heaped upon him. However, after emerging as an early-season feel-good story, Losman and the Bills have begun fading fast.

October 19, 2006

Time Warner Cable to Sponsor Family Corner

The Buffalo Bills today announced that Time Warner Cable has become the title sponsor of the Family Corner in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Bills Launch Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Buffalo Bills have created a line of pink "Billieve" tee shirts and hats that features the Bills' logo, a pink ribbon and the inspirational message to "Billieve".

Evans Becoming Complete Receiver

Since the Bills win in Miami, Evans has caught 32 passes for 375 yards and a touchdown in the last four games. He's had at least seven receptions in his last four outings. The last Bills receiver to do that was Eric Moulds who provided that kind of production in five straight games in the 2002 season.

Game 7 Preview: Bills v. Patriots

The "season of hope" is seeing that hope circling the drain. The picture forming by Levy’s "the future is now" motto is bleak indeed.

Losman's electricity

Bills quarterback J.P. Losman like a lot of other Buffalo residents lost power in the surprise October storm last week.

It seems like old times for Hargrove

New Buffalo Bills defensive end Anthony Hargrove was reunited with vocal defensive line coach Bill Kollar on Wednesday and weathered the storm, so to speak.

McGahee ready to carry on

Getting running back Willis McGahee rolling again figures to be the simplest way for the Buffalo Bills' offense to pull itself out of its two-week funk when it faces the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Bills' newcomer Hargrove finds a mellower Kollar

Much to his surprise, Anthony Hargrove encountered a softer side of Bill Kollar on Wednesday. Kollar is the salty Buffalo Bills defensive-line coach who has been known to drop a few four-letter words. But he apparently took it easy on Hargrove, who played for Kollar the past two seasons in St. Louis and was obtained by Buffalo in a trade on Monday before the NFL trade deadline.

Fewell haunted by Bills' costly defensive errors

There are many problems with this Buffalo defense that ranks 19th in points allowed, 18th in yards allowed and 20th in rushing, and Fewell recognizes them all.

Mailbag: How good are McGahee, Evans?

Currently, McGahee is the best back in the division, but that may not last very long. I think Patriots rookie Laurence Maroney will end up being the top runner eventually, perhaps by the end of this season. Miami's Ronnie Brown is right there, though the 232-pounder needs to show he can carry the load for a full season.

Bills' Hargrove may play against New England

Newly acquired defensive end Anthony Hargrove could see action this Sunday when the Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots, trying to snap a two-game losing streak.

October 18, 2006

Lines Should Be Rebuilt From the Inside Out

A lot of writers—many of whom never played a down of organized football in their lives—will tell you the tackles are the heart and soul of the offensive line. They attract more attention—particularly the tackle given the responsibility to protect the quarterback’s blind side—than any other lineman on the field. A look at how the game is played, however, can lead to a different conclusion.

Jauron Sees Losman’s Development

After a difficult couple of weeks for Buffalo's offense and by extension J.P. Losman, the play of the Bills quarterback has faced some scrutiny. Following a pair of weeks that saw Losman take eight sacks and commit five turnovers including four interceptions against three touchdown passes, observers are wondering if the quarterback's decision making has suffered.

Practice Squad Move

The Bills filled the open spot on their practice squad Wednesday signing free agent linebacker Kevin Harrison. The 6’0” 245-pound linebacker was most recently with the Denver Broncos this past summer, but was released when the Broncos roster was reduced to 75 on Aug. 29.

Thomas laments one that got away

The infuriating play has unfolded in Kiwaukee Thomas' mind over and over since it happened, and the outcome remains the same. At some point, the Buffalo Bills veteran will let it go - a good cornerback has to be thick-skinned - but he's not ready.

Bills struggle in the trenches (Part II)

Many are quick to blame quarterback J.P. Losman because it's more convenient, but it's difficult for him or running back Willis McGahee to perform well when the blocking up front is below average. Through six games this year, it's fair to say the Bills' O-line remains one of the worst in the league, and it has been for the last decade.

October 17, 2006

Bumbling Bills Front Office Hasn’t a Clue

Will somebody please mention to Buffalo Bills general manager Marv Levy and pro personnel director John Guy that their master plan is working about as well as the Iraq War? Just as American servicemen were not greeted as liberators, the Bills failure to bolster their lines is coming back to haunt them, big time.

Bills Determined to Fix Run Defense

Buffalo's run defense has had its share of problems thus far this season. That being said the Bills still ranked 19th in the league in that category. There are still 13 other NFL teams who perform worse than they do when it comes to stopping the run. But that's not acceptable for the men on Buffalo's defense who are determined to shore things up in a hurry.

Bills wildly inconsistent with loss to Lions

Chris Kelsay rejected the notion that the Buffalo Bills are regressing. Then again, the defensive end wouldn't exactly call it progress. “It's just that something's not there. Something's not quite fitting,” Kelsay said Monday.

Take a bow if you saw this coming

It has to be the biggest surprise of the NFL season. Pats coach Bill Belichick conceded this week's foe, the Buffalo Bills, a distinct competitive advantage when he left his office during a bye week to watch his pal Tony LaRussa manage the Cardinals in New York.

Weak protection led to flood of sacks by Lions

Leaky pass protection was a big difference in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Bewildered by the blitz and four-man rushes, the Bills allowed five sacks to the Lions' defensive line, which had none in the previous four games. When the Lions weren't sacking quarterback J.P. Losman they had him running for his life to avoid pressure.

Bills acquire Hargrove from Rams

The Buffalo Bills made a move to upgrade their defensive line on Monday, acquiring defensive end Anthony Hargrove in a trade with the St. Louis Rams.

Bills still scrambling for answers after defeat

The Buffalo Bills were hoping that the return of Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes from a hamstring injury would jolt some life into their lethargic defense when they took on the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

How do you lose to an 0-5 team?

Sal: When you're the Bills, anything is possible. I said early last week that this game worried me, and I was right to be concerned. Playing on the road against a bad team desperate for a win is exactly the kind of game the Bills have become masters at botching. It turned out the Lions weren't nearly as bad as we thought, but the Bills aren't as improved as we foolishly thought after they beat Minnesota a couple of weeks ago.

Retooled Pats off to Buffalo

Despite the Bills' record, Belichick also believes that the Bills have to have improved from what they were in September.

Same old, same old: Bills struggle in the trenches (Part I)

After stumbling out to a 2-4 start this season, many in Bills country are looking for answers as to what's wrong. There certainly isn't any kind of shortage when it comes to possible culprits. Aside from a select few players who have performed well this year, everyone else should be held accountable for Buffalo's struggles.

October 16, 2006

Bills wildly inconsistent with loss to Lions

Chris Kelsay rejected the notion that the Buffalo Bills are regressing. Then again, the defensive end wouldn't exactly call it progress.

Bills fans do whatever they can to watch their team

Little things like lack of power, no cable, downed trees or flooded basements weren’t going to stop Western New York sports fans from seeing their beloved Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Excuses Run Out for Bills

The announcers for this game incorrectly assessed the Bills as being in "desperation time" at the 0:09 mark of the 4th quarter. The reality of it is that it is "desperation time" whenever the Bills take the field. Their desperate attempts at moving the ball in a controlled, regular manner are the apex of desperation.

The Real Bills Arrive In Ugly Fashion

While expecting the shortcomings of the Buffalo Bills to be exposed by better NFL teams at some point during the 2006 season, even I was shocked at how horribly the Bills performed in losing 20-17 to the woeful Detroit Lions. The only thing close about this game was the score, as Buffalo was being thoroughly whipped throughout the game.

Rams trade Hargrove to Buffalo

ST. LOUIS -- Defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who lost his starting job with the St. Louis Rams after skipping two days of practice and meetings, was traded Monday to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft choice in 2007.

Spikes fails to provide a spark

DETROIT - The Buffalo Bills got linebacker Takeo Spikes back on the field Sunday, but his return couldn't spark a sagging defense.

Dynamic duo elevates Lions

DETROIT - Roy Williams and Kevin Jones have shown flashes in three seasons of playing together of being a receiving-running tandem that can carry the Detroit Lions' offense. Unfortunately for the Buffalo Bills, Sunday was one of those days. Williams and Jones were at their best in a 20-17 victory over the Bills at Ford Field.

Lions pile up a five-pack of sacks

DETROIT - No one ever said the Buffalo Bills' offensive line protects the quarterback like the Secret Service takes care of the President of the United States. But the Bills' front five had far too many security leaks Sunday.

Rough-and-stumble

DETROIT - The discouraging thing for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was they clearly were not the better team. They were not better than the Detroit Lions in the place where football is won and lost - in the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines.

By the numbers

FIRST QUARTER Field goal, 43 yards, by Hanson at 7:55. Drive of 26 yards in seven plays after Drummond's fair catch on Moorman's punt at Lions' 49. Key gains: Jones run for 12 yards to Bills' 39; Kitna pass to Williams for 11 yards to Bills' 27. LIONS LEAD, 3-0.

Let's not sugarcoat it: This game leaves bad taste

DETROIT - All right, off come the gloves. Mr. Softy, go to your room. I don't want to hear about their heroic comeback, and how J.P. Losman put together one competent offensive drive to get them within three points in the fourth quarter.

It's not Losman; it's that line

(October 16, 2006) — Someday perhaps it will change. Someday Buffalo's quarterback — whether it's J.P. Losman, Kelly Holcomb, Craig Nall or perhaps one of Jim Kelly's young nephews — is going to be able to drop back to pass without fearing for his life.

Heroes and goats

(October 16, 2006) — Heroes Carolina WR Steve Smith — He had 8 catches for 189 yards, including a 72-yard TD, in a 23-21 victory in Baltimore. The Panthers started 0-2 when he was injured and are 4-0 since he returned to the lineup.

Bills unable to give fans a reason to cheer

(October 16, 2006) — DETROIT — It could have been much worse for the Buffalo Bills. The lights could have gone out in the visitors' locker room at Ford Field.

The two-minute read

Play of the game Buffalo's offensive line was pathetic, so not surprisingly, it was one of that line's many failures that played a vital role in Detroit's victory. Trailing 17-10, the Bills moved to the Lions 30 and appeared primed to score. Instead, LT Mike Gandy whiffed on DE James Hall — a recurring theme — and Hall hammered J.P. Losman from the blind side.

Hungry for a win, Lions devour Bills

Try as they may, the Buffalo Bills couldn't prevent themselves from falling through the trap door that comes in facing a winless opponent on the road.

Sitting 2-4, Buffalo hasn't changed a bit

The 2006 season was supposed to be a different story for the Buffalo Bills . The era of ineptitude that lasted between 2000-2005 was in the past. But after the Bills lost 20-17 to the hapless Detroit Lions on Sunday, it appears nothing has changed in Buffalo. Bad coaching, poor on-field play and a lack of heart remain.

October 15, 2006

Buffalo Bills report card

D Quarterbacks: It’s one thing to look terrible against the Chicago Bears. It’s another to look terrible against the 0-5 Lions. Losman is a work in progress, there’s no way around it. But at some point he has to keep the learning curve moving forward for good because it hasn’t happened yet. He is the definition of inconsistency.

Bills lose to Lions, 20-17

The Detroit Lions finally survived the fourth quarter. Roy Williams had 10 receptions for 161 yards — both career highs — and scored a touchdown while Kevin Jones ran for a season-high 127 yards and a score to lead the Lions to a 20-17 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Game Summary - Buffalo At Detroit

Roy Williams had a career day, hauling in 10 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown as the Detroit Lions defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-17 at Ford Field to notch their first win of the season. Kevin Jones rushed for 127 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries for Detroit (1-5), which never trailed in the game and gave Rod Marinelli his first win as an NFL coach after a dreadful 0-5 start.

Game Day Tipsheet: Week 6

Best advantage: Pass offense - J.P. Losman and company should rebound nicely this week against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. With the worst pass rush in the NFL and some injuries across their defensive front, Losman should have some time to do some damage against a team that despite their own success passing (6th in NFL), has given up 120 more yards through the air they themselves have gained.

Bills need a victory to keep the local spotlight

Buffalo fans have only so much emotional energy. They're more likely to focus their attention on a Stanley Cup contender than a football team that is striving to become average.

Losman will take his time; McGahee needs help from line

QB J.P. Losman looks to bounce back from last Sunday's disastrous showing in Chicago. He could have success throwing deep against the Lions, who have allowed seven completions of 30 ore more yards. . . . Detroit safeties Daniel Bullock and Terrence Holt have been slow to react on certain deep passes.

By the Power Vested In Him

Lee Evans was already a well-built wide receiver when he joined the Buffalo Bills. But the third-year veteran has since added more muscle to his 197-pound frame, dropped body fat and entered this season in the best shape of his life.

Bills, Lions ready for aerial assaults

The footballs just might be flying through the air today when the Buffalo Bills meet the Detroit Lions. The weather will be perfect for throwing inside the spacious confines of domed Ford Field, and both teams may find good reason to air it out.

Bills take woeful Lions seriously despite record

After last Sunday's humiliating defeat by the Bears (the Lions also lost at Chicago 34-7), Buffalo has no reason to be overconfident even against an opponent as snake-bitten and hurting as Detroit is.

Q&A: Robert Royal

Robert Royal may wear the red, white and blue of the Buffalo Bills, but on the evening of Monday, Sept. 25, he was bleeding the black and gold of the New Orleans Saints. A native of New Orleans who was obviously affected by the Hurricane Katrina tragedy, Royal admitted to being deeply moved by the scene that night in his hometown when the Superdome reopened for business.

Bills rookie McCargo Out for Season

The Buffalo Bills placed rookie defensive tackle John McCargo on season-ending injured reserve because of a broken left foot.

Bills first-round pick McCargo on IR with broken foot

The Buffalo Bills placed rookie defensive tackle John McCargo on season-ending injured reserve Saturday because of a broken left foot.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

With fake punts, field goals, onsides kicks and no hesitation to eschew punts on fourth down, the Bills coaching staff certainly can't be called shy. Unfortunately for the team, Dick Jauron's gambling hasn't produced the desired results.

Bills report: Inside slant

The Bills granted free safety Troy Vincent his release, allowing him to become a free agent. Vincent, 35, hopes to hook up with another team before this season is finished.

October 14, 2006

McCargo to I.R., Jefferson Activated

Just five days after Bills rookie John McCargo underwent surgery for a broken foot, the team decided to place the defensive tackle on injured reserve effectively ending his season.

Kelso makes strong first impressions

It was early in the Bills' 40-7 debacle in Chicago on Sunday when 97 Rock play-by-play man John Murphy and rookie analyst Mark Kelso had one of the first disagreements in their radio marriage.

Bills seek return to glory

McGee is an elite talent because of his speed, vision and ability to set up blocks. But he is growing frustrated that he hasn't broken a big one. His longest return this season was 44 yards in the opener at New England that set the Bills up at their 42-yard line. But only five of McGee's 19 returns have been advanced beyond the 30.

Improving run defense is Bills' biggest task

It's pretty humorous what comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches. Dick Jauron actually said the other day that the Detroit Lions are a "very good football team." Lions fans would probably disagree, seeing as their team is 0-5 this year and possesses the worst cumulative record in the league since the start of the Matt Millen management era in 2001.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

A lot of Bills want to forget about last week's 33-point loss to the Bears, but at least one, CB/KR Terrence McGee, plans on thinking about it all the time. "Personally, I want to use this as a motivator so it never happens again,"

October 13, 2006

Marinelli, Lions, Hope to Make Bills First Victim

The Rod Marinelli era in Detroit is off to a dreadful start, and the Lions will try for their first win of both Marinelli's tenure and the 2006 season on Sunday when they welcome the Buffalo Bills to Ford Field

Bills Kick Return Unit Feels They’re Close

The Bills kickoff return unit has been a special group the past two seasons. Ranked second in 2004 and tops in the league in 2005, it is a unit that has enjoyed remarkable success.

Bears are good, but have had an easy schedule

The Bears are outstanding. Virtually everyone has them rated No. 1 in the NFL. They're obviously much improved over last year because Rex Grossman is so much better than Kyle Orton. The Bears now are capable of winning an offensive game against a good team, unlike last year. Nevertheless, the Bears have benefited from an easy schedule.

Bills grant healed veteran Vincent his release

Troy Vincent's tenure with the Buffalo Bills came to a quiet end Thursday. The 35-year-old free safety regained full health from his hamstring injury and asked to be released. The Bills granted the request.

Bills still can't find tight ends

It has been the same, old story for the Buffalo Bills' tight ends so far this season. Despite new coaches and a new offense, they have not seen many passes, just like last year . . . and the year before.

Buffalo parts ways with Vincent

The Buffalo Bills waived veteran free safety Troy Vincent on Thursday, a move that was anticipated after the team placed him on the injured reserve "minor" list a month ago.

Bills coaches certain Losman is the right guy

Despite his three-interception, three-sack performance in last week's 40-7 loss in Chicago, third-year pro J.P. Losman remains on very solid footing with coach Dick Jauron and offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild.

Buffalo's two keys to a third victory

Attempting to rebound from a 33-point loss to the Chicago Bears last week, the Buffalo Bills will face their second consecutive road opponent from the NFC North this Sunday, the Detroit Lions . At 0-5, the injury-depleted Lions could be the perfect opponent for the 2-3 Bills to take on. Head coach Dick Jauron's team is simply trying to regain its confidence after such a humbling defeat.

Bowen: Life on the road can be tough

Someone asked me the other day why it is so hard to win on the road in the National Football League. It sounds like a simple question with a simple answer. Heck, I wish it was. Well, where do I start?

Jauron happy to be in Buffalo

Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron was asked by the Detroit media Wednesday during a conference call to discuss his time in the Motor City and his current situation with the Bills.

October 12, 2006

Revenue Sharing Is Not the Issue in Keeping the Bills in Buffalo

Buffalo Bills fans received some ostensibly good news from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). The lawmaker says he’s putting together a coalition of like-minded Senators from states with small market pro football teams.

Game 5 Preview: Bills @ Lions

The Bills pickup on their new millennium formula for "success" on the road in Detroit this week. That formula is, opponent bad, team good; opponent good, team bad.

Vincent’s Contract Terminated by Bills

In an expected move the Bills parted ways with veteran safety Troy Vincent Thursday. Vincent, who has been rehabbing his injured hamstring since the Week One game at New England, was healthy and able to pass a physical this week prompting his termination.

Lions short-handed on line

The Detroit Lions are expected to be without two starting offensive linemen Sunday when they meet the Buffalo Bills.

A bump in the road

J.P. Losman now is part of a large fraternity: quarterbacks who have stunk against the Chicago Bears. The challenge for the Buffalo Bills' quarterback this week is to regain the momentum he built over the first four weeks of the season when he faces the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Fairchild faces former teacher Martz

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild, who tutored under famed coach Mike Martz in college and in the NFL, isn't interested in copying his mentor.

McGee shows displeasure at not making big plays for Bills

You won't get an argument, nor a denial, from Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee. Asked on Wednesday if he feels his level of performance has dipped this season, the fourth-year veteran and reigning NFL kickoff return champion flatly and honestly stated, "I've dropped down a couple levels. I'm not playing with the consistency I would like to play."

Jauron happy in Buffalo as his Bills prepare to meet his old team in Detroit

Dick Jauron, the Detroit Lions' former defensive coordinator and interim head coach, is returning to town on Sunday as the leader of the 2-3 Buffalo Bills and he wants to accomplish two things: Beat the 0-5 Lions on Sunday at Ford Field and keep his mind on the good memories he has of Detroit.

Bills mailbag: Time to give up on Spikes, Losman?

Isaac Hill in Cleveland, Ohio - What's a good timetable for judging J.P. Losman? I haven't been impressed with the guy yet. What if he continues moving along slowly? Is it time to draft Troy Smith or Brady Quinn? CJB: Despite last week's obvious setback against Chicago, Losman has taken major strides this season, Isaac. Many are down on him after the three-interception performance vs. the Bears, but keep in mind their defense did the same to Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck just a week earlier.

Bills defense banged-up preparing for Lions

Defensive tackle John McCargo's out, cornerback Nate Clements is limping, and linebacker Takeo Spikes still isn't sure if he's ready to play. Different week, same story for an increasingly banged-up Buffalo Bills defense that prepares to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

October 11, 2006

Bills evaluating options on defensive line

The Buffalo Bills are spending today looking into ways to shore up their depleted defensive line, which will be without rookie defensive tackle John McCargo for an extended period of time with a broken left foot.

Losman Ready to Rebound; Spikes Update

After a forgettable day in Chicago last week the Bills are prepared to redeem themselves this weekend in Detroit. One player eager to rebound is quarterback J.P. Losman who is coming off his second ever three interception game.

Revenue sharing is Bills' lifeline

The Buffalo Bills and other smaller-market teams in the National Football League could get an average of roughly $6 million in revenue sharing this year, with that total doubling by 2011.

Bills must tackle new rotation

The Buffalo Bills were forced to play rookie John McCargo immediately because of their lack of depth on the defensive line. Now that the tackle has a broken foot, the line just got much thinner.

Clements, McGee stumbling in Buffalo

Entering the 2006 season, there were many weaknesses people would point to on the Buffalo Bills ' defense. For the most part, the cornerback position wasn't one of them. Unfortunately for Buffalo, it's proven to be among the defense's flimsiest areas this year.

Bills add a Hand to practice squad

Offensive tackle Randy Hand was signed to the practice squad by the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.

October 10, 2006

Bills owner likes what he sees with new renenue-sharing program

Wilson said Tuesday he was "comforted" after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a memo that, for the first time, outlined a formula of how teams will pay into the new revenue-sharing program.

Bills release TE Leak; sign OT Hand

The Buffalo Bills released tight end C.J. Leak from the practice squad and signed offensive tackle Randy Hand.

Youboty Patiently Waiting to Make NFL Debut

While five of his fellow draft class members have enjoyed a significant amount of playing time through the season's first five weeks, Youboty's budding NFL career has been in a holding pattern.

McCargo has surgery on foot

The Buffalo Bills' 40-7 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday turned out to be more painful when the team learned it will be without the services of John McCargo.

Coaching Bills is tricky proposition

Coaching the Bills means craving adversity. You have to be willing to school a young team all week until you see signs of improvement.

Powerful blocking paved way for Bears' backs

Former Bills left guard Ruben Brown and center Olin Kreutz led a Bears offensive line that dominated the Bills' front seven on several occasions.

Lions are hurting up front

The winless Detroit Lions may have to take on the Buffalo Bills without three of their starting offensive linemen.

Schumer will unveil plan to help Bills

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today will announce plans for a new coalition with his fellow Senators who represent small market National Football League teams designed to assist in their fight to gain a more equitable piece of the league's revenue sharing pie.

Bills replay: Who jumped off the bandwagon?

Leo: OK, lets take a deep breath while I gulp some coffee and get the Rush Street cobwebs out of my head. When a team doesn't make the playoffs for six seasons, it's easy to overreact to any big win or any big loss. I don't think Sunday's debacle against the Bears — and they've got my vote for best team in the NFL — undoes the good things Buffalo accomplished in the first month.

McCargo suffers broken foot

It was pretty obvious that the Buffalo Bills left Chicago battered and bruised, but not until Monday afternoon was it revealed that the pain extended well beyond the 40-7 score.

Blowout loss can teach Bills a lot

After Sunday's blowout in the Windy City, Levy was advising his players and coaches to let it blow over after pro football's customary "24-hour rule." Stew for a day and then move on. The Bills travel to winless Detroit (0-5) next.

Bills report: Inside slant

J.P. Losman was tossed around by the Bears during Sunday's 40-7 loss. He was sacked three times, threw a season-high three interceptions, threw for just 87 net yards and posted a season-low 35.8 rating. But was it a setback for the third-year pro?

Bills report: Notes, quotes

The Bills, who hadn't allowed 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games, were steamrolled on the ground by the Bears, who gained 155 yards on 39 attempts.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

PASSING OFFENSE D -- J.P. Losman entered the game having thrown just one interception through four games and with an impressive 90.6 rating. His rating against one of the NFL's best defenses? A shocking 35.8 after he went 14 of 27 for 115 yards, one TD and three interceptions.

McCargo injury puts further onus on Tripplett

Sans McCargo, the extra onus will be placed on Tripplett, a free agent signee who has failed to make the major impact he was expected to. Buffalo signed the 27-year-old Tripplett to a five-year, $18 million deal during the height of free agency in March.

October 09, 2006

Bills’ Fundamental Folly Reveals Itself in Chicago

This game was a waste of time for viewers. Coaching was horrid right down to leaving the starters in the game taking very serious hits until the last whistle.

Bears Maul Buffalo 40-7 as Reality Sets In

Perhaps it was unreasonable to think the Bills could beat the undefeated "Misers of the Midway," but it certainly was expected a team, which had shown some signs of improvement, would put on a better performance.

McCargo Breaks Foot, Having Surgery Monday

The Bills were badly bit by the injury bug Sunday when rookie defensive tackle John McCargo left Sunday's game with a foot injury. He left the stadium on crutches. The news only got worse Monday when head coach Dick Jauron revealed that McCargo broke his foot and is having surgery Monday.

Second Down: Week Five

Terrence McGee had a career-high seven kickoff returns in the loss to the Bears. Who was the last Buffalo Bill to have seven kick returns in a game?

Grossman steadies Bears

Dick Jauron's return to Soldier Field as a head coach could not have been anything like he imagined. The Chicago Bears finally have a quarterback, the kind of necessity he never had in five seasons here from 1999 to 2003, and the difference Rex Grossman has made has catapulted them to the top of the NFC, where they are the only remaining unbeaten.

Bears are bad news for any foe

It must have been, oh, 10 minutes into Sunday's little garden party on the lake that it became apparent the Bills were done. Cooked. Finished. Probably buffaloed, too.

There's little doubt big-time isn't here yet

There had been a lot of talk among the players during the week about this being a great opportunity for the Bills, a welcome challenge, a "measuring stick" for a young team looking to establish itself as a legitimate contender. Well, the measurements are in, and Sunday the Bills fit into a size small.

Fed To The Bears

RUNNING GAME (D): Willis had just 18 yards on nine carries in first half. Run game was irrelevant after that due to giant deficit.

McGee's mistakes prove costly

Cornerback Terrence McGee has helped the Buffalo Bills win many games with his play on defense and special teams. Sunday wasn't one of them.

Bears' defense delivers a licking

J.P. Losman limped to the lectern and was asked how he was feeling physically. "In a game like this, especially against a defense like that, yeah, you're going to be banged up a little bit," he said.

Chicago Hopeless

In the first half alone, the Bills gave the Bears the ball on the Buffalo side of the field four times, while committing three turnovers and five penalties. The Bears scored on their first five possessions and took a 27-0 lead into intermission.

Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears report card

Tight ends (F): How can you grade a position that was completely invisible? No balls were even thrown in the direction of Robert Royal or Kevin Everett, and as for the blocking, well, the Bills had 145 net yards.

Two-minute read

Bills WR Lee Evans: He was the one guy who looked like he wanted to play for the Bills. He finished with a career-high nine catches for 94 yards and the lone TD.

Bills blitzed in Chicago

At raucous Soldier Field, a remodeled stadium that combines the past with the present, the 2006 Chicago Bears continued to draw comparisons to the '85 Super Bowl champion Bears, methodically dismantling the mistake-prone Bills 40-7 on a gorgeous Sunday along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Bills' 33-point loss shows they remain far off

The odds were stacked far against Buffalo, but it still doesn't excuse the team for not showing up. The only two players on the Bills' side that played worthwhile games were wide receiver Lee Evans and punter Brian Moorman. The rest were virtually nonexistent.

October 08, 2006

Bills massacred in in Jauron’s Windy City return, 40-7

The Chicago Bears ruined Dick Jauron’s homecoming with an offensive explosion like he never witnessed during five years as their head coach.

Bears build a powerhouse

Conventional wisdom is turning in the NFL. It's starting to say that the best team in the league is no longer the Indianapolis Colts but the Chicago Bears, the Buffalo Bills' opponents this afternoon in Soldier Field.

Bears' front seven is quick; Grossman has many targets

RB Willis McGahee is thriving in a new rushing scheme that allows him to get to the corner while also giving him cutback options if defenders over pursue. . . . The Bears have been dominant against the run because of the speed of their front seven.

Jauron has put his personal stamp on the Bills

We've come a long way in a year. Remember when the prevailing wisdom had the Bills light years behind the rest of the AFC East in coaching? Four weeks into this season, the Bills appear to be in good hands under Dick Jauron. Not since the days of Marv Levy - who hired Jauron - have the head coach and his assistants seemed so capable and assured in what they're trying to accomplish.

Ahead of the Curve

Defensive linemen John McCargo and Kyle Williams always envisioned themselves playing in the NFL. They even figured they would get a chance to play early. But they didn't expect to have prominent roles as rookies.

Bills can't serve up turnovers today

If the Buffalo Bills can keep doing a great job of hanging onto the football, they have a good chance today to hang with the big, bad Chicago Bears. If they lose their grip on the ball like most Bears opponents do, then they are likely to become another piece of road kill on the turf at Soldier Field.

Moose on the loose

Life is not only good for Muh- sin Muhammad, the Bears' 33-year-old, 11-year veteran wide receiver, it might be better than ever in his second season as one of Chicago's sports darlings.

Bears, Bills have familiar look

''I think these guys are one of the best teams in the NFL right now,'' said the Bills' Willis McGahee, the NFL's leading rusher with 389 yards. ''We're going to have a challenge in front of us. We fought through last week and hopefully we can fight through this week.''

NFL rookies hit-and-miss proposition

Kamerion Wimbley leads Cleveland with three sacks, and massive Haloti Ngata has anchored the Baltimore defense and has a 60-yard interception return. Manny Lawson has two sacks for the 49ers; Ernie Sims leads Detroit with 35 tackles; and Michael Huff of Oakland and Donte Whitner of Buffalo have been starting at safety. Whitner has been a standout after the Bills were criticized for taking him eighth overall when he was generally ''considered'' a late first-rounder. (''Considering'' has been the downfall of more than one team.)

Look for Bears to test Bills' young safeties

The name suggests you had better have two safeties who can play to run it effectively. The Tampa-2 is spreading through the NFL like the number of Rex Grossman fans through the area. The ''2'' refers to the safeties, and the Buffalo Bills bring in a pair of rookies in that position.

Q&A: Andre Davis

Buffalo Bills first-year wide receiver Andre Davis is a native of Niskayuna, near Albany, and may have had professional careers in soccer or track if not for coming out for the football team his junior year of high school.

Losman shows fearless attitude facing Bears 'D'

Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman has faced some very good defenses in his young NFL career. Tampa Bay. San Diego. Miami. Carolina. New England. Today at Soldier Field, though, Losman's eyes are likely to become as wide as the steak plates at Ditka's Restaurant.

Bears’ Grossman emerging as NFL star

The Bears are off to their first 4-0 start since 1991 and a win over Buffalo today would put them at 5-0 for the first time since 1986, when Chicago won its first six. A relative novice after being riddled by injuries his first few seasons, Grossman is showing a patience that belies his reputation as a gunslinger.

Bears picks: They won’t be buffaloed

The Bears freely admit to talking in terms of Miami and the Super Bowl, but as a goal, not as a given. Their destruction of defending NFC champion Seattle last Sunday is something they can't dwell on.

Q&A: Where .500 looks great

How good are the Bills? Typical of coach Dick Jauron, they have been good enough to keep it close so far. They beat Miami 16-6 and Minnesota 17-12 while losing to New England 19-17 and the Jets 28-20.

Whitner learning on the fly

It would be easy to understand if Donte Whitner felt pretty confident after his first 15 quarters as a member of the Buffalo Bills. After all, the rookie strong safety had already won the NFL defensive rookie of the month award for September and was a starter.

October 07, 2006

Bills' safeties play like veterans

The first quarter of the NFL season could not have gone much more smoothly for the Buffalo Bills' rookie safety tandem. Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson have not been beaten for any long touchdown throws through four games.

Berrian no longer a secret to league

Bears wide receiver Bernard Berrian wants to avoid attracting attention. "I want to be the silent assassin," he said. Considering the way Berrian has started this season, his days of playing in the background will soon end.

Making a claim for Hall of Fame

Ruben Brown slowly shook his head, remembering first how close his stellar NFL career was to being over and then how coming to the Bears gave him new life. "When I left Buffalo, I was thisclose to saying, `That's it,'" Brown recalled. "I'd had a great career there, still love it there, but I was frustrated.

Jauron, ex-Bears return to Chicago with Bills

On Sunday, he returns to Soldier Field as a head coach for the first time when the upstart Buffalo Bills (2-2) meet the playoff-tested Bears (4-0), one of the NFL's Super Bowl favorites one month into the season. Jauron won't be going back to Chicago alone.

Bills rely heavily on McGahee

You can’t always believe everything you see or hear coming from Miami, but Willis McGahee is the real deal. McGahee, the much-heralded running back from the University of Miami, leads the NFL in rushing with 389 yards in four games.

Preston ready for Bears

Buffalo offensive lineman Duke Preston knows he has a big exam coming up this Sunday when the Bills travel to Chicago to take on the undefeated Bears. The second-year pro is hoping the cramming he did during this week's film study sessions will help.

October 06, 2006

Game Day Tipsheet: Week 5

1. Duke Preston vs. Tommie Harris - Buffalo's second-year lineman will have his hands full with Chicago's Pro Bowl defensive tackle. He's arguably been the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in the league through the first month of the season and leads the Bears with five sacks in four games.

Can Bills Alter Bears' Elite Status?

Chicago leads the NFC North by two games over Minnesota (2-2), while the Bills are tied with the Jets for second in the AFC East, trailing the front-running New England Patriots by one game.

Brown making his presence known with Bears

Ruben Brown still lives in Orchard Park during the offseason and spent his first two years with the Chicago Bears flying to Western New York to see his family during his days off. The travel was taking its toll on the 34-year-old, so nowadays his family visits him.

Preston has full plate

Duke Preston's first close encounter with greatness was innocent enough. He was a 12-year-old kid growing up in San Diego, where his father Ray played nine seasons. He was invited to Chargers' training camp and spent a day with Junior Seau, riding in the linebacker's golf cart, grabbing his autograph, the whole bit.

Healthy Grossman emerging for Bears

But after three mostly lost years because of injuries, Grossman — picked in the first round of the 2003 draft by former Bears head coach Dick Jauron — has finally become for Chicago's new regime what Jauron thought he would be: Very good, with a chance to become a star.

Bills facing king-sized struggle in Chicago

Currently sitting at a surprisingly respectable 2-2, the Buffalo Bills face their biggest test of the aging NFL regular season, as they'll take on the Chicago Bears this Sunday. One-quarter of the way through the year, the Bears, at 4-0, are the class of the NFC.

Jauron keeps a low-key approach in return to Chicago

Maintaining his reserved, dry-humored approach Wednesday, Jauron declined to let on whether he’s in any way excited about facing his former team this weekend, when Buffalo travels to play the Bears.

Bowen downgraded to doubtful

Buffalo Bills strong safety Matt Bowen has missed nearly two months with a broken bone in his lower right leg — not a bruise as the team initially reported.

October 05, 2006

Game 5 Preview: Bills @ Bears

No one is expecting the Bills to win on the road at Chicago this weekend given the Bears’ early status as the team to beat.

Bills Offense Not Obsessing About Bears

While Bills fans and the media might be awed by some of the numbers the Chicago Bears have compiled thus far this season, particularly on defense, Buffalo's players are not paying much attention.

TE Royal nursing sore ankle

The Buffalo Bills added starting tight end Robert Royal to their injury report Wednesday. Royal has a sore ankle and did not practice. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Chicago.

Points outlook is bearish

"We're not intimidated," Losman said. "But we know we're going up against a great team. We have a great opportunity staring us in our face. But they have the opportunity to go 5-0. You don't know how it's going to go."

Bears' tough defense still rules

But other than those two notable exceptions, it's all about defense in Chicago, a blood and guts town whose beloved Bears have at times — such as right now, by the way — played some of the most ferocious defense in NFL history.

Bills' Preston savors difficult mission

Preston, a fourth-round draft pick in 2005, will most likely make just his second NFL start at right guard in place of an injured Chris Villarrial when the Bills (2-2) try to become the first visiting team to beat the Bears (4-0) since Cincinnati more than a year ago.

From one to four, Buffalo's 'smurf' receivers stand tall

The foursome has been doubted all year, so this weekend will be just one more opportunity to possibly prove naysayers wrong. Frankly, this group of misfits (excluding the ultra-talented Evans) probably wouldn't want it any other way.

October 04, 2006

London Fletcher-Baker Quotes

On how big a challenge is the Bears “It’s going to be a tough football game. The Bears are a quality football team, we are playing in their place. I do not really see many weaknesses on their football team so we know we have a tough game that we have to go in there and play, but we will be ready to play them.”

Head Coach Dick Jauron Quotes

On Villarrial’s injury It’s not a high ankle sprain. It’s technical terms that I don’t follow, but it’s an issue with the tendon. He needs to get some rest on it this week and then we’ll see. It’s a tendon in the ankle.

Willis McGahee Quotes

On the challenge of facing the Bears It’s going to be big period. I think these guys are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. We’re going to have a challenge in front of us. We fought through last week and hopefully we can fight through this week.

Takeo Spikes Quotes

On his impressions of the team thus far As of right now, I think we’re doing a pretty good job. It’s still early. We finished the first quarter of the season. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field to put my little piece of the pie back in the mix.

Lee Evans Quotes

On JP Losman’s timing improving “He has come around 360 degrees from game one till now. I think he is just a lot more confident going in and our coordinators and coaches have done a good job of putting plays in to try to make it a lot easier for him where it is not just him having to make a whole lot of hard decisions or try to force the ball."

JP Losman Quotes

On what has changed with Lee Evans, having caught more balls recently Nothing. The defense is dictating that he gets a couple of underneath routes. The last few weeks they said ‘ok, he’s not going to beat us deep, but we’re not going to double cover him, just play off of him,’ so that gives us some chances underneath.

Bills' Villarrial will miss Bears game

Buffalo Bills offensive guard Chris Villarrial, who played the first eight years of his career in Chicago before coming to Buffalo as a free agent in 2004, probably won't play Sunday when the Bills play in Chicago.

Spikes Getting Frustrated

For the fourth straight week Takeo Spikes is listed as questionable with his lingering hamstring injury. "I just want to get through the rest of this week and accomplish everything I need to accomplish," said Spikes Wednesday. "Hopefully I'll be playing this week."

McGahee Out To Be A Complete Back

Head coach Dick Jauron called Willis McGahee's performance last Sunday his best game under his watch. That may come as a surprise to some Bills fans who might say, 'He only had 78 rushing yards and averaged just 2.8 yards per carry.'

Kurt Fischer Named Bills H.S. Coach of the Week

Coach Kurt Fischer of Maple Grove High School has been named the Buffalo Bills High School football “Coach of the Week” for the fifth weekend of the 2006 season (September 30 – October 1).

Ellison sizing up role

A sixth-round draft pick, Ellison has started the last three games at weak-side linebacker in place of Angelo Crowell, who moved to the strong side while Takeo Spikes' injured hamstring heals. In four games, Ellison is the team's fifth-leading tackler with 22.

Price's catch could have been team turnaround

After not getting a sniff of the end zone for close to two years, Price’s eye-popping, third-quarter run to paydirt in Buffalo’s 17-12 win over Minnesota on Sunday could signal the beginning of a bigger role for the veteran.

Mailbag: Bills fans focus on Denney, Losman

Mike Scott in Miami, Fla. - In April, Connor, you groused about the Bills passing on Matt Leinart in the first round of the draft. After seeing the way J.P. Losman has performed, do you retract that complaint?

Bills provide a taste of Chicago

Marv Levy spent last season analyzing Bears games on radio and TV with former Bears Dan Jiggetts, Richard Dent, Steve McMichael and Keith Van Horne. Levy, a Chicago native who still has a home here, hired Dick Jauron as his coach after observing Jauron work for the Bears under a general manager, Jerry Angelo, who hadn't hired him.

October 03, 2006

Bills LB kicks off 'Financial Football'

Buffalo Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker teamed up with Visa USA to introduce Buffalo-area students to an interactive money management computer game called "Financial Football."

Good and bad ideas from week 4

The Buffalo Bills remaining persistent with their running game against the big, strong and stingy Minnesota front four in their 17-12 victory over the Vikings.

Levy still has his edge at 81

There was a dinner in Buffalo on Saturday night to honor former Bills receiver Andre Reed, who would be added to the team's Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium the next day. ''Everyone had finished speaking, and Marv Levy goes back up to the podium,'' said Scott Berchtold, Bills vice president of communications. ''He looks at Andre and all the guys who used to play for him and says, 'And remember guys, curfew is at 11.'''

Bills Show Progress against Vikings

Let's start with the offense. If you were looking for progress from J.P. Losman, you got it. Losman's numbers: 23-of-32, 222-yards, 1-TD, and NO PICKS. You cannot overstate the importance of protecting the football - the loss to the Jets last week reconfirmed that.

Losman withstood the heat

No team likes to see its quarterback harassed by opposing defenses. When it's a young quarterback, he is prone to make mistakes under pressure.

McGahee steps up as a blocker

Willis McGahee has had many outstanding performances as a runner, but it was his role as a blocker that stood out during the Buffalo Bills' win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Take a Deep Breath, … Please

Okay, I’ll write what you’ve been waiting for. The 2006 Buffalo Bills are a better-coached team than last year’s version. In fact, they’re a better team. There, I’ve written it. Now, allow me to throw a little cold water on this matter. The Bills won’t be going to any playoff games this season unless they buy tickets.

Have the Bills finally learned how to win?

Sal: They found a way to win on Sunday, which is obviously a step in the right direction. That was a game Bills teams of the recent past would've found a way to blow. Of course, the win in Miami is looking weaker by the week, because the Dolphins are so bad and Buffalo found a way to lose against New England and the Jets. I won't concede this point after one impressive victory.

Homecoming in Chicago a big challenge

Sunday's game represents a Bears homecoming for Jauron, Chicago's head coach from 1999-2003; three assistants — defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, tight-ends coach Charlie Coiner and running-backs coach Eric Studesville — and four players, Chris Villarrial, Mike Gandy, Daimon Shelton, and Anthony Thomas.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

The Bills' already suspect offensive line depth will be put to a stiff test this weekend in Chicago. Former Bears guard Chris Villarrial suffered a high right ankle sprain early in the second half blocking on a goal-line play and did not return. X-Rays were negative but he left the locker room wearing a large protective boot.

Bills report: Inside slant

In completing a career-best 71.9 percent of his throws in Sunday's big 17-12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Losman made smart, accurate throws that put his receivers in position to make plays. They did the rest.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

PASSING OFFENSE B -- The making of a quarterback continued in earnest, with J.P. Losman bouncing back strong from his three-turnover game against the Jets. A week after throwing for a career-high 328 yards, he posted a career-best for completion percentage at 71.9 (23 of 32).