January 31, 2009
Smith and Wilson enshrinees of 2009 Hall of Fame class
Canton, Ohio will definitely have a Buffalo flavor on Aug. 8 as the Pro
Football Hall of Fame voting committee elected both Bruce Smith and
owner and founder Ralph Wilson for enshrinement as members of the 2009
Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Titans to play Bills in Hall of Fame game
The NFL will announce here today the Titans have been selected to
play in this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to sources
familiar with the situation.
Their opponent in the league's first
preseason contest will be the Buffalo Bills. The game is scheduled for
Aug. 9 in Canton, Ohio and will be nationally televised.
Edwards says his shoulder feels great, he's happy Jauron is staying
Trent Edwards said his shoulder is fine and fans should blame the
players more than Dick Jauron for the Buffalo Bills’ struggles in 2008.
Goodell happy about Toronto games
Despite the negative reaction of some fans, media and a few players,
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell deemed the two Buffalo Bills games
played in Toronto “tremendously successful” because it expanded the
team’s fan base.
Three Bills — Smith, Reed, Wilson — await Hall’s call this afternoon
The waiting will end today for four to seven candidates for the Pro
Football Hall of Fame. Three Buffalo Bills candidates — two of whom
have been waiting awhile — are among the group of 17 men nominated for
induction in the Class of 2009
January 30, 2009
Wilson, an owner that put league first
As the Hall of Fame voting committee decides on the 2009 Pro Football
Hall of Fame induction class this Saturday, Bills owner and founder
Ralph Wilson will be one of just two finalists that was not a player.
It’s certainly more difficult for non-players to gain entry, but there
aren’t many NFL contributors with a credential list as long as
Wilson’s.
Head of Green Bay’s bad defense tries to make Bills’ DL good
It’s a different Bob Sanders. The Buffalo Bills hired former Green Bay Packers
defensive coordinator Sanders as their defensive line coach earlier
this week, a letdown to those who thought they somehow nabbed current Indianapolis Colts
safety Sanders to pair with Donte Whitner and inflict devastation upon
every offense ever. Based on his last job performance, it’s not certain
whether the NFL's more obscure Robert S. will be able to help Buffalo’s
line unless he’s better at a specific defensive task than as a general
assignment master.
January 29, 2009
Bills RB Lynch named to Pro Bowl
Buffalo Bills running back
Marshawn Lynch,
coming off his second career 1,000-yard season, on Thursday was added
to the AFC roster for the Pro Bowl to be played February 8 in Honolulu.
Where Andre Reed has Carter beat
Many football insiders believe that Andre Reed will again take a
backseat to a fellow receiver for enshrinement this weekend in Hall of
Fame voting, with Cris Carter more likely to get the nod. Last year Art
Monk outlasted Reed and was inducted. The year before it was Michael
Irvin. But for a vote that will likely eliminate one receiver and
enshrine another, Reed has an edge over Carter in one key area. The
postseason.
Ex-Bill Smith a cinch to make Pro Football Hall of Fame
Back when he was coaching the Los Angeles Raiders, Art Shell was
getting his team ready to play against the Bills, and the man who had
forged a Pro Football Hall of Fame career as an offensive tackle was
asked how he would block Buffalo's Bruce Smith.
Gandy enjoyed being a Bill
Mike Gandy is in the Super Bowl, but he could have been in Buffalo.
Gandy spent two seasons with the Bills before joining the Arizona
Cardinals’ offensive line in 2007. But if the situation had been more
agreeable, he wouldn’t have minded playing for the Bills a little
longer.
Study: NFL TV ads full of violence, sex, alcohol
Half of the commercial breaks during NFL telecasts show at least one
advertisement featuring sex, drugs or alcohol, according to a study by
a nationwide nonprofit group.
January 28, 2009
Bills hire Sanders to coach D-line
Buffalo didn’t wait very long to fill their vacant defensive line
coaching position hiring former Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob
Sanders. Sanders served as the Packers defensive play caller for each
of the past three seasons, but has coached defensive linemen for 15 of
his 30 years in coaching.
Bills’ kids are united, unlikely to be divided
The Buffalo Bills
have plenty of time to get older. Particularly, their three key skill
men on offense are NFL infants, and the fact that each has some time to
go before being cranky about being 30 is a positive sign for a team
that tends to deal in negativity. Even considering its extensive
playoff exclusion string, this franchise faces a decent number of
chances for success without doing anything other than changing
calendars.
Buffalo Bills Must Follow Path of Ravens, Titans, and Steelers
I think that in order for the Buffalo Bills to be successful in 2009, they need to bolster up their defense even more.
Buffalo Bills Draft Needs
The Bills are selecting 11th overall in this years draft. I don’t see
the Bills trading up in this draft, nor do I see them trading down,
unless the price was right
Greer rosy on possible return to Buffalo
When undrafted cornerback
Jabari Greer pulled into St. John Fisher College for his first NFL training camp in 2004, he was no bonus baby.
Smith seeks company as Hall of Fame vote nears
Bruce Smith can still recall his first trip to Buffalo in the spring of
1985, when he found himself sitting on the same flight next to another
Bills draft prospect, Andre Reed.
Troy Vincent in interesting NFLPA battle
Former Bills defensive back Troy Vincent is one of the five remaining candidates for the NFLPA Executive Director post, formerly held by the late Gene Upshaw, and according to some he’s not the preferred candidate of the Association’s legal counsel.
Greer says no offer yet
Bills free agent to be Jabari Greer was quoted by ESPN’s Tim Graham in an interview as saying he has not yet been presented with a contract offer by the Bills. “I’m just waiting for Buffalo to approach me with an offer, and once they do I’ll consider it and go from there,” Greer told Graham. “I want to see what they’re looking for for their future of the franchise.”
Levy: Focus the key for first time Super Bowl coaches
It was 18 years ago that Bills Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy strode out to the sideline for his first Super Bowl as a head coach, and he did it in the same city that Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and Arizona’s Ken Whisenhunt will be doing the very same thing come Sunday evening. Though Levy believes both men are prepared to handle the challenges that a game of this magnitude presents, in terms of preparing a team outside the confines of your own facility, he believes one thing stands out above everything else when it comes to getting your team ready.
Butler to visit troops in Afghanistan
For the second straight year a Buffalo Bills player will be making those who serve their country overseas feel a bit more appreciated as offensive lineman Brad Butler will leave Wednesday for a 10-day trip to visit several U-S military bases in Afghanistan.
January 27, 2009
Bills sign free agents
Free-agent receiver P.K. Sam and centre Marvin Philip signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.
There’s mixed feelings when Hall voting is over
The most difficult thing about serving on the Hall of Fame Selection
Committee is this: When I walk out of the marathon meeting to pick the
inductees, the feeling of disappointment for the 10 to 12 who didn’t
get elected is greater than the feeling of satisfaction for the four to
seven who did get elected.
Making Hall of Fame case for three Bills
The Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills are the only two NFL
franchises that have four losses and no wins in the Super Bowl.
January 26, 2009
Edwards would be good for Buffalo. Hello?
The press conferences would be more entertaining, but the fact
that every fan would tune in to hear a positional coach address the
media after every game isn’t the only reason the Buffalo Bills should hire Herman Edwards as an assistant. His termination from the Kansas City Chiefs
is an opportunity for the Bills to acquire an experienced defensive
associate, as bringing him aboard would give the team access to both
experience and ample charm.
Bills scouting department adds Nix
The Buffalo Bills made their first big acquisition of the offseason on
Monday, adding Buddy Nix as a national scout in their college scouting
department.
January 25, 2009
Down-and-out meets most-storied in Super Bowl XLIII
The Arizona Cardinals have won more playoff games this month (three)
than they won in the previous 87 years of their existence (two).
Savagery muddies postseason
The road to Super Bowl XLIII has been paved with thunderous blocking
and tackling, blood and deep bruises as advertised. There was something
else that wasn’t advertised: outright head-hunting.
January 24, 2009
Wilson's Hall of Fame credentials
Next week in Tampa, the 44-selectors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
meet, to decide on the class of 2009. And there are three Buffalo
Bills among the 15 finalists, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, and team owner
Ralph Wilson.
Experience Counts In Setting Up Tampa's NFL Theme Park
The
National Football League bills the
NFL Experience as pro football's interactive theme park.
Edwards gone in Kansas City
Herm Edwards, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs during the worst two-year span in team history, was fired Friday.
Bills Hall finalists poised for entry
Orchard Park, NY - The day before the Super Bowl we find out if the Pro
Football Hall of Fame will welcome some more Buffalo Bills. Andre Reed,
Ralph Wilson, and Bruce Smith are all among the 15 finalists..
Bills Alumni Association reaches 1 million dollars in giving
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation awarded Chris and Donna Kowalski of
Orchard Park, NY with their Grand Prize in the Bills Alumni
Foundation's 6TH Annual Raffle Drawing. The drawing was held at the
Adam's Mark Hotel in Buffalo on Sunday evening, January 18.
January 23, 2009
Bills rehire Nix as Scout
Orchard Park, NY - The Bills are dipping into their past, to beef up their scouting staff in the future. News 4 has learned that veteran NFL scout Buddy Nix is returning to the Bills, in the positon of National Scout.
How much will you pay for success?
Maybe they held the line on ticket prices because they foresee no
change in their current budget, or as a concession to the staggering
economy. Maybe they retained the status quo because they sense that the
backlash over head coach Dick Jauron left them no other choice. The
reason is immaterial. What matters is that a ticket to a Buffalo Bills
home game — at least the ones played in Orchard Park — remains one of
the premier values in major pro sports.
D-line coach replacement candidate?
After doing some digging I haven’t found too many defensive line or
assistant defensive line coaches currently working in the league with
connections to members of Buffalo’s staff. One that I did find was
Oakland defensive tackles coach
Don Johnson.
Where Kiper and Mayock differ
While Mel Kiper has released his mock draft, in which he has the Bills
taking Oklahoma St. TE Brandon Pettigrew, who has been tearing it up at
the Senior Bowl incidentally, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock
differs with him when it comes to the top two quarterbacks in the draft
this year.
Bills should have options at 11
Though the 2009 NFL draft is still three months away, the prospects at
the Senior Bowl have kept draft talk on the front burner. The good news
is at pick 11, Buffalo is virtually guaranteed to land an immediate
impact player, and will likely have close to the pick of the litter at
a few need positions.
Buffalo Bills in 'Souper Bowl' championship; down by 28,000 votes
The two-minute warning has sounded, and the Buffalo Bills are trailing
— in a contest that could provide a total of 18,000 cans of free soup
to local food pantries.
January 21, 2009
Peters to miss Pro Bowl again
For the second straight year Jason Peters was named a starter for the
AFC in the Pro Bowl, and for the second straight year Peters will not
participate in the game on Feb. 8 in Honolulu.
Hardy ready for road back
His first season in the NFL was already not going according to plan
come the final month of the regular season. A limited amount of playing
time coupled with adjusting to the NFL game left James Hardy more
determined than ever to make a difference.
Buffalo Bills make the 'Souper' Bowl
The Buffalo Bills may not have made the Super Bowl this year but they are major contenders in the Souper Bowl?.
Parcells will stay put
New Miami Dolphins majority owner
Stephen Ross won’t mess with success: He says
Bill Parcells will remain in charge of the football operation.
Bills hold price line on tickets
The Buffalo Bills displayed discretion with their fan base Tuesday by
announcing they would not raise ticket prices for the 2009 season.
Bills' Jackson part of the 'family' in Breitbach home
He's not No.22 in their house. They don't look at him as this big NFL hero or anything. You can hold the autographs.
January 20, 2009
Kollar leaves Bills for Texans
The Buffalo Bills have allowed defensive line coach Bill Kollar leave for the Houston Texans, according to a league source.
Bills should pay their own way
Buffalo Bills fans who reside in the area will pay for the squad
to play at home next season. And non-fans will, too. With reports
coming to the public’s attention that Erie County will once again
provide the team with over $7 million next season for things like
sheriff-provided security, operating expenses, and stadium
improvements, even those who love the Bills should warily long for it
to become self-sustaining. Ending the Bills’ subsidy, part of the lease
that expires after 2012, will help the area, which in turn will help
the Bills.
Freddy Jackson Back at Coe
One of the youngest fans in the stands Monday night at Eby Field house
was Brady Jackson, young son of Fred Jackson, the Buffalo Bills running
back. Fred, who graduate from Coe several years ago was back in town to
see friends.
January 19, 2009
Lynch repeats as offensive MVP
After making it two straight seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and two straight seasons leading the offense in scoring, it was no surprise to see Bills running back Marshawn Lynch repeat as the team’s offensive MVP for 2008.
Miami inks CFL pass rusher
The Bills and a host of other NFL teams were interested in CFL pass rushing terror Cameron Wake, but in the end with multiple suitors to choose from, Wake chose to sign with division rival Miami.
January 18, 2009
Subsidy for Bills will hit new high
Erie County taxpayers will set a record for the Buffalo Bills in the
2009 season. Local taxpayer support for the team will average more than
$900,000 for each game played in Western New York.
Browns are counting on Mangini
The Cleveland Browns made what looks like a good hire of
Eric Mangini as head coach, and the rationale for hiring him seems sound.
Spagnuolo going to Rams
The St. Louis Rams reached an agreement with Steve Spagnuolo on
Saturday to make the New York Giants defensive coordinator their coach,
General Manager Billy Devaney told the Associated Press.
Bills need to stick with the plan
The Buffalo Bills may be enticed by the fact that a proven quarterback
from the New England Patriots is going to be on the trade market soon
either which way. However, the Bills need to stick with its current
plan.
January 17, 2009
Wake up, Hall voters: induct Reed
Andre Reed used to say he had an alarm clock in his head. Every year,
it went off and told him it was time to get ready for another football
season. Well, a clock just went off in my head, and it’s telling me the
time has come to make the case.
Poz voted Defensive MVP
At the beginning of the 2008 campaign Paul Posluszny was just hopeful
he’d make it through a 16-game season after a broken arm robbed him of
most of his rookie year. Now with 2008 in the books, Posluszny not only
played all 16 games, but looked pretty good doing it as fans voted him
the team’s Defensive MVP in a Buffalobills.com online poll.
Jackson may need to accept Bills' low-ball tender
It's a fate that befalls a handful of players every year: unheralded
late-round or undrafted find proves to be a revelation during his first
few years, yet he can't cash in on his achievement during free agency
because of his club's exclusive rights. That's precisely the situation
facing Bills RB
Fred Jackson.
Buccaneers ax Gruden, GM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ late season collapse cost Jon Gruden his job.
January 16, 2009
Edwards won’t need surgery
Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards does not need offseason surgery
on his shoulder, league and team sources have told The News.
Bills won’t win until they, and we, know who they are
There aren’t just four teams playing for two Super Bowl openings
this Sunday; rather, there are four identities competing. The semifinal
franchises embody a clear symptom of football success, as it’s easy to
notice what’s good about who’s left. The boldly obvious characteristics
common among the last teams standing are also conspicuously absent from
the Buffalo Bills, who should take note of the connection between their lack of face time during the playoffs and their lack of a face.
January 15, 2009
Bills sign 7 reserve future players
The Buffalo Bills made seven reserve future free agent signings on Thursday.
It’s official: Bills’ Parrish is more PR than WR
T
he Buffalo Bills’
Roscoe Parrish is a punt returner who sometimes catches passes. That’s
not where his career his heading; rather, it’s where his career is and
will be, as he’s been unable to show in any of his four seasons that he
can be a credibly consistent threat on offense. His catch and a half
per game in 2008 seems at first glance like the sort of total that
would render him obscure and/or unemployed, but the Bills should be
fine with burying him on the wideouts’ depth chart as long as he
continues to top the league’s punt return depth chart.
BFR Debate: Is Edwards the Answer?
Teams of the National Football League
are always looking for that off-hand "quick fix." A new wide receivers
coach, a new punter, a new waterboy. Something, anything that will plug
up the hole so the entire organization can move forward.
Kelly calls for universal disease screening for newborns
Jim Kelly, who as quarterback helped lead the Buffalo Bills to five
divisional championships but lost four consecutive Super Bowls, told a
Rochester audience Wednesday about his new fight to save children's
lives. His Hunter's Hope foundation is lobbying to get all newborns
tested for all diseases that can be treated if caught early, including
the degenerative disease that killed his son, Hunter.
January 14, 2009
Bills rookie takes Special Teams MVP honors
Much like he did on his 98-yard kick return for a touchdown in Week 11
against Cleveland, Leodis McKelvin pulled away from his three teammates
to win Special Teams MVP honors for 2008. McKelvin received two out of
every three votes cast in the online Buffalobills.com poll. His fellow
return man Roscoe Parrish finished second in the voting.
The real problem in Orchard Park
I've had it.
With head coaching candidates like Brian
Billick, Eric Mangini, Mike Shanahan and Steve Spagnuolo on the market,
Buffalo Bills fans were hopeful that head coach Dick Jauron would be
given the axe for someone that could actually get the job done.
Pioli placed in charge in Kansas City
Scott Pioli, who helped build and lead a dynasty in New England, is now
in charge of a Kansas City franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game in
14 years.
Ex-players win again
A federal judge has upheld a jury award of $28.1 million to retired
football players who sued the NFL Players’ Association for allegedly
failing to properly market their images.
Caldwell takes over
Jim Caldwell wants the Indianapolis Colts to be his team. Even with most, if not all, of Tony Dungy’s guys.
McKelvin’s wait was worth it
Leodis McKelvin knows a little something about waiting his turn. At Troy (Ala.) University, he sat for two years before working his way into the starting lineup. As a rookie with the Buffalo Bills, he contributed immediately as a kick returner but he didn’t get much action at cornerback the first half of the season. It wasn’t until Jabari Greer went down with a sprained knee in Week 10 that McKelvin got his chance on defense.
January 13, 2009
When all else failed, Bills’ defense failed less
Winning nearly half their games doesn’t count, but the Buffalo Bills
did manage to do some positive things during an ultimately rotten 2008
season. And fans don’t even have to limit recollections to the season’s
rosily shiny first quarter, as the team performed well throughout the
campaign in some aspects. Maybe “a handful” is more accurate than
“some,” and maybe said hand would have to be abnormally girlish, but
backers can nonetheless feel pride about the biggest general yearlong
trend and a smaller accompanying one: The defense held together, sort
of, thanks in large part to new guys being some of the team’s best guys.
Top 3 finish likely for Bills special teams
Each year Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin compiles a final
ranking of the league’s special teams based on 22 different statistical
categories. It’s become the unofficial measuring stick for special
teams units in the NFL, and once again the Bills are likely to finish
in the top three as they stood third heading into the final week of
regular season action.
NOAA Declares Buffalo Bills as First StormReady® Supporter Team in NFL
NOAA is proud to announce the Buffalo Bills as the first National
Football League team to become a StormReady® Supporter. With this
designation the Bills are better prepared for severe weather and to
make fans and spectators at Ralph Wilson Stadium aware of such events.
Bills planning 50th year celebration
The Buffalo Bills are fashioning a 50th anniversary celebration as
their primary marketing platform for the 2009 NFL season, and
InBev’s Labatt brand is the first marketer to sign on.
Bills special teams: living up to a legacy
Bobby April and his special teams units are building a bittersweet legacy in Buffalo.
Dungy exits as Colts’ coach
Tony Dungy always considered football just a career path.
January 12, 2009
McDaniels gets Broncos’ job
The Denver Broncos apparently have turned from “The Mastermind” to “The Wunderkid.”
Hardy makes time for son, Thomas
James Hardy had a brief layover Saturday in Fort Wayne before heading
back to Buffalo this morning for Monday’s knee surgery. So, the Buffalo
Bills receiver decided to spend some time with his son and talking with
his basketball heir apparent.
Improved Bills D lacked big plays
Big plays were the big shortcoming of the Buffalo Bills' defense in 2008.
Bills gained a lot without gaining much
The yards and scores didn’t often match for the Buffalo Bills
last season. They out-gained their opponents in two of their
not-infrequent losses and came within 20 yards on three other
occasions, but their ability to hang close when it came to net yards
meant exactly nothing for their record. This team needs to learn to
play sharper football rather than simply play to push the ball ahead
for a while.
Keystone statement
Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley couldn’t help it. He really wanted to watch.
McNabb, Eagles stun defending champ Giants
Donovan McNabb will get another chance to chase that elusive Super Bowl
title. Eli Manning threw away his opportunity to defend it.
January 11, 2009
Dissapointing Season for Buffalo Bills Leaves Many Questions Unanswered
After one of the best starts in for The Bills in many years, the rest
of the season turned out to be an absolute disaster. Bills fans are
sulking in Buffalo, and almost every season here recently has been, "At
least things look bright for next year."
Season Review: Receivers in short supply
Outside of Lee Evans, the Bills lacked any real threats at wide
receiver and tight end. The BFR continues to examine each position with
a look at the receivers today...
Bills' offense was motion-impaired
The Buffalo Bills' offense still has a long way to go before it can lead the team to the playoffs.
Ravens prevail in defensive struggle
A not-so-raw rookie and a trustworthy veteran lifted the Baltimore Ravens to the brink of the Super Bowl.
Cardinals shock Panthers
So Arizona was without Anquan Boldin, entered the game 0-5 this season
in the Eastern time zone and was up against a Carolina team that had
beaten it five consecutive times.
January 10, 2009
Season Review: Linebackers set for the future
Grade: B
The linebacker unit of the Buffalo Bills
was arguably the most impressive group on the team last season. The
defense, ranked 14th in the league, benefitted from quick,
gang-tackling linebackers led by Paul Posluszny. The addition of Kawika Mitchell aided the improvement of the once-lousy defense, especially in the red zone.
Buffalo (Bills) Roam Onward: A Look Ahead at the 2009 Draft
Another year, another disappointment, and yet another 11th pick. Coming
off their third straight 7-9 season, the Buffalo Bills must once again
decide how to shake off another losing campaign and add to a team that
showed flashes of improvement this season.
Buffalo Bills: A Glimpse into 2009
With another below mediocre record under Buffalo's belt, it's once
again time to look ahead to "next year." Two words fans are getting
used to saying.
So, the question is, who should Buffalo's new additions in 2009 be, to change those two words to "Super Bowl"?
January 09, 2009
The Best Coach Nobody Knows
Tom Marino has worked with some of the best coaches on the game over
his career in professional football. Parcells, Belichick, Ditka and
Mora all considered some of the most talented individuals to have ever
walked the sidelines, but in Buffalo Bills special teams coach Bobby
April truly believes he has found their professional equal.
Fan Friday 1-9
As always you can send your questions to me at AskChris@bills.nfl.net and I’ll get back to you either personally or here on Fan Friday. Here we go.
Jackson open to extension
There wasn’t a whole lot of consistency from start to finish on offense for the Bills in 2008, but one player that brought his ‘A’ game every week was running back Fred Jackson. With offensive coordinator Turk Schonert expanding his role in the Buffalo offense Jackson took the opportunity and literally ran with it.
January 08, 2009
Surprising statistic
In combing through the season statistics for 2008, I came across a stat that really surprised me. In the four games that Buffalo had an individual 100-yard rusher, the Bills were 0-4 this season. Those games being the season finale against the Patriots, the second game against the Jets, San Fran and Cleveland.
Gregg Williams a DC candidate in Green Bay?
With Gregg Williams reportedly interviewing in New Orleans for the defensive coordinator job with the Saints, there’s a report that Williams is one of the top two candidates for the Packers defensive coordinator post as well.
Former Bills coach interviewing with Saints
Former Bills head coach Gregg Williams is interviewing today with Saints head coach Sean Payton for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Williams is not being retained by the Jaguars as his contract is expiring. Jacksonville ranked 17th overall in defense this season and 13th against the run despite a myriad of injuries and a brief fallout between head coach Jack Del Rio and MLB Mike Peterson.
Anyone else see a pattern here?
Well Wade Phillips has hired his fifth special teams coach for what is expected to be his eighth year in the league as a head coach (you never know what Jerry Jones is going to do). Former Jacksonville special teams coach Joe DeCamillus got the job.
Early mocks favor TE for Bills
After perusing some of the NFL Draft sites for some early mocks, which we all know will change an infinite number of times, I found that tight end is the position that most of the “gurus” feel will be addressed by Buffalo, and Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham is the overwhelming choice.
Bills run game revival
It was a part of Buffalo’s offense that could not get on track in the first half of the season. Part of it was due to stiff competition, and part of it was due to poor execution. But come the second half of the 2008 season the Bills run game excelled and over the last eight games of the year ranked with some of the best rushing teams in football.
Ex-Buffalo Bill, HUD secretary Kemp has cancer
The office of Jack Kemp says the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback has been diagnosed with cancer. A statement issued in Buffalo, N.Y., says Kemp is undergoing tests to assess the origin of the disease and the best treatment.
January 07, 2009
Denney has career year
Coming off a pair of foot surgeries Ryan Denney was likely hoping to just make it through a 16-game season healthy. Ironically, another foot injury led to the most productive season of his career in 2008. With Aaron Schobel sidelined for the last 11 games of the season with a serious foot injury, Denney stepped into the right defensive end position and played some of his best football in a Bills uniform.
Jack Kemp undergoing treatment for cancer
Jack Kemp, the former U.S. Housing Secretary and Buffalo Bills quarterback, is undergoing treatment for cancer, according to a statement released by his office today.
OT rule needs a flipping change
Imagine if the seventh game of the NBA Finals went to overtime, and Kobe Bryant sat on the bench the entire five minutes. Or if the Yankees lost a decisive World Series game in extra innings, without getting to bat in the 10th.
That’s the folly of the NFL’s outdated overtime format, which allows the winner of a coin flip the chance to win without giving the opposing offense a chance to respond. Defenders of the system say it’s fine the way it is. They say it makes the NFL unique. I call it stupid.
Tasker again left on outside
Steve Tasker made the list of 25 Hall of Fame semifinalists, but did not make the cut to 15. Former Oakland punter Ray Guy also did not make the cut, so special teams will not have a pioneer candidate on the finalist list.
The finalist class is pretty stacked so that may be why Guy and Tasker were left on the outside looking in, but I fear it’s going to be a long time before a special teamer is legitimately considered for enshrinement.
Reed and Wilson not shoe-ins like Smith
With Andre Reed and Ralph Wilson advancing to the list of 2009 Hall of Fame finalists with Bruce Smith, they each have a shot, but only Bruce is a shoe-in. Reed will be battling Cris Carter for enshrinement and Carter has superior career numbers.
Edwards checks out shoulder
Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards is seeking out medical opinions
to determine how to treat soreness in his throwing shoulder.
Shoulder woe may not be serious, but Edwards’ record of damage is
Quarterback Trent Edwards’ sore throwing shoulder is making the Buffalo Bills wince in agony. After the player complained about tenderness in the joint at his year-end physical, the team sent him for an MRI to check it out and will now send him to doctors to see if there’s an issue not just with pain but also with the condition.
Reed, Smith, Wilson make list of HOF finalists
Bills fans will have their fingers crossed for more than one Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist later this month as all-time leading receiver Andre Reed, all-time sack leader Bruce Smith and team founder and owner Ralph Wilson are all among the 15 modern era finalists for possible enshrinement in 2009.
McShay has Bills taking TE
For what it’s worth (knowing this will likely change 50 times) ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Bills taking Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham with the 11th pick in his mock draft. Personally I’d like to see a pass rushing DE.
Frerotte pulls a Flutie
Gus Frerotte apparently feels the same way Doug Flutie did after the other QB was picked to start a Wild Card playoff game. Frerotte told Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports that he feels he would have given the Vikings a better chance to win in their playoff game against the Eagles last week, which the Vikings lost. Flutie did the same thing not long after ‘Home Run Throwback.’
January 06, 2009
Edwards getting throwing shoulder checked
Bills quarterback Trent Edwards took his fair share of shots in 2008. Sacked 28 times and hit several more when under pressure through the course of the season has apparently taken its toll. Edwards at his year-end physical reported soreness in his throwing shoulder. While surgery does not appear to be likely at this point the Bills quarterback will be seeking the opinion of a couple of physicians this week. The Bills confirmed Edwards’ current condition in a statement released Tuesday.
Brown’s Best 2008
It was by no means a season that met expectations, but that doesn't mean there weren't some memorable plays and performances in 2008. We run down the obvious and the obscure, but all were deserving of Brown's Best this past season.
Missed Opportunity
Lack of pass rush. The Bills finished with 24 sacks, tied for the fourth-lowest total in the league. The loss of Aaron Schobel to injury ruined the four-man pass rush. Ryan Denney tied Mitchell for the team lead with four sacks. Chris Kelsay had two.
Trent Edwards weighing options on injured shoulder
WGR Sports Radio 550 has learned that Trent Edwards has an injured right shoulder and is seeking opinions on how to treat the damage. It is not known what the actual extent of the injury is but two league sources have told WGR that the injury does not seem serious. The Bills issued a press release saying Edwards underwent a routine MRI after complaining of soreness, and did not lose any strength in his shoulder because of the soreness.
Bills Have No Game Changing Players
On defense, the Bills do not have a player that scares the offense. I already talked about Ed Reed. Did you see Asante Samuel against Minnesota? That is his 4th career playoff TD. Watch Justin Tuck for the Giants this Sunday. The Steelers have three or four defenders who can change agame every snap they are on the field. Harrison. Polamalu. Farrior. When he is healthy, the Titans Albert Haynesworth is unblockable. The Bills? A bunch of nice solid players. Even at his best, Aaron Schobel is an above average player, but not a game changer.
Bills ’08 defense much improved
At this time last season the problems facing the Buffalo's defense were numerous. Defending the run, third down defense, first downs allowed, defending the pass and sacks were all near the bottom of the league rankings. Overall the Bills defense ranked 31st in 2007. But 2008 saw widespread improvements despite the fact that the season ended with a mark of 7-9 for the third straight year.
Better for Bills if Jets hire Billick
With BC head coach Jeff Jagodzinski and former Ravens coach Brian Billick added to the list of potential coaching candidates for the Jets, for the Bills sake I'd hope Billick would ultimately be the call for Woody Johnson.
January 05, 2009
Source: Bills QB Edwards leaning towards shoulder surgery
A source told me over the
weekend that Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards is leaning towards
having off-season shoulder surgery on his throwing arm sometime soon.
McNally presents coaching clinic
For former NFL offensive line coach Jim “Mouse” McNally, his life’s
work has been all about filling gaps. He’s about to fill one more.
Why Haven't The Buffalo Bills Fired Dick Jauron?
You’ll have to forgive my ignorance, because I’ve been a little
preoccupied with the New England Patriots this season, but I have a
question for Buffalo Bills’ fans.
Falcons’ Smith Coach of the Year
Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them.
January 04, 2009
AFC has lion’s share of football’s best this season
The AFC is the dominant conference in the NFL.
Mediocrity is a tough sell at ticket-renewal time
Woe to the person in Buffalo Bills’ management who is assigned to write
the annual letter to season-ticket buyers about renewing for the 2009
season.
Reich mastered the comeback
The Buffalo Bills' No. 2 quarterback had just seen an interception
returned 58 yards for a touchdown that put his team 32 points down in
the third quarter when No. 3 quarterback Gale Gilbert trotted over and
patted him on the back.
January 03, 2009
Buffalo Bills Can Look Forward to Another 7-9 Season in 2009
The NFL playoffs start tomorrow, and as I have come to expect year after year, they will not include the Buffalo Bills.
Bills’ Simpson faces hindering charge
Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson was arrested outside a Rock Hill, S.
C., bar early New Year’s Day after police said he wouldn’t leave while
they were trying to clear the area.
January 02, 2009
Players maintain belief that they’re close
Following a season in which taking the next step as a team wasn’t
completed, Bills players aren’t wallowing in self pity. They maintain
that they’re still a good club capable of being playoff caliber.
Bills role players among restricted free agents
In most cases a team’s unrestricted free agents are the priority
knowing come March they can entertain offers and sign with other NFL
clubs without compensation to their former team. But the Bills have a
few restricted free agents that they’ll likely be factoring into their
free agent conversations this offseason.
Schobel using critics for motivation
Aaron Schobel has never been one who lacks confidence. It’s part of the
reason he’s been so successful as Buffalo’s top pass rusher the past
eight seasons. But with a Lisfranc foot injury robbing him of 11 games
in 2008 and set to turn 32 before the 2009 campaign, there are doubters
about whether Schobel can be the player he once was.
Felser Book Looks at the Birth of the NFL
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson played a key role in the merger of the
American and National Football Leagues, so says longtime Buffalo
sportswriter Larry Felser.
Bills specialize in disappointment
On a day when
Buffalo Bills
running back Fred Jackson clawed his way for every yard available, his
two most noticeable touches came on the punt he fielded in the end zone
for a touchback and the third-quarter kickoff he returned for 10 yards.
Namely, why did they exist? The team knew he would be called upon to
bear the load on offense against the
New England Patriots
last Sunday thanks to Marshawn Lynch’s troubled shoulder, which means
the Bills also knew that he couldn’t afford to fritter away energy.
Buffalo Bills defense shows fewer holes, but work remains
In his statement announcing the retention of coach Dick Jauron on
Tuesday, owner Ralph Wilson referenced his dissatisfaction with the
Bills' offense.
Wire: from Bills castoff to playoffs
Coy Wire spent six years with the Buffalo Bills and never got a whiff
of the playoffs. It took all of one season in Atlanta to end that
drought.
January 01, 2009
Will to win fading in Buffalo
New Year's wasn't canceled.
For most Buffalo Bills fans, however, a happy new year it won't be.
Bills’ collapse was quite rare
Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron has plenty to be thankful for as the new year dawns.
