September 30, 2009

Sirianni named Bills HS coach of the week #4

Jay Sirianni, Southwestern High School head football coach, was named the Buffalo Bills Coach of the Week after his Trojans pounded out a 49-8 win over Lackawanna last weekend.

Bills players kickoff Play 60 Challenge

In a scene resembling a rock concert yesterday, Buffalo Bills players jogged down and around the aisles of Kleinhans Music Hall, and were swarmed by over 2,000 screaming and excited Buffalo Public School (BPS) elementary students.

Anyone Seen My Friend Terrell?

In hindsight it may not have been such a great idea to by that Terrell Owens jersey. Probably an even worse idea to get the T.O. throwback, but can you blame a guy for thinking our newest wideout would someday rank with the all-time greats in Buffalo Bills history, bound for the Bills Wall of Fame on the way to his enshrinement in Canton? I don’t want to panic just yet, but I’m thinking I may back out of the replica Buffalo Bills Super Bowl ring I pre-ordered – I’m going to lose my deposit but it’s probably still the most prudent financial move I can make now. If things continue to go downhill I’m guessing I’m going to have to either remove or alter the T.O. tattoo over my heart, but I don’t want to think about that yet (maybe if I added the CN Tower people would think I was proclaiming my love for Toronto?).

Moorman shows off skill set

Drew Brees was probably the first quarterback taken in your fantasy draft. Brian Moorman surely went undrafted. Yet this past Sunday, the Bills punter produced more points than the Saints star.

Bills prepare Byrd for solo flight

The Buffalo Bills selected Jairus Byrd in the second round of April's draft with the intention of him eventually becoming a starter at safety. Ready or not, eventually is likely to come Sunday in Miami.

More big play chances vs. Miami?

Big plays are entertaining. For fans they’re fun to watch and for teams they can often mean the difference between winning and losing. Such was the case last week for the Miami Dolphins. Despite controlling the clock with almost 33 minutes of possession time, outrushing San Diego by a two-to-one margin and holding the Chargers to one touchdown on six trips to the red zone, big plays did them in.

Bills' Whitner seeks probation in disorderly conduct case

Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner is hoping to be allowed to resolve his disorderly conduct case in Cleveland by entering a probation program for first-time offenders.

Boring Bills won’t change

By now the pattern is easy to figure out. The Buffalo Bills have not made the playoffs this decade for a reason and Sunday’s game is reasons No. 1, 2, and 3. An inferior coach, with inferior assistants, guiding mediocre talent, is unable to get the most production out of the small group of talented players — Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Fred Jackson to name a few — and they get stuck in the current quicksand of below average football this franchise has cranked out year after year.

September 29, 2009

Whitner requests probation program

Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner wants his disorderly conduct case in Cleveland dismissed through a probation program for first-time offenders.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 3

1. New York Giants (1) – The Giants did what a good team was supposed to do; they beat an inferior team and didn't take it easy. So although it was an easy team they beat, you've got to respect that from them. There are some teams that relax against the lesser teams and those are usually the ones that flame out in the end.

Saints 27, Bills 7: Week 3 Film Session

Before we turn our attentions to the upcoming Week 4 matchup between our dinged up Buffalo Bills and the hated, also-dinged-up Miami Dolphins, we'll take two glances back at the Bills' Week 3 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints. This is your first look back - our weekly Film Session. Stay tuned for this afternoon's Week 3 installment of Ron From NM's ultra-popular Notes from the Bills' O-Line series. Week 3 Film Session begins after the jump.

Bills Replay: Saints' rush kept heat on Edwards

Gregg Williams wasn't a big success as a head coach, but he sure knows how to run a defense. He is proving that again as coordinator with the New Orleans Saints. The former Bills head man made a triumphant return to Buffalo on Sunday, unleashing a variety of blitzes and pressure packages that shut down a bewildered Bills offense during the Saints' 27-7 victory.

Byrd and Florence set to step in

Jairus Byrd and Drayton Florence saw a good amount of playing time in last Sunday’s game. With injuries suffered by Leodis McKelvin and Donte Whitner in last week's contest, both Byrd and Florence could find themselves starting come Sunday if the regulars are not fit to play by the weekend.

Lynch ready to get to work

His teammates said he was all smiles and glad to be back. Marshawn Lynch’s three game league-imposed suspension was over effective Monday. But it appeared as though the time away from his teammates had a lasting impact on the running back as he responded to questions from the Buffalo media with soft spoken answers.

September 28, 2009

Bills hope to get T.O. more involved

“We’ll take more shots,” Jauron said Monday, a day after Owens had his 185-game reception streak in regular-season games—the third-longest in NFL history—snapped in a 27-7 loss to New Orleans. “We definitely have to get him more involved in the game no matter what the defense does.”

McKelvin out indefinitely; Whitner has surgery

Buffalo’s injury list got a bit longer on Monday. A week after losing starting right tackle

Brad Butler and starting tight end Derek Schouman for the season, Buffalo may be without three of their four starting defensive backs this coming Sunday in Miami.

Bills Getting What They Paid For at OT

Lost among the catastrophe that was the Buffalo Bills offense Sunday was a potentially key injury. Starting left tackle Demetrius Bell left the contest in the second half with a strained groin. This comes after battling a sore back all of training camp and the preseason. While the extent of his injury is unknown we’re likely to get an update from Dick Jauron sometime this afternoon. Kirk Chambers finished the game at left tackle.

Bills must conquer themselves before opponents

That look from Terrell Owens, pictured right? That just about perfectly sums up some of the problems that the Buffalo Bills have exhibited through three games in this still-young (which is important to remember) NFL season.

Saints 27, Bills 7: Shot Feet and Opportunities Missed

The Buffalo Bills lost a Week 3 home contest to the New Orleans Saints 27-7 yesterday. Pre-game, if any Bills fan had been asked to predict how the Bills would lose the game, the crowd predicting "shut down Drew Brees and put forth an offensive attack as ugly any single-game performance in team history" would have been small.

Bills have no answer for Saints in 27-7 loss

The way the Buffalo Bills lost to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday should come as no shock. Was it a surprise the Bills held Saints quarterback Drew Brees without a touchdown pass? Yes. Was it a surprise the Bills held Brees to his lowest passing total � 172 yards � in 34 games? Absolutely.

Dungy: Terrell Owens' act is 'hard to coach'

NBC released a transcript from the portion of its "Football Night in America" pregame show that apparently got Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens riled up enough to blast studio analyst Rodney Harrison. But Harrison wasn't the only one critical of Owens.

Owens, Evans incognito in Bills' offense

The Buffalo Bills astonished us all when they signed Terrell Owens, forming a dynamic duo with Lee Evans. Fans assumed they'd be Batman and Robin. They've turned out to be a couple of Alfreds.

Terrell Owens fires back at Rodney Harrison

I'm working in the Ralph Wilson Stadium press box, so I didn't see what NBC studio analyst Rodney Harrison had to say about Terrell Owens' no-catch performance here Sunday. But I can share Owens' responses.

Rapid Reaction: Saints 27, Bills 7

The Buffalo Bills didn't seem too far off from being 3-0. But they're 1-2. The Bills hung tough with the NFL's scariest offense well into the fourth quarter, but still came up short Sunday, losing to the Saints 27-7 in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Kelsay's big game hard to enjoy

On a day where NFL MVP candidate Drew Brees looked his worst this season, Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay was at his best. Facing the quarterback that was sacked just 13 times all of last season, and in charge of an offense averaging 46.5 points per game, the veteran end had his best game of the young season.

Bills offense stalls in loss to Saints

On a day when Buffalo’s defense was holding the league’s highest scoring offense off the board for the first three quarters, the Bills attack couldn’t provide the points in what ultimately wound up being a 27-7 loss to the Saints.

Bills CB McKelvin has tests on injured leg

The Buffalo Bills' defensive backfield is suddenly depleted by injuries following a 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

September 27, 2009

Saints Unleash Powerful Rushing Attack as They Wear Down the Bills and Improve to 3-0

It was hardly a secret that the New Orleans Saints owned the most dangerous passing attack in the NFL entering today’s game. Today they proved they can run it with the best of them and play defense, as well. The Saints improved to 3-0 on the season with a 27-7 win over the Bills in Orchard Park and now stand alone atop the NFC South standings with a clean 3-0 record.

Bills CB McKelvin leaves game vs. Saints for tests on injured leg

Buffalo Bills starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin didn't return after hurting his leg during the first half of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

Can Bills Slow Down Rampaging Saints Offense?

The Buffalo Bills snapped a five-game home losing streak at Ralph Wilson Stadium last weekend. Making it two wins in a row there might be a bit tougher.

Keys to Victory: Bills vs Saints

The Buffalo Bills face the New Orleans Saints this week in what could be their most challenging non-divisional game of the season.  Coming off a decisive victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bills will be trying to shut down the league's number one offense, led by Drew Brees.  It will be a difficult challenge, and one we all hope Perry Fewell and the Bills' defense is up for.

Saints' Brees leads high-powered attack

Drew Brees has made a career out of proving people wrong.

Bills' red zone defense is key to slowing Saints

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has passed for 300 yards or more 19 times in his last 38 games.

Scouting report: Bills need big plays, ball control

QB Drew Brees is well ahead of last year's 5,000-yard pace and has nine touchdown passes while operating an offense that has looked unstoppable in two wins. He spreads the ball around to a deep receiving corps led by WR Marques Colston, TE Jeremy Shockey and RB Reggie Bush. Deep threats Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem average more than 20 yards per catch.

Felser: Players would pay price of adding more games

If you're a Buffalo Bills fan, you don't want to see the Saints' Drew Brees, the most underrated top-of-the-line quarterback in the NFL, pass for 300 yards, much less 400, against your team today. On the other hand, unless your team spirit runs to blood-thirsty, you don't want to see him in traction either. The position of quarterback, now more than ever, is the name of the game. The name of the defensive side of the ball is "kill the quarterback."

High-flying Saints have Bills' undivided attention

With all due respect to Drew Brees and Co., Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell doesn't regard the 40-point-a-game Saints as the best offense he's ever prepared to face.

Buffalo Bills better off at QB than many others

There aren't nearly enough high-quality quarterbacks to stock the 32 NFL teams, but the Buffalo Bills believe Trent Edwards is on the verge of becoming the franchise QB they've been waiting for since Jim Kelly retired. He has shown some encouraging signs.

Sal Maiorana's Game Day: Saints at Bills

Here's a look at key points, facts and figures for today's Buffalo Bills game against the New Orleans Saints.

Saints' offense storms into Orchard Park

The week of intense preparation they have put in to get ready to play Drew Brees and the red-hot New Orleans Saints has been nothing out of the ordinary for the Buffalo Bills.

Inside the game: New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills

KEEP AN EYE ON: SAINTS QB DREW BREES

Brees is making an early push for league MVP honors,  and his passing yards (669) and touchdown passes (nine) are coming within the confines of the offense. If he keeps up this pace,  he's going to blow up the NFL's single-season records for most passing yards (5,084,  by Dan Marino in 1984) and touchdown passes (50,  by Tom Brady in 2007).

September 26, 2009

Five Ways to Silence The Saints

No matter how vehemently the most optimistic of Bills fans may try to deny, the New Orleans Saints are going to be a very difficult team to beat. Yes, they faced two newly christened starting quarterbacks (Kelvin Kolb, Matt Stafford) in their first two games. In part, that’s why they enjoyed the benefit of seven turnovers in those contests. But free gifts or not this is an offense that knows how to move the ball and score a lot of points. The effectiveness of the Saints’ aerial attack combined with a more forceful defense than last year’s version makes beating this team a thorny proposition.

Saints Vs. Bills Preview: Turf War

Shaking off the disappointment of their Week One collapse against the Patriots, the Bills left no doubt against the Buccaneers, jumping to a 17-0 lead on the way to an eventual 33-20 win. The 1-1 Bills now face the daunting task of slowing the NFL's highest-scoring offense, a Saints squad averaging over 46 points per game.

Week 3 Thoughts: When the Saints Come Marching In … to Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills will square off this week against one of the most dynamic passing games in the NFL. Drew Brees has led his unbeaten New Orleans Saints to lopsided defeats over the Lions 45-27 (expected) and the Eagles 48-22 (not so expected). The scores of these games have looked more like the first-half of a “March Madness” first round match-up than an NFL game. To say Brees is carving up defenses is an understatement – it’s too dainty. He is eating them alive – Hannibal style.

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 3

Top 3 Individual Matchups
1. Terrell Owens vs. Jabari Greer – The former Bills cornerback will be matched up on Buffalo’s biggest offseason acquisition for a good portion of the game. Greer, a good man-to-man coverage corner has had previous success against Owens while a member of the Bills. He held Owens to two catches for 25 yards in the Dallas Monday night comeback win over Buffalo in 2007.

Bills turning up heat under new D-line coach

Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Bob Sanders showed his players video replays of every sack recorded in the NFL in 2008 during the course of the offseason.

Potent Saints huge test for Buffalo Bills

Well aware that he can't insert an in-their-prime Bruce Smith, Alan Page or Ronnie Lott into his defense on Sunday afternoon, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell would nonetheless like one dream to come true.

Sports on the Air: Bills, fans go against the grain

I'm not sure which is weirder: that after a disastrous offensive preseason the Buffalo Bills are the second-highest scoring team in the AFC after two weeks of the NFL season or the viewing patterns of football fans here.

September 25, 2009

Ellison tackling added responsibilities

When the defense lost middle linebacker Paul Posluszny to injury during the season opener at New England there was concern over how the Bills would go about replacing his quality production and leadership. A lot of the pressure fell on other members of the group, such as veteran outside linebacker Keith Ellison, to fill the void and make plays in the middle.

Fine, Nelson step in at TE for Bills

The Buffalo Bills hailed Derek Fine and Shawn Nelson as potential impact players when selecting the tight ends in each of the last two drafts.

Former Coe College running back on top of his game with Buffalo Bills

His Facebook page said it all.

“THE MOST KNOWN UNKNOWN!!!!” Fred Jackson posted recently.

Saints DB Greer well acquainted with Bills

After playing the last five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer knows he need not wonder about how he’s going to be treated when he faces his old team Sunday.

Misunderstood? Terrell Owens wants to clear misperceptions

Terrell Owens will take the field Sunday in diamond stud earrings that cost more than the houses of many of the Buffalo Bills fans who will cheer his every move.

Brees and high-powered Saints have Bills’ respect

With all due respect to Drew Brees(notes) and Co., Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell doesn’t regard the 40-point-a-game Saints as the best offense he’s ever prepared to face.

Roth: For Bills' Whitner, sanctuary is found on field

When the Buffalo Bills lost to the New England Patriots in the regular-season opener, free safety Donte Whitner was in tears afterwards.

September 24, 2009

Bills rookies visit with special kids

It was party time on Tuesday for nearly 50 special children and the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Club at the Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville. 

Bills Have Contained High-Profile Offenses Before

I’ve written “Drew Brees is coming to town” so often (and so ominously) over the past few days that I feel a little bit as if Brees will show up at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday – when his New Orleans Saints take on our Buffalo Bills – donning hood and toting scythe rather than wearing Saints colors.  It’s true – the Saints’ offense, orchestrated by Brees, is excellent, and they present a tremendous challenge for Buffalo’s No. 28-ranked defense this week.

Meredith Brings Potential, Athleticism And Maturity Issues to Bills

Two words began running through a majority of Buffalo Bills fans heads even before Brad Butler made it to the sideline this past Sunday, “Jon Runyan.” It didn’t take an Andrew Cappuccino diagnosis to know Butler was through for the year. Runyan may arguably be the biggest free agent out there, both in literal and figurative senses.

Bills not missing Lynch as Jackson leads run game

Bills running back Fred Jackson isn't buying into the "Marshawn Who?" talk.

Battered Bills forced to shuffle beleaguered line

The Buffalo Bills' banged-up offence has a few more limping players, including starting centre Geoff Hangartner, who missed practice yesterday because of a back injury.

Buffalo Bills have players to replace versatile tight end Schouman

The loss of versatile tight end Derek Schouman for the rest of the season due to a knee injury has thinned Buffalo's depth at the position, but most likely won't affect productivity.

For Bills' tackle Scott, nowhere to go but up

Jonathan Scott's two-plus years with the Detroit Lions were, to put it mildly, pretty miserable.

Owens fits in as Buffalo's secret weapon

Terrell Owens signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March, a US$6.5-million deal that promised fireworks, but one that has so far delivered an understated, passively aggressive decoy in an offence still finding its way.

Bills brace for high-octane Saints offence

Two years ago, Buffalo Bills defensive co-ordinator Perry Fewell contemplated facing the New England Patriots and Tom Brady and said it was the most imposing offence he’d seen.

Sullivan: Visions of Brees haunt Fewell

Like most NFL coaches, Perry Fewell is a light, fitful sleeper during the season. The Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator will often bolt awake in the night and start scribbling down ways to stop an upcoming opponent.

What Terrell Owens has to say about the New Orleans Saints

Here are some excerpts from Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens' teleconference with the New Orleans media Wednesday.

September 23, 2009

Bills sign replacements for Butler, Schouman

The youth movement continues for the Buffalo Bills, brought about by injuries. A pair of starters, right tackle Brad Butler and tight end Derek Schouman, were placed on injured reserve Tuesday with knee injuries suffered in Sunday's 33-20 win over Tampa Bay.

BILLS GAMEBREAKER: Jackson proving small schools have talent too

Fred Jackson has done for his alma mater what Marv Levy never could. After graduating from Coe College, a small liberal arts school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Levy went on to Harvard University for his graduate studies, and the latter educational experience was cited most in the narratives of Levy’s Hall of Fame coaching career.

Lindell is AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

A 15-point day for Rian Lindell in Buffalo’s Week 2 win over Tampa Bay earned the Bills kicker some special recognition. The franchise’s most accurate kicker in team history was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Wednesday.

Bills add lineman to practice squad

The Buffalo Bills announced that the team has signed OL Andre Ramsey to the team's practice squad.

Bills DT Williams turned loose

It’s not easy for defensive tackles to put numbers in the stat column every week. Often faced with tying up linemen so their linebackers can go make plays, interior defenders up front aren’t always given the freedom to make plays.

September 22, 2009

Bills sign OL Meredith; Butler to I-R

Knowing Brad Butler's season was over after his knee injury suffered Sunday, the Bills made quick work of assessing the talent that was available signing OL Jamon Meredith off of Green Bay's practice squad.

Bills replay: Defense turned up the heat

Pressure. Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has demanded it from the offseason workouts and throughout training camp and the preseason. The players have obviously been listening.

Bills 33, Buccaneers 20: Week 2 Film Session

Week 2 of the 2009 NFL regular season is in the books, and your Buffalo Bills are 1-1 - though they should be 2-0. Before we move on to take a look at the Bills' next big game - and yes, it is very much a big game - we'll take one last look back today on the Bills' 33-20 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.

Buggs Squashing The Skeptics

At 5’10” and 223 pounds, Marcus Buggs has heard all the naysayers. “He’s too short.” “He’s not fast enough for the NFL.” “He’ll never be more than a practice squad player.” The skeptics were wrong. This past week and for the foreseeable future, this underdog is the starting middle linebacker for the Buffalo Bills.

Did Sunday's win put Buffalo on course for a playoff berth?

Leo: Well, it was a nice win on a beautiful day for football at The Ralph and I enjoyed the show. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We did that last season, remember?

Sullivan: Bills' Jackson has shown he belongs

Alex Van Pelt has been an offensive coordinator for two games in the NFL. He's learning on the job, and bound to struggle along the way. But after Sunday's win over Tampa Bay, AVP left no doubt that he's the man in charge, that it's his offense now.

TIM'S TAKE: Dear Trent, go down quietly

Notes collected from another Monday morning DVR and coffee session: • Seems like Trent Edwards picks his spots when it comes to sticking his hat in a pile.

Jackson off to rare two-game start

Up until this season Fred Jackson was a complementary back, but with the opportunity afforded him at the start of the season Marshawn Lynch’s understudy has taken the ball and run with it, a long way. So far in fact that his two-game yardage totals to start the 2009 season rival three of the best all-purpose yardage starts for a running back in team history.

September 21, 2009

Bills RT Butler out with knee injury

The Buffalo Bills' retooled offensive line will go through another shuffle now that starting right tackle Brad Butler will miss the rest of the season because of a right knee injury.

Buffalo Bills player discovers theft after game; $400,000 of Whitner's jewelry reported taken

Police are investigating a theft from the home of Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner, who discovered about $400,000 worth of jewelry missing following Sunday's win against Tampa Bay.

Sullivan: A short memory is a wonderful thing

Apparently, the guys on this offensive line haven’t been around long enough to know better. They don’t think the way long-suffering Bills fans do. So when Fred Jackson fumbled the ball away late in the first half, letting a bad Tampa Bay team back into the game, the linemen were not thinking the worst.

Buffalo Bills can draw plenty of positives from win over Bucs

Good win for the Bills. They were favored, they really needed to bounce back after last week's gut-wrencher, and they did. Well done. Now, the Saints come marching in. They just hung 48 on the Eagles. Oh boy. But before the Bills start worrying about that, let's hope they enjoy being 1-1 just like the Patriots.

Terrell Owens show was worth the wait for Buffalo Bills

In nine seasons as a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, Alex Van Pelt never met a wide receiver worth his shoelaces that didn't want to the ball thrown to him on every play.

Bullets & Bits: The Bills/Bucs Review

The Buffalo Bills established their feisty performance this past Monday night as no fluke. They took the field against Tampa Bay Sunday in front of a rabid crowd, in a game they were expected to win… And did precisely just that. Big plays on both sides of the ball stormed them to a quick 17-0 lead, allowed the Bucs to hang around along the way before promptly putting them away, via the popcorn guy (who apparently had some of that popcorn butter on his fingers in the first half).

Bills-Bucs report card

Grading the Bills

No more tears: Whitner finds redemption in victory

A week ago today, Donte Whitner was in tears.

Bills notebook: Butler may be out for a while

The Buffalo Bills may have suffered at least one serious injury in Sunday's home-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

DiCesare: Bills can't let T.O. lose patience, or they'll lose him

What Terrell Owens should understand after all his years in the league is that there is no conspiracy at work, no attempt to exclude him from the offense, no matter what uniform he wears or what quarterback does the throwing.

Sullivan: Bills' young bloods get their act together

All right, so it wasn't exactly the '72 Dolphins who lined up across the field on Sunday. It was the '09 Buccaneers, a wretched, rebuilding team, and quite likely the worst opponent on the Bills' rugged schedule this season.

Quarterly Report

Mark Gaughan breaks down the game quarter by quarter. 

Explosive Bills offense has coming-out party

The Buffalo Bills brought the offense — and the fun — back to The Ralph on Sunday.

September 20, 2009

Bills RT Butler carted off with knee injury

Bills starting right tackle Brad Butler is out with a knee injury after he was hurt in the first half against Tampa Bay.

Big plays carried the day for the Bills on offense and defense in their home opener against Tampa Sunday. But Buffalo’s offense was in a two-quarter funk after a very productive first quarter.

Same old issues for Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills

The start of the season offers the hope of a blank check in the NFL, where it's not unheard of to go from worst to first in a single year. In fact, it's not even all that uncommon, so each year fans wind up believing that this year, yes, really it may be different.

Owens can’t shake his reputation

During Buffalo Bills media day Wednesday at 1 Bills Drive, wide receiver Terrell Owens was asked if he has ever been a target of an upset fan

Buffalo Bills Game Day

Here are some points to ponder as the Bills prepare for the Bucs.

Buffalo Bills take lessons from tough loss

There isn't a member of the Buffalo Bills' organization who didn't feel sick to his stomach in the hours following Monday night's horrific collapse and eventual loss to the despised New England Patriots.

Game Notes: Bucs at Bills, 4:05 p.m. ET

Byron Leftwich says he’s been on good offenses and bad offenses during his six-plus years in the NFL. On paper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2009 attack looks like a good one to him.

Sullivan: Passing game needs shot in the arm

One thing about Terrell Owens: The man inspires passionate feelings. There's no middle ground with the Bills' star wide receiver. T.O. is the type of personality that bumps people off the fence and demands a strong opinion.

September 19, 2009

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 2

Top 3 Individual Matchups
1. Terrell Owens vs. Ronde Barber – Two wily veterans will match wits. Both players have been extremely productive in their lengthy careers. Owens is second all-time in touchdown receptions. Barber is the Bucs all-time leader in interceptions. Barber moves into the slot in nickel, but when on the outside it’s a matchup where superior football smarts could be the difference.

Bucs and Bills want a fresh start

There's a joke around town regarding what Buffalo Bills fans should do to make it up to Leodis McKelvin after the cornerback's front lawn was defaced with an obscenity this past week.

Buggs lands starting role with Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills were hoping to work the bugs out of their defense in their game against the New England Patriots on Monday night.

Bills notebook: Anniversary team will be out in force Sunday

The Buffalo Bills will hold a ceremony during halftime of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to commemorate their 50th anniversary all-time team, which includes several players from their Super Bowl years. The ceremony is part of the franchise's celebration of a half-century of football.

Festivities, traffic challenges on tap for Bills home opener

When the Buffalo Bills host their 50th home opener Sunday in Ralph Wilson Stadium, fans will be treated to a trip down Memory Lane at halftime -- but their travels to and from the game in Orchard Park might not be so pleasant.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant doubtful for Sunday vs. Buffalo Bills

WR Antonio Bryant (left knee) didn't practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

September 18, 2009

Bills top CB McGee signs extension

It was a contract extension that was critical for the future success of Buffalo’s secondary. Set to become a free agent at season’s end,

Terrence McGee would have commanded a boatload of interest on the open market. Fortunately the veteran cornerback wanted to re-sign with the Bills all along. After a month of negotiations an agreement was reached as McGee signed a multi-year extension with the club on Friday.

Owens Will Be Trouble For Bucs Defense

Coming off of a game where Tampa Bay gave up four passes of 40 yards or more, including three touchdowns, the Bucs know how much of a problem Owens presents. "He's always a threat," said Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Jim Bates. "He's tremendous after the catch. We have to be aware of him."

Buffalo Bills offense work in progress

Offense remains a work in progress. A day after the Bucs fired their offensive coordinator, the Bills did the same. Turk Schonert was out, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt in. But unlike the Bucs, questions about the offense weren't answered. Receiver Terrell Owens said Trent Edwards missed a couple of opportunities to go deep Monday against the Patriots.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-1)

Well what can you say about that? Should Bills fans look at the positive and say, ‘hey we hung tight with the Patriots?’ They definitely could, but it’s unlikely the Buffalo faithful are asking themselves that right now. Logical Bills fans expected to be 0-1 right now but the way they got to 0-1 isn’t at all what they expected or envisioned.

Buggs ready to man the middle

For the second time in three seasons, a void is left in the middle of the Buffalo Bills defense because of an injury to middle linebacker Paul Posluszny. The broken bone in his arm suffered during the first half of Monday night’s loss to the Patriots will keep him out for almost half the season, so the team is turning to backup linebacker Marcus Buggs for the home opener against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Buffalo Bills know deep game is key

Following a Dallas Cowboys' loss last September, during which the football was either thrown toward or handed off to Terrell Owens on 20 of 58 plays from scrimmage, the outspoken wide receiver still complained he didn't get the ball enough.

Bucs' ground game back in gear with help from vintage Cadillac

The last time the Buffalo Bills faced Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, it wasn't pretty.

Bills' Levitre keeps his guard up

Changing positions is not always easy, especially when it's an offensive tackle moving to guard. The techniques are different and learning to play in a more confined space makes the transition challenging.

Bills' Jackson runs through the open door

Fred Jackson remembers the moment like it was yesterday. He was walking toward the locker room for halftime when the man he idolized stopped him for a conversation usually reserved for after the game. The man complimented and encouraged him, told him he belonged. The man gave him hope.

NFL Truths: McKelvin deserves Bills fans' boos

I hope Bills fans cowboy-up and boo Leodis McKelvin on Sunday.

McKelvin was the victim of vandalism this week when a couple of teenagers spray painted obscenities on his front lawn after he cost Buffalo its season opener with a late fumble against the Patriots.

Bills, Bucs eager to make up for Week 1 losses

There’s a joke going around town regarding what Buffalo Bills fans should do to make it up to Leodis McKelvin(notes) after the cornerback’s front lawn was defaced with an obscenity this past week.

September 17, 2009

Substance over style

The quiet man of the Buffalo Bills isn't a "look at me" kind of player. No celebratory gestures after a tackle. No posing for the cameras after an interception. For cornerback Terrence McGee, it's about substance, not style.

Fan’s Collection Featured in New Buffalo Bills Museum Exhibit

Boston resident Greg Tranter isn't your every day Buffalo Bills fan. Rather, he is THE Buffalo Bills fan. Tranter's love of the team has driven him to collect anything and everything related to the Bills that he can possibly get his hands on. In doing so he has amassed what is thought to be the largest collection of Buffalo Bills memorabilia in the country.

TV ratings show Bills fans tuned out quickly after loss

The local rating for the Buffalo Bills 25-24 loss to the New England Patriots was high, but it didn't set any Monday Night Football records here.

Buffalo Bills re-sign wide receiver Justin Jenkins

Receiver Justin Jenkins is back with the Buffalo Bills and tight end Jonathan Stupar has been released.

Bills' Posluszny out

Buffalo Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny will be sidelined for at least six weeks after successful surgery to fix a broken bone in his left arm, Bills coach Dick Jauron announced today. "I’m not exactly certain about it but we’re not looking at it being anything like the last time he injured the arm," Jauron said today in remarks distributed by the team. "We’re hoping to get him back somewhere before the halfway point of the season."

Bills' Buggs inherits starting LB spot

He's 2½ inches shorter, 15 pounds lighter, and his feet aren't as big, either. Nevertheless, Marcus Buggs will step into the large shoes of middle linebacker Paul Posluszny on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills play their home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bills' Posluszny to be out up to 6 weeks

Paul Posluszny, the starting middle linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, is expected to miss about six weeks after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his left arm, coach Dick Jauron said yesterday.

2 teens admit to defacing Bills' McKelvin's lawn

Hamburg police Sgt. Thomas Best said Wednesday night that McKelvin is refusing to press charges against two 16-year-olds, who said they were the ones who spray-painted a message and an obscenity across the grass in front of the player's home shortly after the Bills' season-opening 25-24 loss at New England on Monday night.

Bills’ McKelvin Forgives Vandals Who Defaced Property

Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin was willing to forgive two teenagers for spray-painting an obscenity across his front lawn, but receiver Terrell Owens had a defiant reaction Wednesday.

Team will learn from Foxborough defeat

Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens took a forward-looking attitude Wednesday toward the team's heart-breaking loss to the New England Patriots in the season opener. "After the game and in the locker room, we knew we pretty much handed them a win," Owens said.

Fanaticism among fans is all the rage

Leodis McKelvin didn't know what to think when he arrived home after the devastating loss to the Patriots. He felt bad enough after fumbling late in the game against New England, allowing the Patriots to score the winning touchdown in the final minute Monday night when it looked like the Bills would pull off an upset.

Buccaneers secondary expects Buffalo Bills to attack in same way as Dallas Cowboys

Bucs defensive coordinator Jim Bates acknowledged Wednesday that after the Cowboys made several huge plays in the passing game Sunday, his secondary knows "they got a target on their chest" against the Bills. "They're going to challenge us now," Bates said.

Bills players rattled by vandalism

After a sober discussion of what it meant, of how it reflected on the fan base and threatened the Buffalo Bills and their families, there was the trouble of how to actually describe it for newspaper readers. The graffiti left on Leodis McKelvin's front lawn has probably been summed up best by The Buffalo News, which delicately referred to it as "a graphic depiction of the male anatomy."

Buffalo Bills' McKelvin will move on after lawn vandalization

Second-year Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin admitted Wednesday that he chuckled when he saw what a vandal had spray-painted on the front lawn of his home in the Buffalo suburb of Hamburg following Monday night's 25-24 loss to the New England Patriots. "Me personally, I was mad, I was angry in a way, but I was laughing in a way because of what they put on there," said McKelvin. "It was just ... there's no way that it's ever appropriate."

Buffalo Bills fans can paint better picture than two vandals

You're a homeowner who wakes up one morning to find that joyriding teenagers have damaged your lawn by doing "donuts." You feel victimized, angry. Now imagine you're Buffalo Bills cornerback/kick return specialist Leodis McKelvin, who came home from Monday night's gut-wrenching 25-24 loss in New England to find someone had spray painted a phallic symbol, the game's score and the words "Learn to take a knee" into his front lawn.

In his own words ... Terrell Owens

The Buffalo wide receiver assesses the 25-24 loss to the New England Patriots last Monday, when the Bills blew an 11-point lead in the final 2 minutes 6 seconds, and comments on teammate Leodis McKelvin's lawn being spray-painted in the aftermath (McKelvin's fumbled kickoff return led to the winning touchdown):

Questions remain for Bills

As the Buffalo Bills began preparing yesterday for their encounter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they tried to put the nightmarish memory of Monday's heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots behind them.

September 16, 2009

NFL Power Rankings – Week 1

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (1) – Defending Super Bowl Champions + Undefeated Record = Top spot in the power rankings. The formula is actually fairly simple. But make no mistake about it; the Steelers didn't impress me at all on Thursday night. Their running game was horrible and depending on how much time Troy Polamalu misses (3-6 weeks), their defense will be much weaker without him. I think Santonio Holmes set the record for the amount of fantasy leagues that he screwed me over in. I swear I went up against the guy in every single league.

Poz surgery successful; Kelsay day-to-day

Bills MLB Paul Posluszny had surgery Tuesday on his broken arm suffered in the season opener at New England Monday night. Head coach Dick Jauron provided an update Wednesday.

Young linemen hold their own

It was a game that held much trepidation for Bills fans. Knowing inexperience can often put a young player at a disadvantage, Buffalo’s faithful were genuinely concerned about how three Bills offensive linemen making their first career starts would fare in a primetime atmosphere on the road in Foxborough.

Bill feels fans' wrath

It wasn't quite the public wrath lashed out at Scott Norwood after his famous wide right miss at the end of Super Bowl XXV. But bitter Buffalo Bills fans did go too far Monday night when they spraypainted an obscenity on the lawn of kick returner Leodis McKelvin in the town of Hamburg, just outside Buffalo.

Bills fans grieve -- but still believe -- after loss

Bills fans spent the 24 hours after Monday night's heartbreaking last-minute loss to the hated New England Patriots going through many of the stages of grief. They cursed at their televisions. They prayed Leodis McKelvin never gets another chance to fumble a kickoff. They questioned how they could ever let this team get their hopes up.

Ex-Bill faces prison after plea to role in filing false tax returns

A former Buffalo Bills running back faces a possible prison term of 12 to 18 months after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges in Buffalo’s federal court. Darick Holmes, 38, admitted that he helped other people file bogus federal tax returns. Investigators said Holmes then received a cut of the money they got back from the government.

Van Pelt surprised Patriots

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron dismissed offensive coordinator Turk Schonert and replaced him with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt a mere 10 days before the regular-season opener.

Bills cornerback’s lawn trashed in wake of loss

Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin, who fumbled a late kickoff return that led directly to the Bills’ 25-24 loss to New England Monday night, found the front lawn of his home vandalized Tuesday, Hamburg police confirmed to The Buffalo News.

As a leader, T.O. dropped the ball

When the Bills signed Terrell Owens, we were told he would be a leader for a young team, a better teammate than we realized, a star who would bring some straight talk and swagger to the locker room.

Bills fans have new outlets to air the same old frustrations

It's an agonizingly familiar routine for Bills fans. They go into a game with low expectations, fearing another blowout loss in front of a national cable TV audience. Messages boards, Facebook and Twitter accounts and the comment sections of news sites are filled today with the lamenting of Buffalo sports fans. "Ah, Bills. Break my heart with your consistency," Laura Kirkpatrick wrote on Facebook.

Bills fans vandalize player's lawn

Some voiced their disappointment on local talk radio, others in online forums, but at least one frustrated Buffalo Bills fan attacked the source of their anger: a patch of grass.

Edwards takes loss hard

All around him in a silent, heartbroken locker room, Trent Edwards' teammates were shedding their equipment and traipsing into the shower to wash away the stench of a truly horrific loss to the New England Patriots Monday night.

Iffy teams often find way to lose

I fully expected to watch the finals of "America's Got Talent" on one station and the opening of "Buffalo's Got No Talent" on another, but I was pleasantly surprised. Buffalo does have some talent. Am I encouraged? Hardly. They played the Dallas Cowboys tough on a Monday night in 2007 and lost by the same 25-24 score. Am I encouraged Buffalo might be 7-9 again? OK, I'll say yes to that.

Bills need to get the ball to T.O. and Evans

Did anyone think the Bills had clinched a victory when they took a 24-13 lead over New England with 5:32 to play Monday night? Long-suffering Bills fans couldn't have been surprised that the Patriots rallied to win 25-24.

Kickoffs did Bills in all night

Aside from Leodis McKelvin’s untimely fumble in the waning moments — and the one he dropped earlier that Nic Harris recovered — the Bills special teams units were woeful in the team’s regular-season opener, just like they were through the preseason.

McKelvin’s front lawn vandalized

Bills players are concerned with their privacy and safety after the front lawn of a home belonging to cornerback Leodis McKelvin was vandalized following Buffalo’s season-opening loss to New England. Hamburg police on Tuesday confirmed the home of a Bills player was vandalized, but declined to release details of their investigation after an obscenity and the score of Monday night’s game—a 25-24 loss to the Patriots— were painted in white on the player’s lawn in suburban Buffalo.

Kelsay out with bruised knee

Bills starting defensive end Chris Kelsay is expected to miss at least a week with a bruised knee. A person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press on Tuesday that tests revealed Kelsay sustained only a deep bruise and no ligament damage in Buffalo’s 25-24 loss at New England on Monday.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

What is it with Gillette Stadium? Two years ago when MLB Paul Posluszny was a rookie, he suffered a broken forearm in Week 3 against the Patriots and was lost for the season. In the season opener at Gillette on Monday, Posluszny broke a bone in his arm again, and while Dick Jauron doesn't think it's as serious as the 2007 injury, it will definitely knock Posluszny out of action for a while.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

PLAYER NOTES
WR Terrell Owens had a disappointing debut. He had only three balls thrown his way. He caught two for 46 yards, and on the other he was flagged for offensive pass interference.
DE Aaron Schobel made a big splash return after sitting out the final 11 games in 2008. He had a sack and returned an interception 26 yards for his first NFL touchdown.

Bills report: Inside slant

The Bills weren't as inept on offense as many NFL observers thought they might be after seeing the first-string bumble and stumble through the preseason, but there are still some pressing concerns that must be addressed in the wake of Buffalo's disheartening 25-24 loss to New England.

September 15, 2009

Young Bills Must Master Poise, Eliminate Mistakes

One phrase will be repeated over and over throughout this fine Tuesday in the wake of the Buffalo Bills’ 25-24 heart-wrenching loss to the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. “We had ‘em.”

Edwards Shakes Off Pre-Season Doubts, Starts Strong

Trent Edwards is on the hot seat.  He’s sitting there next to head coach Dick Jauron, who has been on the hot seat pretty much since he began coaching the Buffalo Bills.  Edwards – 12-11 as a starter entering the 2009 season, with plenty of up-and-down performances to define hi as a player – suffered through a miserable pre-season, which culminated with a 46.9 quarterback rating, his offensive coordinator getting fired, and his left tackle was released.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard the term “crisis of confidence” thrown around more in my life than I did in the three weeks leading up to the Bills’ season opener.

Assailed Bills O-Line performs well

There were a lot of questions — make that concerns — about the Buffalo Bills' offensive line. And why not with three starters who never took a snap in a regular-season game.

Bills lose heartbreaker to Pats

There is no joy in Billsville today.

The Buffalo Bills had one of the biggest upsets in their history within their grasp Monday night. They let it slip away.

Trent salutes O-line

Bills quarterback Trent Edwards was sacked four times but he was upbeat about the way the offensive line played.

McKelvin: I'd do 'same thing'

Leodis McKelvin wasn't into second-guessing his decision to come out of the end zone with the ball on his pivotal kickoff return.

NFL local ties: Buffalo's Keith Ellison's 16-tackle night was the week's top performance for players with Oregon ties

The first week of the NFL regular season saw mostly ordinary performances from players with Oregon ties but that did not include Buffalo linebacker Keith Ellison (OSU).

Heartbreak for the Buffalo Bills

Ah the familiar feeling of heartbreak for the Buffalo Bills and their fans on Monday night.  There must be something about that Monday Night air that allows Buffalo to collapse at the end of games.  While no one gave the Buffalo Bills any chance in this Monday Night battle against New England, Buffalo proved one thing. While it may be heartbreak for the Buffalo Bills, this year the heart is on the sleeve.

Bills unable to hang on vs. Pats

The Bills offensive woes of the preseason melted away in a single regular season game as the Bills looked like they had put an end to New England’s 11-game winning streak. Up 24-13 with 5:32 to play the Bills had the game in hand, but the Patriots responded with a pair of touchdown drives thanks in part to a kick return turnover by Buffalo to take their first lead of the game with under a minute to play and escaped with a 25-24 victory in the Monday night opener.

Bills Lose, and Jauron Should Officially Enter the Hot Seat

If you’re looking at this post, you already the Bills have lost to New England, 25-24.  We already know Leodis McKelvin’s fumble was the backbreaker.  We’ll have much more on this game in the morning.

Same old sorry Bills

First there was Wide Right.

Then the Music City Miracle.

Now you can add The Nightmare in New England to the ever-ballooning list of heartbreaks delivered by the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo Bills Report card

Quarterback: He wasn't real flashy, but Trent Edwards was efficient, and he played well enough to win the game. It was a shame he didn't. He made some smart plays, showed good pocket awareness, and clearly wasn't worried about satisfying Terrell Owens' desire for the ball. The Bills will take 15 of 25, 212 yards with no picks and two TDs any day. B+

NFL Team Report: Injuries Also Nip at Bills

Monday's loss at New England also cost the Bills the services of two defensive starters. It's likely word will come Tuesday on the status of middle linebacker Paul Posluszny(notes) and end Chris Kelsay. What's certain is the team is better prepared to fill Kelsay's role than it is to replace Posluszny.

Buffalo Bills lose heartbreaker to Patriots

Monday night's season-opening game between the Bills and Patriots was designated as an "AFL Legacy Game" signifying the NFL's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Football League.

September 14, 2009

Bills release Jenkins; activate Stupar

Just hours prior to their opener against the Patriots in New England the Bills made one more roster move on the offensive side of the ball.

Bills 1-2 RB punch has new look

If going into a regular season an NFL team stated they were entering the year with a former Division III back and former Division II product as their top two rushers, most fans would call that NFL team crazy. But those fans would also be unfamiliar with the capabilities of Buffalo’s Fred Jackson and Xavier Omon.

Analyzing the Bills 53

When the Bills take the field tonight at New England, they’ll be doing it with the following 53 guys. There were a few shocking roster cuts, most notably Langston Walker and  Dominic Rhodes. Unfortunately, at least according to the vast majority of fan’s I’ve spoken to since, there weren’t enough of them (Yes, I’m talking to you Chris Kelsay).

Bills Preview: Five Reasons For Hope

If you’re like the vast majority of Bills fans and media these days, the next four months serve merely as a foregone conclusion. You conclude the Buffalo Bills will be horrendous and prospects of a winning campaign are dreadful. They’re a oblivious organization headed by a meddling 91-year old owner, a master marketer posing as general manager, a dead man walking head coach and a roster riddled with bottom feeder talent.

I Don’t Know Dick

It is hard to imagine what it would take for Dick Jauron and the Buffalo Bills to win their opener tonight at New England, but it would help if the head coach put a little fire and imagination into the game plan. The fans in Buffalo have waited too long to see another 7-9 season.  What is interesting to me is that players themselves still seem to have a lot of confidence in this guy. So maybe I just don’t know Dick.

Public enemy

Seriously, the most dominating force in football?

The wait for Monday night not always easy

The men on Buffalo’s roster have used the better part of the last four months to prepare for the 2009 regular season that is finally upon them. All the offseason work is done for the payoff that will come in Week 1 and the four months that follow.

Early Test for Patriots' defense

The New England Patriots' defense wants to prove it's just as strong without five veteran starters. Terrell Owens sees nothing to prove in his debut with the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo Bills Game Day

Will the Bills be able to contain Tom Brady? Brady makes his return to the NFL after sitting out all of 2008 with a knee injury. You can bet he'll be raring to go, as he clearly looked ready in the preseason. The Bills will likely play a bunch of six-DB schemes to combat the Pats aerial game

Buffalo Bills are huge underdogs going into New England

Ready or not — and there is a large percentage of Bills Nation who thinks they're not — the Buffalo Bills open the 2009 season tonight in their personal house of horrors, New England's Gillette Stadium.

Sullivan: Hard not to be pessimistic, err, optimistic about Bills' chances

More than once in recent days, Bills fans have sent me sarcastic messages, thanking me for nudging them to the brink of despair on the eve of a new season.

Are Bills really in financial distress?

The telltale signs are hard to miss.

An organization built minus the kind of expensive personnel guru that is all the rage in the NFL. Odd, last-minute roster decisions that seem too risky by half for a team that will struggle mightily to contend. Hanging on to an unsuccessful, unpopular head coach whose time seems finished.

Brian MacPherson's Patriots Notebook: Be surprised, but not by outcome

For all the familiarity the Patriots have with the Buffalo Bills and for all the research and film study the team will do this week, a few surprises surely will be in store.

Patriots defense getting ready for Bills' TO

The New England Patriots' defense wants to prove it's just as strong without five veteran starters. Terrell Owens sees nothing to prove in his debut with the Buffalo Bills.

Last year's issues still haunt Bills

When we last saw the Buffalo Bills in regular-season action, they had a head coach who seemed like a lost soul, an impotent offence, an overall effort that was no match for the New England Patriots in a 13-0 shutout loss to close a dismal 2008 season.

September 13, 2009

Keys to a Buffalo Bills win (or how New England Patriots might take those away)

Head Coach Bill Belichick is one of the best strategists in the game.  There is simply no questioning the size of his football brain.  Whenever he makes a move that we fans question, inevitably the phrase, "In Belichick we trust" surfaces.  For example: the Richard Seymour trade (still not complete as of this writing) felt like, as a fan, getting kicked in the gut.

Game Plan: New England Patriots-Buffalo Bills

After a year of absence from a meaningful NFL contest, Tom Brady will reclaim his rightful spot as the quarterback of the New England Patriots. He’ll receive his first snap under the glimmering lights of Gillette Stadium on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills.

Some Busy Routes in the Off-Season

Wide receiver Terrell Owens will resume his career with the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at New England. Owens had an exhausting off-season. He was cut by Dallas, filmed a reality-television show, played pickup basketball with N.B.A. players in Los Angeles and became involved in community efforts in Buffalo. Last week on Twitter, he broke the news that Cleveland had selected Brady Quinn as its starting quarterback.

A special fan for a special season

As the Buffalo Bills celebrate their 50th anniversary, perhaps one of the team’s greatest fans considers it just as much a celebration for himself. Jimmy Nydahl, from Tonawanda, N.Y., has season tickets dating back to 1961, and has attended every Bills home game since he was eight years old.

Roth: Time for Buffalo Bills QB Edwards to lead

First his offensive coordinator was fired, then his left tackle.

Oh, that was after they chose not to sign the left tackle he used to have that happened to be the team's only Pro Bowl player.

Bills put their faith in Northwestern State's Bell

The Buffalo Bills must have an awful lot of faith in Demetrius Bell.

Brady is back to guide favored Patriots

The American Football Conference isn't a lock to win this season's interconference series against the National Football Conference, but it is an early 3½-point favorite to win Super Bowl XLIV because it has four of the league's most powerful teams in the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts.

September 12, 2009

Ellison brothers relish Monday night openers

Don't bother trying to contact the Ellison family on Monday. They'll be busy. The clan will have both coasts covered for Monday night football, as Buffalo Bills linebacker Keith Ellison will be playing at New England just a few hours before brother Kevin's San Diego Chargers take the field for a game at Oakland. "It's pretty cool," Keith Ellison said Friday. "It's pretty exciting. The family will have a big old viewing thing at my house in L.A., so everyone will be around watching it on TV."

Runyan feels better than expected

Jon Runyan completed his third workout in four days for the Buffalo Bills today and said he is ready to play. The 35-year-old offensive tackle made stops in Kansas City and Philadelphia before heading to Buffalo where the reeling Bills worked out five other tackles as they scramble following the release of Langston Walker. According to a report by ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, Runyan has not had any contract discussions, but hopes to hear from one of the teams in the next week.

Bills' Fine, Florence don't practice, likely out for Monday

Buffalo Bills backup tight end Derek Fine and nickel cornerback Drayton Florence are likely to miss the season opener Monday night at New England.

Bills/Patriots injury report

The Buffalo Bills will fly into Massachusetts on Sunday night prior to their Monday Night Football opener against the New England Patriots. After Friday's practices wrapped up, each team was required to provide the first injury report for the season - and although the Bills are considerably healthier than New England at present, at least two key reserves are unlikely to suit up for the Bills.

Bills select six captains

The Bills today announced QB Trent Edwards, WR Lee Evans, LB Kawika Mitchell, LB Paul Posluszny, P Brian Moorman and S George Wilson have been selected by their teammates as the Buffalo Bills captains for the 2009 season.

Runyan ready to contribute to team

After completing a workout with a third team in the last week, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan left the Buffalo Bills saying he felt "great" and was ready to join a team and make a contribution immediately. "I'm ready to play," said Runyan, who had microfracture surgery on his right knee in February and was cleared by doctors three weeks ago to begin working out with NFL teams. "I'd just need a week of practice to get my timing down and I'd be ready."

Donte Whitner talks about opening the season against NE

Each Friday, a member of the Bills will provide his insight from the NFL's front lines. This week, Donte Whitner talks about opening the season on Monday night against the New England Patriots and reveals his passion for Facebook. Opening the season on a Monday night in New England against the Patriots will be both a challenge and an opportunity. The team has practised all week in Buffalo and we'll fly out to Boston on Sunday night. Monday night games are special because it's an opportunity to play in front of a national TV audience in front of your friends and family.

Bills overshadowing T.O. in disruption department

So much for everyone assuming Terrell Owens would be the one causing all the disruptions after the prolific and headline-grabbing receiver signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. It turns out this once-proud franchise didn’t need any help. In the week leading up to their season-opener at New England on Monday, the Bills have proven capable of creating distractions all on their own.

Aiken is a special player

Patriots wide receiver Sam Aiken mentally flips through his football memories and lands on one college moment. As a true freshman at North Carolina, Aiken said his first job was in coverage on punt returns. It was his introduction to special teams. Aiken went on to establish himself as a receiver, setting school records with 68 receptions for 990 yards as a junior in 2002. But he never forgot the opportunities at other spots on the field when he landed in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills in 2003.

Buffalo Bills rookie Maybin says 'bring it on'

In the back of his mind Aaron Maybin knows life has been zipping by at warp speed for the past 10 months. From backup in college to first-round draft pick who must make an impact for the Buffalo Bills. "We do need him, we do," Bills coach Dick Jauron said.

Bills notebook: Palmer has a knack for making plays

The NFL is full of players who for whatever reason didn't get drafted and yet were able to beat the odds and earn a roster spot. Linebacker Ashlee Palmer wasn't sure if he would join that list. It was a long day and a half of waiting to hear if the Buffalo Bills would keep him. "I couldn't sleep a wink on Friday," Palmer said. "It was very nerve-wracking."

Brady braced for action

On the 16th offensive play of the 2008 season, everything changed for the New England Patriots. As quarterback Tom Brady was attempting a pass, Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard crashed into Brady's left knee. The Patriots have seen Brady take much harder hits and bounce right back. Not this time.

T.O. still firing away

They must be thrilled in Buffalo. The Bills may not be boring any more. Not with Terrell Owens around. When told of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s comments about not knowing what to expect from him because he hadn’t played much of the preseason, Owens retorted, “Do you really believe that?”

LeRoyan Fox chosen as 'Ultimate Bills Fan'

Mediocrity isn't getting Billy Fox down. He wants the whole world to know -- He's the Buffalo Bills ultimate fan. Fox, 25, of Le Roy, was named the "Ultimate Bills Fan," winning a fan contest sponsored by Perry's Ice Cream, the official ice cream of the Buffalo Bills and an official sponsor of the Bills' 50th season. Fox's prize pack includes a tailgate party hosted by Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly on Nov. 29, two season tickets, a 50th anniversary jersey, a year's supply of Perry's Ice Cream and on-field recognition.

It's Van Pelt's Show Now

With just a few days remaining to prepare for his first regular-season game as the Buffalo Bills' new offensive coordinator, former Pitt star quarterback and 10-year NFL veteran Alex Van Pelt was a little nervous.

Thurman Thomas hosts Lee Evans

Returning this NFL Kickoff weekend, Thurman Thomas and WKBW-TV Sports Director, Jeff Russo will provide their candid take and expert opinions on the Buffalo Bills and their opponents. Thurman and Jeff will also talk X's and O's and match wits with a different Buffalo Bill each episode as they dissect the upcoming match-up. A new feature to celebrate the 50th Anniversary will take a look back at key moments in Buffalo Bills history. This week, Thurman’s player guest is wide receiver Lee Evans.

Bills trying out tackles

Veteran free agent offensive tackle Jon Runyan wasn't alone this week when he tried out for the Buffalo Bills. Concerned about their offensive line depth after cutting Langston Walker, the Bills also auditioned five other offensive tackles. That includes MIchael Toudouze, Isaac Sowells, Andre Ramsey, Augustus Parrish and Jeremy Parquet, according to a league source.

September 11, 2009

Bills report: Inside slant

With the firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert and release of veteran running back Dominic Rhodes and tackle Langston Walker, all within days of the team's regular-season opener Monday at nemesis New England, the Bills officially have become Team Turmoil. And they have yet to lose a game.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

With Demetrius Bell returning to practice Wednesday after injuring his back Aug. 22 in a preseason game at Green Bay, the Bills are full steam ahead with plans to field one of their most inexperienced front fives in history. The starting five: LT Bell, LG Andy Levitre, C Geoff Hangartner, RG Eric Wood and RT Brad Butler.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed that he will work from the press box, relaying plays to backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on the field, who in turn will get the word to Trent Edwards. "I think it's just better for me to be up there in an atmosphere away from everything," Van Pelt said. "You can see it so much better upstairs. When I did call it in Germany (in NFL Europe), I felt really comfortable up there."

Bills’ troubles started long before this

If you think this is Marv Levy’s fault ... you’d be wrong. As the Bills’ unraveling pre-season continued with Tuesday’s release of starting left tackle Langston Walker, knee-jerk analysts assessed, “Aha, more proof that Levy’s two-year tenure as general manager was a disaster.” And that would be in incorrect.

Another season 10 Questions

3. Are the Buffalo Bills too messed up for T.O. to have much impact? An offensive co-ordinator who was fired after the preseason. One starting left tackle traded away and another cut on the eve of the regular season.

Touchdown for Teachers

The Buffalo Bills and M&T Bank announced today a new “Touchdown for Teachers” program where teachers are honored for their outstanding service to their schools and communities. During the November 29th Buffalo Bills home game vs. the Miami Dolphins five (5) selected finalists will receive: • Two (2) tickets to the Bills home game on November 29th • Official in-game recognition on-field during pre-game festivities on November 29th • An official Buffalo Bills game ball The “Touchdown for Teachers” grand prize winner will be announced at the November 29th game and will receive an in-class visit from a Buffalo Bills team member.

Patriots look to continue dominance over Bills

The New England Patriots haven’t lost to the Buffalo Bills since September 7th, 2003. 31-0. Does that ring a bell? That’s right, the Lawyer Milloy game. Did emotion get the best of New England after they lost a defensive stalwart one week prior to the season opener? They would recover from that loss to finish the season 14-2 and march to their second of three Super Bowl titles in four years. So in my mind, yes, they did lose focus when Milloy was sent packing.

Buffalo Bills Could Be in for Long Night Against NE Patriots

The Buffalo Bills face a lot of uncertainty entering Monday’s contest against the New England Patriots. New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has devised a new form of the no-huddle offense against one of the better defenses in the NFL.

Bell ready to tackle new challenge

Offensive lineman Demetrius Bell finds it amusing when thinking back to last year when he was known around the Buffalo Bills locker room as the lowest-ranked player in a popular NFL video game. Don't adjust your PlayStation, because Bell's stock has risen dramatically.

Fred Jackson set to start at running back for Buffalo Bills

Fred Jackson will be the first one to tell you that his journey from tiny Coe College to being Buffalo's starting running back in Monday night's season opener at New England is nothing short of inspirational. And he would be right on. "It's definitely something to get excited about," said Jackson, who will be Buffalo's starter the first three weeks of the season while Marshawn Lynch serves his NFL-mandated suspension for off-field behavior.

Owens has mouth in midseason form

Terrell Owens didn’t talk prior to his last game against the Patriots. Instead, he left a note for reporters on his Cowboys locker, with the famous “Getcha Popcorn Ready” postscript.

Asking first-team 'D' to practice 3-4 counterproductive

In the last 10 minutes of every single practice of training camp, the Bills' offense ran plays against a 3-4 alignment in a walk-through format. That was a good amount of work. It didn't make sense to make the first-string defense convert to a 3-4 set-up and run live against the first-team offense. They could have had a scout team run a live 3-4 in camp, but that would have been unusual. I think they got enough work against it.

Bills notebook: Springs has good things to say about T.O., unlike Harrison

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens and New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs will renew their long rivalry on Monday night. "Obviously, he's following me across the league," Owens joked in a conference call with the Patriots media Wednesday. "I think [Patriots coach Bill] Belichick knew with me coming to the Bills that he had to find somebody to check me and he went out and acquired him."

Bills brace for Brady's air raid

It's never easy facing the New England Patriots' offense, especially their vaunted passing game. The Buffalo Bills' secondary has been bombarded by quarterback Tom Brady and his receiving corps more times than it cares to remember. The defensive backs are bracing themselves for another air raid when the Bills visit the Patriots on Monday night.

Bills DT Johnson returns to practice after missing time with bruised thigh

Buffalo Bills reserve defensive tackle Spencer Johnson returned to practice after missing three days with a bruised thigh.

September 10, 2009

AFC East Preview: The Buffalo Bills are so bad, we might just give them to Canada

NFL football starts tonight when the Steelers begin their Super Bowl title defense against the Tennessee Titans. So we figured this was as good a time as any to begin our AFC East team previews, starting with the Buffalo Bills.

Bills commemorative football on sale

A lot of football history has taken place in the 50 years since the Bills became a reality, and to salute that period of time Nikco Sports announced it will be producing a limited edition, full-sized 50th Anniversary Season Buffalo Bills football, with an acrylic display case, to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Only 2,009 footballs will be produced, priced at $99, and are available at 1-800-345-2868 or visiting www.nikcosports.com. Each football comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Bills' McGee a man of substance

The quiet man of the Buffalo Bills isn't a "look at me" kind of player. No celebratory gestures after a tackle. No posing for the cameras after an interception. For cornerback Terrence McGee, it's about substance, not style.

Patriots vs. Bills

The New England Patriots' defense will have a distinctly different look to begin coach Bill Belichick's 10th season in Foxborough, but the three-time Super Bowl champions will be happy to have a familiar face again at the helm of their offense. Tom Brady will be back under center to open the season Monday night after he missed nearly all of last year due to injury, and he'll be hoping to lead the Patriots to an NFL-record 12th straight win against a single opponent. That foe is the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills, who will feature newcomer Terrell Owens in an offense that still has plenty of questions to answer after its coordinator was fired barely a week before the first game.

Buffalo Bills stadium job fair today

Delaware North Cos.' Sportservice is holding a job fair for the upcoming football season from 3 to 9 p.m. today in the Jim Kelly Club inside Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.

As Bills prepare to open the season against the Patriots, coach Dick Jauron is already feeling the heat

Dick Jauron sees the writing on the wall.The personable Buffalo Bills coach, the former high school superstar from Swampscott, Mass., knows that his job is on the line this season.

Jauron, Bills plan for Pats

Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron last week fired his offensive coordinator, and yesterday he wasn't in much of a mood to talk about it anymore. "I've said pretty much all I'm going to say about that," Jauron said Wednesday during a conference call at Gillette Stadium, regarding the firing of Turk Schonert. "And obviously, we have the transcripts of the press conference that was held. So if you don't have them ... you can certainly call us and we'll send them to you."

Owens serving up the popcorn already

Popcorn’s cookin’. During a Wednesday afternoon conference call with the New England media, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens showed that, off the field at least, he is rounding into form as Monday night’s regular-season opener with at Gillette Stadium approaches.

Owens gets in the spirit of Bills-Patriots rivalry

Leave it to T.O. to fire the first shot of the regular season across Bill Belichick's bow. At the end of a conference call with New England reporters Wednesday, Buffalo Bills' wide receiver Terrell Owens made a fleeting but funny reference to something that may not put a smile on the face of the Patriots' coach.

T.O.'s play can match his mouth

Terrell Owens has often caught the Patriots' attention with his play. Yesterday, he may have done so with his mouth. In response to a question as to whether he had anything special planned for Monday night's season opener, the new Buffalo receiver quipped, "I might bring my spy camera."

Bills QB Trent Edwards accepts changes made to offense

Hardly a day has gone by this past week when quarterback Trent Edwards hasn’t been asked to discuss the latest in a series of stunning changes to the Bills offense. One day offensive coordinator Turk Schonert is fired. The next day veteran running back Dominic Rhodes gets cut. And on Wednesday the Bills introduced a new starting left tackle, Demetrius Bell, following the surprise release of veteran Langston Walker.

Shawn Springs covers Terrell Owens

There aren’t too many cornerbacks who have been able to shut down Terrell Owens on a consistent basis. Shawn Springs certainly qualifies as a T.O. stopper, given the success he had while battling Owens as a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. The corner, in his first year with the Patriots covered Owens when the wideout was with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Motivated Terrell Owens eager to silence naysayers

Terrell Owens is motivated. No, he’s way beyond motivated. The reason came in March. That’s when the Dallas Cowboys sent him packing. They no longer wanted him, or his wild-and-crazy act. Yesterday, the wide receiver referred to his release from the Big D as “the biggest surprise anyone could imagine.”

Owens catching up

Terrell Owens couldn’t resist. A conference call with New England reporters was nearing an end and Owens was asked if he had anything up his sleeve for the Patriots Monday night. Owens tested out a little humor. “Nah, nothing up my sleeve. I might bring my spy camera out, though,’’ he said.

Owens says no-huddle is no good but the toe is fine

The toe is fine, but that doesn’t mean Terrell Owens is toeing the company line. Owens, the ridiculously outspoken and absurdly talented (at least that’s what he’ll tell you) wide receiver, maintained a low profile in Buffalo this summer after being felled by a sprained toe. He was in there for seven snaps in the preseason and missed three weeks of practice because of the injury. No need to worry, though — T.O. pronounced himself OK for Monday’s season opener against the Patriots during a conference call yesterday with the New England media.

Owens promises to 'bring my spy camera' to Foxboro

While the New England Patriots have surprised followers with some of their personnel moves since this month began, there are some things that are just not surprising. Like, say, Terrell Owens not being content to just let his play do his talking. On Wednesday, the 35-year old receiver, who spent part of his offseason filming a VH-1 reality show about his life, spoke to media members via conference call. He was doing pretty well for the most part — Owens did say he doesn’t really like the Bills’ no-huddle offense, but laughed and tried to backtrack from the comment almost immediately — but at the very end he let his mouth get the best of him.

Bills set to go with young offensive lineman

Dick Jauron isn't always the most candid of men when it comes to answering questions from the media. He has a terrific ability — as do almost all NFL head coaches, really — to not answer a direct question with a direct answer. But Wednesday afternoon Jauron was asked point blank if perhaps he and the rest of the Bills' brain trust overestimated Langston Walker's ability to successfully switch from right tackle to left tackle, and Jauron didn't bob and weave. "Probably," he said. "We clearly thought we could move him and he'd do the job. He just wasn't playing up to our expectations. So we felt like it was time to make that move."

Buffalo Bills receiver Owens no fan of no-huddle

The first regular-season game hasn't even been played, but Terrell Owens is already in midseason form, at least in his dealings with the media. The Bills' star wide receiver was on a conference call with Boston-area reporters Wednesday morning and he was asked if he was enjoying the Bills' no-huddle offense. Owens' reply: "No, not really, but I have to deal with it."

Trouble in Bills-land

Dead meat? Not yet. For now, let's just call Demetrius Bell “red meat.” It's a safe bet there are two things Bell never thought he'd be doing when the Buffalo Bills opened training camp this summer: starting at left tackle against the New England Patriots on a Monday night and stealing the spotlight from Terrell Owens, if only temporarily. Owens told New England reporters on a conference call after practice Wednesday he was “not really” a big fan of the Bills' no-huddle offence – that it was just “all right.”

Bills ready to roll dice with Owens

It happened in San Francisco, where he made the infamous "a rat is a rat" comment while making insinuations about Jeff Garcia's sexual orientation. It happened in Philadelphia, where he did sit-ups in his driveway and dogged Donovan McNabb. It happened in Dallas, where he grew jealous of the chemistry between Tony Romo and Jason Witten. At every NFL stop, Terrell Owens has added to a trail of broken relationships with quarterbacks. Each time, Owens has found fault -- real or perceived -- with the person paid to get him the ball.

Owens vs. Springs rivalry renewed

For the last seven seasons Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens and New England cornerback Shawn Springs have squared off twice a year playing in the same division. First it was the NFC West when Owens played for San Francisco and Springs for Seattle. Both moved to the NFC East in 2004 with Owens playing for both Philadelphia and Dallas the past five years while Springs suited up for Washington. That twice-a-season matchup will resume Monday night as both players crossed over to the AFC East for 2009.

Team history full of pleasant surprises

If the Buffalo Bills' past means anything, there may be something ahead for the team that will end the dreariness of the last decade. There is a sunshine pattern of happy surprises in their history. Check it out.

It's now or never for Jauron

One constant in the head coaching career of Dick Jauron is player support. When Jauron was fired after five seasons in Chicago in 2003, the Bears players — to a man — lamented the fact his tenure was over. Through three straight 7-9 seasons in Buffalo, Bills players consistently have gone out of their way to support their leader.

Rugged road games, big-name QBs loom on schedule

The two greatest quarterbacks in the NFL bookend the 2009 schedule for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills open the season against three-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady of New England. They close the season against Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player and former Super Bowl MVP.

Bills test improv skills

This was not the way the Buffalo Bills envisioned their preseason going. They were planning on having continuity on their offensive coaching staff. They were planning on having a veteran left tackle to help shepherd the rookie next to him through the start of the NFL season. Now they are improvising after firing coordinator Turk Schonert and releasing tackle Langston Walker.

High-flying squads of '80s left indelible memories

Some Bills games are better remembered than others, perhaps because the outcome was arrived at in an unexpected way or because bit players stepped out of the wings and played major roles to make them memorable. Here are a few personal highlights from 10 seasons and 152 games as the lead reporter on the Bills beat.

Bell won’t get ahead of himself

Buffalo Bills second-year tackle Demetrius Bell was doing his best to live in the moment Wednesday. He was not reflecting on the fact that his first NFL start will be against the team of the decade, the arch enemy of the Bills, on the road and on Monday Night Football. “No, I just told someone, I’m not going to get myself overexcited and over-exhaust myself,” Bell said as the Bills prepared for the season opener at New England. “It’s a normal week for me, and I think we’ll be all right.”

Fond memories from Alworth to Weller

Ah, yes, remembrances. I still can hear the voice of Cookie Gilchrist, as reluctant a flier as John Madden, shouting with relief from his aisle seat every time the Bills' chartered plane landed: "The only way to travel." Nine seasons of covering the Bills (1963-71) left me with cherished memories, not only of our team but of the American Football League and the proud accomplishments of both.

September 09, 2009

'Backstabbing' an issue with Schonert firing

Tuesday's edition of "Outside the Lines" examined last week's rash of offensive coordinator-cides, including the Buffalo Bills' decision to snuff Turk Schonert on Friday -- 10 days before the season opener against the New England Patriots.

The Press Box: Buffalo Bills: Losing since 1960

It can't be easy being a fan of the Buffalo Bills. Bills fans eat, sleep and breathe football, worshipping the ground that their Bills walk on. Every Sunday, Buffalo fans flock to Ralph Wilson Stadium - or the local bar should it be an away game - and dish out whatever heart-felt support they can muster. Yet the Bills organization have made it their personal trademark to bring up the hopes of their legions of followers only to come crashing down as only the Buffalo Bills can. And they do it time and time again.

Edwards ranks No. 3 as cost-effective QB

Trent Edwards of the Buffalo Bills enters the 2009 National Football League season as the league's third-best quarterback in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Preseason winners & losers

LOSERS • Buffalo Bills: Buffalo, resorting to a no-huddle offense, went the final eight quarters without a touchdown. In all, its first-team offense generated 3 points in 15 series. Terrell Owens missed the last four preseason games to nurse a sprained toe.

Terrell Owens Scores a Second Season of His Hit VH1 Series 'The T.O. Show'

Hot on the heels of wrapping up his first season of "The T.O. Show," VH1 has picked up Terrell Owens option for a second go-around of his hit series. It seems Terrell will have a successful career off the football field too as the "The T.O. Show" has been a ratings hit for VH1 with an average of over 1.5 million viewers per episode.

$70,382 stolen from the Bills repaid

Bonnie Krauss, who came to court with certified bank checks for slightly more than the $70,382 she actually stole from the Buffalo Bills, pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally using team credit cards to make purchases for her family before her dismissal last year.

Buffalo Bills ex-employee admits theft from team

A former employee of the Buffalo Bills' front office has pleaded guilty to stealing from the team and repaid the $70,000 she was charged with taking. Bonnie Krauss was accused of using team credit cards for personal purchases from 2003 through 2008 while working as an administrative assistant in the marketing and broadcasting department. The Bills fired her after audits uncovered the thefts last year.

Dean Pees faces questions as Patriots prep for Bills

The game film from this week’s opponent is maddeningly incomplete, as the Buffalo Bills have scarcely utilized star receiver Terrell Owens this preseason. Oh, and the Bills fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert last week, casting into question everything they’ve done on the field. So what does the veteran defensive mind know? “I don’t know what they were doing this preseason,” Pees said in a conference call yesterday. “Who knows what they showed, what they didn’t show? I have no idea. All I know is I’m preparing for what I think is a very good, skilled offensive football team, and I know they can give us a ton of headaches.”

AFC East Preview - Buffalo BIlls

The controversial force that is Terrell Owens came to a Buffalo organization that has been in the doldrums for years. But all the bluster and ballyhoo surrounding Owens, who battled a toe injury during preseason, have masked some other issues for the Bills.

T.O. stars in Bills' soap opera

Question: What possibly could drive a grown man to dress himself as a box of popcorn, complete with hundreds of kernels glued to the outside of the carton? Ask the overzealous football fan who did exactly that back in the spring, sporting that outrageous costume and waiting for the Buffalo Bills' newest saviour to arrive at the gate at the Buffalo-Niagara airport.

NSU's Bell moves into Bills starting lineup

Demetrius Bell is making the leap from the inactive list to the starting lineup. The Buffalo Bills released starting left tackle Langston Walker on Tuesday, clearing the way for Bell, the former football and basketball star at Northwestern State, to move into the starting lineup.

Being on Bills practice squad thrills Nick Hennessey

Nick Hennessey had a feeling he was close to earning a spot with the Buffalo Bills. But as he drove from his hotel room near the airport to see John Guy at the Bills' stadium office in Orchard Park, N.Y., Hennessey didn't know what to think.

Buffalo Bills cut veteran Walker

Langston Walker was sitting at the stall that he once occupied in the Bills' locker room Monday afternoon, thinking about how tenuous life can be in the NFL. "I think we're always playing for our jobs, coaches or players, because we can be so easily replaced," Walker said.

Edwards new game day audio

For all of last season and the entire offseason Trent Edwards has had Alex Van Pelt’s voice in his helmet relaying the play call for each and every snap on the field. That changed this past Sunday when Van Pelt assumed offensive coordinator duties.

See ya later

The announcement that Turk Schonert was fired as Bills offensive coordinator came literally the instant I sat down in my car on Friday. With a weekend trip to Pittsburgh booked, I knew I wouldn't get a chance to "react" until Tuesday morning, which works out well because I've had even more time to get my thoughts straight.

Bills near bottom in total value of player contracts

The Buffalo Bills have the eighth least expensive team in the NFL this season. The total value of all of the contracts of all 80 players the Bills took to training camp this summer was $487.88 million. That ranked 25th out of 32 in the NFL this year, based on league documents obtained by The Buffalo News.

Bills wrote off this season

The offensive coordinator one day, the starting left tackle a few days hence. What do you think? Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback for the opener? Ralph Wilson drawing up plays on suite napkins? Where, oh where, does it end? Somewhere between 4-12 and 0-16, I'd gather.

T.O. kicks off Food Bank drive

Terrell Owens reached back to his modest rural Alabama roots Tuesday as he kicked off a major fundraising campaign for the Food Bank of Western New York.

Rhodes lone surprise in Bills’ cuts

Well, the Bills have their 53-man roster and there weren’t many surprises getting there. Actually, though the cuts didn’t have to be announced until late Saturday afternoon, the Bills got the process started on Friday. It sort of got lost amidst the commotion over the firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert, but Buffalo quietly dispatched free safety Ko Simpson to the Lions for an undisclosed draft choice ... probably as late as the seventh round.

Predictions for the Buffalo Bills? How does 4-12 sound?

So here we are less than a week away from the Buffalo Bills season opener Monday night at the New England Patriots. Should be a lot of excitement at Foxboro Stadium as Tom Brady returns from an injury that cost him nearly every down of the 2008 season.

Predictions for the Buffalo Bills? How does 4-12 sound?

So here we are less than a week away from the Buffalo Bills season opener Monday night at the New England Patriots. Should be a lot of excitement at Foxboro Stadium as Tom Brady returns from an injury that cost him nearly every down of the 2008 season.

September 08, 2009

Bills release LT Walker; sign OT Chambers

Buffalo’s tinkering with its offense continued on Tuesday as they released the player they chose to entrust with protecting Trent Edwards’ blind side in 2009. Eight-year veteran offensive tackle Langston Walker was given his walking papers in another stirring move of what has been a tumultuous week of change for Buffalo’s offense.

Bills' Schobel ready to get going

Aaron Schobel had a quiet spring and summer. That's fine with the Buffalo Bills as long as he makes a lot of noise in the fall. The veteran defensive end is looking forward to this season perhaps more than any other considering how the last one ended.

Omon earned a chance to face Pats

Given the Buffalo Bills’ depth chart at running back going into training camp, Xavier Omon’s chances of getting on the field or even making the team looked bleak. But the Bills’ decision to cut veteran Dominic Rhodes and keep Omon says a lot about their confidence in the second-year pro.

Sense of doom hangs over Bills before season begins

Outside of the dreadful 2001 season, the first under Tom Donahoe and Gregg Williams when everyone knew the salary cap-strangled Bills were going to be terrible — and sure enough were — I can't recall more doom and gloom before a regular-season game has even been played.

Schonert learns lesson in, well, life: What boss says goes

We were going to spend this Labor Day lamenting the new trend in NFL blame delegation -- firing underlings after about 15 minutes' thought so as not to have the general manager or owner become interested in your own job security. Then Turk Schonert, the third of the three OCs to be whacked last week, decided to explain his side of the story. And, knowing the NFL as we do, to ruin his career at that level.

A happy day for some upstart Bills

Making an NFL roster is a dream for many aspiring pro football players, and each year there are individual stories that are easy to root for come cut down day. The Bills have a few such stories on their roster this season.

September 07, 2009

Van Pelt ready to assume command

With a week left to prepare for his first NFL game as an offensive coordinator against the New England Patriots on Monday night, Alex Van Pelt was asked if he’s nervous.

Bills assemble practice squad

Beginning at noon on Sunday NFL teams could begin assembling their eight-man practice squads and Buffalo filled theirs out in short order.

Roster analysis

The Bills made some interesting choices when it came to numbers at certain positions Saturday as they reduced their roster to the necessary 53.

Stupar signs with Bills’ practice squad

The Buffalo Bills signed former State College standout Jon Stupar to their practice squad on Sunday.

Coordinator firings an 'embarrassment to an organization'

Think the Bills, Buccaneers and Chiefs are in an awkward situation, after firing their offensive coordinators with the regular season looming?

Bills offense welcomes new coordinator, Van Pelt

A new job, lunch with Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson and with the start of the season a little over a week away, Alex Van Pelt can’t help but feel both excited and a little nervous in taking over as offensive coordinator.

Larry Felser: Time for Bills to start scouting their next quarterback

Get ready for a collection of explanations why the Bills slogged through all of August and the start of September without a respectable offense. The explanations will arrive like this: “It’s just the preseason— T. O. was hurt—we had to find out about our new players—we’ll be all right in the regular season.”

Schonert says O 'wasn't simple enough'

The Buffalo Bills remain a team in turmoil as former offensive coordinator Turk Schonert told a Buffalo television station Friday afternoon he was fired because the Bills' offense "wasn't simple enough" for coach Dick Jauron.

September 05, 2009

Edwards becomes Van Pelt's No. 1 project

It was always easy to root for Alex Van Pelt. He grew up in Pittsburgh and broke Dan Marino's passing records at Pitt, but once he settled in as the Bills' backup quarterback, he began to seem like one of us, like a real Buffalo guy.

Schonert firing blindsides Evans

For wide receiver Lee Evans, the firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert was like a blind-side hit from a safety.

Rhodes released; Hardy to PUP

Going into the regular season minus Marshawn Lynch, the Bills felt comfortable having Fred Jackson and veteran Dominic Rhodes to lean on for the first three games of the regular season. At least that was the perception. Rhodes was apparently beaten out for the third running back job by Xavier Omon as the team reduced its roster to 53 players Saturday.

Buffalo Bills to make tough roster decisions

ORCHARD PARK — Dick Jauron took time away from making decisions about what players he's going to keep on the roster to fire his offensive coordinator, Turk Schonert, on Friday.

Buffalo Bills fire offensive coordinator Schonert

Dick Jauron wasn't going to bench Trent Edwards, he wasn't going to trade Lee Evans or Marshawn Lynch, and he wasn't going to fire himself, so the Bills' head coach chose offensive coordinator Turk Schonert to be the fall guy for Buffalo's summer of stagnancy on offense.

Lack of production leads to firing of Bills' Schonert

The sense of desperation hovering over the Buffalo Bills grew thicker Friday.

Van Pelt hops on carousel of Bills coordinators

The Buffalo Bills' decade-long futility can be tied directly to their inability to get it right at offensive coordinator.

Kelly praises 'football mind' of Bills' Van Pelt

Jim Kelly was in his next-to-last year as the Buffalo Bills' quarterback when Alex Van Pelt joined the team as a backup. Kelly was immediately impressed with his new teammate's intelligence and knowledge of the game.

Simpson traded to Detroit

The Buffalo Bills moved to solve their logjam of players at the safety position by agreeing Friday to a trade of veteran backup Ko Simpson to the Detroit Lions.

Bills' futility has been a coordinated effort

Last December, Ralph Wilson ignored the howling masses and brought back Dick Jauron as head coach. He said it was in the interest of "continuity".

September 04, 2009

Former PSU standout to give back

Former Pittsburg State track and football standout Brian Moorman has always wanted to give back to the city of Pittsburg. Now he has his chance. By way of a hat design Moorman, now a Pro Bowl punter with the Buffalo Bills, will be donating proceeds from special hat sales to Angels Among Us in Pittsburg. Moorman said the idea started when New Era, a Buffalo-based apparel company, started work on a hat/T-shirt combination for he and four other teammates.

Bills' Schouman refuses to sit tight

Derek Schouman is not doing backflips over the fact he's the Buffalo Bills' starting tight end. He does not dream about outscoring All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez in fantasy football. When you're a former seventh-round draft choice who had to claw your way onto an NFL roster, you're constantly in prove-yourself mode. So it goes with Schouman, as he starts his third season in Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills Divisional Preview

The Buffalo Bills will have a lot of trouble against fellow AFC East opponents this season after playing a few 3-4 defenses during the preseason. That, along with the timid play of quarterback Trent Edwards in the no-huddle offense, gives the Bills a lot of concern heading into the regular season.

Hall of Famers in Bills, M&T ads

To tie-in with the Buffalo Bills 50th anniversary year, M&T Bank is running several promotions tied in with the team. M&T Bank has created a limited edition, 50th Bills season, VISA check card, and is using Thurman Thomas and Joe DeLamielleure as the backbone for its “Banking Built for Buffalo” advertising and in-branch campaign.

Bills Fire Schonert

The Bills have fired Offensive Coordinator Turk Schonert. The Bills have had a poor preseason offensively. The team failed to score a touchdown in their past two exhibition games. Quarterbacks Coach Alex Van Pelt will take over for Schonert. Runningbacks coach Eric Studesville will remain as the Bills running game coordinator.

Ten days before season, Bills fire Schonert

The Buffalo Bills saw two other teams do it and figured it was time for them to follow suit. Two league sources tell me the Bills have informed their players they've fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert. They are expected to replace him with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, but running game coordinator Eric Studesville could have a greater say in how the offense operates.

Bills name Van Pelt offensive coordinator

Turk Schonert is out as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator. Bills head coach Dick Jauron announced the firing of Schonert at a news conference today, just 10 days before the team opens its regular season.

Down goes Schonert

They say things happen in threes.

This week, three NFL offensive coordinators have been fired.

A league source tells us that the Bills have dumped offensive coordinator Turk Schonert, ten days before the team's season opener on Monday Night Football against the Patriots.

Smart Play? Bills Convservative in Preseason Finale

The fifth and final preseason game for the Buffalo Bills is in the books. The team lost 17-6 to the Detroit Lions in Orchard Park. Head Coach Dick Jauron played it very safe in terms of the starters, all but the starting offensive line were given the night off. It's a move that's typical in many instances in a final preseason game, but still raises questions given the overall lack of performance for the offense so far and the struggles of quarterback Trent Edwards.

Lions maul listless Bills

As expected, Bills' coach Dick Jauron opted not to play the majority of his frontline players in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. Also as expected, with so many reserves on the field the Bills looked ragged and they fell meekly to the Lions, 17-6, at less-than-half-full Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Is Jauron's job on the line?

If the Buffalo Bills get off to a poor start, it is reasonable that owner Ralph Wilson would at least strongly consider a head coaching change before the fans are in open rebellion. No one expects Buffalo to win its opener at the New England Patriots on Monday, Sept. 14, but the fans will grow restless if the Bills lose to the rebuilding Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the home opener Sept. 20. If the Bills can't put consistent pressure on Bucs quarterback Byron Leftwich, it would be a huge disappointment.

Hardy still awaits medical OK after knee surgery

If there is one thing James Hardy has learned this summer it is patience. The Buffalo Bills’ second-year wide receiver suffered a serious knee injury late last season. Just shy of eight months after surgery he is waiting for medical clearance to get back on the field.

Bills' preseason ends with another dud

The Buffalo Bills opted to stand pat on a forgettable preseason Thursday night. Bills coach Dick Jauron decided he had seen enough of most of his starters this summer and played mostly backups in the exhibition against the Detroit Lions. Detroit won the game, 17-6. The Bills ended the preseason 1-4. Detroit went 3-1.

Bills fans anything but confident

Tom Pietras is a longtime friend and diehard Bills fan, which makes our annual encounter more intense than a handshake and idle chatter about the kids. He’s been a season- ticket holder for years. The Bills’ logo is tattooed to his arm. He chastises fans around him for sitting on their hands. He’ll talk

Maybin forces fumble on first series

It’s the kind of play Bills fans have been dreaming about since the lanky Penn State defensive end’s name was called off in the first round of the NFL Draft. Aaron Maybin lined up at right end, came flying off the line of scrimmage, passed Detroit lineman Daniel Loper, then stripped quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Bills’ first defensive series on Thursday.

Bryan makes his case

As roster cuts approach this Saturday, Bills players who are “on the bubble” got their last chance to show game time abilities in the 17-6 loss to the Detroit Lions Thursday night. Starters getting little to no game time meant that second and third team players received their share of action at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Third-year DE Copeland Bryan certainly has shown some promise this preseason. He had the only fumble recovery against the Lions, giving him two in the last two preseason games. Bryan also has two sacks and a forced fumble.

Bills lose preseason finale

If their effort and approach to Thursday’s game against Detroit is any indication, the Buffalo Bills must be glad that the preseason is over. The Bills suffered a 17-6 loss in front of an announced crowd of 60,877 at Ralph Wilson Stadium to finish the practice season 1-4. For the second consecutive game, Buffalo failed to score a touchdown.

Observations from Bills-Lions preseason finale

Some random thoughts from Thursday night's preseason finale in Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Detroit Lions beat the Buffalo Bills 17-6. The Bills' first-team offense didn't play, ensuring it finishes the preseason without a touchdown. The first-unit offensive line went a few series, but none of the skill players did. Trent Edwards, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Terrell Owens and Lee Evans all got the night off.

Maybin, Byrd show up

Bills head coach Dick Jauron said his starters would not play long if at all and that proved to be the case Thursday night in Buffalo’s preseason finale against Detroit. Only Buffalo’s offensive line saw any appreciable time as they played the first two possessions before some reserves subbed in.

September 03, 2009

Hudsonville's Tyson DeVree hopes to land roster spot on Bills with good performance vs. Lions

Tyson DeVree of Hudsonville, newly signed to the Buffalo Bills roster, is planning to get a full audition for a roster spot tonight in the NFL preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. "I'm excited to be here. There's a lot of new stuff to learn and I'm just hoping to pick up on whatever they can teach me and just excited to be out here again," DeVree said after his first practice with the Bills on Tuesday, according to the team's Web site.

Preseason preview: Lions versus the Buffalo Bills

This is it. The last football game of the season that doesn't count. One last chance to work out a few kinks in the offense, or one of several hundred kinks in the defense. Mostly, it is a chance for players who aren't guaranteed to make the team to show the coaches what they bring to the table. If somebody along the lines of Dane Looker or Casey Fitzsimmons wants to make the team, they need to show up tonight. They'll get their chances against a Buffalo team that has looked less than impressive.

Forbes: Bills lead league in value increase

Here's a category in which the Buffalo Bills are right at the top of the NFL: increase in dollar value from last year. Forbes magazine has released its annual rankings of NFL franchises and their worth. The Bills are valued at $909 million, 26th in the league overall. Buffalo is one of four teams, with New England, Tampa Bay, San Diego, whose value is up 3 percent from 2008.

Bills sense weak link on O-line

Langston Walker wasn’t exactly giddy when he learned he was going to replace Jason Peters as the Bills’ starting left tackle last spring. Walker showed all the enthusiasm of a 14-year-old who had been told to clean the family garage on a Saturday morning. He had no choice but to like it. “They asked me to do it and I’m doing it,” Walker said back in May minicamp. “I’m what you’ve got.”

Bills focusing on final auditions

Special teams play and the battle for the final spots on the roster will be the overwhelming focus of to-night’s football exhibition at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions will give their starting players very limited playing time as they strive to keep their veterans healthy for the regular-season openers next weekend.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Terrell Owens is back participating in full practices after missing three weeks and three preseason games with a sprained toe. He said the injury wasn't the result of a hit or a structural problem in his foot, just bad shoes. "It had to do with the type of shoe that I was wearing, a different shoe I had last year, so I just had to switch shoes," he said. "It's a good thing it happened earlier than later in the season." Some would argue otherwise. He and QB Trent Edwards missed three very valuable weeks of work and the first-unit offense heads into the regular season on very shaky ground after failing to produce a touchdown in its first four preseason games

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills beefed up their depth at tight end going into their final preseason game at home against Detroit, signing second-year pro Tyson DeVree, who spent time on New England's practice squad last year. Derek Fine (hamstring) and Travis McCall (knee) have battled injuries; McCall was placed on the reserved/injured list Tuesday during the cut to 75 players. Coach Dick Jauron denied that DeVree's signing was an indication that Fine's injury may be longer term.

Bills report: Inside slant

When training opened, the Bills had plenty of concerns, goals and expectations. And what transpired in the positive? Not as much as the team hoped. Young quarterback Trent Edwards did not regain the confidence he exuded during last season's 5-1 start. Instead, he looked to be the same timid, confused signal caller that led Buffalo to a 2-8 record down the stretch in failing to lead his unit to a single touchdown this summer.

Andy Levitre Rookie Card

Perhaps it’s appropriate that Andy Levitre visited with fans at Darien Lake over the weekend. His rookie season with the Buffalo Bills so far has been a bit of a rollercoaster. In April, the Bills traded the 75th and 110th selections to move up and take Levitre at No. 51. The team then announced that Levitre, who played multiple positions on the line at Oregon State but finished up at tackle, would be moved to right guard and given a chance to start as a rookie

Buffalo Bills' stars likely to rest in final preseason game

The struggling and stagnant first-string Buffalo offense clearly needs all the work it can get, but it won't be getting it tonight when the Bills play their final preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

Hardy still hopeful

For the past couple of months James Hardy has been pushing his surgically repaired knee to the limit. Every day he has been doing everything he can to meet his personal goal of being ready to play in the Bills preseason finale. But with the last preseason game happening on Thursday evening Hardy has yet to be taken off the active PUP list. And now he’s up against another deadline, the formation of the 53-man roster by Saturday at 4pm.

Bills RB Jackson ready to take over for Lynch

Dismissing the pain in his sore left wrist, Fred Jackson is eager to show the Buffalo Bills their running attack will be in good hands to start the regular season. "I don't want to let this deter me from doing anything," Jackson said. "I tell myself that the stage is set. I have to go out and take advantage of it."

Kelsay excused, won't play

Chris Kelsay is missed practice and won't play against the Lions. He's been excused to be with a family member. Dick Jauron said, "He's with his daughter, his wife and his family over in Chicago as his youngest daughter is having a little surgery."

September 02, 2009

Bills release LB Pat Thomas

Linebacker Pat Thomas has been released by the Buffalo Bills after missing most of training camp with a nagging lower leg injury that prevented him from competing for a backup job.

Lions aren't ruling out Culpepper vs. Bills

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said today he still has not ruled out quarterback Daunte Culpepper for the exhibition finale Thursday night at Buffalo.

Good time for a Buffalo Bills blackout

The TV blackout of Thursday night's Detroit at Buffalo preseason finale could be a break for the Bills. If they play another lousy game, far fewer people will have seen it and Friday's western New York sports talk shows won't be as vitriolic. The Bills could use a victory to get the media off their backs and lift the spirits of the players and fans. It might not be easy. The 3-point underdog Lions are 6-1 in preseason games the last two years.

Buffalo Bills' Hardy longing to play

Day after day James Hardy looks longingly at the practice field where his teammates are preparing for the start of the regular season, and he wishes he could be with them.

Bills' Schouman refuses to sit tight

Derek Schouman is not doing backflips over the fact he's the Buffalo Bills' starting tight end.

September 01, 2009

Owens unlikely to play Thursday in Buffalo Bills preseason finale

Terrell Owens participated fully in practice for the first time in more than three weeks, but it's unlikely that he will play in Buffalo's preseason finale Thursday against Detroit.

NFL: Bills waive ex-Warrior Solomon Elimimian, 5 others

The Buffalo Bills waived former Hawaii linebacker Solomon Elimimian and five others today while also signing a free-agent tight end.

Sullivan: Bills working their plan in secrecy

On Monday, for the first time in years, the Bills closed an entire practice to the media. No explanation was given. One joker wondered if the coaches had taken the first-team offense on a field trip to the end zone.