Steve and T-Wreck break down the Bills/Patriots game, the NFL draft, Buffalo sports in general and the Bills coaching staff moving forward
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Emerson Etem Piece of shit
Oh you didn't see the tweet yet from some little bitch ass bitch ripping up the host city of the 2011 IIHF World Juniors hockey tournament? Here it is :
BUFFALO — United States forward Emerson Etem has retreated on his “tweet” blasting world junior hockey host Buffalo.
The 18-year-old from Long Beach, Calif., who plays for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers, posted this on his Twitter account Monday: “buffalo is a ghost town!! the worst city ever, it makes medicine hat look like paradise, never thought ide (sic) say that.”
I don't give a shit what his excuse or back tracking was after the tweet, this blog will be booing the shit out of him for every team USA game we attend which is at least tonight and Thursday. He should probably go back to ass hat or where ever he's from.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Trade anything to get Andrew Luck
by Steve
I'll be brief. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not good. He will not win playoff games. The Buffalo Bills are not good. They will not get to the playoffs. The only way to win, get to the playoffs, and have a sniff at (dare I say) a Superbowl championship is to.... TRADE ANYTHING YOU CAN TO GET ANDREW LUCK.
The guy will be a stud. I hated Sam Bradford last year coming out of the draft and I was wrong. The St Louis Rams will probably make the playoffs with a rookie QB. True it is an aberration because the division is so weak and the the schedule so easy, but the QB is the key.
No matter the cost, the Buffalo Bills needs to trade up to get Andrew Luck. You watched the dismantling yet again of the Bills by the Patriots. It isn't luck, it isn't all coaching, it is a superior quarterback. Luck is that quarterback. Trade to get him Ralph.
I'll be brief. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not good. He will not win playoff games. The Buffalo Bills are not good. They will not get to the playoffs. The only way to win, get to the playoffs, and have a sniff at (dare I say) a Superbowl championship is to.... TRADE ANYTHING YOU CAN TO GET ANDREW LUCK.
The guy will be a stud. I hated Sam Bradford last year coming out of the draft and I was wrong. The St Louis Rams will probably make the playoffs with a rookie QB. True it is an aberration because the division is so weak and the the schedule so easy, but the QB is the key.
No matter the cost, the Buffalo Bills needs to trade up to get Andrew Luck. You watched the dismantling yet again of the Bills by the Patriots. It isn't luck, it isn't all coaching, it is a superior quarterback. Luck is that quarterback. Trade to get him Ralph.
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Buffalo Bills 2010 Superbowl
by Coast
The Bills are 4-10. They are playing for nothing except pride and their careers in the National Football League. The Bills are being led by a bunch of low draft picks playing their hearts out in Steve Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson. On Sunday, the Bills have a chance to salvage their 2010 season by beating the Patriots who are 12-2 and will clinch the AFC East and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win in Orchard Park.
Do the Bills have a chance to win this game? No, probably not. The chances are less than 1%. The Patriots have beaten the Bills 19 out of the last 20 and have won 14 consecutive. This is one of the most one sided rivalries, if you can even call it a rivalry, in sports right now.
The 2nd game against New England has been even more troubling for the Bills since this streak began. Since the 2000 season, the Patriots are 10-0 in the 2nd meeting of the year. They have outscored the Bills 261-75 in those games for an average margin of victory of 18.6 points. The Patriots have been able to figure the Bills out in the first meeting and then demolish the Bills in the 2nd meeting while the Bills coaches and players apparently figured out nothing.
The major different between these two teams is obviously coaching. Bill Belichick vs. Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, Dick Jauron and Chan Gailey. The 2nd major difference is quarterback play. Tom Brady vs. Rob Johnson, Drew Bledsoe, JP Losman, Kelly Holcombe, Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and probably Alex Van Pelt back in 2001.
The front office led by owner Robert Kraft, has actually drafted good players in the first round. Since the 2000 draft, the New England patriots have had 10 first round picks. 6 of those picks currently start for their team: McCourtey, Meyo, Meriweather, Mankins, Wilfork and Warren. The other 4, Maroney, Watson, Graham and Seymour, all were starters have left via trade or free agency. Seymour was traded for another first round draft pick.
The Bills are a different story. Their first round picks since 2000 have been Spiller, Maybin, Wood, McKelvin, Lynch, McCargo, Whitner, Losman, Evans, McGahee, Mike Williams, Clements and Erik Flowers. Of these picks, Flowers, Williams, Losman, McCargo and Maybin are 100% complete busts. The Bills have given up draft picks to draft players like JP Losman and John McCargo. They have completely given away players like Marshawn Lynch and have overpaid average players like Lee Evans. My point is, these two franchises may be the two most polar opposite franchises in sports. It is completely embarrassing.
What about the 2010 teams? The Patriots are led by a 6th round pick in Tom Brady. The Bills are led by a 7th round pick in Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Patriots running game is led by an undrafted rookie free agent in Benjarvus Green Ellis. The Bills running game is led by an undrafted rookie free agent in Fred Jackson. That is where the similarities end. The Patriots average 31.9 points per game, 1st in the league. The Bills allow 25.2, 25th in the NFL. In the last 6 games, New England has embarrassed two division leaders at the time in the Jets and Bears and defeated playoff contenders Green Bay, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. The Bills have beaten 4 playoff teams since 2003.
What the Bills must do, somehow, to win this game is run the football and run it often. If this game turns into a shootout, the Bills stand no chance. The Bills need to keep New England’s offense off the field and they may be able to do just that. New England ranks in the middle of the pack in running defense. Peyton Hillis shredded the Patriots defense in New England’s last loss against the Browns. The Bills need to feed Fred Jackson as much as possible. Yeah, I would like them to just feed CJ Spiller but we all know that isn’t going to happen. Each week that draft pick looks worse and worse. The Bills also need to blitz Brady often. Brady normally isn’t touched by Bills defenders which allow him to pick the Bills apart. Too bad the Bills don’t have the personnel to actually pressure Brady because of the lack of real NFL players at linebacker.
This season has been brutal, 11th straight season without the playoffs. The only thing that can make this season worthwhile is beating New England at home when they can clinch the division and home field advantage. 37-29 Bills, you heard it here first.
The Bills are 4-10. They are playing for nothing except pride and their careers in the National Football League. The Bills are being led by a bunch of low draft picks playing their hearts out in Steve Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson. On Sunday, the Bills have a chance to salvage their 2010 season by beating the Patriots who are 12-2 and will clinch the AFC East and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win in Orchard Park.
Do the Bills have a chance to win this game? No, probably not. The chances are less than 1%. The Patriots have beaten the Bills 19 out of the last 20 and have won 14 consecutive. This is one of the most one sided rivalries, if you can even call it a rivalry, in sports right now.
The 2nd game against New England has been even more troubling for the Bills since this streak began. Since the 2000 season, the Patriots are 10-0 in the 2nd meeting of the year. They have outscored the Bills 261-75 in those games for an average margin of victory of 18.6 points. The Patriots have been able to figure the Bills out in the first meeting and then demolish the Bills in the 2nd meeting while the Bills coaches and players apparently figured out nothing.
The major different between these two teams is obviously coaching. Bill Belichick vs. Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, Dick Jauron and Chan Gailey. The 2nd major difference is quarterback play. Tom Brady vs. Rob Johnson, Drew Bledsoe, JP Losman, Kelly Holcombe, Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and probably Alex Van Pelt back in 2001.
The front office led by owner Robert Kraft, has actually drafted good players in the first round. Since the 2000 draft, the New England patriots have had 10 first round picks. 6 of those picks currently start for their team: McCourtey, Meyo, Meriweather, Mankins, Wilfork and Warren. The other 4, Maroney, Watson, Graham and Seymour, all were starters have left via trade or free agency. Seymour was traded for another first round draft pick.
The Bills are a different story. Their first round picks since 2000 have been Spiller, Maybin, Wood, McKelvin, Lynch, McCargo, Whitner, Losman, Evans, McGahee, Mike Williams, Clements and Erik Flowers. Of these picks, Flowers, Williams, Losman, McCargo and Maybin are 100% complete busts. The Bills have given up draft picks to draft players like JP Losman and John McCargo. They have completely given away players like Marshawn Lynch and have overpaid average players like Lee Evans. My point is, these two franchises may be the two most polar opposite franchises in sports. It is completely embarrassing.
What about the 2010 teams? The Patriots are led by a 6th round pick in Tom Brady. The Bills are led by a 7th round pick in Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Patriots running game is led by an undrafted rookie free agent in Benjarvus Green Ellis. The Bills running game is led by an undrafted rookie free agent in Fred Jackson. That is where the similarities end. The Patriots average 31.9 points per game, 1st in the league. The Bills allow 25.2, 25th in the NFL. In the last 6 games, New England has embarrassed two division leaders at the time in the Jets and Bears and defeated playoff contenders Green Bay, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. The Bills have beaten 4 playoff teams since 2003.
What the Bills must do, somehow, to win this game is run the football and run it often. If this game turns into a shootout, the Bills stand no chance. The Bills need to keep New England’s offense off the field and they may be able to do just that. New England ranks in the middle of the pack in running defense. Peyton Hillis shredded the Patriots defense in New England’s last loss against the Browns. The Bills need to feed Fred Jackson as much as possible. Yeah, I would like them to just feed CJ Spiller but we all know that isn’t going to happen. Each week that draft pick looks worse and worse. The Bills also need to blitz Brady often. Brady normally isn’t touched by Bills defenders which allow him to pick the Bills apart. Too bad the Bills don’t have the personnel to actually pressure Brady because of the lack of real NFL players at linebacker.
This season has been brutal, 11th straight season without the playoffs. The only thing that can make this season worthwhile is beating New England at home when they can clinch the division and home field advantage. 37-29 Bills, you heard it here first.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Buffalo Sabres season report
by CT
Thirty-four games into the 2010-11 NHL season and the Buffalo Sabres find themselves 6 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Is this a surprise? No. Do they have what it takes to make the show? Probably not.
The blue and gold found themselves in an unusual October slump. I say unusual because the Sabres have something like a .700 win percentage in October since the lockout. They have been struggling ever since. Their offense is a joke, their defense has been slightly above average at best, and the goaltending has, at times, been nothing more than average. We have an average team, playing below-average hockey.
The Hockey News had the Sab-rez finishing 6th. I on the other hand didn't know what to expect. "We have the best goalie in the league" people said. "Myers was the rookie of the year and is a potential Norris trophy candidate" they gleamed. "Vanek will earn his money this year" another fan told me. Yet, as has been the case since 2005-2006, something didn't feel right. It was hard to like this team.
The signing of Jordan Leopold, Shay-on-ee Morrison, and Rob Niedermayer were anything but sexy. Again we were force fed the idea that our "core" was enough to succeed. "Number 1 centers are not available" we were told. Why are things that seem so simple to even the casual fan, made seemingly impossible by Darc and crew? Why are we constantly fed the idea that "there is no one else besides Lindy." Shit, I hope T-Pegs gets this organization and cleans house. If we were to re-sign no UFA's or RFA's our salary cap would be at roughly $36 million. The following are guys in each category with their salary in parentheses:
UFA's:
Tim Connolly ($4.5mil)
Craig Rivet ($3.5mil)
Steve Montador ($1.55mil)
Mike Grier ($1.5mil)
Rob Niedermayer ($1.15mil)
Patrick LaLemon ($600k)
RFA's:
Drew Stafford ($1.9mil),
Andrej Sekera ($1 mil)
Chris But(plug)ler ($850k)
The only guys warranting their current salary or still have some upside/value are Grier and Stafford. Stafford won't need much of a raise and if he goes to arbitration wont get more than $2-3 mil. His production is worth that. Grier, will resign for a low amount and brings intangibles that are hard to come by.
The moral of the story? The Sabres need to clean house to succeed. This team will not win a cup with the current squad and will be lucky to make the top 8 in the Eastern Conference. There aren't a whole lot of free agents worth signing out there so Darc/Quinny need to do this damn thing through the draft and trades. Drop Connolly and others at the deadline or say goodbye to some picks.
Use the cap space to sign a backup goalie that actuall belongs in the league and perhaps is better than 0-4. Get a big name like Semin to build around. Get some 1 or 2 guys that are worth more than their salary. I.E Matt Moulson, Andrew Brunette, Erik Cole, or Justin Williams. GET ZDENO CHARA! Any of these things would be an upgrade. Granted it most likely won't happen overnight, why not? Shitty franchises, have experienced success quickly. See Chicago Blackhawks 07-08 to 09-10. It can happen.
Until we clean house, we will be stuck wondering what would've happened if we had Briere and Drury and got 4 first round picks for Vanek.
Thirty-four games into the 2010-11 NHL season and the Buffalo Sabres find themselves 6 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Is this a surprise? No. Do they have what it takes to make the show? Probably not.
The blue and gold found themselves in an unusual October slump. I say unusual because the Sabres have something like a .700 win percentage in October since the lockout. They have been struggling ever since. Their offense is a joke, their defense has been slightly above average at best, and the goaltending has, at times, been nothing more than average. We have an average team, playing below-average hockey.
The Hockey News had the Sab-rez finishing 6th. I on the other hand didn't know what to expect. "We have the best goalie in the league" people said. "Myers was the rookie of the year and is a potential Norris trophy candidate" they gleamed. "Vanek will earn his money this year" another fan told me. Yet, as has been the case since 2005-2006, something didn't feel right. It was hard to like this team.
The signing of Jordan Leopold, Shay-on-ee Morrison, and Rob Niedermayer were anything but sexy. Again we were force fed the idea that our "core" was enough to succeed. "Number 1 centers are not available" we were told. Why are things that seem so simple to even the casual fan, made seemingly impossible by Darc and crew? Why are we constantly fed the idea that "there is no one else besides Lindy." Shit, I hope T-Pegs gets this organization and cleans house. If we were to re-sign no UFA's or RFA's our salary cap would be at roughly $36 million. The following are guys in each category with their salary in parentheses:
UFA's:
Tim Connolly ($4.5mil)
Craig Rivet ($3.5mil)
Steve Montador ($1.55mil)
Mike Grier ($1.5mil)
Rob Niedermayer ($1.15mil)
Patrick LaLemon ($600k)
RFA's:
Drew Stafford ($1.9mil),
Andrej Sekera ($1 mil)
Chris But(plug)ler ($850k)
The only guys warranting their current salary or still have some upside/value are Grier and Stafford. Stafford won't need much of a raise and if he goes to arbitration wont get more than $2-3 mil. His production is worth that. Grier, will resign for a low amount and brings intangibles that are hard to come by.
The moral of the story? The Sabres need to clean house to succeed. This team will not win a cup with the current squad and will be lucky to make the top 8 in the Eastern Conference. There aren't a whole lot of free agents worth signing out there so Darc/Quinny need to do this damn thing through the draft and trades. Drop Connolly and others at the deadline or say goodbye to some picks.
Use the cap space to sign a backup goalie that actuall belongs in the league and perhaps is better than 0-4. Get a big name like Semin to build around. Get some 1 or 2 guys that are worth more than their salary. I.E Matt Moulson, Andrew Brunette, Erik Cole, or Justin Williams. GET ZDENO CHARA! Any of these things would be an upgrade. Granted it most likely won't happen overnight, why not? Shitty franchises, have experienced success quickly. See Chicago Blackhawks 07-08 to 09-10. It can happen.
Until we clean house, we will be stuck wondering what would've happened if we had Briere and Drury and got 4 first round picks for Vanek.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Grading the 2010 NBA draft
2010 NBA Top 10 Draft Picks Report Card:
-Andrew S.
I know the NBA Draft is usually full of more busts than super stars, but the 2010 draft has been brutal. Besides Wall and Cousins, the rest of the top 10 players are just stealing money from their team’s pay roll department. If I were these teams next year, which I assume more of them besides the Jazz will be in the lottery, I would trade down. There is a connection between teams like the Spurs and the Lakers always picking low and always being in the hunt come playoff time.
-Andrew S.
- Washington Wizards, John Wall, PG- The only top ten pick of this draft class that is actually contributing and succeeding. He is averaging 38 minutes a game with 17 points and 9 assists. He has been hurt a few times, but his play has been good enough to shine when compared to the rest of his class. Grade: A
- Philadelphia 76ers, Evan Turner, SG- So far a disappointment in Philly. Averaging 24 minutes and 7 points a game. He is shooting an abysmal .167 from beyond the arc. I’m sure the Wiz are happy they didn’t stick with Agent 0 and bring in Turner. Grade: C-
- New Jersey Nets, Derrick Favors, PF- What happened to playing Lopez and Favors together to form a formidable front line? He plays behind Kris Humphries. Who? Exactly. He is averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds a game, but only playing about 19 minutes a game. Grade: C
- Minnesota Timberwolves, Wesley Johnson, SF- Averaging 9 points and 3 rebounds a game but has been very inconsistent. He is starting, something the two picks before him can’t say, and so I guess you can say Kahn made a steal here at number 4. Grade: B-
- Sacramento Kings, DeMarcus Cousins, PF- Only thing he has going for him is his Rookie Camp Dougie Dance Off on YouTube. But seriously, he is actually playing well. He is bringing in 12 points and 7 rebounds a night. His minutes per game average are low, but that will increase as his conditioning and the season go along. Grade: B
- Golden State Warriors, Ekpe Udoh, PF- Hard to judge and grade because he did have wrist surgery and has only played in 4 games. His scoring will never be very high, but his defensive presence will be. Grade: TBD
- Detroit Pistons, Greg Monroe, PF- Just recently moved in the starting lineup. He is averaging 5 points and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes of work. Not a bad stat line, but on a struggling team, he should be doing more. Grade: C
- Los Angeles Clippers, Al-Farouq Aminu, SF- Would think he is a better option that Ryan Gomes, especially for this team trying to find a W every now and then, but in his coaches’ eyes, he isn’t. Averaging 7 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes of play, shows this guy can score, but like many others in his class, just need to be more consistent. Grade: C+
- Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward, SG- Some had this kid projected as high as a top 5 pick; boy were they wrong. He is bringing home a minuscule 2 points and 1 rebound in 8 minutes of work. True he is behind AK47, who is out there to play D, so it will be hard for Hayward to find minutes there, but for a number 9 overall pick, these numbers are atrocious. Grade: D
- Indiana Pacers, Paul George, SF- Trying to find minutes behind the Pacers best player and leading scorer just isn’t going to happen. George has only played in 8 games and is averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds. Hard to tell his impact on the team, but in his last 5 games he hasn’t seen the floor. Grade: D
I know the NBA Draft is usually full of more busts than super stars, but the 2010 draft has been brutal. Besides Wall and Cousins, the rest of the top 10 players are just stealing money from their team’s pay roll department. If I were these teams next year, which I assume more of them besides the Jazz will be in the lottery, I would trade down. There is a connection between teams like the Spurs and the Lakers always picking low and always being in the hunt come playoff time.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Adios Andrew Luck
by Steve
They did it again. No, I'm not talking about the Buffalo Bills winning another game. They've now won 4 of their last 6, Stevie Johnson is a stud yadda yadda yadda .I'm referring to the Bills effing up and losing ground on the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Go look at the box scores folks. Carolina won, Cinci won, Detroit won and the Buffalo Bills defeated hated "rival" the Miami Dolphins. Yippie we'll pick 7th!
True, before the game I wanted the Bills to win. The Dolphins are still much hated and winning a division game was better than going 0-6 against the three teams we hate the most. Butttt that was before I could have imagined three teams ahead of us in the draft poll position winning and allowing us to slip further down (or up?) the poll.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is still just a nice player. He isn't uber talented, he has a talent ceiling. Every time he throws a pass it seems like his arm might fall off because he is over throwing. Does he have to ice down his shoulder after each game like Pedro in 2005? But at this point I am resigned to the fact that he will be the Bills' starter in 2011.
Build the defense, build the defense mix in a tight end and a tackle and build the defense. The fall after Andrew Luck in QB talent in the draft seems prohibitive in taking a Locker or Mallet in the top 5. So build the defense and ugh build the team around Ryan Fitzpatrick. See you at the Ralph for the season finale agains the Pats Sunday (i'm going to go throw up now)
They did it again. No, I'm not talking about the Buffalo Bills winning another game. They've now won 4 of their last 6, Stevie Johnson is a stud yadda yadda yadda .I'm referring to the Bills effing up and losing ground on the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Go look at the box scores folks. Carolina won, Cinci won, Detroit won and the Buffalo Bills defeated hated "rival" the Miami Dolphins. Yippie we'll pick 7th!
True, before the game I wanted the Bills to win. The Dolphins are still much hated and winning a division game was better than going 0-6 against the three teams we hate the most. Butttt that was before I could have imagined three teams ahead of us in the draft poll position winning and allowing us to slip further down (or up?) the poll.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is still just a nice player. He isn't uber talented, he has a talent ceiling. Every time he throws a pass it seems like his arm might fall off because he is over throwing. Does he have to ice down his shoulder after each game like Pedro in 2005? But at this point I am resigned to the fact that he will be the Bills' starter in 2011.
Build the defense, build the defense mix in a tight end and a tackle and build the defense. The fall after Andrew Luck in QB talent in the draft seems prohibitive in taking a Locker or Mallet in the top 5. So build the defense and ugh build the team around Ryan Fitzpatrick. See you at the Ralph for the season finale agains the Pats Sunday (i'm going to go throw up now)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins podcast
Steve and Coast breakdown the upcoming game against the Miami dolphins. They also do some research and find a great clip from a 2009 podcast, a must listen.
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Monday, December 13, 2010
Bills 13 Browns 6 F
by Steve
Not to be too hyperbolic but that was one of the worst games of the decade. If not because of the awful teams playing then because of the wretched weather. True it wasn't a blizzard, probably didn't look great to the 30,000 people that may have watched this game on tv and there was zero snow but the weather was abysmal. Sitting in 35 degrees and soaking wet clothing is not fun and either is watching the Buffalo Bills.
Were there even 40,000 people at the game? This may have been the lightest attended game I have ever been to. The Tennessee game in '06 was a light crowd but yesterday was just about the worst I can remember.
As for the game itself, who really cares. The Bills hurt their draft position yet again defeating an also ran and one of the worst QBs in the National Football League. What was Holmgren thinking bringing Delhomme into the fold as a possible answer? The only logical explanation is that he wanted to tank the season but Jake D. is not even a decent back up at this point.
Additional thoughts:
Not to be too hyperbolic but that was one of the worst games of the decade. If not because of the awful teams playing then because of the wretched weather. True it wasn't a blizzard, probably didn't look great to the 30,000 people that may have watched this game on tv and there was zero snow but the weather was abysmal. Sitting in 35 degrees and soaking wet clothing is not fun and either is watching the Buffalo Bills.
Were there even 40,000 people at the game? This may have been the lightest attended game I have ever been to. The Tennessee game in '06 was a light crowd but yesterday was just about the worst I can remember.
As for the game itself, who really cares. The Bills hurt their draft position yet again defeating an also ran and one of the worst QBs in the National Football League. What was Holmgren thinking bringing Delhomme into the fold as a possible answer? The only logical explanation is that he wanted to tank the season but Jake D. is not even a decent back up at this point.
Additional thoughts:
- CJ Spiller was an awful draft pick
- Arthur Moats may have a future in the NFL
- It is a virtual lock Donte Whitner will get resigned
- Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't look horrible and will be the starter come Sept 2011
- It would have been interesting to see Colt McCoy try to handle the elements in the north after playing nearly all of his college career in idea weather.
- How the hell did the Browns beat the Patriots and Saints?
- These games give very little insight into whether Chan Gailey is a serviceable head coach. He seems to be extremely conservative and too old school to be successful. Then again we haven't been in a situation that matters since week 1.
- For all the talk about our offense improving we still don't score very many points. The Bills scoring totals the last seven games: 10, 19, 14, 49, 16, 14, 13.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Bills vs. Browns Rivalry Renewed
-Coast
The battle of Lake Erie has been decidedly one sided of late. The Bills are on a 3 game losing streak against the Cleveland Browns and haven't beaten the Browns since 2004. The Browns actually had a 21 game stretch between 2008 and 2009 in which they won 2 football games total...both against the Bills and both in Orchard Park. All of these games were memorable for how ugly they were, or how ugly the play was by the quarterback.
The last important December football game the Bills played was December 16, 2007 in Cleveland. They lost 8-0 in a white out. The Bills ran a screen pass in a blizzard on 4th and goal with their season on the line. The Bills actually threw the ball more than they ran it in this game. Just add this game to the list of head scratchers under Jauron.
The next season, the Bills started red hot and then fell apart. The collapse was given an exclamation point on Monday Night Football with a 29-27 home loss to the Browns. Trent Edwards played the worst game in the history of the league, I still stand by that. Trent was 16-26 148 yards 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. These numbers are bad but if you watched the game, the numbers don't do it justice. 10 of Edwards' 16 completions were to Marshawn Lynch. Lee Evans had 0 receptions. This game not only put the finishing touches on the 2008 season collapse but was the game that ended Trent Edwards hopes of being an NFL quarterback.
In 2009, the Bills and Browns reached a new all time low...the Browns beat the Bills 6-3. This was one of the worst games ever played in NFL history. Derek Anderson was 2-17 with 23 yards and an interception...and won the football game. The Bills had 9 false starts. Roscoe fumbled a punt. Trent played like Trent. The Bills lost 10,000 season ticket holders from last year and it probably has something to do with them having to waste 4 hours of their life watching this game.
So can the Bills stop this embarrassing streak this afternoon? Well, the Bills do have one thing going for them, Trent Edwards isn't playing quarterback. He was the one constant through the 3 game embarrassment. This Cleveland team may be better than any of these other Browns teams. I know, the 2007 Browns went 10-6, but this year's team beat the defending champions on the road 30-17 and trounced the Patriots at home 34-14. The Bills haven't had a win of this magnitude since 2003 and that was a fluke. The Browns have a running back that has been running through every defense he has faced in Peyton Hillis. It is supposed to be horrible weather, wind, freezing rain...the Browns probably won't even attempt to pass with Jake Delhomme and that isn't good news for an all time horrible Bills front 7. That said, I like the Bills in a laugher, 20-3.
The battle of Lake Erie has been decidedly one sided of late. The Bills are on a 3 game losing streak against the Cleveland Browns and haven't beaten the Browns since 2004. The Browns actually had a 21 game stretch between 2008 and 2009 in which they won 2 football games total...both against the Bills and both in Orchard Park. All of these games were memorable for how ugly they were, or how ugly the play was by the quarterback.
The last important December football game the Bills played was December 16, 2007 in Cleveland. They lost 8-0 in a white out. The Bills ran a screen pass in a blizzard on 4th and goal with their season on the line. The Bills actually threw the ball more than they ran it in this game. Just add this game to the list of head scratchers under Jauron.
The next season, the Bills started red hot and then fell apart. The collapse was given an exclamation point on Monday Night Football with a 29-27 home loss to the Browns. Trent Edwards played the worst game in the history of the league, I still stand by that. Trent was 16-26 148 yards 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. These numbers are bad but if you watched the game, the numbers don't do it justice. 10 of Edwards' 16 completions were to Marshawn Lynch. Lee Evans had 0 receptions. This game not only put the finishing touches on the 2008 season collapse but was the game that ended Trent Edwards hopes of being an NFL quarterback.
In 2009, the Bills and Browns reached a new all time low...the Browns beat the Bills 6-3. This was one of the worst games ever played in NFL history. Derek Anderson was 2-17 with 23 yards and an interception...and won the football game. The Bills had 9 false starts. Roscoe fumbled a punt. Trent played like Trent. The Bills lost 10,000 season ticket holders from last year and it probably has something to do with them having to waste 4 hours of their life watching this game.
So can the Bills stop this embarrassing streak this afternoon? Well, the Bills do have one thing going for them, Trent Edwards isn't playing quarterback. He was the one constant through the 3 game embarrassment. This Cleveland team may be better than any of these other Browns teams. I know, the 2007 Browns went 10-6, but this year's team beat the defending champions on the road 30-17 and trounced the Patriots at home 34-14. The Bills haven't had a win of this magnitude since 2003 and that was a fluke. The Browns have a running back that has been running through every defense he has faced in Peyton Hillis. It is supposed to be horrible weather, wind, freezing rain...the Browns probably won't even attempt to pass with Jake Delhomme and that isn't good news for an all time horrible Bills front 7. That said, I like the Bills in a laugher, 20-3.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wake Up Call for the Bills
-Coast
The Buffalo Bills got embarrassed by the Minnesota Vikings yesterday 38-14. They got outplayed in every single phase of the game and it wasn't even close. All of the weaknesses we all knew the Bills had came to fruition. The offensive and defensive lines were horrible, the linebackers were horrible, the quarterback played like backup, the running game didn't exist and the special teams was horrible.
The Bills offensive line played as bad of a game as I have ever seen in the league. I know, they were hurt by injuries but their starting left tackle played and I hope that this team doesn't think they are adequate at the position going forward with Demetrius Bell manning the position. Jared Allen was in Fitzpatrick's face all game. Allen is a top echelon defensive end and I want my starting left tackle to at least look like he belongs in the same league as him. Bell failed his biggest test of the season yesterday miserably.
The Bills rush defense was as horrible as it has been the entire season. Adrian Peterson and his bum ankle led the way to a team 210 rushing yard performance. The Vikings averaged 5.3 yards per carry. The Bills allow 170.9 yards per game. That is 25 yards worse than the 31st ranked defense in the league. 170.9 yards per game is better than only 2 teams since 2002, the 2008 Lions and the 2007 Colts. The Bills have an all time horrible rush defense and there has been little to no improvement during the season. The most troubling part about it is that much of the front 7 will look the same next year.
The Bills will bring back FA Paul Posluszny. Chris Kelsay isn't going anywhere. Kyle Williams is etched in and the Bills aren't getting rid of Dwan Edwards anytime soon. I have no problem with bringing back Poz and I like Edwards and Williams, but other than those three guys ugh? Kelsay needs to be cut. Torbor, Ayodele, Coleman...I mean, who are these guys? Stroud should get cut this offseason too. The Bills need 4 new starters in the front 7 and that isn't going to happen.
Fitzpatrick didn't have a good day. Yes, he was sacked only once, but Jared Allen and company were in his face all game. I have been a huge proponent of Fitzpatrick. I think he has done a good job this year and I think the argument that he is horrible has no merit. That said, he looked like a back up QB in the league yesterday and maybe that is what he is.
Leodis McKelvin had the worst 5 minutes of football I have ever seen. He got burned on a 50 yard bomb by Sydney Rice, fumbled the ensuing kickoff and then got called for pass interference in the end zone on the next drive on 3rd and goal. To make things even more embarrassing for McKelvin, he actually celebrated on an incomplete pass thrown his way later in the game. McKelvin had an interception later in the game off a deflection and he celebrated that play too. How dumb is this person? The Bills were losing by 31 points and McKelvin had the worst game a cornerback has played in a while and he is celebrating plays in the 2nd half? Give me a break. What a freaking embarrassment, holy crap.
So where is this team going to go the rest of the season? The Bills play the Browns next weekend. The Browns beat the Patriots and Saints this year, two better wins than the Bills have had in the past 7 years. The Bills go on the road to play Miami the week after that before they finish the season with New England and the Jets. Based on how things look right now, these two teams will be playing for the division. The Bills are looking at 4-12 at best, 2-14 at worst but most likely 3-13.
Will this be enough to get the first pick? Carolina finishes the season with the Falcons and Cardinals at home and then travel to Pittsburgh and to Atlanta. If they can somehow beat a terrible Cardinals team and get the Falcons backups in week 17, they could get to 3 wins, but that is the most they will get. I don't think that the Bungals or Lions will draft a QB so it depends on what happens with Carolina.
The Bills have a few things working against them. Carolina will have an easier strength of schedule than the Bills which is the first tiebreaker . Also, it is likely that the Panthers will have a new coach who will probably want his QB. The Bills only chance is to lose the rest of their games.
The Buffalo Bills got embarrassed by the Minnesota Vikings yesterday 38-14. They got outplayed in every single phase of the game and it wasn't even close. All of the weaknesses we all knew the Bills had came to fruition. The offensive and defensive lines were horrible, the linebackers were horrible, the quarterback played like backup, the running game didn't exist and the special teams was horrible.
The Bills offensive line played as bad of a game as I have ever seen in the league. I know, they were hurt by injuries but their starting left tackle played and I hope that this team doesn't think they are adequate at the position going forward with Demetrius Bell manning the position. Jared Allen was in Fitzpatrick's face all game. Allen is a top echelon defensive end and I want my starting left tackle to at least look like he belongs in the same league as him. Bell failed his biggest test of the season yesterday miserably.
The Bills rush defense was as horrible as it has been the entire season. Adrian Peterson and his bum ankle led the way to a team 210 rushing yard performance. The Vikings averaged 5.3 yards per carry. The Bills allow 170.9 yards per game. That is 25 yards worse than the 31st ranked defense in the league. 170.9 yards per game is better than only 2 teams since 2002, the 2008 Lions and the 2007 Colts. The Bills have an all time horrible rush defense and there has been little to no improvement during the season. The most troubling part about it is that much of the front 7 will look the same next year.
The Bills will bring back FA Paul Posluszny. Chris Kelsay isn't going anywhere. Kyle Williams is etched in and the Bills aren't getting rid of Dwan Edwards anytime soon. I have no problem with bringing back Poz and I like Edwards and Williams, but other than those three guys ugh? Kelsay needs to be cut. Torbor, Ayodele, Coleman...I mean, who are these guys? Stroud should get cut this offseason too. The Bills need 4 new starters in the front 7 and that isn't going to happen.
Fitzpatrick didn't have a good day. Yes, he was sacked only once, but Jared Allen and company were in his face all game. I have been a huge proponent of Fitzpatrick. I think he has done a good job this year and I think the argument that he is horrible has no merit. That said, he looked like a back up QB in the league yesterday and maybe that is what he is.
Leodis McKelvin had the worst 5 minutes of football I have ever seen. He got burned on a 50 yard bomb by Sydney Rice, fumbled the ensuing kickoff and then got called for pass interference in the end zone on the next drive on 3rd and goal. To make things even more embarrassing for McKelvin, he actually celebrated on an incomplete pass thrown his way later in the game. McKelvin had an interception later in the game off a deflection and he celebrated that play too. How dumb is this person? The Bills were losing by 31 points and McKelvin had the worst game a cornerback has played in a while and he is celebrating plays in the 2nd half? Give me a break. What a freaking embarrassment, holy crap.
So where is this team going to go the rest of the season? The Bills play the Browns next weekend. The Browns beat the Patriots and Saints this year, two better wins than the Bills have had in the past 7 years. The Bills go on the road to play Miami the week after that before they finish the season with New England and the Jets. Based on how things look right now, these two teams will be playing for the division. The Bills are looking at 4-12 at best, 2-14 at worst but most likely 3-13.
Will this be enough to get the first pick? Carolina finishes the season with the Falcons and Cardinals at home and then travel to Pittsburgh and to Atlanta. If they can somehow beat a terrible Cardinals team and get the Falcons backups in week 17, they could get to 3 wins, but that is the most they will get. I don't think that the Bungals or Lions will draft a QB so it depends on what happens with Carolina.
The Bills have a few things working against them. Carolina will have an easier strength of schedule than the Bills which is the first tiebreaker . Also, it is likely that the Panthers will have a new coach who will probably want his QB. The Bills only chance is to lose the rest of their games.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Vikings 38 Bills 14 F
by Steve
- Stevie Johnson still sucks
- Lee Evans had a good game by his standers, not a $7 mil per guy though.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick taught us all we need a real QB
- The offensive line troubles I blame on injuries. I would still take a tackle like 3rd round next draft.
- Don't cross the Moats Brent Fever
- Aaron Maybin AND John McCargo sightings, sorta
- This team needs a tight end
- This team needs to learn how to cover a tight end
- I would resign Donte Whitner
- This L was embarrassing but it got us closer to a better draft pick
- We'll fuck up our 1st round draft pick if we don't trade up for Luck (meaning 3 first round picks)
- Clifford Spiller needs more touches and we don't know how to use him
- Chris Kelsay didn't make me say I hate you at all today
- Why was that play blown dead when Kleinsasser fumbled and we recovered it and would have scored a touchdown? That play will not show up on the score sheet.
- We would have been better off with Farve staying healthy today. The defense was so scared of Tarvaris running the ball and the LBs are too slow to catch him.
- Ayodele you god damn suck.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Cleveland's Superbowl
by Steve
Since Cleveland has never been to a Superbowl, tonight's return of Bron Bron to the city that made him is Cleveland's Superbowl. Let's face it, their sports city is at least as pathetic as Buffalo so this game is extremely important to them and interesting to me. It is like Jim Kelly leaving the Bills after the loss to Cinci after the '88 AFC Championship loss or the Ronnie Harmon drop the next year. Something just unimaginable, unthinkable.
Cleveland needs to win this game. Miami is a mediocrity right now, they aren't playing as a team and have yet to gel. Who knows, maybe things will click after 20 or 30 games and they won't lose again. Now is the time to stomp on them while they haven't found their groove. What would be worse, bron bron with a last second dagger at the buzzer or a complete blowout embarrassment? I could see either happening and the suicide rate on the oppo side of Lake Erie jumping exponentially. Then again it's also possible the usual choke job in a big moment for James occurs and he doesn't show up and win a 'big' game.
I wouldn't be shocked if someone literally died at this game tonight. The fans are livid, furious, filled with blind rage. I can't blame them at all. I do blame their owner Dan Gilbert and whoever the GM was but not the fans. LeBron James doesn't deserve physical harm (I guess) but he deserves just about anything else. He is a true piece of shit.
If this place isn't a complete war zone in lock down mode something bad probably will happen. Maybe a D cell or a burning quarter. Perhaps worse, a soccer esque blood and urine bag. Who knows, maybe an assassination attempt.
"We're not trying to create a police state for this game," Carper said, according to the Plain Dealer. "We've gone through a very comprehensive process with the league security folks, the local authorities, the Cleveland Police Department, and we feel like we have a great plan in place to make sure we have a safe, law-abiding environment."
Either way, get ready for Cleveland's only Superbowl tonight at the Q and hopefully some metaphorical blood shed.
Since Cleveland has never been to a Superbowl, tonight's return of Bron Bron to the city that made him is Cleveland's Superbowl. Let's face it, their sports city is at least as pathetic as Buffalo so this game is extremely important to them and interesting to me. It is like Jim Kelly leaving the Bills after the loss to Cinci after the '88 AFC Championship loss or the Ronnie Harmon drop the next year. Something just unimaginable, unthinkable.
Cleveland needs to win this game. Miami is a mediocrity right now, they aren't playing as a team and have yet to gel. Who knows, maybe things will click after 20 or 30 games and they won't lose again. Now is the time to stomp on them while they haven't found their groove. What would be worse, bron bron with a last second dagger at the buzzer or a complete blowout embarrassment? I could see either happening and the suicide rate on the oppo side of Lake Erie jumping exponentially. Then again it's also possible the usual choke job in a big moment for James occurs and he doesn't show up and win a 'big' game.
I wouldn't be shocked if someone literally died at this game tonight. The fans are livid, furious, filled with blind rage. I can't blame them at all. I do blame their owner Dan Gilbert and whoever the GM was but not the fans. LeBron James doesn't deserve physical harm (I guess) but he deserves just about anything else. He is a true piece of shit.
If this place isn't a complete war zone in lock down mode something bad probably will happen. Maybe a D cell or a burning quarter. Perhaps worse, a soccer esque blood and urine bag. Who knows, maybe an assassination attempt.
"We're not trying to create a police state for this game," Carper said, according to the Plain Dealer. "We've gone through a very comprehensive process with the league security folks, the local authorities, the Cleveland Police Department, and we feel like we have a great plan in place to make sure we have a safe, law-abiding environment."
Either way, get ready for Cleveland's only Superbowl tonight at the Q and hopefully some metaphorical blood shed.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills podcast postgame
Steve and Coast react to yet another heart breaking defeat in over time after the Bills lose to the Steelers 19-16
right click save as to download
and subscribe to us on iTunes
right click save as to download
and subscribe to us on iTunes
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills preview
by Steve
Wait, the Buffalo Bills have an interesting game at the end of November at the Ralph? Well, sorta. Obviously the Bills are out of it and the Steelers basically have a playoff birth wrapped up. But, this game is still going to be interesting.
I would rather them lose out and get back into the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. That probably won't happen with perhaps 3 more winnable games left on the schedule. So lets evaluate Ryan Fitzmagic against a good to great defense in the National Football League in a game actually played in Buffalo elements.
People are jumping on the Fitzpatrick bandwagon faster than Jim's tacos flying out of mine system after consuming them. He has played awful teams, has put up stats, and has made a ton of mistakes exposing his talent level.
If he can play adequate to even decently good Sunday against this Steelers team perhaps I would consider him as a near term option at the quarterback position. Right now Fitzpatrick has not done enough to warrant another season as the "franchise quarterback". He is a player that does some great things, some good things and enough awful things to have serious reservations about his long term prospects of being a starting QB.
Sunday will be a gigantic litmus test for Fitz and just about every other player on this team. If he puts up points and stats (not in garbage time) and keeps the team in it for 50+ minutes or even wins outright my opinion will have to change. For now, he is still a good story, a nice player, and a good back for a playoff team.
I may even stay soberish enough in drive 5 to remember it.
Wait, the Buffalo Bills have an interesting game at the end of November at the Ralph? Well, sorta. Obviously the Bills are out of it and the Steelers basically have a playoff birth wrapped up. But, this game is still going to be interesting.
I would rather them lose out and get back into the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. That probably won't happen with perhaps 3 more winnable games left on the schedule. So lets evaluate Ryan Fitzmagic against a good to great defense in the National Football League in a game actually played in Buffalo elements.
People are jumping on the Fitzpatrick bandwagon faster than Jim's tacos flying out of mine system after consuming them. He has played awful teams, has put up stats, and has made a ton of mistakes exposing his talent level.
If he can play adequate to even decently good Sunday against this Steelers team perhaps I would consider him as a near term option at the quarterback position. Right now Fitzpatrick has not done enough to warrant another season as the "franchise quarterback". He is a player that does some great things, some good things and enough awful things to have serious reservations about his long term prospects of being a starting QB.
Sunday will be a gigantic litmus test for Fitz and just about every other player on this team. If he puts up points and stats (not in garbage time) and keeps the team in it for 50+ minutes or even wins outright my opinion will have to change. For now, he is still a good story, a nice player, and a good back for a playoff team.
I may even stay soberish enough in drive 5 to remember it.
Merriman to IR, Naaman Roosevelt called to the show
So, was Shawne Merriman ever technically a Buffalo Bill? Ohhhhh well, at least we get to see if Carrington or Maybin (who?) can play in the National Football League. Also local beast Naaman Roosevelt was called up to the 53 man roster taking his spot. Bout time.
Did Merriman get that $1.9 Ralph paid for doing nothing in check form or was it just a direct transfer to his bank account? AJ Smith rolled us up yet again.
Did Merriman get that $1.9 Ralph paid for doing nothing in check form or was it just a direct transfer to his bank account? AJ Smith rolled us up yet again.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Derek Roy def. Tim Connolly KO
by Steve
Wait, Derek Roy is now a beloved player on the Buffalo Sabres? He is now the voice of reason, restraint and adulthood? WTF? Everyone by now has heard the hear say and rumor surrounding Tim Connolly's black eye from "a routine that went awry" in the VIP room of Ryan Miller's Catwalk charity event Sunday Nov 21. I talked to someone that was allegedly there, he gave me the deets.
First, I'll say I saw Tim Connolly Saturday night at Frizzy's on Allen. He was wasted. It was like 3:30 he was playing some fat chick in bubble hockey and was stumbling all over the bar. True, some compatriots of mine were chirping at him from afar, you know, nothing too gratuitous. $9 mil over the last two years? We want a refund You suck, etc etc. I'm not even positive he heard us. But that was Saturday night not Sunday. Back to Sunday
According to the source Connolly was totally trashed. He was complaining about being "-130" this year, that the Sabres couldn't trade him for anyone, that he won't even be on the team by the end of the season, and asked him if he knew what it felt like to be booed by 18000 people off your home ice. Apparently Derek Roy was none too pleased about Connolly complaining in public about his ineptitude on the ice. Roy on more than one occasion told him to STFU etc. Connolly said something like "oh sorry mr 9 goals this year" At one point Connolly even asked random people if they wanted to take his place on the ice next game. Connolly said something like alright this dude is going to be taking over for me on the ice next game.
Somewhere around this point Roy got more confrontational with Tin Can and told him to STFU once and for all. TC came back with why don't you make me and Roy popped him in the face. KO!
Also there were other fights, squabbles and unruliness in the VIP back area. Nothing too specific, but apparently this was the party of the year. When are we going to hear Timmy's side of the story? Roy has already denied it, and Ruff deferred to his players. Your local Buffalo Sabres folks...
Wait, Derek Roy is now a beloved player on the Buffalo Sabres? He is now the voice of reason, restraint and adulthood? WTF? Everyone by now has heard the hear say and rumor surrounding Tim Connolly's black eye from "a routine that went awry" in the VIP room of Ryan Miller's Catwalk charity event Sunday Nov 21. I talked to someone that was allegedly there, he gave me the deets.
First, I'll say I saw Tim Connolly Saturday night at Frizzy's on Allen. He was wasted. It was like 3:30 he was playing some fat chick in bubble hockey and was stumbling all over the bar. True, some compatriots of mine were chirping at him from afar, you know, nothing too gratuitous. $9 mil over the last two years? We want a refund You suck, etc etc. I'm not even positive he heard us. But that was Saturday night not Sunday. Back to Sunday
According to the source Connolly was totally trashed. He was complaining about being "-130" this year, that the Sabres couldn't trade him for anyone, that he won't even be on the team by the end of the season, and asked him if he knew what it felt like to be booed by 18000 people off your home ice. Apparently Derek Roy was none too pleased about Connolly complaining in public about his ineptitude on the ice. Roy on more than one occasion told him to STFU etc. Connolly said something like "oh sorry mr 9 goals this year" At one point Connolly even asked random people if they wanted to take his place on the ice next game. Connolly said something like alright this dude is going to be taking over for me on the ice next game.
Somewhere around this point Roy got more confrontational with Tin Can and told him to STFU once and for all. TC came back with why don't you make me and Roy popped him in the face. KO!
Also there were other fights, squabbles and unruliness in the VIP back area. Nothing too specific, but apparently this was the party of the year. When are we going to hear Timmy's side of the story? Roy has already denied it, and Ruff deferred to his players. Your local Buffalo Sabres folks...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Let's Go Bills, Let's Go Bills, Let's Go Bills, Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Bills
-Coast
8-8 Baby. The Buffalo Bills are on a roll. Ryan Fitzpatrick might be on his way to the most productive season a Bills quarterback has ever had. You may be thinking, that is ridiculous. Well, Jim Kelly's career best for touchdown passes in a season is 33. Fitzpatrick has 18 through 8 starts. You know I love stats, so project that out for a full season...14 games for Fitz. He is on pace for 31.5 touchdown passes this season. Imagine if he played in weeks 1 and 2...he would be on pace for 36 touchdown passes...more than Jim Kelly has ever thrown. Oh, and by the way, the 2nd most touchdown passes of Jim Kelly's career is 24. Fitz might have that next week.
I am also so sick and tired of the "Fitzpatrick isn't good, he has limited talent" card. Give me a break. We haven't seen quarterback play like this since Doug Flutie. After all these years of Losman, Holcombe, Losman, Edwards, Losman, Edwards, etc. it is awesome watching a quarterback who seems to know how to play the position. Does Fitz have a laser arm? No, but neither does Drew Brees. Does Fitz throw the occasional interception? Of course, Brett Favre made a career of that. Ryan Fitzpatrick just led the Bills back from a 28-7 deficit, threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdown passes, led his offense to a ridiclous 35-0 onslaught in the 2nd half and after the game, people still want to comment on how we HAVE to draft a quarterback with our first round pick and how it is disappointing that the Bills are winning football games. Why can't we win with Fitzpatrick? Answer me that. And don't give me the "he is limited" comment because I don't know what that means.
The Bills 49-31 dismantling of the Bungals was beautiful to watch. First of all, it was the biggest lock ever, which I said all last week...and whenever I am right, I am excited, because I am never right. Second of all, T.O. thought he could run his mouth all over Leodis McKelvin...and yes, he did own him on back to back plays...but after that, was he even playing? Third, Gus Johnson had maybe his greatest quote of all time..."The Bills have exploded all over the Cincinnati Bengals!" Fourth, the Bills extended their win streak over the Bengals to 22 seasons and 10 games...and actually increased their 14 point average margin of victory. Seriously, how bad of a franchise do you have to be to have an 0-6 record against the Bills since 2002? Half of these games were home games vs. Cincinnati. I don't know if the Bills have won 3 games on the road against any other opponent in the league since then. They might not have 3 combined road wins in the AFC East since then. Yet, every time they play the Bungals, they house them.
I hate people that are pissed the Bills are winning. Every single season, it is all about playing for a draft pick. When was the last time we used a draft pick and actually drafted someone good? I wish we could have won about 10 more games in 2008 so that Aaron Maybin could have been OFF the board by the time we picked. Unfortunately for us, we were probably the only team that would have drafted him in the first round. I also can't stand the argument that the Bills are beating teams because our players are playing for their jobs while other teams are mailing it in. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Did the Bengals mail it in? Maybe, but not until we took the lead. Did the Lions mail it in? No chance. What about the Ravens, Bears and Chiefs, who the Bills should have beaten? Did they all mail it in even though they are all in first place? Seems doubtful to me. The fact of the matter is, the Bills aren't that bad of a football team. They screwed up by starting Edwards and were on the wrong side of a few bad losses. It is not crazy to think about how easily this team could be 5-5.
Steve Johnson is another Bill looking to set team records. 9 touchdown passes through 10 games...the record is 11 by Billy Brooks. Not even the great Andre Reed could score more than 11 in a season. His career high was 10 in 1991 also. I don't know what it is with Steve Johnson. He doesn't seem that fast, he isn't that tall at 6'2" but does have above average size, he drops a few balls here and there...but somehow, he is just producing. He has 52 catches for 728 yards on the season. He is on pace for 83 catches and 1,165 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had a pretty awesome touchdown celebration if you are a Dark Knight fan...I give him props. The guy is a stud and has to be the number one receiver on this football team.
The Bills defense is still horrible. It seemed like Cedric Benson was going to run for 200 yards until he left the game with "vision problems." They did make some huge plays however. Obviously, the fumble return for the touchdown by Florence was a huge turning point in the game. The biggest play in the game however had to be the George Wilson interception in the end zone. This play happened with the Bills trailing 31-28. Wilson read a crossing route intended for Owens, intercepted the pass and returned it 56 yards into Bengal territory. The Bills scored on a TD pass to Donald Jones on the ensuing drive and never looked back. Gotta love dudes like Donald Jones having 5 for 70 and a touchdown.
One interesting fact is that right now, 4 Bills offensive players are owned in fantasy leagues. In looking on YAHOO, Fitz is owned in 52% of leagues, Steve Johnson 87%, Fred Jackson 68%, and Lee Evans 60%. Donald Jones is currently owned in 0% of leagues...with the way this offense is clicking, I would jump on this guy ASAP. Seriously though, who would have thought that 4 Bills offensive players would be viable fantasy options this season...and of those 4, who would have thought that Lee Evans would be the 4th best? Crazy. Chan Gailey ladies and gentlemen.
Finally, to wrap up this post, I am going to spend time complaining about Ed Hoculi. How can you possibly blow that play dead when Benson fumbled in the first half? He was hit and it instantly seemed like the play was blown dead. Shawn Nelson was held up in the air for about 5 seconds in Baltimore and the play wasn't blown dead. Terrible call. Secondly, the end of the first half was extemely questionable. The Bengals ran a running play with 5 seconds left, didn't score and the clock ran out. Somehow, Hoculi made the arbitrary decision that there should be 1 second left. He really might be the worst official in the league.
The Bills will continue their battle to 8-8 Sunday in Orchard Park in front of at least 35,000 idiots waiving the terrible towel. Bills 27 Steelers 16.
8-8 Baby. The Buffalo Bills are on a roll. Ryan Fitzpatrick might be on his way to the most productive season a Bills quarterback has ever had. You may be thinking, that is ridiculous. Well, Jim Kelly's career best for touchdown passes in a season is 33. Fitzpatrick has 18 through 8 starts. You know I love stats, so project that out for a full season...14 games for Fitz. He is on pace for 31.5 touchdown passes this season. Imagine if he played in weeks 1 and 2...he would be on pace for 36 touchdown passes...more than Jim Kelly has ever thrown. Oh, and by the way, the 2nd most touchdown passes of Jim Kelly's career is 24. Fitz might have that next week.
I am also so sick and tired of the "Fitzpatrick isn't good, he has limited talent" card. Give me a break. We haven't seen quarterback play like this since Doug Flutie. After all these years of Losman, Holcombe, Losman, Edwards, Losman, Edwards, etc. it is awesome watching a quarterback who seems to know how to play the position. Does Fitz have a laser arm? No, but neither does Drew Brees. Does Fitz throw the occasional interception? Of course, Brett Favre made a career of that. Ryan Fitzpatrick just led the Bills back from a 28-7 deficit, threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdown passes, led his offense to a ridiclous 35-0 onslaught in the 2nd half and after the game, people still want to comment on how we HAVE to draft a quarterback with our first round pick and how it is disappointing that the Bills are winning football games. Why can't we win with Fitzpatrick? Answer me that. And don't give me the "he is limited" comment because I don't know what that means.
The Bills 49-31 dismantling of the Bungals was beautiful to watch. First of all, it was the biggest lock ever, which I said all last week...and whenever I am right, I am excited, because I am never right. Second of all, T.O. thought he could run his mouth all over Leodis McKelvin...and yes, he did own him on back to back plays...but after that, was he even playing? Third, Gus Johnson had maybe his greatest quote of all time..."The Bills have exploded all over the Cincinnati Bengals!" Fourth, the Bills extended their win streak over the Bengals to 22 seasons and 10 games...and actually increased their 14 point average margin of victory. Seriously, how bad of a franchise do you have to be to have an 0-6 record against the Bills since 2002? Half of these games were home games vs. Cincinnati. I don't know if the Bills have won 3 games on the road against any other opponent in the league since then. They might not have 3 combined road wins in the AFC East since then. Yet, every time they play the Bungals, they house them.
I hate people that are pissed the Bills are winning. Every single season, it is all about playing for a draft pick. When was the last time we used a draft pick and actually drafted someone good? I wish we could have won about 10 more games in 2008 so that Aaron Maybin could have been OFF the board by the time we picked. Unfortunately for us, we were probably the only team that would have drafted him in the first round. I also can't stand the argument that the Bills are beating teams because our players are playing for their jobs while other teams are mailing it in. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Did the Bengals mail it in? Maybe, but not until we took the lead. Did the Lions mail it in? No chance. What about the Ravens, Bears and Chiefs, who the Bills should have beaten? Did they all mail it in even though they are all in first place? Seems doubtful to me. The fact of the matter is, the Bills aren't that bad of a football team. They screwed up by starting Edwards and were on the wrong side of a few bad losses. It is not crazy to think about how easily this team could be 5-5.
Steve Johnson is another Bill looking to set team records. 9 touchdown passes through 10 games...the record is 11 by Billy Brooks. Not even the great Andre Reed could score more than 11 in a season. His career high was 10 in 1991 also. I don't know what it is with Steve Johnson. He doesn't seem that fast, he isn't that tall at 6'2" but does have above average size, he drops a few balls here and there...but somehow, he is just producing. He has 52 catches for 728 yards on the season. He is on pace for 83 catches and 1,165 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had a pretty awesome touchdown celebration if you are a Dark Knight fan...I give him props. The guy is a stud and has to be the number one receiver on this football team.
The Bills defense is still horrible. It seemed like Cedric Benson was going to run for 200 yards until he left the game with "vision problems." They did make some huge plays however. Obviously, the fumble return for the touchdown by Florence was a huge turning point in the game. The biggest play in the game however had to be the George Wilson interception in the end zone. This play happened with the Bills trailing 31-28. Wilson read a crossing route intended for Owens, intercepted the pass and returned it 56 yards into Bengal territory. The Bills scored on a TD pass to Donald Jones on the ensuing drive and never looked back. Gotta love dudes like Donald Jones having 5 for 70 and a touchdown.
One interesting fact is that right now, 4 Bills offensive players are owned in fantasy leagues. In looking on YAHOO, Fitz is owned in 52% of leagues, Steve Johnson 87%, Fred Jackson 68%, and Lee Evans 60%. Donald Jones is currently owned in 0% of leagues...with the way this offense is clicking, I would jump on this guy ASAP. Seriously though, who would have thought that 4 Bills offensive players would be viable fantasy options this season...and of those 4, who would have thought that Lee Evans would be the 4th best? Crazy. Chan Gailey ladies and gentlemen.
Finally, to wrap up this post, I am going to spend time complaining about Ed Hoculi. How can you possibly blow that play dead when Benson fumbled in the first half? He was hit and it instantly seemed like the play was blown dead. Shawn Nelson was held up in the air for about 5 seconds in Baltimore and the play wasn't blown dead. Terrible call. Secondly, the end of the first half was extemely questionable. The Bengals ran a running play with 5 seconds left, didn't score and the clock ran out. Somehow, Hoculi made the arbitrary decision that there should be 1 second left. He really might be the worst official in the league.
The Bills will continue their battle to 8-8 Sunday in Orchard Park in front of at least 35,000 idiots waiving the terrible towel. Bills 27 Steelers 16.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Week 11-Bills Bungals
-Coast
The Bills and Bungals play an NFL game tomorrow. It is blacked out in Cincinnati, their first black out since 2003. The teams have a combined 3 wins. You can probably count in your hands the number of non Bills or Bungals fans that will be watching. For me, watching the Bills play in Paul Brown stadium brings some from awesome memories. Who could forget that fateful December 19 day in 2004? The Bills playoff push that ended in heartbreak reached its Pinnacle in South Ohio. The 4 contributors of this blog took their inaugural Bills road trip and the Bills steamrolled the home team 33-17 (The Bills have gone 0-5 since and in one stretch went 11 straight quarters without scoring a touchdown in road games we have attended). Takeo Spikes scored vs. his old team. Jason Peters blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. He was wearing a number in the 80’s and still hadn’t turned in to a selfish prick. Lee Evans played in this game. He had 5 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Chad Johnson played in this game. He had 2 catches for 10 yards. I called WGR after the game and talked about how great of a shut down corner Nate Clements was. The only other Bills player other than Evans that is still on the team worth mentioning is Terrance McGee.
It is crazy how recent this game seems, but it was 6 years ago. Mike Mularkey was coach. Somehow Marvin Lewis was and still is the Bungal coach. How has he not been fired yet? The Bills are on their third coach since 2004. Carson Palmer was the starting quarterback for the Bungals in 2004 and still is in 2010. Drew Bledsoe quarterbacked the Bills in 2004. The Bills have gone through Drew Bledsoe, JP Losman, Kelly Holcombe, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick since 2004. The Bills are a dysfunctional franchise. 3 coaches in the past 6 years. 5 quarterbacks that had been named the “starter” in the past 6 years. I wasn’t just naming QBs that started because of injuries. All guys that I named were considered by their coach the starter at some point.
Enough negative talk. The Bills haven’t lost to the Bungals in 22 years. The last time the Bungals beat the Bills was January 8, 1989 in the AFC Championship game. Since then, the Bills have played the Bungals 9 times. They are 9-0 in those games and have outscored Cincinnati 275-150. This is an average of 31-17 per game. With how bad the Bills have been this decade, they are 5-0 against the Bungals and have outscored them 152-90. This is a 30-18 average score. That is unbelievable to me. The same decade that the Bills have been completely owned by teams like the Cleveland Browns, they have somehow gone undefeated against Cincinnati. Not only undefeated, but have embarrassed the Bungals.
There is no reason to think that this trend won’t continue tomorrow. The Bungals are in a complete tailspin. They have lost 6 in a row while the Bills are currently on a winning streak. I like the Bills winning the game 23-10. Will this happen? Probably not, but there is one thing I can almost guarantee…the Bills will cover. How can a team that is 2-7 and has lost 6 in a row possibly by a 6 point favorite versus anyone? I thought if two teams were considered even, the home team would be 3 point favorites.
I am rooting for the Bills to win. Yeah, I would love a shot at Andrew Luck…but like I said in this week’s podcast…who knows if he will even enter…and Carolina is going to have the number 1 pick. Jim Harbaugh, Stanford’s coach, did have these comments this week, “He's physically mature, he's mentally mature. He's got a rare talent.” Also…for those of you following his college career, Luck shredded Cal today in a 48-14 win on the road. Didn’t Cal almost beat Oregon last week? Luck went 16-20 for 235 and 2 touchdowns. He also ran for 72 yards, which led his team.
Other quarterback prospects:
Ryan Mallett: 9-17 for 126 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 3:54 remaining in the third quarter at Mississippi State. Arkansas is down 21-17.
Jake Locker: 10-21 for 68 yards and 1 interception in a 24-7 win against UCLA. Can we please officially write this guy off as a potential QB prospect? He has had more horrible games than Trent Edwards had senior year. Let’s please not draft this guy.
Cam Newton: Does not have a game this week. Next week Auburn plays at Alabama so we will learn a lot about Newton. Regardless, he is a cheater and a scum bag.
Week 11 NFL Spreads and locks
By James
It’s no secret that a lot of the NFL’s fan-base is made up of avid sports-betters. You may have your favorite team. You probably love Monday Night Football and throwing a Super Bowl party. But if you’re a gambler, the NFL becomes less about fanfare and takes on a more businesslike approach.
Finding a good point spread in the NFL is like finding the best online casino bonuses or like getting two scratchers for the price of one. Take a game like the Atlanta Falcons at the St. Louis Rams as an example. The Falcons’ -3 spread is looking extremely healthy against a team with very little defensive muscle.
This is one of the more favorable spreads you’ll find in week 11. There are a lot of games that do appear to be too close to call, like the Philadelphia Eagles giving up 3 to the New York Giants, the New England Patriots favored by 3 ½ over the Indianapolis Colts, and the San Francisco 49ers with a questionable 3 ½ cushion over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home.
Overall, everything else is looking fairly reasonable. The New Orleans Saints are big favorites traveling to Seattle to play the on-again, off-again Seahawks, earning a cushion of 11 ½. The Chiefs make their way out to Arizona giving up 8 to the Cardinals. And Jacksonville is barely a PAT better than the Cleveland Browns in the Dog Pound, favored by only 1 ½.
There are a few sleeper teams you might want to keep an eye out for. The Bills might only have one win to their credit this season, but they’ve competed in nearly every game, playing their hearts out and just not making enough hay to get over the hump. But they’re getting the Cincinnati Bengals at home and are 6-point underdogs.
The Bengals are dysfunctional and not nearly potent enough to win big against the Bills and their collective heart. If the Lions couldn’t score big against Buffalo with Megatron, don’t expect that an over-the-hill TO and an overhyped Ochocinco will do any better.
This might be going out on a limb, but don’t look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover all 7 against the Oakland Raiders either. The Steelers have to travel to Oakland, where the Raiders are well rested after the bye week. Pittsburgh has a great run defense, but Oakland’s running game isn’t a one-trick pony. They don’t have to go up the gut; they can spread and sweep and do to the Steelers with Tom Brady and the Pats did.
A couple of spreads we feel are locks: The Green Bay Packers travel to Minnesota to play Favre and the Vikings and are favored by 3. Look for the Pack to win by a bigger margin than that. Brett has 16 INTs already and is on pace to throw nearly 30. Against Green Bay, he’ll try to do too much. Don’t be surprised if Brett hits the blackjack bonus special and throws 5 INTs here en route to losing 38-13.
Lastly, the New York Jets are locks to cover 7 against the Houston Texans. Houston has the worst red zone defense and the worst all-around defense in the league. Everyone facing them puts up huge numbers, and New York has a running game, a deep threat, a mobile quarterback, and a defense that will quell Andre Johnson’s attempts to keep the game close.
It’s no secret that a lot of the NFL’s fan-base is made up of avid sports-betters. You may have your favorite team. You probably love Monday Night Football and throwing a Super Bowl party. But if you’re a gambler, the NFL becomes less about fanfare and takes on a more businesslike approach.
Finding a good point spread in the NFL is like finding the best online casino bonuses or like getting two scratchers for the price of one. Take a game like the Atlanta Falcons at the St. Louis Rams as an example. The Falcons’ -3 spread is looking extremely healthy against a team with very little defensive muscle.
This is one of the more favorable spreads you’ll find in week 11. There are a lot of games that do appear to be too close to call, like the Philadelphia Eagles giving up 3 to the New York Giants, the New England Patriots favored by 3 ½ over the Indianapolis Colts, and the San Francisco 49ers with a questionable 3 ½ cushion over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home.
Overall, everything else is looking fairly reasonable. The New Orleans Saints are big favorites traveling to Seattle to play the on-again, off-again Seahawks, earning a cushion of 11 ½. The Chiefs make their way out to Arizona giving up 8 to the Cardinals. And Jacksonville is barely a PAT better than the Cleveland Browns in the Dog Pound, favored by only 1 ½.
There are a few sleeper teams you might want to keep an eye out for. The Bills might only have one win to their credit this season, but they’ve competed in nearly every game, playing their hearts out and just not making enough hay to get over the hump. But they’re getting the Cincinnati Bengals at home and are 6-point underdogs.
The Bengals are dysfunctional and not nearly potent enough to win big against the Bills and their collective heart. If the Lions couldn’t score big against Buffalo with Megatron, don’t expect that an over-the-hill TO and an overhyped Ochocinco will do any better.
This might be going out on a limb, but don’t look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover all 7 against the Oakland Raiders either. The Steelers have to travel to Oakland, where the Raiders are well rested after the bye week. Pittsburgh has a great run defense, but Oakland’s running game isn’t a one-trick pony. They don’t have to go up the gut; they can spread and sweep and do to the Steelers with Tom Brady and the Pats did.
A couple of spreads we feel are locks: The Green Bay Packers travel to Minnesota to play Favre and the Vikings and are favored by 3. Look for the Pack to win by a bigger margin than that. Brett has 16 INTs already and is on pace to throw nearly 30. Against Green Bay, he’ll try to do too much. Don’t be surprised if Brett hits the blackjack bonus special and throws 5 INTs here en route to losing 38-13.
Lastly, the New York Jets are locks to cover 7 against the Houston Texans. Houston has the worst red zone defense and the worst all-around defense in the league. Everyone facing them puts up huge numbers, and New York has a running game, a deep threat, a mobile quarterback, and a defense that will quell Andre Johnson’s attempts to keep the game close.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals podcast
Steve and Coast breakdown the Bills win against the Detroit Lions, they're upcoming venture to Cincinnati the QB situation, season outlook and Chan Gailey
(right click save as to download)
Don't forget to subscribe to us on iTunes
(right click save as to download)
Don't forget to subscribe to us on iTunes
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ben Rapelisraper sucks
Don't forget, the Shittsburgh Steelers and known rapist Ben Rapelisraper come to down in less than 2 weeks, get your t shirts here
only $10
only $10
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Must Win for the Buffalo Bills
by Steve
Yes, this is a must win for the Buffalo Bills. They are 0-8, they want the #1 overall pick, they are already out of the playoffs and every L they get moves them closer to Andrew Luck (hopefully). I get all that. But do we really wanna go 0-16? I don't and one victory won't end our chances at the top spot in the draft any way.
Looking at the schedule this will be the last game the Buffalo Bills are favored all season. Etch that into a piece of wood. This is there last good chance at a victory. Stafford is out, the Lions have lost 24 straight on the road and the game is actually in Erie County.
We're all about numb to all of the losing at this point but zero triumphs in an entire season? That is beyond disheartening it is beyond embarrassing. I couldn't stomach it. Losing to Shaun Hill and an albatross of a squad as the Detroit Lions would be icing on a poop popsicle. Don't we want to leave the Ralph once this season after a win? I for one miss having a post game beer in celebration rather than to drowned my sorrows. Win one for the gipper!
Yes, this is a must win for the Buffalo Bills. They are 0-8, they want the #1 overall pick, they are already out of the playoffs and every L they get moves them closer to Andrew Luck (hopefully). I get all that. But do we really wanna go 0-16? I don't and one victory won't end our chances at the top spot in the draft any way.
Looking at the schedule this will be the last game the Buffalo Bills are favored all season. Etch that into a piece of wood. This is there last good chance at a victory. Stafford is out, the Lions have lost 24 straight on the road and the game is actually in Erie County.
We're all about numb to all of the losing at this point but zero triumphs in an entire season? That is beyond disheartening it is beyond embarrassing. I couldn't stomach it. Losing to Shaun Hill and an albatross of a squad as the Detroit Lions would be icing on a poop popsicle. Don't we want to leave the Ralph once this season after a win? I for one miss having a post game beer in celebration rather than to drowned my sorrows. Win one for the gipper!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Buffalo Bills news/notes
- Asshole bust city Aaron Maybin found it necessary to release a rap song. WTF is this loser and his agent thinking? Is there any chance he is even on the team next year?
- Shawne Merriman is already out for Sunday. Also it won't be on TV locally.
- The losers don't wanna be called 'lovable' losers.
- Levi Brown love?
- Someone has to win Sunday, maybe
- FYI the Lions haven't won on the road since Fall 2007, 24 straight L's
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
NCAA basketball preseason top 10
by Andrew S.
1. Duke Blue Devils- Even with the loss of Scheyer and Zubek, this team is poised to
repeat. Sprinkle in top PG recruit Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry and this team is
easily the best team in the country and ready for a nice run into April.
2. Michigan State Spartans- Back to back Final 4’s and has the entire team back. Tom
Izzo made the right choice in coming back to East Lansing. What a game it will be in
Durham in the beginning of December.
3. Kansas State Wildcats- Yeah, I know, WHO? If you aren’t familiar with Frank Martin get to know him ASAP. He has put together a squad in the Big XII that can really play. Jake “Fear the Beard” Pullin can score from anywhere on the court and Curtis Kelly has really come along on the inside for the Wildcats. This is an exciting team to watch.
4. Pittsburgh Panthers- Everyone is back and Ashton Gibbs is one of the best pure
shooters in the country. Add tough nose Brad Wanamaker and Gary McGhee on the
inside and you have the best team in the Big East and a Final Four favorite.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes- Even though they lost Evan Turner, they may actually be a better team this year. Thad Matta has brought in the number 1 recruiting class in the nation led by big man Jared Sullinger. A weak early schedule should help build confidence in this young team and get them ready for a tough Big Ten schedule.
6. Syracuse Orange- A lot of people have them a little lower in the rankings, but I think Jimmy B has put together a squad that will quietly make a hard push in the Big East and onto the NCAA Tourney. They lost a lot of talent through graduation and the draft, but Chris Joseph is ready for a breakout year. Watch out for the new “Melo” on campus too.
7. Kansas Jayhawks- Tough for me to put them here because of the question mark above Josh Selby’s eligibility, but can you ever really doubt Bill Self? The Morris brothers are back anchoring the front court and T. Taylor is a solid guard. If Selby play’s there is going to be a battle for top spot in the Big XII.
8. Villanova Wildcats- Everyone says the Big East isn’t as strong as it has been in the past. WRONG! Scottie Reynolds is gone but Jay Wright has groomed the best floor leader in the nation in Corey Fisher. Fisher will lead a backcourt heavy team that will also push the Wild Cats towards first in the Big East.
9. North Carolina Tar Heels- It hurts to say this but I think the Baby Blues are going to surprise a lot of people this year. The bandwagon’ers won’t be, but they don’t really ever know what’s going on. Last year was a huge disappointment for Roy Williams and Co, but will Harrison Barnes, a preseason All American, UNC is poised to make some noise in 2010.
10. Florida Gators- Ever since Billy D left for a few days, then came back, his Gator’s
haven’t been the same. But with all 5 starters returning and a weak SEC, the Gators
shouldn’t have a problem running through their conference and being there in March.
1. Duke Blue Devils- Even with the loss of Scheyer and Zubek, this team is poised to
repeat. Sprinkle in top PG recruit Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry and this team is
easily the best team in the country and ready for a nice run into April.
2. Michigan State Spartans- Back to back Final 4’s and has the entire team back. Tom
Izzo made the right choice in coming back to East Lansing. What a game it will be in
Durham in the beginning of December.
3. Kansas State Wildcats- Yeah, I know, WHO? If you aren’t familiar with Frank Martin get to know him ASAP. He has put together a squad in the Big XII that can really play. Jake “Fear the Beard” Pullin can score from anywhere on the court and Curtis Kelly has really come along on the inside for the Wildcats. This is an exciting team to watch.
4. Pittsburgh Panthers- Everyone is back and Ashton Gibbs is one of the best pure
shooters in the country. Add tough nose Brad Wanamaker and Gary McGhee on the
inside and you have the best team in the Big East and a Final Four favorite.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes- Even though they lost Evan Turner, they may actually be a better team this year. Thad Matta has brought in the number 1 recruiting class in the nation led by big man Jared Sullinger. A weak early schedule should help build confidence in this young team and get them ready for a tough Big Ten schedule.
6. Syracuse Orange- A lot of people have them a little lower in the rankings, but I think Jimmy B has put together a squad that will quietly make a hard push in the Big East and onto the NCAA Tourney. They lost a lot of talent through graduation and the draft, but Chris Joseph is ready for a breakout year. Watch out for the new “Melo” on campus too.
7. Kansas Jayhawks- Tough for me to put them here because of the question mark above Josh Selby’s eligibility, but can you ever really doubt Bill Self? The Morris brothers are back anchoring the front court and T. Taylor is a solid guard. If Selby play’s there is going to be a battle for top spot in the Big XII.
8. Villanova Wildcats- Everyone says the Big East isn’t as strong as it has been in the past. WRONG! Scottie Reynolds is gone but Jay Wright has groomed the best floor leader in the nation in Corey Fisher. Fisher will lead a backcourt heavy team that will also push the Wild Cats towards first in the Big East.
9. North Carolina Tar Heels- It hurts to say this but I think the Baby Blues are going to surprise a lot of people this year. The bandwagon’ers won’t be, but they don’t really ever know what’s going on. Last year was a huge disappointment for Roy Williams and Co, but will Harrison Barnes, a preseason All American, UNC is poised to make some noise in 2010.
10. Florida Gators- Ever since Billy D left for a few days, then came back, his Gator’s
haven’t been the same. But with all 5 starters returning and a weak SEC, the Gators
shouldn’t have a problem running through their conference and being there in March.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Buffalo Billss 0-8
by Steve
It is almost a good thing the Buffalo Bills are dreadful this season. If these games actually meant something the heartbreak of these close L's would be tough to swallow. In typical bend but don't break then blow it at the end fashion, the Bills lost a close game in Toronto against the Bears 22-19. Quick hits:
It is almost a good thing the Buffalo Bills are dreadful this season. If these games actually meant something the heartbreak of these close L's would be tough to swallow. In typical bend but don't break then blow it at the end fashion, the Bills lost a close game in Toronto against the Bears 22-19. Quick hits:
- Ryan Lindell, great time to have your first extra point not sail through the uprights, cost the Bills the game.
- Aren't punters a dime a dozen? Brian Moorman has outlived his usefulness
- Ryan Fitzpatrick is smart
- Ryan Fitzpatrick went to Harvard
- Ryan Fitzpatrick is a mediocrity.
- The Bills should have challenged both touchdown catches by the Bears. Both were close calls with the ball possibly hitting the turf and one foot near the white.
- What is the rule with injuries inside two minutes, I thought it was a penalty.
- CJ Spiller needs more touches.
- How hard is it to run a screen pass?
- Chris Kelsay is an albatross.
- Donde esta Shawn Nelson?
- Stevie Johnson is a legit WR in the National Football League.
- Chan Gailey is a stop gap coach who should be very closely scrutinized the rest of the season to prove he is worth coming back next season.
- It was nice to see Ralph at the game, he didn't look too bad at all.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick is smart.
- The one challenge Gailey actually requested was one of the worst challenges in the history of the Bills, on par with the Peerless Price heels/two time outs debacle.
- The offensive line can pass block.
- #61 is Mansfield Wrotto, never heard of him, he was getting a lot of time at RT. Of course he is from G Tech, he was signed on the practice squad 10/1 from Seattle.
- The offensive line can not run block.
- Oh, and allegedly Ryan Fitzpatrick is smart.
- See you at the Ralph Sunday after a month hiatus.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Shawne Merriman touchs down in Buffalo
by Steve
Shawne Merriman spoke with the media today at OBD. He said all the right things, sounded ready to murder fools and had a couple quotes "just some small nagging injuries" kept him off the field the last 3 years. "I always have a chip on my shoulder" . Said he is used to cold weather and grew up on the East Coast. "do I have a helmet?" about playing for the Bills. "i'm not just gonna be a guy here running around on the field, players can lien on me" "i'll be on the sidelines Sunday"
Video won't let me embed it, here is a link
Shawne Merriman spoke with the media today at OBD. He said all the right things, sounded ready to murder fools and had a couple quotes "just some small nagging injuries" kept him off the field the last 3 years. "I always have a chip on my shoulder" . Said he is used to cold weather and grew up on the East Coast. "do I have a helmet?" about playing for the Bills. "i'm not just gonna be a guy here running around on the field, players can lien on me" "i'll be on the sidelines Sunday"
Video won't let me embed it, here is a link
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Chicago Bears @ Buffalo Bills podcast
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Buffalo: Lights Out
by Steve
The Buffalo Bills have apparently claims Shawne Merriman off waivers from the SD Chargers:
Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Why not claim Merriman. The Bills are an awful team with an even worse defense. There is no linebacker talent on the team any where. Lights Out will only cost $1.8 mil for the rest of the season and is an UFA after the season. Try him out see if he has anything left and see if he gels with the team. Maybe he can even improve or teach some of the other players a thing or two although that seems unlikely.
Hey, worst comes to worst we'll have someone around town to punch out Tia Tequilla if she is messin with anyone around town. BOOOM
The Buffalo Bills have apparently claims Shawne Merriman off waivers from the SD Chargers:
Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Why not claim Merriman. The Bills are an awful team with an even worse defense. There is no linebacker talent on the team any where. Lights Out will only cost $1.8 mil for the rest of the season and is an UFA after the season. Try him out see if he has anything left and see if he gels with the team. Maybe he can even improve or teach some of the other players a thing or two although that seems unlikely.
Hey, worst comes to worst we'll have someone around town to punch out Tia Tequilla if she is messin with anyone around town. BOOOM
Monday, November 1, 2010
Let's Get Weird
by Steve
Hey, American League, boom roasted. How you like them apples. Umm that's all I have. I assume a majority of sports fans watched the Colts Oilers game on MNF so I'll let you know that the National League and the San Fransisco Giants won the World Series tonight.
Someone get Josh Hamilton some heroin or some new ink the guy sucks. Swing the bat puss. Him and Vladi did basically nil in this 5 game beat down of a series. Tim Lincecum out dueled C Lee twice and no game was really that close or that interesting.
Personally I blame Cliff Lee's "struggles" on too many innings the last few years but still excuses are excuses. Plus the National League is the superior league so no one should be surprised he couldn't totally handle HUGE bats like an aging Edgar Reteria, a journeyman like Aubrey Huff and rook Gerald errr Busta Posey.
Overall a great postseason. The Yankees and Phillies both got curbstomped, there were almost no close or riveting games no game sevens and no bust out stars. Well, except for crazy kook Brian Wilson. Dude is a straight kook. I love how he celebrated by himself when he struck out Nelson for the clinching out. Even better was Busta Posey looking for someone, anyone else to jump around with for fear of his own life having to jump on Wilson near the mound. Classic moment.
On a final note, I don't like the 3-2-3 set up. It is confusing and lame. Is traveling on a private jet really that uncomfortable?
Hey, American League, boom roasted. How you like them apples. Umm that's all I have. I assume a majority of sports fans watched the Colts Oilers game on MNF so I'll let you know that the National League and the San Fransisco Giants won the World Series tonight.
Someone get Josh Hamilton some heroin or some new ink the guy sucks. Swing the bat puss. Him and Vladi did basically nil in this 5 game beat down of a series. Tim Lincecum out dueled C Lee twice and no game was really that close or that interesting.
Personally I blame Cliff Lee's "struggles" on too many innings the last few years but still excuses are excuses. Plus the National League is the superior league so no one should be surprised he couldn't totally handle HUGE bats like an aging Edgar Reteria, a journeyman like Aubrey Huff and rook Gerald errr Busta Posey.
Overall a great postseason. The Yankees and Phillies both got curbstomped, there were almost no close or riveting games no game sevens and no bust out stars. Well, except for crazy kook Brian Wilson. Dude is a straight kook. I love how he celebrated by himself when he struck out Nelson for the clinching out. Even better was Busta Posey looking for someone, anyone else to jump around with for fear of his own life having to jump on Wilson near the mound. Classic moment.
On a final note, I don't like the 3-2-3 set up. It is confusing and lame. Is traveling on a private jet really that uncomfortable?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Chefs 13 Bills 10
-Coast
For some reason I still care about these games and for the second week in a row I am so pissed at the outcome. How did we lose this football game? The Chefs [sic] are horrible. They are a bad football team. Their coach Todd Haley sucks. Their QB Matt Cassel is a complete bum. The only good player on their team is Jamal Charles.
The Chefs ran for 274 yards. This should seem like an astronomical amount of yards but we as Bills fans are numb to running backs averaging 8 yards per carry. Seriously, did Haley really punt on 4th and 7 from the 33 and then go for it on 4th and 3 from the 20? Then, was he really going to go for it from his own 30 at the end of regulation? Is this dude on crack? I would never ever ever punt on 4th and 7 from the 33. Kick a field goal or go for it...why would you punt?
The Bills defense is bad. I know I have said this over and over like a broken record but how many bad plays can Chris Kelsay make? What loyalty does this coaching staff have to Kelsay? He got juked by Matt Cassel. That is almost as bad as getting juked by Chad Pennington like another terrible Bills linebacker did in Eddie Robinson. If you are getting compared to Eddie Robinson, that is not a good sign.
The Bills defense can't buy an interception either. I haven't heard Jairus Byrd's name said on air all season. George Wilson had a ball right in his hands. Whitner had a chance at an interception...but who is surprised at Whitner making no plays...again. The Bills had 28 interceptions last season...they have one this season. How can you possibly go from 28 interceptions to 2? That is what they are currently on pace for.
How bad must the Bills defense be for George Edwards to get fired? I understand that it is his first year as Bills defensive coordinator, but thus far there has seen no improvement. The Bills did only allow 13 points but I think that has more to do with the lack of talent on the other side of the ball than actual good play by the Bills defense.
I know on the podcast I said how much I like Fitzpatrick. He made some big plays today, especially that pass to Parrish on 3rd and long in leading the Bills to the game tying touchdown. When it is all said and done however, Fitzpatrick did not make the plays needed to win the game. He made two horrible throws that you can say cost the Bills the game today. The wounded duck interception at the end of regulation and the pass to Spiller that he missed in overtime were awful. If you want to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, those are plays that have to be made.
Fitzpatrick is guaranteed to throw a terrible interception in every close road loss we have it seems. As of today, Fitz is nothing but a backup that we will keep around to hopefully mentor Andrew Luck. I will not put 100% of the blame on Fitz though. The play calling when the Bills got close to field goal range was very questionable. The Bills ran 10 plays starting with the drive at the end of regulation in which they had 1st and 10 inside the Chefs 43 yard line. They passed incomplete on 7 of those plays, threw one interception and threw one 3 yard pass to Jackson. The only run was a QB scramble. Why did the Bills become so one dimensional when they got near field goal range? No one knows.(update, Fitz audibled out of a run at the end of the 4th) On Lindell's missed field goal, if the Bills were about 4 yards closer, that kick would have been good and not hit the goal post.
Does anyone else absolutely despise listening to Steve Tasker? In the beginning of the game he actually said the Bills defense was improving. Then, in the 2nd quarter when the game was tied at 0, he said this game was playing out exactly how KC wanted to. I am sure Todd Haley drew it up just like that. "Hey guys, we are playing a 0-6 team, hopefully we can keep it tied in the 2nd quarter." Then, on 3rd and 3 after the Evans fumble, he went to commercial saying the Bills should kick a field goal and take the points because "they need to stop KC anyway." Then after commercial, he said that the Bills need to try and score a TD on this drive. What is he talking about? Hopefully his producer called him out on how absolutely lost he is during that commercial break. Stick to special teams, Steve, you lifetime mediocrity.
The Bills are now 0-7 and play the Bears in Toronto next week. The Bills have had no business losing their past 2 games. I would say that the chances a team would lose the last 2 games based on how the games transpired would be less than 1% but that's the Bills for you. This team just cannot win.
For some reason I still care about these games and for the second week in a row I am so pissed at the outcome. How did we lose this football game? The Chefs [sic] are horrible. They are a bad football team. Their coach Todd Haley sucks. Their QB Matt Cassel is a complete bum. The only good player on their team is Jamal Charles.
The Chefs ran for 274 yards. This should seem like an astronomical amount of yards but we as Bills fans are numb to running backs averaging 8 yards per carry. Seriously, did Haley really punt on 4th and 7 from the 33 and then go for it on 4th and 3 from the 20? Then, was he really going to go for it from his own 30 at the end of regulation? Is this dude on crack? I would never ever ever punt on 4th and 7 from the 33. Kick a field goal or go for it...why would you punt?
The Bills defense is bad. I know I have said this over and over like a broken record but how many bad plays can Chris Kelsay make? What loyalty does this coaching staff have to Kelsay? He got juked by Matt Cassel. That is almost as bad as getting juked by Chad Pennington like another terrible Bills linebacker did in Eddie Robinson. If you are getting compared to Eddie Robinson, that is not a good sign.
The Bills defense can't buy an interception either. I haven't heard Jairus Byrd's name said on air all season. George Wilson had a ball right in his hands. Whitner had a chance at an interception...but who is surprised at Whitner making no plays...again. The Bills had 28 interceptions last season...they have one this season. How can you possibly go from 28 interceptions to 2? That is what they are currently on pace for.
How bad must the Bills defense be for George Edwards to get fired? I understand that it is his first year as Bills defensive coordinator, but thus far there has seen no improvement. The Bills did only allow 13 points but I think that has more to do with the lack of talent on the other side of the ball than actual good play by the Bills defense.
I know on the podcast I said how much I like Fitzpatrick. He made some big plays today, especially that pass to Parrish on 3rd and long in leading the Bills to the game tying touchdown. When it is all said and done however, Fitzpatrick did not make the plays needed to win the game. He made two horrible throws that you can say cost the Bills the game today. The wounded duck interception at the end of regulation and the pass to Spiller that he missed in overtime were awful. If you want to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, those are plays that have to be made.
Fitzpatrick is guaranteed to throw a terrible interception in every close road loss we have it seems. As of today, Fitz is nothing but a backup that we will keep around to hopefully mentor Andrew Luck. I will not put 100% of the blame on Fitz though. The play calling when the Bills got close to field goal range was very questionable. The Bills ran 10 plays starting with the drive at the end of regulation in which they had 1st and 10 inside the Chefs 43 yard line. They passed incomplete on 7 of those plays, threw one interception and threw one 3 yard pass to Jackson. The only run was a QB scramble. Why did the Bills become so one dimensional when they got near field goal range? No one knows.(update, Fitz audibled out of a run at the end of the 4th) On Lindell's missed field goal, if the Bills were about 4 yards closer, that kick would have been good and not hit the goal post.
Does anyone else absolutely despise listening to Steve Tasker? In the beginning of the game he actually said the Bills defense was improving. Then, in the 2nd quarter when the game was tied at 0, he said this game was playing out exactly how KC wanted to. I am sure Todd Haley drew it up just like that. "Hey guys, we are playing a 0-6 team, hopefully we can keep it tied in the 2nd quarter." Then, on 3rd and 3 after the Evans fumble, he went to commercial saying the Bills should kick a field goal and take the points because "they need to stop KC anyway." Then after commercial, he said that the Bills need to try and score a TD on this drive. What is he talking about? Hopefully his producer called him out on how absolutely lost he is during that commercial break. Stick to special teams, Steve, you lifetime mediocrity.
The Bills are now 0-7 and play the Bears in Toronto next week. The Bills have had no business losing their past 2 games. I would say that the chances a team would lose the last 2 games based on how the games transpired would be less than 1% but that's the Bills for you. This team just cannot win.
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