Sports Talk Buffalo

Buffalo Bills and the salary cap

2012-02-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

by Steve

A few interesting posts by profootballtalk.com mentioned the salary cap and how each team has to be up to 89% of the salary cap in 2013. The salary cap in the National Football League for 2011 was $120 million. 89% of that of course would be $106.8 million.

The Bills were way under the salary cap and were clocked in at $19.29 million under. That amount put Buffalo at 6th cheapest team in the league. Yes there are a lot of ways to manipulate the cap with signing bonuses likely to earn bonuses etc as pointed out in this PFT post. But all teams play by those same rules so it doesn't really matter, the cap is the cap.

More interestingly however is the point they make about teams being able to now carry over excess cap space to the next league year. Apparently all the team has to do is send a note to the league office requesting to carry over their extra cap ca$h. Soooo, the Buffalo Bills could actually spend (assuming the same cap # as 2011 which is not likely) $139 million next year!

Obviously if the Bills don't even request to carry the extra cap space over they are 100% cheap and do not care about winning. Yes we all know they won't spend that much but they have to at least pretend and make the request to keep that excess space. If they don't we know Ralph's true intentions.

CB Stanford Routt visiting Buffalo Sunday

2012-02-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Apparently the recently released CB Stanford Routt is making a trip to Buffalo Sunday for a meeting at OBD Monday. Adam Schefter is evidently confirming this as well.

Routt has been in the league seven years all with the Raiders, 28 years old 6'1 195. Two career interceptions and evidently wasn't the answer to replace Nnamdi Asomugha but was worth a huge contract initially? Well Nix did say he wants two more cornerbacks..

Oakland released cornerback Stanford Routt on Thursday, less than a year after the team gave him a “five-year, $54.5 million” contract. (It was originally a three-year, $31.5 million deal, then the team restructured the deal.)

Of course, Al Davis was the one who gave Routt that contract in 2011. G.M. Reggie McKenzie has since arrived and clearly doesn’t see Routt as a cornerback worth more than $10 million-per-season.

New England Patriots, dynasty* dead

2012-02-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Does anyone have video or a picture of asshat Robert Kraft after the Super Bowl loss looking out at the field and up at the scoreboard? That was the best moment of my life. Also knowing that the Patriots Dynasty* is good and dead.

Ever since it was revealed that the New England Patriots were cheaters and a fraud they have lost multiple Super Bowls, lost home playoff games to the NY Jets and Baltimore Ravens (shoulda been twice) and have been out classed by the New York Giants not once but twice.

Let's face it, they can't win the big one without cheating. Their genius of a head coach seems a lot more average and a 100% failure as a personnel man. Where are the receivers on these teams? Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis are the go to guys out of the back field? Two good tight ends clearly wasn't enough and Belicheat doesn't know how to draft. He wasted the last years of Brady's prime trying to out smart everyone while never realizing the only reason he ever won was because he cheated.

Yeah they are still a class well above the Buffalo Bills and will be competitive for a couple more years until all of the luck has run dry but this dynasty* is dead. That $500,000 fine was the death knell in the once bulletproof New England Patriots. If only we still had the proof and it wasn't swept under the rug then the rug burned. Thanks Rog.

Tom Tom Brady the best quarterback ever? Hahahah yeah fuckin right. Two SB L's to little Manning? Ouch, his legacy is and always will be tarnished for ever and I love it.

Time to dieeeee Tom, go move to Brentwood enjoy your freakishly tall and sore loser wife until you eventually cheat on her or get dumped. I don't think Supermodels like losers TB.

Superbowl Picks

2012-02-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Steve 57-35 ( Best bet 9-10) (10-2 in the playoffs fwiw)

NY Giants +3
Under 54

Wreck 49-42 (Best Bet 8-11) (4-0 last week fwiw)

Patriots -3
Over 54

Good News for the Buffalo Bills?

2012-02-03T16:36:00.001-08:00

by Steve

Anyone catch Roger Goodell's act on the Costas show yesterday? "Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams." Sounds good to me. Of course what is he going to say that he wants to move teams? But then he continued "We probably don't want to go to 33" teams by adding just one new club if a suitable stadium is built in the Los Angeles area, Goodell said.

This is the first I've ever heard of the National Football League talking about expansion. Him specifically saying he would add two teams as oppose to adding one team and moving a second team to L.A. is also comforting.

Who knows may it is all just rhetoric but at least he is throwing out there the possibility of adding teams instead of relocation. And obviously any good news relating to the Bills staying in Buffalo is welcome.

On another note anyone catch Marcell Dareus' quote about bitch bitch Tom Brady?: "You have to get after Tom Brady some type of way," Dareus said in a Sirius XM radio interview. "Getting a hand in his face, knocking his arm down. Don't go too crazy because Brady has the referees on his side. He cries to referees as soon as he gets a chance, and it always goes his way."

Also, Stevie Johnson was on radio row today at the Superbowl and was on the Jim Rome show. Basically he said he was surprised and mad that he hasn't been resigned by the Bills yet, he is thinking more and more about free agency even mentioning other quarterbacks in the league, says he still wants to stay in Buffalo but is less and less sure something will get done.

Also the franchise tag numbers aren't yet official but for a WR it is about $9.5 million

Another Reason to Hate Tom Brady

2012-02-01T15:44:00.001-08:00

by Steve

“I don’t know if you guys have been to the hotels in Buffalo,” Brady said, “but they’re not the nicest places in the world."

Jeez Louise do we really need another reason to hate Tom Brady? Other than our jealousy with his smoking hot wife and millions of bones in the bank (oh and dumping his preggers girlfriend and being overrated as a quarterback), do we need more reasons to hate this Ugg wearing douche bag?

Well evidently he thought we did. WTF? I don't even care if you take a swipe at our hotels for being substandard. We all know Buffalo is substandard. But just for saying it Tom Brady is a douche bag. A hotel is a hotel unless it is 4 star or 5 star or whatever. Stainless sheets, no weird hair in the shower and a continent breakfast that sounds like a good hotel to me.

If this didn't get national attention I probably wouldn't have even chimed in other than it is a slow Buffalo sports time of the year. So Tommy thanks for giving us another reason to hate your guts. Go lose another Superbowl, you're gonna be half way to Jim Kelly by Monday.

The Sabres and the first overall pick

2012-01-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

by CT

First and foremost, I’d like to say that Jason Pominvilles comments in yesterdays Buffalo News Sports Section make me sick. Our “all-star” was quoted saying the following :

"We have full confidence in the guys that are in place, full confidence in the guys that are in the locker room," Pominville said. "Our focus is on Lindy to be there. We want to win with him. We want to win with Darcy. We've been a part of this for a long time. It's no different for them. We're all in this together.”

This dude is as brainwashed as the rest of em. I respect his loyalty but is losing so engrained in these guys that they really believe this? You’re in last place bro wake up!!!! If it was any of the other 29 real teams in the league, you would’ve never got $5m + and you would’ve been on a squad somewhere else. Anyways onto the main point of this article.

The Sabres need to trade whatever they can for the first overall pick. Although there is decent value and finds after the first overall pick, it’s pretty much a lock that you’re getting an elite player with the #1 selection. As it stands now Buffalo is 4th last in the league. If post All-Star break history tells us anything the Sabres will make a strong push. However, if they were smart they’d tank the season. Any self-respecting athlete would never do that and I see a 6th-10th pick coming our way in June. Since the “new” NHL didn’t start until post-lockout, let’s go back to 2004 to review the #1 overall selection.

2011: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers (Canada)

2010: Taylor Hall, Oilers (Canada)

2009: John Tavares, Islanders (Canada)

2008:Steven Stamkos. Lightning (Canada)

2007: Patrick Kane, Blackhawks (USA)

2006: Erik Johnson, Blues (USA)

2005: Sidney Crosby, Penguins (Canada)

2004: Alex Ovechkin, Capitals (Russia)

Looking at this class how could you not want the first overall pick. The only “miss” in this group is Erik Johnson. That term is thrown around lightly as he is a shutdown, offensive-defensive, who has had a 39-point season as well as represented Team USA in Vancouver in 2010. The only reason he may even be considered a slight miss is because in 2006 the selections after Johnson included: #2 Jordan Staal, #3 Jonathan Toews, #4 Nicklas Backstrom, and #5 Phil Kessel.

Although the #2 pick also pushes out very good NHL players, it is more the rule than the exception that #2 is a far step back from #1. One exception may be 2004 when Evgeni Malkin was taken right after Ovie. Although Ovie is a much more complete player, Malkin’s numbers aren’t far off and he has a Cup. The rest of the #2 overall picks are as follows:

2005: Bobby Ryan, Ducks (USA)

2006: Jordan Staal, Penguins (Canada)

2007: van Riemsdyk (USA)

2008: Drew Doughty, Kings (Canada)

2009: Victor Hedman, Lightning (Sweden)

2010: Tyler Seguin, Bruins (Canada)

2011: Gabriel Landeskog, Avalance (Sweden)

An argument can be made for Tyler Seguin but career numbers don’t like and Seguin played on a Stanley Cup powerhouse while Hall was on the last place Oilers. As we get closer to June’s draft more and more prospects will come through. NHL scouts do a pretty good job of hitting on who the number 1 guy should be. This is why the Sabres should trade whatever they can to get the first pick. Trade your entire draft. Your “franchise” goalie. Top prospects. “Core” guys. It doesn’t matter.

Let’s use 2009 and John Tavares as an example. Because all of the other guys have been around longer, their numbers are much better and the guys from 2010 and 2011 you still can’t get a great read on. The Sabres 2009 draft went like this: Mark Pysyk (D), Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (D), Steven Shipley (C) , Greg Sutch (RW), Cedric Henley (LW), and Christian Isackson (RW). Unless you’re a die-hard have you ever heard of anyone after Pysyk? Mean while Tavares will be making making his NHL ALL-Star Game debut this Sunday as he average more than a point per game this year. That is following his rookie campaign of 67 points in 79 games on a bad team. Oh and he resigned for 6 years 33 mil. Sounds like a steal for a #1 center to me.

Okay, let’s go back a year and use 2008. Steven Stamkos has had seasons of 46, 95 and 91 points- hitting 23 goals his rookie year, followed by 51 and then 45 with an NHL Cover Appearance. This year he’s currently 4th in the league with 52 points (32 goals) through 47 games. That would make his career total 284 points in 290 career regular season games. The Sabres draft consisted of Tyler Myers (D), Tyler Ennis (RW) (both round 1), Luke Adam (C), Corey Fienhage (D), Justin Jokinen (RW), Jordon Southorn (D), Jacob Lagace (LW), and Nick Crawford (D). Aside from Myers and Ennis have you heard of any of these guys? Myers had a great rookie campaign and is one of the rare guys the Sabres threw into the mix right away. It took Ennis 2 years in the minors until he came up and had 48 point “rookie” season. Myers slumped his sophomore year and Stamkos finished 5th in the league in scoring. 3rd year in the league? Myers struggled, then got back to form…Stamkos finished 5th again with 91 points.

The point is the Sabres do a decent job of drafting guys, and developing them. They seem to have 1 or 2 good years before their talent seems to be haulted for whatever reasons. Draft a #1 guy that can contribute immediately and lets get this franchise back on track.

Buffalo Sabres: WTF?

2012-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

by Steve

After years and years and years oh and years of begging, pleading and praying for Darcy Regier & Lindy Ruff to be fired they are still employed by the Buffalo Sabres and may have made their best case yet to be dismissed. Some how.

What does Lindy Ruff have over this city and its hockey team that he is more indestructible than Teflon and cockroaches? The guy is a career loser who is poison to almost any player brought into the organization. Star goalies, top line talent, big free agents, high draft picks and luck coming out of a year long lock out. None of these things have been good enough for this guy to win a championship in the National Hockey League. Yet fifteen years of failure is not enough of a track record to warrant a firing? Has he secretly promised to develop the waterfront or bring back Bethlehem Steel and we just have to wait fifteen more years?

The Buffalo Sabres in 2011/12 have been the most embarrassing Buffalo sports team since at least the 2002 Buffalo Bills. Even the 3rd worst-in-the-league 4-12 2010 Buffalo Bills weren't as pathetic as this squad. They are dead last in the conference, fifteenth out of fifteenth after forty-eight games! They have won two of their last eleven games and haven't been competitive since Ryan Millsie Miller got ran by Milan Lucic back in early November.

If there has ever been a professional sports team begging more for significant changes from the head coach on down I would love a list. Players playing well below expectations? Check. Quit on their coach and just ignore him? Check. A coach with no answers and saying they will need their goalie to stand on his head just to win one game? Check. Outraged and nearly ambivalent fan base? Check.

The situation is so dire, pathetic and sad that they might as well wait until the offseason. No one wants them to fire Lindy Ruff now and have the team play .500 the rest of the season. Clearly they are a 100% pretender with glaring problems. Lose as many as possible, play for a draft pick and clear house April 9th (the Monday after the season ends).

The only real question at this point is did fan boy owner Terry Pegula really believe the sole reason this team has been playing pitiful for the past 3+ months is because of injuries? What professional franchise would allow their season to disintegrate while doing nothing for months and months?

Anyone with DirecTv or Fios has seen for weeks that something, anything needed to be done to change the team. 9-24 over their last 33 games and nothing could be done to at least try and shake things up?

This pitiful stretch shouldn't only shake the fans' belief in Dracy Regier and untouchable Lindy Ruff (if for some reason you still had some hope) but it should force us to reexamine the fanboy owner Terry Pegula.

If this fly by night savior was willing to sit around and let these scrub losers ruin another season when exactly would he step in and demand change? Less than a year into his ownership tenure and he has already destroyed his credibility? Actually maybe that was already done at the introductory news conference when he spoke about the unassailable Ruff. Or when he allowed Regier to rebuild the team yet again.

Who would have thought this is where this franchise would be right now? When do Bills OTA's start?

#timetodie

NFL Conference Championship picks

2012-01-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

Steve 54-34 (8-10)

NY Giants +1.5
Baltimore @ New England under 50.5
Giants @ SF 49ers over 42.5
Baltimore +7

Wreck 45-42 (7-11)

NY Giants +1.5
Giants @ SF 49ers under 42.5
Baltimore +7
Baltimore @ New England under 50.5

Buffalo Sabres trade deadline dilemma

2012-01-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Sabres: Trade Deadline Dilemma

by CT

With the 2011-2012 NHL Trade Deadline about 5 weeks away, the Buffalo Sabres have a serious dilemma. Do they try to move key pieces of their “core” while they still have at least some value and try to salvage what is left of the season? Or (my pick) do they ride it out, finish in the bottom 7 of the league, thus getting a higher draft pick? Not only a higher pick but hopefully this would wake up Old Man Pegula and he would finally blow this thing up.

When looking on TSN’s website they had this to say:

“NHL's Most Wanted

With multiple teams in the hunt for a top-six forward, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun runs down the list of names that may be available on in a piece on ESPN.com.

The list includes Derek Roy, Brad Boyes and Drew Stafford in Buffalo; Vaclav Prospal, Antoine Vermette and Kristian Huselius in Columbus; Ales Hemsky in Edmonton; Tuomo Ruutu in Carolina; and Jason Blake in Anaheim. “

This is why I say stick with option B above. Teams are always going to overpay for underachieving players. This may be hated by all, but I say make no moves at the deadline. Everyone has seen what Darcy’s moves produce. Trading someone useless for a 2^nd round pick. Then trading that pick for a rent-a-player who in some cases scores in his first game but is otherwise useless (see: Zubrus, Bernier, Moore, Torres, Boyes). So unless TPegs is going to all of a sudden renege on what he said and fire Darce and Lindy (which we all know isn’t happening) then I say don’t make a move. Stand pat, keep blaming injuries, and take a 13^th place finish in the east. This summer is when you need to make a real push. Below is a list of Buffalo Sabres Free Agents starting July 1, 2012 as well as their age and cap hit.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Boyes, Brad » Forward 29 $4,000,000

Hecht, Jochen » Forward 34 $3,525,000

Kotalik, Ales » Forward 33 $3,000,000

Gaustad, Paul » Forward 29 $2,300,000

Morrisonn, Shaone » Def 29 $2,075,000

MacIntyre, Drew » Goalie 28 $525,000

Leggio, David » Goalie 27 $525,000 2012

Ryan, Michael » 31 $525,000 2012

Stuart, Colin » F BUF 29 $525,000 2012

Whitmore, Derek » Forward 27 $525,000

Restricted Free Agents:

Kaleta, Patrick » Forward 25 $907,500

Ennis, Tyler » Forward 22 $875,000

Brennan, T.J. » Def 22 $875,000 2012

Schiestel, Drew » Def 22 $750,000

Gragnani, Marc-Andre » Def 24 $550,000

Biega, Alex » Def 23 $527,500

Turnbull, Travis » Forward 25 $525,000 2012 (RFA)

Persson, Dennis » Def 23 $525,000

Szczechura, Paul » Forward 26 $525,000

There are people on this list that a) need to be re-signed b) impartial if they’re re-signed c) absolutely no chance, they better not be coming back. The UFA’s that need to be brought back are basically all of the AHL guys aside from Kotalik and Morrisson. Everyone else PEACE THE F OUT. Gaustad, Boyes overpaid for doing nothing. 21 points in 77 combined games? Wat?! And I don’t wanna here that it’s not the GooseShits roll to score…guess what? The way our team is laid out, it is! Our RFA’s I’d bring em all back as they’d all only require a slight raise and from the last their production warrants the type of money they get. MiniMite Tyler Ennis only has 5 points but something tells me he’ll step his game up. Last year alone warrants $1million as I firmly believe he’s ust going through the sophomore slump.

Now I wont list all the leagues RFA’s because god knows we’re not making any one an offer because we love our precious draft picks but I will list the top UFA’s and who I think we should make a push for. The list is not exactly sexy and I think we’d be better off making trades before free agency but the entire list with salaries can be found at http://capgeek.com/free_agents.php?year_id=2012&team_id=-1&position_id=-1&fa_type_id=2

The TOP 20 Highest PAID Free Agents for 2012:

Semin, Alexander » F WAS 27 $6,700,000 2012 (UFA)

Smyth, Ryan » F EDM 35 $6,250,000 2012 (UFA)

Lidstrom, Nicklas » D DET 41 $6,200,000 2012 (UFA)

Parise, Zach » F NJD 27 $6,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Huet, Cristobal » G CHI 36 $5,625,000 2012 (UFA)

Brodeur, Martin » G NJD 39 $5,200,000 2012 (UFA)

Rolston, Brian » F NYI 38 $5,062,500 2012 (UFA)

Rozsival, Michal » D PHO 33 $5,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Huselius, Kristian » F CLB 33 $4,750,000 2012 (UFA)

Doan, Shane » F PHO 35 $4,550,000 2012 (UFA)

Langkow, Daymond » F PHO 35 $4,500,000 2012 (UFA)

Penner, Dustin » F LAK 29 $4,250,000 2012 (UFA)

Liles, John-Michael » D TOR 31 $4,200,000 2012 (UFA)

Hemsky, Ales » F EDM 28 $4,100,000 2012 (UFA)

Boyes, Brad » F BUF 29 $4,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Blake, Jason » F ANA 38 $4,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Selanne, Teemu » F ANA 41 $4,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Wideman, Dennis » D WAS 28 $3,937,500 2012 (UFA)

Avery, Sean » F NYR 31 $3,875,000 2012 (UFA)

Now, most of the people on this list have flaws. They are either too old or too paid. Alex Semin will get his money somewhere but hes not worth the $7.5 mill he’ll demand, especially because he disappears in the postseason. Parise may be the sexiest pick on here but does Buffalo really need another tiny, overpaid ($7m a year) winger whose average for his career is 57 points per season. Plus the Devils have been so bad we it is unknown if he’d be able to make it through a whole postseason tourney. The only person on this “top 20” list that should truly garner interest from the Sabres is John Michael Liles. He is a 31-year old, top 4 defenseman. He is on pace for a career high 51 points (supposed to be Ehrhoff) who has never had less than 30 points in any given season. He already has 10 points on the Power Play this year and his current salary of $4.55 million is worth it. Next year when he commands $5 mill, I say go for it. A real puck moving d-man like Liles will only raise the game of guys like Ehrhoff, Sekera, etc because their won’t be the pressure to be the man.

Anyone on the Sabres from Roy all the way down to Miller should be on limits for trades. It hasn’t worked yet so why not try something different? Bring in a real #1 center like Eric Staal, who is waiting for a change of scenery. There has been rumors that the he was on the block and was possibly getting moved to the Leafs. The situation would be ideal. Dish Roy and and anyone else equaling $8.25 million (Staal’s cap hit) and bring this guy in. A change of scenery might be just what he needs to turn his weak 25 point season around. The guy has been the captain of the Hurricanes since I can remember and has a Cup under his belt. He is 27 year old Canadian with hockey in his blood. At 6’4, 205 he would bring the size and grit Buffalo was looking for all while bringing in a #1 scoring center. Throughout the course of his career Staal has put up season point totals of 100, 70, 82, 75, 70, and 76. That is a 6 year average of 79 points per year. That is a guy who warrants $8million. Blue and Gold gave old Roysie 6 years and 4 million per for 61 points per year. Oh and Staal has never played less than 70 games in a year. He had perfect attendance his first 4 years, played 70 the next and missed 1 game this past year. The dude is the real deal. In the only 2 years he has been in the postseason he has 28 points in 25 games (cup year) and 15 points in 18 games. Built for the long haul.

Staal is your guy Buffalo, go get him.

Buffalo Bills 2012 mock draft compilation

2012-01-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

As we all know the Buffalo Bills draft 10th overall in the 2012 NFL draft and it is only 98 days away. Some evidently are assuming we're staying 3-4 because Upshaw is a prototypical 3-4 guy (and of course walterfootball takes a swipe). But here is a mock draft compilation from the major draft sites showing who they think the Bills will draft:

Mel Kiper
Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE, Alabama 6'2 265

"Buffalo did well when it drafted Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus with its first pick last year, but the pass rush still needs a lot of help. Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft, and he should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012. No Buffalo player had more than 5.5 sacks in 2011, and the Bills simply can't get enough pressure without bringing extra players. Upshaw is a part of the solution. This is a big-time talent, a player who already was making an impact at Alabama as a freshman. He'll follow a similar path as a pro."

Walterfootball:

Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE, Alabama
This is a reach, but we've seen the Bills do crazy things on Draft Day before. One thing this front office has been infamous of is telegraphing its picks. Chan Gailey repeatedly mentioned acquiring a running back prior to the 2010 NFL Draft, and sure enough, he picked C.J. Spiller despite having Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson on the roster.

Gailey has recently harped about not being able to get to the quarterback, and it's easy to understand why. No one on the team finished with more than 5.5 sacks on the year.

Courtney Upshaw is currently the top pass-rusher available in the wake of his MVP performance in the so-called national championship. He'll be the preferred prospect if the Bills want to run a 3-4.

Todd McShay
Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 6'6 300

Though the Bills' offensive line has often been denounced, it really isn't that terrible. Chris Hairston didn't play badly at left tackle, and Buffalo has several decent offensive linemen.
However, Riley Reiff is a solid value here and Buffalo's offensive line isn't exactly great. There aren't any great options for the Bills, so they go with the "safe" pick. (via bleacherreport)

Bucky Brooks (nfl.com ):
Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford 6'6 304

Andrew Perloff (si.com):
Quinton Coples DE, UNC, 6'6 285

Coples disappointed some scouts this season, but the Bills need more pressure up front and he has a lot of natural talent. The big question with Coples is attitude. He'll have to prove he wants it in pre-draft interviews.

Buffalo Sabres: Abysmal, Horrendous & Laughable

2012-01-18T14:40:00.001-08:00

by CT

Abysmal. Horrendous. Laughable. These are just some of the words that describe the
Buffalo Sabres this season. Coming off a relatively “big” win over the Toronto Maple Leafs last Friday the 13th, the ‘bres were looking for their first back-to-back wins since a 5-1 trouncing of the ole’ Ottawa Senators (still one of our most dominating wins of the season). They started their grueling 7-game road trip heading to the Colliseum to play the lowly Islanders.

The result: Michael Grabner again owned us and our only big game (ha) player choked on a penalty shot with 1:24 left, leading to a 4-2 loss. Making it 6 losses already this year to teams in 13th-15th place in the (Eastern Conference) standings. Not exactly the track record of a pre-season pick to win a division. The following game? An embarrassment and a game that pretty much sums up the Sabres season thus far. A 5-0 drubbing by Hockeytown’s Red Wings.

You would think the old Blue and Yellow (cue music) would have responded. A team
whose strength was once games on the road and that was once 8-3 away from HSBC er F'N Center, now find themselves 8-11 in games on the road. What we got was not a response. What we got was what we’ve had all season, a team that lacks any big time players, real leadership, any grit, any true size (I don’t know what their obsession is with mini mites), and any clutch goals in crucial situations. Don’t try to argue and say that Pominville is 14th and making his first AllStar Game appearance. He will cool off and knowing we are a big hockey market, GBetts had to put someone in the game.

Watching the Sabres play the Red Wings on Monday was like watching a real NHL powerhouse scrimmage a Junior Varsity hockey team. It’s no wonder Detroit has 4 cups and 6 cup appearances since ’95. It’s sad really. Detroit celebrates cups on the
reg, seemingly being a contender every year. Here we in Buffalo are, wet-dreaming of the “good ole days” when we got 4th place . Those are the “glory” days.

Making it to the ECF and losing 2 years in a row is considered a success. If this
was a stepping stone for finally coming out of the tourney and making it to the show, that’d be one thing. But it’s not, the Sabres have regressed to the point where it is baffling. We finally got an owner who seemed to care, making renovations, supporting our town, and spending to the cap. However, by constantly defending Lindy and Darc, blaming our failures on injuries and accepting 11th place his motto should be “From here on out we have one goal and that is to be complacent with mediocrity.”

Spend to the cap- hurr-freakin-ray. Problem is, what did he spend it on? Ville Leino and Christian Ehrhoff and RobYn Regehr…oh boy, this could be a whole separate topic. Robyn Regehr hasn’t been incredible but hes been solid. He is definitely filling the role of 4th defensemen. The guy is tough and seems to make pretty good decisions with the puck. Leino and Ehrhoff on the other hand? Yikes.

Now, I will be the first to admit these guys sounded sexy to me when we signed them. Leino was the Sabre killer who shined in the playoffs and Ehrhoff was the #2 defensemen on a President’s Trophy winner. Boy, do I wish we didn’t have 2 Jochen Hecht’s and a Hank Tallinder back. Both Leino and Ehrhoff have been injured/suspended and it’s almost as though they’re trying to do as little as possible.

When you see Leino it’s like they cloned Hecht’s game, put a beard on the guy and overpaid him by about $3 million. Seriously, what does this guy do? 10 points? Although I can’t blame him because he’s had one slightly below-average, 53 point year (and this was playing with Briere and Hartnell). There hasn't been one strong point of his game so far other than he can turn back and forth with the puck in the corner for way too long. Good grief! Another wnywatercooler blogger may be correct when he says this is the worst contract in Buffalo sports history. And if you want a fun game, try and predict how many times Leino is going to fall to the ice each night. On his roughly 16 minutes of ice time each night, it’s pretty much a lock hes going to hit the floor at least 5 times. You think its funny now but watch.

Furthermore, Ehrhoff…frag-i-le. Holy cow. This guy was supposed to be a smooth, puck moving, 15-goal, 50 point defensemen. We gave him 10, yes 10 years, which at 4 million per, seemed like a steal. My how it has been the opposite. Tied for a team 2nd worse -11, Ehrhoff has been the pits. Fans find themselves cringing every time he has the puck in his own zone and on the power play? Does he have a clause where he gets a bonus for other teams potting SHG’s? Buffalo is 4th worst in the league with 5 shorties allowed and its almost a lock Ehrhoff is responsible for 3 of those. Way to go Terrance.

It’s always important to stay optimistic especially because of what the Blue and Gold
did last year after Christmas. Yes they were only 1 of 3 teams to make the playoffs after being out on Jesus' birthday. It was 8 points at that. Their stats on Christmas were almost identical. They had the exact same record at the halfway point this year, 18-18-5, as they did last year. Last year was the exception, not the rule. If that type of record happens in 2 straight years it’s not coincidence it’s habit. But face it Buffalo sucks. The GM sucks the coach sucks, everyone is overpaid.

When Kevin Sylvester is doing play-by-play, our broadcast team goes from half-suck (Harry Neale is the absolute worst) to completely-suck. Gaustad sucks. Our fans are weak and soft- even the players have said it. Even Tyler Myers sucks again. It’s hard to read this and argue with any of those points. Its hard to look at the standings, see that we have 43 points and are 3 away from LAST PLACE in the conference and say we don’t suck. Oh wait, we’ve had injuries. Guess what, every team has injuries. Yes there must be something in the water in Buffalo because the Bills suffer the same issues every year. Guess what, maybe our players are too weak to cut it and surprise our strength and conditioning staff….yup, sucks. Terry Pegula basically insulted fans intelligence by saying the only reason we’re not good is because of injury. You can’t develop chemistry, blah blah blah. No Terry it’s because the guys you have on the team are limited in what they can do.

They’re not motivated because they’ve heard the same speech over and over again. When Lindy Ruff started here, 56k was a fast internet speed. Bill Clinton was JUST STARTING his second term as president. There have been approximately 170 coaching changes since Lindy took over. Are you shitting me? The guy has been to one Cup and lost and that was only because of Hasek, lost in 3 ECF and that’s it.

Look up how many playoff series the guy has won since 2006-2007. Lindy is loved dearly in the Queen City, myself included. I firmly believe if he goes somewhere else,
he’ll win a cup. It’s just not going to be here. Him and Darcy have got to go. Brian Burke has even gone on record saying Darcy is basically impossible to do business with. I firmly believe that Darcy has just been holding on and been trying to not get fired for roughly 5 years now. He has been riding the Drury/Briere acquisitions to the ground and still takes no blame that they left. He has been forgotten this year because he’s spent to the cap. Well guess what, he still sucks and will never land another GM job again- if he ever gets fired.

It’s time to realize that guys like Paul Gaustad are great in theory- size, leadership, grit but he is a fourth liner period. He’s not meant to be a go-to center on the 2nd line. Guys like Derek Roy and Drew Stafford have worn out their welcome. Yes, Roysie was a point per game player before his injury. But guess what, injuries change a players game, just ask Timmy Connolly. And yes Stafford did light the lamp 30 times last year but I think that will be the peak for his career. It’s like he’s afraid to shoot the puck. Numerous times he has point blank opportunities and he has dished it off only for the puck to end up in our own net. And not to mention these guys lack of defensive zone play. Wait, goaltending hasn't been mentioned? On to Ryan Millsie Swiss Cheese Miller.

This guys is the symbol of what’s wrong with the Sabres. He had one good year, got paid and now he sucks. Nobody wants to trade him for fear that he’ll be good somewhere else. No one wants to part ways for fear of what we won’t get in return. This dude can’t handle criticism even though he's 42nd in Goals Against Average and 40th in Save Percentage. Remember there are only 30 teams in the league and no those are not typos.

I am not sure if Enroth is your franchise goalie yet but it’s pretty clear like most professionals he would take most of the blame and not throw his teammates under the bus. Miller did have one good (not great) year when he won the Vezina and he got a Silver Medal. But guess what? His team lost in the 1st round of the playoffs because he got outplayed by a backup and he let in a poor angle “golden” goals to lose the Olympics and let down his country. Hockey is a team game and there is 20 guys out there each and every night. Ask anyone though, it starts from the net out. Goalies are supposed to have amnesia, in that they are supposed to forget about goals that they just got burned on. Miller is a head case. He can’t handle pressure, can’t handle the media and basically can’t handle any adversity in big games whatsoever. You’re not going to win many games when your “superstar” goalie is worse than last in the league statistically.

I say blow it all up. This team doesn’t have solid goaltending to bail out a horrible
offense, and cant get timely goals to bail out struggling, head case goalies. Finish this year out but after that its time to clean house and start over. Get rid of the GM who is lost. Get rid of the coach who changes line combinations more times than Drew Stafford hits the chip strip. Get rid of a head case goalie whose overvalued while you can still get something for him. Get rid of mini mite forwards who can’t handle the playoffs and promote Kassian, Enroth, McNabb, Tropp to full time duties. Last year I wrote an article like this and we took off. Ideally, that will happen again but realistically the Sabres are lookin' at a bottom 7 finish and a lottery pick. #1 overall pick anyone??!?!

NFL Divisional Round playoff picks

2012-01-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

Boys separated from men during wild card weekend, divisional round shows your dominance.

Steve 51-33 (7-10)

New Orleans @ San Francisco over 47.5
New England -13.5
Baltimore -7.5
NY Giants +7.5 (wish it was still 9)

Wreck 44-39-3 (7-10)

Baltimore -7.5
Green Bay -7.5
New Orleans -3.5
New England -13.5

Buffalo Bills 2012 free agents

2012-01-12T15:12:00.001-08:00

Here is a list of the Buffalo Bills 2012 free agents come Tuesday March 13, 2012

Tashard Choice - Running Back
Stevie Johnson - Wide Receiver
Roscoe Parrish - Wide Receiver
Derek Hagan - Wide Receiver
Ruvell Martin - Wide Receiver
David Martin - Tight End
Scott Chandler - Tight End
Demetrius Bell - Left Tackle
Chad Rinehart - Right Guard
Kraig Urbik - Offensive Line (RFA)
Rian Lindell - Kicker
Andra Davis - Middle Linebacker
Kirk Morrison - Middle Linebacker
Reggie Torbor - Outside Linebacker
Reggie Corner - Cornerback
Bryan Scott - Tweener Linebacker/safety
Garrison Sanborn - Long Snapper (RFA)

Buffalo Sabres Midseason report

2012-01-09T21:58:00.001-08:00

by Steve

Oh jeez Louise. Are the Buffalo Sabres more disappointing than the Buffalo Bills? In August there was no way that statement could be true because there was no appointment for the Bills. They were supposed to be pitiful so they couldn't disappoint. Wait what? I don't know either way after 41 games (the statistical midpoint) the Sabres are far and away the most disappointing and pitiful team in Buffalo.

Fourth in the division, eleventh in the conference seven points out of last and NINE 9! points behind the Ottawa Senators. What prognosticators had that one before the season started? Oh, maybe I did.

This team was grossly overrated to begin with. Their fan boy owner is as blind as Stevie Wonder. How the fuck could any Sabres fan or hockey observer possibly have any faith in Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier? Fourteen seasons together wasn't enough of a track record to realize these two are losers?

Ryan Miller has flashes of greatness but is average at best. Wait, 36th in the league in GAA isn't hall of fame worthy? Alright fine what about save percentage, ouch 37th. Could we get some new paint for the blue lines for this guy at this point?

Well at least we still have Derek Roy, Jochen Hecht, Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek as the solid core to lead this team to the promised land. There was no way we could possibly allow Drew Stafford to be signed by someone else in restricted free agency either. I mean these guys are all studs.

The only one worth a damn out of that group is Vanek and all five are over paid. What does Regier see in this "core" that I don't? Well other than losing.

This team doesn't just need to fire their coach or make a trade or two they need the nuclear option. Has Iran or North Korean perfected a bomb yet? No they'll have to wait a few more years just like Sabres fans.

This is the worst part about having a fan boy owner. I didn't trust/love this guy from the start because he was too in love with the foundations of the franchise and too reluctant to make changes. He couldn't possibly fire his idol Lindy Ruff and he knows if he recast the position of general manager that too would mean the end to his beloved Lindy.

Alright fine, Terry Pegula hasn't even been the owner for a full calendar year but how much of a pattern does he need until he realizes this core, this coaching staff, this management team is a failure and will not bring him his desired cup?

Fourteen more years? Funny how the goal has gone from Stanley Cup to just making the playoffs yet again.

Wild Card Weekend NFL Picks

2012-01-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

Steve Best Bet 48-32 (6-10)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans over 38
Detroit Lions +10.5
NY Giants -3
Denver +9

Wreck Best Bet 41-37-3 (6-10)

Denver +9
Detroit +10.5
Detroit @ New Orleans under 60
Pittsburgh @ Denver over 33.5
Atlanta +3

2011 Buffalo Bills Season in Review

2012-01-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

-Coast

I needed a little time to reflect on the disappointment and embarrassment of the 2011 season before writing my 2011 season year in review. Had I written this blog any earlier this week, I would have been calling for the release of the entire 53 man roster. Then, today after we signed David Clowney, I have renewed hope in what is going on at One Bills Drive.

The Bills were awesome to start the season. They were exciting to watch. The opening day destruction of the Chiefs 41-7 got things rolling. The Bills had three consecutive home wins that rival any stretch of regular season home games in the history of Ralph Wilson Stadium. It began with the win over the Raiders and Fitz' now famous scream after the 4th down touchdown pass to David Nelson. Drayton Florence's interception return of Tom Brady to give the Bills the lead against New England was the most exciting play at the stadium since Sam Adams was barreling down the sideline against those same Patriots. The Eagles game was the one that made me think that this team was legitimately a 10 win contender. Then, it all fell apart.

The Bills started 5-2. Ryan Fitzpatrick had 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and was a pro bowl candidate. Fred Jackson had 721 yards rushing and 353 yards receiving. He was an MVP candidate, on pace for the Bills yardage records. Nobody thought this team would be anything like 2008...who would have imagined that they would actually be worse?

The 7 game losing skid was embarrassing. The Bills had their worst 3 game stretch in team history, getting outscore by 80 points, 106-26. Never in the history of the franchise have they been outscored by such a margin in a 3 game stretch.

What was the problem? People blame injuries. I blame lack of talent and poor coaching, especially on defense. In back to back seasons, the Bills have allowed the 2nd most points in team history. The Bills allowed 27.1 points per game during the 2011 season (434 total) which was good for third worst in the league. The Bills defense was supposed to be better than last year's. We drafted Dareus. We picked up Barnett. Merriman was supposed to be healthy. Young guys from the 2010 draft were supposed to take the next step. After all, how could that defense possibly be worse than they were in 2010? Well, they allowed 425 points last year which was 5th worst in the NFL. So, with better players (allegedly) the Bills defense actually got worse. Yeah, I know, Kyle Williams was hurt. Kyle Williams was healthy on this defense a season ago. How good is Kyle Willams?

The real issue, as mentioned, is the young guys. Torell Troupe and Alex Carrington were supposed to be impact players on this defense. They are closer to being out of the league than they are of being impact players. Arthur Moats has had a moment or two in this league...fact is, he is not a good football player. Batten is a poor mans Josh Stamer. Coleman got cut. On the bright side, the Bills got to see a lot of rookies Kelvin Sheppard, Aaron Williams and Da'Norris Searcy this season. They will need to produce in a big way next year.

Final Rankings:
Rush YPG 28th (139)
Pass YPG 19th (232.1)
Total TPG 26th (371.1)
PPG 30th (27.1)

These numbers were just not good enough to allow George Edwards to keep his job. The Bills needed to find a scapegoat and he was it. Dave Wannstedt will take over in 2012 and the Bills will likely switch back to the 4-3. This will suit Dareus and Williams better and they are the Bills best defensive players. Oh and if you are thinking about how the Bills took the ball away a lot this year which covered up for their other obvious shortcomings, their 31 takeaways were tied for 5th in the league. This is great...except when you give it away 30 times. Thanks Fitz.

This is a great segue into the offense. They were unstoppable early in the season. Then they faced Rex Ryan, lost Eric Wood, lost Fred Jackson, lost Don Jones, lost Roscoe Parrish, lost D Bell, lost Chris Hairston, lost Kraig Urbik, lost Scott Chandler. Holy moley. Stevie Johnson was favoring a groin injury. At one point in the season finale, the Bills receivers were Hagan, Ruvell Martin, Naaman Roosevelt and David Nelson. I love Nelson, but he isn't saving that group of cast offs. Injuries did affect the offense, there is no doubt. I still think the Bills have a decent offense led by a decent quarterback in Fitz.

Fitz did however lead the NFL in interceptions with 23...which isn't really a good way to start my explanation of why he is OK and the least of our problems. The fact is though, I can't blame him for all of these. Yeah, watching him throw the deep ball is painful. He isn't good at it. It makes it harder when you are throwing to maybe one NFL caliber player. He also lost his best lineman and center Eric Wood. The Bills had no replacement for him. Levitre tried against Dallas...but it didn't really work out too well to say the least.

Fred Jackson went down against Dallas and ended up being placed on IR. Fred was having an incredible season. I was never a big Fred guy but he won me over. He is a great player, a great story and a great leader. The problem is, he got hurt, Spiller finally got to show his ability, and now the Bills are in a bind and Jackson looks like he might get screwed over again. Spiller began to show why he was as highly touted as he was coming out of Clemson. Over the last 6 games, when CJ was really featured, he ran for 446 yards and had an additional 187 receiving. He averaged 5.19 YPC. If you project these numbers out over a 16 game season, that equates to just shy of 1,200 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving. The Bills drafted Spiller in the top 10. He was Gailey's first pick. I personally don't think that Chan is smart enough to effectively use Spiller and Jackson in a way that they are both happy. Also, Fred is 31 years old, so how big of a contract should he get? It will be interesting to see, but I would try to move Fred and ride with Cliff next year (although, I am sure many fans who don't understand football will be pissed off).

So what about our boy Stevie Johnson? It seems many people in the media hate him and want him out of Buffalo. Jerry Sullivan made it clear he hates Johnson and wants him out of town. I don't get it. He didn't do anything that was really that bad. Yeah, the fake shooting his leg against the Jets was embarrassing for himself, but he paid for it. His display at New England Sunday though was not a big deal at all. In fact, I think it's slightly pathetic that Chan sat him. He wrote Happy New Year on his shirt. This is the NFL, not the ACC. All he did was piss off the entire team.

You work hard all week to try and win a football game. Stevie Johnson is out there working hard all week preparing. He is working hard during the game. He scores a TD and lifts his shirt and it says Happy New Year. He gets a flag, gets benched for 3 quarters, the Bills don't score another point (actually 7), and then the media wants him out of town. Stevie Johnson is a legit above average starting NFL receiver. People complain about the Bills not keeping their good players. Well, he is a good player and if the Bills don't keep him, I think it would be a terrible decision on their part. Pay him the 7.5 million and move on.

Also, if it comes between Stevie and Fred, I think it is Stevie without a doubt. If we lose Stevie, WR all of a sudden gets added to the list of positions that we can defend using our first round pick on. Oh and by the way, he become the first WR in team history to have 1,000 yards receiving in back to back seasons (also 17 touchdowns). Andre Reed had more than 17 touchdowns in back to back seasons combined only once is his career (he had 9, 8 and 10 touchdowns in 1989, 1990 and 1991 respectively).

Offensive Rankings:
Yards 14th (5,624)
Pass Yards 15th (231.4 YPG)
Rush Yards 13th (120.1 YPG)
PPG 14th (23.3)

Now I am going to give out some hardware to put a notch on another Bills playoff-less season.

Top 3 Moments of 2011:

1. Drayton Florence interception return against New England
2. David Nelson game winning touchdown catch against Oakland
3. Nick Barnett interception return against the Eagles

Honorable Mention: Eagles D lineman jumping offside on the obviously-we-aren't-snapping-the-ball-and-just-trying-to-draw-you-offside play at the end of the game against the Eagles

Worst 3 Moments of 2011:

1. Stevie Johnson drop vs. Jets with Bills trying to salvage season
2. Stevie Johnson getting benched vs. Patriots week 17
3. Greg Rayner screwing up a squib kick after Stevie Johnson's penalty for shooting himself in the leg against the Jets

Is it bad that Stevie Johnson makes an appearance in all 3 of these after I just defended him for an entire paragraph? Oh well.

Top 3 performances of 2011:

1. Fred Jackson 196 all purpose yards against the Eagles
2. George Wilson 11 tackles and 1 interception against the Eagles
3. Fred Jackson 194 all purpose yards against the Redskins

Worst Performance of 2011

1. Andy Levitre at center vs. the Cowboys

It is hard to single out some others because the Bills had some incredibly terrible games as a team, but a few come to mind.

2. Leodis McKelvin against any team he starter at corner against. Was it the first Jets game when he just got abused?

3. Fitz at San Diego...13-34 for 176 yards and 2 interceptions...a stellar 31 qb rating.

Team MVP: Can Fred Jackson win this even though he only played 9 games? I am giving him the hardware. He was the Bills best player when he was out there and was a major reason why they got off to the start that they did.

Team ROY: Goes without saying...saw some flashes from Dareus. It is exciting to see how good he can be after he gets an entire offseason in an NFL training program.

Team LVP: Leodis McKelvin, Chris Kelsay because he is so average yet has been here for so long, Spencer Johnson playing LB, Troupe for failing to stay healthy still, Carrington for sucking, god there are just so many bad players.

Team most improved: Cliff Spiller has obviously been developing and was able to show it the last 6 weeks.

Team COY (coach of the year): Dare I say Curtis Modkins? Hear me out...he is the "offensive coordinator/running backs coach." I don't really think he does much of anything as far as being an offensive coordinator goes. Gailey does that. I can't complain at all with the performance of our running backs...they were fantastic all year, so with that, Curtis Modkins, congratulations.

2011 was a disappointment. 2012 can't be worse. Isn't that what we said last year? Ugh, this franchise is the worst.

Buffalo Sabres season starts with a win

2012-01-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

by Steve

If MSG doesn't exist on Time Warner Cable does anyone notice? The Buffalo Bills season is officially over so that means the Sabres season officially starts. If they played any games before this you could have fooled me because I didn't notice.

They beat the upstart Edmonton Oilers 4-3 at least I think because I was watching it on a choppy probably illegal internet feed. I even had to watch the Edmonton broadcast for the second period for some reason. (They were bent about their goal that got waived off because of "goalie interference" which their one guy called the worst call he's seen.)

Taking a gander at the nhl.com standings the Sabres have played 38 games?? Maybe their season is actually over too. God damn. If this team is 4 games under .500 how does Lindy Ruff still have a job? How has no one been traded? Darcy Regier is still the general manager? Did Terry Pegula die?

How is every year the worst in Buffalo sports history?

Quick notes from the game:

Lil Nathan Gerbe had a nice (turns out to be game winning) goal on a partial breakaway
Millsie Miller was meh and gave up his typical three goals.
Paul Gaustad sucks.
Some how Drew Stafford even scored even if it was a cheapy in front of the net with a crowd around the puck. Although he had a nice feed to suddenly hot Jordan Leopold for a goal on the power play.
Taylor Hall is a beast

Peace out George Edwards

2012-01-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Whoa crazy-ish Monday in Buffalo Bills land. The Bills do what they always do, take the predictable and cheap way out. They canned loser POS George Edwards and just promoted bum Dave Stachstedt as the new defensive coordinator. Real game changer that move is.

Wo0t! We go back to the 4-3 and wasted the last two years signing and drafting players for a defense we never could have pulled off. But Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus get to be on the field together! Jeez brutal.

Also what was with Buddy Nix deferring addressing the media for another week? Maybe he is stepping down and Bill Polian is coming back. Oh yeah and maybe I'll bag a dime tonight. Not happening people.

Resign Stevie Johnson, over pay the best defensive free agents in any pathetic attempt necessary to sign them and hope the Dolphins do dumb things like sign Matt Flynn and Mike Mularkey. We've already won with the Jets implosion and retaining of their loser o-coordinator lil Schottenheimer (that is if dumb ass Jacksonville doesn't sign him first)

Other loose ends:

97 rock bowed out of the latest radio rights contract meaning they won't be on 96.9 or 103.3. WGR550 gonna get in the mix? A new station in the mix? Should be interesting.
The Bills draft 10th and finished 4th in the division meaning they play Cleveland and Kansas City. Also the Dolphins still get to draft ahead of us because of opponents record and not division standings or head to head.
2012 schedule: Home opponents
Kansas City, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Seattle, St. Louis, Miami, New England, NY Jets
Away opponents
Cleveland, Houston, Indianapolis, Arizona, San Francisco, Miami, New England, NY Jets

Week 17 NFL Picks

2011-12-31T11:04:00.001-08:00

Final regular season picks of the year with Steve leading

Steve 44-31 (Best Bet 5-10)

New England Patriots -10
Tennessee Titans -1.5
NY Giants -3
Carolina @ New Orleans over 55
NY Jets +3

Wreck 41-32-3 (Best Bet 6-9)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +11

Denver Broncos -3

Oakland Raiders -3

Carolina Panthers +7.5

Tennessee Titans -1.5

2011 end of year Buffalo awards

2011-12-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

by Steve

It is the end of the calendar year as oppose to our fiscal 2011 but here are some awards I want to give out to those that made Buffalo 2011 shitty and good for maybe a few weeks:

Most Wishy Washy, More Hyperbolic, Worst blogger and Least Relevant of the year:
Michael "Coast" Costanza

Worst Quarterback:
Ryan Fitzy Fitz Noodle-arm Fitzpatrick

Worst Goalie:
Ryan Miller

Worst Franchise:
Buffalo Bills (narrow margin)

Worst Coach:
Lindy Ruff (after numerous recounts and validity checks)

Best Collapse:
Buffalo Bills

Most Disappointing
Buffalo Sabres

Team no one cares about
That women's soccer team that actually played in Rochester

Worst Radio Station
WGR550

Best Blogger
Steve "Steve" Janis

Most Commented post
Why have the Bills not resigned SJ13

Best podcast:
BS Report

Most die hard fan
Rash

Worst Transaction of the Year:
Ville Leino $6 years $27 Million

Worst GM:
Darcy Regier

Worst Owner and most hated man in Buffalo:
Ralph C. Wilson Jr

Load up the choppers like its December 31st

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots preview

2011-12-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

by Steve

I don't know why I am even bothering writing a preview because it is New Years and I may not even wake up early enough to watch this thing. There is no way the Bills sweep the Patriots this year and the game is meaningless. How the hell is this line only 10? It opened around 12.5 and the money is going on the Buffalo Bills? They haven't won at N.E. since William was getting his S d'd in the dub house.

I wouldn't take the Bills +10 if Steny Hoyer was the quarterback let alone Brian Hoyer or even Tim Brady not to mention Tom Brady. Although it does appear that Tommy boy will start even if he has a separated non throwing shoulder.

The Bills never score more than ten points against the hoody and co in the Bills Patriots rematch (3, 10, 0, 10, 6, 7, 6, 0, 17). Those are the Bills point totals since 2002, it has been nine games since the Bills got over 10 points in the second game of the season against the Cheatriots!

The only reason what so ever that someone with any brains in their head would take the Bills +10 is because they think NE will rest their starters later in the game? Belichick would never do that, he hates us and loves to pound us into submission.

Give SJ13 his $7ish mil per and injure Brady in the fourth quarter. See ya next year.

Buffalo Bills zero pro bowlers

2011-12-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

by Steve

If anyone cares or even noticed the NFL announced their pro bowlers and obviously the Buffalo Bills had zero players on the roster. I wonder if that is part of the reason why this team is a perpetual joke and mediocrity at best.

Only further analysis I'll give is that the Jets and Dolphins for both being as average as the the Bills are grossly over represented at this game. Stevie Johnson has about 200 less yards than Brandon Marshall 5 less catches and the same number of Tds. I guess his wife has to stab him to get some love.

Week 16 NFL picks

2011-12-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

records to follow

Steve 40-30 (best bet 4-10)
Oakland +3
Buffalo +3
Cincinnati -4
Baltimore -11
Giants +2.5

Wreck 39-29-3 (Best Bet 6-8)
KC -3
over 3 Seahawks
Miami +7
Tampa +8
Cleveland +11

Festivus 2011: Airing of grievances

2011-12-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Being a Buffalo Bills fan, a Buffalo Sabres fan and a Seinfeld die hard on 12/23 begs for an airing of grievances so I will most definitely oblige. Here are my 10 airing of grievances as a Buffalo sports honk in honor of Festivus:

1. Ralph C Wilson Jr.

Everyone says it is tough because he is 93 but I don't give a shit. The guy has ruined us as football fans for the past 51 years (me 26). Yes he had a good team in the mid 60's, 1981 and found a golden nugget from 88-99 with Polian and co. but the guy is an albatross. Sell the team you suck and we hate you. You have not made a good decision in 13 years. HALF MY LIFE!!

2. Darcy Regier

I'd say he is the worst GM in Buffalo Sabres history but I've only known two and the other one John Muckler traded my favorite player of all time Alexander Mogilny. But I still hate the dude. 14 years? What do you need 14 more? For every Danny Briere and Chris Drury there is a Briere and Drury that walked away for nothing AND 10-12 players (Leino, Boyes, Bernier, Torres, Connolly, Zubrus, etc etc) traded for or signed that were god awful. Not to mention retaining #3 on this list for a hot 14 years as well. Yes you can draft well (lately) although most of them are undersized shrimps and that isn't good enough.

3. Lindy Ruff

This guy complains more than Derek Roy and Steve Janis combined. Whether it is the refs or someone on his precious team getting hit he is always whining. Not to mention he is a loser that makes the playoffs less than half the time and I can't even remember his last playoff series victory.

4. WGR 550

Do we really only have one sports talk radio station in this town? Zero competition has really hurt this pitiful radio station. I mean I could list each personality on the station separately because I have grievances with all of them. Schopp and the Bulldog take the cake though. Can these two be more firmly in the pocket of the Buffalo Sabres? I mean yeah the station as a whole is but jeez these guys are the worst. Does Terry Pegula own the station? And why can't Mike Schopp and Chris Parker ever disagree on anything? Instead of hating on 90% of the callers try having differing opinions once a year.

5. Buddy Nix

You lost me with your first draft as Bills GM. Wow where are all the commenters now? I am a genius. Also why the hell is Stevie Johnson not signed yet? He may get partial passes on some of his decisions (Lee Evans trade) because of #1 on this list but Nix is a bum. Although the Ryan Fitzy Fitz-Noodle-Arm Fitzpatrick contract seems to be well constructed from a Bills stand point. Furthermore, another lingering issue is a perceived if not real belief that the Bills are a racist organization that is quick to hand whities money while leaving the black players to whither on the vine. I have heard this from sources within the Bills locker room so I'm not making it up. I'm not sure if I believe if but if players are saying it then it is clearly an issue. Maybe that is #1 also, who knows.

6. Ryan Miller

We are going to have a run on Ryans here. This bum of a goalie I have been harping on since the day he signed that contract. I had to slam a crow sando for one, COUNT 'EM ONE, good season this guy has had. Every other I have been right just look up his stats. Since when is giving up a soft goal in OT of the gold medal game of the Olympics a hero making moment? Is that what America has become, second place? It isn't even just the money. The guy is a bitch. He can't take any criticism, he is extremely surely, seems bitter and has a fragile psyche. The hot wife isn't helping matters either. Cut your salary in half and we'll talk.

7. Ryan Fitzy Fitz-Noodle-arm Fitzpatrick.

I like to think he is hurt but his lack of extra protective gear and practicing every day says other wise. The guy lacks confidence, has a weak arm that forces him to over compensate and can't throw the deep ball. I like his ability to read the defense and get rid of the ball in an instant but the guy just doesn't have it. I think the Bills could make the playoffs with this guy (and Jerry Sullivan today on WGR said he would take Fitz over Tebow if he had to win a playoff game) but he isn't winning a championship.

8. New York Mets

Is this team more irrelevant than the New York Islanders? It is sad when you would rather have the Toronto Blue Jays or even Pittsbrugh Pirates be your AAA parent club. Did they even send anyone to the winter meetings??? If Wilpon can't afford the team then sell the god damn team, you are an embarrassment at best and a criminal at worst.

9. Timothy Richard Tebow

Mostly because he is coming to town for Christmas but I do not like this guy. He is genuine and seems like a good guy but I don't give a shit. He skips rocks out there, runs a high school offense and gets more run than a Chinese restaurant toilet. He is a fad like the wild cat. Work hard buddy and build me a hospital you just aren't a good professional quarterback. Grab the h-back and tight end playbooks.

10. My Self

Why am I a Buffalo sports fan? Why do I live in a climate that is miserable 4-6 months out of the year? Maybe my parents should be number 10 (for baring me here). Or you the listeners and readers of this blog for not making us more popular rich and famous. Or it should be Coast for not contributing enough. But I'll take the tenth spot just so I can self-aggrandize.

I GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE

Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills podcast

2011-12-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Steve Wreck and Coast break down the abysmal Buffalo Bills season and look to the future. ouch

Podcast Powered By Podbean

right click save as to download

Buffalo Bills front office shake up?

2011-12-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

by Steve

After yet another abysmal season of failure the more things change in the world the more they stay the same at OBD. With the Bills on a seven game losing skid mark and a nine game season ending torpedo staring them in the face, an outsider would assume something would change. Heads would roll and people would be getting the ax after Jan 1. We as Bills fans however know otherwise. We have zero faith in anything with this frahnchise.

However, Jason La Canfora is saying different:

"There are some rumblings that a front office shakeup of some sort in Buffalo is not out of the question."

Whoa, hold the phone! I assumed at best at best they would maybe possibly consider firing POS George Edwards but Chanwhick Gailey and ol' Bud Nix would surely return. Then this interesting nugget from a dude that seems to always be in the know? I'll take it.

Maybe Nix retires and Doug Whaley retires or (gasp) someone NEW (ya know younger than 75) and a fresh pair of eyes is hired? Even if it was just Doug Whaley assuming more control and less of the pie in the sky idea of an outside hire I would take it.

This team is the pits. They are easily top 5 worst franchises of the last 15 years in all of sports. The one and only reason is Ralph Wilson but he can't be to blame for everything especially the putrid drafting the last 5-10 years. Buddy Nix lost me nearly from day one with that pathetically awful and short sighted CJ Spiller signing. So tossing his ol southern ass out the door wouldn't chap my ass.

Quite clearly something, anything needs to change. With Ralphie at the helm nothing can be assumed but at least there are "rumblings" regardless of the source. So hold your breath assume the worst and maybe something will happen.

Week 15 NFL Picks

2011-12-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

Great week last week for both of us going 8-2 combined, Steve's best bets are still the worst and Wreck loves the home dawgs this week and Steve is Mr. over/under

Steve 38-27 (Best Bet 4-9)

NY Giants -6.5 v Washington Redskins
New Orleans @ Minnesota Vikings over 53
Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans over 46
Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders over 48
Pittsburgh Steelers pick @ San Francisco 49ers

Wreck 37-27-2 (Best Bet 6-7)

Buffalo Bills -1 v Miami Dolphins
Denver Broncos +7.5 v New England Patriots
Indianapolis Colts +7 v Tennessee Titans
Kansas City Chiefs +14 v Green Bay Packers
St Louis Rams +7 v Cincinnati Bengals

Squish the fish?

2011-12-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Oh shit the Bills season isn't over yet? And they're playing the Miami Dolphins at home in December? Didn't these games used to matter? Weren't the Dolphins at once our bitter rival?

I guess that was wayyy back in the 90's when either team mattered. Man these two teams are pathetic. The Bills earlier in the week were actually getting points at home against a team that just fired their head coach and had the possibility of being led by John Paul Losman. Uggh

I remember going to these games in the 90's and people would be loading huge fish up on a poll, dousing them with gasoline and setting them on fire. What has Ralph Wilson done to us? What has Marc Anthony and J.Lo. done to the phins? Where is our government take over/bail out as fans?

It is a distinct possibility that Miami is in worse shape than the Bills going forward. That is sad and pathetic. Tough to distinguish between shit and pooh though. Jake Long over Matty Ice? How's that working out. Ted Ginn? Yikes. If it wasn't for the fact that the Bills will never be good again I'd say it will be a ten year battle for either team to make the playoffs in the future.

At least the Dolphins have the faint dream of hiring Bill Cowher even though it won't happen (see Jim Harbaugh). Where's the gasoline? Screw the draft, I wanna win this game. I don't think the Bills will though.

Miami 23 Bills 18 I leave after the third.

Buffalo Bills 10 Chargers 37 Whats left to say

2011-12-12T20:59:00.001-08:00

by Steve

Is there anything left to say that hasn't been said yet? Should i list the 7-10 (at most) players worthy of playing for this team next year? Is Ralph Wilson dead yet? There is no new way to look at this fuckin train wreck.

It is so bad with the Buffalo Bills that they aren't even favored at home in December against the 4-8 Miami Dolphins who just fired their head coach today and their starting quarterback just suffered a concussion. JP Losman anyone?

But hey if the Chargers didn't fake that punt the Bills could have been driving to take the lead in the third quarter! Wait was Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle-arm Fitzpatrick really 13 of 34 with two picks and a touchdown the wrong way? Good thing we can cut him after the season and end up only paying him $10 mil of that contract.

Eh, I don't even blame Fitzpatrick. Granted he isn't good and unless most of the roster is greatly upgraded we aren't getting to/winning a playoff game. But the whole franchise is a joke not just a quarterback with mediocre skills.

The only question that will be answered the remaining weeks of the season are if Tebow fans will out number Bills fans 12/24. Oh and how much it costs for me to make an anti Ralph Wilson shirt for Sunday.

Week 14 NFL picks

2011-12-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Steve 34-26 (Best Bet 4-8)

Houston +3 @ Cincinnati
NY Jets -10.5 v Kansas City
Minnesota +10 @ Detroit
New England -9 @ Washington
Atlanta @ Carolina over 48

33-26-2 (Best Bet 5-7)

Kansas City @ NY Jets over 36.5
San Francisco @ Arizona over 39
Buffalo +7 @ San Diego
New Orleans -4 @ Tennessee
Philadelphia +3 @ Miami

MLB Winter Meetings

2011-12-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

by Steve

What is going on down at the baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas? Up is down mustard is red and the Anahiem Angels of Los Angeles California United States are the biggest spenders followed by the "Miami" Marlins?

Did the New York Yankees not buy Brian Cashman a plane ticket down to Texas? Oh wait they retained AndrUw Jones. Would Albert Puj Pujols do anything and I mean ANYTHING for more money? Really $250 mil as oppose to $209ish to stay with St Louis and be an all time legend in a great baseball town? He is a clown. The Angels also reeled in an over hyped CJ Wilson for five years and $77.5 million. Yeesh.

Back to the Marlins though. What the hell are they doing? Jose Reyes is an exciting player and all but he is injury prone, not worth $17 mil per and already plays a position that is filled with an entrenched player, Hanley Ramirez. Moreover, Han-Ram is a prima donna who is already asking for a restructured deal or worse yet a trade because he refuses to move to third base. The Mark Buehrle contract isn't bad but is still a bit surprising. Yes the Marlins have new digs and a new stadium but will anyone even attend or care? Those in South Beach haven't proven it yet.

On to other teams that this blog may care about: New York Mets less active than the Yankees, Cleveland Indians are they still a major league team (oh yeah they resigned oft injured Grady Sizemore) Boston Red Sox surprisingly have kept the wallet shut except for agreeing to arbitration with "Big Papi" and the Tampa Rays of course haven't done anything but rumors of a few trades circling the drain.

In all of this has everyone forgotten about fat boy Prince Fielder? Dude is younger than Puj and has similar if not better numbers. I could see him staying with Milwaukee.

For my money the best players left are Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Pena, Casey Kotchman and Josh Willingham. Sorry Carlos Beltran, you suck.

Remember this name, Yu Darvish.

Hey Puj I got $5 with your name on it if you take out my garbage.

Also WNYWatercooler getting national pub

2011-12-05T19:36:00.001-08:00

Got a tweet read on the Jim Rome show today

http://www.termdictionary.com/downloads/audio/wnywatercoolermaybin.mp3

boom also suck it Aaron Maybin you still suck

NHL dramatically realigning

2011-12-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

From ESPN:

There will be two conferences with eight teams and two with seven teams instead of the current format of six five-team divisions. Teams will play five or six intraconference games and home-and-home series with nonconference teams.

The Sabres are in "conference c" with their new rivals the Lightning and Panthers?

Conference "C"
Boston
Buffalo
Florida
Montreal
Ottawa
Tampa Bay
Toronto

Why, whyyyyy. Titans 23 Bills 17 F

2011-12-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

by Steve

My thoughts are best expressed by one Nancy Kerrigan:

What did we as Buffalo Bills fans do to deserve this?? This season this team this franchise NIGHTMARE. Will it ever end or is it on a perpetual loop that we will have to continuously live until Ralph Wilson bites it we are held hostage by the NFL to pay through the nose to keep the team in Buffalo for 7ish home games.

It isn't even worth breaking down the game. I don't even remember half of it. It seems like nothing ever happens in these games. Scott Chandler had a costly fumble, there was a holding call on a long CJ Spiller run. Some other things happened I think and the Bills lost as per usual.

I would honestly feel bad for the players that have been here awhile ala Kelsay and Moorman but they are handsomely paid so fuck 'em.

5 STRAIGHT L'S? WAS THIS TEAM REALLY 5-2 THIS SEASON? How? Why? When. Uhhhg

Week 13 NFK picks

2011-12-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

you want nfl week 13 locks? loxz on loxz on loxz? locks ?

Steve 31-24 Best 4-7

Washington +3 (home v NY Jets)
Buffalo -2 (Home v Tennessee)
New York Giants +7 (Home v Green Bay)
Carolina v Tampa over 47
San Francisco -13.5 (Home V St Louis

Wreck 29-35-2 Best Bet 4-8

Tennessee +2 (Away v Buffalo)
Washington +3 (home v NY Jets)
New York Giants +7 (Home v Green Bay)
Inianapolis +20.5 (Away v New England)
Pittsburgh -6.5 (Home v Cincinnati)

Andrew Nicholson v Javon McCrea

2011-12-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

by Steve

The place to be tonight will be Alumni Arena out in the swamps of Amherst as two of the best "Big" 4 prospects in a generation square off. Andrew Nicholson the 6'9 junior and potential lottery pick in next years NBA draft, although I don't buy it, and 6'6 sophomore Javon McCrea are both studs.

The only potential damper on this epic match up tonight is the health of Nicholson. Here is Schmitty covering for his boy after a terrible L v Ark St Thursday, "He's got bronchitis but we need him to play better," Schmidt said. "He wasn't really looking for his shot. A lot of times when he was double-teamed we needed him to split the double-team. ... He's a little bit under the weather but that's not an excuse. We need him to play better." Hopefully he is feeling better and ready to ball up.

On the other hand Javon and co are beaming after thoroughly thumping Dayton in Dayton on Wednsday. McCrea is only a sophomore and getting better by the minute. He was the final cut on the USA under 19 team over the summer and has improved in points, rebounds and assists over last year.

UB is -5.5, the over under is 133 and my free duckets are priceless. See you there.

Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills preview

2011-12-02T15:02:00.001-08:00

by Steve

For no explainable reason I smell a Bills drubbing of the Titans on Sunday. This team by no means is good. In fact they are a bad football team especially with the brutal number of injuries sustained. However, the Titans are at least as bad.

Tennessee has one good win this season over a Baltimore team coming off a heavy hangover after drubbing their hated rival the Steelers the week before. Matt Hasselbeck is basically an older Ryan Fitzpatrick. He is sorta good with limited ability in decline. He will have to depend heavily on Chris Johnson to pound the rock on the Bills porous defense.

Johnson after getting PAID big time has had an awful season. True he had a fluke game last week against a bad Bucs team that has mailed in the season but over all he has proven he isn't worth the cashe he got. Then again no running back is. Either way he'll get his 100 yards you can take that to the bank but that is no big win against the 21st ranked Bills rushing D. And the only reason the Bills are 21st is because the last 5+ games no team has even had to run the ball since they can do whatever the hell they want in the passing game.

The Bills defense is one of the worst in recent memory. They don't generate pressure, they can't get off the field on third down and they have given up the third most passing TDs in the league. The question then is obvious, why the hell do I like the Bills on Sunday?

Gut feeling. The Bills haven't played at the Ralph since 2003 seemingly (actually 11/6) and it is the last watchable (the game is blacked out so worth while?) game of the season. The fans (all 57,000) will show up in force and the team will still feel decently well about themselves after blowing the Jets game they should have won.

Also Tennessee doesn't do anything great and has few impact players on defense and they have no impact wide receivers. They have no one with more than 3 sacks. Damian Williams? Dave Ball? And Mike Munchak is a bit of a joke.

Bills 29 Titans 17

Buffalo Bills: the Blame Game

2011-11-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

by Steve

If I had to guess, 95% of the people that read this blog think that Stevie Johnson's touchdown celebration was one of the funniest in recent memory. Every time I think about him pretending to shoot himself in the leg IN New York against Plax on the anniversary of the incident I can not help but laugh. Then I remember SJ13's drop, the Bills losing yet another game to the Jets, 28-24, and another season up in smoke. Yup, time to play the blame game.

Jeez, is it really tooooo much to ask to have meaningful Bills games in December in Buffalo? Man are we paying dearly for 13ish years of good/great football from 1987-1999. TWELVE FUCKING SEASONS WITHOUT THE PLAYOFFS?!?!

Stevie Johnson has dropped more balls than the Baby One More Time video, our coaching is inept and the talent level is more embarrassing than listening to Coldplay. Seriously how can a defense be so god awful? Not to mention a consistent plethora of injuries (which I agree with Coast it is because of a lower talent level).

First of all the Johnson celebration. It was a thing of beauty. The only problem I had with it was the dumb ass claimed he didn't know the NFL rule stating you can not go to the ground during a celebration. I call bullshit. He knew and he didn't even have to add the crashing Jet shit. (Oh and this was an obvious thing the players talked about doing because Drayton Florence did the same thing after his interception.) At least crash on the sidelines so it isn't a penalty. Amateur.

Next came the squib kick. I don't care that the Jets are the best or one of the best kick off return teams in the league. Kick the ball down field and at worst use a god damn player that can execute a routine squib. And don't tell me because he wasn't on a roster he may not have squib kicked in years, they practice that shit. PEACE OUT BRUCE DEHAVEN

Why didn't Chain Gailey challenge the obvious trap catch by Plaxico Buress? It seemed pretty god damn clear to me. I would have even strongly considered the acrobatic near-catch Johnson had in the 4th quarter on the sidelines too. Challenges are much less value today than they were in previous years because all scores are reviewed. Throw the god damn red flag. Also on Gailey, what was that 3rd down run with Tashard Choice? The guy had one carry for nothing previous to that why give him the rock in that situation?

Back to the defense, how can players be so wide open in the end zone as Burress and Dustin Kellar were on those touchdowns? This 3-4 defense needs to be obliterated and converted to a 4-3. Also cut anyone in the front seven not drafted in the last two years or named Barnett/Williams and start from scratch. They are so useless and inept at getting to the quarterback we have to blitz when we clearly do not know how to and certainly do not know how to disguise it. PEACE THE EFF OUT GEORGE EDWARDS.

That Drayton Florence corner blitz on 3rd and 11 was one of the worst in recent memory. It was poorly executed by the safety and the Florence and it was poorly schemed by the coaches. It was clear to everyone including ol' Sanchize and he burned us on it despite an awful throw.

Two players emerge from the blame game nearly unscathed, Cliff Spiller and Ryan Fitzy Fitz Noodle Arm Fitzpatrick. Yes neither played great but their expectations were so low they actually exceeded mine Sunday. Fitz didn't turn the ball over once, made a few great plays but showed his modest ceiling. That throw to Brad Smith in the endzone on the last drive was nearly perfect but the defender just made a better play. Also he found SJ13 wide open in the middle of the field and hit him seemingly in stride. Then went on to completely whiff and miss him wide open in the endzone and made a terrible and rushed throw on 4th down. Ouch. Spiller hit some holes, missed some holes, had a real nice catch and should have been more involved in the passing game. Also he picked up blitzes quite well. Still a bust though.

And lastly, Stevie Johnson, and you want to be my latex salesman. The guy is funny, charismatic, the only star player on the team and does and says crazy/dumb shit all the time. I love and hate him more than any player in a long time. He can't catch or break tackles yet completely pwn'd the best CB in football? He blames god and denies dropping clearly dropped balls but performed one of the best TD celebrations possibly ever? Don't throw to the guy the rest of the season to drive down his price and pay the may decent #1 WR money (15-30th) even though I don't truly believe he is a #1. We eventually have to spend the money so why not keep our own guys (plus I'm sick of hearing players we develop get interviewed on Jim Rome playing for other teams [Jabari Greer, Pat Williams, Jim Leonhard, Antoine Winfield etc])

I ain't scared of anyone left on the schedule not counting the Bills. 8-8... and progress?

Another disappointing loss - Jets 28 Bills 24

2011-11-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

-Coast

I would almost prefer a blowout. These gut wrenching losses have gotten old over the years. The Bills had no business losing this game. The Bills held the ball for 36:11 and won the turnover battle 2-0 which are two key pieces to winning road games in this league. Of course, the Bills found other ways to lose.

Let's start with what everyone is talking about, the Stevie Johnson touchdown celebration. People are blaming Stevie's TD celebration for the loss to some extent. I think that is simply ridiculous. The touchdown celebration may have been a little classless (although I thought it was comical) and warranted the 15 yard penalty. The Bills then had to kickoff from the 20 instead of the 35. Rayner's kickoff looked like it was intended to be a squib kick (not sure why they would squib it) except it was mishit, hit a Jet and was recovered deep in Bills territory. Rayner needs to just execute a normal kickoff here. If Rayner just kicks it away, the Jets returner probably catches the ball around the 15 yard line and returns it to the 35 (this would be the most likely scenario statistically). Even if we do kick it away and don't screw up whatever we were trying to do, what makes anyone think that our defense would actually stop the Jets? Every time the Jets got the ball, I fully expected a touchdown, after all, the Bills have allowed 14 touchdowns in the past 3 games. The Bills just don't stop anyone.

The main reason for the Bills loss, as I mentioned before, is the complete ineptitude on defense. This couldn't have been more obvious than on the last possession for the Jets. The Jets marched 82 yards in 4:43 to take the lead. They converted two third and longs including a 3rd and 11 to Plaxico Burress. This play is getting the most attention and criticism from the media after the game. The Bills decided to blitz Sanchez, who looked shaky the entire game. Sanchez just chucked the ball up to Burress who made a great one handed catch.

Some people are saying the Bills shouldn't have blitzed. The point of a blitz is to get pressure on the quarterback and force him into a quick decision. The Bills cannot pressure any quarterback. The Bills can't get a pass rush when they rush 3, 4 or 7 players. The Bills had 0 sacks on Sanchez the entire game. So yes, I agree, when you can't get pressure even when you blitz, why blitz? The Bills should have dropped as many players into coverage as they possibly could to make Sanchez make a good accurate throw and good decision to complete the first down. Sanchez was bailed out by a terrible defensive play call...he didn't even have to think on this play. The Bills blitzed, he saw man coverage with Burress on a safety, and threw the ball up in the air. This is easy for a quarterback who isn't the most accurate and doesn't make great decisions. If the Bills drop in coverage, Sanchez could make a bad decision and throw an INT or throw it underneath forcing a long field goal attempt to tie the game. Just poor, poor coaching in what seems like an obvious situation.

While the defense was the major culprit in today's loss, you can't ignore the shortcomings of the offense on the final drive of the game. The Bills did a good job to drive down the field into Jets territory to give themselves a shot and they had many shots at the win. Stevie Johnson wants to get paid as a number 1 receiver. Well, Stevie, you tell me a number 1 receiver in this league who has a drop even close to the magnitude of drops you have the past two seasons. You my friend have single handily lost the Buffalo Bills two football games the past two seasons.

Stevie Johnson was wide and I mean wide open on a deep slant route. Fitz delivered a perfect pass. Johnson just dropped it. He may have scored on the play. Worst case scenario, he would have been around the Jets' 10. Instead he just dropped it. His excuse after the game was that he didn't react fast enough. What? Catch the football you bum. People want to kill Stevie about the TD celebration...forget about that play and kill him for this drop. Absolutely inexcusable. A few plays later, Fitz had Johnson open in the end zone as he rolled to his right. He missed him. This was a tough throw, but was a throw you'd like your $59M quarterback to make with the game on the line. The fact is, Fitz is a mediocre player and this is a throw a mediocre player makes only some of the time. The last play of the game was just as bad. Fitz airmailed Johnson. He didn't even give him a chance to make a play and it looked like Johnson might have been open.

The Bills are now 5-6. They have a worse record than the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. The Bills play these two teams at home in December and who would have thought the Bills would have worse records than these two teams when they would play? The NFL really screwed the Bills over this year with the schedule, something we all talked about back in April. The Bills play 7 games in Orchard Park. 3 of them are meaningless and in December. No one is going to be at these games.

The Bills fought hard but in the end it's the same old story...the Bills snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yet again.

week 12 NFL picks

2011-11-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

Steve (27-23-1) Best Bet 3-7
NY Giants +7 (away v New Orleans)
Atlanta -9.5 (Home v Minnesota)
Arizona +2 (Away v St Louis)
Carolina v Indianapolis under 46.5
Tennessee -3 (Home v Tampa Bay)

Wreck 26-22-2 (Best Bet 3-8)

Cleveland +7 (Away v Cincinnati)
NY Giants +7 (away v New Orleans)
Denver +5.5 (Away v San Diego)
Minnesota +9.5 (Away v Atlanta)
Buffalo (Away +9.5 v NY Jets)

The Bills have hit rock bottom

2011-11-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

-Coast

The Bills have reached an all time low. Not only have they hit rock bottom on this 2011 season, but this recent 3 game stretch is the worst 3 game stretch in team history. The Bills have been outscored 106-26 in this 3 game debacle. Never in the history of the franchise have the Bills had a 3 game stretch where they have been outscored by more than 80 points. Not in the 3-13 2001 season. Not in any of the back to back 2-14 seasons in the 1980s. Not even in the 3 game stretch that included the 56-10 drubbing to New England on Sunday Night. The Bills went 1-13 in 1971 and 1-12-1 in 1968...they didn't have a 3 game stretch this bad in either of those years. The Bills have lost the last 3 games by 16, 37 and 28 points. The Bills once again have tricked us into believing...this year more than ever. I thought this team was different. I thought the players had heart. I really thought they had something special. Heart can't make up for a severe lack of talent and that is what this football team has. I predicted 5-11 before the season. This wasn't the way that I envisioned them getting to 5-11, but if I had to put my money on anything right now, it would be that they run the table in reverse.

The offensive line is decimated. Eric Wood's trip to the IR, again, has crippled us. Somehow we entered the season with one person that could play center. Did they think Eric Wood was invincible? He broke his leg in his career already. They cut the starting center from 2011. They said Hangartner was too weak...but we all know that in reality, they are pinching pennies. It's embarrassing. One center on a roster on an NFL team. Levitre failed miserably in his opportunity at the center position. He couldn't even snap the ball to Fitzpatrick. Now Urbik is going to get a chance. I am not expecting a much better result. We all feared the lack of depth on the offensive line. The starters weren't great and backups probably shouldn't be playing in the league. This is all coming back to haunt us now.

The receiving core has gotten killed with injuries. Remember when Roscoe Parrish played on this team? Will Marcus Easley ever remain healthy? Donald Jones joins them on the injured reserve leaving the Bills with players like Kamar Aiken and Derek Hagan on the 53 man roster. Yes, that is correct, our wide receiving core for this weeks game is Steve Johnson (who is not 100%), David Nelson (who got banged up last week), Naaman Roosevelt (is he the 2?), Ruvell Martin, Brad Smith, Kamar Aiken and Derek Hagan. At least we traded Evans. Revis and Chromartie need not dress for this one.

The best player on our team this year, Fred Jackson, is on the IR now. This will give Cliff an opportunity to show what he can do. I am predicting 5 carries for 4 yards for Spiller before we abandon the run down 28 in the 2nd quarter.

The defense isn't in much better shape...not only do they suck, but they have also suffered devastating injuries. If you asked me before the season who the two best players on our defense were, I probably would have said Shawne Merriman (and don't tell me you wouldn't have after watching him in the preseason) and Kyle Williams. They both are on IR. George Wilson has been a bright spot this season and is having a great year. He missed last weeks game, who knows what his status is. Kelsay has been in and out of the lineup. Terrance McGee is on the IR. 2nd round pick Aaron Williams has played in like 2 games. Puke.

Why are the Bills constantly decimated with injuries. Well, to me it is simple. The Bills lack talent. Their players are slower than their opponents. They are weaker and less physical. When you are outmatched physically, you have a better chance of getting injured and that is simply the problem for the Bills.

The Bills have 6 games left. They have road games vs. the Jets, Patriots and Chargers. They will lose all three. I don't care if San Diego is on a 7 game skid and has completely mailed it in by the time we play them, they will kill us. We play the Titans, Broncos and Dolphins at home. I don't see us winning any of those games. Tebow doesn't lose, the Titans are better and Miami, well we all watched last weeks game. The Bills are going to finish 5-11. They are going to pick 7th in the draft and will probably draft a running back. It's incredible how far this team has fallen in a 3 week span.

What about the

Boston Bruins v Buffalo Sabres preview

2011-11-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Is this the biggest game of the year? This is the Buffalo Sabres freaking game six son. It is their Stanley Cup because lord knows this team aint winning shit this year. They're too soft, lack a legit center and have a head case of an over paid starting goalie.

Furthermore, Milan Lucic owns this franchise and this city. Is this not a shot at the Buffalo fans by Lucic, "Even the fans here in Buffalo are going to be excited for it" ? Ouch.

Even loser Lindy knows his team is soft and calling them out. "We have to play a real hard game. That's the message in all areas. Hard on the puck, hard getting it back, hard physically." Thanks for the insight Lindy now get back to squashing talent and ruining every player Darc brings in. (ouch a Darc defense)

The game isn't a must win for many reasons but what the Sabres have to do is get buck nasty and get grimy with it. They can't turtle again like a dong just out of a cold pool. That game ten days ago sent a clear message to the league that the team is still indeed soft and scared. Finesse and cute passes will work in the regular season but it clearly fails in the post season.

It is impossible to change the perception of the team in one game but it has to start at some point, who knows maybe tonight. Then start shipping out some of the bums as the trade deadline approaches and attain some go-hards.

Kyle Orton anyone?

2011-11-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone up for the Buffalo Bills giving up on Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle-arm Fitzpatrick and claiming Kyle Orton off waivers?

$2.5 million is all it would cost ol' Ralphy boy. The Bills would have an earlier claim than both the Bears and Texans fwiw. Or is the season over?

Buffalo Bills could avoid paying Ryan Fitzpatrick

2011-11-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Bills could potentially avoid paying Fitzy-fitz-noodle-arm $49 million of the reported $59 mil contract. Interesting story from PFT:

Per a league source, the Bills could trade or cut Fitzpatrick before the seventh day of the 2012 league year and owe him nothing further than the $3.22 million base salary he was already due to earn in 2011 and the $10 million signing bonus he was paid upon inking the new deal last month.

On the seventh day of the 2012 league year, the Bills owe Fitzpatrick a $5 million option bonus. If they don’t exercise the option, Fitzpatrick’s base salary for 2012 would increase from $2.8 million to $7.8 million, and it would be fully guaranteed for injury only.

In 2013, Fitzpatrick has a $3 million roster bonus, which also is guaranteed for injury only, along with a base salary of $4.25 million, $3.2 million of which is guaranteed for injury only.

In 2014, there’s another $3 million roster bonus (non-guaranteed) and a non-guaranteed base salary of $4.35 million.

For 2015, 2016, and 2017 Fitzpatrick has non-guaranteed base salaries of $7.2 million, $8.75 million, and $9.45 million, respectively.

Dolphins 35 Bills 8 F

2011-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Maybe I'm an oracle because I was right three weeks ago after the Jets debacle that I proclaimed the season to be over and questioned whether we could win another game. Did the Bills really just lose to the Miami Dolphins by 27 points?

Holy shit that was a beat down. Blocked punts, INTs, injuries, huge hits, and everything that could go wrong went wrong. This team is despicable. They can't do anything right. The QB "ol noodle-arm" is about as accurate as a Billy Joel while trying to avoid hitting houses with his car.

Has Andy Levitre ever practiced at the center position? Jeez he looked he never hiked a football in his god damn life. That messes up the rythem that messes up the entire play and it happened on 90%+ of the snaps. Keep Geoff Hangartner or sign some over rated slash "wildcat" bum?

Is there one NFL caliber starter on that defense? Marcell Dareus maybe. Holy shit. This team has to have the worst depth in the history of professional sports. Just look at how pitiful the special teams is. I would say this team makes me sick if I wasn't so used to it.

Bring on the Jets 6-5 baby. Back in it next week.

Week 11 NFL picks

2011-11-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

Steve 25-21 (Best Bet 3-6)

Buffalo +1.5 (Away V Miami)
Tennessee +6.5 (Away v Atlanta)
Cincinnati +7 (away v Baltimore)
Detroit - 7 (Home v Carolina)
Philadelphia v New York Giants over 47

Wreck 23-20-2 (Best Bet 3-7)

Buffalo +1.5 (Away v Miami)
Tampa +14.5 (Away v Green Bay)
Kansas City +15 (Away V New England)
Cleveland pick (Home v Jacksonville)
Washington +8 (Home v Dallas)

Worse contract Ville Leino or Christian Ehrhoff?

2011-11-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

by Steve

The Buffalo Sabres lost yet again at home Wednesday this time at the hands of the mediocre New Jersey Devils 5-3. Jhonas Enroth finally lost and Martin Brodeur made it look like it was 1997 all over again. Yes the Buffalo Sabres are a train wreck at home and that is disconcerting but it is still 1/82. However, real question I have coming out of this latest debacle is why the hell is Darcy Regier still running the team?

Seriously what the hell has this guy done to deserve getting infinite lives as the Buffalo Sabres general manager? Yeah he acquired Chris Drury and Daniel Briere like a decade ago but jeez even they are either out of the league or playing for other teams and skipping the regular season.

This then leads to another question, who has the worse contract Ville Leino (6 years $27 million) or Christian Ehrhoff (10 years $40 million)? I mean this isn't baseball money or even NFL money this is the National Hockey League we're talking about that is a shit ton of cash(e).

Yeah the Sabres still have a good record but it isn't because of the moves the genius Darc made in the offseason sans purse strings. Leino is making $4.5 million per and is on pace for 10 goals this season and has three points in his last ten games. The guy is seemingly lost out there flailing around and laying all over the ice each shift. Does he think he is a zamboni? Oh wait let me guess, but but but he shows up in the playoffs! I guess I'll have to wait for April to get my moneys worth in all 5 or 6 games he'll get to play in.

The big bad defenseman Ehrhoff is a -4 and on pace for a measly five goals. Maybe his 2011 post season was more the rule than the exception. Or maybe we'll have to wait until he is 37, 38 or 39 to reap the benefits of Darc's aggressive contract offer to pay dividends. Or maybe all he has to do is get over his paralyzing fear to actually shoot the puck when he has a chance.

I won't discount the chance that either one or both of these players "snaps out of it" and vastly improves; but players like Brad Boyes, Dainius Zubrus and Steve Bernier are still hanging around Darc's neck like an albatross. Welcome to hockey heaven through the eyes of Darcy Regier.

Buffalo Bills failboat: the fall out

2011-11-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Now that the Buffalo Bills are dead and gone yet again before Thanksgiving it is time to delve into the fall out of yet another debacle of a season. Of course we have to question everything from the GM to the coach to the quarterback.

I'm mean c'mon even Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle-arm knows the season is over, "nobody expects anything out of us again. The way we’ve played there’s not much expectation out there." Buddy "drawl" Nix screwed up over paying Fitzpatrick after a couple of solid wins and nothing else. This is too perfectly reminiscent of the debacle that was the Dick Jauron extension in 2008. When do we learn?

The Bills will be lucky to finish at .500 and if they lose this week @ Miami (Vegas thinks the 'phins are going to win [-2]) this franchise will be in 100% total meltdown mode. The Miami Dolphins are a bad football team with a nobody quarterback and a coach who is more out the door than a hooker when the wife comes home early.

2-4 in their last six games and Chanwick Gailey has absolutely no answers. The offense is pitiful averaging nine points per in their last two games. They show absolutely no inventiveness and zero ability to get the ball down field. They have all about abandoned the wild cat (which may be a good idea since it never produces big plays [Brad Smith awful signing]), Spiller is non existent, I can't recall one trick play nor even a freaking end around for christ sake.

Okay, noodle arm hurts your ability to get the ball down the field but where is the alleged genius Gailey with a plan B or any type of adjustments. Any decent defense has completely shut down the Bills attack and even more so in the second half. They have forty-one total points in the second half in the last six games. 6.8 points on average sounds less like genius and more like incompetence.

Don't even bring up the defense because some how they have been exponentially worse. This defense has less depth than a Republican debate. Kellen Heard, Danny Batten, Alex Carrington, have these guys ever made a play? What was the plan B for when Shawne Merriman inevitably went down with an injury? Did Buddy Nix have any confidence what so ever that the Bills would even be competitive in 2011?

The parroted knock on the team even when they were 3-0 was that they were extremely vulnerable if any type of injuries occurred. Well, this is the National Football League and every team gets injuries and of course the Bills now have a ton with no NFL caliber players as back ups.

Sure maybe Nix and co. need more than two seasons to rebuild a team after being bombed out and depleted like Afghanistan under uhhh no GM and Jauron for several years. But the drafting under Nix has been putrid at best. Spiller has been discussed ad nauseum but the next play Torell Troup makes will be his first, Carrington has two career sacks, Moats has .5 this season and well um that does it for 2010. As for 2011, it isn't really fair to rip them apart but Dareus is clearly no N. Suh while no one else has made a discernible contribution.

Also, where has Stevie "get drunk on Chippewa on Thursday and miss practice Friday" Johnson been lately? I seriously question whether this guy is worth resigning and certainly doubt paying him $50 million now.

Fire George Edwards yesterday, blow up the defense, get some NFL caliber receivers, either figure away to use Spiller or trade him, get a grinder running back, extend Fred Jackson's contract and get some legit depth on the o-line.

OUCH

Buffalo Sabres 3 Monreal Candiens 2 F SO

2011-11-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

by Steve

The Sabres marched into the Bell Centre in Montreal and won their fourth straight (@ Montreal) in a ballsy win. They headed into the third period down two and just took over. This was a great win by a team that 100% embarrassed themselves on Saturday night.

It wasn't a must win game for Buffalo but a quick bounce back victory helps to heal the wounds of an ugly thrashing at the hands of the Bruins. The Sabres dominated in the shoot out tonight after an up and down over time where both teams had to kill power plays.

Additional insights:

Lindy Ruff actually shortened his bench and played his "stars" more than a couple of 4th line scrubs, rare. And what do you know, it worked.
I hate Erik Cole's face.
Thomas Vanek is a man beast
Everyone loves to hate Derek Roy and hates to love him (if there is a difference) buy the guy is super talented and has a good contract even if he is soft.
Surprisingly the Montreal fans were a no show, maybe it is because the Sabres absolutely owned the third period scoring two goals to tie it.
Why again did the Sabres sign Christian Ehrhoff to a million year contract?
I wouldn't mind giving Nathan Gerbe a bit more ice time.
Carey Price ever participate in a shoot out before?
Why the hell is Ville Leino always laying on the ice?
Sekera and Gragnani, not a bad pairing even if a bit shaky in their own zone.
Tyler Myers who? I kid I kid.
Will Jhonas Enroth ever lose ever?

Season's Over

2011-11-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

-Coast

Well, it took me until November 13, 2011 to put the wraps on the 2011 season. I wrote my Season's Over blog on September 13, 2010 last season so I guess this is an improvement.

Boy, was I naive? This team is not talented. As always, the Bills set us up for nothing but disappointment. I don't even know where to begin on today's events. I can't think of a time where I have seen a team get so thoroughly outplayed for 8 straight quarters. Were we really 5-2 before the last 2 games? It truly is hard to believe.

Let's begin with the defense. The Bills have so many problems. They can't rush the passer, not even close. They couldn't stop the run either. Demarco Murray had 20 carries for 135 yards. Draft bust Torell Troupe, where are you? The 2nd round pick from 2010 is only one of many draft choices not contributing. Romo literally was not touched today. The Bills also can't cover anyone. Their cornerbacks just aren't good enough. Want to talk about draft busts? Let's talk about Loedis McKelvin. He was completely abused by Dez Bryant. Terrance McGee is just soft. He always has been and always will be. Florence got smoked on a long touchdown bomb. I am not sure if there was supposed to be safety help. I hope there was for his sake. Romo threw 3 incomplete passes all day...23-26 for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dallas scored a TD on their first 4 drives. They converted every 3rd down attempt in the first half. I am sure it was the easiest day of Tony Romo's career. It really just made me sick to watch.

The offense was nearly as bad. I will say, I am not going to give up faith on Ryan Fitzpatrick yet, but there is no hiding the fact that he had a terrible game. He missed Donald Jones wide open in the middle of the field on a long pass that could have resulted in a touchdown. There are a few things working against Fitzpatrick though. First, his receivers just aren't good enough. Stevie Johnson is a solid starting NFL receiver but the inability to get him the ball of late has been disappointing. Donald Jones just is not good enough to be starting in this league. I thought he made a poor play on the ball on the 4th and 2 play. He also dropped a pass that led to an interception. Jones is an average player, simple as that. David Nelson is solid but he isn't exactly going to stretch the field. Cliff Spiller continues to keep himself solidly on the draft bust list. He is a non factor on offense. 1 carry 1 yard. He also had a chance to make a big play but dropped a well thrown pass.

Now I will get to coaching. I really have loved Chan Gailey. I gave him the benefit of the doubt last week. I figured everyone can have a bad game. Two in a row though, that is a trend. I thought Gailey had another terrible game. First off all, you are a head coach in the National Football League, know the damn rules. That challenge in the beginning of the 2nd half was embarrassing. If he (or anyone in the booth) actually knew the rules, it was obvious not to challenge. Instead, we just blew a timeout. Gailey's play calling on offense is starting to really bother me. On 2nd and 8 we run a screen to Jackson. It doesn't work. So on 3rd and 8 what do we do? Run the same play. It doesn't work. We don't try to stretch the field. We can't figure out any way to get Spiller the ball. We are throwing low percentage passes to an undersized average receiver on 4th down. There were also a number of blown blocking assignments today. How does the best pass rusher in the NFL come unblocked on the first play of the game? You have to blame coaching. George Edwards' defense has been awful now for 27 games. Can he really keep his job? I do give some credit for the INTs. His guys have been in position to make big plays. Ultimately though, you need to be able to stop someone without taking the football away. We obviously can't. The Cowboys were 8-12 on 3rd downs. The Jets were 6-11 last week.

Finally I need to comment on management. I mentioned draft busts earlier. Buddy Nix's first two draft picks look like wasted picks. Spiller is a complete not factor. Troupe is a non factor. Carrington has made some plays, but not many. Nix wanted to build through the draft. He is not doing a very good job in doing that. How good is Dareus? I didn't really see him out there today. Our secondary is in desperate need of help. Aaron Williams has been hurt. Searcy had two chances to make plays today. He made 0. Sheppard might be good, but it's too early to tell. The fact is, you must hit on your high draft picks. Nix is going to be 2-4 in first and 2nd rounders at best. In reality, our team has been carried by guys that were brought in before Nix took over this football team.

The Bills play Miami next week. The line has opened at Miami -1. That is what we have fallen to. The 2-7 Miami Dolphins are favored over the Bills with Matt Moore as their quarterback. I think realistically if the Bills can finish 8-8 it would be an accomplishment at this point. They do have home games against the Broncos and Titans along with Miami in December. They probably will need to win all of those games to finish .500.

Well...there's always 2012.

Week 10 NFL picks

2011-11-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

The semi-pro NFL gamblers are back, here are our picks for week ten of the national football league 2011 season

Steve 22-19 (3-5)

Atlanta pick (Home v New Orleans)
Arizona +14 (Away v Philadelphia)
Seattle +7 (Home v Baltimore)
Jacksonville -3 (Away v Indianapolis)
NY Jets pick (Home v New England)

Wreck 22-16-2 (3-5)

Tampa Bay +3.5 (Home v Houston)
Atlanta pick (Home v New Orleans)
Kansas City (Home v Denver)
Cleveland -2.5 (Home v St Louis)
San Francisco -3.5 (Home v NY Giants)

Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys podcast

2011-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Steve and Coast put the debacle that was the Jets game to bed and look ahead to the rest of the season and break down the Dallas Cowboys affair coming up in Arlington.

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The Season IS NOT OVER

2011-11-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

-Coast

People need to calm the F down. This talk about the Buffalo Bills season being over is completely ridiculous. Teams have bad games. The Jets aren't a slouch. It isn't like we showed up and got smoked by the Rams (ie. the Saints). Even super bowl teams have BAD GAMES.

Week 2 1990 - Dolphins 30 Bills 7
Week 6 1991 - Chiefs 33 Bills 6
In 1992, the Bills lost three games 37-10, 20-3 and 27-3 to the Dolphins, Raiders and Oilers respectively
In 1993, the Bills lost 23-0 in Pittsburgh. They were out gained in this game 400-157

What do all these teams have in common? They went to the Super Bowl. What else do they have in common? The Bills beat the Dolphins in the playoffs in 1990. The Bills beat the Chiefs in the playoffs in 1991. The Bills beat Miami and Houston in the playoffs in 1992.

Teams have bad games and also teams can avenge bad losses. The Bills certainly can beat the Jets in Jersey in 3 weeks. (Further, see the NY Jets in 2010)

Also, talk about Fitz being terrible is premature, ridiculous and just not warranted. I am not going to waste my time checking Brady, Manning, Kelly, Marino, Elway or any other HOF QB's stats because it is guaranteed they had halves and games like Fitz had Sunday.

The fact about Fitz is that he is on pace for 3,860 yards, 30 touchdowns and 18 interceptions on the season. You know how many times Kelly threw for 3,860? Zero. What about 30 touchdowns? Once. What about 18 interceptions? He threw at least 18 interceptions 4 times. Fitz has a 65.4% completion percentage this season. Kelly had a completion percentage this high...Zero times.

Fans need to relax. The Bills are having a great season. No one expected them to be 5-3. Let's enjoy where they are and be excited for the 2nd half.

Buffalo Bills: Time To Die?

2011-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

by Steve

Well, at least Buffalo Bills fans got one important game to attend in the month of November. Is it too late to suck for Luck? I don't even feel like breaking down the Colts schedule. Maybe we can jones for Landry Jones or bark for Matt Barkley?

We aren't winning shit with Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle arm let's face it. The guy was thoroughly out played by a mediocre Mark Sanchize at home. This embarrassing defeat at the hands of the NY Jets dooms the season. True we don't have a mashing running back that can get the tough yards and no game changing wide receivers but there are some weapons on offense. Too bad we don't know or just can't figure out how to use them. Where were the throws down field? The middle of the field was taken away because ol' noodle arm raining picks in the first half but jeez where was Tyler Thigpen to at least try?

5 and 3 is the biggest mirage in this town since Ryan Millsie Miller's Vezina winning season of 2009/10. The head coach, who Stevie Johnson today admitted he never even heard of before signing here is a mediocrity at best. He lacks imagination, is not a winner and he is in over his head.

The Bills play the next three games on the road and will be lucky to be returning to Ralph Wilson Stadium above .500. 7-9 or 8-8 is a lock right now and in reality it won't be that bad of a season. I had us going 6-10 before the year started so a game or two above that beats my expectations. Plus, we got some false hope and a great victory over the Patriots along the way.

Is there any way a FB/QB hybrid via a trade for TRT could work next season? Because as we know, "there's always next year"

Jets Dominate Bills 27-11

2011-11-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

-Coast

The Bills got smoked today by the Jets 27-11 and it wasn't even that close. The Jets led 27-3 until a late touchdown for Buffalo made the final score seem less embarrassing. The Jets came out and completely outplayed Buffalo in all three phases. The Jets looked the part of a true playoff contender and showed why they were a part of the past two AFC Championship games.

Alright Bills fans, let's all give up on the season. The Bills had an awful game. Their $60 million quarterback had an awful game so I guess it is time to start ripping him. That is what we do, after all, isn't it? We wait for the first opportunity to start criticizing and we take full advantage. Fred Jackson was getting chants of MVP today early in the game. Later in the game, after his fumble, some fans were probably wondering where Marshawn Lynch is. That is how Bills fans are. I used to be like that as well. It is hard not to be after watching this past decade of losing.

Some of the naysayers will point to 2002. The rejuvenated Bills, led by MVP candidate Drew Bledsoe, came home to face the defending world champion Patriots at 5-3 and in first place. The Bills and Bledsoe were the talk of the league. The rival Patriots trounced the Bills 35-7 which began the downward spiral in that season. Others will point to 2008, when the first place Bills came home at 5-2 and got handed by the Jets. The Bills fell on their face the rest of that season.

I don't think this team is going to go in the same direction as those teams in years past. I have felt something different about this team this year and I am not going to jump off the wagon after one bad game. I am simply going to point to the facts. The Bills are 5-3 and in a three way tie for first place in the AFC East. We beat the Patriots this season. If you told me just those two sentences in August, I would have signed up in a heartbeat. The Bills are right in the middle of the AFC playoff race. The Bills, Jets and Patriots are 5-3. The Ravens or Steelers will have their third loss. The Bengals, shockingly, are 6-2. We are in for an exciting 2nd half to the season.

Today, the Jets were the better team, no question. The Bills have a lot of issues that they need to address, but I am 100% not going to bail on this team yet, like many people probably are.

Go Bills, beat Dallas.

Week 9 NFL picks

2011-11-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Need some gambling locks for week 9 in the NFL? You're in luck:

Steve
20-16 Best Bet 2-5

Tampa Bay +8.5 (Away v New Orleans)
Atlanta -7.5 (Away v Indianapolis)
Kansas City -4.5 (Home V Miami)
San Francisco -4 (Away v Washington)
St Louis +2.5 (Away v Arizona)

Wreck
19-14-2 Best Bet 3-4

San Diego +6 (Home v Green Bay)
Buffalo -2.5 (Home v NY Jets)
Chicago +7.5 (Away v Philadelphia)
NY Giants +8.5 (Away v New England)
Seattle +11 (Away v Dallas)

Get Ready for a Great Buffalo Sports Weekend

2011-11-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Granted the Buffalo Sabres are still in preseason and the season doesn't start til January (maybe Feb if the Bills are in the Superbowl) but they are home tonight against Cal-gary, Ryan Millsie Mr Softee Miller is riding the pine (hopefully being auctioned off to the highest bidder [quibids.com or maybe ubid.com hopefully]) and Enroth is taking over as the starter. They also play the piece of shit Senators and the game Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is going to be a powderkeg.

I'm predicting a 2-1 weekend (Sabres lose Saturday with Enroth being lifted for POS Millsie) even though I am hesitant to pick against the Jets. White out bitches bring the noise, bring the white and bring an ol Sanchize obituary Sunday.

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills podcast

2011-11-03T19:15:00.001-07:00

Steve and Coast reflect on the state of the Bills, their win in Toronto against the Redskins and breakdown the NY Jets game

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White out at the Ralph Sunday 11/6

2011-11-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

by Steve

The Buffalo Bills are wearing all white jerseys at home on Sunday for the first time in twenty-five years and apparently there is a grass roots effort going on to get everyone in the stadium to wear all white.

It is tough to determine exactly where this all started but signs are pointing to Drayton Florence, "#WHITEOUT Sunday at the Ralph Everyone wear all white"

Now basically every player on the team that is on twitter is adding #whiteouttheralph and #whiteout on every tweet. (Even Shawne Merriman[who?] weighed in " @shawnemerriman Man I'm going to miss that #whiteout Sunday sweetness") It makes sense since we're wearing all white and I have a white Stevie Johnson jersey. Everyone else gear up in all white Sunday so we can fuck up the Jets and not censor our selves against those dirty Jets fans.

Anyone have a white Bills cap I can borrow? #whiteout #WHITEOUTTHERALPH

Week 9 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings compilation

2011-11-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Weekly compilation of the Buffalo Bills power rankings by the "major" sports websites. The Bills lowest ranking was 10 highest is 5. A lot of playoff chatter and a shot about Toronto, enjoy.

Foxsports
6 (8)
Hard to judge the Bills by the beatdown of the Redskins, but the Buffalo defense finally stepped up with nine sacks[sic] (they had 10). The Bills now host the Jets to truly legitimize their status as a playoff caliber team. Earlier it was thought that they would have to compete for a wild-card spot, but they may be competing for a division championship.

ESPN
7 (7)
It's November, and the first-place Bills control of their playoff destiny. Who would have thought?

SI
6 (7)
Meaningful Novembers have been scarce in Bills-dom for a long while now, but Buffalo has the division lead and can put another brick in the wall this week at home against the Jets. The Bills have to have this one, because a three-game road trip to Dallas, Miami and the Jets looms at the start of the second half.

PFT
10. Bills (No. 13; 5-2): The Bills are finally getting comfortable in their home away from home.

Walterfootball
5 (5)
The Bills just had another bye week

Yahoosports
8
Reports of the demise of the 2011 Buffalo Bills were greatly exaggerated. Buffalo is going to play a big part in the AFC East division race.

Stevie Johnson dressed as Chan Gailey

2011-10-31T21:56:00.001-07:00

SJ13 dressed up as Chan Gailey for Halloween (better than Steve's Mommar Gahdafi swag)

Bills Shutout Washington

2011-10-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

-Coast

The Bills beat the Redskins yesterday 23-0. The Redskins had 178 total yards of offense (26 rushing yards). Beck threw two interceptions and countless other terrible passes. The Redskins are a bad team and the Bills handled them in one of the most one sided wins I have seen from this team ever.

390 to 178 total yards
252 to 152 passing yards
138 to 26 rushing yards
34:51 to 25:09 in time of possession

Fred Jackson had 194 total yards from scrimmage. On the season, through 7 games, Fred Jackson has 1,074 yards. He is on pace for 2,455 yards from scrimmage on the season. He is averaging 153 yards from scrimmage per game. The NFL record is 2,509 yards from scrimmage set by Chris Johnson in 2009. Is Fred Jackson in the argument right now to be NFL offensive player of the year?

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. He only threw 6 incomplete passes. I would suggest that that warrants $59M over 6 years.

George Wilson had another interception. He has 4 on the season. He is on pace for 151 tackles and 9 interceptions this season.

If the season ended today, how many pro bowlers would the Bills have? Fitzpatrick, Jackson, George Wilson? Stevie Johnson has been kind of quiet…he’s on pace for 89 for 1003 and 9 TDs…in year’s past, a guy putting up those numbers on this offense would have been unbelievable.

I am not going to mention anything else about the Redskins game. The biggest game of the season and of this entire decade of pathetic-ness is next week.

The Jets are 4-3. The Bills are 5-2 and oh yeah, in first place in the AFC east IN NOVEMBER. I can speak for everyone when I say how much I hate the Jets. They are so arrogant and full of themselves and it begins with their coach Rex Ryan. Mark Sanchez is not good and I don’t understand how anyone thinks he is. According to ESPN’s new “QBR” rankings, he is ahead of Matt Moore, Kevin Kolb, John Beck, Sam Bradford, Blaine Gabbert and Tim Tebow. He is ranked worse than Curtis Painter and Tarvaris Jackson, among others.

The line opened at 1.5 which means the oddsmakers still think the Bills are worse than the Jets on a neutral field. I love that. The Bills still get no respect. In 2008, the Bills were 5-2. The first Sunday of November featured the 5-2 Bills at home to take on Brett Favre and the 4-3 Jets. We all remember what happened then. We need revenge.

Buffalo 23 Washington 0 F

2011-10-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

by Steve

What is this feeling of satisfaction I have after week 8 of the Buffalo Bills season? I don't know how to react any more. The usual feelings of dread, buyers remorse, anger, frustration, ambivalence and disgust aren't there any more. Weird.

Quite the yawner of a game though wasn't it? The Bills dominated from the get go. 9 sacks, a shutout, and everyone was involved from Moats to Fitzy Fitz noodle arm and Marcell Dareus. Either we have ourselves a pretty damn good football team or the Washington Redskins are absolutely dreadful.

In all likelihood it is a bit of both. Shanny and his team suck. The 'skins offensive line was atrocious. The blame falls more on them than credit goes to the Bills attack. It appears a healthy Arthur Moats is an upgrade over a decrepit injured Shawne Merriman (why the hell did they ever try and convert him to an inside linebacker???). But did anyone have a bad game for the Bills today? Did Brian "geico" Orakpo even dress?

Fitzmagic Fitzpatrick even gave us one of his killer interceptions and it didn't come back to haunt us, rare. CJ "I exist" Spiller even made a few cameo appearances and I can't recall any Stevie Johnson drops. The Bills just out coached, out efforted and out played a bad team in front of a decent (for Toronto standards) crowd in a boring game.

The only real story after this game is that the NY Jets roll into the Ralph on Sunday in what will end up being the most important game of the season. It is against a real team with a supposedly good head coach and a solid defense. With this bunch there isn't a whole hell of a lot of absolute faith and this team will continue to have to prove themselves week in and week out. The Jets game Sunday could possibly convert most if not all fans to fully buy into this team.

We're talkin about playoffs??!?!

Week 8 NFL picks

2011-10-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Combined 7-3 last week, not bad. Best bets are great to reverse bet our asses.

Steve 17-14 (Best Bet 2-4)

Detroit -3 (Away v Denver)
Buffalo -5 (Home v Washington)
NY Giants -9.5 (Home v Miami)
San Diego -3.5 (Away v Kansas City)
Minnesota +3.5 (Away v Carolina)

Wreck 16-12-2 (Best Bet 2-4)

St Louis +14 (Home v New Orleans)
Denver +3 (Home v Detroit)
Pittsburgh +3 (Home v New England)
Kansas City +3.5 (Home v San Diego)
Washington +5 ("Away" v Buffalo in Toronto)

Ryan Fitzpatrick gets paid!

2011-10-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Good thing we wasted a good 5 minutes in the podcast yesterday complaining that Ryan Fitzy Fitznoodle arm Fitzpatrick didn't get paid yet. OK now it is time to complain that Stevie Steve Johnson has yet to get paid.

The contract is for $59 million over six years and $24 million guaranteed. It sounds like a lot of money for a yet unproven quarterback. But as we all know (or should know) it is all about the guaranteed money. That is the only way to look at the contract.

Basically $24 mil over two or maybe three years (plus his base salary which would equate to $33 million over three years) isn't a bad contract for a starting quarterback. Even if he falls on his face and doesn't get the team to the playoffs this year or next the team isn't losing a shit ton of money.

Basically they could cut his ass and not pay him another dime. If he lives up to the billing and is worth keeping around for 4+ years then it will be more than a good contract it will be a great contract (assuming he doesn't hold out).

Alright, now that he is signed and the team believes they have their "franchise quarterback" it is time to get SJ13 some more green faces in his bank account. WTF are they waiting for? Why do they do this dumb ass shit where they can only negotiate with one player at a time? Even if that isn't the case it clearly seems like it is the case.

The Bills have to pay their players either way. If they don't pay Johnson there will just be another WR that eventually they'll have to pay. In two years they'll have to get to the cap floor, how are they going to do that with out some highly paid players? The longer they wait the more it will cost. Wake up Littman, are you alive?

Washington Redskins V Buffalo Bills podcast

2011-10-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Steve and Coast breakdown the up coming game in Toronto against the Washington Redskins, revisit the Giants game and look forward to the Jets match up next week.

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Bills redskins from 2007

Shawne Merriman to the Injured Reserve AGAIN

2011-10-25T14:43:00.003-07:00

by Steve

I'm not even going to bother with a lights out pun because I was using them by week three already. What an absolute train wreck of a travesty this guy's career has been with the Buffalo Bills. Who had week 7 as the over/under for him to be on the IR? Under pays bitch.

Some how, according to Tim Graham, Merriman is already guaranteed $3 million for NEXT season already, "Merriman has some interesting language for 2012 also tied to last year's Achilles injury. His base salary will be $4 million regardless. The minute he's cleared to practice -- even if it's a month from now -- $3 million of his 2012 salary becomes fully guaranteed whether he's on the roster or not."

So apparently this won't be the last we see of the dude, that is if he is ever healthy enough to see a football field again. And no I don't have one ounce of sympathy for the dude. My airport insider info has repeatedly seen him flying off to exotic locales (NYC and Vegas) and has banked a ton from us.

He isn't really to blame, there isn't much to blame really. We knew he was hurt, he knew he was hurt, he thought he could heal, we thought he could heal and everyone was wrong. If he is actually some how many sorta kind healthy next year and will be able to play it would still be worth it. That's why you gamble, sometimes you win sometimes you lose.

Also, there is speculation Antonio Coleman will be plucked from the Giants P-squad to fill the void. Why not I guess... Also time for Big Hittin Danny Batten and Arthur "Don't Cross The" Moats to ball out.

2011 NFL Week 7 picks

2011-10-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Steve 13-13 (Best Bet 2-3)

Green Bay -9 (Away Minnesota)
New Orleans - 13.5 (Home v Indianapolis)
Dallas -13 (Home St Louis)
Carolina -2.5 (Home v Washington)
Pittsburgh -5 (Away Arizona)

Wreck 13-10-2 (Best Bet 1-4)

Jacksonville +8 (Home v Baltimore)
Minnesota +9 (Home v Green Bay)
NY Jets +2 (Home v San Diego)
St Louis +13 (Away Dallas)
Indianapolis +13.5 (Away New Orleans)

Ryan Fitzpatrick to sign new deal next week?

2011-10-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Evidently Chris Mortenson just reported on NFL32 on ESPN that he is in line to sign a new contract some time next week for between $9-$12 mil per year with some of the details yet to be figured out.

Weird I'm about to start the Tyler Thigpen era and the Bills are going ol' noodle arm no magic Fitzpatrick $27+ mil? Guess he is our guy.

Week 7 Bills NFL Power rankings Compilation

2011-10-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Here is a breakdown of the various power ranking websites. The highest is 6 from walterfootball of all people and the lowest is 13. Defense was the overriding theme here and surprisingly not Ryan Fitzpatrick's inept and extremely shaky play.

Foxsports

#10 (previously 8)

The Bills fought hard on Sunday, but couldn't come up with just one more explosive play against the Giants. There is nothing better than one-play scoring drives like Fred Jackson's 80-yard touchdown run, but they need to be able to sustain drives and get three-and-outs on defense to be consistent week in and week out.

CBSsportsline

11 (9)

There are issues stopping teams for that defense. The Giants moved it when they had to and so have a lot of other teams. That has to stop.

ESPN

10 (6)

Defense is a big question mark entering the bye.

PFT

13. Bills (No. 4; 4-2): If the Bills want to be elite, they need to find a way to beat good teams on the road.

Yahoosports

Defense is an obvious concern right now. The Bills simply can't rely on the team's offense to come through with big drives each and every fourth quarter. Looking back, Buffalo probably should have beaten the Giants.

Walterfootball

6 Buffalo Bills (4-2) - Previously: #6 - I'm not going to penalize the Bills at all because they lost by three points as three-point underdogs without their best defensive player, Kyle Williams.

Why have the Bills not resigned Stevie Johnson?

2011-10-18T15:23:00.001-07:00

by Steve

Seriously WTF are the Bills waiting for in not extending Stevie Johnson's contract? This shit better happen over the bye week. If SJ13 is not resigned by the Buffalo Bills I will have lost any remaining respect for this franchise.

The guy is clearly a stud, we plucked him out of relative obscure and have gotten a bargain of a player for the last 22+ games. If you consider he is only making $1.20 mil this season and about the same last year, even if he gets paid $7 or even $8 mil per (say 5 years $38 mil) it is like paying him for 7 years and $41 mil (cheaper than Evans).

The next twelve days or so are the absolute best time to get this guy to ink his name to a new 'tract. Neither the team nor the player need to worry about an opponent on Sunday and basically are on vacation. Is there one reason not to give this guy cash even if it means slightly over paying him?

This franchise is lucky to be 4-2 and are still the complete joke they have been for the past 11 years. I have absolutely zero confidence in Ryan Fitzpatrick and clearly the organization has zero faith in him either. If they did the guy wouldn't be a pending UFA in 13 weeks even though he is on pace for 36 td's 18 picks and 4,431 yards.

If OBD/Nix/Ralph had any confidence in ol' noodle arm wouldn't they have resigned him by now? I mean clearly they don't care about making the playoffs or improving the roster. They just slept through the trade deadline while the team has drastic needs at linebacker and wide receiver. Teams like the Raiders are busting moves all over the place acquiring talent (Curry didn't fit the 3-4 but who cares he is still clearly a talent and maybe needs a different system and the Palmer trade is abysmally terrible holy smokes) and busting moves. OBD YOU ALIVE?!?!

This team has the potential to make the playoffs very clearly ( I see them finishing 8-8). Although ol' noodle arm will only regress with the winds picking up and the temperature dropping the schedule and standings aren't an albatross. The team could use a kick in the ass and some new blood. At the very freaking least give Stevie Johnson some god damn cash, maybe throw some at Fred Jackson (2 more years 10 mil guaranteed) and flirt with a noodle arm extension. Someone please go over to OBD turn off Matlock and bring them some discounted McDonald's coffee to wake their asses up.

Bills fall to 4-2

2011-10-17T14:30:00.001-07:00

by Coast

The Bills suffer another tough road loss to the Giants 27-24. Steve was once again at the game and the Bills once again lost. It has been nearly 7 full calendar years since the Bills have won a game that Steve has attended. Steve, do us all a favor, start watching the road games at UCONN on the HD TV. It will be cheaper for you and less painful for everyone else.

The Bills have a lot of problems, which I will get into in a minute, but I want to look at the big picture first. The Bills are 4-2 heading into the bye week. Who would have been upset with that when the season began? They have wins over the two super bowl favorites before the season, New England and Philadelphia. They have another solid win over Oakland, who appears to be a good football team. The Bengals and Giants, the two teams they lost to, are each 4-2. Regardless of yesterday’s result, the Bills are a solid football team, and WILL have meaningful games in November, which is a rarity.

Yesterday’s loss was depressing. The Bills had the game at their fingertips once again but let it slip away. It pains me to say this…but the major reason why the Bills lost the game was Ryan Fitzpatrick. He made two absolutely critical mistakes in this game that cost the Bills points. The first came in the 2nd quarter. The Bills had 1st and 10 from the Giants 22. At this point, getting a field goal attempt should be worst case scenario. Instead, Fitzpatrick took a sack on first down to back the Bills up to the 28. Then on third down and 16, Fitzpatrick, in true JP Losman fashion, took a 9 yard loss on a sack setting on 4th and 25 from the 37. The Bills were now out of field goal range and forced to punt. Fitz had plenty of time to throw the ball on the third down play but held onto it looking for the big play and it backfired. This CANNOT happen.

The 2nd mistake came on the Bills’ 2nd to last possession. The Bills had 1st and 10 from the Giants 27 with the game tied at 24. There was a hair over 4 minutes left in the game. The Bills decided to pass and Steve Johnson had a step on the Corey Webster, but the ball was grossly underthrown and intercepted. To add insult to injury, Johnson tackled Webster by his facemask and the Giants got the ball at the 19 instead of the 4. Of course, this led to the game winning field goal drive. I have no problem with the ball to throw the ball here. The Bills were trying to win the game and not settle for a 3 point lead like Dallas did later in the day. Fitz absolutely cannot miss this throw short. Fitz needs to make sure that this pass is long and out of bounds if it is going to be incomplete. The throw had no chance.

I won’t put all the blame on Fitz for the loss. There were many things that jumped out at me.

Drayton Florence got abused. He had multiple pass interference penalties. He got lit up by Nix on a long pass setting up a touchdown. The Giants picked on Florence and were successful all day.
The Bills have no pass rush. I know they were missing Kelsay, Merriman and Williams, but I would think that they still should be able to at least get 1 sack on Eli Manning. The Bills just could not generate pressure at all on him. If you pressure Eli, he will make mistakes, if you don’t, he can pick you apart.
The Bills have offensive line issues. Not only were they overmatched yesterday at the tackle position, they have serious injury issues. Levitre had to play tackle after Hairston got hurt. Talk about perfect timing for the bye week.
Fred Jackson had a great run, but other than the 80 yard touchdown run, he had 15 carries for 41 yards and was ineffective.
I thought the 2nd half play calling left a lot to be desired. We never seem to try and run the football from standard running formations. I want to see us put Corey Mac in the game once in a while. Did he see the field on offense yesterday? We had a 3rd and 1 and ran from the wildcat. Sometimes I think Chan still thinks he is playing on Thursday night in Blacksburg taking on the Hokies, not on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

It wasn’t all bad though.

CJ Spiller looked good playing receiver. He had 5 catches and a few of them were on the outside. It’s a good thing we are finding a way to get him involved. He has to make us a better offense when he is more involved.
Another great play from Naaman. He is stepping in nicely for Don Jones.
Terrance McGee was back in action yesterday and I thought he looked great. He made a great pass breakout in the end zone and had some great hits in run support and on receivers. In total, McGee had 11 tackles, all solo, to lead the team. Maybe Florence is the guy McGee will supplant at starting cornerback after yesterday’s performance.
The Bills (Alex Carrington) blocked a field goal. When was the last time that happened?

The Bills will play Washington in Toronto after the bye. This game is a must win in my opinion. We will split against Dallas and the Jets, at best, so if we lose to Washington, we are looking at 5-4. Its such BS that this game is on Toronto. I wouldn’t give the Skins much of a chance to win if the game were in Buffalo, but the Bills chances of winning in Toronto are about equivalent to the Bills chances of winning a road game that Steve attends.

Bills 24 Giants 27 F

2011-10-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Reporting live from NYC, yes that is seven straight road games I have attended that the Buffalo Bills have lost. In no order, Cleveland, Shitsburgh, Baltimore, New England, NYG, Detroit, Cincinnati, ouch, fml.

Ryan Fitzpatrick showed he is average at best. They got to bad pass interference calls but the game is more than a few bad calls by the refs. Fitz under threw both INTs to Stevie Johnson. Those passes were pathetically terrible and the second specifically cost the Bills the game. The sack that took the Bills out of FG range was just about as bad too.

Wow, did I really just go to two straight road L's in a season where we're 4-2? Ouch. Typical Steve Janis. jeez, brute. Coast are you alive?

Giants fans were nice, stadium was unimpressive but massive and the tailgating was pretty solid, plus wreck puked on a car. 4-12?

2011 NFL Week 6 picks

2011-10-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Steve 10-11 (Best Bet 2-2)

New England -7 (Home v Dallas)
Atlanta -4 (Home V Carolina)
Baltimore -7.5 (Home v Houston)
Washington v Philadelphia over 47.5
Tampa Bay +5.5 (Home v New Orleans)

Wreck 10-8-2 (Best Bet 1-3)

Indianapolis +7 (Away v Cincinnati)
St Louis +14.5 (Away v Green Bay)
Jacksonville +12.5 (Away Pittsburgh)
Dallas +7 (Away New England)
Tampa Bay +5.5 (Home v New Orleans)

Should the Bills Trade for a Wide Receiver?

2011-10-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Wayyyy back in August, which right now seems like a decade ago, the Bills upset everyone and traded (read: gave) away Lee Evans for a fourth round pick. The trade made no sense at the time and still doesn't. Yes, Evans has done jack shit since being moved to Baltimore but now the Bills have two receivers on IR (Marcus Easley and Roscoe Parrish) and have another out 4-6 weeks (Donald Jones). So should the Bills trade for a wide receiver before the NFL trade Oct. 18th?

There was a rumor that 30 year old free agent to be Brandon Lloyd is available :"**UPDATED NFL RUMORS**Source: Brandon Lloyd has been made avail from Denver they want a (#2) as of now. Redskins / Titans / Bills interested"

A 2nd round pick? hahaha not a chance, but the 4th we got from Baltimore? Possibly. I mean c'mon this team is down to Naaman Roosvelt, who has shown some sparks of decency but is still average, Ruvell Martin and a third string QB. Yikes.

This team is making a serious playoff push, something just about no one thought was possible Sept 10th. It might be time for Ralph or Russ or who ever is sitting on the wallet to stand up open that shit up and bust a move.

The difference between winning and losing in the National Football League is miniscule. One player added here or there (and not from the practice squad) could conceivably make the difference. And no I'm not talking about suicidal Terrell Owens either (jeez get a grip T.O. AND anyone that would consider signing him). The Bills don't HAVE to do anything, probably won't do anything but definitely should do something. Furthermore, it would spark the team (if they even need one) and the fans. It could show the front office is now committed to winning and a move could make the difference between the division the wildcard or a twelfth playoff-less season.

Who is George Gillett?

2011-10-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Who is George Gillett (68) and no this has nothing to do with shaving? The Buffalo Bills version of Terry Pegula? He is a new name to me but apparently he was at the Buffalo Bills game tailgaiting with one Jim Kelly. Everyone remembers that famous (infamous?) tweet by lil Kelly right? I retweeted it 10/6 before he deleted his account ""all bills fans and what not next year might be a new year new season ans new ..... fill that in you got it metting um sat"" Buffalo Rising fills in some blanks if you missed it.

Per the all knowing Wikipedia the dude has been all over the sports map from hockey to neckcar to English "football" (read soccer) and made a ton of money flipping the Montreal Canadiens.

Evidently Tim Graham says he showed legit interest in buying the team four years ago.

Of course this could all be happenstance or a coincidence but Goodell sort of letting the cat out of the bag over the weekend saying Wilson has things in place, then a new name, and Chad Kelly, and him being at the game? The Terry Pegula thing evolved extremely quickly and seemed to come out of no where too. We'll see.

Bills 31 Eagles 24 F

2011-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

by Steve

"The old Bills, people have to get that out of their head," Florence said. "It's 2011, and we're on a mission to go to the playoffs. That's our main goal now. You come into Orchard Park, and you're going to have to play 60 minutes if you want to win. You better strap it on because it's not going to be some easy cakewalk." Whoa, is DFlo my new favorite player? I almost forgot that the Bills could have a home field advantage after years and years and years of futility and ambivalence. But the Bills clearly have a home advantage that makes me think the Bills could go undefeated in all SEVEN home games this season.

The game Sunday came down to two things. One of which I predicted on Saturday and one I didn't. Coaching clearly cost the Eagles the game which I predicted. The Bills "opportunistic" defense was the other main factor.

Who knew some bum P.O.S. wide receiver seven years ago, George Wilson, would be the Bills defensive MVP and make everyone wish the Bills NEVER drafted Donte Whitner? Dude is playing like no one could have foreseen.

Fat Andy Reed is a loser. What the hell was he thinking at the end of the second quarter with eight seconds left letting Vick snap the ball again? At most you tell him, two step drop and throw, either the play is open or it lands out of bounds. Jeez. Also its coaching when your player goes offside when the other team has no intention of snapping the ball. Just ask Fitzy, "When you're going through it in practice it's kind of like, 'Why are we doing this again,'" Fitzpatrick said about lining up for it on 4th and inches. My only complaint is why wouldn't you snap the ball there and go for it?

Maybe I should call out Fred Jackson and question the play calling every week. The guy proved me wrong yet again. What a game by him. Same for Chanley Gailey. The Bills probably didn't take enough long shots down field, but they held the ball, got the running game going and prevented the Eagles defense from making plays. They did exactly what they needed to get the win, tough to complain about that.

A few questions still unanswered after the game though. How was it not a penalty when the Eagles illegally kicked off too soon to start the third quarter? Why is Terrence McGee still on this team (he dressed but didn't play)? Why the hell did Brad Smith run the ball out of the end zone late in the fourth quarter after the ball was kicked 7 yards deep and after he hesitated? Why was Arthur "don't cross the" Moats ever switched to inside linebacker? Who did Merriman pay to get credited with yet another sack?

"We definitely thrive on that," said wide receiver David Nelson. "We lost one game and people were writing us off already, telling us we weren't as good as advertised. I heard a lot of talk about 3-13. It definitely motivated us. We came out this week to earn some more respect." Still only 4-1 and we've been here before but at least they're not going 3-13.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills preview

2011-10-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Well Coast is a useless POS and is "busy" so I have to do everything. Sorry no Podcast either, re-read the first sentence. Good thing I never have anything to do but watch sports. How big is this Bills game tomorrow? It is a non-conference game but coming off that debacle last week the Bills need to get off the schnide and start winning again (it has been almost 14 days). I'm not feeling confident.

The Bills don't HAVE to win this game but if they are a decent team they'll win either this week or next. With one of the few stadiums that still effects the outcome of games this Sunday is a much more winnable game then next week (I'll be at both).

Is Michael Vick not good? He is 2-5 in his last seven, is perpetually hurt, and is a turnover machine. The problem is the Bills can make anyone look good, possibly even great (see Dalton, Andrew). Jeez. Um, hey Las Vegas Merriman are the lights on?

Terrence McGee better play tomorrow. He is probable. If he doesn't I want his ass cut before 4pm. The guy is more hurt than Vick!! He is taking up a roster spot and hasn't made a play since his days of returning kick offs (remember those days?) The depth at CB is awful and that doesn't bode well with the likes of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin running wild in the secondary. Someone tell Leodis McKelvin he was a top 12 pick.

Run the damn ball. Give CJ Spiller the freaking rock. I covered that on Wednesday. Furthermore, this team needs to learn how to convert a third down. The o-line sans De Bell is less than ideal but at least Trent Cole is out.

The coaching is a push with two of the worst defensive coordinators in football history and head coaches that are as confused on game day as any. This game obviously could go either way so..

Bills 23 Eagles 24 ouch.

2011 Week 5 NFL Picks

2011-10-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ouch, bad week 4 let's call our combined 2-8 record an abiration

Steve 7-9 (Best Bet 1-2)
Minnesota -3 (Home V Arizona)
Oakland +5 (Away Houston)
New York Giants -10 (Home Seattle)
San Diego -3.5 (Away Denver)
Chicago +5 (Away Detroit)

Wreck 6-7-2 (Best Bet 1-2)
Pittsburgh -3 (Home Tennessee)
Atlanta +5.5 (Home Green Bay)
Buffalo +3 (Home Philadelphia)
Minnesota -3 (Home v Arizona)
Seattle +10 (Away Giants)

Sabres 4 Ducks 1 F

2011-10-07T14:35:00.001-07:00

by Steve

If a game is played in Europe in the middle of the day on a Friday does it make a noise? There is more hype going into this Buffalo Sabres season than any since 2007 and perhaps beyond. After listening to most of today's game on the radio I may be underestimating this hockey team.

The Sabres from all accounts killed the Anaheim Ducks who apparently didn't get the memo that the preseason is over. Thomas Vanek is on pace for 1,066ish shots and 164 goals. Both lofty goals for this upcoming season. Basically you didn't miss much if you were one of the lucky ones to have a job this afternoon.

The three "writers" for the Buffalo News ALL predicted the Sabres to win the Northeast division finish second in the East Conference and lose in the East finals. All three had the same prediction. Is Terry "fanboy" Pegula God or does he just report directly to him?

Going 82-0 is to be expected at this point but they might not be up for the last game or two especially if Jhonas Enroth finally starts to get playing time so maybe just 80-2. CHAMPIONSHIP!

I may enjoy a lot of crow sandwich this season since I don't see this team winning the division and winning two rounds in the real season. Maybe losers Darc/Lindy will turn things around. Maybe this team has such a solid cast that they don't need a legit #1 center. Maybe it doesn't matter that their goalie is a bit overrated over paid and a head case. Maybe they will actually win a playoff round for the first time in five years.

Maybe it was just one game but I know the home opener is gonna be sick and this season should be fun. Anyone have an extra ticket?

Does CJ Spiller exist?

2011-10-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

by Steve

That isn't a rhetorical question by the way, does he? Seventeen touches in four games? SEVENTEEN? And don't give me some bullshit about how great Fred Jackson is, because he clearly isn't great.

If my memory and the internet serve me correctly Cliff was the 9th overall pick in the 2010 draft. In eighteen career games he has a grand total of 115 total receptions and carries. If this guy can't hack it in the National Football League what in the god damn did Bud and Chan see in this guy a mere 17.5 months ago?

From the near zero I have seen from this guy in the National Football League the last season and a quarter, it appears he can't run between the tackles. BUT he can run outside the tackle, catch the ball and can score touchdowns (sparingly).

Is there one valid reason why Cliff can't be a larger factor at least in the passing game? Twenty-eight (XXVIII) career catches is a joke. Where are the swing passes, screen passes, even a long bomb off a freaking WHEEL ROUTE?!

Fine Fred Jackson is preventing him from getting enough carries (I guess). But it isn't like Jackson breaks tackles, is effective in short distances, or breaks long runs. I hate to say it but maybe this team needs yet another running back. Where is the chain of pace guy ala Mike Tolbert if these two are too similar?

Jackson is only 215 and Spillsie is 197. Where is the bruiser? The dude that can just truck stick people out there and get the tough yards? Johnny White is a svelte 204 and Corey McIntyre doesn't see the field.

Then again is anything this organization does explainable? Give Clifford the damn ball.

Stevie Johnson on Colin Cowherd's show 10/4/11

2011-10-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=7058782

For some reason he was on after 12pm when WGR the only sports talk station in Buffalo switches to Jim Rome. Thanks Cowherd, ya dumbass.

Relatively interesting interview nothing ground breaking but it was better than some interviews of Bills. Funny shot at loser Reggie Bush towards the end too.

2011 Week 5 Buffalo Bills NFL Power rankings compilation

2011-10-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

by Steve
The funniest comment comes from PFT, most accurate from Yahoo! and most sites have us at 9, highest is 9 and lowest is 12 after four games in the National Football League.

Foxsports:

12 (8)Ryan Fitzpatrick going without a touchdown pass against the 24th-ranked pass defense, and the Bills being outgained by the Bengals 458 yards to 273, could tell us something about this team. An imposing run through the NFC East in October will give us a better idea if the Bills are contenders or pretenders.

Yahoo sports:
10 (9) Let down game, sure, but losing to the Bengals definitely has a few Bills fans I know a bit concerned. It will be interesting to see how the team responds.

PFT:
10. Bills (No. 5; 3-1): Well, at least they won’t start 4-0 and then fall apart like they did in 2008.

ESPN:
9 (6)
The young Bills showed a lack of maturity with a letdown against Cincinnati.

CBSSportsline:
9 (3)
You didn't think they were going undefeated, did you? Even at 3-1, they're a surprise.

Walterfootball:
9 Previously: #10 - Buffalo moving up after a loss is more of a product of two teams (Steelers, Jets) sliding down after two worse defeats. Pittsburgh is old and slow, while New York is a shell of its former self. Turning into a passing offense with a crap offensive line, two old receivers and mediocre (at best) quarterback may not have been the best decision.

By the way, forum member Swag Dynasty provided this quote by one of the Sunday NFL Countdown analysts (not sure who):

"The Jets aren't the Jets we're used to seeing; the Patriots aren't the Patriots from other years. This is why the Bills are ahead of both of them, those two are trying to figure stuff out and the Bills are just outdoing them."

I'm glad I wasn't listening because I may have suffered a brain hemorrhage.

Cincinnati Bungals 23 Bills 20 F

2011-10-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Is there more of a mortal lock than the Bills losing when I attend their game on the road? That makes six straight L's that I was in attendance for that the Bills lost on the road. I am a hot 1-6 life time, not good in two weeks when I show up for the Giants game.

Cincinnati's fans are weak. That stadium was about half empty holy smokes. We parked in a lot with maybe 300 other Bills fans going H.A.M. for about 5 hours until our defense couldn't stop a nose bleed in the second half.

The stadium it self is pretty nice on a gorgeous river water front. The downtown scene was meh Saturday night and we stayed in a cheapish hotel right across the river in Kentucky. The sevenish hour drive was also less than ideal.

Back to the game, man this team is streaky. Either they are piling up points and smoking fools or they are doing nothing. Every third down seemed to be a failure. Stevie Johnson was bitching about the refs as was every fan texting me during and after the game. I still haven't seen the replay of the 3rd and 1 play but that was crucial.

This supposedly improved defense made a rookie nobody Andy Dalton appear to be a 10 year vet from the nose bleeds where I watched the first half before moving down. Yes the secondary has some injuries but WTF is Leodis McKelvin's problem? Well, other than sucking?

Fred Jackson was a no show, Cliff Spiller only got four touches for some reason. Was the tuck rule really called? Jeez. How was Cedric Benson playing in this game? Jerome Simpson?

I'm starting to not like how this season is shaping up.

Week 4 NFL picks

2011-10-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Week four everyone is starting to figure out the trends, who is good, who is bad etc. Unfortunately Las Vegas knows this and adjusts the lines accordingly. You can read all the Bill Simmons' of the world and still maybe finish a game or two above .500.

At this point you need a couple of good sports betting websites that you trust and follow your instincts. Or stick to college football because it is much easier, especially with home field advantage actually meaning something.

My suggest as augmented by my week 4 picks is to bang the away favorites home slice.

Steve 6-5 (Best bet 1-1)

Bills -3 (Away Cincinnati)
Saints -7 (Away Jacksonville)
Vikings -3 (Away Kansas City)
Buccaneers -10 (Home Indianapolis)
Under 42.5 Ravens Jets

Wreck 5-3-2 (Best Bet 1-1)

Cleveland pick (Home Tennessee)
San Francisco +9.5 (Away Philadelphia)
Pittsburgh +3.5 (Away Houston)
Chicago -6.5 (Home Carolina)
Denver +12 (Home San Diego)

Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals podcast

2011-09-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Steve and Coast reflect on the stunning victory over the Patriots break down the Bungals game and predict the outcome of the season

(right click save as to download)

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Is it officially time to Billieve?

2011-09-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

by Steve

The fifteen game L streak is over, the Bills have come back from back to back 18+ point deficits to win for the first time not only in their history but NFL written history, and the Bills have the most points in the league after three games. What the hell is going on?

At the game Sunday it seemed all morning that Buffalo was walking into certain death. No one seemed to care because it was beautiful out and the team would still be 2-1 with a winnable game next week against Cinci. Then the Patriots jumped up by 21 and it was about time to start wondering what the final score would be, 56-10 again? 70-3? More?

Then out of no where Tom Brandy threw a touchdown and the Bills were suddenly only down 21-10 with the ball at half. Who cares about the dumb 4th and 14th attempt or kicking a field goal at 4th and less than one. This team actually has an offense and could come back!!

But the general consensus was that the Bills still couldn't cover a tight end. How would they stop N.E.'s O enough to tie it? With 13:11 remaining the Patriots were about to go up by an insurmountable 14 points. From my end zone I could see George Wilson lined up across from Gronkowski and pointed this out to the two Corey's saying Brandy was going to throw it to him for a TD. And something amazing that in seven years of me being a season ticket holder had never happened. Someone from the Bills outsmarted #12. The Senator picked the pass off and completely swung the momentum for good.

From this point on I had near 100% faith who ever had the ball last was going to score. The Bills were not going to be stopped in tying the game or taking the lead. The only thing that mattered was whether the Cheatriots would have enough time left on the clock to go down the field and score. That's why I didn't even celebrate when Fred Jackson seemingly ran the ball into for the go ahead touchdown. There was nearly two minutes left and Belecheat and Co. had two timeouts.

The only question to my mind was who is going to win the OT coin flip and thus win. But instead the Bills actually got lucky. Jackson didn't score, idiot fat ass Vince Wilfork lost his cool and took a penalty (giving the Bills a first down and thus allowing us to run out the clock and kick the winning field goal) AND Lindell made a game winning kick.

Basically, it is officially time to believe the Bills are not the Dick Jauron lead Bills. They won't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. The worst thing that can happen won't ALWAYS happen. Are we as Bills fans ready for this new mindset?

I'll test it out in Cincinnati Sunday, see you there. 4-0!

Buffalo Bills Week 4 Power Rankings

2011-09-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

by Steve

The Bills highest ranking is #3 and worst is #10.

Foxsports:

8 (16) "Bravo"

Two behind the Lions and one behind the Patriots

Sportsline:

3 (14) See comments from Lions. They have earned their way here. Beating New England helps their status. [Lions @2 Do I think they are the second-best team? No. But they've earned their spot here. Matt Stafford is the real deal.]

Damn

ESPN:
6 (16) Surprise! The AFC's last unbeaten team resides in Buffalo

PFT:

5. Bills (No. 11; 3-0): The 2008 Bills started 4-0 and finished 3-9. The 2011 Bills who played for the 2008 Bills are very aware of that.

Yahoo sports:
9 (16)You are reading this right — Buffalo is the only undefeated team in the AFC.

Walterfootball:
10 (17) Are the Bills really the 10th best team in the NFL? I'm not so sure. But since the world is coming to an end in 15 months, I figure that God will find some way to have Buffalo win the final Super Bowl in Earth's history.

What a shock walterfootball has the Bills ranked worst of any of the sites yet again.

Bills 34 Patriots 31

2011-09-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

-Coast

With 6:01 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Rob Gronkowski, the Buffalo native, hauled in a 26 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to put the Patriots up 21-0. The Patriots offense was scoring with relative ease. Three touchdowns in 5 possessions. The Bills offense on the other hand had 4 drives, 2 of which resulted in punts and 2 of which resulted in interceptions.

In any of the past 11 years, a Bills team in this situation would have crumbled to the Patriots. I was envisioning a 49-0 embarrassment. I mean, what else was there to expect? Since the Bills beat the Patriots 31-0 8 years ago, the Bills have faced Tom Brady at home 6 times before yesterday. In those games, the Bills were outscored by an incredible margin...201-53. This is an average of 33.5 - 8.3 per game. That is astounding if you think about it. In our own stadium, we have been dominated by one team by an average of over 25 points per game during a 6 year stretch.

I will admit, I gave up hope. I was done with Chan Gailey. I thought his decision to defer the opening kickoff was comical and the decision to go for it on 4th and 14 desperate. The Bills young team wasn't ready for this type of stage. Donald Jones had a dropped pass that led to an interception. Aaron Williams was getting abused. The Bills veteran cast off safeties George Wilson and Bryan Scott were out of their league and had no prayer of covering Gronkowski or Welker.

Beginning with the Bills next possession, the momentum started to slowly shift. The Bills kept any slight hope alive when Ryan Fitzpatrick found Stevie Johnson to cut the lead to 21-7. The momentum really swung on New England's next possession. Brady and company were marching down for another score...possibly to make it 28-7. Instead, Brady threw a horrible pass to Danny Woodhead that was intercepted by Bryan Scott. The Bills turned this into a field goal and instead of 28-7 at halftime it was 21-10.

Tom Brady threw 4 interceptions on the day. He had 4 in 2010. The Bills intercepted Brady 4 times on 45 attempts yesterday...he threw the same amount last year in 492 attempts. Truly unbelievable.

Leodis McKelvin...the same player who was torched last week by the Raiders, made 2 huge plays in the game. He intercepted Brady in the 3rd quarter to set up the Bills for a touchdown to make the score 21-17. He then stopped Woodhead cold on a 3rd down to force a field goal to keep it a 7 point game.

Say what you will about George Wilson, but his interception on Brady in the 4th quarter when they were driving to once again take a 2 score lead was an incredible play. The Bills intercepted Brady 2 times deep in scoring territory...the Bills defense gave up tons of yards, but made HUGE plays when it mattered.

I can't say enough about Ryan Fitzpatrick. He should have had a contract in his locker yesterday at 4:23 PM. The guy deserves it. He is obviously a great leader. His teammates love him. He is smart and has incredible poise. Yeah, he looked calm and cool last week against Oakland in the 4th quarter, but this is New England for God sake. 15 straight losses. 20 out of 21. 25 point average home margin of defeat. 21-0 deficit in the 2nd quarter. None of this mattered. Fitzpatrick led the team back...and it was like he totally expected to. There was no sense of panic from our offense. 27-40, 369 yards, 2 touchdowns. Fitz has 9 TDs through 3 games...and most importantly he has led back to back 18 plus point comebacks over two good football teams. No team has made back to back comebacks of such a margin in over 60 years. The Raiders aren't slouches. They took it to the Jets yesterday. Darren McFadden ran for over 170 yards against the Jets...he ran for 71 against the Bills.

I will eat my words about Fred Jackson. I love this guy. I have always thought he was a mediocre player with very limited talent and thought that it was ridiculous how much people loved him. I was so wrong on this. Fred Jackson is 30 years old and probably runs a 4.6 40 yard dash if that. This guy has freaking heart though. He leaves it all on the field, every single game and that is contagious. He is another great leader. For the first time in literally decades, the Bills have legitimate leadership and they have a cohesive team that wants to go out there and battle and win for each other. They also love where they are playing, which makes it even better. The 'great' players we have had in the past couldn't wait to get out of here. I heard Stevie Johnson wore a Sabres hat to the game yesterday. Marshawn Lynch used to wear Raiders hats.

Drayton Florence's pick 6 was the highlight of an incredible afternoon. I nearly tackled my Dad sitting next to me. It was complete euphoria which slowly turned into shock and disbelief. No one knew how to react. We sat there for 15 minutes after the game ended just trying to figure out if what happened actually happened. No one left the stadium early. Everyone was standing the entire 2nd half. I was 7 when I was at Rich Stadium for the Bills vs. Oilers 32 point comeback game. Was this as good as that game? Probably not, but it's the best home win since. The Bills have won 3 home playoff games since then, but given the past decade, this win was bigger. The Bills might have turned the corner. They might have found their franchise quarterback. They might have found a head coach. Right now, it is fun to legitimately have a chance at playing important home games in December...the Bills do have 3 of them.

Fuck the Patriots

2011-09-24T22:40:00.001-07:00

GOD DAMN RIGHT

2011 NFL Week 3 Picks

2011-09-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Steve (3-3 Best Bet 1-0)

Carolina -3 (-125) (Home v Jacksonville)
Denver +7 (At Tennessee)
Cincinnati -2.5 (Home v San Francisco)
New Orleans -4(-115) (Home v Houston)
New England -7 (@ Buffalo)

Wreck (2-2-1 best bet 1-0)

Chicago +4 (Home v Green Bay
Indianapolis +10.5 (Home v Pittsburgh)
Minnesota +3(Home v Detroit)
Denver +7 (At Tennessee)
New York Giants +9 (At Philadelphia)

best bet in bold
Here is week 2

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills podcast

2011-09-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Steve and Coast break down the upcoming Bills Patriots tilt, look back at the win against Oakland and the prospects for the season.

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The Bills have to sign Stevie Johnson now

2011-09-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Stevie Johnson is officially not a one year wonder. Dude is piling up stats and touchdowns yet again after an explosive 2010 few saw coming. Playing out the final year of his original four year rookie contract, dude is going to be looking to get paid.

He is quickly becoming one of our most recognizable players on the team and potentially a superstar in the National Football League. The question then comes down to how much he deserves to be paid and what he's looking for.

There was a report on the alleged sports station WGR that the Bills and Johnson's camp are $2 million per year apart in negotiations. The contract to compare ST13 to may well be that of Miles Austin. Are you ready to give the dude Austin money? Like 6 years $54 mil and $18 mil guaranteed?

Yes that is the dumb Cowboys over paying for what they deem a star. But the two are pretty similar. Austin had 4 full years experience before his extension John 3. Austin was an undrafted free agent Johnson a 7th rounder. Neither did squad their first two seasons then exploded in their third year with eerily similar stats.

Can you compare his contract to top end talent drafted in the first round? Does draft position matter at this point? Brandon Marshall got 5 years $47 mil with $24 mil guaranteed and don't even look at Larry Fitz's deal (although no one is in his league. Either way dude is going to get paid and the Bills better do it before the price goes even higher.

Buffalo Bills Week 3 power rankings

2011-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

by Steve
Nothing too controversial shocking or really that interesting. PFT has the Bills the highest (11) and Walterfootball who has always disliked the Bills as the lowest (17)

ESPN :
16 (27) We'll find out if the Bills are for real this Sunday against the Patriots. (Clayton)

Playing against the best team in the league will prove whether the Bills are "for real" or not? pssht please

Foxsports:
16 (22) Ryan Fitzpatrick is beginning to catch my eye, but it's been against the woeful Chiefs and then the Raiders having to come east. I am more impressed with the 217 rushing yards in a game they got behind quickly. We will know for sure after this week's game

Consensus is forming that the Bills won't be for real until after this week. Will a loss definitively prove they are not for real?

PFT
11. Bills (No. 13; 2-0): On Sunday, the Bills will put their two-game winning streak up against a 15-game losing streak to the Pats.

Much more matter-of-factly.

Yahoo sports

16 (18)Time to jump on the Bills’ bandwagon? Not yet—because we want to see how they match up with the Patriots on Sunday.

Yes we are playing the Patriots Sunday

CBS Sportsline
14 (16)The way they are scoring, they will be a handful for anybody. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets his chance to match throws with Brady this week.

Didn't mention the Patriots but Tom Brandy was mentioned, that still counts.

Walterfootball
17. Buffalo Bills (2-0). Previously: #19
Too lazy to write something, I like it.

Buffalo Bills 38 Oakland Raiders 35 F

2011-09-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Holy smokes what a game. Gotta love an erroneous transmission though don't you? Da'Norris, KNOCK IT DOWN next time bro. Either way what a second half of football at OBD Sunday.

Fitzy and the offense were unstoppable, literally. They scored a touchdown on every possession and actually gave me confidence we would win if we had the ball last. True, at half time I was predicting the Bills would go 1-15. And yeah I was arguing with "Sabres" fans about how much of a loser Lindy Ruff is but who wouldn't after watching Jason Campbell shred the defense in the first 30 minutes.

Is Shawne Merriman alive? How about Kyle "stud" Williams? Did those guys dress on Sunday? At least Al Davis will save on Campbell's dry cleaning bill this week. Where the hell was the pressure? Zero sacks for either team? Is there a starting caliber CB on this team? A bunch of no name-ers ran roughshod through the secondary. The Raiders went 8-12 on third down, really boys?

It is officially time to pay Stevie Johnson though. Anyone still worried his stats will suffer sans Lee Evans? The guy is a straight stud even if he drops a few passes every game. David Nelson may not be a no name-er any more either. Fred Jackson has finally won me over as an actual running back in the National Football League. Also who is Scotty Chandler's agent, dude needs to ink an extension of his own.

This team is still an average team at best with an average head coach. There is little doubting Chan Gailey's offensive prowess but as far as a head coach? Meh. George Edwards needs the boot and it is extremely puzzling how he was even brought back for 2011. If this team couldn't keep the Raiders under 35 what is going to happen next week against Tom Brandy?

Then again maybe the Raiders aren't as sub par as we all think. Either way the Bills are 2-0 as I predicted (re-watch Searcy's pick and tell me you don't give George Wilson some major props on that play) and have the 2-0 Patriots coming into our barn next week. AND this time we know to get onto Southwestern around 8am to get into the lots before 9:30. CAN'T WAIT.

2011 NFL Week 2 picks

2011-09-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

NFL week 2 picks/locks against the spread. Spreads pulled from a gambling site Saturday evening. (bold is best bet)

Wreck:

Carolina Panthers +10 (Home v Green Bay)
Tennessee +6 (Home v Baltimore)
Seattle +14 (Away v Pittsburgh
San Francisco +3 (Home v Dallas)
Miami +3 (Home v Houston)

Steve:

Buffalo -4 (Home V Oakland
Cincinnati +4 (Away v Denver
Indianapolis +2 (Home v Cleveland)
Washington -3.5 (Home v Arizona)
Dallas @ SF Over 42
New England -7 (Home v San Diego)

UB @ Ball St, Must win?

2011-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

by Steve

In case you haven't noticed Jeff Quinn, UB's football coach, is a meager 3-11. The Bulls went 1-7 in the MAC last year after Turner Gill left for greener pastures in Kansas. At some point Quinn and his spread offense have to start winning against someone other than Bowling Green and the little Sisters of the Poor. What better time to start than at 2008 rival Ball State.

No one really knows if this game even exists since at 7pm when I turn my TV on to watch it I won't find it. But I think it airs on the radio on some adult contemporary AM station (WECK 1230?). My prediction is take the Cardinals -4.5.

JQ has no excuse. He brought in his boy Chazz Anderson the super senior to run the show. He has a potential solid running back emerging in Branden Oliver. Oliver is averaging 120 yards per game in this young season and may be taking that next step. On defense UB has two of the best linebackers in the conference in Steven Means and Khalil Mack. So there is some talent on this squad.

I have no idea where Ball St is, (indy? i don't feel like looking it up) and UB's abysmal play last season has created indifference to the program. With an interesting game next week (Uconn coming into UB Stadium) UB needs a good showing tonight to try and fill that ugly stadium. Time to win Quinn.

Stevie Johnson misses practice but will play

2011-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Per yahoo.com

Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson(notes) missed practice Thursday because of a sore groin that has been bothering him for about a month.

Coach Chan Gailey said Johnson was just given the day off, and fully anticipates Johnson to play Sunday when the Bills (1-0) play host to the Oakland Raiders (1-0).

Johnson appeared to tweak the injury in a position drill on Wednesday during the portion that reporters were able to watch. He took a few repetitions off before returning.

Tyler Myers 7 years $38.5 mil

2011-09-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

by Steve

Yes hockey doesn't start until sometime in January (or Feb after the Bills Superbowl game) but here is a quick note that even I can't complain about (some how).

Tyler Myers was signed to a seven year contract worth $38.5 million. Holy smokes what a solid deal for both teams. As teams like to say it is actually for eight years and $39.35 mil but that is just Darc speak. Yes some how Darcy Regier is still the general manager which is disconcerting but Terry Pegula will spare at no expense. Also they put cup holders above the pissers in the bathroom. Pay dirt!