Bleacher Report - Articles by Kyle Richardson

From Dominik Hasek to Ryan Miller: Passing the Torch

Kyle Richardson — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:06:46 -0400

The best Buffalo Sabres goalie of all-time—Dominik Hasek—won six Vezina Trophies in his 16-year career, tied* with Montreal goalies Jacques Plante and Bill Durnan for the most solo-Vezinas in a career.

Hasek departed Buffalo-the only place he received the distinct honor of best goalie in the NHL—for Detroit in 2001, and was replaced with Martin Biron who played alongside Hasek for three seasons. But Biron was never the goalie of the future.

With the fifth Round, 138th overall selection in the 2002 NHL Draft the Sabres selected Ryan Miller, who set an NCAA record with 26 career shutouts in his three years at Michigan State. After spending three seasons with the then AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, playing part-time with the Sabres, Miller finally joined the Sabres as the headlining goalie.

In 2005-2006, Miller led the Sabres to the Eastern Conference Finals where they lost in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes. That year, Miller ranked ninth amongst all goalies with .914 save percentage.

After the season the Sabres signed Miller to a three-year contract and they wouldn’t regret it. Miller has been one of the best goalies in the league the past four seasons receiving little to no support from his backups. In the past four seasons, Miller has played 246 games – 75 percent of the Sabres total games in that span. Hasek played 211 games in the same amount of time.

In his career up until this point, in six NHL seasons Miller’s .910 save percentage is just under Hasek’s .914 in the same number of seasons.

Last season Miller in his sixth season, played 59 games, went 34-18-0, had a .918 save percentage, and recorded five shutouts. The Sabres were third in the Northeast Division with 91 points and disqualified for the playoffs.

“Competitively, I want to keep pushing it up there so I'm an elite goalie," he told Buffalo News in preparing for the ’09-10 season. "There's no question people talk about my game at the top of the league and I want to keep pushing that.”

If Miller continues his play at his current rate he will surely record his first Vezina Trophy soon. His stats from last year are comparable to that of Hasek’s in his first year winning the Vezina.

That was ’93-94, his fourth season, and he played 58 games, went 30-20-6, had a save percentage of .930 and recorded seven shutouts. The Sabres that year were fourth in the Northeast Division with 95 points and lost the Conference Quarter-Finals to the New Jersey Devils.

True, it’s a new day, the game is played differently, and there is a whole bunch of talent out there with goalies like Martin Brodeur, Tim Thomas, Niklas Backstrom, Tomas Vokoun, and many more.

But there was a whole bunch of talent back then too with arguably the best goalie of all-time—Patrick Roy—along with Ed Belfour, Curtis Joseph and many more.

So what does Miller have to do to win such a prestigious goalie award?

Well, the Sabres going to the playoffs wouldn’t hurt. Since 1981, no goalie from a non-playoff team has won the award.

And they may just do that this year, with Miller, who is fully healed from the high ankle sprain that caused him to miss 13 games last season.

“We spent the majority of the summer putting that coordination back, getting the range of motion and balancing the strength between left and right leg,” he said. “It was an interesting process but it feels good."

In an organization whose team-building philosophy is to start at the net, controlling the crease means more than stopping pucks. It means being the man.

Playoffs or not, the 29-year old Miller is the face of the Sabres franchise in this new generation.

He consistently has the highest-selling jersey for a goalie his popularity ranks among the league's stars—Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Daniel Briere. He has numerous endorsement deals—Amp Energy, Saranac Beer—is a part of the Sirius Maxim radio show, and has an extensive web site.

He does work in the community supporting those affected by cancer with Steadfast Foundation, started by him and his father. He’s also part of the NHL’s Competition Committee.

“It’s Miller Time!” has become a popular cheer every time the 6’2” 175-pounder makes one of his crowd-stunning saves.

On July 18, 2008 it was really “Miller Time”, when he signed a five-year contract extension worth $31.25 million that will keep him in Buffalo through the 2013–14 season.

Will a Vezina validate the extension or is Miller well worth it with his accomplishments up-to-date?

* Before 1981, it was awarded to the goaltender(s) of the team allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season.

Bills, Buccaneers, Chiefs: Fantasy Implications of Coordinator Firings

Kyle Richardson — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:12:14 -0400

For what had to be a first in NFL history three offensive coordinators were fired two weeks or less before the regular season.

Each team—Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Bills—had similar issues before the moves were made. Together they combined for two wins total all preseason. With the first team offense on the field, a time when chemistry and fluidity are expected, combined they scored only two offensive touchdowns.

In the past, if a coach struggles during the early season stages the organization didn’t shy against firing for lack of results.

But when was the last time it has happened so early?

Of course firing the offensive coach doesn’t immediately fix the problems of the lifeless O’s. It can actually turn out to be the start of a chemistry building process that teams would like to have already crafted before or during preseason.

Below is a breakdown of each team’s decision and the fantasy impact it may have.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were the first team to pull the plug on a sputtering offense when they fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey August 31. Rookie head coach Todd Haley will have his hands full taking on the additional duties including the role of quarterbacks coach this season.

Many questions surrounded the organization before the move was made after the knee injury to their new quarterback Matt Cassel, during a 14-10 loss to the Seahawks.

The former Patriots QB is expected to miss two-to-four weeks, leaving the Chiefs with Brodie Croyle as the starter for week one. Croyle has never won an NFL game and is 0-8 in the past two seasons.

“I don’t think we’re going to be a high-powered group right now,” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said after the game.

The Chiefs scored only two offensive touchdowns combined in four games this preseason.

Haley, the offensive coordinator for the Cardinals in 2007-08, vows to do everything he can to bring the Chiefs—a team who has won only six games in the past two seasons—to respectability again.

Larry Johnson is still a threat in the backfield, but if teams stack the box he will have nowhere to run.

The loss of tight end Tony Gonzalez will hurt the Chiefs and I don’t expect much play from the Chiefs TEs.

Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe returns—the Chiefs leader with 86 receptions for 1,022 yards and seven TDs last season. Bowe is expected to have another good year as part of the third-year wide receiver theory. The Chiefs also picked up WR Terrance Copper who had 38 receptions for 511 yards with five TDs for the Saints last season.

WR Bobby Engram hopes to bounce back a season after injuring his shoulder producing only 47 receptions for 489 yards in 2008. In ‘07 Engram tallied a career-high 94 receptions for a career-best 1,147 yards with six TDs.

“A consistent message is what I’ve been sending these guys,” said Haley, “not the same message but a consistent one.”

Expect Haley to lean on his offensive assistants such as O-line coach Bill Muir who has 32 years NFL experience and was the Buccaneers coordinator for six years (2002-08).

“It’s going to be a lot busier,” said Haley.”I’m grateful that I have some former coordinators around me.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers followed suit by firing their offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski on September 3, ten days before the start of the season. Similar to the Chiefs, they also have a first-year head coach in Raheem Morris, Tampa’s defensive backs coach for the past two seasons.

At 33, Morris is the youngest coach in the NFL. The final decision to fire Jagodzinski fell on the young coach’s shoulders, and many say he is way over his head.

“It was time, before the last preseason game to make the decision so that we could move on and be ready,” said Morris.

Team sources said that conflict had been building since early in training camp with coaches and players disagreeing with Jagodzinski's coaching philosophies and teaching methods.

The team may have made this decision early on as running backs coach Steve Logan, who was Jagodzinski's offensive coordinator at Boston College, was the one calling plays during the preseason.

“We’re in constant evaluation of our staff,” said Morris. We need to be more precise, we need to be more detailed, and we need to have more direction to where we’re going to go.”

Taking over the offensive coaching duties is former Rams off. coordinator in 2007-08 — Greg Olsen. Olsen led the 11th-ranked Buccaneers passing offense in the NFL in 2008, but lost QB Jeff Garcia in the offseason.

Former Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich has only played 14 games in the past three seasons and will take over the starting role for Tampa Bay. He will try to develop chemistry with TE Kellen Winslow—signed in the offseason—who hopes to bounce back to his ’07 form (82 receptions, 1,106 yards and five TDs) after a drop off from last year with the Browns (43 catches for 428 yards and three TDs).

“We’re talking about a different direction in our passing game a little bit,” said Morris, ”more vertical balls down the field.”

Always a deep threat, WR Antonio Bryant will lead the Bucs receiving corps. Last season Bryant had 83 catches for 1,248 yards (15.0 a catch) and seven TDs.

In addition to Olsen as the off. coordinator Morris intends to rely a lot on eighth-year wide receivers coach and asst. head coach Richard Mann. In his press conference the new head coach stated that the passing game was going to be an area of change.

On the other side will be Michael Clayton, who had 38 receptions for 484 yards and one TD.

Besides the names of the backs with the acquisition of Derrick Ward, who’s ranked 25 on some analysts board of top RBs,the Bucs running philosophy will remain the same. They expect a three committee approach with Earnest Graham and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams two and three on the depth chart, respectively.

“The plan has not changed,” said Morris. “We’re still a zone-blocking scheme led by Pete Mangurian and how heavily influenced he was with that running attack."

“This offense was headed on the right direction,” he said. ”Now we have to finish off the deal with some different guys.”

Buffalo Bills

The most recent offensive coordinator firing was of the Bills second-year coordinator Turk Schonert. After experiencing years of offensive mediocrity with Steve Fairchild as the coordinator who was fired before the ’08 season, the Bills made it clear that heads will roll with the move of Schonert.

Schonert was said to be the culprit of the no-huddle approach, as a member of the Bengals coaching staff that won the Super Bowl in 1988, beating Bills in the AFC Championship with that same approach.

With his departure, former Bills QB and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt was promoted to offensive coordinator. Before the move in Buffalo there was a plea for Trent Edwards to take over the offensive play-calling duties. There has to be more of a push to give him the play-calling duties now, touted by many as the way to be successful in the no-huddle as Jim Kelly was in the ’90s.

Kelly supported the Bills in the decision to promote Van Pelt.

"I think he's got everything he needs," Kelly said. "The only thing he might lack right now is the experience. But in order to get that experience, you've got to be thrown into the fire and you've got to experience it first-hand. “

Those around the league had high hopes for the Bills offense as they picked up Terrell Owens and Dominic Rhodes in the offseason. But the offense struggled to find consistency, Rhodes was released, and the no-huddle which is most effective at quick drives keeping defenses on their toes backfired, requiring the Bills defense to stay on the field more time.

Head coach Dick Jauron will be under fire all season to perform and if the Bills struggle out the gate don’t be surprised to see him go as well. The final decision for Van Pelt to go was made by Jauron, who knows his performance will determine if he stays with the Bills for a fifth-year.

It didn’t feel like we we’re progressing,” said Jauron. “You didn’t get the feel that we we’re going forward.”

Jauron mentioned that Eric Studesville will continue his duties at running backs coach. With Marshawn Lynch suspended and after Rhodes' departure, Fred Jackson and Xavier Omon will carry the load at least until week four.

Jackson ran 130 times last season for 571 yards and three TDs and Omon had a less-than mediocre preseason with 29 carries for 79 yards and one TD.

At receivers the Bills have T.O., alongside Lee Evans, with Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish in the slot. Evans has always been a deep threat and should get more work finally able to escape the double team with T.O. on the other side.

Though Owens is turning 37 this season, he continues to be one of the hardest trained athletes in the NFL. Last season he caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 TDs.

Edwards looked like he was on the same page with Owens in the preseason opener — the Hall of Fame game — getting it to the Pro Bowl receiver with two easy receptions, but a toe injury kept Owens out for the remainder of the preseason.

The Bills third-year quarterback is not worried about the teams’ non-production in the preseason and is confident that the work the team put in during practice was enough to prepare them for the regular season.

Van Pelt won’t have much time to work with the offense as the Bills head to New England September 14 for the Monday Night opener.

“These next six or seven days might determine what they are going to do because basically we'll see how things will work under Alex,” said Kelly. “I'm sure he'll have some adjustments to make. You can't just totally overhaul your whole offense. You have to stick with a lot of similar things.”

Summing it up

Though they all had different approaches and replacements after the firings, one goal remains the same for all coaches—produce offensively.

They better mold quickly as each faces one of last season's top 10 defenses in its opener.

The Chiefs play at Baltimore, the Buccaneers play at home vs. Dallas and the Bills play at New England.

Check out Top Fantasy Football’s Dominator service to stay up-to-date all season long on the players you draft, injury reports up to game time, weather conditions, and waiver wire suggestions to snatch victory from the hands of your other league owners.

The K-Gun Reloaded: Buffalo Bills Shooting for Respectability with New Offense

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:14:24 -0400

In 1989, after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals coached by Sam Wyche in the AFC Championship Game, the Buffalo Bills knew that they needed to make a change.

Led by third-year quarterback Jim Kelly—the 1984 USFL MVP—and equipped with versatile running back Thurman Thomas, wide receivers Andre Reed and James Lofton, along with speedy Don Beebe in the slot, and a sure-handed group of tight end's in Pete Metzelaars and Keith McKeller (who the K-Gun was named after), the Bills were ready to install a new offense under fourth-year head coach Marv Levy.

So was born the K-Gun—the no-huddle offense in Buffalo.

Four Super Bowl appearances and 20 years later, the 2009 Buffalo Bills are bringing back the K-Gun, or what some like to call the T-Gun, to resurrect a deceased offense.

The names are different, but the skills are comparable.

Like Levy, head coach Dick Jauron is heading into his fourth year.

Third-year quarterback Trent Edwards is no Kelly yet, and the UFL is no USFL, but he has the intelligence and accuracy to employ what is to many a complicated offensive scheme.

Each one of the three running backs in blue and white are versatile, from Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch to Fred "Shake 'n' Bake" Jackson and championship-tested Dominic Rhodes.

The three receivers: Lee Evans, the sure-handed franchise receiver; Terrell Owens, the veteran who consistently performs on the field; and Roscoe Parrish, the speedy "break your ankles" receiver coming out of the slot.

The Bills have not determined who will be their go-to tight end, as they have four capable players in Derek Fine, Derek Schouman, Jonathon Stupar, and rookie Shawn Nelson out of Southern Miss.

Nelson is more of a hybrid WR/TE who performed well as a four-year starter in college with 157 receptions for 2,054 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"The no-huddle lends itself to guys that are big-play guys," said Wyche after it was reported in April, "because if you get a defense that's just a little fatigued, just a little off their first-step quickness, and you get the explosive guys, they can hit the home run.”

Throughout OTAs and training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY, the Bills put their planned no-huddle offense on full display. For the duration of practices entire weeks straight, they would not set up in a huddle even once.

Then the football world, or at least the 7.9 million viewers of the NFL Hall of Fame Game, got a glimpse of the T-Gun.

"If we huddled up, I seriously wouldn't know where to stand," left tackle Langston Walker said before the game against Tennessee. "The only time I see us huddling is timeouts and change of possession. That's about it."

They didn’t huddle up one time in that game, and although the first drive ended in an interception, the first unit showed some promise in the system, converting a couple of third downs with throws to its newly acquired All-Pro receiver.

“Owens operating in no-huddle inspires fanciful notions in the minds of Buffalo fans,” said Buffalo News writer Jerry Sullivan.

“They remember how the K-Gun rolled up points and staggered NFL defenses during the Super Bowl years. The offense has been dull and ineffective for years. The no-huddle would give the offense an identity, and afford the fans much-needed hope.”

Strength at Offensive Line?

What helped the '90s K-Gun offense click was the fact that its offensive line had spent a season together, and other than right tackle Howard Ballard, the other four had created a bond for more than three years.

The 2009 Bills: three new offensive linemen, two rookies, all five in new positions.

Maybe this is a reason the Bills made the decision to revive the classic O.

With a no-huddle offense that keeps defenses on their toes and off guard, they can get the ball out of Edwards’ hands quickly, requiring less blocking time.

Sure-handed RBs and WRs will provide Edwards with some quick options once the ball is snapped.

With T.O. and Evans on the outside, teams will have to at least consider double-teaming one of the two, leaving speedy Parrish or sure-handed Josh Reed open in the middle. Edwards can dump the ball off to the backs and let them make a play.

"The people who love the no-huddle most are the offensive linemen," said the Bills’ offensive coordinator from the '90s, Ted Marchibroda, "because of the fact the no-huddle tires the defensive line out tremendously very quickly."

Second preseason game: The first stringers get more snaps, and Edwards goes 10-for-10, showing improvement and getting the ball out of his hands quickly in the no-huddle.

Jim Ritcher is a former left guard for the Bills who played on the '90s Super Bowl teams. He noted how the no-huddle can wear out an opposing team.

"Every 20 seconds we were getting off a play," Ritcher said. "It's not really difficult, but you have to be in good shape. Defense is so much tougher than offense anyways, when you're running all over the field like a defensive player has to do. It's much more tiring.”

Owens Gets Key to City, Give Edwards Key to Success

Another reason the no-huddle offense was so effective for Kelly and the '90s Bills was Kelly's freedom to call the plays. Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert for the '09 Bills has yet to relinquish those duties to Edwards.

After the Hall of Fame Game, the third year QB mentioned his reasoning for throwing an interception on the Bills’ first stringers' only drive.

Getting the play call in late didn’t help, and because of that, Edwards said that he probably should have checked down. If No. 5 called his own plays, they wouldn’t have that problem.

The T-Gun took a step back after a third preseason loss to the Packers, in which Edwards threw an interception and was sacked twice with a fumble in five series.

"You've watched the games just like I have,'' Edwards said after practice Monday.

"I don't know if you've seen any throws I could have made down the field. If you want to call the plays and throw the ball down the field, that's fine. I'm taking what the defense is giving me and continuing to go through my reads, and that's the way I'm coached.''

Fans who like the implementation of the Bills’ new offense are rallying for Edwards to get the freedom he needs.

Besides, if the Bills are going to trust the Stanford alum with such a scheme, why not give him the tools he needs to be successful?

In the end, it comes down to the performance on the field. Like the great Marv Levy said after a '96 win when asked if he was bringing back the no-huddle:

''A system did not win this game tonight,'' Levy said. ''People and execution win games.''

Prediction: Joe Flacco Will Break Baltimore Ravens Passing Records In Two Years

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:39:30 -0400

Baltimore Ravens all-time passing leader: Kyle Boller—7,846 yards.

Baltimore Ravens current quarterback: Joe Flacco—2,971 yards.

It took Boller five seasons and 53 games to reach his pass total, although he threw for 2,559 yards in his only full season in 2004.

In one season, Joe Flacco surpassed all expectations to move up the depth chart, and become the leader of the defensive juggernaut Ravens.

This year, a more comfortable Flacco looks to increase his yardage total from last season and lead the Ravens to the postseason once again.

Although the Ravens receiving corps is not the most talented in the league, they have three talented running backs that can catch the ball in Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and Le'Ron McClain, and not necessarily in that order.

In the Ravens first preseason game Thursday, Flacco went 9-of-15 for 103 yards, playing the entire first quarter and some of the second. He ran the offense efficiently, hitting Mason a few times, and exploiting the young talent at receiver. He also used the talented running backs, leading them to two field goals in his limited playing time.

Flacco's rookie yardage total was good enough to tie for the franchise's fourth highest with Vinny Testaverde in '96, Steve Mcnair in '06, and Elvis Grbac in '01, respectively.

Number two on the Ravens all-time passing yardage list, Testaverde, only played two seasons with the birds. He threw for 7,148 yards in his two seasons, making the Pro-Bowl in '96, almost eclipsing Boller's two-year total, but he left for the Jets after the 1997 season.

At Flacco's current pace, he will surely become Baltimore's career-leading passer in 2010, in only his 3rd season, barring a trade or an injury that keeps him out of significant playing time.

The Ravens finally have that franchise quarterback that they have always been looking for under head coach John Harbaugh.

Another Great Buffalo Sabres Player Departs: Teppo Numminen Retires

Kyle Richardson — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:37:05 -0400

The Sabres' lineup is beginning to look quite different from its 2005-2006 roster, when they took Carolina to seven games with a flurry of stars including Danny Briere, Chris Drury, Brian Campbell, Ales Kotalik, and the most recent departure, Teppo Numminen.

Early Tuesday, it was reported in Finland, Numminen's home country, that he will not return to Buffalo; instead, he will retire, most likely due to a heart problem that was discovered prior to the '07-08 season.

Numminen, one of the most successful Finnish hockey players in NHL history, missed every game but one that year after undergoing open-heart surgery.

He skated in 57 games for the Sabres last season, recording two goals and 15 assists as a defensemen.

No. 27 played 20 seasons in the NHL, including three (minus '07-'08) with the Sabres.

He played in all sixteen games during Buffalo's 2006 playoff run and recorded four assists with a plus/minus of 10.

Numminen is ranked 39^thin NHL history in games played with 1,372. He also played in four Winter Olympics—'88, '98, '02, and '06—with his native country Finland, getting a bronze and two silver medals.

A sure defensive stopper for the Sabres, Numminen will surely be missed.

"We know we're not the most talented team, but we knew the way we could beat these teams was by playing great team defense," Numminen once said after a game.

Fred Jackson Deserves Buffalo Bills Starting Role

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:17:38 -0400

Last season, Fred Jackson proved that he could handle more carries. A multi-purpose back, he carried the ball only 130 times for 571 yards in 2008 while splitting time with "Beast Mode," Marshawn Lynch.

He excelled each time he was in the game and filled in admirably in the season finale versus the Patriots, rushing for 136 yards on 27 carries even though Buffalo's dreadful offense that day couldn't put any points on the board.

According to Bills while Lynch is suspended">BuffaloBills.com, after Lynch's suspension was upheld Monday, Jackson was named the starting running back.

“Going into the season, unless something happens, it would be Freddy,” said Jauron. “Freddy would be the starter. But both (Jackson and Rhodes) will be playing a lot.”

Until this point I don't even think the Bills have known how to take full advantage of Jackson's ability. Real Bills fans saw flashes of his greatness early on watching him in the '07-'08 preseason.

Jackson is used to playing at a high level—he just hasn't always been giving the opportunity on a national stage.

Jackson's senior year at D-III Coe College in 2002 he rushed for 1,702 yards and 29 touchdowns.

After being seen as too small a player for the NFL (6'1, but only 195 lbs.), he went to play indoor football for the Sioux City Bandits where he earned $200 a week. In 2005, he was named United Indoor Football co-MVP as he ran for 1,770 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Sioux City Bandits.

Former Bills head coach Marv Levy saw his potential as a fellow Coe College alum and assigned him to NFL Europa in 2006. That year, Jackson led the Rhein Fire with 731 rushing yards and was assigned to the Bills practice squad after bulking up to 215 lbs.

He hasn't looked back since and despite battling for playing time, his level of play has increased in the past two seasons with the Bills.

The rest of the league will find out the type of player Jackson really is, while Lynch serves his suspension. Not to mention that Rhodes will take some attention off of Jackson, and the Bills offense should be far improved.

Hate to say something like this about such a great player such as Lynch, but perhaps his suspension could be a blessing in disguise; especially for Fred Jackson's career, who has developed a great friendship with Lynch in his first two seasons.

Certainly, when Beast Mode returns we can all expect him to be the starter, as he's still the feature back in the Bills offense. The Bills will have a bonafide, more experienced one-two punch (as if they didn’t last year) with two guys capable of the starting role.

Jackson, who signed a four year deal with the Bills in May, is a threat as a receiver as well. In 2008, Jackson caught 37 passes for 317 yards but only scored three TDs while rushing in Buffalo's predictable offense.

Expect Jackson to see the end zone much more this year, both as a receiver and running back for the revamped Buffalo Bills offense.

Would The Jets Be AFC East Favorites If Pennington Was Still Their Quarterback?

Kyle Richardson — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:51:17 -0400

Chad Pennington was drafted 18th overall by the New York Jets in 2000, the same year they saw the departure of Bill Parcells.

At the time, Vinny Testaverde was the quarterback and led the team to a 9-7 record.

Utilizing Jets all-time great running back Curtis Martin and getting the ball to speedy and relentless wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, the Jets went 10-6 and made the playoffs in ’01.

Testaverde was benched early in the ’02 season with the team at 1–4, and it was time for Pennington to step in. He did admirably, throwing for 3,120 yards, 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He finished with a rating of 104.2.

The Jets once again made the playoffs. On top of that, Pennington's team crushed Peyton Manning’s Colts 41-0 that season.

Each year Pennington has been healthy as the starter (’02, ’04, ’06), the Jets made the playoffs. In the years that he went out due to an injury (’03, ’05, ’07), the Jets missed the playoffs.

After Pennington was exiled to Miami last season, he finished second in MVP voting to future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning. The Dolphins came literally out of nowhere, stole the division, and went to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Jets, with heavily criticized to end the season, quarterback Brett Favre, missed the playoffs by one game.

As the Jets prepare for training camp, and with a quarterback competition looming, you have to think that some in the Jets organization wish Pennington was back.

The Dolphins have no identifiable superstar, but they have a solid team that learned how to win last year. And unlike the Jets, they have the most important position solidified. Additionally, with the return of Jason Taylor, they are ready to make another playoff run.

That doesn't mean that the Jets and Rex Ryan are going to just lay down and accept a mediocre season at the bottom of the division. Besides, in the past few years the AFC East has been anything but predictable.

As he said when he was hired in January, "This team is right there...I expect to win and win early."

Are his words enough to give Jets fans hope? Or will they spend every waking Sunday thinking about the what-ifs?

If Pennington was still quarterback would the Jets be looked upon as legitimate competition, or even in some people’s eyes, a favorite to win the AFC East?

Ka_Mitchell55 is a Super Bowl Optimist for the 2009 Buffalo Bills

Kyle Richardson — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:30 -0400

"Its goin 2 b a great ride to our destination. People dont believe n US. If ur 1 of these people, eat a fat duck. We're on a mission. MIAMI!!"

This quote is directly from Buffalo linebacker Kawika Mitchell's twitter account. For those that don't know, Miami is where Super Bowl XLIV will be played next February.

He's not making a foolish guarantee like Donte Whitner did before the start of the 2008 season. Mitchell is an optimist and a hard worker; and he's championship tested.

Mitchell is one of the two guys on the Bills with a ring—Dominic Rhodes is the other. On the Giants in '07, his team accomplished the improbable win over the then undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Mitchell, who changed his number to 59 when he joined the Buffalo Bills, knows what it’s like to be an underdog.

Now he's in the city full of underdogs—and underperformers, if you followed the past 50 years in Buffalo sports history.

The Bills are 50-1 early odds to win Super Bowl XLIV, according to NFL-Betting--Super-Bowl-44--XLIV--Future-Odds-announced.aspx" title="Super Bowl Odds">The Online Wire. Nobody is betting on the Bills. How surprised would we be if they won the big game?

There'd be riots in the streets of Buffalo. The scene would be similar to the one in Boston after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series.

It seems like the Bills have a better chance to win this year than in any other year. Granted they're a young squad, but it won't be the first time a team has won without being playoff tested.

To accomplish such a tremendous feat, Mitchell and Rhodes must be instrumental leaders in the locker room and out on the field.

Last year—Mitchell's first with the Bills—he honed that leadership role during the rough point of last season when the Bills squandered a division lead and finished 2-8 after a promising 5-1 start. He tried to develop a "mentality adjustment" among players in the locker room in hopes of turning things around and re-claim Buffalo's position as the league's elite.

At the end of the season things didn't turn out the way they had hoped for.

In 2008, Mitchell made 82 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three defended passes.

Several Bills players began to look towards Mitchell through the season's ups and downs.

Mitchell's previous team—the '07 Giants—was a team that overcame adversity.

Two years after getting a ring, Mitchell knows his role going in, and so do the rest of the Bills young "veterans".

He looks to perform even better on a more solidified linebacker corps with rookie and veteran depth.

The Buffalo Bills Top Plays of 2008: Featuring Roscoe, Beast Mode, even Moorman

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:15:01 -0400

The top plays from last season were recently published on a video on buffalobills.com.

Watching them gets me pumped up for the season every time.

My top ten from last season:

1. Roscoe's punt return for TD in the season opener at home versus the Seahawks. He juked out the entire Seahawks special teams.

2. Lee Evans catch against the helmet in week six versus the Chargers. Simply amazing...David Tyree-esque.

3. Marshawn Lynch's catch-and-score on MNF versus the Cleveland Browns. He threw down/juked more than five defenders.

4. The fake field goal TD pass from Brian Moorman to Ryan Denney in the season opener. How was he so wide-open?

5. Leodis McKelvin's kick return versus the Browns on MNF. It came at the perfect time, right when the Bills needed it. Too bad we couldn't generate any offense that night.

6. Lee Evans 80+ yards TD catch versus the Cardinals. He's the best in the game at long TD catches.

7. McGee's rip-away interception versus the Seahawks. He just read the route perfectly.

8. Fred Jackson carrying Jets in the end-zone for a TD. Determination defined.

9. James Hardy's winning TD catch in the corner of the end-zone versus the Jaguars early in the season. One of two of his TD catches last season. Hope to see more this year.

10. Trent Edwards head-first diving touchdown versus the Chiefs. Just when everyone was questioning his toughness, he goes out and runs for two TDs.

What's your top five?

How T.O. Could Single-Handedly Revitalize Buffalo's Struggling Economy

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:21:41 -0400

We all know about Terrell Owens’ ability to bring media attention.

Now he has 17 cameras that follow his every move with the new reality show on VH1. As much as you may be sick of seeing him, you can’t blame it on Owens.

He sees the opportunity to make money, and to set himself up for a career, post-football.

Let's take a look on the local economy in Buffalo; a struggling economy, where everyone is escaping in favor of nicer weather, cheaper taxes, jobs, and frankly...nicer weather.

A once thriving industrial city has businesses fleeing quicker than Sabres owner Tom Golisano.

So how can Terrell Owens help the city of Buffalo?

To start off, despite three consecutive 7-9 seasons, season-ticket sales had topped the 50,000 mark in May.

What about the increased media presence in the Queen City. There are surely people out there whose sole job is to follow Owens, 24/7. The number of media will without doubt increase as football season begins, just praying for Terrell Owens—to do something—T.O. worthy.

Not to mention, the Bills play the Patriots in the Monday Night season opener, putting Owens's first game with the Bills versus Tom Brady’s return to the field, sure to be a highly viewed game. The game is in New England, but it will set the stage for the rest of the season.

Every Bills game is sure to have an increased viewership from last season, and will put the Bills on a national spotlight much more; especially if they can put a playoff-run together.

According to Arizona State University, who researched the effect on Phoenix during the Super Bowl, when people get excited about football, statistics show that impulse buying increases (restaurant and tavern tabs, team gear, etc.).

The teams that make it to the Super Bowl will reach an international audience, which could bring business from Toronto (Canada's "NYC"), to Buffalo.

"(A Super Bowl team) will be mentioned collectively a million times by media throughout the world. That says we're open for business. There's a psychology to winning, and it will benefit (team) greatly."

A trip to the Super Bowl is obviously a best-case scenario, but not unrealistic in the near future.

T.O.'s success could keep the Bills in Buffalo for years to come as they catch the attention of investors all over the world. It could introduce the business world to all the other "marketable guys" the Bills have.

The team is young and if they prove they can be successful this season, fan spending will increase as they should anticipate team competitiveness for years to come.

Local sporting goods stores like Laux, who have six stores in Western New York, will positively increase sales, and grow their international exposure.

Third-year Bills QB Trent Edwards has had a firsthand look on how having T.O. will impact things around One Bills Drive.

"It's fun having him on here," said quarterback Trent Edwards during OTAs.
"There are more fans and there are more (media) here watching us and covering us. The more people who are here to watch us, the better."

Since the Super Bowl runs in the '90s, Buffalo has never really gotten national attention. I only just realized this when I stepped out of Western New York for the past eight years, having to rely on national media for television highlights.

At least Chris Berman was very supportive during our the Bills 4-0 run to start last season, "Nobody circles the wagons, like the Buffalo Bills!"

And ESPN commentator Ron Jaworski is from Buffalo, he should give us props at the MNF season opener.

Team success will speed up the proposal to build a stadium, possibly downtown. Even more north, in I don't know...Lockport, or North Tonawanda, making it easier for those crossing the border to attend games, and expanding the city and fan base.

Big things are possible, looking ahead to the next 50 years of Buffalo Bills football, but it all falls on success of this football team in '09.

Why Mark Sanchez Is Under More Pressure Than Any Rookie QB in NFL History

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:20:23 -0400

Forget about the first pick and Lions starter Matthew Stafford for a minute. Pressure on him?

His new team went 0-16 last season! A one-win season can be seen as an improvement.

On the other hand, after a disappointing finish last year and the departure of Brett Favre, the New York Jets traded up to the fifth pick for Mark Sanchez in this year's draft.

For what? So that he could sit on the bench and watch Kellen Clemens? Along with Bleacher Report senior writer Angel Navedo, I sincerely doubt it.

Sanchez was excited to join the Jets organization back in January, stating, "It’s going to be a blast" after he was drafted.

When asked about the pressure of playing in New York, Sanchez said, "Los Angeles is in a large media market, so I know how to handle the interviews and conference calls, and television interviews."

Sure he does—when his team is winning like the Trojans were last season. But if the Jets perform at a subpar level in their difficult first half of the season, how will Sanchez react?

Will the Jets revert to the four-year veteran Clemens?

Clemens knows the system already, and regardless of what critics think, he is determined to prove himself as the designated starter come September.

"I'm going out this year, and my expectations haven't changed since the draft," said Clemens during OTAs. "I fully expect to be under center opening day when we go down to Houston."

Sanchez knows a few plays too.

"When the Jets handed me their playbook, I was pleasantly surprised to see that some plays in there had very similar concepts and ideas and reads," he said.

As GM Mike Tannenbaum mentioned after Sanchez was drafted, the inevitable QB competition has begun and will continue through training camp.

Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan must have taken into account that Clemens had a year under future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, not to mention a few behind playoff-tested Chad Pennington.

The next Jets quarterback will play in the shadow of Favre, which is not as big as it was for Aaron Rodgers, considering the drastically different methods of departures, but he is still an all-time great.

Green Bay's Rodgers had a pretty good season in 2008 (4,038 YDS, 32 TDs, 13 INTs), his first year post-Favre, whose influence surely still lingers around the Jets locker room.

Added pressure on Sanchez comes from the fact that the Jets went 9-7 last year and missed the playoffs by just one game.

Critics were furious, and the media was spellbound, as the New York Post called them the "same old Jets" after their loss to Pennington's Dolphins in Week 17.

Jets fans have been uneasy about the quarterback position basically since the departure of Broadway Joe.

Last year the Jets saw the departure of Pennington to division rival Miami, who took the Jets to the playoffs every year he was healthy. According to recently departed receiver Laveranues Coles, he was booed and bashed most of his stay in New York.

They also saw their dreams of Favre taking them to the playoffs diminished by that same Pennington.

The people of New York, Gang Green side, are hungry for the playoffs this year, the same as any year.

But look at the AFC East. The improved Dolphins won the division last season and will be looking to repeat, the Patriots will see the return of 2007 MVP Tom Brady, and the Bills look much improved with the addition of Terrell Owens.

The Jets? New coach, new quarterback, young receivers, young running backs. Even with a solid offensive line and defense, it spells underdog to me.

Coming from USC, Sanchez is not used to the underdog role.

The way he deals with the pressure will characterize his young career.

Former Buffalo Bills Safety Jim Leonhard to be a Leader on New York Jets Defense

Kyle Richardson — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:30:02 -0400

Jim Leonhard made a lot of plays in the Baltimore Ravens playoff run last year. Nicknamed "White Lightning", he is set to have a breakout year with the new Jets defense.

He spent three seasons with the Bills as a reserve safety and special team’s guru before the Bills let him slip away after his contract expired. Baltimore signed him two months later to a one-year contract, after seeing how he filled in impressively in 2007 for expected starter at free safety this year for the Bills, Ko Simpson.

He started 13 games at safety for the Ravens and his playoff performance caught so much of then-Baltimore’s defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s eye, that the now-Jets head coach brought him along, expanding his role in the Big Apple.

Much has been said of Leonhard’s leadership skills even before he sat in the locker room for more than 19 games with Ray Lewis, the man who redefined defensive leadership.

Aside from his defensive role, where he is expected to supplement Kerry Rhodes, Leonhard is going to be returning punts, utilizing his playmaking ability.

White Lightning will face the Bills twice next season. The 5’8", 186-pound playmaking safety says he loves to make a player think twice before underestimating him.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from contact, I’m willing to throw my body in there and do whatever it takes," said Leonhard in an interview with SNY.

As a free safety against the Bills, Leonhard will be over the top of either Evans or Owens. Can he back his words up with his play against the Bills stacked receiving corps and elite special teams unit?

“You see someone that doesn’t give you so much credit. You go out there and kick his butt a little bit; it feels good that they realize they messed up,” Leonhard said.

Let’s face it; now on a Jets squad led by defensive-minded Ryan as head coach, Leonhard could thrive and develop into a star safety alongside Rhodes.

“You see a lot of people walking around with smiles on the defensive side of the ball because they feel they can have a breakout year,” said Leonhard, who helped Ravens go from 5-11 in 2007 to 11-5 in 2008.

The Jets defense is no joke. Take into account they also signed Bart Scott from Baltimore and Lito Sheppard from the Eagles, to go with an already stacked defense featuring Shaun Ellis, Darrelle Revis, and Calvin Pace (although he will be sitting out the first four games).

The Jets' spent the majority of their offseason energy on defense.They may feel threatened to stop three unpredictable offenses in their division (NE, Buf, and Miami).

The Bills should definitely take into account Leonhard when they play the Jets weeks six and 13.

With all of Buffalo's playmakers on offense, the Bills-Jets matchups will be quite a battle.

New York Jets Safety Jim Leonhard: A Problem for Naive Offenses

Kyle Richardson — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:31:49 -0400

Jim Leonhard, aka the 'White Lightning', is set to have a breakout year with the new Jets defense.

He spent three seasons with the Bills as a reserve safety and special team’s guru before heading to Baltimore, starting 13 games at safety for the Ravens.

White Lightning got his nickname recording 69 tackles last year, one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. But his real coming out party was in last season’s playoffs when he recorded 16 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Now on a Jets squad led by former Ravens defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan as head coach, Leonhard should thrive and develop into a star safety.

He and two other carryovers from the Ravens, Bart Scott and Marques Douglas, already have the knowledge of the Jets defense.

“They know the tempo we want, they know the communication we want, they know how to build each other up,” said coach Ryan.

This should help Ryan to get a head start in implementing new schemes, and Leonhard’s leadership skills will be tested to assure the defensive backs are on the same page.

“I think it’s helped Rex to install the things he wants, get the players to buy in to things a bit earlier; I think that’s a big part of what us guys from Baltimore are here to do,” said Leonhard in an interview with SNY.

Leonhard will have his opportunities to develop as a player this year, facing a plethora of great receiving corps in just his own division, with Randy Moss, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Ted Ginn Jr., Joey Galloway, Wes Welker, and the list goes on.

“Some people are just kind of natural hitters and some just hide from contact. I’ve never been one to shy away from contact, I’m willing to throw my body in there and do whatever it takes.”

Looking at some of his highlights from last season I feel bad for any receiver that comes across the middle and underestimates the 5’8", 186 lb. safety.

“They underestimate me, which is fine. They’ve been underestimating me for my entire career. You see someone that doesn’t give you so much credit. You go out there and kick his butt a little bit; it feels good that they realize they messed up.”

Leonhard will be returning kicks and playing alongside Kerry Rhodes at safety. The Jets hope that he will carry the load allowing Rhodes to make plays like he did last year behind First-team All-Pro Ed Reed (1.0 sacks, nine interceptions, two fumbles recovered).

“You can put talented players in a position to make plays, which is something Baltimore has done for years and years, and you see the success that can happen. Guys are realizing the opportunities they have and how many they’re are.

You see a lot of people walking around with smiles on the defensive side of the ball because they feel they can have a breakout year,” said Leonhard, with a smile.

How Calvin Pace's Suspension Affects the Jets

Kyle Richardson — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:17:33 -0400

Jets' linebacker Calvin Pace was suspended without pay July 2 for violating the NFL’s policy on Performance Enhancing Substances.

His absence leaves the Jets with a big playmaking void to fill as Pace recorded seven sacks last year, a team-high five forced fumbles, and tied for the NFL lead with four recoveries.

NYJets.com's Eric Allen thinks second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston has the ability to fill Pace’s shoes.

The sixth pick in the 2008 Draft has been putting in hard work this offseason, his sophomore season, to assure he can move his way up the depth chart.

If his pass-rushing skills that made him a star at Ohio State can translate to the NFL, with 14 sacks in his last year and 22.5 career sacks, the void felt by losing Pace will not be as bad before week five.

If talks of the Jets' signing Willie McGinest die down he looks like the best option.

Consider the new system that should be implemented as well under first year head coach Rex Ryan, who’s excited to develop such a talented player.

"I see some things in his play that I knew that I would like to coach this young man because I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface of the kind of player he can be," Ryan said.

The Jets' linebacker corps also consists of new acquisitions Bart Scott, Larry Izzo, veteran Bryan Thomas who recorded 5.5 sacks last season, David Harris, and young reserves Marques Murrell and Jason Trusnik.

If Scott can go back to his 2006 form where he grabbed 9.5 sacks and two interceptions, this Jets' linebacker corps will be full of playmakers.

Would Ryan accept anything else?

The Buffalo Bills Overcome Injury Adversity Through Rookie Development

Kyle Richardson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:03:16 -0400

Over the past few seasons, rookies have played a pivotal role in Buffalo’s success.

This year, one of the most promising looking squads for the Bills in years at this point in the offseason, will need them more than ever.

Not to be a pessimist, but what could hamper their success?

Ahh...the all-inevitable injuries.

They’ve plagued these Bills in recent years in key positions with 39 players showing up on the injury report or reserve in 2007, and 35 in 2008.

Over the past few years, rookies have had to step up and fill the void in key game situations.

Kevin Everett getting carted off the field in the season opener in '07 began a rash of injuries for a Bills squad that would see emerging leaders from likely and unlikely positions, for years to come.

Trent Edwards was forced to come in and play before the coaches had wished after J.P. Losman was injured. He came in and played nine games, more than any other rookie that season.

Edwards finished the season with decent numbers for a rookie who began his NFL career coming in midway through a game vs. the Patriots team that would go 16-0 in the regular season: 1,630 yards, seven touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 56 percent completion rate.

Marshawn Lynch came in and rushed for 1,115 yards and recorded seven touchdowns his rookie year, proving that the release of Willis McGahee in the 2007 offseason was not a mistake.

Even unknown rookie running back from Coe College and NFL Europe, Fred Jackson, gained 490 yards from scrimmage in just eight games.

Paul Posluszny, set to take over as middle linebacker in Shane Conlan’s PSU to Buffalo footsteps, missed that year, his rookie season with a broken arm.

Second year middle linebacker John DiGiorgio replaced him and recorded 86 tackles, along with two sacks and one interception.

In 2008, they were without starting linebacker Angelo Crowell for the entire season, lost Aaron Schobel, Ashton Youboty and DiGiorgio for most of the season, and Josh Reed, James Hardy, Roscoe Parrish, and Donte Whitner in the final quarter of the season.

Three year veteran Keith Ellison only recorded 47 tackles in his Crowell’s absence, and the defense really missed Schobel’s ability to get to the quarterback, proving the need to sign more depth at those two positions.

Rookie Leodis McKelvin was the bright spot coming in and performing well on both the defensive end and special teams. He grabbed two interceptions (scoring on one), recovered a fumble, and broke Bills rookie and team records for kick return yards in a season with 1,468, as well as one more touchdown at that capacity.

So as the Bills may look young, they’ve been tested, and have learned to play at an NFL level early on.

This season the contributions they must get from rookies are glaring early on with two set to start on the offensive line: Eric Wood and Andy Levitre.

Hope is that their strength and intelligence helps both players to mature sooner rather than later.

What rookies may have to step up this year should the all-inevitable injuries occur?

The Bills offense will be improved, maybe as early as training camp with the competition that talented rookie tight end Shawn Nelson can bring, pushing Derek Fine and Derek Schouman to progress at that position.

On the defensive end, they will need contributions early on from rookie defensive end Aaron Maybin to improve a pass rush that ranked 29th last season.

Linebacker Nic Harris, who was selected in the fifth round this year by the Bills, should also help. Harris (6’3", 230) who played safety while at Oklahoma, is expected to backup Keith Ellison at outside linebacker, based on the Bills depth already at the safety position.

Harris' athleticism should prove to be valuable for the Bills depth chart and on special teams. He welcomes the challenge of facing a position change.

“I just want to come in and get the job done,” said Harris. “I’m just one of those guys that’s selfless. It doesn’t really matter where you play me.”

Then there is Alvin Bowen who missed his rookie season with a right-knee injury. He will fill the depth chart at outside linebacker as well, and according to BuffaloBills.com he and Harris have looked well as legitimate competition for Ellison.

Rookie cornerback Cary Harris is deep on the depth chart and has been struggling during OTAs with apparent knee problems, getting burnt for a few touchdowns by the Bills tremendous receivers.

More focus in the secondary should be on rookie cornerback turned free safety: Jairus Byrd. The Bills saw enough talent in him before the draft to pick him up in the second round with the hope that he would push George Wilson and Ko Simpson.

He’s looked well in making the change in position already directing other defensive backs during 7-on-7's.

If they perform well in filling the role of injured players, this year’s picks will add to the drafting genius by the Bills the past few seasons and assure that the Bills don’t miss a beat on their road to the playoffs.

Off-the-Field Incidents Must be Avoided During Buffalo Bills Summer Vacation

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:32:30 -0400

The Buffalo Bills look great in June, but it's important for them to stay clean off the field this summer.

They don’t return until training camp, July 25, when they head to St. John Fisher College.

They’ve already had to deal with numerous incidents from some of their stars (Marshawn Lynch), and some not so bright players (Corey McIntyre) this offseason.

More than a month is a long time for a bunch of young millionaires to lay low as they go home or stay local at Chippewa Street, where Lynch was charged with a hit-and-run in last year’s offseason.

This year's offseason Lynch was arrested at home in California one week after the Pro Bowl on felony gun possession charges.

McIntyre was arrested May 16 in Port Lucie, FL, on acts that if proven would be embarrassing to the team.

After the best-attended organized team activities in Dick Jauron’s career, more off-the-field incidents could cause distractions early on for a team that must mold together quickly.

That means getting the most reps in training camp.

Nightclubs in visiting cities have been a receiver that the secondary has had trouble defending.

Donte Whitner was charged in Cleveland on Apr. 13 outside the House of Blues for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest while celebrating the birthday of Ted Ginn Jr., wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins.

Both of them played football together at Glenville High School and Ohio State.

Hope he’s not so friendly when the Bills play the Dolphins Week Four and 12.

Ko Simpson was arrested outside a bar in Rock Hill, SC, his hometown, 20 minutes outside of Charlotte in the early hours of New Year's Day on a charge of hindering police as he refused to leave officers alone as they arrested someone else.

Hope he doesn’t return there to get in trouble until he’s on the field when the Bills play Carolina in Week Seven.

Some former Bills have been charged recently as well.

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith was arrested on DUI charges in Virginia Beach last month and refused to take a breathalyzer test at the scene. He adds that to two other DUI’s he had dropped during his career.

Does O.J. even have to be brought up?

The optimistic Bills fan says there is no dark cloud hanging over Buffalo.

The Bills have gotten rid of some of the more troublesome players in recent past, while releasing Anthony Hargrove, who was suspended by the league for a year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

They also traded away Jason Peters, who caused problems in holding out, then underperforming the following year after signing a contract.

And they say T.O. is a distraction.

The sooner the season begins the better.

The Bills are already going to miss Lynch for the first three games barring an appeal ruling.

In the meantime, lets hope for no other player incidentals.

Next concern: Injuries

Buffalo Bills OTAs Week Three: 'Wildcat' Offense a Concern for Defense?

Kyle Richardson — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:30:27 -0400

The third week of OTAs closed Friday with improvement on both ends of the ball.

This year's have been the most highly attended OTAs in head coach Dick Jauron’s career.

“The players understand that it’s not an easy thing to play in this league,” said Jauron. “Once you earn the right to be in the NFL, it’s a privilege and it’s a great opportunity; and they want to take advantage of it. Most of them are smart enough to do that to take advantage of it.

They're very competitive people and they want to win and they know if they don’t do this our chances of winning are not very good.”

The Bills practiced outside for the first time during OTAs in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The coaching staff played loud music through the stadium speakers to work on the offenses ability to communicate.

Buffalo’s defensive linemen continue to put pressure on the quarterbacks testing their decision making outside of the pocket.

This week included the use of taekwondo techniques as defensive line coach Bob Sanders brought in instructor Joe Kim, who has worked with NFL teams since 1991. The focus on hand techniques has been beneficial in pass rush situations for the lineman.

“Ninety percent of the sacks in the league are off counter moves,” said defensive tackle Kyle Williams. “So it’s really helped us to stay busy and taught us how to counter off an initial move.”

Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell has been focusing on things that burned the defense last year and several formations they may face this year. Made popular last season by Miami, the Bills have seen the "Wildcat" formation before.

They expect to see more of it this year, perhaps even from other teams.

Donte Whitner said that the more formations they see will be great in an effort to not get caught off guard come September.

“We know that this is a copycat league, and we know that Miami got off to a fast start last year with the 'Wildcat' catching some teams off guard, and it got the momentum rolling for their season,” said Whitner.

"Obviously they drafted Pat White, and it doesn’t take to a rocket scientist to know that they’re going to use him in the 'Wildcat' and they’re going to add a lot more wrinkles to the 'Wildcat'. He’s a dangerous guy, and that formation is dangerous if you don’t stop it early."

Roscoe Parrish had an excellent week after expressing his frustration about not playing a more pivotal role on offense. He made some impressive would-be long touchdown catches while filling in for the absent Josh Reed.

“He’s one of best slot receivers we have,” said quarterback Trent Edwards. “It’s just a matter of putting him in a position to win and putting him in a position where he’s comfortable and he understands what he’s supposed to do. And that comes with getting him his reps in practice, and then actually performing in the game.

He’s one of the most exciting guys on our team, so we need to find a way to get the ball in his hands, and I’m working with Turk (Schonert), I’m working with Alex (Van Pelt) to try to come up with ways we can do that. That’s definitely a weapon we need to take advantage of.”

Receivers Lee Evans and Terrell Owens continue to put in extra time with Edwards working on passing routes. They want to be sure that they are on the same page with regards to how hard the ball is thrown in certain situations and how much arc to put on the ball.

Steve Johnson joined the group this week hoping that some of the skills that made the two receivers great will rub off on him this season.

"It's about doing the same things and being consistent and that's what I've been talking to Lee about is his consistency," said Johnson. "That's how you build confidence in all your quarterbacks."

Ashton Youboty participated in individual position drills and is close to returning to the lineup after suffering plantar fasciitis in both feet in Week Five of last season.

“Right now, they’re both going good,” said Youboty. “One is still getting treatment, but once that’s done, I’m ready to go.”

Youboty got his opportunity working with the first unit as the nickel corner as Jauron cautiously inserted him in the lineup.

Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are also on their way back as they participated in individual position drills.

James Hardy is five months removed from ACL surgery and was working with trainers on the sidelines doing light route running.

Rookie sixth-round pick Cary Harris returned to practice from a minor injury, as did Derek Schouman and Kyle Ward.

Aaron Schobel has still not been in attendance for this year’s OTAs but is expected to return next week for mandatory minicamp, which begins Tuesday.

Several key players have not participated in OTAs, mostly due to injuries, including John DiGiorgio, James Hardy, C.J. Hawthorne, and P.K. Sam.

OTAs will continue Monday before the mandatory minicamp begins.

Win One for Ralph: A Tribute to the Buffalo Bills Owner

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:01:59 -0400

Ralph Wilson has chosen Chris Berman as his presenter for his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on August 8, 2009. This is a well deserved honor for long time, and sole owner in the history of the Buffalo Bills.

What would be maybe even a greater honor for Wilson would be for the Bills to win an NFL Championship. In 50 years, the Bills have won two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, but have never won a Super Bowl in four tries.

Mr. Wilson realizes that he's not getting any younger. Since the '90s AFC Championship teams the Bills have not been a real contender. To reverse that trend, and assure the Bills are a winning team, Wilson reached out and made a move so uncharacteristic for the Bills. He picked up the T.O. show.

With threats from the fans against renewing their season tickets after some dismal late season performances, something drastic had to be done. Wilson wasn't willing to get rid of the coach and start from scratch. There is no time for that. If the Bills are going to win now, the staff has to put the tools in place.

Wilson is putting a lot of faith in head coach Dick Jauron who has only one winning season in nine years as a head coach ('01, 13-3).

However, Jauron enters his fourth year as head coach with the Bills and third with Trent Edwards as quarterback. And if you go by history, Marv Levy went to the AFC Championship in his third year with Jim Kelly as quarterback.

Edwards and Kelly’s stats are very similar in their first two years in the NFL, most notably in passes completed (60.8 compared to 59.6), and passer rating (79.1 compared to 83.5).

If the Bills implement the no-huddle, or T-Gun, they can expect better results from Edwards. The season that Levy’s Bills implemented the K-Gun, Kelly threw for 10 more touchdowns and his rating shot up from 78.2 to 86.2.

The time is now. Mr. Wilson, has said he won’t sell the franchise while he is alive, which frankly may not be too much longer. If the Bills keep losing there’s no reason to not seriously consider they might move away, maybe to Toronto: a place that will see a pre- and regular season game for the next few years.

Several Canadian businessmen have expressed interest in buying the team.

Was the Toronto deal that Wilson made an attempt at testing the market for a bid or to provide an influx of cash and buy some time for the franchise to win now?

No one knows what will happen to the franchise after Wilson’s death. After the death of his daughter Linda in May, pro football’s first female scout, he has no family members that have expressed interest in taking over the ownership rights.

Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly has been rumored to have shown some interest in buying the team. His increased involvement with the team has been more evident the past few seasons and is beneficial to the organization from a visibility standpoint for the fans.

Everyone around Wilson is passing away making 2009 a sad time for Wilson with the death of veteran scout Bob Ryan and former Bills great quarterback, Jack Kemp, in addition to his daughter.

But Wilson continues to press on and persevere with heavy heart.

So, to the 2009 Buffalo Bills: win for yourself, win for your coaches, win for the fans, win for the game, win for the city, win because they said you couldn't, but most of all, because of his dedication towards the game, win one for Mr. Wilson.

Paul "Pozinator" Posluszny and the Buffalo Bills Defense Learn Tae Kwon Do

Kyle Richardson — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:17:45 -0400

Paul Posluszny got to hang out with Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Phil Hansen, Andre Reed, and other Bills greats Monday at the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic golf tournament.

Maybe some of their greatness wore off on the quarterback of the new Buffalo Bills defense.

Two years ago, Posluszny went down in the beginning of the season with a broken forearm. In an interview with 97 Rock, he was asked how the arm is now.

“It’s doing great; it’s made of steel how bad could it be. It’s doing really well. No problems at the airport.”

The Man of Steel is running the Bills defense. It’s very early but how can you not feel confident about the Bills this year?

The Bills have had the opportunity to reflect on their weaknesses from last year. Their pass rush was so bad that defensive line coach Bob Sanders is now ready to do anything in an attempt to change that.

So in the third week of OTAs, he brought in Joe Kim who runs a tae kwon do school in the Cleveland area and has competed at the Olympic level.

This is not the first time this has been done. Bill Belichick used him while with Cleveland in 1991, a team that recorded 34.5 sacks, and 49 in 1992. Kim has also learned from Jim Bates and Nick Saban.

Because of the implementation of using leverage, and other techniques, tae kwon do can benefit both sides of the ball for the Bills. It can be useful playing on the line against tight ends, in pass rushing, and taking on pulling guards and tackles.

Poz sees how the Korean martial art can benefit him as middle linebacker.

"(Kim) just came in yesterday; he’ll be here today and tomorrow. It’s great to get a guy with a different perspective. He knows how to do a lot with your hands, and that’s a big part of the game, using your hands to get off blocks.

"We’re learning pass rush moves, (how to read) when an offensive lineman is going to punch or stick it and put his hands on you, a lot of stuff to use your hands to get his off of you.

Different chops, different ways to swipe the guys hands of off your body. I’ve never been punched in a game but if it came to that I might use those moves.”

I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of that punch.

Maybe the fact that they are fighting for their jobs, the Bills coaching staff is finally starting to realize that another 7-9 season will not cut it.

“Things are a little different this year. We have new personnel, new guys on defense, new draft picks, new guys on offense. We're changing things up a bit, learning, trying to fix the mistakes from last year and making some changes for this year. We try to keep it similar at times but there definitely is a different feel to it.”

One of the new draft picks he mentioned is defensive end Aaron Maybin, who Poz worked with in PSU.

“He’s picking up things fast; it’s a huge difference from college to the NFL. Aaron’s going to make that transition easily. He’s such a great athlete.

He’s able to put his hands on a guy, and rush the passer. He can use some of those karate moves we're learning. He’s a huge guy.”

Huge guy? Coming from Poz?! He’s just being modest. But that doesn’t mean Maybin won’t be victim to any pranks.

Poz said the good pranks come out at training camp.

Look out and watch your back, Maybin.

T.O. a distraction?

Posluszny mentioned how watching T.O. in practice is benefiting the entire team.

“He’s made some plays in practice, and when you see those plays in person you say that’s a great play. But when you see them on film you say wow he’s a freak athlete! He can do some special things that really not a lot of people can do. The chance to compete against him in practice is great.”

Posluszny was also asked if he’s sick of talking about T.O.

“He definitely is the topic of conversation lately. We have a lot of good guys; we understand he’s a high profile guy."

It doesn’t sound like T.O.’s affecting them too much, negatively. Besides, Poz is creating his own celebrity status in Buffalo.

He’s been hanging out with “Mr. Buffalo”, Patrick Kaleta, WNY phenom and Sabres forward. You might be thinking, "how does Paul Posluszny, big Polish football player from middle Pennsylvania meet a hockey player."

“We're neighbors, we live in the same plan. Pat met Kawika (Mitchell) first, they live closer. I met him through Kawika. Pat is a good guy.”

But the attraction that is Kaleta might create some looks when they're together, but Paul is focused.

“We have a good time when we go out,” Poz said. But…"I have a serious girlfriend that I met in school. It’s going well."

Hear that ladies, Paul Posluszny, the Man of Steel is focused.

Dominic Rhodes Brings His Championship Mentality from Indy to Buffalo

Kyle Richardson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:56:39 -0400

The Bills went out and signed veteran running back Dominic Rhodes after Marshawn Lynch was handed down a three-game suspension from the league.

He finds himself in a favorable position in fighting for the starting job, but is expected to share a similar number of carries with Fred Jackson come opening day

In the meantime, in the thick of OTAs, Rhodes is using this time to learn the playbook.

“I’ve been working hard learning my playbook, trying to be an asset. I’m ready for the season to begin and make some plays,” said Rhodes. “The playbook is complex, but when you get to this level you have to be complex. I’m a veteran so I know how to put things in different categories and learn it that way.”

Rhodes, who had a great year in Indianapolis last season, wonders why the Colts didn’t make it a priority to re-sign him.

“I thought they’d bring me back and I’d end my career there but things didn’t work like that. They said they had three guys, Kelvin Hayden, Jeff Saturday, and me as top priorities.”

Hayden and Saturday were both signed to five and three years, respectively, but the eight-year veteran, who won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006, was not re-signed.

“In this league there is no loyalty, that’s how I feel about it. I’m in Buffalo now, definitely enjoying myself and ready to help this team out the same if not more than I did as a Colt last year.”

Rhodes was sent to the Raiders for a season in 2007, then returned to the Colts and rushed for 538 yards on 152 carries in a reserve role last season.

Rhodes told the Buffalo News after he was signed that he never settles for a reserve role, and that he always plays to be the starter. But he knows the Bills are going to be stacked at running back this year and is ready to play his part.

“If you have a good relationship you want to see the others succeed. We have a good running back coach here who knows how to work guys in, who worked with the Giants when they had Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne. I think he’s going to work us in and go with the hot hand most of the time, and just let us go out there and play.

He already said we would get the same amount of reps and the same amount of plays. The guy that’s performing the best is going to get the touches at that time, not everyone has a great week every week. It’s a team game and I learned that in winning a Super Bowl with the Colts. I learned that you have to step aside from your own personal glory to win championships.”

That’s just what the Bills need this year—that teamwork mentality, most notably from another newcomer, T.O. at receiver. Rhodes, who gathered 45 catches for 302 yards last year, was asked how comfortable he is catching the ball in the flat.

“I like to do whatever it takes to help a team win. Me catching the ball, especially in this league, helps a team win. I’ve definitely dedicated myself over the years to running better routes and making sure I don’t drop any passes. Last year, it was evident of the work and Peyton thought well enough of me to throw me the ball, and Joe (Addai) had a great year, too. I can do it; it’s just a matter of getting into the situations. I learned a lot of that Colts offense and I’m ready to bring it here and make some plays in Buffalo.”

Rhodes sounds like he’s ready to prove why he’s been such a productive back in this league for so long. He’ll have his chance at redemption when the Bills play the Colts in the last game of this season, hopefully with their playoff destiny already figured out.

"The way I always look at it is, when I get in the game, I try to give them a reason not to take me out and a reason to keep putting me back in.”

If he keeps this mentality through the season, hard work will not be something that the Bills running backs are lacking.

Quotes from this article were taken from Rhodes' interview with 590 The Fan 6/02.

Does Golisano's Move Spell the Relocation of the Buffalo Sabres?

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:52:02 -0400

Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano announced during his speech at the 2009 Financial Executive of the Year Awards luncheon on May 14 that he would move to Florida due to rising NY state taxes.

Golisano said the move is not expected to affect his ownership of the Buffalo Sabres, which probably means he’ll maintain the same role he had this season: Let co-owner Larry Quinn do everything, which is not necessarily great news for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in two seasons.

The self-made millionaire and founder of Paychex, has made a $77m profit on the $92m he paid for the team in 2002. However, Golisano’s involvement has decreased immensely in the past two years.

The value of the team has slowed to four percent growth from previous year, as opposed to a 45 percent increase over two years prior to '06. The team was 17th in '06, and now 21st in franchise value.

Needless to say, this move to Florida ensures Golisano will have less and less involvement, allowing Quinn to be the primary decision maker.

You can’t blame the guy for moving as Golisano says he’ll save more than $13,000 per day in taxes by moving to Florida.

That’s a staggering five million per year!

Obviously, New York has been brutally disastrous to Mr. Golisano, given that his income is such that he has to pay so much per day in taxes.

The question now becomes: How can Golisano run the Sabres from Florida?

Maybe with saving all that money he can bring some better talent to the Sabres, like some better defensemen.

Does this mean Sabres fans should be concerned about a possible relocation?

Could Golisano’s move to Florida be just a precursor for the selling of the team?

There have already been others interested in the team as Billionaire, and twice former NHL franchise owner, Jim Balsillie contacted the owner of the Buffalo Sabres about buying them earlier in the ‘08-‘09 season. Balsillie phoned Sabres owner Tom Golisano in December of '08, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Still Golisano seems adamant and assures that the Sabres will not be moving anytime soon.

The city loves the team, and it’s a wonder that a team in a region in the top third of the NHL's market is in the bottom third for franchise value.

Maybe fans are starting to get fed up that Buffalo has becoming a team that develops stars, only to trade them away to the competition (Drury - Rangers, Briere – Flyers, Campbell - Sharks).

Let’s hope these greedy NY government officials don’t send away fans as well with their taxing.

A Short Recap Of the First 50 Years Of Buffalo Bills Football

Kyle Richardson — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:36:24 -0400

Way before I was born, the Buffalo Bills became one of the eight expansion AFL franchises in 1960.

In the early 1960s the Buffalo Bills enjoyed an era of glory behind head coach Lou Saban. Under Saban, the Bills did not allow a rushing touchdown in 17 consecutive games over the 1964-1965 seasons. His record at Buffalo during the AFL years was 36-17-3, with winning seasons in each of his four years.

In 1964 and 1965, the Bills went 12-2 and 10-3-1, en route to consecutive AFL championships. With players like quarterback Jack Kemp, running back Cookie Gilchrist, offensive lineman Billy Shaw, safety George Saimes, defensive tackle Tom Sestak, and wide receiver Elbert Dubenion, the Bills were just short of a dynasty.

'70s

The Bills entered the NFL in 1970. After a few losing seasons without Saban, coach returned to the Bills from 1972 through 1976. This team was led by Joe Ferguson, O.J. Simpson, and even included receiver Ahmad Rashad.

Though this team never won anything of significance, they helped solidify the Bills position in the NFL, and Simpson broke numerous rushing records behind right guard Joe DeLamielleure.

'80s

The 1980s were highlighted with running back Joe Cribbs, still behind Ferguson for the first few years. They started the decade by winning the division, but went on to lose to San Diego 14-20 in the Divisional playoffs.

In 1986, a new era began with the beginning of Marv Levy’s coaching career with the Buffalo Bills and Jim Kelly’s move from the USFL to the NFL.

After a few losing seasons the 1988 Bills won the AFC East division title led by Kelly, Andre Reed, and Thurman Thomas in his rookie year, under Robb Riddick who scored 12 touchdowns. This team also solidified for many years the great Buffalo defense with Fred Smerlas in the end of his career, Bruce Smith, Daryl Talley, Shane Conlan, Cornelius Bennett, Mark Kelso, and Nate Odomes.

The next year the Bills picked up James Lofton and Kelly threw 25 touchdowns, but they lost to Cleveland in the Divisional Playoffs.

'90s

By 1990, the Bills had solidified themselves as one of the best teams each season and looked to have a dynasty. In the AFC Championship, the Bills defeated the Raiders with the most lopsided victory in the history of the playoffs 51-3, only to fall 20-19 to the NY Giants in the Super Bowl after a missed field goal that would have given the Bills the victory.

The year 1992 marked the biggest comeback in NFL history in the first round vs. Houston. With Kelly out, Frank Reich came in and brought the Bills back, down 38-3, only to win the game 41-38 in overtime. This momentum took them to the Super Bowl for a third straight year only to lose to the Cowboys team that featured Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.

They went back to the Super Bowl in 1993 and lost to the Cowboys again, making it four straight lost Super Bowls. After a few more seasons making the playoffs, the Bills started to fall apart later in the 1990s as the greats retired.

In 1998 the Bills were led by Doug Flutie, Eric Moulds, Ted Washington, and still with greats Smith and Reed, went to the playoffs and lost to Miami in the wild card.

The next year the Bills returned to the wild card and experienced the "Music City Miracle" vs. the Titans in a game they were winning with less than a minute left, until they kicked off and…

2000s

They would get Drew Bledsoe from the Patriots in 2002, but faced a couple years of mediocre finishes and never quite made it to the playoffs. One year, they nearly squeezed in the playoffs when in a win-or-go-home situation, they lost to Pittsburgh (who played their reserves) at home.

Next came J.P. Losman who threw for 3,051 yards in 2006, but the Bills went 7-9 and left fans unimpressed. In 2008, the Bills had another 7-9 finish, making it three straight seasons.

They head into the 2009 season with high expectations as fans continue to “Billieve” each year, continuing to buy season tickets in record numbers.

Hoping that this year is “our” year.

The beginning of a new era is upon us with Trent Edwards as the leader, and a solid roster that combines great veterans with young standout players.

How sweet it would be if the team honored the fans, and original owner Ralph Wilson with an NFL Championship in the Bills 50^th season.

Roscoe Parrish is on the Outside Looking In at the Slot

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:25:35 -0400

WIth OTAs in full swing, one question that may have already been answered in Buffalo is who will play in the slot.

Josh Reed is entering his eighth season with the Bills after spending the past seven seasons catching passes from several different quarterbacks, including Drew Bledsoe, Kelly Holcomb, JP Losman, and now Trent Edwards.

He has been a sure hands slot receiver that has filled the role of number two guy numerous times alongside Eric Moulds and Lee Evans, with 50 or more catches three times in his career including 51 in '07, and 56 in '08.

With the signing of Terrell Owens, Reed can move to his more natural position in the slot, rotating with speedy Roscoe Parrish.

Parrish is a natural slot receiver with his speed and quick cuts that could be nightmares for teams attempting to double team Evans and Owens. He hasn’t had such an opportunity at receiver, making more than 30 catches once, and only 97 catches in four seasons.

But what Parrish is known for is his punt return ability as a one-man highlight reel making opposing teams think three times before punting to him in the open field.

Last year he broke the Bills record for most punt return yards in a career with 1,312 and most punt return yards in a game with 120, and has the highest punt return average in NFL history with 13.96.

The problem heading into Parrish’s fifth season is that he’s not happy, and shouldn’t be, with just being a career punt returner. He believes that he can be a legitimate receiving threat in this league and that he has proven his ability to the Bills, just hasn’t had been given the chance come game time.

“This is my fifth year and they’ve seen me and they know my ability and what I can do and if I’m given the opportunity, it’s just that I haven’t been given the opportunity,” said Parrish.

“In the NFL it’s all about opportunity. If you give a guy an opportunity in the NFL he’s probably going to make plays. If you don’t give a guy an opportunity then you’ll never know the ability of what he can do."

Remember, a couple seasons ago vs. the Giants in the home season finale Roscoe made an incredible catch, diving five yards forward. He is a great sideline receiver that will do anything to keep both feet in bounds, which can be valuable in the end of games in two-minute drills.

The Bills seem set on making Josh Reed the third receiver and keeping Parrish in as a punt returner. With Reed not in attendance on Thursday, Parrish got an opportunity to get some playing time as a receiver with the first team offense.

I know I made a couple of plays today because Josh Reed wasn’t here and if he was here I probably wouldn’t have made the plays,” said Parrish. ”I’m just trying to take advantage of my opportunities.

Reed (5’10", 210lbs) is bigger than Parrish (5’9", 171lbs), but not as fast and can’t provide that spark that Parrish has time and time again.

Parrish is confident in his ability despite rumors that the Bills are looking to trade him.

”Maybe if I was to go to another team, I’m not saying I want to, but I might blossom more as a receiver,” Parrish said. ”I don’t want to put too much emphasis on that.”

If the Bills end up getting rid of Parrish, they could be making a big mistake. He has a lot of upside and given the opportunity to play in the slot on this year’s Bills, he should put up career numbers.

Can you imagine Roscoe playing in another uniform, lighting things up on another team, and burning the Bills on punt returns?

Although the Bills now have Leodis McKelvin as a bona fide kick returner and part-time punt returner, and can put Fred Jackson in as returner, the Bills just can’t get rid of that spark that Parrish provides.

Not to mention that if he keeps up his punt return stats that have carried him in four seasons, he will be a future Hall-of-Famer.

Come August, I hope the Bills find room on the 53-man roster for a guy that has a chance to become a great receiver, and possibly the best punt returner of all time.

Bufffalo Bills OTAs Week Two: Defense Implements New Blitz Packages

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 29 May 2009 01:04:45 -0400

Early on in the Bills OTAs, the defensive unit has come to find new ways to get to the quarterback, making things tough on Trent Edwards and the offense.

Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell is developing new blitz packages in an attempt to improve their pass rush for 2009.

New schemes have affected Edwards’ offense, causing him to make quick decisions to avoid the sack. The results have been more incomplete passes by the offense and forcing more checkdown throws than most days in the first two weeks of OTAs.

“Throwing hot routes is not exciting football," said Edwards. “But that’s something we're going to face and something we’ll have to adjust to.”

Edwards mentioned that he prefers having to make changes on the fly in a practice setting. His comfort and confidence are great signs for a team trying to open up their offense, possibly using the no-huddle.

With Fewell’s speedy defensive approach, the defense outplayed the offense in 11-on-11s on Wednesday.

Aaron Maybin will be a significant help as he fights to gain playing time with Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay, who should be fighting for left defensive end position. Increased competition in practice means better performance on the field and assures the best player gets the most playing time.

The Bills are also throwing more linebacker and safety blitzes utilizing their speed at those two positions.

On Wednesday, Bills cornerback Terrence McGee was injured while breaking up a pass intended for Terrell Owens and landing on his shoulder.

He returned the next day, but did not play, staying on the sidelines without a shoulder sling, hinting that the injury wasn’t as bad as it initially seemed.

The second week of OTAs also saw the return of fullback Corey McIntyre almost two weeks after being arrested in Florida.

Aaron Schobel has not been in attendance all week and has not yet shown up for this year’s OTAs.

Several key players have yet to participate in OTAs mostly due to injuries, including John DiGiorgio, James Hardy, Cary Harris, C.J. Hawthorne, and P.K. Sam.

The House that Marv Levy Built: 2009 Buffalo Bills Coaches Progress Report

Kyle Richardson — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:41:29 -0400

It was more than twenty years ago when Hall-of-Famer Marv Levy came to the Buffalo Bills in 1986. He began his allustrious journey with the Bills the same year as Hall-of-Famer Jim Kelly. The team overall was not very impressive going 4-12 that year, improving to only 7-8 the next year. In Levy's third year, however, the Bills went 12-4, won the division, and played in the AFC Championship. The Bills went to the playoffs eight out of the nine next seasons under Levy. He left as head coach in 1997, only to return in 2006 as general manager, twenty years after his coaching career with Buffalo began. His job was clearly to rebuild Buffalo to a respectable winning franchise like the one that thrived so much in the 90's. Levy was very instrumental in building the franchise the way it is now, making personnel decisions, hiring Dick Jauron: former Coach of the Year with Chicago, and providing input on the team's draft, picking up Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards in 2007. Levy stepped down as the Buffalo Bills general manager after the 2007 season, confident he had the team headed in the right direction despite a second consecutive 7-9 finish. So, four years since Levy came back, now in Jauron's fourth year, are the Bills headed in the right direction?

Begin Slideshow

Sitting Down with Poz: Talking Aaron Maybin, Iraq, and Defensive MVP

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:58:21 -0400

Paul Posluszny earned Bills Defensive MVP honors last season while leading the team with 110 tackles, adding one forced fumble and one interception. This despite sitting out all but three games in ‘07 his rookie season, with a broken forearm.

Overcoming an injury is nothing new to “Poz” as he was carted off the field in the Orange Bowl in 2005, his junior year at Penn State, and endured six months of rehab to repair sprained ligaments in his knee.

"Two little ligaments in your body, if they go wrong, can have a huge impact on everything else," Posluszny said. "It's been a very humbling experience."

His incredible work ethic, in which he used to jog downfield with a 100-pound plate in each hand, has been something that Bills players have admired in his two years with the Bills.

Players mention his leadership ability in the locker room and his hard work and poise on the field, in only his third year.

Considering Poz’s hardwork and production in college it’s no wonder those skills have translated to success in the NFL.

As we approach training camp here are some of the questions I will be asking Posluszny:

With all of the free agent acquisitions and draft picks, how excited are you about this upcoming season?

You played at Penn State as a senior with then freshman Aaron Maybin. What is it going to be like playing alongside a fellow Nittany Lion and how do you think he’ll help the Bills pass rush?

A lot of people describe you as a selfless and noble person. With Memorial Day just passing by, what did you take back from Iraq when you went over there to watch the Super Bowl with the soldiers?

Explain what it felt like to be carted off the field during the Orange Bowl? Compare that to getting hurt last year during week three vs. New England.

How did you bounce back from missing almost your entire rookie season to becoming the Bills Defensive MVP last season?

How did you benefit from having Marcus Stroud in the middle?

Since playing in practice with Trent Edwards for two years now, have you seen a development in his confidence?

How do you think he will adapt to possibly having new offensive sets with more freedom and having to read defenses?

Who has been the hardest quarterback to read so far in your young career?

How has teammate Kawika Mitchell, member of the 2007 Giants Super Bowl XLII Champions, helped you in being the quarterback of this defense.

How did your first season with radio communication go, and what issues (if any) did you and DiGiorgio face while using them?

What kinds of changes have been talked about already this offseason between you and the defensive coaches?

How far will the Bills go in 2009?

Poz is quite possibly one of the most underrated linebackers in the league. An early Sporting News ranking put him 19^th behind several other younger linebackers with less tackles.

This year Posluszny looks to exceed that ranking while leading a mixed group of quality veterans, and rookie Buffalo Bills linebackers.

Buffalo Bills Playbook = Audible 101 (T-Gun)

Kyle Richardson — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:30:27 -0400

The 2009 Buffalo Bills are looking to bring a new offense to the field. With all of their new weapons, they are in a great position to instill the no huddle offense. Here are a couple of examples of plays used in the vintage K-Gun via 1994. I have inserted the Buffalo Bills 2009 corresponding receivers to provide illustration if the type of mismatches opposing defenses will be faced with.

Begin Slideshow

The T-Gun Is Cocked and Loaded In Buffalo

Kyle Richardson — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:43:35 -0400

As the 2008 season came to a close for the Buffalo Bills, fans were fed up with Dick Jauron’s conservative approach and it was expected that he would be fired.

To everyone’s dismay, he was retained, with owner Ralph Wilson citing longevity as the reason.

The pressure on head coach Dick Jauron to produce a winning team has never been stronger than this year, after two consecutive sub par 7-9 seasons. That pressure will be felt by all the coaches in the spirit of winning and losing as a team.

The use of an efficient running game mixed in with the occasional exciting pass play was a useful strategy implemented by Turk Schonert in the early part of the 2008 season as the Bills went 4-0. But it became more apparent for the rest of the season that opposing defenses could easily predict the next play as they double teamed Lee Evans and stacked the line to prevent the run.

A more wide open offense is needed to fix such a problem.

The obvious solution is throwing T.O. in the mix, signing running back depth, and picking up a tight end that can make an immediate impact.

For this purpose, the T-Gun is created.

Turk Schonert will be heading into his second season as offensive coordinator and he should be more comfortable implementing the tricks of the trade that were so effective in 2007 when, as quarterbacks coach, he oversaw the development of then rookie Trent Edwards.

Edwards became the most productive rookie passer in the NFL with five touchdowns and more passing yards than any other third round quarterback in NFL history.

To determine how efficient the T-Gun can be, you must look at the quarterback running the offense. Edwards, in his third year and second as a full time starter, will look to escape mediocrity and join the league’s elite in 2009.

In 23 games played, Edwards has won 12 and lost 11, thrown for 4,329 yards, 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, completed 60.8 percent of his passes, and has a passer rating of 79.1.

The T-Gun offense is expected to have many similarities to the Buffalo Bills offense in the 1990’s, the K-Gun, led by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.

In Kelly’s first two years in the league he won 10 games and lost 18, threw for 6,391 yards, 41 touchdowns and 28 interceptions, completed 59.6 percent of his passes, and had an 83.5 passer rating.

Though the yardage and touchdowns are heavily in Kelly’s favor, the other numbers are quite comparable. Also, consider Kelly had two years USFL experience under his belt before joining the Bills.

After the Bills instituted the original K-Gun in 1989, the season after losing to the Bengals no-huddle offense in the AFC Championship, Kelly threw for 10 more touchdowns with 25 and his rating shot up from 78.2 to 86.2.

The K-Gun was most successful because of its fast pace, which denied opposing defenses the opportunity to make timely substitutions. This offensive scheme called for multiple formation calls in a huddle (four to six), so that after each play was completed, instead of huddling up the Bills would line up for the next play where Kelly would read the defense and audible the play. This led to mismatches and defensive communication breakdowns for opponents.

If Trent Edwards can progress through his reads effectively, the Bills will keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Don’t underestimate the knowledge of young quarterback Trent Edwards. He is a Stanford graduate who while in college worked as a intern for Synopsys (a world leader in electronic design automation), and as a quick learner was offered a job but decided instead to pursue a career in the NFL.

As the creator of the original K-Gun offense Marv Levy said systems don’t win games, “people and execution win games.”

If Edwards can pick up the T-Gun offense quickly, the 2009 Buffalo Bills offense will go from being lackluster to one of the most electrifying teams in the NFL.

Aaron Schobel Ready to Bring Back Buffalo's Pass Rush Attack

Kyle Richardson — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:48:44 -0400

It’s a glaring statistic from last season: 24 sacks, only better than the Chiefs, Browns, and Bengals.

The Bills finished 2008 with several games recording zero or only one sack.

A major reason for the Bills' inability to get to the quarterback was the injury to Aaron Schobel. The two-time Pro Bowler, who went off in 2005 and 2006 with 12 and 14 sacks respectively, spent 11 games on the sideline last year because of a sprained left toe ligament.

This week’s OTAs marked Schobel’s first time back on the field since the injury.

“I’m just glad I got this week done, and I felt I made it through feeling good. That was the main thing,” Schobel said Wednesday after the Bills completed a three-day voluntary minicamp. “I think it's one step at a time.”

In Schobel’s absence, the Bills were unable to find consistency on the defensive end position, receiving only seven sacks combined from Ryan Denney, Chris Kelsey, Copeland Bryan, Chris Ellis, and Corey Mace.

To address that, the Bills also went out and drafted Aaron Maybin in the first round. The other Aaron looks to provide an immediate spark to this Bills defense with his quick step, which got him 12 sacks in his first year at Penn State.

Although he is inexperienced, with only two years of collegiate play under his belt, the Bills have said that they plan to put him in sporadically when they need an increased pass rush, so he should definitely help Schobel on the other end.

Questions have been asked as to whether or not Schobel can return to his Pro Bowl form after the injury.

“I feel I’ve still got the speed I’ve always had and the quickness I’ve had,” Schobel said. “The only thing that feels different for me from three, four years ago, is that it takes a little longer to get loose. But once I’m loose, I’m the same as always.”

The Bills need all the pass rush they can get considering the quarterbacks they will face this year are among the NFL’s elite. They will face Tom Brady (twice), Drew Brees, Derek Anderson, and Jake Delhomme, just to name a few.

If they can get more sacks, the success will trickle to the other defensive positions, resulting in more turnovers, fewer points allowed, and putting the offense in a better position to score.

Magic-Cavs: Howard Brings Down Shot Clock and Magic Take Homecourt

Kyle Richardson — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:48:22 -0400

If Dwight Howard would play as consistently like he did in game six and seven versus Boston, the Orlando Magic can win this series.

The dunk that tore down the shot clock, was Howard's 40th of this year's playoffs. In fact, 40 percent of Dwight Howard's field goals have been off dunks.

The dunk, and removal of shot clock, resulted in an eight-and-a-half minute delay in the early stages of the first quarter.

When the game finally resumed, Howard was spinning, making post moves, and finishing at the basket with hook shots. He does such a great job of clogging the paint because of his size and he guards the rim well.

LeBron James was consistently double teamed early, but he moved the ball well as the supporting cast of Mo Williams and Delonte West hit shots. The Cavs were up 28-14 with 2:36 left in the first after a 7-0 run.

LeBron would sit out at the three-point line and run a screen-and-shoot with Big Zeke, completely shutting the door on the Magic's small guys, and he'd let off from long range.

The Magic had no answer for LeBron on the defensive end all night. But that seemed to be their strategy as long as they could keep him shooting long jump shots.

There were limited offensive rebounds for the Magic in the first, after several errant threes to try and get back in the game. Loose ball fouls were left uncalled by the ref's which kept Howard off of the offensive boards.

The Magic stayed in it as Rafer Alston started dropping shots, and they made several three-pointers in transition.

After an exceptional block on Howard by Joe Smith, the outlet to LeBron resulted in an emphatic dunk to gain the momentum. But that was just the beginning of a great end to the half.

They led 33-17 before LeBron clearly fouled Howard (yet left uncalled), and then ran the ball down the court, finishing with a three from top of the key to erupt the crowd.

The Cavs put their reserves in and Magic took the lead down to 11 with 7:30 to play.

Howard stayed in until he got his third foul with three minutes left in the second. The Magic stayed with their strengths and didn't abandon the three especially without Howard in.

Still the lead was at 12, just before Hedo Turkoglu saw the opportunity to step up and hit a couple shots.

James scored 15 in the last five minutes before Williams' three-quarter lengths of the court shot ended the half, 63-48, Cleveland.

Orlando didn't have much help in the first two quarters as Turkoglu and Lewis had only taken five shots a piece at the half. LeBron scored 26 and Howard had 20.

They both shot 50 percent from the field, but the Magic went 2-for-7 on three pointers.

On a night when LeBron was on fire on both ends, the Magic had trouble cutting the deficit less than nine midway into the third.

That is, until their 8-0 run in the waning minutes of the third to bring the game within two, as they went shot-for-shot, LeBron vs. the starting five of Orlando, who were all making shots to keep it close.

The Cavs led 82-78 at the end of three. Orlando vowed to continue with the energy from the end of the first half as Anthony Johnson put them up 85-84, after a 7-0 run to erase what was an 18-point deficit.

Orlando kept playing great defense aside from some errant three-point shots here and there, they played great offensively, moving the ball inside to Howard. Turkoglu came through again scoring on back-to-back possessions in the final minutes.

It was a battle in the end as Lewis and Williams shared threes back-to-back as the game was 98-97 with less than two minutes left.

The Cavs went over the limit and instead of Orlando pushing the ball inside, Mickael Pietrus took an unnecessary three, with the Magic up two at that point.

Then the Cavs responded with a drive by LeBron and the kick out to Delonte West for the go-ahead three, 103-102.

Lewis hit a clutch shot to go up one until LeBron came and scored, and made an and-one, as Howard fouled out with 30 points.

Lewis hit another three to put them up 107-106 with 14 seconds left. He had 22 points on the night.

After a jump ball and a catch-and-shoot with a second left, time expired and the Magic took homecourt advantage from the Cavs.

"This is a resilient basketball team,” said Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy. "We're just going to have to keep going."

Notes: LeBron scored a franchise playoff high with 49 points.