Bleacher Report - Articles by Greg Campbell

Just Who Are The 2009 Buffalo Bills Anyway?

Greg Campbell — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:02:48 -0400

Tonight, the Buffalo Bills take center stage. And in Foxboro, MA, no less.

Tom Brady's return, the same Randy Moss, and a new younger Patriots defense. Belichick and Co. begin another quest for perfection.

But the other team may be just as—or possibly more—intriguing.

The Case for Pessimism

The line from Las Vegas has the Patriots as heavy favorites (11 points at the time of this writing), and most fans and sports pundits would agree. Nearly every prognostication I have seen or heard has the Bills being made to look silly in front of the global audience.

And that very well could be.

Did you see their preseason? The starting offense produced only three points in 15 possessions. Three! They had nine punts and five turnovers in the other 14 possessions. That is worse than pathetic. And it got the offensive coordinator fired only 10 days before the Monday Night Football opener.

And the frustration and confusion wasn't only on the field on game days.

The acquisition of Terrell Owens lit a fire under Bills fans, who were glad for the offseason excitement. Add a pretty decent draft—highlighted by first round pick Aaron Maybin—and there was a lot to look forward to.

However, the fans only saw the $6 Million Dollar Man (Terrell Owens) for two plays this preseason before losing him to a toe injury. He barely even practiced anymore. Aaron Maybin missed all of training camp due to contract disputes.

Top that off with the firing of offensive coordinator, Turk Schonert, and days later the release of starting LT Langston Walker (who replaced last year's starter, Jason Peters who was traded to Philadelphia in the offseason), and you have a big ol' confusing mess. At least from the fans' vantage point.

Aside from the punting game, everything seems a bit off as Brian Moorman may still be the best player on the team (He really is amazing).

So, in accordance with their unbelievable offensive futility on the field, their record was a mere 1-4. We all know that wins and losses really don't mean anything in the preseason (Detroit being the prime example last year, going undefeated in the preseason and then un-victorious in the regular season), but the fact that the starting units basically lost every game to the other team's starters—and looked silly in the process—has many Bills faithful ready to call it a season.

And we haven't even started!

And why not?

After a dismal warm-up season, with almost nothing to look back on and say, "Well, maybe [insert something positive here] we'll be exciting this year," Bills fans look forward to tonight's matchup against the arch-rival New England Patriots with only fear and trepidation.

Eleven straight losses at their hands, the return of a health Tom Brady—who has more TD passes against the Bills than against any other opponent—and this abysmal preseason...

Only spells disaster.

The Case for Optimism

Or does it?

This is where a thinking person must step in and consider the alternative. Often in the NFL, things are not quite so clear cut.

What if firing the OC really does help the Bills offense?

Terrell Owens said a few days of practice later that he noticed a decided difference in how the Bills offense was throwing the ball downfield. Fred Jackson reported a seven or eight second decrease in the time it took to get the next play off in the No-Huddle offense. Those are intriguing comments.

What if Terrell Owens' toe injury was (certainly legit, but) mostly just to keep him fresh for the regular season. For the two plays he was on the field, he had two receptions for first downs.

What if Trent Edwards throws the ball downfield, as Owens suggests they are doing more. If Owens, Lee Evans, and Roscoe Parrish all stretch the field (which they are more than capable of doing), that opens up the underneath for possession receivers Josh Reed, rookie TE Shawn Nelson, and the running backs, Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch.

What if rookie Aaron Maybin really is that good? He had two sacks, a forced fumble and a few more pressures in only two games after no training camp and very little offseason work. The argument against says that was just preseason, and against the other team's backups; but he sure did look impressive making those plays.

What we know is that preseason is often a very bad way to judge a team. The coaches all have different agendas for their games. Jauron seems particularly bent on evaluating younger talent both in practice and in the games. This makes for very boring (and troubling) preseasons, but perhaps accomplishes his objective.

We also know that all of these guys (save perhaps Trent Edwards) have produced in the past, and are capable of producing again.

Biggest Remaining Questions

The offensive line is now starting three rookies (Rather, two rookies and one who is essentially a rookie, Demetrius Bell, the new starting LT, is a second year, seventh round draft pick. He has never played a regular season down in the NFL). The other two spots are filled by one new free agent (C Geoff Hangartner) playing a position he did not play last year; and one player from last year's line (Brad Butler) who moved from RG to RT (A position he last played in college).

Obviously, that is the biggest question.

The Bills feel they have improved their talent level on the offensive line. And the work ethic. Last year, nearly the entire line's work ethic was questioned. Apparently, the Bills coaches felt it was indeed lacking as 4/5 of them are now gone. But will that upgrade be sufficient to protect Edwards long enough to make the plays he needs to make?

The other big question for Bills fans is the coaching staff.

Dick Jauron has had only one winning season in his entire coaching career. Some say he did an amazing job in 2007 with a ridiculous amount of injuries to overcome—and that may be so—but the fact remains that in three seasons in Buffalo, he has only produced 7-9 seasons.

And following an unexpected contract extension for the head coach, the remaining staff was left intact—until Schonert's recent firing—despite three straight losing seasons.

If the line can come together early, and if Jauron and his team can overcome his apparent inadequacies...

You just never know.

So Who Are the 2009 Buffalo Bills, Anyway?

Tonight we will get our first glimpse.

They've made their moves. They have their players in place (except for Lynch). They have game planned for this opponent, which they kept saying they did not do in the preseason. They are playing their nemesis, whom they must all, to a man, long to defeat.

Will they be the "same old" Bills, whose offensive ineptitude puts too much pressure on the young defense, which ultimately leads to their defeat?

Or will they be invigorated by the new offensive play-caller; by the addition of one of the league's most prolific receivers ever; and by the blank slate of a new season?

We'll know after the clash in Foxboro tonight.

Let the games begin!

Draft Weekend Is Coming: Assessing the Buffalo Bills Defense

Greg Campbell — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:11:00 -0400

Continuing from the previous article where we looked at the Buffalo Bills offense, position by position, where they are solid, as well as where their biggest needs are...let's take a look at the defense.

DL
The defensive line has been much maligned over the past seasons for lack of pass rush (and previously, a lack of run stopping) and still remains one of the biggest questions on the team. This will almost definitely be a position the Bills address in the draft, especially since they did not address it in free agency.

Aaron Schobel will return after missing most of 2008 with a foot injury. He did not need surgery to repair it, so he should be ready to go when the team comes back together for training camp.

He has been a solid pass rusher in the past, but production has tailed off since his Pro Bowl season in 2006. He will be 32-years-old this season, so age along with returning from a fairly serious injury mean there are probably more questions surrounding Schobel than answers.

After Schobel, the Bills have a few average-to-good DEs. Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney are often maligned for not getting enough pass rush pressure, and are mostly deserving of that criticism. Chris Ellis was a third round pick last year who did have some special teams success, but perhaps wasn't as noticeable as the coaches may have liked on defense. But he figures to be a factor on the 2009 team.

Then there's a list of guys who so far have only been mediocre at best. Ryan Neill has the added advantage of being the team's long snapper, then we find Corey Mace, Bryan Copeland, and Marcus Smith. Certainly none of those guys would make the Bills' brass think, "Boy, we're set at defensive end!!"

It would be quite surprising, even shocking, if the Bills do not address the DE position specifically in the 2009 draft.

The middle of the line has a couple bright spots. First, the Bills signed big man Marcus Stroud to a nice contract extension this offseason. He is happy to be here, and definitely is a presence in the middle, even if he doesn't have the stats. He is a player the opposing team must account for.

His DT partner is Kyle Williams. Williams has that "motor that never stops" and just seems to make things happen. He's still a little undersized, but he's produced pretty well for the Bills since joining the team in 2006.

After the starters there is John McCargo, who was traded to the Colts last season, then sent back! He's got talent, but doesn't seem like it's ever worked out for him. Not really counting on him for much in 2009 accordingly. Spencer Johnson is the other DT on the roster. Johnson came over in free agency last season, along with Stroud, and is a solid backup.

As with the DE position though, the Bills are definitely in need of help on the defensive line. If they draft an interior defensive lineman, it will be to add depth, and will likely mean they have given up on McCargo. (They may have already done that, as demonstrated by trading him away last season.) Either way, the Bills may choose to add two defensive lineman in this draft. DE and DT.

But, no doubt about it, there will be a defensive lineman added this weekend.

LB
The Bills were pursuing a veteran linebacker in free agency this offseason. It doesn't seem like they landed the guy they really wanted yet, which could mean that we'll see a LB among the 2009 Bills' draft class.

Angelo Crowell, who started in 2007, signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing all of 2008 with a nagging injury. He was a promising young player, and already was a loss to the Bills defense in 2008. There are a few options to fill his spot.

After the other two starting LBs: Kawika Mitchell and MLB Paul Posluszny, the Bills have some solid depth in newly re-signed Keith Ellison, and Alvin Bowen who missed all of his rookie season last year with an injury. Ellison has lots of experience as a starter, and Bowen has some great athleticism and potential.

Add John DiGiorgio, Blake Costanzo, and even John Corto and Marcus Buggs to the mix as mainly special teams contributors, and you have a position where the Bills seem to be fairly solid.

So why were they courting so many LBs in free agency?

They did sign MLB Pat Thomas from the Kansas City Chiefs. Not an earth shattering announcement, but does show that there is a perceived need there. The real need is for a clear starter opposite Kawika Mitchell at OLB. Will that be Bowen?

It will not likely be Ellison, unless nothing else pans out. Might the Bills spend a draft pick on another OLB? It's either that, or they may make a trade for an outside linebacker, or pick someone up after the draft weekend is over.

However it happens, I don't think the Bills are satisfied with their current roster of LBs.

DB
The Bills lost last year's starting CB Jabari Greer to the New Orleans Saints in free agency this offseason. They were prepared for such an event, and signed San Diego free agent CB Drayton Florence. Florence will be a solid depth player, as CB is perhaps one of the positions where the Bills are the most talented.

By the end of last season, the starters were Terrence McGee and rookie Leodis McKelvin. Both players are very talented. Solid starters. And, many seem to forget, before he was injured again last season, Ashton Youboty was having a very good season. He's a very solid nickel back. Add the promising play of Reggie Corner to that crew, and it would be at least a little surprising if the Bills draft a CB in 2009.

Safety is a bit different. Donte Whitner is officially moving to free safety, a position he played toward the end of last season. Bryan Scott did well at strong safety—and is a bigger guy, better fit there—so he is slated to be the starter at that position.

The Bills may be shopping last year's starter FS Ko Simpson, so he may or may not return. After those three, there are some special teams standouts who also add valuable depth to the defensive backfield: George Wilson and John Wendling.

Just as with the cornerbacks, it would be a little surprising if the Bills drafted a safety. But with some shifting of positions and a possible trade... there is a possibility that the bills would add defensive backfield help, perhaps in the later rounds.

ST
Special teams remains one of the strengths of the Buffalo Bills. From the special teams coach of the year, Bobby April, to great return guys like McKelvin, McGee and Parrish (and apparently Jackson as well!) to perhaps the most consistently good player on the team, punter Brian Moorman.

Kicker Rian Lindell is no slouch, either. This unit is solid, and will likely remain mostly the same. As opposed to the 2008 offseason, they did not see a massive overhaul of their players. Most of the unit are returning, which should be a very good thing for the Bills and their fans.

Final Thoughts
The Buffalo Bills still have lots of questions. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the team after the signing of future Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. The other additions should add to the success of the team, too. And, they do have the No. 11 pick in the draft, which could be a really good player.

Overall, if the Bills didn't trade any of their nine picks, I'd see the Bills taking three offensive linemen, two defensive lineman, a linebacker, a tight end, and two more guys at any position as special teams players. The Bills will likely make some draft day trades, however, so they won't use all nine of those picks this year.

However it all shakes out, it promises to be an exciting year of Buffalo Bills football!

Is it August yet??

Draft Weekend Is Coming: Assessing the Buffalo Bills Offense

Greg Campbell — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:41:00 -0400

With only two days until the clock actually starts ticking on the Buffalo Bills' 2009 draft, I wanted to take a look position by position at who the 2009 Bills are shaping up to be. We have all heard the experts predicting whom they believe the Buffalo Bills will select in the draft, what holes they need to fill, and even possible trades.

They could be right. But let's look through the roster and see just where the Bills may be looking to improve.

Potential Trades

Let's get this out of the way first. There are a few players whose names are being mentioned as possible draft day trade fodder. Roscoe Parrish is a big one. When Terrell Owens joined the club, there was a possibility that Parrish was on the outside of the bubble looking in.

While he is incredibly productive on special teams (league leader in punt return average in 2007, second in 2008) and consistently provides good field position for the offense, his production on offense hasn't been what the Bills had hoped.

It's interesting to note, by the way, that No. 1 on the list for average yards per punt return was Buffalo's Fred Jackson with 16.6 yards/return as compared to Roscoe's 15.3/return. He did that on only a third of the returns that Parrish had, however.

So, the Bills could potentially move Parrish, but I would think if they did it would be for a pretty good price. He may be near the edge of the bubble as a WR for this team, but I recall a Wall of Fame Buffalo Bill WR who consistently made the team for his contributions on special teams, despite being at the edge of the bubble for his offensive production...

Another player named in possible trades is Ko Simpson, who has lost his starting FS job to the recently shifted SS Donte Whitner. Simpson is a good player but was a bit small for the defensive scheme the Bills want to run.

And of course, we all know that Buffalo's prima donna OT, Jason Peters, was traded for three draft picks from the Philadelphia Eagles. The picks were not as high as I thought they might get for a "two-time Pro Bowler," but in my estimation, it's a good move.

The Bills can use the two picks this year to add depth or potentially package them to make a move on draft day.

It might be an interesting weekend just in the wheeling and dealing alone!

J.P. Losman is finally not part of the equation at QB for the Bills, so they went out and signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bengals' starter last season (when Carson Palmer was injured most of the season).

Interesting move, but perhaps Fitzpatrick is a similar player to Trent Edwards, so there is consistency there should Edwards go down with an injury. I had thought they would add a QB with more experience, as there were many out there, but Fitzpatrick it is.

Gibran Hamdan will be returning, and Matt Baker is still on the roster somewhere. Will the Bills pursue a QB in the draft? Probably not.

But I do still like Drew Willy, quarterback of the University at Buffalo Bulls in 2008. Would be a cool local story, and he definitely has skills. The Bills wouldn't take him till very late, and I'd imagine he'd be gone before that.

Marshawn Lynch is apparently appealing his three-week suspension, but the Bills are counting on not having their star running back for the first part of the season. They made a move to ensure some stability there by finally signing the veteran RB they have been seeking since the start of Free Agency.

Being turned down by Fred Taylor and Kevin Jones (likely among other candidates), they finally were able to procure the services of Dominic Rhodes. Rhodes will probably occupy the third spot on the depth chart but will get lots more playing time in the absence of Lynch to start the season.

Fred Jackson is also a bit of a question, as he is unhappy with his contract negotiations. He is a restricted free agent, I believe, and they are still crunching numbers to get him a new contract. The Bills need to pay the man. He has turned into a super reliable compliment to Lynch, and well, they just need to pay their players!

Assuming Jackson is signed and happy, the Bills are really strong at RB. Marshawn Lynch (Pro Bowler last season, actually, leading rusher in the Pro Bowl, too!), Fred Jackson, and now Dominic Rhodes...that's a pretty good trio.

Add the potential Xavier Omon has (but has not shown at the NFL level as of yet), and they even have the hard-working Bruce Hall on their roster. I'd be surprised to see the Bills select a RB in the draft at all, but if they did, it would be late.

As I mentioned above, the Bills are chock full at this position. Lee Evans signed a big contract extension last year. Terrell Owens, while only here for a year, well, we know what he is capable of. That's quite a tandem already.

Add Josh Reed back in the slot where he belongs, and he's likely even better at being "Mr. First Down," as we like to call him.

Then you have the aforementioned Roscoe Parrish, with his explosive possibilities, and I haven't even mentioned James Hardy and Steve Johnson! Hardy, the Bills' second-round pick in 2008, is returning from an injury, and with a year of NFL experience—he has the tools—he should be a contributor on this team. Johnson actually produced more than Hardy last year, so don't count him out of the mix.

The Bills also have Justin Jenkins, Felton Huggins, and C.J. Hawthorne on the roster. Jenkins and Huggins are big contributors on special teams coverage units and decent WRs.

Obviously, not all of these guys will be here when the roster is trimmed down to the final 53. You can't keep nine receivers on a team. The likely candidates would seem to be the last two I mentioned, but Bobby April may say otherwise. That really lends credence to the Parrish trade rumors.

It will be shocking if the Bills add a WR on draft weekend. I'll go ahead and say right now...they will not!

For a few years now, Bills fans have been complaining about the tight end position on their team. Perhaps the last player we had at this position that really made any impact was Jay Riemersma, and he played with Doug Flutie...so it's been a while.

The Bills released last year's starting TE Robert Royal just as the free agency period opened, so that leaves three TEs on the roster: Derek Schouman, Derek Fine, and (Derek) Jonathan Stupar (he should be named Derek, apparently...).

Fine showed some promise last year, and Schouman is a "fine" special teamer, so those guys will make the roster, but are they impact players? Do they make a difference to this offense?

I don't know anything about Stupar, so we'll just assume he's roster depth at this point that may not even make the team.

The Bills reportedly tried to make a deal for future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez, but that fell through, with reports saying he just didn't want to come to Buffalo. His loss.

Now that they have also signed T.O.—who is a bigger WR—do they really need a big playmaking TE? Some argue that T.O. was more successful in Dallas because of the great play of Dallas TE Jason Whitten.

Another great player can't hurt, but who's to say that by adding T.O. to the offensive mix, you don't automatically free up one of the Dereks to make chain-moving plays across the middle? Defenses have to already cover Evans, Owens, Reed, Lynch, Jackson...that may leave these TEs more open than they have been in the past.

Still, I would not be surprised to see the Bills take a TE in this year's draft. I don't think it's as big a need as some (who think we should spend our No. 11 pick on a TE), but it couldn't hurt.

This is probably the biggest question mark on the team. Most people are now focusing on the trade of Peters and the hole that leaves at what is considered the most important spot on the line, LT.

But don't forget, the Bills released last year's starting LG, Derrick Dockery, just before free agency began, and they have not attempted to re-sign either of their centers from last year, Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston. That means the entire left side of the line will be different at the start of the 2009 season.

The Bills did re-sign OT Kirk Chambers. They also brought in C Geoff Hangartner from Carolina and OL Seth McKinney from Cleveland. Not the most sought-after guys, but the Bills are happy with Hangartner for sure.

What does that mean for the whole O-line? At the end of last season, the line left to right was: Jason Peters, Derrick Dockery, Duke Preston, Brad Butler, and Langston Walker.

Now it looks as though it might be: Langston Walker/Kirk Chambers, Kirk Chambers/Demetrius Bell, Geoff Hangartner, Brad Butler, Demetrius Bell/Kirk Chambers. The only player who remains the same is RG Brad Butler. Every other position has a new player in it. Every one.

That's not good. There is no doubt the Bills need a larger pool of guys to select from not only for the starters on this unit, but also depth players. This is definitely a position the Bills will address in the draft, and maybe even with the top pick at No. 11.

There are some great players available. Michael Oher and Andre Smith (No, not Big Dre from the BBR!) are two names at the top. But so far every player who has greatness also seems to have some "baggage."

I wouldn't be surprised if the Bills go after one of the "big name" OLs, but I'd look for them to add up to three guys with their middle to high round picks. They need lots of help at this position, so it may be a "boring" draft of just picking the big, no-name guys (who you really need on your team if you want to win!).

Stay Tuned...

That covers the offensive side of the ball, but there's a whole other side of the team that the Bills will definitely be addressing. In fact, I'd say we'll see more defensive players selected (other than offensive linemen, really) in the 2009 draft than offensive players.

I will post the remainder of the article tomorrow—the state of the Bills defense.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: Get Your Popcorn Ready

Greg Campbell — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:39:00 -0400

As anticipated, the signing of Terrell Owens this offseason has increased the national appeal of our small-town gridiron heroes. The formerly uninteresting, middle-of-the-pack nobodies are now one of the teams slated to be showcased on the NFL's opening weekend.

Partly because they are one of the original AFL teams, and the NFL is celebrating the AFL's 50th anniversary this season, but mostly because of T.O.

Get your popcorn ready, North America.

Think what you will about T.O.—selfishness, "Me Only" attitude, bashing teammates (especially QBs)—he definitely commands attention. Dick Jauron can't stop parroting his stats in press conferences. His new coach is obviously impressed.

And so are season ticket holders.

Increased sales and renewals are a direct result of signing just this one player. The Bills Store has also seen an amazing demand for Owens jerseys. The guy commands attention.

The Bills have at least one more showcase game already. They will be on the national stage once again when they play their second game across the border in Toronto, Ontario (also known by the locals as, "T.O." That won't be exploited at all...).

The early talk is that the Bills could play Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in that game. Other possibilities include Tampa Bay and New Orleans.

But I really don't think that will be the end of it. Thanks to the T.O. factor, NFL fans across the country (and beyond) should be seeing our Buffalo Bills many times this season.

I really like the first game for Buffalo, too. Think about it. The return of Tom Brady. T.O.'s first game. The losing streak is beginning to rival that dreaded Oh-for-the-'70s streak against the hated Miami Dolphins.

What better litmus test for this T.O.-powered offense (and the whole team in general) than the one team they just can't beat (the one possible flaw being the likely absence of star RB Marshawn Lynch, who should be serving the first game of a suspension whose length—and actuality—is yet to be determined.)?

The NFL powers that be have decided the Bills are worth watching. Most Bills fans are equally intrigued. If nothing else, you have to admit, Bills' GM (and former marketing guy) Russ Brandon really knows how to market his team.

So we now have a date. September 14 at 7:00pm EDT.

Get your popcorn ready.

A Buffalo Bills Fan's 2008 Christmas List

Greg Campbell — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0500

About this time of year all around the world, boys and girls of all ages begin making their Christmas lists. They think long and hard about what they want Jolly Ol' St. Nick to bring them under the tree or in their stockings. Some things come easy, some take more thought, but usually the list is full by the end of the process.

This year, Bills fans were treated to a 5-1 start, best since 1991 (a year in which we were also treated to our second straight Super Bowl appearance) and that super start has made the recent stretch where they have posted a 2-6 record even more pronounced and harder to bear.

What do Bills fans want for Christmas? What's on their Christmas list?

First and foremost, you'd have to think that since the season is technically still salvageable, Bills fans want to see four straight wins — another quarter of the season where they are 4-0. And a win streak going into the playoffs usually spells success in the postseason, as well. To defeat all three division opponents plus Denver out at Mile High would be tops for this Bills fan, and dare I say most Bills fans.

However, some are taking a different approach.

Dick Jauron is in his third season as Bills head coach, and it's really time to "put up or shut up," as they say. Jauron has only had one winning season in his career.

It was a very good season: 13-3. But up-close observers say it was also helped along quite a bit by fortunate bounces and other lucky breaks. That the team lost badly in its only playoff game that year and then tanked the next season would suggest the observers were right.

Now he has two 7-9 seasons with the Bills and has taken a 4-0 start and managed to go 6-6 by Week 13. What do those numbers mean for Jauron and his staff? I'd say they point toward an imminent coaching change.

I have been a big supporter of Dick Jauron. I really like his demeanor, even though most do not.

I like the way he has changed the attitude of this team from an arrogant, self-centered bunch of guys to a team-first, hard-working, high-character group of guys who love to play together, and are more like a family. I think that is important. And every report I hear is that the players love that, too.

But the question has become, is that enough? Unfortunately, I think, after the Cleveland game in which the coaching staff decided to run three straight plays up the middle to settle for a 47-yard field goal (which sailed eerily wide right). I realized what many have been trumpeting since Jauron was brought to Orchard Park in the first place: The man is just not a winning head coach.

Where do we go from here, then? Is it time to rebuild? Time to offer another unproven (or just plain losing) coach the reins once more? Is it time to start over again? In many ways, I don't think it is, but if I could make the ideal Christmas list, it might look something like this:

Ralph Wilson Sells the Team to Jim Kelly & Friends

We don't yet know who the funding source for Jim Kelly's bid to buy the Bills might be, but rumors persist that such a group exists. In fact, on Sunday Night Football a few weeks ago, Peter King mentioned that as though a plan were already in motion to make it so. Until that time, most reports had Wilson not selling the team until after he dies, so that would be a slight change.

To me, this is the key. The Bills have been around for nearly 50 years now, and most all of their head coaches have been second-level coaches. Almost never has a "big name" coach been brought in to run this team.

Why? Partly because of the "small market" deal, where Wilson insists we just don't bring in enough money. I'm sure that is true. But it must also be from the owner himself. It's been his philosophy. Spend as little as possible and hunt for the hidden gems. At times it works, but for the most part it has not.

If Wilson were to sell the team to Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Sabres owner Tom Golisano, and whomever else Jim can rustle up, the Bills might begin to take on a different shape.

Jim was not a conservative player. He was a gunslinger. He always trusted his arm to get him out of anything. He was hard-headed, tough-nosed, and a gutsy leader of this blue-collar team in a blue-collar town. I have to believe he would bring many of those qualities to his role as majority owner of the team.

Mike Holmgren

Nothing against Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon, but he's not a football GM. He is a business and marketing guy. And actually, he's done a very good job. The Bills' season ticket base is second-highest in team history. The team has successfully "regionalized" and is hoping to further that with the five-year Toronto Initiative. (First regular season game is this Sunday.)

But he's not a football guy.

Most know that Mike Holmgren, currently the Seattle Seahawks head coach (and executive VP of football operations i.e. general manager) is planning to retire from coaching at the end of this season. Another thing the Bills are sorely lacking at the moment is a good man at the top.

When Marv Levy decided to call it quits, the Bills lost their vision-caster. I'm not sure Marv was doing much more than just being Marv-elous around the players, coaches, and staff around One Bills Drive. He certainly had a hand in bringing in the talent that is on this team (and pulling out the weeds from previous administrations) but he was definitely not the full role of the typical NFL general manager.

Perhaps Holmgren, a well-respected, longtime student of the game, would be willing to "retire" to a similar role with the Buffalo Bills? There is already a nucleus of talent. With a knowledge of the game, and of the league, and a track record of winning, it would make sense that he could do it again in Buffalo.

Look at what Bill Parcells has done for Miami in just one season. Perhaps Mike Holmgren could do something similar here with the Bills.

Marty Schottenheimer

You've heard us say it on the show. You've heard Bills fans for a few years now mention his name here and there. You've just heard his name right alongside perennial playoff contenders for decades in the NFL. Everywhere Marty has gone, he has won.

Schottenheimer is still available. He hasn't been snatched up yet. The Bills' greatest struggle in recent years has been their offense. It doesn't make sense when you have players such as Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch, Roscoe Parrish, and even Trent Edwards, who has shown so much promise despite this year's mid-season slump. Perhaps such an offensive-minded coach could be the impetus the Bills need to move to the next level?

(Yes, I know, Schottenheimer played linebacker with the Bills when he was here in the 60s, but he is known for offensive teams. And he's also known for winning.)

Conclusion

In the end, I'm not sure I'll really get any of the items on my Christmas list. The Bills have been very consistent in their mediocrity through the years, and most of it starts with the owner, and the way he wants to run his team.

Bringing in guys such as Holmgren and Schottenheimer is not his style. But you're never too old to change, are you? Ralph just turned 90 and perhaps he'd like to turn over a new leaf for his team's 50th anniversary in two years.

Maybe we'll just keep plugging along with the status quo for Buffalo Bills fans. Some good moments, several bad ... and year after football year that end with no meaning ... no playoffs ... and no real excitement for what lies ahead.

This Christmas, I'm hoping for the best. Either we win all four remaining games and make the playoffs, or Ralph calls it quits, and Jim Kelly (and his team), Mike Holmgren, and Marty Schottenheimer come in for the trifecta and take the team to Super Bowl 44 or 45, just in time for the Bills' 50th anniversary season.

That would be a Christmas present Bills fans would not soon forget!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Bills win!

AFC East: Best Division in Football?

Greg Campbell — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:14:00 -0500

If you just look at records, a good argument can be made for the AFC East being the best division in football. Tonight's battle for first place between the Jets and Patriots being decided by a field goal in overtime is evidence of just how good all the teams in this division might be.

It's conceivable that at the end of this weekend the Jets could have a one-game lead over all three other teams in the division. And it doesn't stop there. Take a look at the remaining games for each of the four teams:

(Remaining Opponent's Records in Parentheses)
JETS: @ Ten, Den, @ SF, Buf, @ Sea, Mia (28-25)
PATS: @ Mia, Pit, @ Sea, @ Oak, Ari, @ Buf (25-28)
FINS: Oak, NE, @ StL, @ Buf (Tor), SF, @ KC, @ NYJ (25-38)
BILLS: Cle, @ KC, SF, Mia (Tor), @ NYJ, @ Den, NE (29-36)

The Dolphins would seem to have the easiest remaining schedule of all four of the teams. But they also have four remaining road games, as do the Patriots. The Bills have three actual road games left, but most consider one of the remaining home games a virtual away game, as it will be played in Toronto, Canada.

A quick glance at the remaining schedules, taking into account how the four teams have played so far, it is not unreasonable to say that each team in this division could actually finish with ten wins!

The Jets already have seven, and they play Denver at home (whose defense is horrendous), and road games against two of the NFC West teams that currently sport 2 wins and 7 losses. Those games alone should get them to ten wins on the season.

The Patriots have been playing really well under their fill-in quarterback. (And their fill-in running backs, for that matter.) They should be favored to win their two West coast road games against Oakland and Seattle. The other five games could be tough, but it would be hard to see the Patriots losing three of those five.

While it is just incredible that the Dolphins actually have a winning record 10 weeks into the season, they have earned it. They are playing hard, and they are using the talent they have to its fullest potential. Don't expect that to stop. They get to play Oakland, St. Louis, Kansas City and San Francisco. It's still a little hard to believe, but, the team who had one win last season should win all four of those. That is nine wins, and it seems the Fins might grab one of the three division games they have remaining.

The Bills have their share of "easy" opponents as well, starting with the Cleveland Browns this Monday. The Browns have been up and down all year, but do not have a very strong defense, and are starting a quarterback who has only played one NFL game. The home-field advantage on Monday Night, coupled with the Bills fired up to break out of this 3-game losing streak should give the Bills the win this week, and then they have Kansas City and San Francisco, as well as a game against the Broncos who have struggled. That would give them, quite possibly, 10 wins on the season.

Factoring in what we know now, I'm predicting the division will end up like this:

NY Jets 11-5
Buffalo 11-5
New England 9-7
Miami 9-7

I know I said that everyone could have 10 wins, but honestly I think the Dolphins and Patriots will have a harder time reaching that goal. Although, it is very, very possible. And, the only way the Bills end up with 11 wins is if they rediscover their run game, and bring balance back to their offense. (A little pass rush wouldn't hurt either!)

The division goes to the Jets (even if the Bills win the rematch) thanks to their likely 4-2 division record (beating Miami in the final game of the season) with the best possible AFC East record for the Bills being 3-3.

That three-game winless stretch against the East was a crushing blow, even with a half-season remaining.

But in the end, a division with a 40-24 record would be pretty amazing. Considering last year (even with the historic 16-0 Patriots) the division was a meager 28-36!

This race should come down to the final weekend with both AFC East matchups playing a crucial role in the Division title and the Wild Card berth.

That is why they play the games!

(Footnote: The final division standing above could be quite different if the Pats beat the Steelers (I think Pittsburgh should win), and if the Dolphins can beat the Jets in the final game of the season. If that happens, it could be like this:

Buffalo 11-5
Miami 10-6
New England 10-6
NY Jets 10-6

Not sure who would win the tie-breakers between NY and NE. Head-to-head, Division, and Conference records would likely be the same. It's gonna be a fun finish! End footnote.)

An Open Letter to the Buffalo Bills

Greg Campbell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:19:00 -0500

To Whom It May Concern
Re: The recent Bills slump
From: A concerned Bills Fan

A recent series of events has led me to compose this letter to you, as it seems you may be in need of some outside guidance. I have been a fan and long-time supporter of your organization, dating back a couple decades now, and though I concede that you have more knowledge and experience in the proverbial "Xs" and "Os" of your profession, I do have a few recommendations that might be worth your consideration, and perhaps would improve the results of your weekly efforts.

First, congratulations on the fantastic beginning to this season. 4-0 is nothing to sneeze at, nor is 5-1 following a superb, complete victory over a very fine football team in the San Diego Chargers. In the first six games, and perhaps that game in particular, what I saw as an outside onlooker seemed to be a never-say-die attitude and a strong desire (and confidence) on every play and on every series and in every quarter. You looked like winners.

The same cannot be said of the past two games.

Every team experiences "slumps." That is the nature of sport. One team wins, and another loses. The difference between the two is minor in detail, but feels much more "major" on the scoreboard and in the standings. Lately, besides poor execution on a handful of plays (which may or may not have impacted the final score of those games) there has been—to me—a significant shift in attitude.

Mind you, I am not talking about work ethic or effort put forth on the field each play. I am only talking about the mindset, the "aura"...that apparent confidence and swagger that this team had early in the 2008 season that they were not only good enough to win, and that they could win, but that they were going to win.

After a sloppy start in Miami (coupled with a tremendous start by their team) your team—the Bills—seemed to be hesitant, tentative, pushing, and...playing not to lose.

Sometimes, in a slump, no matter how hard you try not to lose, you still lose. In hockey, you can generate all the chances you used to have, but they ring off the goal post, or the goalie stands on his head to make a save he wouldn't normally make.

In baseball, your best hitters grip the bat a little tighter, and end up with stats worse than the guys who are usually at the bottom of your stat sheet. In basketball, even for your best player, the hoop can seemingly shrink to one size smaller than the ball itself.

But every team breaks out of a slump. It usually takes one thing going your way. I honestly thought it might be that ill-advised pass by Brett Favre yesterday. After so many things not going your way, I thought that might turn it around. But, giving credit to them, they put together a drive that finished off the game.

Slumps are very difficult to work yourself out of. Often, that makes it worse. In playing to break out of the slump (read: to not lose), your game gets tighter, your attitude shifts to a negative rather than a confident, positive swagger...and in tightening up, you lose.

This week, please remember that you are basically the same team that started this season. Every team deals with injuries, bad calls (both by your staff and the officiating crew) and other "breaks" that eventually balance out. But you can only control yourself. And mainly, you can only control your attitude. That attitude needs to be shifted back to the quiet confidence that you can - and will - win the game.

We're back to one game at a time (not three division games, not five crucial conference games, just the game in front of you). There is a big game in six days and you all know you can win it. At least, you used to know that.

This week, work on fundamentals to be sure. Work hard in practice and work to correct mistakes from the past two games. Come up with a great gameplan that uses your strengths and exploits their weaknesses. Those things all must be done. But most of all, as a team, remember that you can—and will—win the game when you take the field.

Next chance, 1:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Greg's NFL Week Nine Picks

Greg Campbell — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:46:00 -0400

LAST WEEK: 7-7 :: OVERALL: 69-47

What a CRAZY season this has been!! And, at least from my vantage point, my picks record reflects that unpredictable craziness. This past week I was again a pitiful 7-7, and really, many of the losses (and wins) could have gone either way. Some shocks, not many obvious outcomes.

Makes it pretty exciting, doesn't it?

This week, due to other obligations, I am going to make it quick. I will add a few comments at the end, but for now I'll just give my picks rather than thoughts on each game.

(winner in bold font)

Green Bay (4-3) at Tennessee (7-0)
Arizona (4-3) at St. Louis (2-5)
Tampa Bay (5-3) at Kansas City (1-6)
Houston (3-4) at Minnesota (3-4)
Jacksonville (3-4) at Cincinnati (0-8)
Detroit (0-7) at Chicago (4-3)
NY Jets (4-3) at Buffalo (5-2)
Baltimore (4-3) at Cleveland (3-4)
Miami (3-4) at Denver (4-3)
Atlanta (4-3) at Oakland (2-5)
Philadelphia (4-3) at Seattle (2-5)
Dallas (5-3) at NY Giants (6-1)
New England (5-2) at Indianapolis (3-4)
Pittsburgh (5-2) at Washington (6-2)

CONCLUSION

Some pretty big matchups highlight the Week Nine NFL schedule. Dallas at NY Giants, and Pittsburgh at Washington, and New England (surprised?) at Indianapolis (though not the game it once was) are the matchups that involve two teams with very good records.

Intriguing to me though are Green Bay at Tennessee (should be a "statement" game for both teams) and even Baltimore at Cleveland. The latter is really difficult to predict as Cleveland has (we think) found their offense again, but maybe so has Baltimore. Cleveland is the home team, so I give them the edge, but Baltimore could easily not just win, but dominate.

For Bills fans, the win will be a bit harder to come by with some key players missing due to injury (Josh Reed, Aaron Schobel, Brad Butler, and more) but the Bills are tough at home. The Jets will want the win to pull even in the division standings, but I still think the Bills will bounce back after their performance in Miami last week. Bills take care of business against the NY Bretts...

Go Bills!

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Buffalo Bills Josh Reed: Mr. First Down

Greg Campbell — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:39:00 -0400

Last week, as the Bills had (somewhat unimpressively) clawed their way to a 16-7 lead in Miami against a charged-up divisional opponent looking to topple the division leaders, they may have discovered just how much No.82 brings to the table.

Over the years, Josh Reed has been much-maligned for his under production. After all, he was the Fred Biletnikoff award winner in 2001. When you are proclaimed the nation's top receiver coming out of college, certainly much is expected.

But not much was seen. Bills fans did not see the numbers you might expect from such an award winner. In fact, the number that might have stood out the most was the number of times he dropped passes. "Don't throw it to Reed," shouted Bills' faithful, "he'll drop it!!!"

And indeed he did.

Still, No.82 persisted on the Buffalo Bills roster. Bills coaches would consistently laud his superior blocking skills. He was an asset to the team's run game. (But, shouldn't a receiver be an asset to the passing game?) They would also say he is a great route runner. (OK, that's a plus for a receiver, but then you have to also catch the ball!!!) Year after year, training camp would come and go and somehow, someway, Josh Reed continued to make the final roster.

But what happened over the last couple years has definitely swung the balance of many Bills fans allegiance in Reed's favor. Reed has become (a name I have dubbed him on the Buffalo Bills Review), Mr. First Down.

When the Bills need a clutch catch, Reed makes it. Reed is the one who gets open, makes the tough grab, fights off the tackles, and gets just enough yards for the first down.

First, he often runs routes that get him open beyond the first down markers—something many receivers do not seem to understand. Second, he makes the catch—something he did not seem to previously understand. And third, he often gains tough yards after the catch to ensure he gets the first down.

Perhaps we saw his importance to the Bills offense somewhat amplified last week when, in the second half after the team lost him to an injury, the offense was seemingly incapable of sustaining drives. Thinking back to games earlier this season, many of the 4th quarter come from behind victories involved multiple catches by Mr. First Down to keep the chains moving.

Reed is not a big play (meaning long yardage) receiver. He doesn't score many touchdowns. But he is an essential part of the Bills offense, and when he misses any time it will take a big effort from his replacements to fill his shoes. I'm not certain James Hardy, Justin Jenkins and all three tight ends can really do that.

They'll get a chance to give it a try this week. Reed has not practiced this week (in fact, he was wearing an immobilizer boot on the ankle with the strained Achilles) and looks very doubtful for the game Sunday.

The once-maligned, under-achieving receiver has become an essential (and greatly missed) piece of the Buffalo Bills offense. Nice job, Josh. You are forever in the mind of this Bills fan...the original...

Mr. First Down.

Sabres-Wild: Buffalo is "Double Awesome"

Greg Campbell — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:23:00 -0400

The Buffalo Bills are certainly grabbing many headlines these days, as they continue their winning ways with a record of 5-1. They are playing great, and are quite deserving of all the attention they are getting. But the Bills are not the only sports franchise in Buffalo experiencing a very high level of success.

The Sabres are quietly returning to their President Trophy-winning form.

Going into their game last night, the 5-0-1 Sabres faced a tough challenge on the road, against a team that was also undefeated in regulation (4-0-0) and is known for being one of the top defensive teams in the league.

The Sabres are back to their goal-scoring ways. They have also improved their defense, and have Ryan Miller leading the league in GAA. But playing in Minnesota was definitely going to be tough.

Because of all that, I told my family before the game began, "If the Sabres can win this one, they are awesome."

Well, it appeared that we just might have been awesome. After one period, the Sabres had the lone goal. It was now a 1-0 lead on the road against a tough team. Nice! I was getting ready to declare my team "awesome".

But then we played the second period.

The Sabres looked pretty sloppy to me. They were a bit slower to the puck than Minnesota. And just a few giveaways let the Wild not only get back in the game, but end the period with a 2-1 lead.

Unfortunately, early in the third it got even worse. With Minnesota on a power play, Ryan Miller was attempting to clear the puck when a Minnesota player tipped the poorly=aimed clearing attempt just enough to direct it into the net. Basically, Miller put it in his own net, giving the Wild a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 third period lead.

But these Sabres are nothing if not persistent.

With the team being in such a hole, against such an opponent, with such little time remaining, I now modified my pre-game declaration. "If the Sabres win the game now, they would be DOUBLE awesome."

The puck had not been bouncing their way, but with under four minutes to go, Nathan Paetsch threw a puck to the net that Adam Mair tipped just inside the post. I was really glad they scored that goal, just to make it at least somewhat respectable. As I was still celebrating that goal, however, the NHL's leading goal scorer fired a shot past the Wild goaltender and just like that—the game was tied!

The crowd was stunned. I was stunned. Maybe even the Sabres were stunned.

The game went to overtime, and only 44 seconds into the extra period, the Sabres shoved the puck past Minnesota goalie, Niklas Backstrom. It was Derek Roy's first goal of the year, and it completed an improbable comeback win, even for the Buffalo Sabres, who have made a habit of that this season.

And it proved that the Sabres were indeed, "Double Awesome."

It's a fun year to be a Buffalo sports fan, folks! Enjoy it! Two teams are having some really great success. Still a little early in both seasons to know where it might lead, but you can't have much better starts than our Bills and Sabres have had.

Go Buffalo!

Greg's NFL Week Eight Picks

Greg Campbell — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:50:00 -0400

LAST WEEK: 10-4 :: OVERALL: 62-40

Well, last week I ended up picking three (not four) crazy upsets: Miami, St. Louis, and Oakland. I'm happy to report that I got two out of those three right, and the one I missed was good for the Bills so...it all worked out! St. Louis won even more easily than I imagined, and Oakland went to OT, but did defeat the highly overrated Jets.

Thanks to those picks and a few others, I went a respectable 10-4 (finally!) in Week Seven. I was counting on the Broncos to actually arrive in Foxboro for the game to push me over the 10-win mark, but...no such luck.

Week Eight holds some interesting contests. Let's have a look!

Buffalo (5-1) at Miami (2-4)

Our beloved Bills face their first divisional opponent this weekend, and on the road no less. The Dolphins are definitely improved over last year with Chad Pennington adding some consistency to the QB position, and their crazy Wildcat offense.

But last week the Ravens seemed to have figured that out, and even though they had some great wins over San Diego and New England, I just don't see them beating the Bills. They should make a game of it, but I think tin the end... WINNER: Buffalo.

St. Louis (2-4) at New England (4-2)

St. Louis is on a roll! They have defeated playoff teams from a year ago (and potentially this season as well) in the past two weeks and now head to New England for a third straight monumental challenge.

The Patriots took advantage of some of the poorest football execution I have seen in a long time put forth by the Denver Broncos on Monday night to roll up their biggest victory of the year. They looked like the 16-0 team from 2007 in that game. Despite their resurgence and 2-0 record under new coach, Jim Haslett, and in spite of the Patriots apparent resurgence last week, I think the Rams just can't do it three weeks in a row. Almost by default...WINNER: New England

San Diego (3-4) at New Orleans (3-4)

The second annual game in jolly old England features two teams that should have better records. For whatever reason, they do not, and New Orleans will NOT be featuring one of their main star players, Reggie Bush. New Orleans looked pretty bad last week against the Panthers, and the Chargers—even in a loss—looked pretty good against the Bills. Should actually be a really good game, and could go either way, but at the moment, the edge (and the game) go to...WINNER: San Diego

Kansas City (1-5) at NY Jets (3-3)

Oh man. Do we have to watch this one?? LJ is still getting himself in trouble, so who knows if he will play (or if he will play well). The Jets proved they are mostly a bad team still with an OT loss to the Raiders last weekend (predicted here, of course). But even though they are the NY Jest...they are better than the Chiefs this year. I would be shocked if the Jets DON'T win this game. WINNER: NY Jets

Atlanta (4-2) at Philadelphia (3-3)

This is an intriguing game. Atlanta is playing well. They are both coming off their bye week. Philly RB (and key offensive cog) Brian Westbrook will be coming back from an injury. It's in Philadelphia...too much going against Atlanta, though should be a hard fought game. WINNER: Philadelphia

Washington (5-2) at Detroit (0-6)

Ha. Washington has lost to the Rams, and nearly gave up the game to the Browns in the past two weeks. They will want to make a statement. WINNER: Washington

Tampa Bay (5-2) at Dallas (4-3)

This one is actually really hard to pick. Last week I (correctly) predicted that the 'Boys were in pretty bad shape, and due for a loss against a revitalized Rams team. This week, I also think they should lose to the currently much better Bucs. However, it's hard to pick against a team "on the ropes" that is playing at home.

The Cowboys certainly have talent, and could definitely just overpower the Bucs. But what I like about Tampa Bay this year is their balanced-ness. They have a solid offense, good running game, and a very solid (great) defense. As crazy as it sounds...I think Dallas loses this one at home, too. And they are in serious trouble. WINNER: Tampa Bay

Arizona (4-2) at Carolina (5-2)

This one should be a shoot out! And, whenever you think that going into a game, it usually isn't. It will probably end up a big defensive battle! (Just look at last week's huge defensive battle between Chicago and Minnesota! 48-41???)

Arizona is coming off their bye week, but they are playing on the East Coast against a team that just crushed their division foe, the Saints. Even as well as Arizona is playing, the situation will likely be too much to overcome. WINNER: Carolina

Oakland (2-4) at Baltimore (3-3)

Not really as bad a game as it might seem. Oakland is far better than the joke that they used to be—and the joke that their franchise (front office, owner, coaches) still is. They should actually be a challenge for Baltimore, but perhaps the Ravens found their offense last week against Miami? Baltimore already has the better defense...WINNER: Baltimore

Cincinnati (0-7) at Houston (2-4)

This one may seem obvious, but do you think the Bengals could actually go 0-16? To my knowledge, that has never been done. And I think it's nearly impossible at the NFL level. They will beat someone. Palmer is still not going to play. The Texans are good, and better at home...not this week Cincy. WINNER: Houston

Cleveland (2-4) at Jacksonville (3-3)

Just when we thought the Browns of 2007 were back...they looked pretty pathetic against the Redskins (although, in the end they almost pulled out the victory!)

Which team will we see in Jacksonville? For that matter...which Jags team will we see? Are they a dominant, defensive, run-oriented team? Or can they not run the ball at all... and give up too many yards and points to the potentially-potent Browns offense? Definitely hard to call, but mostly due to home field advantage, my pick is...WINNER: Jacksonville

Seattle (1-5) at San Francisco (2-5)

Mike Singletary's first game as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers should be a success. Seattle is just way too injury-depleted and seem to have packed it in for the season. WINNER: San Francisco

NY Giants (5-1) at Pittsburgh (5-1)

This is a great matchup. Two great defenses. Two pretty great offenses. Smash mouth football. Big passing game football. Should have a little of everything. Are the Giants able to go into Pittsburgh (perhaps the best team in the AFC right now) and deal the Steelers a loss, defending their World Champion title? Or are they the team we saw on the road at Cleveland? Last year they were they kings of the road...but...not this time. WINNER: Pittsburgh

Indianapolis (3-3) at Tennessee (6-0)

I still contend that Tennessee is the beneficiary of their schedule. Some say that about the Bills, so I could be wrong. And, although this should be a good test, I am not sure it will be. The Colts have been really pretty bad. I know it's injuries, but... that can only account for so much.

The Bills were 7-9 last season with an insane amount of injuries. Indy very well could be 1-5, if not for two great comebacks engineered by the great Peyton Manning. Can Peyton be great enough to beat their division foe the Titans on their home turf? They need to to stay in the playoff hunt. That makes me think they will...WINNER: Indianapolis

CONCLUSION

Week Eight could see the fall of the last undefeated team, we will see the first AFC East game for the Buffalo Bills, and should see a colossally good football game Sunday night between the Giants and Steelers. I'm sure a few more surprises and great games will be thrown in there as well!

Go Bills! Squish the Fish!

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Buffalo Bills: One Very Meaningful Month

Greg Campbell — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:01:00 -0400

10/19 San Diego
10/26 @ Miami
11/2 New York Jets
11/9 @ New England
11/17 Cleveland

This Sunday, the Bills will host the San Diego Chargers. It’s a surprisingly difficult game to call. The Chargers would seem to have the upper hand, talent-wise, but the Bills have many other advantages.

Aside from being quite talented themselves, they also have the home-field advantage, the time-zone advantage (and no cross-country trip), they are coming off the bye, and a handful of other matchups in their favor.

Still, the game could really go either way. And that doesn’t necessarily hurt the Bills.

Now, you always want to win. And, if they Bills pull off the win against the Chargers, that puts them in pretty good shape in the conference, having victories over the Jags and Chargers—two AFC playoff candidates. But if you take a look at the next month of games for the Bills, they could really put the team in a great position for their first playoff run in nine years.

From Oct. 19 through Nov. 17, the Bills face five AFC opponents, three of those being their first AFC East contests of the 2008 season. If they can win each of those games, they would be almost a lock for a playoff spot. And, of course, the opposite is true. If they should lose all or most of those games, it would be much more difficult, despite their 4-0 start.

Following the first game vs. San Diego, the Bills head down to Miami to face the Dolphins in their first of three-straight AFC East games. Miami has already beaten the Patriots and the Chargers, and they gave Houston a tough game on the road recently. They are certainly improved over the 1-15 team they were last year. It will be a test for the Bills, especially being down in the heat of Miami in November. However, if the Bills are the team we think they are, they'll go into Miami and leave with the win.

After that, the Bills host the New York Bretts...uh...Jets. The Jets certainly have a bit more...something? They have a decent receiving corps, a couple decent running backs, and a decent defense. But overall, they are still the Jets. Brett Favre is definitely the “X” factor and can win any game he goes out to play. But they are still the Jets. The Bills need to win this game at home, and I believe they will.

That leaves the matchup I have been waiting for since the schedule game out. With half a season under their belts, our young, confident Bills will head to Foxborough, MA to take on the despised division rival, the Patriots.

The Pats have won some ridiculous amount of games to the Bills' ONE in the past many years. It’s time for that to change, and with Matt Cassel at QB, the Bills are in a much better position to go in and control the game and leave with a big win over the Pats.

The Patriots still have a decent team, but the Bills are better, and I will stick with my prediction that the Bills will win both games against New England this season. (Note: I made that prediction before Tom Brady went down with an injury for the entire season.)

That leaves the big Monday Night Football showdown at The Ralph against the Cleveland Browns. Last season, the Bills needed a win in Cleveland to have any shot at making the playoffs. They were met head on by a crazy blizzard and other such forces of nature, leading to a 8-0 loss to the Brownies. Was not at all what anyone was expecting, but perhaps this Nov. 17 contest in Buffalo will turn out differently.

The Browns showed last week that they are still a talented team offensively. The Bills can score points as well. I’d expect a good battle between two up-and-coming AFC playoff hopefuls, and I would also expect the Bills to put on a show for the national audience. Much like they did vs. Dallas last year, except this year they will finish with a W.

If the Bills can have success, as I describe above, over the next month of Sundays (and a Monday) then at 9-1, or at least 8-2, they will be in great shape for their first trip to the playoffs in nearly a decade. Following this five-game stretch, the next two opponents are Kansas City, and then home against San Francisco.

Things are looking good for Bills fans.

A lot depends on this very meaningful month. How the Bills perform over that month should say a lot about them and may nearly ensure that they will play in the second season.

That would be welcome news indeed.

Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills: One Down, Two To Go

Greg Campbell — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:10:00 -0400

A few weeks ago, the Buffalo Bills completed their efforts to lock up one of their star players for a few more years. Lee Evans signed a contract that will keep him playing in Buffalo through the 2012 season. That’s a good chunk of time.

Evans is a great player to build an offense around. In his first three years, he is on pace to be one of the best receivers in Bills' history.

But the Bills cannot be satisfied. They have a bit more work to do.

Some fans and most of the media believe that the front office should now turn their focus toward left tackle, Jason Peters. Peters certainly has shown he has great talent at that position, but I really believe he hurt his cause this past offseason by not only holding out, but reportedly refusing to even communicate with the Bills at all.

Where did that get him? Through four games played, he has been directly responsible for a couple turnovers, and some bad, drive-killing penalties. He has deservedly faced the reproof of many fans. With two years remaining on his contract after this season, I’m really not sure that it’s in the best interest of the Bills to focus on extending his deal right now. What can he do? Hold out again? Would that work for him?

No, it will not. There are two players who are clearly the heart of the offense moving forward. Two players who have at least a couple more years on their contracts, but who should be the primary focus of an aggressive and determined front office. Two more players you can really build a team around, not only because of talent, but character, heart, work ethic, and other such intangibles.

Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch should be directly in the crosshairs of Russ Brandon and his staff.

Bills Big Three, Evans, Edwards and Lynch

Edwards has already proven in his very short career that he has an understanding and command of the game of football. He has an ability to read defenses and make decisions that go beyond the talent he also has to get the football downfield to the receiver.

His record as a starter is 9-4. He is definitely a franchise quarterback and needs to be treated as such. The Bills do not want to be renegotiating his contract in the final season of his current contract. They would do well to begin talking this offseason.

By the numbers, you could argue that Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is not a spectacular, franchise running back. He almost never cracks the century mark. His touchdown production has tailed off. His average per carry is usually under four.

But numbers do not always tell the story.

If you get to watch Lynch, you will know that his heart is enormous. When his team is down, he incredibly steps up his game another notch or two. He runs hard on every run, and is usually fighting through a few tackles before he even reaches the line of scrimmage. He calls his second gear “Beast Mode”, and over his short two-year career, there have been some amazing displays of that extra tough running.

Aside from the raw talent of both Lynch and Edwards, both players have displayed a strong work ethic in practice and in the offseason and that “second level” of determination to win in games. When they are on the field, the team, and the fans, can count on them to produce. That is rare and critical.

So with Evans on the payroll for four more seasons, it’s time for the Bills to lock up the other two pieces of their main offensive attack: Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards. With Edwards, Lynch, and Evans making up the core, the Bills could have a potent offense for a long time to come.

Greg's NFL Week 5 Picks

Greg Campbell — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:19:00 -0400

LAST WEEK: 7-6 :: OVERALL: 35-25

Last week was probably not the best week to start tracking this here. 7-6 is not a great week of prognostication, to be sure. But I knew that's how it would be! For some reason, when the picks are "obvious", it never turns out that way.

That should bode well for this week.

Several interesting match-ups that could go any way this week. Let's get right to 'em.

Chicago (2-2) at Detroit (0-3)

This game is not difficult to pick. Chicago has been playing really well. Could actually be 4-0, if not for two fourth quarter collapses this season. They hung in against Philadelphia and went to 2-2, instead of 1-3. And, even though the Lions fired Matt Millen, there will be no improvement with them... at all. I don't plan on picking Detroit at all this season, actually.

WINNER: Chicago

San Diego (2-2) at Miami (1-3)

Miami is playing their first game after Ronnie Brown's big five TD day against New England, which I'd imagine will give them some confidence. They are also the home team. I think that might be all they have going for them. On paper, this is an easy pick, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's close. But, SD wins.

WINNER: San Diego

Washington (3-1) at Philadelphia (2-2)

Another NFC East battle. So far they are definitely the toughest division. Washington went into Dallas and beat the apparent No. 1 team in the division. Now NY thinks they are the No. 1 team in the NFC East, but one of these teams might think otherwise.

Washington is very balanced, and Philly looks a little vulnerable after failing to finish the comeback in Chicago. Philly is the home team, and so they are a smart choice, but I just have a feeling Washington is a bit better overall.

WINNER: Washington

Seattle (1-2) at NY Giants (3-0)

The Seahawks and Giants are both coming off their bye, but Seattle is traveling across the country to play in New Jersey. The Giants are still undefeated, and after barely squeaking by Cincinnati, are probably looking to prove that they deserve to be one of the three undefeated teams in the NFL.

Seattle played well in their last game, but it was against St. Louis who has not been much of a challenge on the scoreboard for any team they have played so far. Seattle may challenge NY, but the Giants will prevail.

WINNER: NY Giants

Indianapolis (1-2) at Houston (0-3)

When you look at this game, 1-2 vs. 0-3 doesn't seem like a very good game at all. Indy has lost a step perhaps. Houston hasn't managed a victory. But that will not be the case. Indy is still a good team, and they will be a tough opponent for the Texans, even playing in Houston.

But Houston has lost to good teams (Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Jacksonville) and last week took the Jags to overtime. Due to being displaced by a hurricane, this will be Houston's first home game of the season. I just have a feeling this will be Houston's week.

WINNER: Houston

Atlanta (2-2) at Green Bay (2-2)

Even though these teams have the same record, it's safe to say they are perceived differently. Atlanta is still quite unknown, winning both of their games at home, but losing the road games by equal 24-9 scores.

Green Bay's young QB, Aaron Rodgers, was injured in last week's game and may not play this week, and that spells trouble for GB. Look for Michael Turner, Matt Ryan and crew to put together a solid effort and get their first road win of the season.

WINNER: Atlanta

Kansas City (1-3) at Carolina (3-1)

These teams have opposite records for a reason. Despite KC's surprising performance against Denver, and LJ's near 200-yard day, Carolina's defense is much stiffer, and their offense may be equal to Denver's... look for a fairly easy win for the Panthers at home.

WINNER: Carolina

Tennessee (4-0) at Baltimore (2-1)

Tennessee and Buffalo are both 4-0 vs competition that is 3-12 and 4-11 respectively so far. That has led some to question Buffalo's legitimacy as an undefeated team, but for some reason Tennessee's 4 for 4 performance has received less scrutiny.

At home the Titans are definitely tough, and they should be a solid favorite to win against the Ravens, playing on a short week after an OT loss to Pittsburgh on Monday.

But the Ravens No. 1 defense is for real, and the Titans will rely on their top-rated defense to keep them in the game. Even on the road, give the slight edge to Tennessee's offense over Baltimore's anemic offense.

WINNER: Tennessee

Tampa Bay (3-1) at Denver (3-1)

This game should be really interesting. It's really hard to win in Denver. Really hard. And Denver is off to a great start on offense. But Tampa Bay is off to a great start of their own. They have some quality wins over two former NFC Central foes, Chicago and Green Bay. Their only loss was by four points, on the road, to New Orleans.

They have weapons on offense and a good defense... a win in Denver would be a good sign that they are for real. And I think they get it.

WINNER: Tampa Bay

New England (2-1) at San Francisco (2-2)

Can you believe that we are even giving San Fran a chance in this game? At 2-2, they have improved. Frank Gore is still a good running back. They have some players on defense. J.T. O'Sullivan is... a quarterback. And yet, for some reason (maybe a 38-13 drubbing at the hands of last year's 1-15 team???) there is room for doubt in this game.

The Patriots are making the cross-country journey. That's never easy. But Belichick's teams almost always win after the bye. Especially when they are mad.

WINNER: New England

Cincinnati (0-4) at Dallas (3-1)

Now, this is not going to make a lot of sense. I know, Cincinnati is 0-4. I know, they could only score 12 points against the Browns at home. But Carson Palmer says he'll play. Dallas proved they are more than human. They will be mad, but so is Cincinnati.

The Bengals don't like to lose either, and I feel that if Palmer is healthy, he and the Cincinnati receivers will do some damage against Dallas' defense. Still, the mismatch is too great.

WINNER: Dallas (just closer than you might think.)

Buffalo (4-0) at Arizona (2-2)

The Bills look to extend their perfect record in the desert of Arizona. The Cards are coming off an embarrassing performance against the NY Bretts, and as is often said, they are a different team at home. They have multiple weapons on offense, but there is a good chance one (Anquan Boldin) will not play Sunday.

There's also a good chance that Buffalo's Terrence McGee will not play either. Everything seems to say the Bills will continue their winning ways, but AZ is definitely a better team at home. They will hang with the Bills the whole time, but Buffalo plays their best, most consistent game of the season heading into their by week, and they head home 5-0.

WINNER: Buffalo

Pittsburgh (3-1) at Jacksonville (2-2)

Both of these teams have had more than their share of injuries this season so far. Despite that, they have decent records, and my hunch is that (playing at home) the Jags will make sure they finish the day with equally good records.

Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew will dominate, Garrard will do enough, and the Jags defense will also do enough.

WINNER: Jacksonville

Minnesota (1-3) at New Orleans (2-2)

Minnesota has a great run defense and a superior RB. New Orleans has a superior passing offense, and good running backs, and a capable defense—and they play well at home. Minnesota is a bit better than 1-3, but should end up on the short side, mostly due to the mismatch of New Orleans' offense versus any other team's defense.

WINNER: New Orleans

CONCLUSION

A few games that could be surprising. Watch the underdogs: Seattle, Cincinnati, Miami. And I picked five underdogs to win outright: Houston, Washington, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Should be an interesting week of NFL football!

Go Bills!

[This article should not be used in any way to place bets. It's only for fun, people. :-)]

Trent Edwards, Joe Montana: Many Similarities

Greg Campbell — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:19:00 -0400

Most people don't like to rush to equate young NFL players with Hall of Famers of legendary status. Obviously, earning the rank of "legend of the game" takes many years of consistent production, and cannot be applied to any player in his first or second year in the league. I would not presume to equate any such novice with any aforementioned Legend.

But I am shocked by the similar starts to their careers.

As I said, Joe Montana is a legend. I can't say it enough. Every time I say his name it is like the pure definition of the word quarterback. They are synonymous.

When I first began watching football games some 20 years ago, I quickly learned that Joe Montana was the king of his craft. With him under center, the 49ers were never out of the game, and were usually going to win the game. Precision passing, a great knowledge and understanding of the game, quick decision making, and cool, calm and collected demeanor. That was Joe Montana.

And it sounds a lot like how we describe Trent Edwards. Let's take a look at just how similar they are.

Bill Walsh

The first thing that comes to mind is Montana's former coach, the late Bill Walsh, has often been cited as commending Marv Levy and crew following their selection of the QB in the third round of the 2007 draft. Walsh knew that Edwards was something special, and he called up Levy to tell him so.

The Bills had Edwards rated very high in the draft and were thrilled when they picked him up in the third round. Hearing Walsh's endorsement of him as "the real deal" (or something to that effect) only further confirmed their selection.

Passing Style

I mentioned some of this above, but it bears repeating. As I have watched Trent this season, I've heard comparisons to a young Tom Brady. Brady was an unknown mid-late round draft pick who has obviously excelled. But I never quite bought that. Brady has a very different style. He has a slightly stronger arm and excels at the deep ball. Edwards can throw the deep ball, but that is not his strength.

It finally hit me a couple weeks ago. The closest match is Joe Montana. Montana was a very poised, confident, cool and collected leader on the field. His team was never out of it, and they believed he could bring them back.

We see that already from Trent and his teammates. Montana didn't have the great physical talents of Elway (rocket arm), Marino (lightning-quick release), or Kelly (toughness, grit, and strong arm) of his day, but he always made the perfect throw to the perfect guy.

Accuracy

On top of his decision making, Edwards has been right on the money with his passes. He throws a perfect pass to the perfect place for his perfect receiver. He completed 80 percent of his passes in one of the games this year, and for the season is completing 65.5 percent of his passes.

Montana was also an incredibly accurate passer. He was consistently between 65 and 70 percent for much of his career. A lot of this is attributed to being able to read the defense quickly and correctly, but of course also a testament to the skill of the passer, throwing an accurate ball.

The Draft

Trent Edwards was projected by some as a late first-round choice. The Bills were shocked that he was still on the board when they were making their third-round selection in the 2007 draft. They had to take him, even though they weren't planning to take a QB till the later rounds.

Edwards was drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft at number 92 overall. Not too surprisingly, the Legend, Joe Montana was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 1979 draft, pick #82 overall.

Comeback Kings

This is perhaps the greatest similarity—and what alerted me to how much Edwards is looking like Montana. Joe Montana is known for connecting with Jerry Rice—a lot—and for winning Super Bowls, and for the things I mentioned above.

But perhaps above all, he is known for engineering fourth quarter comebacks. And really, what better stat is there? Elway was great at this. And Montana was a master. He engineered 31 come from behind victories in his 16 year career, 26 of them as a 49er.

Trent Edwards has only started 13 games. Less than one full season. Thanks to trailing by one point at the start of the fourth quarter in yesterday's game against the Rams, Edwards is credited with another fourth quarter comeback in his fledgling career. Actually, that makes five. FIVE. Not only is Edwards a fairly impressive 9-4 as a starter, he also has five 4th quarter comebacks under his belt. Well on his way to 31? Perhaps...

First Year as a Starter

This is where I am getting into speculation a bit, but bear with me.

Joe Montana played a few games in 1979 and 1980. In fact, his first 4th quarter come from behind win was in December of 1980, subbing for the starter, Steve DeBerg. His play that season solidified him as the starter for the coming season. San Francisco had been 2-14 in '79, and then 6-10 in '80—definitely not impressive. But 1981 was coach Bill Walsh's third season. He had been building the team in his image (much like Dick Jauron—currently in his third season—has done with the Bills) and they were poised to succeed under their new field commander.

Montana led the 49ers to an impressive 13-3 record that season. But it didn't stop there. That team, which Montana was officially commanding for the first time, hosted the NFC Championship game against Dallas. Dallas had a lead with under five minutes to go in the game. Montana got the ball at the 1-yard line and engineered an 89-yard drive that culminated with "The Catch."

A come-from-behind victory, taking his team to the Super Bowl. In his first season as the starter, in his coach's third season with the team. They even went on to win the Super Bowl that season. Montana had pretty average numbers, but as always, got the job done, and got the W.

Edwards' team is off to a 4-0 start, with three fourth quarter comebacks engineered by the poised, cool and collected, confident, unflappable quarterback. Could we possibly be seeing history repeating itself?

Bills fans certainly hope so!

Montana not only took his team to the Super Bowl—and won—his first year as the starter, but that really ushered in an era of dominance by Montana and the 49ers. They won four Super Bowls during his time there, and were a perennial force in the NFC.

Conclusion

It's obviously too early to call Edwards a legend. Or even a legend-in-the-making. But you have to admit... he bears a striking resemblance to The Legend. The Legend's coach saw something in this kid, too.

If Edwards is even close, Bills fans can look forward to great football for many years to come.

Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills: A Good QB Changes Everything

Greg Campbell — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:21:00 -0400

Following two straight fourth-quarter comebacks, the Buffalo Bills are alone atop the AFC East. All by themselves. That has not happened since week 13 of the 1996 NFL season. That is a long time.

We've heard the stats. The Bills are off to their fastest start since 1992. Not since that season has a Bills team started 3-0. And this week with the Bills facing the team who is arguably off to the worst start of all 32 NFL teams in 2008, most consider it a foregone conclusion that the Bills will be 4-0.

The last time the Bills started a season 4-0 was also 1992. Go back another year to find the last time a Bills team started the season with a 5-0 record. They lost their sixth game that year—the year after "Wide Right"—but went on to amass a 10-1 record, cruising to the AFC East crown and eventually, the AFC title.

But let's go back just a couple years. 1988. The Bills were coming out of relative obscurity. Back to back 2-14 seasons, followed by a 4-12 season (which saw the arrival of new—and equally obscure—head coach, Marv Levy) followed by a meager 7-8 season. They had not made the playoffs for six straight seasons, but there seemed to be reason for hope.

A very talented young team was being put together. Largely around stars like Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, and even Andre Reed (from tiny Kutztown State university) and a rookie RB from Oklahoma State, Thurman Thomas. A blockbuster trade had brought LB Cornelius Bennett to town, inspiring more hope from the Buffalo faithful. There was certainly potential...

But it had been so long since there had been a real winner in Buffalo.

All of a sudden though, the wins began coming. 1-0. 2-0. 3-0. People began wondering about this "surprising" team from Buffalo. Robb Riddick kept jumping over the pile for a goal-line TD. Butch Rolle continued to fool everyone as Kelly would fake the handoff and toss the ball to a wide open (little used) TE.

(Didn't they watch the film? If Butch was on the field, he was going to get the TD!)

This team came out of nowhere to go 11-1, and grab the AFC East from their other four unsuspecting division rivals. And the rest of the NFL.

Flash forward to 2008.

This young, confident Bills team, being built around a young QB, a scrappy defense, a few solid veteran additions, a talented young RB—and even a kicker who never misses—has gotten out of the gates quickly. 1-0 after a blowout. 2-0 with a tough win on the road against a playoff contender. 3-0 following a sloppy performance, turned gutsy comeback. It looks like the sky is the limit for this young team, and it almost looks like we're 20 years in the past...ready to do it all again!

And the thing that gives me more confidence about that is watching our QB manage his offense.

If you take a look around our division—which the Bills currently lead by one game—who else would you rather have at QB in the crunch? Now that Tom Brady is gone, the starting four AFC East QBs are: Edwards, Brett Favre, Chad Pennington, and Matt Cassel. Cassel has looked quite pedestrian, Favre has seemed at best out of step, and Pennington is...Pennington.

Edwards on the other hand has been incredibly accurate, completing 67 percent of his passes—and much higher in the 4th quarters of all three games. In the first game, late in the third quarter, Edwards sealed the victory with a 30 yard bullet to TE Robert Royal to quickly buoy the Bills from a 10 pt lead to a 24 point lead, and victory.

In game number two, Edwards rallied a very tired and heat-exhausted Bills team to a 4 point victory from 6 points down on the road against a team who never loses when leading at home heading into the 4th quarter.

And last week, Edwards looked even more determined and capable as the Bills' field general, picking apart the Raiders secondary in the 4th quarter, leading the Bills to score 17 points - even after the defense gave up a disheartening 84 yard TD catch and run by Johnnie Lee Higgins—giving the Bills the one-point victory at the final whistle.

Folks, what we have in Buffalo is a winning QB.

Cassel is not (yet) a winner. Favre has been, but is not looking like the Favre we have seen the past 16 NFL seasons. Pennington has never been a real winner. Edwards is looking like he is. And he's only started 12 NFL games! He is now 8-4 as a starter, and perhaps his last three games have been his most impressive.

When Tom Brady went down, I said it was way too early to change your AFC East predictions based solely on the loss of one player. It is a team game. BUT... after Miami's 38-13 drubbing of the Pats last week, and after two straight 4th quarter come-from-behind victories lead by Edwards, I am reconsidering.

It still feels too early, but with a favorable schedule, and a QB who seems to have the confidence and the ability to rally his team to victory (and the apparent lack of that from the rest of the AFC East) I am truly beginning to believe.

I have said it many times actually. I believe this year is going to be much like that 1988 season. The Bills take most of the NFL world by surprise, and just keep winning. All the way to the AFC East title. Maybe, like 20 years ago—all the way to the AFC Championship game.

Maybe beyond.

We can't know. That is a long way away. It is a long season. But for now, it's fun to be in this Bills fan time warp. It was a pretty fun 6 years from 1988-1994. Maybe this time around, the Bills can finish it off with a big W. The biggest W this franchise has ever posted.

I don't think it will happen in 2008...but, you just never know.

Bring on the Rams, and let's keep this thing rolling!

Bills-Jaguars: Buffalo Is Gaining Confidence After 2-0 Start

Greg Campbell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:09:00 -0400

The Buffalo Bills are 2-0. Two wins, zero losses. Two wins against playoff teams from 2007. One was a blowout, one was a come-from-behind win on the road. Both were very solid wins.

Aren't you a little bit surprised?

I am forever a fan of my team and just generally an optimist in life. So, I always think my team can win. Indeed, I did pick them to win today (by a score of 21-17, no less) but as game time approached, my confidence was wavering.

It was going to be very hot...That was not in the Bills' favor. Jacksonville was going to be ready–injuries or no injuries—to defend their home turf and avoid starting the season 0-2. The crowd and home-field energy would be with them.

Jason Peters would be starting...Would that throw off any rhythm the offense had from the preseason? And, did I mention it was extremely, ridiculously hot?

More Obstacles

The Bills got the ball first, and really controlled the game on their opening drive. They passed and ran at will. Marshawn Lynch scored on an 11-yard TD run to cap the drive that covered 82 yards. When the defense also managed to dictate the play on Jacksonville's first possession, it almost seemed it would be a rout.

But Jacksonville is good. And they proved it. They stayed with the Bills. They moved the ball very efficiently, getting Garrard outside the pocket (weakened by injuries to the offensive line). They played in an up-tempo, "hurry up" offense that did not allow the Bills much in the way of substitutions.

They connected on many quick-hitting, 10-to-12-yard passes that kept drives alive. It was a great gameplan.

The momentum really started to shift in their favor on their final possession of the first half. They put together a good drive (six plays, 46 yards) that ended with an interception by Terrence McGee near the goal line, but the damage had already been done. That drive wore out our defense. No time to substitute, covering lots of ground quickly...You could see the heat starting to get to them.

Then, thanks to the "defer" choice from the beginning of the game, the Jags got the ball to start the third. So, the defense was out on the field again, and for much of the same: quick-hitting passes and a bit of success on the ground for Jacksonville. Not only were they moving the ball and threatening to score, they were also really wearing down our defense.

The "hurry up" pace in the super heat was really starting to show. The tackling was sloppy, and the Bills were now the ones having the pace and play dictated to them.

Brilliant Move of the Day

The long first drive of the second half by Jacksonville was punctuated by a Maurice Jones-Drew TD run to tie the game at 10. It was a great drive, and already I was saying, "Our offense might be a tad rusty. They've been sitting for a very long time now, going back to the first half."

Well, perhaps Jack Del Rio heard me. In a bold (and brilliant) move, the Jaguars surprised the Bills with an on-side kick following the previous extra point...And they got it! What a great call! The tired Bills defense now had to take the field again, and the Jags took it to them.

They ran right at them, daring the Bills to stop them. And, mostly, they could not. Taylor, then Jones-Drew, then Taylor. The Bills were being dominated by the team that had definitely seized the momentum.

The defense stiffened, and held Jacksonville to a 50-yard field goal attempt. Kicker Josh Scobee blasted the ball through the uprights, hitting relatively high on the net behind the posts. Easily could have made the kick from another 10 yards away.

On the following drive by the Bills, despite a few good plays, Jason Peters on his first game back made a very big mistake and got beaten very badly by a rookie defensive end, who came around Edwards' blind side and knocked the ball out of his hands. Fumble. Turnover. Jags ball.

The momentum—thanks to good play and good coaching—had definitely completely swung in Jacksonville's favor.

Good Teams Weather the Storms

The Buffalo Bills of previous years would have been out as soon as the "tide turned." Once this shift in momentum happened, the Bills usually would begin to accept the inevitable. And when they did, it would usually play out that way. They would lose.

But not today. Not these Bills.

Donte Whitner declared to the world that these Bills would be in the playoffs. It's their time to win. He believes it, and he plays that way. The great thing is, his confidence is apparently infectious.

The Bills never felt they were out of it, and you could see that, every time the offense took the field again, they played with confidence. They converted third downs. In fact, six out of 11. The defense did their part as well. Though the Jags had a good gameplan, the defense only allowed them to convert on two of 11 third-down attempts.

Players like Ashton Youboty made several key plays. Youboty had a sack and some big open-field tackles to thwart Jacksonville drives. Kyle Williams had a big sack of Garrard to do the same. LB Paul Posluszny was all over the field, making big tackles.

And offensively, RB Fred Jackson did not have much production on the ground, but he had seven catches for 83 yards. Big yards. Lee Evans included four grabs for 77 yards. Including a super huge catch late in the fourth quarter.

And what can you say about Edwards? 20-25 for 239 yards. He finished with only one TD pass, but for the second straight week, he didn't throw a pick. His passes were accurate and had lots of zip on them today. And beyond the physical play, he really does have the poise, presence, and...Whatever you want to call it. He is confident, efficient, and productive.

Defining Moment

The entire game was played very well by the Bills, minus some over-pursuit by the defense, which sometimes led to shoddy tackling. The Bills played well in all phases of the game, just as in Week One. But there was one moment that proved to me that this team is going to be different than previous versions of the Buffalo Bills.

Down 16-10 with under five minutes to go in the fourth quarter of a game on the road, played in near 100-degree heat, the Bills have the ball and are driving. They get one first down. Then convert a third down to get another. Finally they are faced with a critical 3rd-and-6 from Jacksonville's 44-yard line. It's too far for a FG, and the Bills need points. They need to convert this to keep the drive going.

Edwards drops back and surveys the field. The pocket is beginning to collapse around him, but he stands in, finds his target, and launches a perfect pass to the left sideline, where his speedy receiver Lee Evans has beaten his man.

Evans hauls in the catch for 37 yards and a first down at the Jags' seven-yard line. On the next play, Edwards throws a perfect pass to the back corner of the end zone to rookie James Hardy, who was drafted to do precisely that.

Bills lead 17-16, and with one drive—really, one play—took back all the momentum the Jags had built from the end of the second quarter up until then.

Confident for a Reason

This Bills team is not just cocky or delusional. They know they have a good team, and they are confident they can take the field and beat anyone they play. And so far, they are doing it, sitting at 2-0 on the year.

As I stated above, these are two pretty good teams. Sunday's victory was on the road against not only a playoff team from the previous year, but one who is expected to go pretty far into the playoffs this year. The other win was a blowout of another perennial playoff team, the Seahawks.

There is still a lot of youth on this team. Youth means inexperience, and likely, fluctuation of results. Usually a young team will lose games they are supposed to and win games they might not be "supposed" to win.

Perhaps these two wins are the latter? From what I have seen, I would say they are actually the evidence that what Marv Levy began building three years ago might actually be starting to blossom.

Could this be the year we see the fruit of Marv's labor? Could this be the year Jauron gets a legitimate winning team and season? Many questions are still abuzz after just two games, but as this short season has so far gone, the Bills continue to build confidence in their team.

The next three games are against Oakland, St. Louis, and Arizona. The Cardinals look a bit tougher than in recent years, but all of those games are "winnable," and if they keep believing they can do it, we may have ourselves an undefeated team going into the bye week Oct. 12!

There is much to do to get there, but this young Bills team seems both excited to, and capable of, doing just that.

Bring on the Raiders!

Jason Peters Is Back, but Is That a Good Thing?

Greg Campbell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:07:00 -0400

Jason Peters is back, and I still can’t figure out how I feel about it.

It’s not that anyone is asking me. I’m pretty sure that Russ Brandon isn’t wondering about my opinion on the subject. I haven’t gotten any phone calls or emails from Dick Jauron asking for my advice on what to do with Jason Peters now that he’s back. Ralph Wilson has not set up any meetings with me to discuss how they should proceed.

And boy am I glad!

Honestly, what do you do with this? Is the NFL so much a “business” that you just don’t worry about the disrespect that Peters showed the Bills organization and his teammates by not reporting for work when he was supposed to...for many months?

Would you be able to do that where you work? Would your boss just work you right back into the rotation? How about if you were being paid a salary $3.25 million to do that job?

Exactly.

I know the NFL is not “real life” but how is this a good thing? Peters may have all the talent in the world, but how can his little negotiating tactic—the "silent treatment"—go unpunished?

Sure he's paying lots of fines, but that would happen to anyone, even a player who is actively trying to negotiate with the organization. Peters was not, and there should at least be some added consequence for that.

First things first. Peters must pass a physical. He was given one today when he reported, but the results are as of yet unknown.

Assuming he has kept in shape (expecting that he would play this season) will he be added to the active roster? The Bills could surely use help at the tackle position, but is it a good idea to just throw Peters right back into the mix?

If the ultimate goal is winning (and if he passed the physical) the answer is, "Yes." Plain and simple, he's a great lineman, and will help this team win. But if the team morale is involved in the equation—or even just "the right thing to do"—then perhaps the Bills coaches have a tougher decision than we think.

I may be thinking way too much about this, but if I were in the situation the Bills front office is in, I would trade this player, or just cut him. (Assuming of course that we have all the same details they do. Perhaps he wasn't as silent as we have all been told. Or perhaps he was.)

We know that he will not play Sunday. The Bills will rely on their current back-up tackles Langston Walker and Kirk Chambers. Walker has been injured, but should be ready to go for Sunday. And he has a good test in Patrick Kearney, a solid DE.

It will be interesting to see what the front office and coaching staff decide to do with this situation. I really don't have a good answer. But whatever they do, they need to do it quickly, and keep moving forward.

This team has a great nucleus of talent and a decent shot at advancing to the playoffs this season. It would be a shame to see Jason Peters' offseason antics ruin that.

Bills-Redskins: Buffalo's Offense Was...Boring?

Greg Campbell — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:37:00 -0400

Well, the first preseason game has come and gone, and does it perhaps tell you something when this BIG Bills fan actually fell asleep at the end of a three-point contest?

Well, no, it probably doesn't. It's just been a long week. But honestly, last night I did think of and use the word "boring" a couple times, as did a reluctant Steve Tasker who was calling the game.

Bills fans may have had expectations set a bit too high for this young offense, especially in the first game of the preseason, against a team who had already gotten a preseason game under their belt, but I did not expect boring.

We all know the outcome of the game is meaningless, and that coaches certainly do not come out with their best players nor their best playbooks, but might we have gone a bit too far when the first word that came to mind for this avid Bills supporter is "BORING?"

I believe I have made my point. But let's look at some of the good things that happened before we rehash all that was "boring" (and worse) last night.

The Good

Leodis McKelvin
Hooooey! This guy is going to be exciting to watch! He looked a little silly on a couple defensive plays (overcommitting, out of position, etc), but on the return game, he looked right in his element.

He brought one punt return back nearly all the way, except for a hustling big guy tripping him up. We already have McGee and Parrish...McKelvin is going to make our return game just that much more dangerous. (And potentially productive on the scoreboard!) Now Roscoe is just going to change his name to McParrish....

Roscoe Parrish
Speaking of Roscoe...did anybody notice that he was way more noticeable as a receiver than a return guy last night? He was making several catches, and big catches, and looking like much more than a fourth wide receiver! That is definitely one position where the Bills are not lacking. Good on ya, McParrish!

James Hardy
And speaking of the receiving corps...for the rookie, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Hardy went from miscommunications with Edwards (on a third-down play near the goal line), to a bad drop on a pass from Losman, to catching a TD on the fade route—which everyone anticipates he will continue to do in the regular season—to bringing the Bills within two points of tying the game.

He looked great on that play, and coach Jauron had very good things to say about Hardy and his ability and his work ethic in a half-time interview... I can't wait to see what he can do for this team in the regular season, rookie mistakes and all.

POZ!
Paul Posluszny was back and overall (though he didn't play much) looked like the tackling machine that he was through Week Three last season. He was in on most plays, and often made the tackle (ended with three solo tackles, including one for a loss).

Poz was bowled over by Redskins RB Clinton Portis on a 4th-and-goal play, but he got his hat in there on the guy...he just couldn't stop the momentum that time. Nice to see Poz back at it!

Ashton Youboty
Really, I can't believe I am writing that. Youboty has been mostly inconspicuous over his first two seasons here with the Bills, though much more was expected of him. Last night (although it's only the preseason), he showed that "much more".

He was in on several plays, including an interception, which he tossed to his DB buddy Reggie Corner, who took it a bit farther up the field. Youboty got plenty of playing time and was making (noticeable) plays all over the field. That gets another "Good on ya!" from BBR-Greg!

J.P. Losman!
In preseason, almost inevitably the backup and often the third-string guys can look much better than the starters. Most people credit that to the level of their competition (they are facing third stringers from the other team), but there is something to it.

Edwards definitely looked better than Losman overall in the preseason last year and it carried over to the regular season.

Well, the opposite was true last night, as J.P. played the second quarter and a bit into the third (I believe...), and he had brought the Bills back to tie the game on the nice TD pass to James Hardy, as well as the two-point conversion pass to Justin Jenkins.

Don't read too much into it, though. Perhaps the most telling play was when JP stood in the pocket and took a sack... showing a bit of the indecision we have come to know from Losman.

In Losman's defense, that two-point conversion was beautifully designed for him with a bit of a roll out to it. J.P. is wishing he had Schonert and Hardy a year or two ago...

And Now, The Bad

The Offense
Really, the starting offense looked the worst, but it was everyone. They were very sloppy, making numerous mental errors (false starts, bad formations, etc.). They did not look like they knew what they were doing at times. All of the pre-snap motion seemed to confuse the offense as much as the defense.

Obviously, Trent Edwards going 1-5 for 18 yards is pretty...abysmal. It was a very nice completion, but you gotta get more than that from your starting QB and your starting offense.

This will HAVE to be improved by Thursday, when the Bills play Pittsburgh in Toronto. I would expect to see the starters out there for much longer than you did in this first game.

The Defensive Play Calling
The Redskins' rookie coach and his staff seemed to have our number. They ran a draw play (or some version of it) that helped rack up 155 yards on the ground.

The Bills really could not stop it. Their over-aggressive play calls wound up having several Bills trapped up field, leaving Washington with plenty of blockers to pick off our LBs and DBs, resulting in a clear path for the RB to gain 10 yards or so.

Not a good plan, and moreover, not good adjusting to the plan. Must improve this.

Jason Peters
Can someone tell me where Jason Peters is? Has anyone talked to him? Does he know he is not only hurting his own stock with the Bills, but he is hurting his chances of playing with a decent team...so long as he joins them.

The O-line was hurting without Peters in there. Guys were playing positions they don't usually play and were not playing them that well. Peters needs to report to camp, or I think the Bills should just sit on his contract. Keep him out of the league for three years. This is not the best way to negotiate, Mr. Peters.

No Foot
OK, so this is minor...but, with time running down, No Foot had a chance to tie the game and he missed...badly. What's up with that? All kickers have to do in the pre-season is kick. And sit there. I guess he has done too much of the latter. Get out there and loosen up that leg, Lindell! You rock...but...that's your one miss for the year. ;-)

Overall

A very unimpressive debut for the Bills. Thankfully, they can put that one to bed very quickly, as they play in a few short days up in Toronto, Canada. The first of the eight games to be played there over the next five years. I will be watching to see if the offense has tightened things up and if the defense can adjust to whatever game plan the Steelers bring to town.

Loving that Bills football is back!
Go Bills!

Buffalo Bills Football Is Just Three Days Away

Greg Campbell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:10:00 -0400

We are merely a few days away from the opening of the 2008 (pre)season for the Buffalo Bills. It's fair to say, I think, that the first preseason game marks the first real test of the newly-formed team. We've seen them in practice, in minicamps, in the OTAs, and now in training camp.

But Saturday, we see them in live, game action.

Saturday night, the Bills will face the Washington Redskins, who were one of the two combatants in the official preseason kickoff, the annual Hall of Fame game.

Honestly, this is a very good game. The Bills will face not only the Redskins this preseason, but the other team from last Sunday's matchup, the Indianapolis Colts.

Both teams look like they will be a good test for the Bills, a gauge for how the team has progressed, personnel-wise and coaching/system-wise.

I'm excited! I know it's only preseason, and really doesn't matter much at all (usually), but I am hoping, with so many questions going into 2008, that the Bills really use these four games to see what they've got and get ready for what could be such a great year for the team.

The big story surrounding the Bills, of course, is Jason Peters' lingering hold-out. How long will it last? Will he really hold out until they pay him more than the other linemen on the team?

That would mean some pretty serious fines and doesn't really work that much in his favor. Is he so sure they will break? Do the Bills think Peters will? I've said before, I really feel he should report to training camp, and then the Bills will take care of him. Perhaps he knows something I do not.

Other news from St. John Fisher...It seems the injury bug continues to bite. Thankfully, aside from rookie Alvin Bowen (a promising special teamer) the injuries, and subsequent absence from practice, have been mostly minor.

The coaches are erring on the side of caution, especially with veteran players. James Hardy has been bothered by a hamstring injury, and they have sat him for much of the first week-and-a-half of training camp, only giving him light duty. He will likely see action on Saturday though.

Hardy is one player I will be watching Saturday, as well as the offensive line, minus Jason Peters. Langston Walker has been seeing most of the action at left tackle in Peters' absence. Kirk Chambers moved to Walkers' spot at right tackle. Rookie Demetrius Bell has also been seeing some second-team action at left tackle.

It will be interesting to see what the Bills will try to do, especially since they face Washington on Saturday, with newly-acquired DE Jason Taylor, a premier pass rusher.

It will also be interesting to see if the offense will incorporate more throws to the RBs out of the backfield, or even with them lined up wide (saw that formation at training camp). Both Lynch and Fred Jackson can certainly be excellent offensive weapons in the aerial attack.

I'm sure Schonert won't reveal his full arsenal in the preseason (especially the first game), but it will be interesting to see how much different the Fairchild-less offense looks.

Other players to watch?

Ko Simpson has been a tad hobbled; will he be back to form at free safety? How much action will Leodis McKelvin get? Bills running backs Dwayne Wright and Xavier Omon will likely see a lot of action in the second half, and it will be interesting to see how they do against a good Washington defense.

Marcus Stroud and the rest of the D-line should see at least first-quarter action. Washington will be a good test for them, as their RB position looked very talented and deep.

Can't wait to see some game action! 7:00 PM on Saturday night! Football is almost here!

Go Bills!

Should Jason Peters Be Holding Out of Training Camp?

Greg Campbell — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:53:00 -0400

There's a disturbance in the force at the Bills' training camp this midsummer's eve. And it's no minor one. This disturbance could get downright ugly.

The disturbance is emanating from our left tackle, Jason Peters.

Perhaps you could have guessed this, but I have a slightly different opinion on this than most. Not entirely. I do not agree with who it seems he thinks is to blame.

See, I believe the Bills. From everything they have said, they have had no contact at all with Peters since the end of the 2007 season. What? What kind of negotiating tactic is that? How is that being a team player? Should there be some participation here?

I could be wrong (I'm sure I have not seen everything that has been published on this), but I don't think I have ever seen where Peters' agent, or Peters himself, has ever even asked for a contract extension!

If Jason Peters would like to be paid more money, I'm all for it. I think allowing the fewest sacks in the league last year, and the fewest for any Bills team in a decade, speaks for itself. Peters was selected by his peers to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl. He's definitely a great player, a great story, and from what I hear, a great man.

But is this his best strategy?

Peters has three years left on a very lucrative contract. He's making millions a year, and there's no reason to believe that the Bills won't restructure that to lock him up long term. Look what they have been doing. They signed Schobel and Kelsay to long-term extensions last year. They are working on Lee Evans right now (although his contract is closer to its end) and they restructured Moorman, Lindell, Kyle Williams, and others.

The Bills are very willing to reward players who show promise and a commitment to the organization.

I do not believe Peters is serving his best interest by not reporting to training camp.

Some have speculated that the hold out has something to do with the injury he suffered late last season, and a slow recovery from the subsequent surgery. I'm not sure if that's the case. It does seem like Peters just wants to be paid more.

Traditionally, the left tackle is the highest paid position, but the Bills shelled out mega dollars last season for LG Derrick Dockery and RT Langston Walker. They both are integral pieces of the offensive line, and they both dwarf Peters' salary.

So he has a reason to be disgruntled. But he has no reason to believe the Bills will not extend the same offers (pro-active offers) that they have to several other players over the last several years.

My advice to Jason is to dump whomever the guy is that is advising him to hold out of training camp. It's a blemish on him and a distraction to the team in an otherwise very promising preseason. There could be very good things for Buffalo this year, but Peters' strangely silent quest for more money (or so we presume) will not help that at all.

It can only hurt.

Buffalo Bills: What's On the Horizon?

Greg Campbell — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:43:00 -0400

Thanks to nearly perfect attendance, and excellent performance in the practices, the OTAs (Optional Team Activities) and the mandatory minicamp have come to a close, one day early. Coach Jauron decided to forego the final day of the minicamp, stating both of those reasons.

And indeed, the Bills have had some excellent attendance and performance on the field. The offense has been implementing a lot of new looks, and working a lot on red-zone plays. The defense has also been making some stellar plays and trying to keep in "football shape".

Things are very promising at One Bills Drive!

But then there are the dark clouds.

In the past couple weeks, legal troubles and contract squabbles have darkened the otherwise very positive vibe emanating from the Bills' headquarters. You've read it here; the Bills have a lot of pieces in place for a very good season in 2008.

Unfortunately, at least two players (probably more) have been in the news in the wrong way lately.

Lynch is still being somewhat evasive in his dealings with the authorities regarding the hit-and-run incident involving his vehicle. A grand jury is being assembled. Players are being subpoenaed. It's just not what a team wants to be in the news for.

Jason Peters, the Bills' Pro-Bowl LT, wants more money. Apparently, though there are three years left on his contract, he'd rather make more money right now...so he did not attend any of the OTAs or the mandatory minicamp.

He will be fined at least $10,000 by the NFL. Obviously, the Bills would like Peters to have joined the team for the OTAs and the minicamp, but most of the players feel he will be fine once he reports to training camp. QB Trent Edwards thinks Peters can just show up for Week One of the regular season and pick up where he left off. That might be a bit of a stretch.

Not too long ago, rookie WR James Hardy was also in the news in a negative light. He was rumored to have brandished a handgun in an argument with his father. Both deny the incident occurred as alleged. But the message boards were buzzing, and the "reputation" Hardy already brings to the Bills as a bit of "trouble" was perpetuated, whether the claims were well-founded or not.

All this obviously brings up the question of character. People are beginning to wonder if this Bills team is a squeaky clean as your typical Dick Jauron team.

From some appearances, it is not.

Lynch and Hardy are expected to be big contributors to the Bills this season, but how can they if they are in trouble with the law? Peters and Evans, two Pro-Bowl players, and critical pieces of the Bills' offense, are working on re-negotiating their contracts. (Evans is doing so much more peaceably, and with some more apparent progress.)

The waters are a bit troubled at One Bills Drive.

Overall, coming off the offseason workouts...the Bills are in good shape. Personally, I believe the Marshawn Lynch event (which is rumored to also involve rookies James Hardy and Steve Johnson, and second-year player Christian Gaddis) will eventually go away. The alleged infraction is a misdemeanor, and for first-time offenders generally does not carry stiff penalties. Peters will be signed. Evans will be signed.

But are these incidents "signs" of things to come? We can hope not.

Football starts in earnest at the end of next month. We're only a handful of weeks away now. The pads will be on, and football will be in the air. Hopefully it will be a bit "cleaner", more peaceful air.

Buffalo Bills: First Thoughts on the 2008 Draft Class

Greg Campbell — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:43:00 -0400

The 2008 NFL Draft is "in the books" and the Bills came away with 10 new players to add to their ranks. Some fantastic picks, but a bit shocking that there were no trades at all. The Bills didn't move up, down, sideways, or anyways. Most Bills fans (this writer included) expected to see some sort of deal done with such a surplus of picks. But in the end, the Bills added five new offensive players, and five new defensive players.

Among them are the best CB in the draft, the perfect WR for the Bills, a Corner named Corner, a Division II "Superman", and the son of Karl Malone! Quite an interesting bunch!

Let's take a quick glance at the draftees. (click their photos for an in-depth bio from BuffaloBills.com!)

1 - CB Leodis McKelvin - Troy

The Bills chose to stay put at the #11 pick and got arguably the best CB in the draft. The only knock on this guy is that he doesn't have "great hands". That seems like something he can learn with time, since the rest of his athletic package is apparently top notch. Fast, great vertical, powerful hitter, quick in change of direction, and he's a great return man to boot. He compared himself to Devin Hester. (We'll see if he can actually back that up...)

Some might question the Bills drafting a guy who is apparently very similar to Terrence McGee, but McKelvin was rated by most scouts and other experts as the best CB in the draft, and CB was a position of need for the Bills, so I really like the pick. It will be interesting to see how the return skills are used with McGee and Parrish being two of the better return guys in the NFL. The return game could be pretty exciting in 2008!

2 - WR James Hardy - Indiana

Bills fans (myself included) were thrilled when their team landed Hardy with their second round pick. 6'6", 220 pounds, 36 TDs, around a 37" vertical... he is just what the Bills needed to (hopefully) solve their several-season Red Zone drought. Of all the WRs in the draft, Hardy seemed to best fit what the Bills were looking for. There may have been a few names that would make a bigger splash, but Hardy will likely add a half-dozen ore more TDs for the Bills this season, and that's much better than a big-name splash!

3 - DE Chris Ellis - Virginia Tech

Selecting a defensive end from Virginia Tech worked quite well for the Bills a couple decades ago. Of course, he was the number one overall selection in the 1985 draft - which third round pick, Chris Ellis was clearly not - but still Ellis does have that going for him.

There were a number of game changing DEs in the 2008 draft. One of them went to our division rivals, the NY Jets (Gholston). I actually projected the Bills might take DE Derrick Harvey out of the University of Florida in the first round, but they went with McKelvin instead. (Harvey was already gone... Jags took him at #8. So maybe they were going to?)

Ellis is smallish at only 220 pounds, but the Bills touted his run-stopping ability as well as his pass rushing, and ability to avoid being blocked (good hands). I think Ellis may be the sleeper in this draft (if a third rounder can be a "sleeper") for the Bills, and could bolster what was a pretty pathetic pass rush in 2007.

4 - CB Reggie Corner - Akron

It's quite obvious by pick #4 that the Bills had targeted the cornerback position as one of their top needs. With the first and fourth selection of the draft, their need at that position was addressed. The best part about this cornerback is that he will be wearing the name "Corner" on his back. ;-)

When I was looking up information on Corner, I came across some game photos and recaps of Akron games, and his name was all over them. He was definitely a star at Akron, and it seems the Bills believe he can carry that over to the NFL level. He is in the same mold as our other corners - which is a bit surprising - and also offers some return abilities as well. The line from the Bills staff that stuck out to me was, "Honestly, there aren't many negatives." They also commented that he "plays bigger than his size."

5 - TE Derek Fine - Kansas

The Bills finally grabbed a tight end with their second pick of the fourth round. He's not what most Bills fans were hoping for - a game-breaking, pass-catching TE - but the Bills say he was "the most complete" tight end in this year's draft.

Fine also was a special teams star at Kansas, which likely was one of the biggest reasons the Bills selected him to fill their need at TE. Having lost so many players to free agency, or just releasing them, the Bills were also looking to draft players who had experience playing special teams.

Fine joins a TE corp that includes another TE named Derek (Schouman), Robert Royal, Courtney Anderson (picked up from Atlanta via free agency) and a few more. (Including Kevin Everett, actually.) Will be interesting to see who emerges from that group to help stretch the field for Lynch in 2008.

6 - OLB Alvin Bowen - Iowa State

The Bills focused on defense again with their 5th round selection. This guy seems like a great pick for the middle of the draft. The Bills were looking for a bit of depth at the LB position, but what stands out from Bowen's college career is his special teams contributions. He led the nation in special teams tackles with 155 during his junior year. He's an exciting player, whom we'll likely see a lot of on special teams this coming season.

7 - RB Xavier Omon - NW Missouri State

NFL.com was showing the Bills positional needs as: WR, TE, CB, and RB. That they would say we needed a RB with Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, and Dwayne Wright was surprising to me. Even more surprising was the Bills using their 6th round pick on an "unknown" Division II running back. He does have a cool name, though.

Little did I know that this little man from NW MO State was a Division II "Superman"! He is the only player in collegiate athletics history to record over 1500 rushing yards in each of his four seasons as a student. He finished his career with 7073 rushing yards, 92 rushing TDs, and 6 more receiving TDs on 90 receptions. He amassed 2,337 yards and 37 TDs in his senior year alone. Quite literally a "man among boys at his level," as the Bills staff described him.

Omon is excited to contribute wherever he can with the Bills, but this is a fantastic selection if he can produce at the NFL level. He is a Maurice Jones-Drew-like RB with power, and great breakaway speed. Great late-round pick up by the Bills.

8 - OT Demetrius Bell - Northwestern State (LA)

With the first of three seventh-round picks, the Bills bolstered their offensive line by selecting the 6'5" 300-pounder from Terrence McGee's alma mater. Bell's other "claim to fame" is that he is the son of baskteball great, Karl Malone.

Most Bills fans anticipated the team adding a center through the draft, but the Bills liked Bell's size and athleticism. Definitely a late-round "project", but always good to add beef to the offensive line.

9 - WR Steve Johnson - Kentucky

Wide receiver (especially a tall wide receiver) was certainly a position of need going into this weekend's draft. So, with their second to last selection, the Bills chose Kentucky WR, Steve Johnson. Johnson had over 1,000 yards receiving his senior year, and has good size as well at 6'2" 210 pounds. As you would expect, a seventh round pick is most likely a "project", but it was good to see the Bills add another tall receiver. Also of note is that he and Bills' RB Marshawn Lynch are friends from the Bay area, where they are both from originally.

10 - CB Kennard Cox - Pittsburgh

With the second-to-last selection of the entire 2008 draft (and their third and final selection of the seventh round) the Bills selected their third cornerback of the draft, Kennard Cox of Pitt. Cox is a bigger CB at 6'0" 192 pounds. Some scouts had him projected to play safety in the NFL, but the Bills want to keep him at CB. This is an interesting pick up for many reasons. First, there is now quite a lot of competition at the CB spot for the Bills. Second, his size does make a difference. The rest of the DBs are all quite short, which against tall WRs like Randy Moss, just makes life more difficult. Likely a project as the second-to-last selection in the draft, but a good addition to a very promising draft class for the Buffalo Bills.

As I mentioned last week, the Bills have drafted quite well recently, with a potentially outstanding draft class in 2007. This year's group - on paper - matches that recent trend, and also seems to perfectly meet most of the needs the Bills had entering the draft. We got two tall WRs, and an excellent CB, and some great special teamers. We may have gotten a bonus star in Omon as well.

It's a couple months before the season begins in earnest, but Bills fans can be excited about the product their team is preparing to field in 2008. Young players with a year or two under their belt, and a few rookies who will likely contribute right away, as well as veterans hoping to finally experience post-season play as a Buffalo Bill.

This could finally be the year!

Buffalo Bills: The Toronto Initiative

Greg Campbell — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:36:29 -0500

Emotions are all over the map in Western New York these days. A few are excited by the five-year plan that will have the Buffalo Bills playing three preseason and five regular season games in Toronto, Canada.

More seem to be paranoid that this signals the end of the nearly fifty years of Bills football in Western New York.

And who can blame them? The Buffalo Bills message boards are replete with frustrated fans following not only each move of the plan dubbed the "Toronto Initiative," but all of the comments made by the aging Bills owner, Ralph Wilson.

"I can't speculate what's going to happen in the future. But don't worry. Don't worry right now," Wilson said at last week's press conference in Toronto. This comment, among others, (including Wilson referring to this "Initiative" as a "trial basis") has led many Bills fans and media pundits to speculate on the Bills future.

With the end of the current 15-year lease of Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY coinciding with the end of this "trial" in Toronto, there are many reasons to speculate that the team could well end up north of the Border by 2013. Or even sooner, if Wilson were to die before that time is up, as he has publicly stated that the team will be sold to the highest bidder following his death.

But a closer look at who is saying what reveals that there is much more to be hopeful about for Western New Yorkers. More positive than negative regarding this "Toronto Initiative."

First there are comments from the Buffalo Bills themselves. Wilson has repeatedly said—including most of his comments from last week's press conference—that his intention all along has been to keep this team in Buffalo.

"We've always been on record saying we were going to try to regionalize our brand north of the border," said Bills new Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon. "We think this is another step in keeping our franchise financially viable in the Buffalo marketplace."

The Bills have already begun to regionalize the team by moving their annual training camp to St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. This has been a big success according to the team. Toronto is merely the "next step" as Brandon says.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (a native Western New Yorker) was asked about the Toronto Initiative in a press conference and responded by saying the Bills "very thoughtfully" put this plan together and carried it out.

He also has said that the NFL is not looking to expand right now, and that the Bills would play a "limited number of games" in Toronto over the next five years. Granted, five years is a long way off, but his words have to be reassuring to Bills fans. (And it can't hurt that he is a native of the area, and so, a Bills fan!)

Add to these voices the somewhat public rumors that former Bills Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly has designs on buying the Bills when they become available. Kelly is rumored to be building a team of people—including perhaps former Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas and Steve Tasker, among others—to purchase the Bills following Wilson's passing.

Western New York billionaire, and current Buffalo Sabres' owner, Tom Golisano is one potential investor in Jim Kelly's plan. This past week Golisano was interviewed during a Sabres' game and said, "If the situation arises, I would do what I can to try to keep the team in the area.''

This again buoyed Buffalo fans hopes that this talk of losing the Buffalo Bills was just that. Talk.

In the end, Wilson is right, we can not know what will happen in the future. But it's also true that worrying about the future doesn't change anything either. Bills fans can worry that the team will move (I think that has been a fear of Bills fans since I moved to Buffalo back in 1986!) or listen to the voices of the people who really matter.

Sportswriters can say what they want, and fearful fans can say what they want, but right now the people who make the decisions are saying the Bills are staying in Western New York.

And, for now, that's who I'm going to listen to.

Buffalo Bills: 2007 Season Highlights

Greg Campbell — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:35:09 -0500

The 2007 Buffalo Bills season might very well be remembered for the many shortcomings and failures that seem to be plaguing the organization in the first decade of the two thousands. Whether it's the laundry list of injuries—seventeen players on injured reserve by the end of the season?—including the life-threatening, paralyzing injury to TE Kevin Everett, or the many gaffes by the Bills coaching staff—there is plenty to forget from the Bills ninth straight season without a trip to the post season.

However, this season had it's share of memorable moments as well.

Being the eternal optimist, and preferring to look at the sunny side of life, I thought it fitting to wrap up the third season of the Buffalo Bills Review with some favorite moments from the season that was. I can't cover them all, but this is a pretty comprehensive list of the significant, the amazing, and the just plain fun plays and events from the season past for us Bills fans.

Trent Edwards

When the Bills selected Trent Edwards in the 2007 draft, I admit, I was perplexed. It was a good pick, and I did applaud the Bills for, if nothing else, landing a good backup that could benefit us (later) in a trade.

Boy was I wrong!

From the get go this guy was obviously better than we fans thought. He impressed in preseason, but that's just preseason. He then got an early chance to show his stuff in maybe the worst situation imaginable—in New England, with very limited preparation going into the game.

This is where my list begins. Here are my Trent Edwards highlights from the 2007 season.

On his first drive as an NFL QB—thrust into the game by an injury to the starter—Edwards moves a struggling offense efficiently and impressively against the vaunted New England Patriots. The Bills scored a TD on the drive and held what would become one of the only leads on the Patriots all year in their perfect 16-0 season.
In Edwards first start in Week 4 at home against the NY Jets, he again moves the ball efficiently, and observers notice that there is something special about this kid. He just has "it", people were saying. Apparently the coaches believed this as well as a normally conservative coaching staff elected to not only go for a TD on 4th down on the goal line, but to call a play-action, roll out pass to TE Michael Gaines. That play showed extreme confidence in the rookie, showed what Edwards is capable of, and showed that Losman was on his way out.
In an emotionally charged game following the death of Washington Redskins' safety Sean Taylor, the Bills were able to stay in the game against an obviously fired-up Redskins team. Very late in the game, with the Bills down only two points, Edwards needed to drive a good chunk of the field to even get his team in field goal range. Showing poise beyond his youth, Edwards moved the team, completing a perfect, laser pass to Josh Reed across the middle of the field, setting up a makable 51-yard field goal attempt for his kicker, Rian Lindell. Clutch pass, perfect pass, Bills win.
The hated Miami Dolphins were coming to Buffalo, in December... winless. It was a Bills fan's dream. And Edwards did not disappoint. The rookie tossed up FOUR TD passes in the game, throwing three in the first half, and the fourth was a 70-yard bomb (in the snow!) to the speedy Lee Evans.

Marshawn Lynch

Aside from the surprise of our third round pick, Trent Edwards, there was the expected great play of our first round pick, Marshawn Lynch. He was the second running back taken in the draft—behind Adrian Peterson, in whom the Bills were also interested, and he did not at all disappoint!

Some Lynch highlights from the 2007 season include:

In his very first game, on his very first NFL touchdown, fans in attendance at Ralph Wilson Stadium could tell that Lynch was something special. On a run off to the right side, Lynch showed his speed, his agility, his shiftiness, and most of all his POWER. He went into what he calls "Beast Mode" and literally carried three Denver Broncos several yards into the end zone. As Bills play-by-play voice, John Murphy exclaimed, "Marshawn Lynch would not be denied!" Great sign of things to come.
In a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at The Ralph, Lynch not only dominated on the ground, posting the first 100 yard game of his career, he also passed for a touchdown! On a drive where he carried six straight plays to move the Bills into scoring range, the halfback option pass was the perfect call, and worked just like they drew it up! (Soon after throwing the TD pass, Lynch also ripped off a 50-plus yard TD run!
Another GREAT example of "Beast Mode" was on the two-point conversion play following a hard-earned TD run against Miami which would tie the game up late in the fourth quarter, Lynch was hit hard by the Dolphins defender, and even knocked backwards. Always up for the challenge, Lynch twisted and turned and pushed and lunged forward into the end zone for the tying points. Lynch also drove the Bills into field goal range on the subsequent Bills possession—earning the final needed yards with a sprained ankle that would keep him out for the next three weeks. Pure Beast Mode!
In his first game back after the injury, Lynch again faced the Dolphins and showed no sign of weakness in his ankle. Lynch rushed for 107 yards on his "bum" ankle. This was amazing enough by itself, but making the day even more fun was backup running back Fred Jackson rushing for 115 yards on the day! Two 100-yard rushers against the Dolphins. Nothing could be better!

Monday Night Football, October 8th—vs the 4-0 Dallas Cowboys

One of the more memorable games of the years was the Bills first Monday Night home game in something like thirteen years! The place was rockin' like never before, and the Bills showed up to play against a team they seemed to be far outclassed by. And, in the end, Bills fans will remember the insanity of the final minutes that stole the victory from them, but the game did have its moments...

On cocky young Dallas QB Tony Romo's first pass, undrafted free agent WR-turned-FS, George Wilson, intercepts and returns the pass for a touchdown! That set the tone for one very wild evening at The Ralph, and was a career highlight for Mr. Wilson (that would be George...) as well I'm sure!
Seeing Tony Romo so flustered as to throw FIVE picks and even fumble once—very Eli Manning...—was just simply a highlight of the year. I don't care if the Bills lost the game, that was definitely a highlight. The Bills defense was opportunistic that night to say the least!

Random Memories

There were many more great memories from the 2007 season. They are a bit more random, so I'll list them individually below in no particular order.

Willis McGahee's much-anticipated return to Buffalo was probably not what he hoped it would be. The Bills did allow him one drive on which he scored a 46-yard TD, as well as racked up over 70 yards (finished with 130-something, I believe). I'm still convinced he had enough friends left on the team that they let him have that one drive, just to be nice. :-) The rest of the day the Bills defense pretty much shut him down, and the Bills won 19-14.
On his first punt return of the season, Roscoe Parrish took the ball 74 yards for the touchdown. The tiny return man would end up leading the league in punt-return average for the 2007 season!
Late in the year, the Bills had a chance to still make the playoffs, but needed to beat the Giants and the Eagles to do that. They had the Giants at home, and took an early 14-0 lead! The Giants came back to tie the score, and appeared to be going for more until the defense stiffened and forced the Giants to decide whether to go from the one yard line, or kick the easy field goal. They chose to go for it, and on 4th down, John McCargo knifed his way through the Giants offensive line and made a HUGE tackle for a loss. Great play, great stand.

Kevin Everett Returns

My final—maybe favorite?—memory from the 2007 Buffalo Bills season is probably the best because it is fairy tale ending of one of the worst moments of the year. Yes, there were some ugly football moments, but the ugliest life moment happened on the opening kickoff of the second half of the first game. Kevin Everett made a crushing tackle on the Denver Broncos return man, and he never got up. The stadium was silent, and there was a giant knot in my stomach as I had seen the whole thing, and knew exactly what was going on.

Days went by and the reports were not good. Fractured vertebrae and definitely won't play football again. Might not walk again. Might not live. Hit this young team hard. Very hard. I'm pretty sure it affected their performance in at least the next game.

But then the weeks went by and the reports improved. A lot! Incredibly, what was once life-threatening was turning into a miraculously speedy recovery! Reports began to circulate late in the season that Everett would actually return to Buffalo and walk out on the field for the Bills' final home game against the Giants!

Well, there was no public appearance by the quiet Bills tight end. But, he did return to Buffalo. Perhaps his walking into the Bills locker room inspired the fast start the Bills saw that day, but whether it affected the play on the field, it certainly affected the players personally. It was the storybook ending to a rough, unprecedented injury-riddled season for the Buffalo Bills.

Whether you will remember the losing record, or the injuries, or any or all of the fun moments listed above, the 2007 Buffalo Bills season was certainly memorable. And with some impressive play by rookies and other unknown players, as well as many players who didn't even really get a chance to play in the 2007 season, 2008 is looking promising for the Bills. With a few off-season moves, and a new offensive play caller, this back-to-back 7-9 team could surprise some folks next year. Could be impressive.

Could even make the playoffs?

But we get ahead of ourselves. Another season is in the books, time for a short break, and then the Bills start building for next season. For now, let's just take a moment and enjoy the memories!