Bleacher Report - Articles by Joe Rogers

T.O. in The B-Lo: Why Terrell Owens and The Bills Have Nothing to Lose

Joe Rogers — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:54:21 -0400

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills sent one of the biggest shock waves through the NFL this offseason. They signed the highly productive and highly combustible future Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens.

The deal, which is a one-year, $6.5 million contract, has many people wondering why.

Was it because Buffalo was the only team willing to sign him? His agent says there were four teams in play for Owens' services, but Buffalo was the most tempting.

This is a team that couldn't sign Laveranues Coles, Fred Taylor, or Kevin Jones this offseason because they had more tempting offers than the Bills.

So why wouldn't Owens sign anywhere else?

It could be quite possible that Buffalo was the best team available that actually wanted his services. Rumors are circulating that the 49ers were interested, along with the Raiders. If that were the case, then maybe Buffalo was the best team available.

It could have been the contract. The one-year deal is around $800,000 more than he would have made with the Cowboys this season. But the Bills were offering Coles around that same amount per year, and it looks like Owens has more of a physical and productivity upside.

So as skeptics begin to fill the NFL Blogsphere and question that T.O. cannot exist in Buffalo, one has to wonder—why not?

Buffalo is a small market team that rarely makes national headlines. The blue collar town of Buffalo isn't a place for the NFL's primadona. But Owens has only played in larger market cities.

What has happened? In every instance, he turned on his team because there were people that would listen.

That, of course, isn't saying that people won't be listening to T.O. this season, because they will be, but he is on the shortest leash of his career. If he messes up in Buffalo, there aren't many teams willing to give him another chance.

If you look at Owens' past, you will see that he is always productive his first year on a new team. Not only is he the most productive, he always keeps his mouth shut the first season, too.

Ralph Wilson knows that, and by signing him to a one-year deal there is a surprisingly very low risk involved. If things work out, Buffalo made the smartest move of the offseason, and if they don't, they are no worse off than they were before signing Owens.

So is Buffalo a bad fit? Ask me when the season is over.

But one has to be excited about the possibility of Terrell Owens lined up across from Lee Evans. The two receivers are the perfect compliments for eachother, and it will help Trent Edwards growth, assuming T.O. doesn't find a microphone first.

But Trent Edwards is a smart player, and he doesn't mind giving Owens all of the spotlight. Edwards is a Stanford product that didn't win much in college. He is unproven in the NFL—so what could Terrell Owens expect?

We won't know how the realtionship will truly go until after a few mediocre performances. But, hell, maybe Owens tries to make Edwards better, rather than just assuming he will get him the ball. Remember, Owens has just as much to prove, if not more, than anyone on the Bills roster.

Also, there are no real "stars" on the Bills who will try to take Owens' limelight. Buffalo is a team full of very humble and professional athletes. Owens will immediately come in and become the most recognizable star on the roster, with no one complaining about him basking in the spotlight.

This is exactly what Owens will need to be happy. In Buffalo, he will automatically become the king of the North East.

Not only should Owens enjoy being the center of attention, Buffalo won't mind him having it. For the first time in years Buffalo is making national headlines. They are relevant, actually worthy of being involved in the conversation.

Even though Buffalo has gone nine straight season without making the postseason, they still sell tickets. But lately, the Bills haven't had much to cheer about with the possibility of the team going to Toronto.

Now, the City of Buffalo has something to watch this season, something to be optimistic about, similar to the 2002 season, when Drew Bledsoe came to town. But this time, everyone from all NFL circles will be watching.

This could be Owens' last chance to prove to Canton that he is Hall of Fame material. He has torn apart every NFL team he has played on, and now heads to a Bills team that has an offense ranked in the lower end of the spectrum the past four seasons.

With this in mind, Buffalo doesn't need to much to consider their offense improved. Terrell Owens is still a freak of an athlete, he will strech the field and he will command double coverage in situations.

This will help the entire offense, specifically Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch. Defenses will no longer be able to put the safety on Lee and place eight men in the box to protect against Lynch.

If that is the case, and Owens does his usual one year peace treaty, he could very well silence all skeptics for at least one season and sign one more fat contract before he retires.

Buffalo Bills' 2009 Offseason Debate

Joe Rogers — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:07:09 -0500

Clearly they have a pressing need at DE. The most logical choice would be to draft Orakpo, but Orakpo will most likely be off the board by 11. Which would lead the transition to DL with the top pick but I don't think they should go down that road.

Stroud was solid and I really like the motor on Kyle Williams. Williams isn't a big name but if you are a Bills fan you know he is always consistent ant on stopping the run and does add pressure. You really can't expect much of a DL if there isn't pressure coming from the outside.

Mind you, Schobel did go down and that could very well be the most of the problems- if he returns 100 percent the need isn't that big at all. I think Kelsey is the problem, but he is one of the leaders on the line which is hard to replace with a rookie.

This leads them to go for a veteran. Anyone hear of Peppers? Buffalo should try, and try very hard, to get him out of Carolina.

As far as Edwards goes I don't think we have a problem with him being a starter. A few people have mentioned his confidence but he has a poise in the pocket that cannot be taught.

Let's not forget he is still very young and has preformed well given the lack of playmakers at wide receiver and at TE. So a TE again is a must and I think we should look for that in the draft because Bo from Tennessee would cost too much.

However, this wouldn't be addressed with the 11th pick, look to Round Two.

It's too bad that Hardy was a flop but really I don't know where they turn too. Maybe Armani Toomer to throw some veteran leadership into the mix. It will also take the pressure off Hardy who is trying to recover from injury and he can learn from Evans and Toomer who both have very different receiving styles.

I think going for T.J. or Boldin is too much and not necessary.

As far as Edwards goes, they do need a reliable back up. Some options are Chris Simms, Grossman, Kerry Collins, or Jeff Garcia. I don't think Collins will go somewhere if he wasn't chosen the starter unless he thinks he can take it away from Edwards. Out of whats available I say they should try to sign Garcia.

So that leaves us with what I think is one of the most pressing needs on the team and that is center. Fowler doesn't get it done in the middle and they need someone to step in and just push the LOS. However no center in the draft is worth 11. Maybe bring in Birk to a one or two-year deal while we look around?

Some say they have a need at SS/FS but I have heard they are putting Scott at SS and moving Whitner to FS. I can't comment because I don't know how well Scott is going to preform but he seemed to hold his own when he played and he has the size to be a physical SS, while Whitner has all the tools to be a great FS and hopefully grab some INT's.

To comment on the Jabari Greer situation; I think we should try to keep him. That doesn't mean putting a franchise tag on him. That means if he wants to stay in Buffalo give him a reasonable offer. If he accepts, then great, if not, McKelvin is a more-than-suitable player to step in and take over. Hell isn't that why we drafted him in the first place?

Also Fred Jackson needs to be resigned. He complements Lynch very well in the rushing and passing game. He has said he wants to be here, and I think Buffalo will give him a worthy offer.

Now, if they don't resign Crowell, which they had problems with early in the season last year, I think they should get a LB at 11. That would be the most pressing need, and would probably hold the most value. Buffalo has said that while drafting it goes for the most valuable player at the position.

If Orakpo is off the board, Everette Brown should be the man. Brown is considered to be the best pass rusher in the draft. But Buffalo's pick is really dependent on who Green Bay picks at nine. They have needs at DE and OLB as do Buffalo.

Anyway that's my two cents. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think they will do, or should do.

The 10 Greatest NFL Wide Receivers of All-Time

Joe Rogers — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:20:46 -0400

After a lot of thought, I created this list of the top 10 best NFL receivers ever.

Keep in mind when I created this list I didn't just use numbers and touchdowns—I used raw talent combined with the team they were on, such as the QB they were being thrown to from.

So here it goes...

1. Jerry Rice

He is without a doubt the best receiver of all time. Just look at his numbers and the records he holds.

2. Randy Moss

Even though Moss has yet to retire, you have to admire what he has done on the field. He is one of the only players with the ability to make any NFL cornerback look like a high schooler. There is nobody on this list who is as physically dominating.

3. Michael Irvin

Sure, he was the master of the push-off his entire NFL career, but there is no arguing his numbers. He helped the cowboys earn three Super Bowl victories and become one of the great dynasties in the early 90s.

4. Marvin Harrison

Harrison and Peyton Manning combined to become one of the best quarterback-receiver tandems of this generation. His hard work, studying of game film, and running routes have turned him into a future Hall of Famer.

5. Steve Largent

He wasn't very fast, but he would always find a way to get open. He proved that speed and jumping ability weren't a must for NFL receivers. He was also the first to ever reach the 100 TD mark.

6. Cris Carter

Hands down the best hands to ever play in the NFL. He caught everything thrown his way. He will be remembered as one of the biggest red zone threats to ever play the game.

7. Terrell Owens

His off field antics aside, you cannot deny his skill and talent. I would have him higher on this list if he wasn't such a drama queen. He doesn't exactly have the speed, but has become a model for today's physical receivers. If he produces at this level for the rest of his career, he will be top five.

8. James Lofton

Produced 1,000-yard seasons like it was nothing. He turned out to be one of the best of all time. He had a 1,000 yard season when he was 35, and retired being at the top of his game.

9. Lynn Swann

Many lists would leave Swann out because his numbers weren't staggering. But he was one of the most acrobatic receivers to ever play the game. During his time, he set an NFL record of receiving yards in a Super Bowl, with 161 yards.

10. Tim Brown

He currently owns almost every receiving record for the Raiders. Had nine straight 1,000+ yard seasons and finished his career with 105 receiving touchdowns and 15,000 yards. Those numbers speak for themselves.

Just missed the cut: Don Huston, Isaac Bruce, Tory Holt, Andre Reed, Jimmy Smith, Art Monk.

2008 NFL Offseason: Buffalo Signs CB William James

Joe Rogers — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:14:07 -0400

The Buffalo Bills signed CB William James to a two year contract on Tuesday.

James, who is a seven-year veteran, was signed away from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Atlanta, Houston, and Philadelphia had expressed interest in signing James, but Buffalo offered him a chance to become a full time starter. He is set to compete with Jabari Greer for the starting CB spot, behind Terrence McGee.

The Bills secondary is in need this offseason. Buffalo released Kiwaukee Thomas and failed to resign Jason Webster. Behind McGee and Greer the only other experienced CB is Ashton Youboty.

The signing of James is a much needed improvement that should bolster Buffalo's depleted secondary.

James, who was drafted in the third round by the Giants in 2001, spent last season with the Eagles where he started six games, finishing with 31 tackles and 1 interception.

But his best season came in 2004, where he finished with 68 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games started.

Buffalo has been in the market for a taller, physical corner. James is 6'0 and proven to be physical in man coverage.

The Bills also resigned safety Bryan Scott after he left a lasting impression last year, where he came in for an injury riddled defensive backfield. Scott finished last season with 20 tackles and one forced fumble.

Oakland Radiers: Offseason Marred by Outlandish Contracts for Underachievers

Joe Rogers — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:16:50 -0400

The Raiders have made some of the biggest splashes in the NFL this offseason.

So far they have signed Gibril Wilson, Tommy Kelly, and Javon Walker for insane amounts of money.

But is paying large amounts of money to undeserving players worth it?

Don't get me wrong, these players would be starters on any team, but I don't even think the Redskins would pay that kind of money.

Gibril Wilson signed a seven-year, $39 million contract this offseason. Gibril has been one of the most consistent safeties in the NFL, but is he worth that amount of money? He could be, and I think he was one of the Raiders best offseason additions.

But then there comes Tommy Kelly and Javon Walker.

The Raiders made Tommy Kelly the highest paid DL in the NFL by signing him to a seven-year, $50.5 million contract, with $18.1 million in guaranteed money.

Compare that to Corey Williams who signed a six-year $38 million deal. When it comes to production, Williams is the better player, but Tommy Kelly gets the bigger contract?

Kelly is coming off a one-sack season. A player’s contract year usually means if you produce you get paid, if you don't then maybe next time. But what does Kelly's contract teach us? If you don't produce, you get paid.

Javon Walker was signed with a six-year, $55 million contract, with $27 million in the first three years. The deal also gives Walker $16 million in guaranteed money. Now let me voice my opinion here, Javon Walker does NOT deserve this contract in any form or way.

Raiders fans: Do you really believe he is worth it?

Walker only started eight games last season. Are you ready for his numbers? 28 catches, 287 yards, and 0 touchdowns!

My last complaint about the Raiders’ offseason additions is Kwame Harris. The 6-foot-7 OL started no games last season, played in 12, and never lived up to being a starting OL.

But the Raiders signed him to a three-year, $16 million contract. Why? Those numbers are being paid for STARTING players, so why does Harris get paid without starting a game last season?

It just seems the Raiders have made it their business this offseason to pay undeserving players.

This team will be asking themselves down the road, "Where did our cap room go?"

Well, it went to players who should have never been paid these ridiculous amounts.

Kevin Everett: What We Learned

Joe Rogers — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:50:58 -0500

Kevin Everett: What We Learned

Over the past few months the story of Kevin Everett has touched millions of people throughout the world. But now, months later, what have we really learned?

Was this just a story of an amazing recovery? Was it something more?

Before I get to that, let me start off by talking about the people that made Kevin’s story possible.

There is Dr. Andrew Cappuccino, an orthopedic surgeon who put his career on the line to help save Kevin’s life. He used “cold therapy”, an unproven spinal practice, to treat Kevin’s injury.

We have Kevin’s mother, Patricia Dugas, who watched her sons devastating hit. Then days later took a 1500 mile flight to watch her son’s recovery. Kevin was put into a chemically induced coma for 2 days, with Patricia never leaving his side.

Then that leaves Kevin, a lifelong athlete, who watched his career end on one tackle. A man who couldn’t walk for months, but was thanking God for how blessed he was.

So now months later what have we really learned?

We learned that there really are selfless people out there, who will go above and beyond for another. People that can look past the risks to do what they think is right.

That a mother’s love could very well be the reason a “miracle” took place last September. We learned how brave a mother has to be, to sit and watch her son unable to move, but yet still have the courage to be at his side.

We learned that athletes are everything they are brought up to be. Self made individuals who strive to do whatever they put their minds too, either scoring touchdowns or learning to walk again.

But most importantly, now we know that this never was a story of Kevin teaching himself how valuable life is. This was Kevin teaching us how we should all be living our lives, thankful for today and anticipating tomorrow.

2008 NFL Draft: Dolphins on the Clock

Joe Rogers — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:49:37 -0500

The Miami Dolphins were one overtime win away from becoming the first team in NFL history to go winless. That being said, they couldn’t have picked a better time to do it.

This year’s NFL draft is loaded with talented players, and Miami is desperate to bring these kind of athletes into their ranks. Do they go for Matt Ryan, the talented QB from Boston College? How about Jake Long, the incredibly skilled tackle from Michigan?

These players are clearly valuable and should do well in any franchise, but Miami needs something more.

The answer lies with Chris Long, the brilliant DE from Virginia. Not only is he an outstanding player, he has great character and can instantly step in to become a dedicated team leader. Miami needs a player like this if they want to rebound from last year’s humiliating season.

Long, who is a physical machine, has an awareness that cannot be taught. I guess you could say it runs in the family. But what I really like about Long is his determination. At this year’s draft he put up remarkable numbers that any other player would be pleased to have earned. Not Long. He was frustrated because he knows he can do better.

But let’s talk about what would happen if Miami passed on Long this year.

Matt Ryan would be the next logical choice. But what about the quarterback the Dolphins selected in last year's draft, John Beck? He didn’t do too well last year. But can you blame him? He was a rookie trying to lead the NFL’s worst team.

Also, Miami passed on Brady Quinn in last year’s draft to get Beck. So wouldn’t it be a waste not to let Beck start an entire regular season?

Miami is left to face a tough choice this offseason. Ryan is an intriguing pick, but he comes at a great cost. Not only is Chris Long the safest choice—he is a player that a franchise can be built around.

2008 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills' Needs

Joe Rogers — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:39:24 -0500

Buffalo Bills: Drafting Needs

The Buffalo Bills are off to a great start during this year's offseason. They have revamped a porous run defense, added potential playmakers, and have shown interest in adding to their secondary.

However what remains to be seen is what Buffalo plans to do on offense. Their biggest need is a big physical WR to go alongside Lee Evans.

Should the Bills take a receiver in this year's draft, or sign a free agent?

I don’t think any receiver available in this year's draft is worth an 11th overall pick. Buffalo has other options, such as Arizona FA Bryant Johnson. He visited with Buffalo on Monday and expressed strong interest in signing with Buffalo. However, if he is asking too much don’t expect the Bills to pay it. Johnson is not the only FA option. Seattle’s D.J. Hackett is still available, and I could see the Bills making a play to get him—assuming Johnson doesn’t sign.

With that being said, let's shift focus back to the draft.

If the Bills take care of the WR situation I could see them going for a CB this year. The best CB’s are: Leodis McKelvin, Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. All of these players should be available, and I would like to see Buffalo go for a tall, physical corner.

In the second and third rounds, Buffalo should target a TE and a QB. All should agree on the TE, this year's draft is loaded with talented TE’s. The most appealing being Fred Davis of USC. I have yet to hear any plans for the Bills to go after any veteran QB’s this offseason.

With that in mind, look for them to pick up a QB depending on the pick and what's available. This is only if Buffalo grants JP Losman his wish and trades him (hopefully for nothing higher than a third round pick.)

The other rounds should be based on the best available options while considering need. With a tall physical receivers, and an aggressive CB, look for Buffalo to be a playoff contender this season. Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch should continue to improve behind one of the best offensive lines in the league.

QUESTION:

Does anyone think James Hardy will be available in Round Two of this year's draft? He seems like a good fit. How would you feel if the Bills take a CB in Round One and trade up in Round Two and select James Hardy?