Enthusiasm Recession

James McCoy

Well hasn't fan enthusiasm hit lows lately?

In October Bills and Sabres fans were riding high, things were good. Playoffs were planned. Championship runs were estimated. Now its to the level of not caring. Both teams have just had their bubbles popped. All the enthusiasm was built on a false foundation, and when one part slipped everything else collapsed around it. Unlike Wall Street, there's no bailout for the Sabres or the Bills. They will only have to improve the situation themselves.

The Bills

The worse of the two teams, since the San Diego has completely come off the tracks and now looks like the Lions. Well probably couldn't beat the Lions right now. They have gone 1-5 since the San Diego game. Minus the Cleveland and Kansas City game, they couldn't score more then 20 points, and only scored 3 points against the lowly 49ers. Uninspired and sloppy play has been the order for the Bills for the past 6 games. Kansas City they looked like an actual decent team. But the lack of interest in this team is frightening. The New England game was brutal to watch. And they just look they can't win. Against Cleveland I thought they would come out and dominate, but that didn't happen. And Rian Lindell probably ruined his season from which I doubt he'll recover. I guess we don't have to worry about his stupid streak anymore.

The fan enthusiasm is way down. Its angry, its apathy, its the "same old Bills" mentality. People want to someone to take the blame for this horrendous falloff. Fire Jauron, get rid of coaches, get rid of players. But its not a one person blame job Mr. Sullivan, this is a players issue. How can one team go from the right decisions to bad decisions. Sometimes the players don't look they don't care. And most people know you can't motiviate players who don't want to be motivated. Its internal, maybe these guys don't care, or given up, even they might not want to be in this city past January, to who knows. You can tell, theres no fire in some of these guys. Sure its up the coaches to game plan and get their players ready. But these guys are paid lots of money for a reason. And not wanting to come out and win every single Sunday is totally unexceptable.

Myself, I don't care anymore, didn't catch a single minute of the 49er game. Whats the point? If they don't care, neither should I. The bad part it dimishes my enthusiasm to watch Football at all, and I love Football. Thanks Bills for ruining Football for me.

Now we have the Toronto game, which brings up the Bills future in Buffalo. Which only depresses Bills fans even more. And the fact the crowd maybe 50/50 or even lean Miami, is terrible. But with the Bills recent performances at home, maybe a road game is better.

We maybe entering the Great Depression for Bills fans.

Sabres

Well after a great start, 6-0-2, they have gone 5-10-1. Thats right 5-10-1! Where they only have scored 2.2 goals a game and given up 3.5 goals a game. Um thats a serious issue. The crowds are still there, but they are silent. Last night was just horrible. I feel bad for people who paid for that performance. But a low point maybe on December 12th. The Leafs are coming to town, its a Platinum game, and with recent performances no one is going to pay those prices. But with the Leafs optimism high, their fans will. And ticket resellers will make christmas money. It could be thousands of Leaf fans, and might make HSBC look Blue and White. But hey its good for the Buffalo economy. But not for enthusiasm level.

They suffer the same problem as the Bills, just plain lack of effort. Lazy is a good word to describe them. They don't feel insecure about their job. That young, happy to be in the NHL isn't there anymore, especially for #9. Thomas Vanek, is a proud man and is playing like a house on fire. Only if other Sabres would join him. How many times have you seem just drive to net or at least attempt too. He cares, he wants to win. Ales Kotalik came back last night, did it make a difference? Jochen Hecht is playing, so the lineup says.

I feel bad for Lindy there is nothing he can do, benching players doesn't work. They know they'll be back on the ice, because their are 6 to 8 players who can take their place. Max is unhappy, Stafford is in a year and half slump, since Drury left. Connolly is a injury disaster. The defense have turned into turnover machines. Dan Paille is Dan Paille. Paul Gaustad tries, but is hands of stone.

The only solution is a massive stimulus package. They are going to have to ship guys out. Bring in fresh blood. New blood, to get rid of the bad blood that is circulating through the locker room. Its only a minor recession, it can be changed if the right direction is taken.

OTA's and Ticket sales

Well its almost the end of OTA's as 1 Bills drive, probably the reason the weather is so crappy. Football players come to town and it gets cold. Its the only reason I can think of for the recent cold snap. Really you can't take much from the OTA's, people try to build them up and try to get any insight from guys running around in shorts and helmets. Oooo Trent is looking good. Well the defense is really not trying to stop them. If they were really important they would be mandatory and JP Losman and Jason Peters missing it would be a big deal.

Jason Peters is angling for a new deal, and seeing what Left Tackles are getting and him being elect to the Pro Bowl it probably can't hurt lengthening the deal, to cover that dangerous no cap year that might be approaching. You certainly don't want any stars being available at that point, because they are good as gone. Talk to him over the next few months and we'll here the 5 for 25 million jokes over that time, and I bet a deal can be struck, making a important man, a happy man.

The other big news coming out of 1 Bills drive this week was the positive ticket sales. The Bills have passed the 50,000 season ticket mark for the first time since 1993. Its a good statement by Bills fans, that the team is still relevant, even with the recent surge in sales for the Sabres, the Bills are still a popular option. Sure the package is cheaper this year with the Toronto Games. Maybe people are figuring out this ticket resale business. Or people are really excited by the Bills and want to go to the games. I don't mind sitting at home watching, thanking those who bought tickets so I could see the game. I like going to the games, but the bore me a little. The commercial breaks really suck the energy out of the game.

With the low prices, the Bills have created a real home field advantage. The people that really love the bills can go to the games and enjoy themselves without taking out a second mortgage. Hell a Paycheck can pay for a season ticket. The rest of the NFL is in a race to make the most money and gouge the fan just to see a game. (Though the Bills are using Toronto to do that) Hell go somewhere else to charge exorbitant rates? Fine with me. Just give me the option to hit up a few games here in Orchard Park. Imagine if they had only 4 home games? Those tickets would fly off the shelves. They could also charge higher prices, along with the high Toronto prices would start making some real money to be a real player in the league.

Wait, this Russ Brandon really knows what he is doing. As a Bills fan, that should get you excited.

2008 Schedule

Well the Schedule is out.

The Toronto game is 12/7 against Miami. Yikes, thats not the best choice.

But here we go in order

9/7 Seattle 1pm

9/14 @Jacksonville 1pm

9/21 Oakland 1:00 pm

9/28 @ St Louis 4.05

10/05 @ Arizona 4:15

bye week

10/19 San Diego 1pm

10/26 @Miami 1pm

11/02 NY Jets 1 pm

11/09 @ New England 1 pm

11/17 Cleveland 8:30 MONDAY NIGHT!

11/23 @ Kansas City 1:00 pm

11/30 San Francisco 1:00pm

12/7 Miami 1:00 pm IN Toronto

12/14 @ NY Jets 1:00pm

12/21 @ Denver 1:00 Pm

12/28 New England 1:00pm

Well thats not exactly what I expected. Ending at home against the Patriots, yikes. Hopefully they need to rest Brady that day. But the Bills can get out to a fast start with that schedule. The Bills get one Monday night home game, not Thanksgiving, which is disappointing. But I think they are hoping for snow. But a late November game against the Niners? Thats gonna have trouble selling out. But no divisional game until late October? Thats kinda weird. The Bills could feast on the NFC West and AFC West, before hitting the East. The end of the schedule is going to be quite cold for the Bills, so they better enjoy the warm weather in the beginning of the season. Because its not gonna be nice, except for the Dome Toronto game, but its an interesting schedule.

Guess what the Patriots don't get a bye before the Bills this year. They play the Colts the week before. Nice.

Well more on this later

Bills fill the secondary.

Bryan Scott Will James

The Bills made a few quiet signings over the day, one in resigning Bryan Scott, and second signing William James, formerly Will Peterson. Both signings add veterern leadership in the secondary. And gives the Bills that 2nd corner, they were looking for. Jabari Greer was pretty good last year, but having him the 3rd corner on the team is something I would love to have. And looking at Will James history, Jabari will get some playing time.

Since Bryan Scott played with the Bills last year, played in 15 game with 24 tackles. Really he was signed for depth purposes and insurance for Ko Simpson to see how he recovered from an injury. Will James however had a healthier season then the past two where he played 5 games. Last year he got in 14 games and had 1 int. This pales from his 2004 season, where he played in all 16 games and had 68 tackles with 2 picks. I'm sure this is for the 2nd corner position, but Jabari Greer could beat him out, otherwise it gives depth to a position where it needs it.

It looks like the defense is way more important for the Bills this year then the offense, with all the receivers that rolled through here, none were signed, except for one tight end. Either they are being cheap or none really fit their mold. I'd rather have a team want the right guy then just sign some guy to sign some guy.

It is becoming more obvious by the day they are going for a WR in the first round of the Draft, unless they make a move for Chad Johnson. But I highly doubt that, so start scouting the top WR's in the draft because they'll be a Bill come late April.

Chalk this one up in the WHAAAAAA? File

Steve rarely choked, but Chris Mohr was there when he did.

I read through the Chris Brown Blog on Buffalobills.com. And this item caught my eye. Steve Christie retired as a Bill yesterday? WHAAAAAA? I thought he retired years ago? Talk about being lost in the Brett Favre news. This is item is lost in the Courtney Anderson visiting Buffalo news. Where did this come from? Being a teenager during the Christie years, I will always remember him fondly. He was the kicker that won the Comeback game. He has the record for longest field goal made in super bowl history. And has the longest field goal in Bills history. Sure Rian Lindell is putting up new records, but Steve Christie was better in my book, and if he played for the Bills, they would have won Super Bowl 25 no doubt.

Well thanks for everything Steve you were a good one. And to think I still can see you everyday when I go outside and see that outdated Artvoice billboard stuck on the old AM&A's building. Its like you are overlooking downtown Steve, and keeping us safe.

2 more new Bills

Marcus Stroud Spencer Johnson

Well the Bills continued their Free Agent addings, by adding 2 guys to the Defensive Line. Probably the most in need position on the team. They added a depth guy in Johnson, and a line stuffer in Stroud.

First on Spencer Johnson

He's a 6-3 286 lb DT going into his 6th year in the league out of Auburn. He's mainly been a depth guy for the two big Williams in Minnesota Kevin and Pat. He seems to have 4 sacks in his career and 62 tackles. He's here not to start but to spell Stroud and McCargo, plus getting time with Kyle Williams. But looks like a good pickup.

The big move, emphasis on big was Marcus Stroud. Acquiring him from Jacksonville for a 3rd and 5th round pick. Hes coming off a bad year of injuries and a "steroid" suspension. Which sounds worse then it was. He is definitely a big man going 6'6 and 310 lbs. So he'll enjoy the food around here. Hes going to turn 30 in may, so hes in the prime of his career, maybe near the downside. But hes under contract for only 3 more years, so if he declines rapidly, it won't be that much of a problem. Has been a 3 year pro bowler and has 22 career sacks and 457 tackles. Could the be the linchpin in a new and improved buffalo defense. Otherwise not much to pay for a quality DT like Stroud. The Bills are going out and signing and trading the right way again.

Its seems like the people at 1 Bills Drive know what they are doing, and I don't expect they are done.

The Newest Bill

Russ Brandon with the Holy Crap I'm a Gm look

Well yesterday the Bills kicked off the free agency period by signing 5 year veterern Kawika Mitchell from the Giants.

Some stats on Mr Mitchell

6'1 253 Lbs

He played in all 16 games last year with 76 total tackles , 3.5 sacks and 1 interception. Hey 1 interception I wonder who he picked off?



Ohhh I almost forgot. Stupid Lee Evans should have had that one.

Well it looks like a good signing, and its not for an outrageous amount of money, only 5 million guaranteed. But you get a solid linebacker, that played last year for a big contract, so that could be an issue. This should make the LB core better, now its time to shore up the DL, and releasing Larry Tripplett yesterday, does make the case for the trade for Marcus Stroud. But we'll see what the Bills are up to. They still need to address WR. They can in the draft, but I'd rather have someone with a proven track record.

Well stay tuned to GCFB, we'll have all the signings and important doings from 1 Bills Drive.

Free Agency Eve

Hey Free Agents, wanna play here?

Well since NO ONE was talking about it, and I was under the knowledge Free Agency started was Monday, but instead its Friday. So I guess we'll kick things off here. The Bills have money, they have needs and they spent money last year, so they'll spend some more money on need players. But what are their needs, we'll go from the ESPN need list for the Bills. Since its dead on.

So first on the list Defensive Tackles. The Bills were gashed on a weekly basis against the Run. John McCargo developed and Kyle Williams is a good player. But they need more beef here. Chris Brown at Buffalobills.com has been hyping Corey Williams all winter, he was franchised last week, but word is now he could be shopped for a 2nd round pick. So if they wind up trading JP Losman, they could use that to get Corey Williams.

Second on the List, is Wide Receiver. This maybe the most in need position. Randy Moss is the big fish here, but not on the Bills list. Guys like Ernest Wilford, Bryant Johnson and DJ Hackett are more in the budget, and actually fit the need for a big #2 receiver. I personally would like to see Ernest Wilford in Blue next year. I don't think he'll get that much but would fit the need to a tee.

Third on the list is cornerback. After the Jason Webster disaster. Jabari Greer stepped in and played really well. They need to cut ties with Youbouty, I don't think hes a starting CB. But my feeling on free agent Cb's is that they are a dime a dozen, and I don't feel that Asante Samuel is worth what he'll get. So they can go get a second tier guy like Randall Gay or Domonique Foxworth and he'll fit right in. The key is getting the right guy at the right price. You have a solid #1 corner in Terrence Mcgee. Now you need that solid #2.

Fourth on the list is linebacker. I feel this isn't a huge need with Pozluszny coming back from injury, but you'll always need depth. Lance Briggs would be nice or Rosey Colvin, but I think you build in the draft in this spot, and or pickup some depth guys.

Fifth on the list is Tight Ends. Now heres a need. Robert Royal is ok, but the rest is garbage. Here going and spending money on a Alge Crumpler or a Bubba Franks, would be wise. This would help out Trent Edwards. I'm not sure if Crumpler wants to come here, but I would pay extra for a guy who achieved with Michael Vick, imagine a guy who is accurate throwing to him. Well anyway, who ever the real GM is, go out and spend the money at Tight End.

The Bills have some needs and if they go out like they did last year and address glaring needs with the right players and not just pick up names, then they'll be alright and be set up for the Draft in April. Oh man the trade deadline followed by free agency its like Christmas time in the Buffalo sports world.

Talking 'bout Football

Ahhh the Combine. Where 20 year old males go get prodded and poked and made to run silly drills in order to qualify to make millions of dollars. What a time of year, and its in Indianapolis, perfect!

Well its very important for the teams to meet the kids, and not see they draft horrible people, that just can run fast. They want good people who run fast. So the Bills have all the top brass there, Dick Jauron, Russ Brandon, Tom Modrak. And since Chris Brown is on vacation (why during an actual event, wasn't their time in March?) They get John Murphy to cover things in Indianapolis. And already he has 21 posts in 3 days. Now thats some blogging John Murphy. Who looks to be taking the job of Dennis Williams soon, who got fired, probably because he might be the new radio guy on WGR since he's been doing nights there. And at Wgr he can actually talk sports.

Well in other news. Corey Williams who Chris Brown fell in love with? Well the Packers Franchised him, so go on Corey Williams, time to draft a DT then. But they did release Bubba Franks. So if the Alge Crumpler sweepstakes go south. He might be someone the Bills could go after since they need that Veteran pass catching TE.

Hey Randy Moss wasn't franchised and the Bills need a tall WR! Yeah right he'd come here, not even if they offered 15 million over the next 2 years. The Bills have so much cap space. And so many needs they need to spread that money around to get good free agents that fit and not flashy free agents. Thats why Tom Donahoe isn't here anymore.

So March 3rd is right around the corner, why isn't anyone talking about Free Agency? The Bills are going to be active, as will most the league since the Cap jumped. I'm pretty excited, its like christmas time. Plus the draft is 2 months away, even more exciting. Sometimes you gotta step away from the hockey and look at other things.

A Bills update

Well its been almost 2 months since the end of the Bills season but they aren't on vacation. They are working, you know getting in shape, learning the playbook, while the coaches and scouts are preparing for the Combine and the Draft. Not to mention Free Agency. The Bills have a ton of money under the cap, and with the Toronto initiative probably would like to produce a good team. So maybe they'll actually go out and sign a few guys.

I read the Chris Brown blog quite regularly, and I'm not sure if he's dropping hints because hes part of the Bills organization. But he drops the Corey Williams name a lot from the Green Bay Packers. A guy that no one really is talking about. Posts here, here, here, here thats a bunch of posts about a guy not on your team. Lets look at him

Hes 27, 6-4 315 lbs In 2007 had 38 tackles and 7 sacks from the interior and one interception and 3 forced fumbles. The numbers look good and they are only increasing. My only issue is they have a ton of money invested in the D Line, and this will only add to it. They gotta get rid of someone don't they? Who Larry Tripplett? Kelsey? Denney?

They also need to look at WR, Ernest Wilford is the name that keeps popping up, since he's big and Jacksonville doesn't seem interested in keeping him. He would be a great compliment to Lee Evans and if you want bring in Muhammad thats great only if he'll come in cheap. Veteran leadership is always good to have.

Checking the ESPN rumor mill, the Bills and Alge Crumpler don't go together. Which is a shame if the Bills could get Crumpler I would jump for joy. This guy was great with Mike Vick, imagine a guy who can complete passes. But something on the rumor sheet made me stop.

Next up for Zach Thomas is a stop in New Orleans to visit with the Saints. On Wednesday, Thomas is expected to meet with the Cowboys. Other possible suitors include the Jets, Bills, Chargers and Jaguars.

What? ZACH THOMAS! NOOOOOOO! The guy is practically done. I'd rather have Keith Ellison then Zach Thomas.

Well Free agency kicks off in 2 weeks, so the rumor mill will get moving by then.

And John Murphy does exist he'll be covering the combine for Buffalobills.com. Good on the Bills website to use John Murphy for something. That could be their best asset.

A couple days later

Old rich white guys
(Mark Blinch)

So we're a couple days removed from the big press conference in Toronto about the Bills playing games at the Rogers Centre, and the press is all about "oh no this is the end". Very typical for the media to assume worst case scenario, even though Ralph Wilson has played this card before. And the Government officials are scrambling to show they are doing something, but they have no control over anything. But really moving the team requires a lot of work and effort. Plus you have to deal with the CFL. And people assume that when Ralph dies this Toronto group will buy it. Well what about other groups, with wealthier investors and move it to LA, Las Vegas, wherever. The exchange rate may scare some owners in case it dips again. 5 years down the road, the Canadian Dollar may be weak again, thus putting a group from Canada at a distinct disadvantage.

We're talking 5 years from now, which is a long time away. The Rogers Centre is far from a suitable NFL venue. So what we need is a new stadium put in the works, to cement the franchise to the Buffalo region. Some may say thats a waste of tax money, and its better served for other purposes, say tax breaks for people to start businesses, or ways to attract people back to the region. But I would say having an NFL Franchise has a certain cache to it. The NHL won't do it, minor league baseball certainly won't and NLL? Please. A city having a NFL franchise, especially Buffalo means something to the region. Losing it, will make it even more minor league, then it already is. But of course the man who holds all the cards is Ralph Wilson. He determines the fate of the Bills. He dies and lets the estate sell it, its going to the highest bidder. That doesn't mean Rogers, Tannenbaum and the rest of the Toronto Boys.

But this has got me thinking about things. Why this move?

They are one of the least popular franchises in the league.

Their market size is very small, Pittsburgh and Cleveland dominate to the south, Giants, Jets Patriots cut you off at the Hudson. Toronto is the only place to go. Some may not have any allegiance to a team yet and now theres a team playing in your town. The one time a year is like a special event. If it can create 500, 000 more Bills fans, thats 500,000 more people that might make the trek to WNY to see a game. They come down in mass for Leafs games. Why not a Bills game? The tickets are much cheaper.

The Bills are far from the national radar, this might put them back on the national sports scene. Though this move has gotten about zero on the national radar, so I'm guessing no one will care theres a game in Toronto.

The Bills opportunity to make money is very limited. The market isn't very rich, the market size is very small to draw upon. The Cowboys are the most popular team and are in a rich market. Of course they can charge what they want, the demand dictates it. So why not go up the QEW and make a special arrangement. And pull in some of that money, its a smart business move and if you have to move a game there, then so be it.

But what if in 5 years nothing changes, no new ownership, no new stadium in the works, are the Bills good as gone? Who knows. But that brings up a unique question will you still root for them?

Same team, just a different place. Its the old question, do you root for the City or do you root for the team name? Personally I think I would still be a Bills fan.

The Bills in Toronto

LIVE from Toronto its MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!!!!

I can see that shot. Because some regular season game in Toronto isn't going to be 4th place on the CBS lineup. Thats gonna be a primetime game. Well depends on the game they put up there. I'm guessing it won't be a Bills Dolphins game. But with the news of the Bills signing a 8 game deal over 5 years to play in Toronto, people are freaking out again. What about the season ticket holders!!!! We're third in line to get tickets!!!!! Come on how many Bills season ticket holders can plunk down $2000 grand to begin with on top of this years season tickets. Its cheaper to stay here then take that deal. Plus how many can actually cross the border.

Oh the team is moving! The sky is falling! AHHHHHHH. Relax. Its a cash grab by the Bills to get more money, to um, spend on players maybe? Make the team better. Remember when the Packers played in Milwaukee like once a year for years? Well its like that. Its like a girl scout needing money for the troop and instead of staying in the cheap poor neighborhood, they decide to hit up the gated community to the north. Nothing wrong with that. The Bills have their training camp in Rochester and that is a success and 50 times better then Fredonia. So lets see $250 a ticket and the roger centre holds about 53k for football thats how much revenue per game? Thats 13.25 Million dollars of Revenue. Lets see the average ticket for Ralph Wilson is 41.29 and that seats 73,967. Lets do the math on that one for a average home game. Thats about 3.05 Million a game. ALMOST 10 million MORE A GAME!!!! Hey thats a couple decent players. When you do that math on this. The Bills are super smart to put one game up there. Put one of the late season games in there, close the roof, and rake in the cash.

And if the Bills do move to Toronto, better then LA isn't it?

Wait what? They're sending him where?

Paul practicing running from sniper fire

I usually try to check out Buffalobills.com once a day to see whats going on, maybe some important news, mostly pre draft and free agency nonsense. But then theres that one story that you go what? Why? And this is that story. They are sending Posluszny to IRAQ!!!!! (for the super bowl) WHY? He was just injured now they are sending to a war zone? Who green lighted that trip? Oh but hes just staying for the game, and leaving right. No? Hes there for a WEEK AND A HALF! Oh boy. He knows hes a Buffalo Bill right and bad things happen to Buffalo Bills. Look he already broke his forearm.

But this part made me smile.

The Bills linebacker, who suffered a broken arm that ended his rookie season in week three against the AFC Champion New England Patriots, isn't so sure he'll be able to convince many of the troops to root against Buffalo's division rival.

Oh man imagining the military rooting against the Patriots, how sweet would that be. Even the military hates you New England. Well I just like to wish Paul all the luck. And he's doing a good thing.

Talkin 'bout the Bills

Well its been a few weeks since the season has ended and its not like the Bills have been sitting on their thumbs. Named a new management staff, ok changed titles, but its alright since it keeps the same focus and there isn't a shift in philosophy, now is not the time for that. Named a new Offensive Coordinator in Turk Schonert, who from an interview with Chris Brown, sounds like was the players choice, since they all hated Steve Fairchild. He's been around awhile so that sounds like a good hire, but that will show next year. Please open it up Turk. And fan favorite AVP is the new QB coach. All Trent needs to do is listen and AVP will turn him into Tom Brady. I may be way to optimistic, but I have faith in AVP

Other news

Anthony Hargrove a pending FA, will be suspended for 2008. Which sucks, he was a quality depth guy.

They signed a veteran fullback, who will help in getting the Tight Ends out of the backfield and where they need to be out in the passing game. A first good sign from Turk Schonert.

And in bad news Jason Peters is getting surgery on a sports hernia. And from the look of the article a whole bunch of players are going under the knife after the season. But Peters will miss the Pro Bowl making the game even less attractive for me. No Bills no watch. Sorry all star game that doesn't matter.

Well now is the time for me to start paying attention to free agency news and college kids I've never heard of, to see who might be playing for my team next year. Ill try to update things as they happen.

The Three Headed Monster

These three men will lead the Bills to almost make the playoffs.

Well as many may know by now the Bills have called up three guys in the organization to basically do the GM job. With Russ Brandon is the head of day to day operations. And Tom Modrak and John Guy go from Directors of College Scouting and Pro Personnel to Vice presidents of college scouting and Pro Personnel. Man all those business cards down the drain, for a minor title change. I hope they don't have to pay for their own, I might just use some white out and type over it. No one would notice.

I guess its smart to promote from within. Tom Modrak has done quite the job, John Guy must have called a hundred people last year to be on this team and Russ Brandon, um Look at that Smile! Who couldn't promote that man, hes HANDSOME! But seriously the most important hire is left to come. Thats Offensive Coordinator, I always felt that people jumped to Turk Schoenert to quick. He's been around a while and no one hired him as a OC yet? That tells me something, that he might not want it or have it in him. Thats why an outside force maybe good. Because why would anyone want the same offense as last year. That is a pitiful terrible offense and should be thrown in the lake.

Well heres to another off season where people bitch and moan about the signings or lack there of and then go they drafted WHO? They don't need a Quarterback! (oops I guess they did last year) Well this should be an interesting offseason.

Bills update

So what have our beloved Buffalo Bills been up to since they lost to end the season and go home early once again.

Well Marv retired, again.

The former answer at QB wants to be traded. Hey maybe a real nice house on Oakland Place will be up on the market.

And the Bills fans see Malcolm Kelly as the hot prospect for the Draft. Big, quick and productive could be the perfect receiver the Bills need to put next to Evans.

Then Jim Mcnally called it a career. I guess he saw the line improve and was like my work is done. Good day. But coach? I SAID GOOD DAY!

But its less then 2 months to Free Agency. Now thats quite exciting. The Bills need to hook up a GM, do a bit of smart selective shopping then get the rest at the draft. This team should move forward from last year, with the QB and a RB and a decent O line. Really have to shore up that defense.

Actually the team needs a ton of work, good luck to the new GM to make them better.

So thats it.

So Buffalo Bills thats its uh? Just go into Philly, can't punch it in the endzone to save your lives and you get to go home and go oh well, I guess theres next year. Grrr. I feel I invest all this time into this team and getting nothing from it most times. Sure some excitement at times. But the past 3 weeks have been serious let downs. Cleveland boring game, fell asleep. NY Giants, came out on fire, Kevin Everett was walking around, then got absolutely run over in the 2nd half. Philly. Really could have won that game. The Philly offense did just enough and the Bills defense tried to put the offense in good spots. But nooooo, they are inept. Good I'm glad Fairchild is gone, because his offense sucks. And now Marv is leaving. Maybe I'm glad they lost the past few games, it improves their draft status and they can get some more weapons in the draft, like at Wide Receiver. Or at Tight End, or Cornerback or wherever. They need help. They have plenty of money in the offseason, go and pick up the right players. But whatever. Spend all that time and energy getting excited for you guys and its just over like that. I guess I'll move on and not have my sundays dominated by you guys.

Well theres the playoffs, well I'll pay attention but I don't know if Ill be glued to them.

Ill have a more in depth review later in the week.

Bills Eagles Preview

Here we are the last week of the season and we have two teams not making the playoffs, but still going for 8-8. Its the the 500 bowl. Its sorta of anti climatic. Takeo Spikes isn't playing so there is no reunion. He thought he was leaving a non playoff team for a playoff team. But not quite. He pretty much left to go to a worse situation. A team with veterans that aren't doing the job. Which might mean a clean house in the off season. Like Javon Kearse. While the Bills are going for the youth movement so it will be interesting to see who shows up on Sunday.

Whats going on with the Eagles?

Well the Eagles are banged up at key positions. Probably why they are 7-8 this year. LJ Smith is out, which is good since TE's kill the Bills. Dawkins and Lito Sheppard are both doubtful and probably won't play. And Brian Westbrook still has knee swelling but will play. For having a iffy season wins wise, Donovan Mcnabb is having a pretty decent year. 18tds 6 ints 2979 yards passing and a 89.5 Qb rating. And Brian Westbrook puts up great stats that surprise you when you see them. 1291 yards rushing, 7 tds and a very impressive 4.8 yards per rush. Plus hes the leading receiver on the team, with 86 catches and 5 tds. He has 2000 yards all purpose. Hes one of the best players in the league and at times invisible to the national media. But Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are the other two options at Receiver. Maybe thats why they are 7-8. GET MCNABB SOME WR'S!!!!!! Defensively the only thing that stands out is the 12.5 sacks by Trent Cole, so Mr Chambers better get some help on the left side. And the defense doesn't take the ball away. That could be an issue.

Team Stat Comparison

Eagles Offense 6th in the league, 21.3 points per game , 355.9 yards per game and -6 Turnover margin

Eagles Defense 9th in the league, 19.4 points per game given up, 314 yards per game given up, 593 penalty yards taken.

Bills Offense 31st in the league, 16.4 points per game, 277.5 yards per game and +7 Turnover margin

Bills Defense 30th in the league, 22.5 points per game given up, 361.1 yards per game given up and 528 penalty yards taken.

On paper, this is a Eagle win. Why are they 7-8 again?

Interesting tidbit taken from Chris Brown's Tipsheet.

Eagles coach Andy Reid has never lost to Dick Jauron when they've faced each other as head coaches posting a 4-0 record against his former colleague (under Mike Holmgren, Green Bay 1992-94).

Outlook

Well from the review of things, really this should be a Philly win. They have better numbers, better players, at home and probably playing for pride. They have won their last 2, while the Bills have lost their last 2. Brian Westbrook could have an insane day against this Bills defense who got shredded last week by Brandon Jacobs and some no name. The Eagles secondary is banged up so maybe they can beat the blitz by passing it. Who knows. But I'll take the Eagles in this one, and the Bills finish 7-9 nothing bad about that.

Quote that doesn't describe this game and is absolutely crazy.

Pro Football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors --- Frank Gifford

Um not really Frank, there will be a winner and no survivors. Since both seasons will end on sunday.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!

Bills Giants Preview

Hey here we are at the 15th game of the season, the Bills are at 7-7 and out of the playoffs. The giants are 9-5 and trying not to collapse at the end of the season again. So here they head into Buffalo for a iffy weather game from the forecast. Wind, Rain maybe snow. So the Giants propensity to throw it, maybe hampered. Though it may force them to run, which could help them win the game. These are one of those games you can't predict, because you don't know if the Bills are playing for pride or packing it in. Are the Giants as bad as them seem lately? Who knows, but the answer will be known come Sunday afternoon at Ralph Wilson Stadium

So Giants, whats up?

Giants are very streaky, starting 0-2, then winning 6 in a row, now they have gone 3-3 in their last 6. There is no consistency. But one fact remains they play better on the road going 6-1 in road games. Maybe Eli can't take the home crowd booing and would rather when they score a TD hear silence. Like yeah take that people. And when he screws up people cheer. So maybe its like reverse psychology for Eli, or not who knows. That fact is the Giants are a good football team when they want to be, and really good on the D Line and it will be a problem for the Run and Pass game tomorrow.

Stat Comparison

NY Offense 18th in the league 21.4 points per game, 328.8 yards per game and a -8 TO margin

Buf Offense 30th in the league 15.9 points per game, 279.9 yards per game and a +7 TO margin

NY Defense 7th in the league, 20.9 points per game, 303.3 yards per game and 787 Pen Yards

Buf Defense 30 in the league, 21.4 points per game, 359 yards per game and 503 Pen yard

The Bills defense is much lower ranked, yet only give up .5 points less then then the Giants. If penalty yards figured in to stats I'm the Bills and Giants will be closer ranked. The offenses on the other hand are much different. One very conservative in the Bills and Kevin Gilbrides wild west show.

Thats sure not Bulletin Board material

“I have played in Buffalo a few times and it is definitely one of the toughest places to get a win,” wide receiver Plaxico Burress said. “The fans up there are crazy about football, it is loud, and being in the situation that we are in, they are definitely going to come out and play hard. Buffalo is real different. It is a loud place up there. The fans are right on top of you, they are maybe five or six yards from the players’ sideline. I know they are going to be loud and they love the cold up there, so we will see what happens.”

Well Ok, well yeah, um, thanks Plaxico.

Important contract milestones, taken from Chris Browns Tipsheet.

Marshawn Lynch needs 60 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Lynch would become the first Bills rookie since Greg Bell rushed for 1,100 yards as a rookie for Buffalo in 1984.

Aaron Schobel needs four tackles for his first 100 tackle season. He'd also become the first Bills defensive lineman with 100 tackles since Pat Williams in 2002.

Josh Reed needs ten receptions to set a new single-season career high. Reed's high is 58 receptions in 2003. He has 49 thus far in 2007.

Rian Lindell needs nine points to reach 500 points scored as a Buffalo Bill.

Well those are nice, and I could care less about all of them except Lynch's 1000 yards.

Outlook

The weather will be bad, the Bills are looking for a winning season, and the Giants are playing not to lose. We all know what that adds up to. I just won't say it.

New Feature

Stupid Quote of the Day

From Karl Mecklenburg "Defensively, I think its important for us to tackle" This may sound stupid, but its a quote the Bills defense could use.

Jason Peters named to the Pro Bowl

Hey Jason Peters was named to the Pro bowl congrats young man. From undrafted free agent TE to pro bowl tackle. Now that is a good story. Plus you have kept Trent Edwards pretty clean this year. JP Losman I swear lets himself get sacked more often then not. It will be nice to see at least one Bill in Hawaii this year, plus a guy who we will see a lot on TV. The red helmet goes well with the red AFC Jerseys. So putting Bills on the roster only makes sense color scheme wise.

You really can't put stats up to justify why someone at Tackle gets named over another, you just have to trust the people voting, obviously they know what they are doing. Plus just look at Mr Peters he scares me just in voting for him. Yes I will vote for you Jason, what ever you say. Oh you want some food too? Ok whatever you'd like. Chicken wings and pizza? Sounds good. No of course I wouldn't take any, that would be stupid (nervous laughter). Lucky for me I'll never run into Jason Peters.

But what the hell no Brian Moorman? Shane Lechler? What the Hell? Don't they know Brian Moorman is a punting god and the Team MVP?