Buffalo Bills: Must Overcome the New England Patriots Before Thinking Playoffs

For years, the AFC East was considered to be among the best in the league.

 

Something happened since those days of old and of late the only good thing to come out of the division has been Tom Brady and the Patriots.

 

As of last year, the dynamics of the AFC East have changed again.

Now all four teams are highly competitive and it remains to be seen who will prevail in taking the division title. 

For the Buffalo Bills, one of the most important steps they can take is to pull off a “W” against the biggest thorn in their collective sides—the New England Patriots—in the first game of the ’09 season.

 

A win over any division rival is of the utmost importance but the Pats have left a particularly sour taste in the mouths of Bills fans for the past six years. 

 

The last time Buffalo showed any productivity at all while playing the three-time Super Bowl Champions was back in the season opener of 2003, when the Patriots were blanked, 31-0.

 

Since then, it’s been nothing but heartache and embarrassment for a team that has been trying to recreate the success of their glory days with Jim Kelly and Marv Levy. If the Bills wish to be seen as a legitimate threat in the AFC East, they must somehow overcome the problems they have had in the past with the Patriots.

 

For Buffalo, there are three main areas in which they need to outplay their sneaky rivals. 

 

 

They must put the heat on Tom Brady. If he’s not feeling the flames, the Bills aren’t doing their job

 

There was a time when DE Aaron Schoebel was heralded for being a sackmaster when it came to Brady. Injuries and age, though, have made it more difficult for him to achieve such a large task alone. 

 

Enter the other Aaron. 

 

Aaron Maybin, the Bills 2009 first-round draft pick, held out of training camp and most of the preseason while contract negotiations were being worked out. However, when he finally appeared, his fast-as-advertised first step and ability to bring the pressure on the quarterback earned him instant recognition from fans and media alike.

 

If the preseason is any indication of raw talent, Maybin might be in for a big year. Recording a sack in each of the last two games is pretty impressive considering the entire defensive line only combined for a total of 14 during the 2008 season.

 

Hopefully the two Aarons can work together to create pocket folds and cause Brady to force the ball. Consistently putting pressure on him will lead Brady to make poor decisions, and in turn, go three-and-out or toss the ball into the hands of a defender.

 

 

The Bills secondary must contain Randy Moss and Wes Welker

 

While this seems almost impossible, Buffalo now has enough gifted cornerbacks to give the Pats’ receivers a run for their money.

 

It all starts with veteran Terrance McGee. The past few years have shown him to be one of the fastest punt and kick returners in Bills history and the NFL. He’s also an extremely perceptive cornerback. This guy can read plays from clear across the field.

 

Nonetheless, as with any team sport, McGee cannot tackle receivers of their caliber all by his lonesome. Being a defensive-minded coach, Dick Jauron picked up on this and spent money and draft picks the last few years on McGee’s reinforcements.

 

Leodis McKelvin, last year’s 11th overall pick, is learning quickly how to adjust to life in the NFL and come up with some big-time plays. While he still has some polishing to do, it’s pretty clear why the Bills wanted him on their team.

 

In his rookie year, he accounted for 32 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. While not overly impressive, lining up opposite McGee should provide him with the motivation he needs.

 

Finally, to add spice to the already flavorful mix, the Bills threw in the likes of the ballhawking Jairus Byrd from Oregon, Ellis “Mr. Interceptions” Lankster, and the properly named Reggie Corner. All of these guys, with help from one another, have the ability to keep Welker and Moss at bay.

 

On paper, it looks as though Moss will not be able to create separation as easily as he did last year. If this translates to the field, the Patriots offense is in for a real downturn. If not, Brady and Co. will be able to walk all over the Bills for yet another season, literally.

 

 

The Bills offense needs to step up and take the initiative when it comes to Bill Belichick’s sturdy defense

 

Trent Edwards is a game manager and has been praised for his pocket poise, though not so much this preseason. Terrell Owens is one of the greatest receivers to ever play in the NFL and Lee Evans is very underrated. The running back tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Freddy “Action” Jackson is among the best in the league.

 

The biggest question mark is the offensive line. With the trade of Pro-Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, the Bills have completely revamped this unit. If they can hold, the offense has the potential to be explosive.

 

However, many people wonder whether it will be fiery enough to get past the Patriot’s defense. 

 

With the recent firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert, a multitude of questions have been raised. His replacement, Alex Van Pelt, was a former Bills quarterback and a backup behind Jim Kelly. While he’s quite familiar with the type of no-huddle offense the Bills are trying to run, it still remains to be seen whether or not he can actually lead them.

 

The fact that AVP, as fans refer to him, has only a little over a week to prepare doesn’t help his cause either.

 

One thing the Bills do have going for them on offense is the number of defensive playmakers the Patriots have recently lost.

 

Linebacker stud Mike Vrabel was traded to the Chiefs earlier this offseason.

 

The ever-determined Tedy Bruschi and safety Rodney Harrison both decided it was time to leave the NFL.

 

The final blow came within the last few days, as five-time Pro-Bowler Richard Seymour was traded to the Oakland Raiders in an effort to create a younger, healthier team. 

 

With the loss of experience comes the possibility of losing games, something the Bills may be able to take advantage of early on. If the Buffalo’s re-tooled offense can successfully exploit the new missing links on the Patriots’ D, they may finally be able to find the end-zone, a true rarity when playing this team.

 

In order to start the season off right, and quiet all the naysayers, the Buffalo Bills must defeat or at least come very, very close to defeating the Patriots in the first game.

 

They can do this by getting after Tom Brady, defending their star receivers, and outplaying them on offense.

 

If they fail to do these three things and lose by a margin of more than seven points, they could be in for one very long year.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Kickers Are Cute, Too: The 10 Hottest in the NFL

One of my favorite positions in the NFL is the kicker. Normally not quite as physically intimidating as the rest of the squad, the kicker still has the power to make or break a season.

A missed field goal can be a heavy burden to bear when it comes at the expense of a playoff berth.

On the other hand, sending that football directly down the middle of those two yellow posts can whip up a celebratory frenzy faster than bleeding fish in a shark tank. (Gross, I know. I was at a loss for comparisons though).

Even with all of the pressure exerted on these strong-footed men, however, kickers still get no respect. Most people, teammates and coaches included, don’t even consider them “real” football players.

I beg to differ.

I previously penned an article rating, in my personal opinion, the top ten hottest quarterbacks in the league. Now it’s the kickers’ turn.

Because kickers are cute too.

Buffalo Bills’ Tight End Spot: Could Derek Schouman Be the Starter?

For years, people have been talking about how desperately the Bills need a pass-catching tight end. After the 2009 draft, many believed that they finally received their answer in Southern Miss star Shawn Nelson.

Other fans, myself included, also like what two-year veteran Derek Fine brings to the table. 

However, in a recent article on ProFootballWeekly.com, Trent Edwards is quoted as saying this:

“I think (Derek Schouman) has progressed really well through these last couple practices, and I think he’s going to be a big part of our pass game.”

He then went ahead and stated:

“Derek (Fine) and Jon (Stupar) and those guys are going to need to step up, as well as Shawn. But I really am feeling more and more comfortable with Schouman.”

OK, not many people—if anyone at all—saw this coming. 

Now entering his third season with the Bills, Schouman recorded 15 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown last year. Not overly impressive. But considering that he missed a chunk of games in his rookie season and sophomore year due to injuries, the stats aren’t god-awful either.

The battle at tight end should be decided over the course of the next few weeks.  There may just be a surprise starter.

If Trent Edwards gives Schouman two thumbs up, who am I to argue?

Top Ten (Hottest) NFL Quarterbacks

Ok guys, I may have fooled you a bit. Yes, this article is about the top ten quarterbacks in the league. But when I say “hot”, I’m not talking about their athletic abilities.

Although I am in love with football, I’m still a female. Every now and then my eyes gaze over to the sidelines to check those players out who are not wearing helmets.

So this one may be for the ladies.

But I know there are some of you guys out there who may be curious as to who made my list. Please, feel free…

The Buffalo Bills and X-Men: A Dream Come True

Like most fans, I love the Buffalo Bills unconditionally. Win or lose you can find me planted in front of the television screen every Sunday (or Monday) screaming like a lunatic.

Watching the Bills play is already an amazing experience. But what if even that can be enhanced?

What if the Bills were secretly X-Men?

This article will create what it would be like if the Buffalo Bills were superheroes.

Dissecting the 2009 Buffalo Bills’ Offensive Anatomy

For a human body to acheive any goal, all of its parts need to work together properly. The same thing can be said for professional sports teams.

Each player has his own special role, yet cannot function correctly without the help of his teammates.

When it comes to the Buffalo Bills, it’s pretty easy to discern which body part a member represents. In dissecting the Buffalo Bill’s 2009 offense, we will see just how the units need to work in order for the whole to succeed.

The Buffalo Bills: Re-Inventing Jay Riemersma, Shawn Nelson Style

What do the Buffalo Bills and the tight end position have in common?  Absolutely nothing.

It’s safe to say that the last great tight end the Bills were able to boast about went by the name of Jay Riemersma. 

A seventh-round pick in the 1996 draft, he quickly became a favorite target of Doug Flutie due to his excellent hands and toughness.

He played six seasons with the Bills and finished his last two with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Overall, his numbers were pretty impressive. 

Riemersma ended his career with 221 receptions, 2,524 yards and 23 touchdowns, 20 of them coming with the Bills.  Considering that all of Buffalo’s tight ends over the past six years have combined for 20 touchdowns, it is easy to see how integral Jay’s role truly was.

Now, fast forward to 2009.  In a desperate attempt to acquire the “Golden Child” at the tight end position, the Bills keep their fingers crossed that Brandon Pettigrew is available to them at the 28th spot in the first round of this year’s draft.

As fate never seems to be on the side of the four-time Super Bowl losers, the Detroit Lions snatch him up right before their very eyes.  On to Plan B.

Enter Shawn Nelson, a 6′ 5″, 240-pounder from Southern Miss.  Somehow, the receiving tight end fell all the way to the fourth round, where the Bills wasted no time in grabbing him.

In the four years of his college career (52 games total), Nelson amassed 157 receptions, 2,054 yards and 16 touchdowns, putting him in a respectable fourth place at Southern Miss. To many, he is considered to be the true steal of the 2009 draft.

Whether Nelson lives up to all the hype surrounding him remains to be seen.  However, with a revamped offensive line that includes two highly-touted rookies from this year’s draft and a few position changes, the newly acquired tight end may just be the re-invention of Jay Riemersma.

Or better.

Having the likes of T.O., Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch as receiving threats can’t hurt.  In fact, they can only help Nelson’s case. 

Already, in just four short years of college, he put up similar numbers to that of Riemersma and in less time.  If he can transfer those stats over to pro football, his force will be nothing short of formidable.

Hopefully, in 2009, we as fans get to see the re-invention of Jay Riemersma.

My Love Grows Where The Buffalo Bills Roam, Thanks To My Dad

Growing up, my dad never instilled many feminine qualities in me.  That was my mom’s job.  Instead of bringing home pink boxes stuffed with miniature women all named “Barbie”, he preferred taking me to look for fishing bait in the backyard after rain storms. 

On Sundays, right after helping Mom with chores around the house, I’d slip into my over-sized Buffalo Bills sweatshirt, pull on my hat, and take a seat next to the only other die-hard Bills fan I knew:  my dad.

The football relationship that my father and I have falls nothing short of special.  He started liking the Bills the year I was born and I started chanting “touchdown” as soon as I learned to speak.  I certainly knew more about my team and football in general than any of my peers. 

Often, during commercial breaks and halftime, he would quiz me on referee signals.  My favorite was always the tee-pee he would make with both hands above his head.  Of course I knew it meant “safety” and would shout out the answer in giggles, knowing that I was making him proud.

If, during a game, the Bills were playing poorly, my dad and I would run up to the television and rub our hats furiously all over the screen.  We would then break out into screams of “Let’s go Buffalo” and slap each other a “hi-five”.  For some curious reason, this seemed to work most of the time.

The early 90s were some of the best times of my life.  Although I was young, I knew that my Bills were the team to beat. 

Every year for four years straight, my parents would throw these amazing Super Bowl parties that consisted of my dad and I arguing that this year would be different.  No matter the outcomes, however, we always stuck by our team.  It was something we bonded over and no one could ever break that.

Through the years, I have received autographed cards from Andre Reed and Bruce Smith.  Jim Kelly even sent me a hand-written letter in the mail, thanking me for my support and stating that he would have had the whole team sign my cards if I would have given them to him. 

I have gone through periods of desiring to marry Thurman Thomas and planning to move to Buffalo just so that I could see every game from the best stadium in the world.  All of these emotions I owe to my dad.

In 2005, I had to work for the very first Bills game and so, living in Philadelphia and much to my chagrin, I had to miss it.  Luckily, I was able to keep my phone on hand so that my dad could be my play-by-play commentator. 

After every productive drive, I would run around work telling everyone what a great season the Bills were going to have.  It was a bit premature, I know, but I couldn’t keep my anxiousness at bay.  During halftime, someone said something to me that I will always remember.  

My co-worker had just got done listening to me rave about then quarterback J.P. Losman and relaying the game to him as my dad was telling me.  When I finished, he looked at me and said “You know, you have a really great dad.”  With that, a smile came across my face and, a bit choked up, I simply replied “I know.”

Just a few weeks later my dad was in a life-altering motorcycle accident.  Although he survived, he was in a coma for 2 weeks and suffered the kind of brain damage that changes personalities.

Since then, he’s able to walk and talk and to outsiders, seems normal enough.  Nonetheless, his family knows that he is not the same person he was before this tragedy.

There are small things I notice about my dad now like how forgetful he always seems to be and the fact that he gets his words mixed up a lot.  One of the biggest changes for me personally though, is the fact that he no longer enjoys football like he used to. 

Games are hard for him to sit down and watch straight through and he probably couldn’t name 5 players on the whole team.  Something that we used to bond over so heavily was taken away in just a few seconds.

My love for the Bills grew out of the love I have for my dad.  Even though a lot has changed in the past couple of years, I still can be found doing the “hat rub” during games and calling my dad when they win. 

I know the days of the early 90s will never be anything more than a distant memory but I am thankful that my father turned me into a fan of the best organization out there.  I am proud to call myself a Bills fan and whenever someone asks why I love them so much, I turn to them and reply “Because I have a really great dad.”

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