Buffalo Bills All-Decade Team: Offense

With the first decade of the millenium just coming to an end, I have decided to take a look at the best of the favorites on the Buffalo Bills of the past ten seasons on the offensive side of the ball.

Although the last decade has been filled with sorrow and tragedy for our beloved Bills, these players will always stand out in the hearts of Buffalo fans, for the drive they played with, and the excitement they brought to the city as a whole.

Missing the playoffs for an entire decade is tough, but these guys made it easier to bear the embarrasment, and give us all hope.

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Buffalo Bills Take First Step in Turning Around With New GM, Buddy Nix

Hello, and Happy Holidays to all the loyal Bills fans, and readers of my articles! Sorry about the lack of recent posts, but I am back and ready to bring you all the latest news on our Buffalo Bills.

Ralph Wilson Jr. has been the owner of the Buffalo Bills franchise since the inception of the National Football League 50 long years ago. Still today, Buffalo Bills’ loyal fans have yet to see the confetti fall, despite the four consecutive Super Bowl losses that has broken the hearts of every resident in the great city of Buffalo, N.Y.

Now, Ralph Wilson has had enough. A decade away from his 100th birthday, he has stuck with the team through thick and thin, but this season we have seen another side of the normally quiet, behind the scenes owner.

A billboard pleading for the firing of the much hated Dick Jauron must have opened the eyes of our beloved Ralph Wilson Jr; as he was fired within a month. Now, Russ Brandon, the team’s General Manager (who specializes in MARKETING) has been replaced by Buddy Nix, a man with superior experience in scouting and evaluation the talent of up and coming players.

Nix served as a scout for Buffalo in the early ’90s, before becoming the assistant GM of the San Diego Chargers, as well as the director of player personnel, encouraging the team to draft top-tier players such as Shawne Merriman, Drew Brees, LaDanian Tomlinson, Quinten Jammer, Antonio Cromartie, and countless others. I think we all know how that turned out.

Although Nix is not as big a name as newly appointed president of the Cleveland Browns, Mike Holmgren, Nix has a knack for evaluating players and developing a team with players that fit the desired system.

While working with the Bills, he scouted and eventually brought in Buffalo favorites including Pro Bowl corner Antoine Winfield, and our favorite defensive end since Bruce Smith, Aaron Schobel. Additionally, he coached Terrell Owens, during his time at Tennessee Chattanooga, for those of you that like to nitpick.

This may seem like a small step for the Buffalo Bills, but a GM with a high football IQ is what we need. This could easily be the beginning of something new. Something that will bring pride and joy to the city of Buffalo. Something that will make America tune in to Bills’ games, not to see a losing team, but a team feared by all.

I could be wrong, but hey, coming from Buffalo, all you can do is hope!

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J.P. Losman, Former Buffalo Bills Bust, Joins Raiders After UFL Championship

J.P. Losman, a former first round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills, has signed with the Oakland Raiders after leaving the NFL for the UFL and winning a championship with the Las Vegas Locomotives.

Losman quickly jumped at the opportunity to rejoin the NFL after recent starter Bruce Gradkowski injured both knees against the Redskins.

J.P. isn’t much better than any other QB out there, and it raises questions regarding the confidence the Raiders organization still has for JaMarcus Russell…if there is any left.

For those that didn’t know, the UFL features rules allowing intentional grounding at any time, as well as limiting the number of blitzers allowed to rush the QB. Sounds like Losman should stay in Vegas!

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The Biggest Busts of the Decade

Every year, there are huge expectations for the top ranked players coming out of college. Players drafted the top of the draft often fall short of expectations, while players drafted in the 7th round fight their way to Pro Bowls.

This slideshow will go through the drafts from 2000-2008, analyzing those players that couldn’t make the transition from college to pros, as well as showing players of that position that were selected behind them… the ones that faught.

The draft is always interesting and player expectations are never known, which is why these players are the biggest busts of the current decade.

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Looking Ahead to the Buffalo Bills 2010 Draft; Where to Begin?

After a decade of busts, poor scouting, and terrible personnel draft decisions on behalf of the Buffalo Bills, it is time to look ahead at the 2010 NFL Draft. The Bills have multiple holes to fill, most notably at Quarterback, a position fans want addressed right away with a first round pick, most likely in the top ten.

While watching college football, I always ask myself whether any of these top ranked guys will be able to make the transition to become top caliber performers in the NFL, a league where defenses are bigger, stronger, faster, and have higher football knowledge than themselves.

College Football offenses are totally different than that used by NFL teams. The spread offense and the option which allows most NCAA quarterbacks to succeed, does not translate to a pro-style attack.

After over viewing the team, I came to the conclusion that the Bills need improvement on the offensive line, a shutdown defensive tackle, an outside linebacker that can make plays and finish tackles, as well as a top notch quarterback.

The Bills are 4-8 as of now, and I am projecting they finish at 5-11, which would put them at about the 7th or 8th overall pick.

Who do they pick?

QUARTERBACK

Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford, and Jake Locker are currently the top ranked quarterbacks by Mel Kiper Jr.

Clausen is expected to be the first quarterback to come off the board, most likely by the St. Louis Rams. The Washington Redskins have been looking for a quarterback since last year when they publicly expressed interest in USC’s Mark Sanchez. Jason Campbell, however, has stepped up his play—although their 3-9 record doesn’t show it.

If the Redskins don’t select Locker with their pick, I would be elated, as I believe Jake Locker is one of the only Quarterbacks that could make the transition and be successful.

Jake Locker 6’3 226 lbs, Washington

Jake Locker is an athletic beast, and looks like the prototypical quarterback. He has a great skill set, and performs with a sub par supporting cast surrounding him. With a little improvement on reading his progressions, I believe he could be a great addition to the Bills.

OFFENSIVE LINE

It is no secret that the Buffalo Bills have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, which is a major factor in the team being ranked 29th in total offense.

The addition of a solid tackle would fill the void left by Jason Peters, along with the development of rookie guards Eric Wood and Andy Levitre would be an instant improvement, allowing the quarterback more time in the pocket, as well as opening holes for the rush.

Russell Okung 6’5 326 lbs Oklahoma State University

Russell Okung has been a dominating force at the tackle position for OSU, and is definitely one of the main reasons for their success. His combination of quick and smooth footwork, as well as his overpowering strength could easily translate to the NFL.

He has very long arms and gains leverage on pass rushers, taking them out of the play.He is a decent run blocker, but his strength is defending the pass rush.

Last season he recorded 71 knockdowns, and 27 “dominating” knockdowns. With another 10-20 lbs on his already gigantic frame, he could be an elite tackle for a team who desperately needs to fill the void at the position.

Trent Williams 6’5 318 Oklahoma

Trent Williams is another tackle that is ranked very highly by Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. He is extremely versatile, and plays both right and left tackle. He is a dominating run blocker, but needs to improve his pass protection.

Last season, he had 131 knockdowns, 18 of which coming in the National Champtionship against Florida

Williams stock may drop due to his countless false start penalties, (something Bills fans are all too familiar with!) but could be developed in to a top tier tackle at either side with the right coaching.

Other notable tackles of interest are Anthony Davis of Rutgers, who is 6’6 325. Davis is a psychical speciman and a devastating force at the position, but he may stay another year to improve his 2011 draft stock. Charles Brown of USC is another tackle that with development, could be one of the most dominating tackles. He is also 6’6 318, but he may also stay another year in sunny California.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

The Buffalo Bills have allowed 10 running backs to eclipse 80 or more yards on the ground throughout 13 games, mainly due to numerous defensive injury, but lack of skill as well.

Marcus Stroud is actually the only starter on defense to not be injured. His partner, Kyle Williams has been showing signs of ability and tackling skills, but the team needs a dominating force alongside Stroud if they want to improve their disgusting run defense.

Now I know all of you have heard about and seen the star Ndamokung Suh, and I would be ecstatic to have him, but the Bills aren’t that bad enough to get him.

But who else is out there?

Gerald McCoy 6’4 297 lbs Oklahoma

Gerald McCoy is an elite defensive tackle in the NCAA, but has not been mentioned, simply because of the spectacular play of Suh. McCoy almost entered the NFL Draft last season, but decided to stay another year to increase his stock. It worked.

McCoy has incredible speed for his weight, and is explosive at the snap. He exhibits incredible work ethic and leadership skills, as well as all the intangibles teams look for in a defensive leader.

He is constantly forcing the quarterback out of the pocket, and also has the endurance to play every down. With a little weight and improvement in swim moves, he could be just as good as Suh.

Terrance Cody 6’5 360 lbs Alabama

Known as “Mount Cody” to Crimson Tide fans, Terrance has been the backbone of the defense that is headed to the NCAA National Championship. Cody is one of the greatest if not the best run stopper in the nation. But run defense is all that you will get from him. He has no sacks, but still pressures the quarterback into making bad decisions.

As a Bills fan I could care less how many sacks he records, because we need a dominant run stopper. For a man of his size, Terrance Cody has great agility and is extremely agile, which is why he is so good at stopping the run.

Arthur Jones 6’4 293 lbs Syracuse

Arthur Jones is a currently a work in progress, due to his weight, but he has the basis of a solid defensive tackle. I am sure he will be putting down a couple whoppers before the combine, but he could be a steal if he drops to the 2nd or 3rd round.

I have watched him play in a couple games and he has great strength for his smaller frame, and has the ability to move guards from their positions, forcing quarterbacks out of the pocket.

Jared Odrick 6’4 306 lbs Penn State

To make it simple, I absolutely love this guy. I’m sure fellow Nittany Lions Paul Posluzny and rookie Aaron Maybin would also love him in red, white, and blue as well.

Odrick has incredible strength and speed, and is an excellent pass rusher. He is not ranked as high as Suh or McCoy, but whatever team he winds up on will be better with him.

Last season, he recorded 9.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and forced a fumble. Just imagining him with Stroud and Williams makes me happy, because he could also be a potential steal, pending his performance at the combine.

LINEBACKER

Throughout the entire year, Buffalo’s linebackers have been cursed with injuries. In fact, it became such a problem that safeties are taking over the position.

In fact Kawika Mitchell, Paul Posluzny, and Keith Ellison went down. When Middle Linebacker Marcus Buggs came in, there were signs of hope due to his solid play…until he went down as well.

All season long, Buffalo’s linebackers have been missing easy tackles, allowing huge rush yardage, and losing games. Linebackers are supposed to be the heart and soul of a defense, yet the Bills’ inconsistency at the position has lead them to their current 5-8 record.

Yes, we did draft Aaron Maybin last season, and is also a work in progress, but all Bills fans, as well as Ralph Wilson Jr. want results now.

Sergio Kindle 6’4 245 Texas

Sergio Kindle is a versatile outside linebacker, who has the strength to compete with tackles at the defensive end position as well. Watch a Texas game, and you will see him on the ball holder every down. He can rush the quarterback and he has the speed to keep up with Tight Ends and Running Backs.

Kindle is one of the most explosive blitzers I have seen this season, and is aggressive while getting to the ball. He will be one of the top Outside Linebackers taken this season, and will be have a significant impact on which ever team takes him.

Sean Weatherspoon 6’1 245 Missouri

Sean Weatherspoon was nominated for the Butkus Award, as was Sergio Kindle. Weatherspoon is the play-maker for Mizzou, and has incredible instincts and football knowledge for his age. Last season he recorded a whopping 155 tackles, 19 of which were for a loss, as well as intercepting three passes and five sacks.

At 245 lbs, he runs a 4.5 40 yard dash, and has great agility and can jump for balls. He is a great team leader, and has been one of the lone success stories of Missouri football.

Navorro Bowman 6’1 230 lbs Penn State

Another Penn State linebacker, Bowman is dominating to say the least about his role as a Nittany Lion. He is a star 4-3 linebacker, the same scheme the Buffalo Bills utilize, and has excellent tackling skills, which is what Buffalo needs now. His only downside is that he has had multiple off the field issues with the law, but that is common with Bills players(i.e Marshawn Lynch).

Another Linebacker I believe would help the Bills as a role player is North Carolina’s Bruce Carter. At 6’3 230 lbs, he is always the one to make the big play. He has been a stud since his freshman year, and has the skills for coverage as well as pass rushing and run stopping.

SURPRISES?

Lets face it; Terrell Owens isn’t getting younger, and Lee Evans simply cannot be the superstar wide-out the Bills need. If Buffalo were to let Terrell Owens find a new team this off-season, the Bills could be right back where they started.

Sure, there are a few small name free agent wideouts that could be signed, but the Bills are full of surprises.

There have been rumors of interest in suspended Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant. Buffalo needs a top wide-out, and Dez is definitely one of the top future prospects, even after missing his senior year.

Bryant is 6’2 and weighs 217 lbs, and has the skills to be a game changing play maker. Just ask Deion Sanders.

Bryant is surely a top-15 pick, but there is a slim chance Buffalo could decide to draft a skill position player, rather than improving the core of the team.

WHAT THE BILLS NEED ON DAY ONE

1st Round- QB Jake Locker or OT Russell Okung

The Bills have a solid secondary on the defensive side of the ball, and offensive weapons. They need players that can allow these weapons to shine.

I pray for Jake Locker to be on the board when the Bills are on the clock, but I would be equally pleased if we picked up Russell Okung. Whoever the Quarterback is, they need to be protected.

With Levitre and Wood having a season under their belt, as well as Brad Butler returning, Russell Okung could be the key piece Buffalo needs to complete their horrible offensive line.

2nd Round- DT Jared Odrick or Navorro Bowman

Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy may have taken some of the spotlight off of the other premier defensive tackles in the NCAA, which could lead to Jared Odrick and Navorro Bowman falling to the second round.

Both Bowman and Odrick would be a solid tackle to fill the gaps alongside Stroud and Williams, as well as the youngster Aaron Maybin, leading to a great defensive front for the Bills.

Who would you like to see in a Bills uniform in 2010?

 

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Bills-Chiefs: A Shootout No One Will See as Buffalo Visits Kansas City

This Sunday the Buffalo Bills (4-8) face off against the Kansas City Chiefs (3-9), in a game with no playoff implications, no star quarterbacks, and which is expected to be blacked out.

Both teams lack both offense and defense. However, when the teams faced each other in Week 12 of last season, Buffalo spanked the Chiefs 54-31, a score unimaginable to Buffalo fans.

Can Buffalo put up similar numbers this weekend? I think so.

Buffalo has the NFL‘s worst rushing defense, yet they surprisingly have the fourth best pass defense, recording 21 interceptions and forcing nine fumbles.

 

Buffalo’s Pass Offense vs. Kansas City’s Pass Defense

Buffalo currently has the 28th-ranked pass offense, amassing only 167.8 yards per game, while Kansas City’s pass defense is also ranked 28th, allowing 250.8 pass yards per game.

In recent weeks, Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven that he is not afraid to stretch the field to his new favorite target, Terrell Owens, who has scored three touchdowns and received almost 400 yards in the past three games.

Perry Fewell has shown aggressive play calling, so watch for a lot of big plays.

Kansas City has been blown away by the pass game this whole season, and I don’t expect anything less come Sunday. The Chiefs have only eight interceptions on the team, which equals the total of Buffalo’s Jairus Byrd.

Kansas City will most likely focus on covering T.O., leaving Lee Evans room to shine.

If the offensive line can contain the pass rush from outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who has three sacks last week and has 6.5 on the year, Fitzpatrick should have enough time to make accurate passes.

By the way, last year Evans had five receptions for 110 yards, and Josh Reed caught five passes for 50 yards, also scoring a TD.

 

Buffalo’s Rush Offense vs. Kansas City’s Rush Defense

Fred Jackson has been consistent both in rushing and receiving this season, and Marshawn Lynch is slowly coming out of the slump he had at the beginning of the season.

Kansas City is 27th in the NFL in rush defense, allowing 143.8 yards per game, and Buffalo has been rushing for 106.2 yards per game, ranking them 19th in the league.

If Buffalo can get the pass game going early, the utilization of play action will open up the running attack, resulting in higher than average yardage for the Bills. Jackson will most likely get the start, but if Buffalo can convert third downs, which has been an issue all year, both Jackson and Lynch can expect to get 12 to 18 carries each.

Kansas City has allowed eight running backs to gain at least 80 yards on the ground this season and allowed Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno to gain 199 total in a loss to the Broncos last week.

 

Kansas City’s Pass Offense vs. Buffalo’s Pass Defense

Kansas City has one of the worst pass games in the NFL, ranked at 29th, just behind Buffalo. Matt Cassel, who was supposed to be the savior of this team, has been average, passing for 11 touchdowns and throwing nine picks.

Last week Cassel was benched, allowing Brodie Croyle to step in, so if Buffalo’s fourth-ranked pass defense steps up, we could see Croyle come in quite early.

Without Dwayne Bowe in the lineup due to a suspension, the new addition of Chris Chambers is the main weapon Cassel will have. Since joining the Chiefs, Chambers has 19 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns.

The release of Larry Johnson has allowed Jamaal Charles to prove himself not only in the run game, but in the pass game as well. This season, he has 48 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

Buffalo’s pass defense has been the highlight of the year for most Bills fans, recording 21 interceptions by 11 different players and forcing nine fumbles. Buffalo’s defensive line needs to attack Cassel, who has been sacked eight times in the past three weeks.

 

Kansas City’s Rush Offense vs. Buffalo’s Rush Defense

This may be the only aspect of the game where Buffalo can get beat. Charles has been bursting and proving he can make plays. Buffalo needs to make tackles and close gaps to avoid letting Charles’ speed beat them.

In limited action this season, Charles has 96 attempts for 462 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

 

KEYS TO VICTORY

* Contain Tamba Hali. If Jonathan Scott can hold Hali from getting to Ryan Fitzpatrick, big plays WILL happen.

* Attack Matt Cassel. Kansas City may have an offensive line as bad or even worse than the Bills. Aaron Schobel, Kyle Williams, and Ryan Denney have to force him out of the pocket and make bad decisions that result in turnovers.

* Utilize the weapons we have. Buffalo needs to spread the ball to Owens, Evans, Reed, Shawn Nelson, and Jackson out of the backfield to create big plays that can go downfield. If Buffalo can execute, it will be a boost of confidence, regardless of the caliber of team Kansas City is.

* Buffalo is rested and ready. Having an extra couple days to rest and practice will give Buffalo a slight advantage over the worn-out Chiefs, who were all over the field after they gave up 44 points last week.

 

PREDICTION

Buffalo 31, Kansas City 10

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Is Adrian Peterson Ready To Be Compared To The Best?

Adrian Peterson is one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL.

At 6’2″, 215 pounds, his combination of speed, power, and explosiveness has many people watching Vikings games simply to catch the top-10 walking highlights live in action.

But with only two and a half seasons under his belt, is he really ready to be compared to legends such as Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and the Hall of Famers we worship as football gods?

Backround

Peterson was born on March 21, 1985 in Palestine, Texas, a rural area where he came from a very dysfunctional family. He joked in an ESPN interview that the reason he became so agile was from chasing rabbits in the lawn.

Despite the family issues, he excelled in high school, amassing 5,011 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scoring an astounding 54 touchdowns.

While Maurice Clarett was suing the NFL regarding the age limit, Peterson was highly mentioned as a player that would easily make the transition from high school to the NFL.

After an amazing performance at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he announced his committment to Oklahoma as the top high school player by College Football News and Rivals.com

College

Adrian Peterson was an instant explosion at Oklahoma, breaking the freshman NCAA rushing record, recording 1,925 yards as a true freshman.

Despite suffering multiple injuries, he still managed to be mentioned by Mel Kiper Junior as a top-three draft pick after rushing for 4,057 yards and scoring 41 touchdowns (all in limited games).

Draft and the NFL

Peterson was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings, yet it was reported two teams passed on his questionable injury status.

“Purple Jesus” was phenomenal in his first season, quickly breaking the single game rushing record, recording 296 yards against the Chicago Bears…as a ROOKIE!

He was awarded with the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the Pro Bowl MVP as well.

Future and Comparison to the Greats

Of course there have been critics, referring to the numerous players who turned out to be busts, but even the greats themselves have praised his skill, saying that they haven’t seen a more versatile back than him.

These statistics breaks down the similarities between running legends and Adrian Peterson, through as many games as Peterson has played:

Adrian Peterson—4,100 yards, 33 TD

Barry Sanders—4,024 yards, 40 TD

Walter Payton—3,319 yards, 34 TD

Emmitt Smith—3,975 yards, 37 TD

Terrell Davis—4,154 yards, 33 TDs

Analysis

As you can see, these statistics are eerily similar. The only difference that separates “All Day” from the rest is the style of defense that’s being played in the NFL. With each year, players are getting bigger, faster, stronger, than their predecessors.

Peterson is still young and certainly has room to improve. Within the next two to three seasons, if he can learn to hold the ball more and avoid injuries, he will be become another legend that will go down in history as one of the best ever.

Do you?

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Buffalo’s Rush Defense Key to Victory Over Division Rival Jets

Tonight, a different Buffalo Bills team will face off against their AFC East rival, the New York Jets. The Bills defeated the Jets earlier this season, winning 16-13 in overtime on a Rian Lindell 47-yard field.

This was also the game in which Trent Edwards suffered a concussion, allowing backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to display his skills.

Despite the victory, Buffalo’s rush defense was despicable, allowing a total of 309 rushing yards (Jones rushed for 210 yards on 22 carries, while Washington tallied 99 yards on 15 attempts).

The Jets repeatedly broke down the Bills’ front seven, consistently gaining strong yardage. But it was the five interceptions by Mark Sanchez that kept Buffalo in the game. Two of those picks came from breakout rookie star Jairus Byrd from Oregon, who currently is tied for the lead with New Orleans’ Darren Sharper for most interceptions in the league (8).

Two weeks after the firing of Dick Jauron, the Buffalo Bills have performed like a new team under interim Head Coach Perry Fewell. Buffalo has been stretching the field and playing aggressively. Terrell Owens has amassed over 300 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games against Tennessee and Miami, almost doubling his previous season totals.

The Jets, however, have one of the most dominating, shut-down corners in the game, Derrelle Revis. Revis has proven himself all year by shutting down top receivers such as Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, and Terrell Owens.

Fred Jackson played an amazing role in Buffalo’s last game, and could very well break 1,000 rushing yards for the season. With Marshawn Lynch’s poor production, expect to see Fred Jackson get 15-20 carries, some of which will hopefully come out of the wildcat formation.

If Ryan Fitzpatrick can make good decisions and continue to stretch the field, and the offensive line can pick up the blitz, Buffalo has a great chance at winning.

Buffalo’s defense was stellar in week six, forcing five turnovers, which won the game. Buffalo’s linebackers need to make tackles, and the defensive tackles need to close the gaps to contain Thomas Jones and prevent him from having another breakout day.

My Pick…

Bills 19, Jets 7

 

 

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Ralph Wilson To Revamp the Buffalo Bills: Could Mike Shanahan Lead the Charge?

About a day after the firing of coach Dick Jauron, numerous reports surfaced that Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson will meet with former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan regarding the spot now held by defensive coordinator/interim head coach Perry Fewell.

This is the first major move coming out of Buffalo all season, and certainly will not be the last.

“I tell you, we have a lot of work to do,” Wilson told the Associated Press Thursday in his first interview since he fired Jauron this week. “We’ve got to revamp and take a look at the whole operation, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Also on Buffalo’s wish list is former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher.

Personally, I believe Shanahan would be a great fit for Buffalo. He knows the game, has won two Super Bowls, and doesn’t accept losing. Shanahan is also a great offensive coach, something Buffalo has desperately tried to develop the past few seasons.

Something must have really hit Wilson. He has waited 50-plus years for a championship, and it is questionable how much longer he, let alone the fans, will wait. In addition to the head coaching vacancy, I expect further moves in the managing and operations department. Russ Brandon can market the team well, as we have seen after the Terrell Owens signing, but the time to win is now.

In the remaining seven games, no one is safe. These games will serve as a job interview for the future coach of the Bills, who will need the fire to inspire a winning drive in the team.

The quarterback position has recently been given to Ryan Fitzpatrick for this weekend, after signing Brian Brohm, a second-year player from Green Bay’s practice squad. Each week, the chances of Buffalo taking a quarterback in the upcoming draft are rising higher and higher.

I am interested to see how wideouts James Hardy and Steve Johnson play in the upcoming weeks. Neither have had an opportunity to showcase their skill-sets, and with the notion that Owens most likely will not be in a Bills uniform next season, they need to perform.

These upcoming weeks will be exciting for Buffalo fans. No Jauron and no permanent head coach means that Buffalo might be playing with more intensity and more creativity. With each player fighting for his spot on the roster, Bills football should be fun to watch!

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Buffalo Bills Pounded in Fourth Quarter By Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Yesterday’s 41-17 loss against Tennessee was embarrassing, to be kind. After a promising first half, Buffalo was not able to make any changes going into the third quarter.

To make matters worse, Chris Johnson, who pounded the rock for 232 all purpose yards while scoring two touchdowns, was holding up T.O’s jersey in the press conference, after Owens bet the running back Buffalo would win the game.

Johnson eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the season while constantly breaking for devastating gains. Buffalo’s defense could not contain him in the passing attack either, allowing him to earn nine receptions for 100 yards as Vince Young’s top target.

Buffalo started strong, even utilizing some creative play calling in which Fred Jackson connected with Lee Evans for a 27-yard touchdown pass out of the Wildcat formation.

 

Buffalo’s Rush Offense

The Bills’ running attack looked very strong, despite the limited carries. Each back averaged four yards or better per carry, however, they only chose to rush 17 times during the game, allowing Trent Edwards to pass the ball 28 times.

Fred Jackson’s rushes were mainly out of the Wildcat, but Marshawn looked strong and more like “Beast Mode” in his limited carries. He constantly fell forward, fighting for the extra yard. He also showed his beautiful combination of power and speed, for which we love him so much.

Buffalo consistently failed to convert on third downs, which is why both of their carries are slumping.

Buffalo’s use of the Wildcat formation surprised me. In the situations they used it, it turned to be a success. I am interested to see if they will continue to develop these plays for further weeks.

 

Buffalo’s Pass Offense

Trent Edwards looked solid during the first half, connecting with Owens on a deep pass, followed by a fade in the endzone to Lee Evans, for his second receiving touchdown of the day.

He did throw one interception, however, on a pass intended for T.O, but it was not the performance he needed to have to keep his job. Edwards was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter, going two-for-seven with an interception.

Tennessee’s defense was sub par to say the least, but they proved to be better than Buffalo.

 

Buffalo’s Rush Defense

I don’t even know where to start on this one. Chris Johnson did what he pleased yesterday, forcing linebackers to miss tackles and bursting away from any defender in his way.

The Bills’ rush defense is again showing why they are ranked dead last in the NFL, constantly making running backs look like Hall of Famers week in and week out. Given, Chris Johnson is a superb running back, but there is no excuse for giving up 100 yards on 14 carries.

Buffalo needs to focus on tackling and executing defensive plays.

 

Buffalo’s Pass Defense

Vince Young passed for 210 yards, leading the Titans to their third straight victory and Young’s seventh straight as a starter, yet 100 of these yards were on screens or short passes to Chris Johnson.

Star rookie Jairus Byrd recorded another interception, giving him eight on the season and keeping his streak alive, now recording an interception in five straight games.

With Terrence McGee and Donte Whitner out, Young capitalized on long passes to Nate Washington and Kenny Britt.

Overall on the defensive side of the ball, Buffalo failed to keep up with the lighting fast speed of Chris Johnson. They were outplayed, and again we are sent home with our tails between our legs, wondering what Maurice Jones-Drew will do to us next weekend.

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