Die Hard Bills Fan

Wow.  That’s how I can sum up such a great game by the Buffalo Bills in this one.  It was an all-around team effort.  The special teams play was amazing.  The defense played very well too and the offense stepped up when needed.  In this article I will break down all of it, give out the game ball, top plays, and even cover some of the other top stories in the NFL and of course will give my opinions on all of those too.  First though I will start with the Bills vs. Seahawks game, with my thoughts on everything.

THINGS THAT WERE GREAT

• Special Teams: How could I write an article on the Bills and not talk about their special teams. Terrence McGee, on his only return of the game, went 27 yards to set up the Bills in good field position. Roscoe Parrish had the highlight reel return, 63 yards for a touchdown. He was great all day setting a Bills record for return yards. Parrish had 120 yards on 6 returns. That’s good for a 20.0 average! Rian Lindell went 2 for 3 on field goal attempts. On his only missed attempt, it was blocked which was the only downside to an incredible game from the special teams. Also, not only did punter/holder Brain Moorman throw for a 19 yard TD, he also averaged over 40 yards a punt, with 9 of them in this one. His great kicks pinned the Seahawks deep in their territory, which made it difficult for them to sustain drives. 46.6 yards a punt is amazing! That stat in this game will be overlooked due to the other great plays.
• Defense: So they couldn’t get a shutout but man did this group look great. The linebackers stepped up and Keith Ellison played a very good game (couldn’t even tell Angelo Crowell was gone which is incredible). The D-line was great and the coverage by the secondary was also very good. Just got beat on one TD play (should have been another one if the Seahawks could catch) and even that one was played decent by Jabari Greer. Newcomers played GREAT!
• NEWCOMERS: Welcome to the squad Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell. Stroud was a force all day and made his home in the Seahawks backfield. The big tackle also let the linebackers run free. Mitchell was great, and looked like he was everywhere on the field. He recorded a great sack on a two player A gap blitz. Even though he was on the team last year, I still consider Paul Poz a newcomer also. He also looked good. Even with Crowell out for the year, the Bills LB core looked solid.
• Kirk Chambers: Jason who? For a guy who never started a game at RT (and only one at LT) in his entire career he looked great. Kept one of the best DEs in the game off of Edwards. Really placed very well, especially because the Bills left him 1-on-1 most of the game. Will provide great depth with Peters back in the mix.
• Running game: In total the Bills rushed 29 times for 106 yards and a TD. Pretty good numbers for a good squad with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson.
• 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Quarter Edwards: Trent Edwards struggled coming in to the game but shook off the rust to finish with a good performance. 19 for 30, 215 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTS. That will get the job done on most weeks.
• Kyle Williams: 1.5 sacks and stopped the run all game. Enough said.

THINGS THAT NEED WORK

• Kick Coverage:  Bills coverage teams did not look well at all.  Averaged 26.5 yards on kickoffs and 18 yards on punts.  Needs to improve.  Really the only bad note for a great game.

GAMEBALL

• Coaching Staff:  Sorry Mitchell, Stroud and Parrish but the Bills coaching staff was on fire this game.  Of course Bobby Aprils special teams played well and he was behind the fake FG for a TD call.  New Bills coordinator Turk Schonert opened up the offense.  Didn’t get into trick plays but got the ball to his playmakers.  The O wasn’t predictable and went to step on the ‘Hawks throat with the Trent play action TD pass, something that wouldn’t have happened a year ago.  Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell also did his job excellent.  He sent blitz all day that bottled up Seattle’s running game and also his secondary was great.  Hats off to all of the coaches involved in this one.

GRADING THE BILLS

• Running Game: B

      Lynch stepped up when needed including TD run in 1^st quarter.

• Passing Game: B+

            Not off the chart numbers but good enough to win the game.  Edwards managed the game well and did not turn the ball over.  Also made some good check offs.

• Run D: A

            Stroud, Kyle Williams and the rest of the line stood out while holding the Seahawks to 85 yards on the ground. 

• Pass D: A

            Pass rush was very good and secondary played well.  Got beat on just one play and also McGee was able to finally get his hand on the football in the 4^th quarter with an INT to seal the game.

• Special Teams: A+

            Two special team TDs, and good punting.  Hey even the bad kick coverage can’t bring this grade down.

• Coaching: A+

            Not only do they get the game ball but an A+ too.  Wow if only the Bills coaching staff cared about this blog…

TOP PLAYS

• Like the top plays for the Bills were even hard to pick.  Very easy to decide these two.  The Fake Field Goal for the TD (Moorman to Denney for 19 yards) and the Parrish return.

NO HUDDLE OFFENSE

This is the first time I am writing this so my no huddle offense is a quick rundown of the top stories of the week, and my thoughts on them.

• Tom Brady placed on IR.  He torn his ACL and as a Bills fan I am happy (does that make me wrong in the head or something).  Now the Pats are without their leader and best player.  I think anyone that they bring in will not come anywhere close.   Knock on wood but I think the Bills will have a good chance to take a run at the AFC East crown.
• Vince Young also is hurt.  Out for 2-4 weeks.  Titans still win their game and lets be honest, Young wasn’t very good anyways.  
• Brett Favre wins his first game as a Jet.  Also makes a Brett Favre throw.  Just threw the ball up in the air and the Jets came down with the TD.  
• Aaron Rodgers also wins his first game with the Packers as a starting QB.  Take that Brett!  Like the comparisons between the two continue.
• AFC GIANTS STRUGGLE:  Chargers lost to Carolina, Colts lost to Bears.  The AFC Giants struggled this week with only the Steelers picking up a win.
• NFC GIANTS DO FINE:  The defending Superbowl champs win their first game and the Cowboys take care of business against the Browns.

Can’t wait for Week 2 to begin already!  Let’s go BUFFALO!  Enjoy some Monday Night Football.

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The Buffalo Bills will face the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow afternoon at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

TV & Radio Info:

Game: Seattle Seahawks (0-0) @ Buffalo Bills (0-0)
TV: FOX (Ron Pitts, Tony Boselli, Charissa Thompson)
Radio: 97 Rock (Buffalo), 103.3 The EDGE (Buffalo), WHAM 1180 AM (Rochester), WNSS 1260 AM (Syracuse), FAN 590 AM (Toronto). All done by John Murphy, Mark Kelso and Paul Peck.
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Before the game, former Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will make his return to Ralph Wilson Stadium, the place where he suffered his life threatening spinal cord injury. Everett will be awarded the Professional Football Writers of America’s Halas Award, which goes to the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season. Everett overcame the odds and walked again after doctors feared he would never be able to do so.
• The Bills beat the Seahawks the last time the two teams met by a score of 38-9 back in 2004.
• The Bills have also beaten the Seahawks 2 out of the last 3 meetings. They also led the series 6-4 overall.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch has run for at least 70 yards on the ground in 7 of the last 8 games. He also averages 92.7 yards rushing at home.
• Matt Hasselbeck is trying to come back from a back injury and he doesn’t have much help in his receiving core with his top 2 targets out of the lineup.
• Finally, Bills OL Jason Peters ended his holdout and reported to the team today. He will not be in the lineup though so Kirk Chambers will be making just the 2^nd start of his career at RT (Langston Walker who is usually the RT had to move over to the left with Peters absence).
• Bills leading tackler of last season Angelo Crowell was placed on the IR just a few days ago. The strong side linebacker will be undergoing knee surgery and will be lost for the year for the Bills (he could be released, and then another team could pick him up and he could then play).
• Seattle is terrible on the road. The team went 3-5 on the road last season, including a 1-4 record when the game was being played in the eastern time zone.

Injury Report:

Bills - Out of Game: TE Derek Fine (Hand), OL Matt Murphy (Shoulder), LB Angelo Crowell. Questionable: LB Paul Posluszny (Ankle). Probable: DT Spencer Johnson (Back).

Seahawks - Out of Game: WR Deion Branch (Knee), WR Bobby Engram (Shoulder). Doubtful: Sean Locklear (Knee). Probable: DE Baraka Atkins (Back), LB Lofa Tatupu (Knee).

Quote of the Week:

“We’re excited. Obviously, it has been a difficult time for the organization and for Jason. But he’s coming back, and we’re excited to have a player of his caliber back with us. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s on the field.”

- Bills Defensive End Chris Kelsay

Bills need the 12^th man tomorrow. First game of the year. Let’s be LOUD Buffalo!! Let’s GO BUFFALO!

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It is being reported by NFL.com that Jason Peters has told the Bills today that he will be ending his holdout and report to the team on Saturday.  The Pro Bowl left tackle will NOT be in Sundays game.  It will be interesting to see what kind of game shape he is in and how quick he can pick up the new offense.  Big news for the Bills who lost starting LB Angelo Crowell for the season yesterday.  The Bills will have a two week period to activate Peters.  Hopefully he will be ready for Week 2.  

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We are now just a mere 3 days away and counting until the Bills home opener on Sunday afternoon at the Ralph!  As a Bills fan I am PUMPED!!  Finally we get to see the team back in action and see what they can do against some pretty good competition in the Seattle Seahawks.

I broke down the Bills defense a couple days ago so today is time to show a little love to the O!

QB

1.  Trent Edwards

2. J.P. Losman

3. Gibran Hamdan

…The biggest question mark with this group is can they perform?  They all combined for 12 touchdown passes last season which was good for 29^th in the league.  Their combined passing yards of 2,634 was 30^th in the league.  In comparison to how bad this group was take a look at former Bills QB Todd Collins.  Last season the 35 year old (now 36) threw for 888 yards and 5 touchdowns in 4 games!…  Edwards worked hard in the off-season and added much needed muscle to his frame.  It will help him be more durably and keep him in the lineup.  It won’t hurt for his deep balls either.  When drafted he was suppose to be a leader.  The 2^nd year signal caller was voted team captain this season…  Losman is entering his last season as a Buffalo Bill.  His contract is up and he will take his services elsewhere.  A very gifted QB but was never very consistent…  Hamdan is back for another season.  He was on the practice squad last season before being signed to the club due to Edwards last season injury…

GRADE: C

RB

1. Marshawn Lynch

2. Fred Jackson

3. Xavier Omon

…Beast MODE is back!  After leading AFC rookies last season in most of the rushing categories, Lynch is looking to build on the numbers he had last season.  He is already one of the top 10 backs in the league…  Action Jackson is now in his second season of backing up Lynch.  Look for an article on him to come later in the year.  Not many people realize what he has gone through to make it to the league…  Omon, the rookie draft pick beat out Dwayne Wright during the preseason for the final RB spot.  Won’t see much time with the two guys he has in front of him…

GRADE: A-

FB

1. Darian Barnes

…Barnes is a 7 year vet and his big body should pave the way for a great season for Lynch.  The 6′ 2″, 240lb FB loves hitting people.  Look for him to clear the way for a great season running the ball.  Will do much better than those stupid H-backs in the past…

GRADE: C+

WR

1. Lee Evans

2. James Hardy

3. Josh Reed

4. Roscoe Parrish

5. Steve Johnson

6. Justin Jenkins

…Evans continues to be a huge deep threat and is by far the best WR for the Bills.  He worked with Edwards during the off-season so we will have to wait and see if that will pay off.  Evans put up some of the worst numbers of his career last year…  Hardy is the 2^nd round pick from Indiana.  The big target should get some opportunities in the red zone…  Reed is a great possession receiver on the Bills team.  He has reallu improved his catching ability since joining the Bills…  Parrish is the speed man who the Bills want to get the ball to.  His speed can change games.  A 5 yard slant could turn into a touchdown…  Johnson is the rookie wideout from Kentucky.  He was selected in the 7^th round.  He stood out during training camp and the preseason to win a roster spot…  Jenkins was kept for his special teams ability…

GRADE: B+

TE

1. Robert Royal

2. Derek Schouman

3. Derek Fine

…Royal caught 3 touchdown passes last season, and 2 came in one game.  He has had a good preseason though so let’s see if they try to get him more involved in the gameplan…  Schouman has 3 receptions in his career and is currently coming back from injury…  Fine the rookie from Kansas looks to get more reps at special teams this year than tight end.  When he gets healthy look for him to be an impact player on special teams which he was very good in at college…

GRADE: C

LT

1.  Jason Peters (HOLD OUT)

2. Langston Walker

3. Kirk Chambers

4. Matt Murphy

5. Demetrius Bell

…Peters is a bum.  Report to your team.  You’re not only hurting yourself but your teammates also…  Walker switched over from the right side of the line with the absence of Peters.  At 6′8″, 366 lb. he defiantly has the size to do it.  He will need to step up big time though.  Let’s be honest he is no Jason Peters… Chambers is starting at RT after Walker switched over… Murphy is a 7 year vet who is undersized for the LT position.  He should be on special teams duty all year…  Three years ago, Bell wasn’t even playing football.  He was playing basketball.  In college he started 22 games in a row at LT.  He has the size but needs to work on fundaments.  Has raw talent just needs to be groomed.  He was selected in the 7^th round, Pick 219^th overall…

GRADE: C

LG

1. Derrick Dockery

2. Jason Whittle

…Dockery stands at 6′6″ and 330 lbs.  He has to step up his play with Peters gone for the foreseeable future.  This is his 2^nd year with the Bills…  Whittle is a 10 year vet with a lot of experience.  Will help provide depth on the OL…

GRADE: C+

C

1. Melvin Fowler

2. Duke Preston

…Fowler has started all 16 games at center for the past two seasons for the Bills…  Most of Preston’s playing time last year came from special teams…

GRADE: C+

RG

1. Brad Butler

2. Duke Preston

…Butler is a 3 year player that has a huge body.  The 6′ 7″, 315 lb. guard started all 16 games last season…  In case you needed another fact on “Duke”, his real name is Raymond Newton Preston III…

GRADE: C

RT

1. Langston Walker (moved to LT while Peters holds out)

2. Kirk Chambers

…The former 6^th round pick is given the starting role by default.  He has only one start in his NFL career.  It was at left tackle against the Eagles in last year’s season finale.  The outcome?  No sacks allowed and helped Lynch gain 105 yards on the ground…

GRADE: D

Overall the Bills need to be able to run the ball and whatever QB is in needs to play consistent.  Edwards gets the ball out quick and not saying that Peters being gone will hurt the running game but Peters is a much better pass blocker than run blocker.  A true FB will also help out Lynch on the ground game.  The offense also needs to get the ball to the playmakers.  Lynch, Evans and Parrish should all be in the game plan every week to get a lot of touches.  Royal at TE also needs to be more of a receving threat.  He is a good blocker though so that will help out the line too.  The Bills O won’t do much this year numbers wise but if they can hang on to the football and control the clock it should be enough to get by on.    

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Hello Bills fans.  The Buffalo Bills defeated the Colts last night at the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.  J.P. Losman led the first team offense to two scoring drives.  The most impressive was the 18 play 94 yard which took over 10 minutes off of the clock.  The drive was capped off by a one-yard by rookie Xavier Omon.  Losman looked great in this game.  He made quick decisions and released the ball on time to his wideouts.  Its comforting to know that we have a more than capable backup quarterback.  Losman should good command and only had one bad throw.  Lee Evans and Josh Reed were his go to guys and Justin Jenkins made a nice grab for a first down.  The offensive line played well and gave Losman plenty of time to throw the ball.  Left tackle Langston Walker held Dwight Freeney in check and is getting better at his new position.  It was scary when he left the field but x-rays were negative on his forearm.  I still would love to see Jason Peters report one of these days so Walker could move back to the right side.  The Defense had a fantastic game last night getting four interceptions.  Ashton Youboty, Keith Ellison, John Wendling, and Reggie Corner all had picks on the night.  The defensive line played well and on the first play of the game Chris Kelsay sacked Jared Lorenzen.  I cant wait to see this team hit the field on September 7th.  Check out the highlights of the game on nfl.com.  Go Bills. 

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Hello Bills fans.  With Jason Peters still holding out, the team signed offensive lineman Dustin Dickinson and released receiver Jason Jones.  Dickinson was a rookie free agent that was released by Seattle on June 25.  He will most likely play tackle due to an injury to Matt Murphy.  The team was back in Orchard Park today.  Trent Edwards was not participating due to injury suffered Tuesday night.  James Hardy, Roscoe Parrish, Derek Schouman and John DiGiorgio were also sidelined.  Coach Dick Jauron also stated that the starters will play at least the first half maybe more this coming Sunday against the Colts.  I hope Trent can play but it doesnt seem likely because the season is two weeks away.  I would rather him heal up and be ready to go on September 7.  Go Bills. 

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Hello Bills fans.  It feels like yesterday that the Bills started their 2008 training camp at St. John Fisher.  I cant believe a month has gone by already.  Trent Edwards was held out of practice today with a thigh contusion.  He is said to be day to day which is great news.  Marshawn Lynch was practicing today after last nights leg to leg collison with Edwards.  Im thankful that Trent’s injury is minor and hopefully he will be full strength by Sunday.  If Coach Jauron decides to hold him out, J.P. Losman will get the start.  I really want to see how Trent performs after last weeks great game.  The starters usually play the entire first half in the third preseason game and it would be nice to see what Trent can accomplish.  Left tackle Jason Peters is still a no-show.  It has been rumored that he would report soon.  Rams holdout running back Stephen Jackson will report to Rams camp tomorrow.  This is a good sign because he has the same agent as Jason Peters.  Hopefully Peters will be back with the team because we need him for the start of the season.  Lets Go Bills. 

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Hello Bills fans.  The Bills will host the Pittsburgh Steelers this Thursday in Toronto.  This is the first game of the Toronto series that will span over the next five seasons.  Im excited to see the crowd reaction to this one.  Although I dont like the idea of playing there, I do like the fact that playing in Canada will assure the team of staying in Buffalo.  As the Bills come off a defeat in their first preseason game and injury free, the team has lost a couple of players in the last two days.  Backup tackles Matt Murphy and Patrick Estes both went down with a shoulder and leg injury respectively.  Murphy’s injury is more serious and he was not at the morning walk through.  Estes was at practice today but did not participate.  Starting right guard Brad Butler has been given some reps at right tackle and will most likely play with the second unit this Thursday.  We really need Jason Peters in camp as soon as possible.  There have been some rumblings that he would sit out the entire season but I feel the Bills will get this situation settled and Peters in camp.  Go Bills. 

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Hello Bills fans.  First thing I wanted to say is Happy one year to diehardsportsfan.net.  I cant believe its been a year already.  Thanks to all who have passed by and checked out the site.  Thanks to Keith who started this whole thing.  On to football.  As the first preseason game approaches this Saturday, which I will be attending in DC, starting left tackle Jason Peters is still not in camp.  Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported tonight that Peters is willing to sit the whole season if he doesnt get the money comparable to all-pro left tackles.  Schefter also says that it is only early August and players tend to threaten to sit out to get their point across.  I dont see Peters sitting out a whole season and hurting his chances of cashing in next season.  I believe in the next few weeks Peters and the Bills will come to an agreement and the entire team will be thankful for that.  Peters is a big part of this team and is needed to protect second year quarterback Trent Edwards.  Check out the video on Schefter. 

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Hello Bills fans.  As training camp rolls on, the team has still not heard from starting left tackle Jason Peters.  It is not known whether they have even tried to contact him but some teammates have said they have tried and can’t reach him.  First thing, I hope he is ok.  Second, I would like for his agent to come out and say that his client is looking for a contract extension.  Peters has three years remaining on his current contract and is being fined everyday for missing practice.  Bills COO Russ Brandon has said that he would like to see Peters in camp and then they can discuss his contract.  It is starting to worry me that our best offensive lineman is no where to be found.  He needs to be in camp asap working with his team.  Coach Jauron has now decided to give starting right tackle Langston Walker some reps at left tackle.  Coach is hopeful that Peters will eventually show up and Walker can stay at the position he played last season.  Walker did a good job last year on the right side but I fear that he might be a little less agile on the left blocking opponents best pass rushers.  Lets hope this situation gets resolved soon and we can focus on improving other areas.  Go Bills. 

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