Bills Head Back to Drawing Board

No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.

That old saying hasn’t been used in the right context in over a decade.  It has been 12 years since the Buffalo Bills last made the playoffs and their 48-28 opening day loss to the New York Jets isn’t going to help end that drought.

"We're not going to go around like the sky is falling," said Bills head coach Chan Gailey. "I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to let them do that."

Falling behind by as many as 34 points, 41-7, the Bills failed to stop the Jets offense or get any pressure on quarterback Mark Sanchez as he threw for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns while the offense as a whole gained 384 yards including 10-14 on 3^rd down

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The game wasn’t the only thing the Bills lost Sunday as they watched running back Fred Jackson and wide receiver David Nelson leave with injuries.  Jackson was diagnosed with a strained LCL and will miss anywhere from 3-8 weeks and Nelson will miss the entire season with a torn ACL in his knee.

A sluggish start by Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick dug them into a hole they couldn’t get out of.  He knows he will have to bounce back next week from his three interception performance.  “For me, you move on and shake it off. It is the same with the great game,” said Fitzpatrick.  “You gain some momentum from that stuff, but next week there is a new challenge out there. There is a new team and that is part of the great thing in the NFL. You are able to put it behind you and go to the next one.”

For the Jets, this win was gratifying in part because of all the criticism they took during the offseason.  Sanchez was pleased with his team’s performance but knows to keep it in perspective.  "It's a great win, there's no doubt about it," Sanchez said. "But, we've got lots of work to do."

Rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill ended the game with 89 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns while Jeremy Kerley caught the other Jet touchdown. 

Also, for those unaware, Tim Tebow plays for the New York Jets now… Tebow was in on select plays as he rushed for just 11 yards and ran the wildcat a handful of times so most headlines may read Tebow Leads Jets to Big Victory.

Much was made after the game on Bills defensive end and offseason signee Mario Williams.  Williams complained after the game about Jets left tackle Austin Howard using his hands illegally to his face throughout the game.  "Pass blocking doesn't consist of illegal hands to the face just about every play,” said Williams.  “You’re getting off the ball and getting punched in the face, literally — not by accident — just about every other time, and that’s a penalty, last time I checked, unless they changed it with the new CBA or something. Last time I checked, that’s a penalty."

For a man who is making $100 million dollars to whine about a player who four weeks ago was on the practice squad is like a grown adult complaining about a 1^st grader taking their lollipop.  It just doesn’t happen.

Rodney Harrison caused a stir in Buffalo as well Sunday night on NBC Sunday Night Football when he said he felt bad for Mario Williams.  “They're not very good," Harrison said. "They don't have a franchise quarterback. The Patriots will always dominate that division. The Jets will always be second. My point here is, you go out and get a $100 million deal, wouldn't you have taken $80 million and gone somewhere where you could have been competitive every week? I think this is a huge mistake for Mario Williams. Mark my words, he will get lost in the shuffle. He will probably fall off the face of the earth."

Through all of the negativity, if the Bills end up making the playoffs this will all is irrelevant.  If not, what excuses will they make then?

Time for Bills to Embrace Expectations

It has been 13 years since the Buffalo Bills last reached the playoffs and with the much improved roster and easier schedule, it is time for the Bills to end that drought.

With so many players coming back from injury and the additions of so many key players on both sides of the ball, the time to make excuses in Buffalo is over. Defensive end Mario Williams was the biggest offseason signing as the Bills gave him a $100 million dollar deal.  Williams will make a defense who was putrid against both the run and pass last season more potent.  His ability to get to the quarterback along with newly acquired Mark Anderson will force opposing teams to respect them more.

Williams and Anderson by default will make the secondary better by relieving them of some of the pressure they had last year.  Too many times, they were left out to dry due to the pass-rush, or lack there of. 

The Bills still added talent to their secondary when they drafted cornerback Stephon Gilmore from South Carolina with the 10th pick in last April's draft.  Cordy Glenn was also an addition to the defensive line in the second round out of Georgia.  In the third round, the team picked their only offensive skill player of the draft as T.J. Graham of North Carolina State was taken.  Graham will look to add depth to the thin line of receivers the Bills have.

Here is a breakdown of the Bills team as a whole:

Quarterback play: (B-) The play at the quarterback position just hasn't been consistent enough over the past two years to warrant any grade better than a B-.  Consistency from this position is what the Bills are going to need, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to have to deliver if they want to contend in the division.

Running backs: (A-) Fred Jackson is coming back healthy.  C.J. Spiller looks to make more of an impact than he ever has before.  If this tandem can produce the way it looks like they will not only rushing the ball but contributing in the passing game, it will pay large dividends.

Wide Receivers: (C-) After Stevie Johnson, the Bills are very weak in the receiving core.  David Nelson, T.J. Graham, and others will have to step up to give Fitzpatrick enough targets.

Tight Ends: (B) If Scott Chandler can play consistently like last year, the Bills will have themselves a solid option in the red zone.

Offensive Line: (C+) The reason this grade isn't higher is because as talented as the line is, they haven't been able to stay healthy.  Until they can for an entire season, C+ is a fitting grade.

Defensive Line: (A-) The preseason hasn't been the kindest to the defense as they have had flashes of greatness and flashes of mediocrity.  I do think they will find their stuff and be fine during the season.  Pass rush seems to be potent.

Linebackers: (B-) If they get to the quarterback more than last season, it's already an improvement.

Secondary: (A-) The secondary without adding anyone would have already improved when Mario Williams signed, but with the addition of Stephon Gilmore, they will be even better.

Special Teams: (B) Special teams have always been average for the Bills and I don't anticipate anything different this season.

Coaching: (B) Chan Gailey seems to have his ducks in a row this season but in his third season, he must show significant improvements or he automatically goes under fire.  There are no more excuses.

My prediction for the 2012-2013 Buffalo Bills: 9-7 (3-3)

Bills Cut QB Vince Young

Only hours after completing a trade for former Seattle quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the Bills have released Vince Young.

Young was signed in the off-season and has failed to impress like many thought he would. He tweeted the following an hour ago informing the Twitter world of his release.

"I want to thank the Bills organization for the opportunity and wish the organization and my teammates good luck this season."

He also tweeted "Respect Bills Fans".

Breaking News: Bills Rumored to Have Acquired QB Jackson

According to NFL.com, the Buffalo Bills will acquire quarterback Tarvaris Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks were contemplating moving Jackson after they have watched quarterbacks Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson succeed this preseason.  The team paid Matt Flynn big money and did not want to invest more in a third stringer in Jackson.

This creates much speculation in Buffalo at the quarterback position.  With Ryan Fitzpatrick slotted as the team's number one guy, it is clear the Bills are not happy with the play at the position.  Now with Jackson. Vince Young, Tyler Thigpen, and Brad Smith all at QB, who knows where the Bills will go from here.

According to reports, neither team has confirmed the deal but expect it to become official very soon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Sports for any updates on the situation and all other information Bills related.

Young Signing Stirs National Buzz

People of Buffalo as well as people within the Bills organization knew that the signing of Vince Young would cause the city and team to be talked about around the nation.  The didn't know however, the manner in which they would be spoken about.

Opinions have sprung about it being a bad signing and it's effect will be drama and unwanted attention while some believe this makes the Bills even more relevant in the AFC East than ever before.  There is no question that Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills but that isn't to say there will not be some competition throughout the season.

Vince Young, when mentally and physically healthy is as lethal as any scrambling quarterback in the league.  One of Young's  biggest supporters, ESPN's Skip Bayless consistently advocated that if Young were the starter for the Eagles last year they would have been a playoff team.  He tweeted Friday about the Bills signing him.

Skip Bayless ‏ @RealSkipBayless

"Vince Young eventually will be the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who'll start causing problems in the AFC East."

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We will see if that statement holds true but however Young helps the Bills, the signing is definitely a show of the commitment to win by the Bills.

Bills Sign QB Vince Young

The fascinating off-season that has already featured the signings of defensive stars Mario Williams and Mark Anderson just got a lot more interesting as the Buffalo Bills announced Friday afternoon that they have signed former Titans and Eagles quarterback Vince Young to a one year contract.

Young, who spent last season as the backup in Philadelphia to Michael Vick visited with and worked out for the Bills last week.  Wide receiver David Nelson told reporters at a local charity event that he thought Young looked good and was in good shape.  Earlier this week, Young's agent said that Buffalo was "still an option" and they definitely were.

Vince Young over his 6 year career has compiled a total quarterback rating of 74.4 to go along with 46 touchdowns and a 57.1% completion percentage.  He has never been know for dazzling passing statistics rather his 31-19 record and his ability to run and move out of the pocket has been his trademark.

The Bills will play Young two million dollars for his base contract with another one million in additional possible playing bonuses.

This move definitely brings national attention to the team if it wasn't there already from the off season they have had.  It also will bring heat to starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who will hear the Vince Young chants in Ralph Wilson Stadium if he or the team struggle this season.  The heat and competition can prove however to be a good thing for Fitzpatrick and the Bills as he and they will be forced to step their game up to avoid a quarterback controversy.

Regardless of his stats and baggage he brings, the luxury of having Vince Young as a backup option for an injury is something no one can complain with.

Bills Fill Needs in 2012 Draft

Gilmore's play in SEC should prepare him for NFL game

The Buffalo Bills had nine picks entering the 2012 NFL draft.  They used eight of them (trading one away) and selected many quality players to fill their most desperate needs.

Stephon Gilmore, the speedy corner out of South Carolina became a Buffalo Bill when the organization drafted him with the tenth overall pick.  I had Gilmore as the second best corner in the draft behind Morris Claiborne and just ahead of Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.  Gilmore gives the Bills an instant starter in the secondary that can add cover skills both in man coverage and zone.  He will have to continue to work on his overall technique and adjusting to the NFL game but the Bills finally realized that the SEC produces the best "ready to play" athletes so Gilmore should have no problem catching on.

The Bills then addressed another major need in the offensive line.  OG Cordy Glenn from Georgia (SEC) fell all the way to 41st.  Glenn, projected by some to be a target of the Bills in the first round was certain to go in the first round, or at least before 41st.  The Bills didn't trade up and didn't panic like in past years.  They stayed the course and waited until the 6-6, 345 pound guard fell to them.  The Bills plan is to use Glenn as the solution to their mediocre left tackle play but his original position at Georgia was guard.  He will be best suited at the guard position.  Trying his skill set at tackle isn't a poor idea, but it may not the best way to get the fullest out of Glenn.

The Bills followed up their first two selections by filling the last of their three main needs.  T.J. Graham became a Bill when he was drafted 69th overall.  Graham, mainly a slot receiver at North Carolina State stands just under six feet tall.  He will come in and try and provide the Bills with that number two receiver they have been missing for many years now.  They do not have many weapons for Fitzpatrick after Stevie Johnson.  Johnson will see many double teams this year especially if the Bills didn't add any weapons but Graham should be able to provide an impact in the middle of the field which will open up the big play for Johnson.

Tank Carder will add explosiveness

Nigel Bradham, outside linebacker from Florida State was the team's next selection to go along with another linebacker Tank Carder they picked up in the fifth round.  The additions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson will help the pass rush immensely but the linebacking core was still weak.  The Bills hope that both Bradham's and Carder's college careers can translate into success at the NFL level.  Carder has an interesting story.  A former BMX world champion at age nine suddenly had his life flash in front of him when he was involved in a car accident in seventh grade.  "The only thing I remember was looking down the road and passing out... then I was in the hospital" Carder told ESPN back in 2009.  The vehicle hit a pole and he was flung from the car which caused the car to actually roll on top of him causing a punctured diaphragm, collapsed lung, broken back in two places, 5 or 6 broken ribs, and two chest tubes.  Miraculously, almost ten years later, the former TCU standout has achieved the unthinkable of dream of making it to the National Football League.

The Bills draft in it's entirety is listed below.  There were two themes of the teams' draft this year which has the team headed in the right direction.  They took the approach of defense defense defense and said through their picks "you're not scoring on us this year."  They also realized that the SEC Conference traditionally produces the best pro prospects.  Buffalo spend 3 of their first 5 picks on SEC players, Gilmore, Glenn, and LSU cornerback Ron Brooks.

1st round (10th): CB Stephon Gilmore [South Carolina]
2nd round (41st): OG Cordy Glenn [Georgia]
3rd round (69th): WR T.J. Graham [North Carolina St]
4th round (105th): OLB Nigel Bradham [Florida St]
4th round (124th): CB Ron Brooks [LSU]
5th round (144th): OT Zebrie Sanders [Florida St]
5th round (147th): OLB Tank Carder [TCU]
6th round (178th): OG Mark Asper [Oregon]
7th round (251st): K John Potter [Western Michigan]

My grade: B+
Mel Kiper's grade: B-

Many of these players the Bills drafted have the ability and potential to be contributors very early in their pro careers which makes this class even the more intriguing.  Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey have this team headed in the right direction which is what all fans expect having not made the playoffs in over a decade.  The schedule sets up favorable for the franchise this year but one thing that has been proven over the years in the NFL is you cannot win without the quarterback.  The X-factor for this team is Ryan Fitzpatrick.  In a passing league, Bills fans will need to see the Fitzpatrick that beat the Patriots and Eagles and not the one who threw a league leading 23 interceptions last year.  Injured or not, the performance of Fitzpatrick in the last two thirds of the season was J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards "esque."  Well, not that bad but he struggled enough to turn a promising start into a disappointment once again.  He will have to put his gun-slinging mentality away and focus on getting the balls to his receivers in spots they can catch it and methodically moving his drives down field.  When he gets anxious, he gun-slings, and what he does that, he overthrows... by a lot.  Overthrows lead to interceptions or drive killers.  The Bills, and Fitzpatrick can't have any of those if they expect to end this overdue drought.

Final 2012 NFL Mock Draft

With the NFL draft just a little over 24 hours away, I have finished a final mock for this year.  The Colts and Redskins own the first two picks and with Andrew Luck going to Indianapolis and Robert Griffin III most certainly headed to Washington, the rest of the draft is unpredictable.  Minnesota, at pick number three, holds the key to the rest of the draft.  Whatever star player they choose can impact every team for the rest of the first round or at least the first half.

The Buffalo Bills select tenth in this years' draft after finishing last year with a 6-10 record.  The Bills come into this draft already revamped on the defensive side of the ball with their main additions being DE Mario Williams from Houston and DL Mark Anderson from New England.  With those two big bodies standing on the line with Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, the pass rush will be much improved.  They do however have major needs that need to be filled before any significant steps are made (i.e. Playoffs).

Wide receiver, defensive back, and offensive lineman are the three main needs for the Bills.  Wide receiver of all the positions has the deepest class this year.  Defensive back and offensive line are still large needs for the Bills though .  Offensive line is probably the most important.  With Ryan Fitzpatrick receiving a large contract last year, protecting him will be a main priority as the season progresses.  Assuring up the left tackle position can really pay dividends to not only Fitzpatrick but the running backs and receivers as well.  The defensive backs for the Bills improved this winter without adding anyone at all.  The additions of Williams and Anderson in effect make those same backs as last year better.  A more efficient pass rush will lead to more arrant throws and turnovers.

Thursday should be a very interesting day for the Bills and the entire league.  Nothing is better than watching young men achieve their dreams of playing in the National Football League.  This draft may be the most important for the Bills in the latest decade as there is a national buzz that this team hasn't seen in a very long time.  With that said, here is my final 2012 first round NFL mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts- QB Andrew Luck (Stanford)
*Luck is this year's best player and the release of Peyton Manning assured us that the Colts were ready to move on with Andrew Luck.  Owner Jim Irsay loves Luck and will try and have the same success he did with Peyton Manning.  On Tuesday the organization confirmed the rumors rather than making us wait until Thursday night, that they were selecting Andrew Luck with the first pick.

2. Washington Redskins- QB Robert Griffin III (Baylor)
*The Redskins did not trade up to the number two spot to draft a tackle.  They spent three first round picks to get their guy and that guys is the Heisman trophy winner RG3.  Griffin will head into a Mike Shanahan system where he will try and make the Redskins relevant again in the NFC East.  Washington has some pieces in place but will need more if they want to give Griffin the best chance to succeed.

3. Minnesota Vikings- OT Matt Kalil (USC)
*With rumors circulating that the Vikings are highly interested in LSU defensive back Morris Claiborne, the draft can be gauged by this pick.  Minnesota holds the key to how the first round will play out.  Claiborne and Kalil seem to be the only two serious contenders for the number three pick but guys like Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson can shape the possibilities for the Vikings to trade down.  Kalil should be the pick at three however.  Having a solid left tackle to protect developing Christian Ponder really would pay dividends to the team going forward.

4. Cleveland Browns- RB Trent Richardson (Alabama)
*The Browns are very weak on the offensive side of the football so they need to get a playmaker that can score touchdowns.  They would like to have had the opportunity at RG3 but with him off the board, Colt McCoy's development will continue.  They will then turn to the next best available player on the board and that is Alabama running back Trent Richardson.  Richardson is a strong, physical, and quick back that can add explosiveness to a  lackluster offense in Cleveland.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Morris Claiborne (LSU)
*The Bucs would be absolutely thrilled to have Claiborne fall into their lap at five.  If Minnesota passes on the star corner, that is what is sure to happen.  Claiborne has tremendous ball skills and is poised to create many turnovers at the next level.  He is a great cover corner that can play both man-to-man and a bit of zone.  Claiborne is one of the best one on one defenders we have seen in the draft in some time.  He is a steal at the fifth pick.

6. St. Louis Rams- WR Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma St.)
*The main weakness for the Rams over the past two seasons in the development of Sam Bradford is what they have surrounded him with.  Their receiving core is weak to begin with and each year it has been decimated with injuries.  They were able to snag Brandon Lloyd from Denver last year to help and now they will have the opportunity to add another big time player at the wide receiver position.  Blackmon, at 6'1, 205 lbs doesn't have tremendous size but his physicality and hands will add a weapon for Sam Bradford to add to his arsenal.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars- DT Fletcher Cox (Mississippi St.)
*This pick was a toss up between Cox and Quinton Couples from North Carolina.  Both are outstanding players on the defensive line but Cox is going to be the pick here.  At 6'4" 298, Cox is rising up most all draft boards.  His first team all-SEC selection last year in part due to his league leading 14.5 TFL.  What makes Cox stand out here at seven is the fact that he can play at the tackle or end position on the line.  He ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the combine which caught many teams' eye.  Cox can make an immediate impact.

8. Miami Dolphins- QB Ryan Tannenhill (Texas A&M)
*Even though I don't believe Tannenhill is the best pick here, it is inevitable that if he is available, the Dolphins will take him.  His numbers didn't stand out this past season in a very weak defensive conference in the Big 12 but his talent level and ceiling is through the roof.  He will need a year or two to learn and develop his skill set further so Dolphins fans will need to have patience.  Miami is in desperate need of a safety so Mark Barron from Alabama is probably the better option but Tannenhill is going to be the pick.

9. Carolina Panthers- CB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina)
*The Panthers will have the luxury at pick number 9 to choose from 3-4 solid football players.  The two front runners are DE Quinton Couples and CB Stephon Gilmore.  Both are needs on the defensive side of the ball but with the bountiful amount of receivers in the NFC south, cornerback is the better pick.  Gilmore can step into the role of starting corner and vastly improve the Panthers defense who ranked 24th in opponents passing yards in 2011.

10. Buffalo Bills- SS Mark Barron (Alabama)
*Mark Barron wasn't considered one of the best options for the Bills a few weeks ago but their needs for a defensive back and Barron's outstanding defensive skills will help the Bills in shoring up their defense.  This pick wasn't easy to make as there is many players the Bills can choose from, all of which can provide impacts immediately.  Chan Gailey really likes the Bama defenders so between Barron and CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Barron is the better player on the board.
----Other Possibilities----
+ OT Riley Reiff (Iowa): Offensive tackle is one the three main needs for the Bills so Reiff would be a good pick for the Bills if Barron isn't the choice.  Reiff's size and strength will help Ryan Fitzpatrick sleep at night knowing his left side if protected.
+ WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame): Michael Floyd is the most popular choice it seems by fans of the Bills.  Floyd will be on the board and would help the Bills add that second receiver to complement Stevie Johnson.
+ LB Luke Keuchly (Boston College): Keuchly may be the best player on the board at this pick.  His quickness and athleticism makes him the top linebacker in this year's draft, and a good option for anyone after the top few picks. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs- LB Luke Keuchly (Boston College)
*Keuchly doesn't necessarily fill the biggest need for the Chiefs but when a player this solid is on the board with a double digit pick, you can't pass it up.  David DeCastro is probably the pick that fills the biggest need at the guard position but Keuchly's potential impact is too strong to pass up.

12. Seattle Seahawks- DE Quinton Couples (North Carolina)
*Couples has fell far enough and won't slip past the Seahawks at number 12.  This pick is between Couples and Melvin Ingram.  Both are solid players but Couples' can help improve the Seahawks pass rush.  He can also play in the middle of the line which adds to his versatility.

13. Arizona Cardinals- OT Riley Reiff (Iowa)
*With the Bills selecting Barron and passing on Reiff, the Cardinals will have him fall into their lap.  He was the top OT in the Big 10 this season and his body of work looks promising and transferable into the next level.  He is a big tackle at 6'6", 313 that looks to be able to throw his weight around in the NFL.  He will be the first player from South Dakota (hometown) selected in the first round since 2006 and the first from his hometown of Parkston (population of 1,508).

14. Dallas Cowboys- CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama)
*I am very high on Bama corner Dre Kirkpatrick.  Although Morris Claiborne possesses the better ball skills, Kirkpatrick's talents are very close behind.  I have him as the 7th best player in the entire draft.  He would help the Cowboys' secondary immensely as they struggled down the stretch last season.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- LB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama)
*Back-to-back Alabama defenders drafted and both in the same division... how ironic.  Upshaw is a physical linebacker, but who isn't physical on Alabama?  He is very quick for his size at 6'2" 265.  His performance in the national title game in January (MVP) pushed him over the top and into the first half of the first round.

16. New York Jets- WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame)
*Floyd is the best player on the board at the 16th pick.  This will provide an instant duo of Santonio Holmes and Floyd for Mark Sanchez to work with.  The Jets traded for Tim Tebow during the offseason but they just gave Sanchez a contract extension so they will try and surround him with as many pieces they can for him to succeed.

17. Cincinnati Bengals- DT Michael Brockers (LSU)
*Best player available on the board

18. San Diego Chargers- LB Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
*Bama's defense was stacked... plain and simple

19. Chicago Bears- DE Chandler Jones (Syracuse)
*Continues to rise fast up draft boards


20. Tennessee Titans- DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
*This is very late for a talent like Ingram to fall.  Pieces fell in place for Titans to grab stud at 20

21. Cincinnati Bengals- WR/KR Kendall Wright (Baylor)
*Cornerback is still a major lead but with no stud on the board here they will focus attention to a playmaker in Kendall Wright to go along with A.J. Green.

22. Cleveland Browns- QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma St)
*27 going on 28 but it doesn't matter.  Arm strength and accuracy are solid and he still has 6-7 solid years ahead of him.  Will make huge improvements in Cleveland.  New York Yankee to a Cleveland Brown.

23. Detroit Lions- OT Jonathan Martin (Stanford)
*Offensive line is key to continue to keep Matt Stafford away from injuries.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- G Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
*This pick would be the best player on the board.  Glenn also fills a major need at the guard position.

25. Denver Broncos- DT Dontari Poe (Memphis)
*The Broncos would prefer a stud corner here but with Claiborne, Kirkpatrick, and Gilmore gone, they will look for one later in draft.  Poe is a big body to occupy the middle of the defensive line.

26. Houston Texans- WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina)
*The Texans really have just one solid option for Matt Schaub in Andre Johnson so adding another weapon is key.  Jeffery has fell on some boards but I still keep him in the first round.

27. New England Patriots- DE/OLB Shea McClellin (Boise State)
*I believe the Patriots will select a player with this pick or at least use one of their two first round picks.  Whether it is this one or the 31, we don't know.
28. Green Bay Packers- DE Nick Perry (USC)
*The defense was still suspect last year as Aaron Rodgers and the potent offense was able to overshadow it until the playoffs.  Perry will help along the line and in the pass rush.

29. Baltimore Ravens- C/G Peter Knoz (Wisconsin)
*The team is getting older so adding a center to learn behind a veteran like Matt Birk is the right move for the future.

30. San Francisco 49ers- DT Jerel Worthy (Michigan State)
*They added so much on the offensive side of the ball during the offseason, they could use another piece to the already loaded defense.

31. New England Patriots- DE Whitney Mercilus (Illinois)
*This would be a steal if Mercilus falls this low and almost out of the first round.  The Pats would be crazy to trade this pick away if he is available.  Great value

32. New York Giants- OT Mike Adams (Ohio State)
*The defensive line is set so it's time for the champs to focus on the other line.

Bills Schedule Released

Tuesday night, the latest NFL schedule was released on ESPN. This years' schedule pits every team in at least one prime-time game. The Bills will host the Miami Dolphins on November 15th at 8:20pm on a game televised on NFL Network. This will be the Bills only prime-time slot of the season. They will continue to host their annual Toronto game with this year's opponent being the Seattle Seahawks.  Below is the remaining 2012 schedule which has the Bills facing opponents from the NFC West and the AFC South.

This year's schedule sets up for success for the Bills.  With a re-built defensive line with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson to complement Kyle Williams, the defensive is going to already be improved upon last season.  A healthy Fred Jackson will help with the 1-2 punch of him and C.J. Spiller who made significant strides at the end of last season at the running back position.  Stevie Johnson, after getting his long term contract will have to live up to it as the receiving core if quite thin as it is.  Johnson will have to mature and improve on his childish antics if he want so supplement himself as a top receiver in the league.

The NFL Draft is Thursday night and the Bills will be looking to use the tenth pick on a player that can help them achieve their goal of ending a decade long playoff drought.  Offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback are the two biggest needs of the team and with a deep class, there will be good players at all three positions available at the tenth pick.

Home games
Kansas City Chiefs 1:00pm 09/16/2012 CBS
New England Patriots 1:00pm 09/30/2012 CBS
Tennessee Titans 1:00pm 10/21/2012 CBS
Miami Dolphins 8:20pm 11/15/2012 NFLN
Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00pm 12/02/2012 CBS
St. Louis Rams 1:00pm 12/09/2012 FOX
New York Jets 1:00pm 12/30/2012 CBS

Away games
New York Jets 1:00pm 09/09/2012 CBS
Cleveland Browns 1:00pm 09/23/2012 CBS
San Francisco 49ers 4:15pm 10/07/2012 CBS
Arizona Cardinals 4:05pm 10/14/2012 CBS
Houston Texans 1:00pm 11/04/2012 CBS
New England 1:00pm 11/11/2012 CBS
Indianapolis Colts 1:00pm 11/25/2012 CBS
Miami Dolphins 1:00pm 12/23/2012 CBS

Toronto games
Seattle Seahawks 4:05pm 12/16/2012 FOX

Mario Williams a Bill?

As most of Buffalo knows by now Mario Williams; 2x pro-bowl defensive end from the Houston Texans and #1 defensive FA on the market is in Buffalo meeting with the Bills front office. GM Buddy Nix, Russ Brandon, Chan Gailey, Dave Wannstedt and fellow DL Kyle Williams are meeting with the 6-6 lineman tonight.

Joining Mario Williams is another top free agent, Robert Meachem. The former Saints WR is a highly coveted option now that multiple soon-to-be FA's were signed or tagged. Meachem would be a great second option to Ryan Fitzpatrick and should improve the Bills WR core, starting over Donald Jones.

Mario Williams would not come cheap. Mark Gaughan has reported that the Bills are ready to make Williams the highest paid defensive player in the league. The highest paid defensive player in the league right now is Bears DE Julius Peppers. His contract is worth $91.5 Million over a 6 year span. This is a heafty price to pay for a DE who has only started 19 games over the past two seasons but I believe he is worth it. He started all 16 games his first 4 years in the league and only has had injury problems the past few years.

He missed the second half of the 2011 season with a torn pectoral muscle and is obviously 100% recovered from it. He should not be labeled as an injury risk and is well worth all the money that will be offered to him by the Bills or any other team.

There are sources out there saying that the deal could be done tonight, I doubt those reports but he will sign somewhere in the next few days.

As much as I am excited about the possibility of having one of the best DE's in the league with the Bills I am not getting my hopes up. We all remember last year when Tyson Klabo "used" Buffalo as a bargaining chip to drive up his contract he signed with the Falcons. The same goes for Meachem. I am optimistic yet tempering my hopes on this issue. If it happens I will be as estatic as any Bills fan but 22 years in Buffalo has taught me to not get too excited.

EDIT: WGR-550 is reporting that a league source says that the Bills expect to sign both Williams and Meachem in the next 24 hours.

97 Rock Pulls the Plug on the Bills

97 Rock, the longtime provider for radio broadcasts of Buffalo Bills football, announced that it will no longer carry the teams' games.

Chet Osadchey, Vice President and General Manager for Cumulus Media, said in a interview with the Buffalo News that "After a lengthy negotiation process, we withdrew from the bid process with the team."

The Buffalo News tried to contact Marc Honan, Bills senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting, but he could not be reached for questions.

It is reported today that the Bills have reached an agreement with ENTERCOM Sports and WGR 550 on AM radio.

Bills CEO Russ Brandon said "we are excited about the Bills move to WGR 550 AM in Buffalo and the opportunity to speak and engage with our loyal fans, while providing them with the ability to hear our games on the 24/7 sports station they listen to most. Teaming with a powerful local brand like ENTERCOM is a tremendous way for us to reach a wide variety of listeners, from teenagers and their families to seasoned sports enthusiasts alike."

Information for this article was provided by The Buffalo News: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article693970.ece
Information on Bills deal with WGR and Entercom from WGR 550 website.
http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/100572/buffalo-bills-ink-deal-with-wgr

Edwards Fired as Bills DC; Wannstedt Takes Over

After multiple years of ineptitude on the defensive side of the ball the Bills have cut ties with coordinator George Edwards.

The Bills had an all-time bad season this year setting multiple team worsts. They allowed 5,938 yards which is the most in franchise history and 434 points which is second worst all-time.

Edwards lasted two seasons in Buffalo before ultimately being let go by the team Monday afternoon. Edwards brought with him the 3-4 defense and it never panned out accordingly. The defense allowed 400 yards a remarkable eight times this season and that just simply isn't good enough for a young and building team.

Edwards is being replaced by current assistant head coach and linebackers coach Dave Wannstedt who just completed his first season with the team. He primarily works with the teams' inside linebackers.

Wannstedt brings many years of head coaching experience both at the professional and collegiate level. He coached the Chicago Bears from 1993-1998 and the Miami Dolphins until 2004. His most recent stint was with the University of Pittsburgh.

Bills Looking to Sweep Tom Brady and the Patriots

It seems like so long ago the city of Buffalo was buzzing with excitement about the possibility of the Bills in the playoff picture. Losses in seven of their past eight games have put a quick and abrupt end to all of that talk and has forced fans once again to focus on what could have been.

The excitement from this season all started in week three when the Bills were able to force four Tom Brady interceptions and pick up their first win against New England since 2003. A Rian Lindell last second field goal gave the Bills a 34-31 victory. In that game, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for a total of 369 yards and 2 touchdowns. At the time, Fred Jackson was still active and healthy and he racked up 74 yards and a touchdown.

Even though the defense of Buffalo allowed just under 500 yards (495) to the Patriots offense, it seemed like it was the beginning of something special in Buffalo and maybe the re-emergence of the dominant Buffalo Bills like we saw in the early 1990's.

After that game, the Bills continued on to post a 5-2 record through eight weeks. Ryan Fitzpatrick was playing at a high level and was rewarded with a 6 year 59 million dollar contract (33 million guaranteed).

From that point on, the season completely turned on not only the players but the fans as well. The Bills went on a seven game losing streak and now sit at a disappointing 6-9. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been nothing short of disappointing and erratic. Star running back Fred Jackson is currently on IR with a broken leg, and star wide-out Stevie Johnson may be playing his last game in a Bills jersey this week. With so many saying the future looks bright, is that really the case?

If the Bills are able to get the 2011 first half Ryan Fitzpatrick, a healthy Fred Jackson, and a more team oriented Stevie Johnson, the yes the future holds some key promises. What if the gun-slinging less than trustworthy Fitzpatrick shows up at training camp next year? What is a disgruntled Fred Jackson doesn't get his contract extension he has been promised by Buddy Nix? What if Johnson demands too much money and once again the Bills let another player walk? What if they miss on yet another draft pick in this April's draft?

These are all possibilities and things that are not uncommon for the Bills and their fans. Year after year the season starts with such hope and ends with such disappointment. It is time for that hope to change into confidence and that confidence will come with a shakeup. The team has pieces in place on both sides of the ball but they need more. In this league, a team just simply cannot win with glorified backups in starting roles. Every team has injuries but the good teams can use what they have to make up and pick up the slack.

The Buffalo Bills need to gain a "killer instinct." Right now they do not have anyone on the roster that can add that spark. The problem with the team lies greater than winning ball games or making it to the postseason; It's about giving the loyal and under appreciated fans of this city something to cheer about and have hope in. Not the fake hope that every team has in week one of the regular season, but real hope, the kind of hope that goes way beyond football.

Steve Johnson to Command $7.5 Million?

WGR-550 reports that during negotiations Bills leading WR Steve Johnson was asking for $7.5 Million a year on a long term deal. These negotiations ended but are sure to start up again in the coming weeks with the Bills season coming to an end.

The Bills were quick to offer QB Ryan Fitzpatrick a multi-year deal worth over $10 Million a year mid-way through the season after contract talks dissolved with Johnson. Will the Bills be able to lock up another offensive starter before Johnson becomes a free agent on March 13th and is free to sign with any team?

The reported $7.5 Million a year deal is expected to be a four or five season contract that will keep one of the most prolific Bills in Buffalo for another 5 seasons.

Johnson led the Bills in 2010 with 1,073 yards and 10 TD's and is only 36 yards away from being the Bills first ever receiver with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. He can accomplish this feat this Sunday at New England.

I believe $7.5 Million/year deal is a fair asking price for a WR with most likely back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. He seems to be Fitzpatrick's "go to guy" and keeping him as a main part of the offense will help them move on from this season's collapse.

I think he is worth it and the Bills are well below the NFL's Salary Cap so they can afford to fit him in their budget for the 2012 season, but does Buddy Nix agree?

Johnson is only making around $500,000 this year and is due for a large raise, but is $7.5 Million too much to ask? That is the question the Bills need to answer.

Bills Turn the Clock Back on "Tebow Time"

Coming into the beautiful Christmas Eve day with losses in seven straight games, the Buffalo Bills were determined to stop, or even slow down "Tebow Time."

The game was blacked out locally, but it was on to watch if you made it to the game.

The Broncos looked good in the opening as Tebow ran for a one yard touchdown to get the first points on the board.

The score could have been easily 7-6, but Bills kicker Dave Rayner missed field goals of 45 and 31 yards. Rayner however, would make his next attempt of 28 yards to get Buffalo on the board at 7-3.

After a stop on the next drive, the Broncos were forced to punt. The following play resulted in a 80 yard punt return by Leodis McKelvin which made the score 10-7. The play would be challenged for stepping out of bounds, but not overturned.

As halftime approached, the Bills drove down the field and answered with a four yard run by CJ Spiller to make the score 17-7 at the half. The Broncos first possession was capped off by a 17 yard pass from Tebow to tight end Daniel Fells to make the score 17-14. Rayner, who was at the time 1-3 on the day for field goals answered with back-to-back field goals to make the score 23-14.

When the 4th quarter came around, many fans felt Tebow Time was coming. Following another Rayner kick to make it 26-14 was an interception by Bills rookie corner back Justin Rodgers. Tebow later in the game threw another interception to Bills safety Jairus Byrd, which would be returned to make the score 33-14. On the next Denver possession, Tebow had the ball knocked out of his hands into the air, and recovered by Bills defensive linemen, Spencer Johnson, who also returned it for a touchdown. At this time, Tebow Time was almost a certain not to happen. The rout was officially on and ended with a Bills 40-14 win.

The Bills record now stands at 6-9 while the Broncos are 8-7. Denver no longer controls their own destiny as they will need a win next week and Raiders loss to win the AFC west.

Bills Lose Jackson for Year

The downhill spiral that is the Buffalo Bills once promising season, took another turn for the worse Wednesday when they found out that their workhorse running back Fred Jackson would miss the remaining six games this season.

It was originally thought that Jackson had a strained right calf but an x-ray revealed a broken bone in Jackson's right leg. He ranks second in the league in yards from scrimmage with 1,376 and he only trails the Bears' Matt Forte.

The Bills surprising start this year was fueled by the offense orchestrated by Jackson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Removing Jackson from that picture will put even more pressure on Fitzpatrick as he will be asked to make more plays with the lack of a power running game.

2009 1st round draft pick C.J. Spiller will get the start Sunday when the Bills go on the road to take on the New York Jets. Spiller has yet in his two year career to show many signs of that first round promise that he once possessed. He will get his opportunity this Sunday when he goes up against an active Jets defense.

Buffalo did claim former Cowboys running back Tashard Choice off of waivers Wednesday and he will surely work his way into the rotation throughout the rest of the season. Choice has served as a viable backup option in Dallas over the past few years (recently released by Redskins) and the Bills are hoping he can bring his experience in and contribute to the offense and help Spiller.