A Game of Inches | Cheese's Buffalo Bills Franchise

[cheese2121]

Wow that was humiliating for your Bills even more so when J.P Losman was throwing the ball for three touchdowns on you.

Lets hope you can pick back up and get yourself into the playoffs.

Tell me about it. That game was just horrible. We were doing pretty well early and then we started giving them short fields with the turnovers and it was just too much for the defense. We actually covered the wideouts pretty well, Losman loved to hit the flats and I had second string TE's just tearing me up. The Bengals are having a rough season so I'm hoping we can bounce back against them. I would love to make a wildcard berth this season but its going to be hard. Thanks for checking in man!

I have to echo what Tearz said...bad enough to lose, but to have Losman come in and play a really good game against you is rough. Good luck against the Bengals.

Yeah that one really hurt. We just could not cover the flats to save our life. I might have to start thinking about looking at outside linebackers in the offseason. Losman made us look stupid and the turnovers from our offense just killed us. Hopefully we can bounce back against the Bengals. Every game counts now.

[cheese2121]

Around the NFL Week Thirteen

Notable Injuries
-Browns - ROLB Kamerion Wimbley - Fractured Kneecap - Out for Season
-Patriots - MLB Jerod Mayo - Fractured Foot - 6 Weeks
-Bills - CB Terrence McGee - Broken Ribs - 1 Week


Notable Player Transactions
-Bills move CB Terrence McGee to inactive list and sign CB Travis Fisher to a one year deal.

-49ers sign WR Aaron Kelly and MLB Kevin Burnett to one year deals.

-Texans sign LOLB Tully Banta-Cain to a one year league minimum deal.

Offensive Player of the Week
Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars) - 20 carries for 270 yards, 4 TD's

Defensive Player of the Week
Karlos Dansby (Cardinals) 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT's, 2 forced fumbles

Game of the Week
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-14. HB Adrian Peterson led the way for the Vikings piling up 135 yards on the ground. WR Percy Harvin contributed 56 yards and a score in the win. For the Cowboys, TE Jason Witten caught four passes for 54 yards and a score.

[cheese2121]

(7-5) vs. (4-8)

Bengals QB Jeff Rowe will start in place of injured QB Carson Palmer.

Bills Look to Rebound Against Bengals

Injury Report (Players Not Playing)

Buffalo Bills
-QB Sam Bradford (74) - Herniated Disk
-HB Marshawn Lynch (88) - Dislocated Elbow
-CB Terrence McGee (82) - Broken Ribs

Cincinnati Bengals
-FS Chris Crocker (75) - Fractured Elbow
-QB Carson Palmer (89) - Fractured Toe
-LT Levi Jones (80) - Dislocated Elbow

3 Key Matchups to Watch

1)QB Jeff Rowe vs. QB Trent Edwards: Edge: Even

2)WR Chad Ochocinco vs. CB Leodis McKelvin: Edge: Ochocinco

3)HB Devin Moore vs. Bengals Front Seven: Edge: Even

Prediction:
The Bills are looking to bounce back after getting run out of their own stadium by the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Bills QB Trent Edwards has looked more and more shaky each week and chances are pretty good that rookie QB Sam Bradford will take over next week when he returns from injury. Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco has already started trash talking the Bills after seeing footage from the Steelers game saying, "Da fools can't even cover a backup TE, think what they will do when they see me. I'm going to own Leodis. You heard it here first, at least two touchdowns from the Ochocinco show." Bills CB Leodis McKelvin declined to respond to Chad's comments. The story line for the Bengals, however, is the injury to Carson Palmer. After a promising start the Bengals season took a downward spiral when Palmer again went down with a long term injury. Backup QB Jeff Rowe has proved ineffective so far. The Bills looked bad last week and I mean really bad. That being said I think they come out with a fire and down the Bengals easily. Bills win this one 31-21.

[cheese2121]

Bills Win Sloppy Game Against Bengals in the Rain 24-22

Bills CB Leodis McKelvin makes an interception in the first quarter/Bills WR Deonte Thompson hauls in a third quarter touchdown.

(8-5)- 24
(4-9)- 22

AP Cincinnati: The Bills managed to hold on for a 24-22 victory over the Bengals in a sloppy game in the rain. The two teams combined for eight turnovers. The Bengals offense had a tough time committing six of these turnovers (two interceptions and four fumbles). The first quarter went scoreless as neither offense could get anything going. Bills CB Leodis McKelvin showed up Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco intercepting a first quarter pass right in front of the loud mouth wide receiver. McKelvin would continue to make Chad eat his pregame trash talking as the cornerback held Chad to just one catch for 26 yards on the day. Needless to say McKelvin got the last laugh.

The Bengals jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter after HB Brian Leonard took a screen pass 35 yards for the score. The Bills offense was finally able to get going as TE Shawn Nelson took an Edwards pass 40 yards for the score after breaking two tackles. Bills QB Trent Edwards found backup TE Derek Fine just before the half to take a 14-10 lead heading into the break.

The Bills continued to march as rookie WR Deonte Thompson broke free for a 22 yard catch and score midway through the third quarter. The Bengals jumped right back into it after a blown coverage left slot WR Jerome Simpson wide open for an 83 yard score. Bengals HB Brian Leonard scored with under four minutes remaining to put the game within two but it was not meant to be as the pass from QB Jeff Rowe sailed out of the back of the endzone.

The Bengals will stay at home to take on the Indianapolis Colts (8-5). The Bills will head to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars (3-10) on Monday Night Football.



Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
-(no scoring)
2nd Quarter
-B. Leonard 35 yd pass from J. Rowe (S. Graham kick) 9:58
-S. Graham 33 yd FG 5:30
-S. Nelson 40 yd pass from T. Edwards (R. Lindell kick) 3:10
-D. Fine 1 yd pass from T. Edwards (R. Lindell kick) 0:05
3rd Quarter
-D. Thompson 22 yd pass from T. Edwards (R. Lindell kick) 8:50
-J. Simpson 83 yd pass from J. Rowe (2 pnt conversion failed) 4:28
4th Quarter
-R. Lindell 33 yd FG 11:56
-B. Leonard 16 yd run (2 pnt conversion failed) 3:45

Individual Player Statistics
Next Game:
-(8-5) @ -(3-10)

[Tearz49ers]

A win is a win, even as dumb as the comment may sound! Good to see you back on the right path the one towards a playofff birth this season, good luck for the rest of the road.

[cheese2121]

A win is a win, even as dumb as the comment may sound! Good to see you back on the right path the one towards a playofff birth this season, good luck for the rest of the road.

Thanks man! The playoff birth is going to be tough. It doesn't look like we are going to catch the Pats (they have a two game lead), so we will be fighting for a wildcard spot. We got an easier schedule for the last three games (all three teams have losing records). Hopefully we can put together a few wins here and get into the playoffs.

You never want turnovers but this team isn't going to win shootouts very often....let's see you work a more conservative game plan...you know shorten the game, keep the other team off the field etc. When I've played with weaker teams, I've milked the clock so that the game was shortened to 105-110 plays...gave me a much better change when the cpu could only run 48 plays. Anyways congrats on the win and keep it going. What's the playoff picture.

Yeah this team is definitely not built for winning shootouts. It should be easier now that Lynch is back to work a more conservative gameplan. It was tough these past couple games because my backup running backs were averaging under 3 yards per carry so I was forced to throw a lot and well...that usually doesn't end well for Trent. I'm going to try to have Marshawn shoulder most of the work for these last three games and get us into the playoffs. As for the playoff picture, I don't think we can catch the Pats (who are two games ahead in the division) so we'll be battling for a wildcard spot. Right now the Colts (8-5) and the Steelers (9-4) hold both the wildcard spots so we'll need a little help and we have to keep winning.

[cheese2121]

Around the NFL Week Fourteen

Notable Injuries
-Raiders - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - Fractured Shoulder Blade - Out for Season
-Ravens - TE Todd Heap - Torn Quadricep - 8 Weeks


Notable Player Transactions
-Bills release QB Brodie Croyle, CB Travis Fisher, and FB Jason Davis
-Bills move QB Sam Bradford, HB Marshawn Lynch, and CB Terrence McGee to active roster

Offensive Player of the Week
Willie Parker (Steelers) - 25 carries for 232 yards, 2 TD's, 2 catches for 37 yards

Defensive Player of the Week
James Harrison (Steelers) 12 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble

AFC Wildcard Race Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
3. Buffalo Bills (8-5)
4. Denver Broncos (8-5)

[cheese2121]

Close one against Cincinnati.

I think they went for the first 2-point conversion too early and had they have taken the extra points, you'd have had a tough OT battle.

Nice franchise though and good luck with the playoff hunt

Thanks for checking in man! Yeah the Bengals should have probably just kicked the extra points. It was a really sloppy game in the rain. I just couldn't get my ground game going. And Trent usually struggles anytime I have to lean on him too much. We have a pretty good shot to make the playoffs but its going to be close. Thanks again for checking in.

[cheese2121]

Sam Bradford answering questions from the media in practice this week.

Bradford to Start on Monday Night

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Bills rookie QB Sam Bradford will start the team's week fifteen matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football. The move comes as a bit of surprise considering the spotlight this will put the young quarterback under. The Bills are in hot contention for one of the AFC wildcard spots. Bills QB Trent Edwards had played reasonably well while filling in for the injured Bradford, guiding the team to an 8-5 record. Rumors out of Buffalo said that low completion percentage and costly turnovers are what led to Bradford being back in the starting lineup.

"Bradford won the job during the preseason and we named him our starting quarterback. Trent played great these past weeks, but nothing has changed. Bradford is our guy." -Bills Head Coach Russ Grimm

This move by the ownership and coaching staff sends a strong message about their position on Trent Edwards. Edwards is in a contract year and after this development it seems highly unlikely that he will be in Bills uniform come next season. In some ways, fans had to see this move coming. From a financial standpoint with the type of money being paid to Bradford and the skill set he wields this is the obvious choice for the Bills. Bradford has the potential to be a superstar in this league. Trent appears to be more of a journeyman who has failed to grab coaches' eyes during his time under center in Buffalo. Edwards will not want to be a backup, look for him to hit free agency looking for a starting job with a new team. For better or for worse the Bills are Sam Bradford's team.

[Tearz49ers]

Now here is the test for the Rookie, can he lead the team to 3 back to back wins and how will his nerve come up when/if he has to make plays in the Playoffs!

[cheese2121]

With three games to go, you're in the thick of this Wildcard race. Get it done!

We're definitely in it, it'll be an uphill battle though with 2 of my last 3 games being divisional matchups. Thanks man!

Now here is the test for the Rookie, can he lead the team to 3 back to back wins and how will his nerve come up when/if he has to make plays in the Playoffs!

This truly is going to be the test for Bradford. Lots of pressure and two of the last three games are against divisional opponents. Its going to be tough but hopefully with Lynch back in the lineup, some of the pressure will be off of Bradford.

[cheese2121]

(8-5) vs. (3-10)

Bills rookie QB Sam Bradford returns to the field after being injured in week four.

Bradford to Make His Return on Monday Night Against the Jaguars

Injury Report (Players Not Playing)

Buffalo Bills
-(none)

Jacksonville Jaguars
-CB Brian Williams (78) - Severe Concussion
-C Brad Meester (82) - Partial PCL Tear

3 Key Matchups to Watch

1)QB David Garrard vs. QB Sam Bradford: Edge: Even

2)WR Torry Holt vs. CB Leodis McKelvin: Edge: McKelvin

3)HB Marshawn Lynch vs. Bengals Front Seven: Edge: Lynch

Prediction:
All eyes will be on young quarterback Sam Bradford as he takes the field for the first time since suffering a severe injury in week four. No one really knows what to expect from the rookie except that the coaching staff had enough confidence to hand over the playoff hopeful Bills to him. As if the storyline weren't dramatic enough, Bradford's return will be on Monday Night in a hostile environment in a game that many consider to be a must win for Buffalo. On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars have struggled all season in the tough AFC South. Look for Jaguars HB Maurice Jones-Drew to get a lot of work as the Jaguars try to play spoiler to Bradford's return. The Bills also get back pro bowl HB Marshawn Lynch who looks to factor in heavily to the offense. If Lynch can get going and Bradford doesn't have to carry the team, I think the Bills win this one easily. I'll take Buffalo to win 28-17.

[cheese2121]

Nice job on this. Have read bits and pieces and really enjoy your style.

Thanks man, I really appreciate that and thanks for checking in!

[cheese2121]

Bills Cruise Past Jaguars 24-14

Bills QB Sam Bradford finds TE Shawn Nelson for a first half touchdown/Bills WR James Hardy breaks free of the defense on his way for a score.

(9-5)- 24
(3-11)- 14

AP Jacksonville: The Bills easily downed the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football 24-14. Even though the Bills were never in danger of losing this game, the coaching staff has to be concerned about how one-dimensional the offense became. Rookie QB Sam Bradford was forced to generate all the offense after HB Marshawn Lynch and the offensive line failed to get any sort of a ground game going. Lynch would finish the game with under 3 yards per carry. Bradford had a shaky day. The young quarterback threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns but also committed four turnovers. The coaching staff seemed unconcerned though saying that this mainly due to poor play calling on their part and the inability of the Bills to establish a ground game.

For the Jaguars, veteran WR Torry Holt was the only source of offense contributing a 100 yard day with two scores. Jaguars HB Maurice Jones-Drew also had a solid day averaging around 5.5 yards per carry and rackng up over 100 yards on the ground. He was unable to find the endzone though. Going forward the Bills coaching staff has already said they hope to cut down on the number of passes from their rookie quarterback and control time of possession more.

The Jaguars will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles (7-7). The Bills will look to stay in the thick of the AFC wildcard race as they take on their divisional rival the New York Jets (6-8) at home.




Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
-(no scoring)
2nd Quarter
-S. Nelson 2 yd pass from S. Bradford (R. Lindell kick) 4:44
-T. Holt 37 yd pass from D. Garrard (J. Scobee kick) 1:15
3rd Quarter
-J. Hardy 73 yd pass from S. Bradford (R. Lindell kick) 7:15
-R. Lindell 42 yd FG 1:55
4th Quarter
-L. Evans 62 yd pass from S. Bradford (R. Lindell kick) 11:15
-T. Holt 27 yd pass from D. Garrard (J. Scobee kick) 5:43


Individual Player Statistics
Next Game:
-(6-8) @ -(9-5)

[Tearz49ers]

Take of the four interceptions he threw, Sam had a good return. I just hope he can make better progress and make it quick because if he is throwing four interceptions against the 3-11 Jaguars what happens when he faces teams in the playoffs?