Archives for August 28, 2011

‘The Bills weren’t as bad as last year’s record indicated, as three of the 12 losses came in overtime and the team went 4-4 over the second half after losing its first eight games. And considering the defense couldn’t possibly be any worse than last year’s disaster, a better overall result in 2011 may very well be forthcoming. However, there are still too many question marks, particularly on the offensive line and at the skill positions, and although Gailey has a track record of getting the most of his resources on that side of the ball, there’s simply not enough in place to project Buffalo to be a factor in an AFC East pack that contains two conference powerhouses in New England and the New York Jets.’

‘Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid game, completing 11 of his 12 passes for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fitzpatrick finished with a quarterback rating of 158.3, the highest rating a QB can possibly get. Fred Jackson started the game, receiving nine carries for 33 yards. CJ Spiller spelled Jackson, receiving four carries for 21 yards. Wildcat QB Brad Smith threw an incomplete pass and ran for 15 yards on three carries. Marcus Easley had an excellent game, catching five balls for 51 yards, including an 11 yard touchdown pass from Fitzpatrick. Steve Johnson grabbed four balls for 76 yards, with a 52 yard bomb that went for a touchdown. The Bills gained a total of 236 yards in the first half.’

‘I thought it was a very nice job by the Bills first team in a half of work. Yes, the defense did give up 10 late points in the second quarter, but they did many good things without Shawne Merriman or Chris Kelsay, and Marcell Dareus getting one series.’

‘A big point of emphasis was put on the offensive line throughout the week, and they actually looked competent. It is fair to note that three of Jacksonville’s top pass rushers were not in the lineup as noted by Jaguars beat reporters (Aaron Kampman, Tyson Alualu and Jeremy Mincey), but watching Levitre and Bell hold their ground and give Ryan Fitzpatrick time enough to throw inflates the optimism balloon just a bit more. Kudos to Bell playing like his job was on the line. Now, to try and get him to think his job is on the line each and every week.’

‘Cuts: Reggie Corner, Loyce Means, Doyle Miller.’

‘The starters on both sides of the ball played the entire first half. The offense built a 17-0 lead. The defense forced three straight punts, before allowing the Jaguars to scored twice in the late stages of the first half.’

‘Wouldn’t it be funny if Chan Gailey wasn’t “disrespecting Fred Jackson” by starting CJ Spiller last week and that Jackson was just fairly-justifiably going Rodney Dangerfield on the media. I don’t think there’s a sane football coach on Earth who would dismiss Jackson considering Spiller continues to prove he isn’t ready to be a consistent inside runner. I understand thinking Spiller would be Chris Johnson at the start of last year, but with what this coaching staff knows… well… nevermind. Probably shouldn’t speak so soon.’

‘”We did some good things on both sides of the ball. It was good for us,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “It was great to win in overtime. We fought hard to get back to that point and for them to be able to go out and win the game. That’s good.”‘