R. Rich

Just two more work days for me (counting today) before I make my way up to WNY!! Oh, and happy "22 years since our 2nd meeting" to Psycho Ward 86! If you woulda known then... T Minus... 4 days and counting!!!

You shouldn't hate.

What excuse? I just don't think Evans is a polished receiver. You mention he's one of the fastest. That may be true, but what does that have to do w/ the ability to get to the open areas of the field, especially when protections break down? NE gets the ball to Moss and Welker 'cause they can find the open areas, and do so often. I mentioned this in my thread on the game: watch how Wes Welker works w/out the ball. The guy works hard to get to an open area for his QB. I cannot say the same for Evans, nor can I blam that inability on the scheme.

He's in Detroit. I'd start Aaron Maybin and let the kid get better w/ reps. Maybe. Moving Kawika Mitchell inside isn't the answer in this scheme. I know I wouldn't be comfortable w/ him as a middle 'backer in a cover 2. No. For depth purposes maybe. That's 'bout it.

This is a two way street. Have you watched the routes Lee Evans runs? They leave a LOT to be desired. How a guy w/ his speed cannot get open against marginal DBs (I harken back to the Miami game last year) is beyond me. Evans has some skills, to be sure, but I just don't know if he's an elite wideout @ this point.

Psycho Ward 86 and I will be there. Hope to see a bunch of you guys n gals there. Roll Call: 1. Jay Rubeo 2. Rockpile (aka my twin) 3. Psycho Ward 86 4. R. Rich Maybes: Just Jack hmmmmmmmmm's: taterhill

Hey, the Bills made a game of it vs a team many people (myself included) feared could make that game ugly early. There is hope!! T Minus... 5 days and counting!!!

Wow, the season is here! It just didn't feel right w/out having the Bills do what they do 'round the beginning of a season: get my hopes up and then rip the heart out of my chest. That is one area where I dare say the Bills can claim to be the absolute best in the league. If there's another team that's better @ these kinda gut wrenching games, then I feel sorry for their fans. Like my good friend William mentioned in his "Thoughts" (required reading on the Wall), the absence of Posluszny was certainly felt last night. This is a better defense w/ him in there, and I hope he's not out for long. Demetrius Bell....yikes. Plenty of mistakes and poor play (who was he blocking on that final sack?). I feel sorry for the kid, who, lest we forget, was making his NFL debut. He shows flashes of potential, so maybe he'll learn from the mistakes and improve. I sure hope so. Eric Wood and Andy Levitre really played well. Wood had struggled a bit in pre-season after what I felt was a fine first game vs the Titans and Levitre had struggled quite a bit more throughout the pre-season. But both guys gave the Bills what we have wanted to see for years: toughness up the middle. Vince Wilfork, a member of the New England All Time Team, was virtually a non-factor. Congrats to Wood, Levitre, and Hangartner for a job well done! Trent Edwards did what he's done successfully before: limited bad plays by not going all out for the big play. It worked well for the Bills in the sense that they were able to sustain some drives and keep the NE defense (if they don't play any better than they did last night, even w/ a healthy Jarod Mayo, they're not going anywhere; the LB play was putrid) guessing for most of the game. One thing I was anxious to see out of him is how would he respond if the team needed him in the clutch. W/ less than a minute remaining and w/ the team needing to get into FG range for the win, he did some things that I think need work. He needs to work on better awareness in the pocket; so if your newbie OT is struggling and you are working w/ just seconds left in the game, GET RID OF THE FOOTBALL!! Holding onto it and then coming up w/ a completion for short yardage, an incompletion, or a sack does nothing to help the team win. On that last drive, Edwards did all three of those things. Like many components of this team, he showed some good stuff and some bad stuff. All in all though, he worked his tail off to put the Bills in a position to win the game. Fred Jackson did a fantastic job in this game! He was able to not only be decisive when running the ball, but he also had a good feel for knowing when to bail out the QB in terms of being the safety valve receiver. He got open and made big plays to keep drives alive. And his TD reception helped to sucker me in one more time! "We're winning 24-13 w/ 5 minutes to go! We're actually gonna do it!!!" Hey Fred, you did your best to stop the Bills from being, well.......the Bills. Great effort, and I look forward to more of that. I have been critical of the TEs, but they did a solid job. Schouman and Nelson made some nice catches, and I also saw some good things in terms of helping out the O line in blocking. I hope to continue to be pleasantly surprised by their play this year. WRs, on the other hand, did not look that great. People will get on Owens for only having 2 catches, but he was being blanketed by the Patriots (as they should've done, being that he's the top offensive option on the team) w/ double coverage and w/ a safety rolled to his side all night. That said, his drop on the 3rd down conversion was inexcusable. Gotta come up w/ those. Josh Reed did make a great catch 'cross the middle, but where was he the rest of the game? And as for Lee Evans....wow. If any of you still have the game tivo'd or taped or whatever (gluttons), go back and watch his route running. It is atrocious. Oh, and even though it was desparation time @ the end of the game, did you see the apathetic way Evans ran his route on the final play? Instead of actually getting into a position where maybe he could get the ball tossed to him and do something in open space, Evans just half-a**ed a route AWAY FROM THE PLAY!!! It's getting very tough to overlook his shortcomings and to consider him an "elite WR". Not to say he can't get there, but he must do a better job of getting open and helping out his QB. Watch Welker work w/out the ball and you'll see the difference. The guy busts his butt to get into a position to help the team. Lee? Not so much. Props to the defense for keeping the Bills in that game! Kyle Williams did a solid job of coming up the middle for most of the evening. Marcus Stroud got a good push and helped to either blow up plays in his direction or force the action away from him and put the pursuit in place to make plays for either no gain or a loss. Denney kept up the pressure from the strong side, even though he did screw up on the interference call (it was legit; please no conspiracy theories). Aaron Maybin, as a situational rusher, also put good pressure on Brady. I look forward to his continued development. The other Aaron, Mr Schobel, went all out! Many on the boards, myself included, have been skeptical of his performance. But he really worked hard all game. Getting that sack and then the INT for a score showed that he still has plenty left. I still have concerns on the huge holes he leaves by always going to the OT's outside shoulder (why Belichick didn't take more of an advantage of this, especially when their backs had some success running on early downs, I have no idea), but you can't fault the guy's effort in this one. Keith Ellison was overmatched on the inside guys when NE ran the spread offense. But, why didn't Perry Fewell do a better job of matching up? Why didn't he go to more DBs? Ellis Lankster showed that he can play in the pre-season; maybe he would've helped stop those short conversions by Kevin Faulk? Also, whatever happened to the press coverage, Fewell? Didn't you say that you didn't bring Leodis McKelvin here to play 10 yards off the ball? I could've sworn I read that somewhere. Terrence McGee shadowed Moss for most of the night, and though Moss ended up w/ plenty of catches and yards, he was not THE factor for the Pats' win. McGee worked hard to make that so, and he deserves some praise for it. Donte Whitner didn't get any sacks or picks, but did do a good job of minimizing the gains of the NE receivers. W/out many of his sure open field tackles, you have to wonder how many more points NE may have put up. Decent effort. 'Til these guys are put in a scheme where they can be factors instead of playing in this "play not to lose" type scheme where they're too far off the ball to actually make any kind of difference, how much more can we expect from any of these guys? That leaves everyone's Goat of the Day: Leodis McKelvin. I like the guy and I think he'll be a terrific corner for the Bills. I really do. But he made plenty of bad plays last night. Yeah yeah, the fumbled kick was disgusting. Before that, though, McKelvin had @ least 3 opportunities to come up and make a tackle for minimal gain, only to take a poor angle and watch the receiver get away from him. His open field tackling was as poor as Whitner's was good. In coverage, he still is too far off the ball to make the kind of impact plays that I'm sure he can make. All you have to do is watch 'em on kick returns (well, not that last one) to see that when he gets the ball in his hands, he can make a difference. On a pick, where there's no coverage set up and, in many cases, it's just a matter of beating one or two guys, he will do damage. Of course, it's tough to get in those spots when you're so far off the ball. The guy really screwed up on the return, but he worked to do something to put the Bills back on top. It was that same aggressiveness that caused him to fight for extra yards instead of just going down and keeping possession. Considering how well he runs on returns, I don't know if I'd wanna tinker w/ that much if I were Bobby April. It's almost akin to Ben Roethlisberger and the sacks: he gets so many by how he plays, so the Stillers live w/ it, even when it hurts 'em. Take the good w/ the bad. Coaching wise, ask yourself this: how confident were you when the Bills got the ball late? No, not after NE scored the go ahead TD, but after NE closed the gap to 24-19? W/ McKelvin's fumble, we won't know how Jauron would've handled the situation, but I admit that as they were teeing it up, I was concerned. I still think there's too much of the "play not to lose" mentality w/ Jauron. Now, I don't think that of Alex Van Pelt's play calling. Some of the plays, like the play action throw to Nelson and the well called and executed counter to the left side, were examples of Van Pelt not calling "same ol' Bills" type calls and catching NE off guard. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to keep opposing defenses guessing this year, or if they've "shot their wad" w/ this game. But, I was impressed w/ the start. So, here we are. Another heartbreaking loss in the opening game. Yeah, like we haven't seen that before. But, though there were plenty of negatives to hit on (and I'm sure folks 'round here will continue to hit on 'em for the rest of the week), there's some positives as well. How many of you thought the Bills had a chance of not embarrASSing themselves last night? Well, they not only did that, but were in control of it for nearly 55 minutes! Moral victory and all, but hey, this team hasn't had much success over the past decade, so take what you can get. Despite the annual heart ripping loss, I still feel good 'bout this team's potential. In fact, I can't wait.............well, you know!

I'm as frustrated as any Bills fan can be @ the moment, but you are incorrect in hinting that Whitner didn't show up. He's the main reason that many of those quick passes Brady completed didn't go for huge gains, as he was one of the main guys to make good open field tackles and minimize the gains. So was Reggie Corner. As for the # of catches they let Moss and Welker have, well, when a team throws the ball 60 times and most of those throws are to the same two guys, that's going to happen.

How? He's a good safety valve receiver, especially since he can hurt teams down the field. But, if the QB cannot get the ball out fast enough due to a rush, it doesn't matter. So, what does he offer to remedy that?

I'm always hoping the Bills win. No change for tonight's game.

T Minus... 6 days and counting!!!

I see your points and all, but I think bringing up Moss is a bit misleading. Based on his antics in Minnesota and Oakland, you certainly could classify him as a "me first" type guy. That said, can someone please detail for me the laundry list of antics Moss has pulled since he joined the Patriots? People who cite Peters' behavior are doing so 'cause said behavior happened while he was a member of the Bills. Not saying I agree w/ the mob mentality; I do understand where it's coming from though.

I think the conspiracy theorists are busy in South Bend this week.

You're not welcome, William.

...in the first quarter. Like it's been said, it's way too early to make a snap judgment. He did some good things and some bad things.

Man; I got so caught up in the first NFL Sunday that I forgot 'bout OUR first NFL Sunday! T Minus... 7 days and counting!!!

T Minus... 8 days and counting!!!

Last week was a really good starer week, huh? From the drama of Boise State's beatdown of Oregon (and the ugliness that followed) to that fantastic finish in the Miami-Florida State game, it was a great way to welcome back college ball! How will Week 2 fare? Guess we'll find out, as there are some intruiging matchups on the docket. Here's a few games I'll be watching/tivo'ing/VCR recording this week: GAME #1: Pittsburgh @ Buffalo Why this game?: As a fan of the UB Bulls (and a season ticket holder), I gotta throw my support for the "little team that did". The defending MAC champs will have a tough go of it, as the Panthers have to be feeling good following their 38-3 season opening win of Youngstown State. Meanwhile, UB got off to a strong start, building up a 23-7 lead and held on for the 23-17 win. Player(s) To Watch Out For: UB WR Naaman Roosevelt (5 catches for 91 yards and a TD last week) is a reliable target for new UB signal caller, sophomore Zach Maynard (12-19, 159 yds, 1 TD). The Bulls lost star RB James Starks to a shoulder injury, but have junior Brandon Thermilus (25 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD) ready to step in. Safeties Mike Newton, a senior, and Davonte Shannon, a junior, are pretty solid as well. Speaking of losing your stud RB, the Panthers adjusted to life w/out LeSean "Shady" McCoy just fine in their win last week, as freshman RB Dion Lewis finished w/ 129 yards and 3 TDs on 20 carries last week. The team still needs to find stability @ the QB position, as senior QB Bill Stull (11-16, 123 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) and redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri (5-8, 80 yards, 1 TD) battling to become the starter. Pittsburgh's defense is led by junior DE Greg Romeus and senior CB Aaron Berry. Prediction: UB is going to have a tough time getting a win this week. Lewis may or may not be the real thing (tough to go crazy over one week's work), but I think Pittsburgh has just too much talent overall to lose this one. Pittsburgh 28 - Buffalo 13 GAME #2: Troy @ Florida Why this game?: I haven't watched the Gators yet this season, so I am really interested in seeing the development of former Hypeman Trophy winner and current Hypeman Trophy candidate Tim Tebow. I've heard some good things 'bout his performance last week, so maybe the kid has a shot in the NFL as a QB. We'll see. Player(s) To Watch Out For: In addition to Tebow (10-15, 188 yards, 1 TD; 2 carries, 1 yard, TD), I want to check out Florida's All America LB Brandon Spikes. He's the defensive leader of Florida and a guy who can be a difference maker. CB Joe Haden is phenomenal, too. Watch him. The player I want to see from Troy is DE Brandon Lang. Here's another quick, undersized pass rusher from Troy. I wonder if he's @ the level of Osi Umenyiora or DeMarcus Ware, though. He'll get a chance to see what he's made of this week, that's for sure. Prediction: Florida is an easy team to root against, as they're arrogant from the coach down to the players. But, you know what else? They're really, really, really, really, really, really, really good. The crushed Charleston last week by 59 (62-3). I don't think they'll win by that much, which is the good news for Troy, but I think the Gators could very well pitch a shutout, which is not so good for Troy. Florida 54 - Troy 0 GAME #3: that school @ Michigan Why this game?: For the first time in some years, it MATTERS! The Wolves won big last week, giving RICH Rod a bit of a badly needed breather. that school finally got a Hypeman-worthy performance from QB Jimmy Clausen and appear to be loaded in terms of talent. Been a while. Player(s) To Watch Out For: Clausen (15-18, 315 yards, 4 TDs) got a lion's share of the praise for their 35-0 beatdown of Nevada, but sophomore WR Michael Floyd (4 catches, 189 yards, 3 TDs) was just money. Another sophomore, TE Kyle Rudolph (4 catches, 29 yards, TD), looks to be pretty solid also. The O line is led by junior G Chris Stewart and senior T Sam Young. We may be seeing both of these guys play on Sunday in the near future. Michigan may have found the QB they so badly need to run the spread offense in freshman Tate Forcier (13-20, 179 yards, 3 TDs) and also have fellow frosh Denard Robinson (2-4, 18 yards; 11 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD) to provide matchup problems. Robinson is quick! Junior G Stephen Schilling leads an O line that looks to improve and senior DE Brandon Graham leads a Michigan defense that forced 4 turnovers in their big win over Western Michigan. Prediction: They're baaaaack! Both teams can make that claim now. Good. College football is better w/ these two schools as a factor. Yeah, even you, that school. To me, it comes down to the inexperience of the Michigan QBs vs a defense that has experience, depth, and talent. It also is going to come down to a very good group of receivers for that school vs the Wolverines' work in progress type secondary. I think it'll be a close game, but I think it goes to the visitors. that school 24 - Michigan 20 GAME #4: USC @ Ohio State Why this game?: Hmmm, let' see: a matchup of two legendary programs, both of whom are ranked in the nation's Top 25. A chance to scout the competition (as a PENN STATE fan), and a chance to once again see how (if) the Big 11 measures up against top notch competition like the Pac 10 or the SEC. That's reason enough for me. Player(s) To Watch Out For: Trojan RBs Joe McKnight (14 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs), a junior w/ speed and moves galore, and Stafon Johnson ( 6 carries, 27 yards, 2 TDs), a senior bulldozer, lead a ridiculously deep group of RBs that also feature juniors Allen Bradford(4 carries, 53 yards, TD) and C.J. Gable (7 carries, 37 yards). Up front, the Trojans have junior center Kristopher O'Dowd and senior G Jeff Byers. Both are All Americans. The defense is led by standout senior safety Taylor Mays. TOSU sophomore tandem of RB Dan Herron (17 carries, 72 yards, TD) and QB Terrelle Pryor (14-21, 174 yards, TD, INT; 6 carries, 30 yards, TD) lead the way for the Buckeyes. Up front, the Bucks have replaced 3 starters and moved another one, so this unit is going to have growing pains. The defense is led by a couple stalwarts in junior CB Chimdi Chekwa and senior S Anderson Russell. Russell needs to step it up a bit after being roasted on an 85 yard TD last week by Navy RB Marcus Curry. Prediction: The way Curry, who was out of camp for 3 weeks w/ a virus, came back and embarrassed Russell on that play doesn't really endorse the Big 11's athleticism, now does it? As much as I want the Big 11 to show up and represent, I see this as another mismatch. Though I wish it weren't so, the Big 11 flops another test. USC 37 - Ohio State 13 A few others I will be watching and why: Western Illinois @ Northern Illinois: Western Illinois CB Patrick Stoudamire is pretty darn good! UNC @ UConn: UConn can get some payback for the beatdown they suffered last year in Chapel Hill. It's a tall order, as Butch Davis is putting together a talented bunch. Syracuse @ PENN STATE: Duh. The main thing I'll be watching is to see how well the running game works this week. They were abysmal last weekend. Get it fixed or be ready for more of the same (another loss to the Hawkeyes, another poor showing in a bowl game). Enjoy the games, folks!

T Minus... 9 days and counting!!! A week from today, I'll be on my way up to Nick Tahou's! I am soooo looking forward to this trip!

Of time?

What do you mean, "can't argue w/ that"? You post on TBD, don't you? The examples of Wilfork and Ngata are to the "we shoulda drafted (player I wanted and posted 'bout ad nauseum here)" crowd. You mention free agent misfires. Not the same thing. Both go to showing the poor judgment of management, but you're more able to recover from one (rookies who just need someone to guide and develop 'em) than the other (used and/or broken down guys like Kris "I won the Outland Trophy" Farris).

I thought he was caucasian.

The Steelers blizted effectively. The Titans blitzed rarely, and I think that was a big mistake. They used too much of a 3 man or 4 man rush, and they weren't generating enough heat. Fisher should've been a bit more flexible in that respect. Maybe if he had done so, the Titans would've won the game.

Weelcots ("Buffalo Beels")