R. Rich

Sure it was.

Yeah, but it's not really necessary. Just give Marshawn the ball 20 plus times, as was mentioned earlier. Maybe he and Roethlisberger can heal up together @ the same hospital from the beatings they take, or they can end up spending time together @ the same rehab due to their addiction to painkillers.

Pittsburgh ran a variant? Wasn't it the late Bud Carson, then Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator, who really introduced the scheme to the NFL? I do hope the coaches make a few adjustments to help things. Not sure how much that hope will help, as they do seem a bit rigid in regard to making big changes. A traditional cover 2 can be neutralized by multiple WR sets. Problem w/ that theory nowadays is, w/ the way safeties are becoming hybrids, it's tougher for teams to force those mismatches, as guys like Whitner can cover the slot if necessary as well as cover a tight end. Starting??? For the short term, they can do things such as devise blitz schemes to confuse blocking schemes (like how the Giants and the Iggles did to Pittsburgh). Aside from that, the Bills may need personnel changes in terms of their pass rush. Either way, I'll hope for the best.

Who's Schopp?

Only a TD favorite against Miami? Heck, they should be favored by @ least 20.

It must've been those lighter, quicker, svelte DTs he had like Tractor Traylor and Ted Washington.

Erin Andrews is very nice looking, even though she's got that blonde hair. I saw Kara Henderson (NFL Network) last week @ the San Diego game, and she's pretty hot too.

It's hard for me to review the performance of Derrick Dockery and say he did anything positive in terms of good pass protection (nice chip on the Porter safety) or run blocking. This could've easily been the worst game he's played as a Bill. Whittle getting one of those ill timed penalties that's reminiscient of the "same old Bills" we thought we were rid of also doesn't give them a ringing endorsement. Peters did get flat out beat by Porter on those sacks, but I guess since Porter is good it's no big deal. Funny; I thought Peters was good too. Now, I am not saying Peters sucks, but I also don't think the "Porter is good" defense is much of a defense @ all. It was a substandard performance by the entire offense, from the coaching (for whatever reason, the Bills' offense is like an open book to opposing defenses; watch the pre-snap recognition and the defense's reaction and flow to the play) on down to the players. Nobody can say they "did their job" in this one. As for the coverage guys manning up, if you mean in the masculine sense.....well, they could be a bit more physical (like Youboty was w/ those great open field tackles earlier this year). If you mean by playing more man coverage........have you seen our (lack of a) pass rush? Putting those guys in man coverage and playing more of a press coverage w/ the level of pass rush we currently have would be to QBs what blood in the water is to sharks.

The Fixx

It's just one game! It's not the end of the world! Calm down, everyone. Okay, now that I've gotten those out of the way..... We suck! We're hopeless! The end is near!! Alright, now that both polar extremes have been placated, on w/ the show.... My first thought on what took place comes from my thought on Week 1: Seven weeks later, and we still don't have a consistent, scary pass rush. People, it's one of the main culprits in BOTH of our losses. Pass protection was awful today also. Jason Peters........uh boy. Oh, and did Derrick Dockery block anyone today? Ever? Langston Walker did get a block on the FG, and that was great. Other than that, he didn't do much either. Preston got yanked; I wonder if it was for the shotgun snap? Just curious. Here's a question to ponder: were those inexperienced corners just that good, or did Evans have some trouble getting open today? Hmm... Robert Royal....yikes! Dropsies abound, and not much in pass protection either. You couldn't have had a worse game for us, unless you were.... Trent Edwards.....ugh! This was a clunker of a game from a guy many people think has the potential to be one of the very best QBs in the game. Let's just chalk it up to Trent still learning on the job and hope we don't see a repeat of this. Ever. Okay, ever is a bit unrealistic. Then again, we're Bills fans. We thrive in the realm of the unrealistic. Marshawn Lynch did have that great TD run though. Hey, it's something. As I've said before, I just wish the guy had more of the chance to take on LBs and DBs instead of getting met @ the line of scrimmage by D linemen so often. The biggest line in the league certainly can do better by this kid. Another positive was the contributions of Fred Jackson. He gives the team a nice compliment to Lynch and is a very effective runner 'tween the tackles. Well, we're 0-1 in division play so far. It's still a long ways off, and we're still tied w/ New England for the top spot. Still, unless this team develops the kind of pass rush that can force quicker throws, get more sacks (especially in critical situations where we need 'em..........like third downs), and force some turnovers, we could see more of the same. I don't think this team will tank the rest of the way, but they have to work on those issues to even hope to remain as the frontrunner in the AFC East. Protect Edwards better, open up some holes for Marshawn (PLEASE!!!!), and get after the QB to where our guys in the secondary don't have to cover for a year or so, and then let's see what happens. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll finish watching the Stillers-Giants game, then get in a bit of Madden as the Bills and whoop up on Miami in my futile attempt @ petty, meaningless revenge.

Okay, I've posted the results of Week 16. I'll also post the polls for Week 15 and 16 players of the week some time today, probably after the afternoon games and before the night game. Also, we will be looking for 3 or 4 people to take ownership of some teams this offseason. I hope we can find a couple interested participants from here. Check out our forum and see for yourself.

Sorry; no room.

I didn't vote. I also didn't watch. Willingham did get a bit of a raw deal by that school, but if he was going to go to UW to prove he can get it done, so far he hasn't. Of course, that school continues to show they're a second tier team in college football. That won't remain the case forever, but I feel that it will 'til they get more talent and maybe once they get a better coaching staff. I'm still not sold on Weis as a head football coach.

FINALLY! A win @ the shoe!! As critical as I've been of the linebackers this season, I have to give Navorro Bowman his props for a stellar performance last night. TOSU's defense was as good as I've seen this year. A team that has looked listless and unathletic in other games (Ohio U comes to mind) really got after it last night. The D line gave PENN STATE's O line fits all day, and that's something I didn't expect to happen. This was a great game to watch if you love defense like I do. Now they've got to go to Iowa and take care of business. The Hawkeyes have dealt out some heartbreaking losses to PSU over the years, so they'd better stay focused.

I dunno, Ned. I'd say 80% of the people @ RICH, during a game, spend their time getting up to go to the restroom, then back to their seats, then back to the concesison stand to get more of that watered down filth they claim is beer, then back to the restroom in their weekly Sunday ritual. And of that group, I'm quite sure most of them are under 30. Of course, I don't know how much of the game they actually see, but...

Sorry 'bout that, old timer. Forgot my place.

To each his own. If it's not all that to you, that's fine. To many, myself included, it is a rivalry. It can be all things to all people, you know.

Aside from the obvious ones this week (like PENN STATE-TOSU and Georgia-LSU), here's a few I'll watch/tape/tivo: Game #1: Boston College @ North Carolina Why this game?: The Heels are a fun team to watch. Butch Davis is another one of those guys who is probably a better fit for the college game than the pro game (Pete Carroll, Chan Gailey, Nick Saban also come to mind) due to their ability to recruit and upgrade a program's talent. BC isn't too shabby either. For a team that lost the conference's player of the year, they're putting up some points and playing well defensively, too. It should make for a fun game. Player(s) To Watch Out For: Chris Crane is not of Matt Ryan's caliber, but he's shown in flashes the ability to make big plays for the Eagles. UNC's Cameron Sexton choked down the stretch last week, but is still their leader and is a solid QB. Sucks that BC's Brian Toal broke his leg and is done for the year. They will miss that guy, for sure. Prediction: After keeping Va Tech to just over 200 yards last week, they get to deal w/ UNC's talented young group of playmakers. W/ Toal out for the year, it's a tall order and I don't know if they can accomplish it. North Carolina 30-Boston College 17. Game #2: Oklahoma State @ Texas Why this game?: Texas is on a roll. Offensively and defensively, they're playing very well. Their defense will get tested for sure by Ok State's offense. It should be a great matchup. Player(s) To Watch Out For: Is there any QB in the country playing as well as Texas' Colt McCoy right now? I don't think so. Man, this conference is loaded w/ QBs! Zac Robinson may not be playing as well as McCoy is now, but he's not playing poorly by any means. Unless you consider nearly 1,500 yards and 14 TDs to only 4 picks is "poorly". Watch also for Dez Bryant, the playmaking wideout for the Cowboys. Also, from a selfish Bills fan standpoint, I'll be watching to see if this is the game where OSU's TE Brandon Pettigrew comes back to his 2007 form. He's got the size, hands, and athleticism to be a very good receiving TE in the pros. We'll just have to see if he can put it all together. Prediction: It's hard to see the Cowboys coming up w/ this win, considering the roll the Horns are now on. They may be young and dumb enough to do it, as they won't know they're not supposed to beat the top ranked team. Still, I think Texas will have just a bit too much for them. Texas 37-Oklahoma State 24 Game #3: South Florida @ Louisville Why this game?: Hey, USF is the team I said I was going to try to watch when I could this year, and I'm sticking w/ that. The Pitt loss notwithstanding, they are still a pretty damn good team and they could get back up into the top 10 w/ an impressive enough win this week vs the Cardinals. Player(s) To Watch Out For: USF QB Matt Groethe isn't flashy, but finds a way to just get things done. He's also pretty versatile, w/ 1,500 yards passing and another 300 rushing this year. Louisville signal caller Hunter Cantwell is struggling a bit, but can light it up if USF isn't careful. I like to watch the entire USF defense, in particular DE George Selvie, 'cause they are tough! Only 6 teams in the nation and none in the Big (L)East keep opponents to fewer yards per game than the Bulls. They also got LB Brouce Mompremier back from his neck injury. I'm wondering what the deal is w/ LB Lucas Darr and DB Danny Verpaale. Both are out and may be out for quite a while. Prediction: I don't see this one being too close. USF is loaded on D, and Groethe is having a pretty good year leading their offense. I guess anything can happen, but I'll believe Louisville can get this win when I see it. South Florida 34-Louisville 13. Game #4: Virginia Tech @ Florida State Why this game?: Two of the ACC's top teams going head to head for the division lead. Yeah, yeah, the ACC isn't what it was, but there's still some quality teams in there. Both of these teams are playing well right now and this game should really be competitive. Watch for the 'Noles to continue to add balance to their offense, as they are starting to get more stability form the QB position to go w/ their formidable running game. Player(s) To Watch Out For: FSU QB Christian Ponder has picked up his play and helped to elevate the offense by doing so. He has over 300 rushing yards to go w/ his 900-plus passing yards. Only a sophomore, this kid may just be scratching the surface in terms of his ability. Va Tech's Tyrod Taylor also can run and throw, but can still be a bit erratic in terms of his passing. When he's got his confidence going though, he's a pretty effective weapon for the Hokies. Defensively, I liked what I saw out of FSU's DE Kendrick Stewart earlier this year. He's up to a couple sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss on the year. Considering how screwed up their D line was w/ suspensions and all, he's done well. The guy who you really should watch though is senior LB Toddrick Verdell. This guy is a flat out stud of an athlete who can make big plays @ any time. Prediction: We'll see how much the loss to BC has effected Va Tech this week, but I have a feeling that it did a lot to, as former Buffalo Bills head coach/philosopher Hank Bullough would say, take the "sails out of their wind". FSU is playing very well defensively and I think this could come down to the two QBs: one who seems to be on the rise in Ponder and one in Taylor who can hurt a team, but is a bit of a loose cannon in terms of consistency. Florida State 24-Va Tech 16

Has the game started yet? I can't see; I need my reading glasses. Somebody bring me a blanket. I'm cold. Where's the Metamucil?

For some of us Bills fans, it will always be THE rivalry. Period. 0 for the 1970s

The weather was fantastic for Sunday's game! Considering how damn cold it was the day before when I went to the UB-Army game, I was pleasantly surprised. The power outage thingy kinda sucked, but then again, we (my friend Mike and I) got there a few minutes after kickoff, so we didn't miss much action. Thanks, tards w/ balloons. Trent Edwards really did a great job of moving the chains and minimizing mistakes. That's exactly what the Bills need to go from pretenders to contenders. I also like how they're spreading the ball 'round and using the backs and TE more. Speaking of, props to Robert Royal on his performance! Sure you players don't read the papers, watch TV, or surf the 'net to hear what people are saying. Ya think the passion he showed wasn't in any way fueled by the Gonzalez rumors? Marshawn Lynch is really impressive. I can't kick it on the O line this week too much (usually I'm blasting 'em for not opening the rush lanes for Lynch enough), as the opportunities were there this week. Duke Preston, another TBD whipping boy, did an admirable job @ center this week. It certainly looked like Edwards had more of a throwing lane in the A gap than he's had recently. Langston Walker did a good job of getting out on Lynch's TD run. Of course, Fred Jackson's planting of Quentin Jammer was even more impressive on that play. What a novel idea it was to bring some heat up the middle this time instead of relying on our outside guys (DEs, OLBs) to beat people off the edge. Kawika Mitchell owned the Chargers due in large part to this strategy. I also liked how they mixed it up a bit. There were a couple plays where I saw Mitchell fake a delayed blitz and dropped back into coverage. On one of those, the slot receiver caught the ball but Mitchell was there to stop the YAC from getting ridiculous. The other one? That pick @ the goal line that went a long way toward getting the Bills the win. Great job. Is Fred Jackson a great weapon for this offense or what? The block was great, but also his running is a great asset and makes for a terrific one-two punch w/ Lynch. He's becoming as versatile and vaulable to the Bills' offense as Kevin Faulk has been for so long w/ New England's. Nice effort from Ryan Denney too. It's refreshing to see the RDE go inside a few times and either get the pressure or stymie a running play. Hopefully we'll see more of that from Schobel when he's ready to go. Speaking of run defense, is it really true that LaDainian Tomlinson is a running back for the Chargers??? Props to the outside guys on eliminating what has been a glaring weakness of the Bills' defense: the running plays to the outside. Keith Ellison and Mitchell were outstanding in keeping things contained and Posluszny did a nice job of pursuing plays all day. This may be the best overall effort from our LB unit all season. I noticed a few comments on McKelvin's play after the game. I'd love to see his guy end up w/ 0 catches too, but we cannot expect him to cover for 6-8 seconds and still make the stop. While our D did a tremendous job of keeping the running game in check, we still need more heat from the outside guys, especially on obvious passing downs. Once we see that w/ a high frequency, then I think we'll see guys like McKelvin, McGee, and Greer get after it and maybe even come up w/ some game changing turnovers. Welcome back, Roscoe Parrish. You were missed. Hopefully, you'll come up w/ some daggers to the hearts of our division opponents in the coming weeks. So, the Bills are 5-1, eh?

I'm on my way up to Buffalo for the UB-Army game and tomorrow's Bills-Chargers game. Man, do I love football season! Don't be so sure 'bout PENN STATE beating your Wolves. I'll believe it when I see it, as they've lost 9 straight to Michigan. I sure hope w/ this year's team that they will win, but I'm not counting it 'til it's over and they've scored more points. The Michigan State-TOSU game is also one to keep track of. Both teams are upcoming on PENN STATE's schedule, and they will be tough games. This 3 game stretch coming up, Michigan, @ TOSU, @ Iowa, really concerns me. Those teams have been the biggest thorns in PENN STATE's side in terms of Big 11 play in recent years. No mention of Mississippi State-Tennessee? I know they're not dominant programs, but I really like how hard the Bulldogs play for Sly Croom. They give teams fits (see Vanderbilt), and are entertaining to watch. Sometimes you get to see great games 'tween not so highly ranked teams. Case in point: the East Carolina-NC State game earlier this year was the best college game I've seen this season. Good post, MV. Everyone enjoy Week 8! I'm outta here.

A co worker just told me that he read that Levi Stubbs, lead singer of the Four Tops, also passed away today.

Nah. That's the overrated receiver Michael Crabtree. Yeah, yeah I know; he's no Jeremy Maclin, but...

Draft a corner? We should just trade that pick for 5 2nd round picks and 3 3rd round picks, plus snag an All Pro caliber TE and center in the process.