Dan

Week 16: Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 4:25pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Brian Anderson, Chris Simms DirecTV: 715 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 92 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Despite having guaranteed themselves their best finish in 10 years, the Buffalo Bills' hopes of ending the longest active playoff drought in the NFL are slim. They'll at the very least need to knock off the Raiders in Oakland for the first time since 1966 to remain in contention for a wild-card spot Sunday. The Bills (8-6) won 21-13 over Green Bay last Sunday, their third victory in four games to ensure them of their best record since going 9-7 in 2004. They still face an uphill climb to reach the postseason for the first time since 1999, however. The Raiders (2-12) fell apart in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-13 loss at Kansas City. They trailed 10-6 before a 4:42 span in which they surrendered three straight TDs, the second of which was set up by Derek Carr's fumbled snap. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Game Preview: Raiders vs. Bills Playbook: Bills vs. Raiders NFL.com Preview: Packers at Bills NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Raiders Total Yds/Game.... 321.9 283.5 Total Rush............. 97.5 73.8 Total Pass............. 224.4 209.7 Points/Game.......... 21.6 15.2 Time of Poss.......... 30.0 28.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 313.4 353.5 Rush Yards........... 103.4 125.4 Pass Yards........... 210.1 228.1 Points Allowed........ 18.1 27.2 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 23rd; Raiders - 32nd Overall Defense: Bills - 5th; Raiders - 18th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Carpenter, Dan K Right Groin LP LP LP Probable Chandler, Scott TE Illness DNP - - - Dixon, Boobie RB Chest FP FP FP Probable Gilmore, Stephon CB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Gragg, Chris TE Knee LP LP LP Probable Searcy, Da'Norris S Hamstring LP LP LP Probable Spiller, C.J. RB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Thigpen, Marcus WR Foot - LP LP Probable Williams, Duke S Concussion LP LP LP Probable Wynn, Jarius DE Knee LP LP LP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Oakland Raiders NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brown, Vincent WR Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Brown, Tarell CB Foot DNP DNP DNP Out Carr, Derek QB Rt. Thumb LP FP FP Probable Carrie, T.J. CB Ankle LP LP FP Probable Chekwa, Chimdi CB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Hayden, DJ CB Back - LP LP Questionable Leonhardt, Brian TE Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out Moore, Denarius WR Knee/Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out Watson, Menelik T Foot/Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out Wilson, C.J. DE Knee DNP LP FP Questionable Source: Raiders.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bills -5.5 Over/Under: 39 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: On paper, this is the easiest game we've had since the Jets. And in our final month, it's definitely the easiest game we'll play. The numbers for once seem to favor us. We're facing the 32nd ranked offense and facing a defense that's 18th overall, 25th against the run; and most importantly ranked 30th in scoring. So, it's a cake walk... right? Not so fast. This is the same team that's beaten some good teams at home. It's the same team that has the No.1 ranked 3rd down defense over the last 3 weeks. The Raiders are a deceptive team. They've been playing a lot of teams tough, but just can't close them out. Then when you throw into the mix... the Bills are coming off a huge emotional win. When was the last time we played well after a big emotional win? So, this has all the makings of a close, tough game for the Bills. Hence, I'll be watching: 1. Can the Bills, as a team, stay focused. They had a huge win last week. They have, potentially, a more huger game next week. But, they need to focus on the Raiders and take care of business this week. Can they do that? 2. CJ Spiller. He's back! He'll get some playing time, but how much? And perhaps more importantly, how will he be used. We've seen our offense try some screens and motioning the RB out since CJ went down. Will they try to get CJ the ball in these formations? Or will he get the obligatory couple runs up the middle and then watch Freddie get the screen plays? 3. Orton and our WRs. This is the week and the team to get some offense crankin' up on. If we can't score a couple touchdowns on the Raiders depleted secondary; then we really do need to blow up the entire offense. This is not the week to score FGs and eek out a win. We should be the better team; lets prove it. 4. Mario and the defensive line. We've had 1 sack (I think) in the last two weeks. Granted, it was a huge one! Also, we have to consider we just faced 2 of the least sacked QBs in the league. But, it's time to get the sacks rolling in again. Here's to a 5 sack game. 5. Other NFL games. For the first time in a decade, we actually have a reasonable shot to make the playoffs! Yes, we have to win out. But, we also need a little help. And for the first time in forever, I'll actually be able to hope certain teams win/lose, just so it helps the Bills in Week 17. Friggin' 49ers. Pittsburg better win. Go Bills!!!

Awesome!

So all we need to do is find a top 10 QB laying around and we' good to go?

Do I really have to go back and link to all the Orton sucks posts, CJ sucks posts, we should sign Cam Newton/Eli/etc. posts? I have to discuss it with the nitwits here I don't think Hackett or Marrone are available. Or ....are they.. Maddog Marrone!? I'm very much enjoying this ride, btw! In fact, I'm probably in the minority that thinks the season is a good one even if we don't make the playoffs... especially if we win out and go 10-6! With that said, in no way do I think we stand pat next season and just hope for the offense to improve. And, although I agree we need to upgrade a couple of offensive positions terribly. I also firmly believe that we need to upgrade the OC even more so. In fact, I firmly believe that if Hackett remains... then regardless of who we sign, we'll see another 25ish ranked offense again next season.

My point is numerous posters have blamed the players... saying all we need is a better player and the offense would be fine. But, in 2 years it still isn't. Remember back when EJ sucked and was the worst QB in the league... well insert Orton whom so many claimed just didn't have to suck to have the offense clicking. Now... Orton is the worst QB in the league. Remember back when CJ was the worst back because he couldn't hit a hole... well insert Boobie and Brown whom so many claimed would be better because they wouldn't try to bounce everything outside. Now.. our run offense is worse than its been all season (Jackson's 71yds last week is the most in a single game by any RB all season!). So, we've had the opportunity to start different players, that at one point in time had to be upgrades, but the results have all been the same. Now.... we have to get yet another QB, another RB, another whatever... that's what Hackett needs. At some point, isn't it fair to say Hackett had had plenty of decent players to work with yet they're all under performing. At some point, isn't it fair to ask what he's doing to actually make this offense better? And none of this even mentions the point that multiple knowledgeable, former players have come to the same conclusion regarding this offense... it's predicatable. The death knell for any offense is being overly predictable. But, all we have to do is trade for Manning or Brady and Hackett's genius will finally shine through. oooook

This play, IMO, is an example of great defense. Rodgers, like all good QBs, reads the defense pre-snap and sees the saftey on the right side of the field. So, he immediately thinks he has the deep crossing pattern open. Our slot DB (not sure who that is) recognizes something in the play an signals to the safety (Rambo) just prior to the snap. He then drops the receiver in coverage and signals again to Rambo, just as Rambo is beaking to get there. Nelson is running free at the top because the same DB never picked him up... had Rodgers seen that its and easy completion. But, when playing a defense with our pass rush, you often don't have time to look around. And, in fact, just as Rodgers steps up and throws, Hughes (I think its him) is circling back to knock him out. So, as I see it, this is a great example of the defense knowing exactly what GB wanted to do and disguising their coverage just enough to let them think they can do it. And, of course, Rambo making an awesome play on the ball. edit: I would also add that the line blocked for a crossing pattern to the left, as well. Notice there's a wall of people to Rodgers right and a huge passing lane to his left. Good offenses create passing lanes as well as running lanes (something never seen in our offense). This play was clearly designed for the deep crossing pattern and the Bills D read it and played it perfectly.

I think we can all agree that the offense is the unit holding this team back. I think we can also agree that we've had nearly 2 full years of this inept offense. So, Hackett has had 2 years, 4 QBs, 4RBs, fast WRs, shifty WRs, and multiple Linemen. And yet, there is absolutely nothing consistent or good about this offense. No one can even state with any certainty what our offensive philosophy is. Does anyone really think that we can add a couple of average payers in the off season and suddenly Hackett's design is finally going to come together? Furthermore, has anyone considered, regarding the all 22s, that opposing defenses have completely figured out our offense, therefore they leave WRs open, because they know exactly where the QB wants to go with the ball? Or when the RB is goign to get it? Or exactly when and where to blitz to throw off the timing. So, yeah, plays look like they're there to be had... but in real time the defense is actually dicatating to our predictable offense.

Unless I'm mistaken, the player salaries are capped and paid for though the TV revenue contracts. The owner puts up his own money for signing bonuses, but that money still gets asssigned to the cap eventually. So, I expect to see little difference in which players are signed. If they're good... they'll be made a reasonable offer. Now coaches and FO staff is where the owner has full discretion to spend. And that's the difference between more and more teams... the quality of their coaching and scouting staffs. Hopefully, we finally have an owner that understands this and does what it takes to build te best FO in the league.

I think that's a very valid and often missed point. His conditioning level, combined with the amount of playing time he's currentlty getting, is almost certainly catching up to him.

Now you're talking like a real Bills fan!

Do you have any proof that it wasn't Hacket, Marrone.... or EJ that dictated the lastest defensive rotation schedule?

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

You keep playing him! http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000444463/article/johnny-manziel-to-remain-browns-qb-pettine-says

Dormant. (until the playoffs.. then the Super Secret playbook gets unwrapped!)

I really have to agree with this. I was thinking during the game, watching the complete ineptitude that is our offense, and wondered why has Orton regressed so much? He's never looked like Brady, but he seems to have trouble with a 7yard pass now! He's getting worse.. almost with every pass. I think another issue is the overall design and implementation of our offense. We allow the defense to dictate to us in down and distance all too often. How often on 2nd and 1or 2 do we throw deep? No, we usually wait till its 3rd and long. But, that's playing right into the defense. Then when Orton has to rush because a blitzer is coming, we blame him for the bad pass. Or a playaction slant across the middle when the palyaction causes the LBs to stay in the middle of the field. We blame the players for not connecting. It just seems all too often, the plays don't isolate our playmakers in the defense, but almost draws defenders to them. Look, by no means is Orton a great QB. Or is Pears a great guard. But, our offensive game plans seem to exacerbate the situation more than anything else.

I was thinking about this last night... and I have to agree. Marrone IS changing the culture of this team. For the first time in forever, I no longer wonder if the team is going to come out of the locker room flat. They always play hard-hitting, passionate football. Also, I've noticed that I don't just expect they'll blow the lead each game. I may not be certain we'll win, but I don't just expect to lose. For me... that's changing the culture of this team. And, I do give Marrone credit for that. I'm still not completely sold on him as HC. But, the last 2 weeks are going a long way to changing that. We've played 2 of the best 3 teams in the league (in 2 weeks we'll play the 3rd), and we've more than held our own. That says alot. I still think Hackett needs to go. Our offense is still abyssmal. We need a good QB. And I have no idea where you get one of those without a top 5 draft pick. But, this team is close. It's good. And Marrone is making a strong case for keeping it together... with a few tweaks, namely OC. It's going to be extmemely interesting to see how the off season goes. But for now.... we got 2 more weeks of football! So, I'm gonna worry about that and for the first time in a decade.... forget all about the draft and what top coaching candidates are out there!!

How about that kickoff specialist dude who rarely kicks it in the endzone, and occasionally kicks it out of bounds?

So... what are you drinking tonight?

I type too slow! But, I like the way you're thinking

I'm not going to defend Marrone, but if he gets us a winning record and beats agood team like the Packers doing it... maybe he deserves to stay? My game balls: Rambo - from nowhere to intercepting the league MVP twice Super Mario - made the biggest play of the game, at the giggest time in the game Schwartz - he has this defense playing out of their minds!

what is worrisome is that after a really exciting game, with plenty of huge plays, we beat a Super Bowl contending team... and a comment by the coach is what you want to focus on. There's a time and a place for everytihing. This is not thr time nor the place to be criticizing the HC moments after the biggest win in his career.

#30 wants what every Bills player that's played his guts out wants! For the the league to love the Bills as much as they love it.

They are.... but Marrone is pulling out all the stops (as he flashes his pin stripe bowl rings)! So, ya never know. I hope he's healthy, and probably is. But, I want to see how he reacts as the game wears on. Either way, I think Fred and Boobie are the key to this game more than Watkins or Woods. But what do I know... I'm not an NFL coordinator. So you're saying this is the most important game this year?

Week 15: Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: Fox (TV Map) Announcers: Justin Kutcher, David Diehl DirecTV: 710 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 127 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Aaron Rodgers has boosted his MVP credentials while leading Green Bay to five consecutive wins, but the Packers still hold just a slim advantage in the NFC North. Rodgers will try to keep them in sole possession of first place while delivering the franchise's first road win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in his first start at Ralph Wilson Stadium. They've never won in five visits to Buffalo (7-6). Green Bay has beaten every other franchise on the road, and the only other current NFL cities where it hasn't won are Indianapolis (four visits) and Nashville (two). The Packers lost 24-10 in their latest game at Buffalo in 2006 as Rodgers watched Brett Favre from the sidelines. Rodgers threw for two touchdowns in his only game against the Bills, a 34-7 victory in 2010 in the teams' last meeting. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Cheat Sheet Playbook: Packers vs. Bills NFL.com Preview: Packers at Bills NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Packers Total Yds/Game.... 327.2 387.5 Total Rush............. 96.3 114.3 Total Pass............. 230.9 273.2 Points/Game.......... 21.6 32.5 Time of Poss.......... 29.8 30.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 311.9 374.4 Rush Yards........... 99.2 129.2 Pass Yards........... 212.8 245.2 Points Allowed........ 18.5 23.4 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 22nd; Packers - 6th Overall Defense: Bills - 5th; Packers - 26th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Carpenter, Dan K Right Groin LP LP LP Probable Charles, Stefan DT Quad LP LP LP Probable Gragg, Chris TE Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Hairston, Chris T Illness DNP - - - Searcy, Da'Norris S Hamstring DNP LP DNP Out Williams, Mario DE Illness DNP - - - Williams, Mike WR Calf DNP DNP DNP Out Wynn, Jarius DE Knee LP LP LP Questionable Source: BuffaloBills.com Green Bay Packers NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Gaston, Bruce DT Illness - DNP LP Probable House, Davon CB Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Out Lacy, Eddie RB Hip LP LP LP Probable Lang, T.J. G Ankle LP LP LP Probable Perry, Nick LB Shoulder FP LP LP Probable Sitton, Josh G Toe LP LP LP Probable Source: Packers.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Packers -5 Over/Under: 50.5 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: This week we get what appears to be a carbon copy of last week's game. Our beloved Bills are on the outside looking in and facing a legitimate Super Bowl contender. And similar to last week, I expect a frustrating game. The defense will play sound and keep the game close. But, in the end, can Orton and our offense hang with Rodgers? I think even the most optimistic Bills' fan doesn't think that can happen. Still, stranger things have happened. So, I'll be watching. And looking for: 1. Hughes. I'm hoping he comes out determined to make a case that he should never be benched in a game. Rodgers is mobile, but if Hughes can get him a couple times, maybe we stand a chance. 2. Watkins. He appears to be playing hurt. He's not on the injury report and no one is talking about it. But, I'll be watching to see how he reacts after the play is over. 3. The game plan. Once again, we face a team that's weak against the run. Will we finally capitalize on that? We haven't had a rusher all season gain more than 70yds in a game; that needs to end. 4. The crowd. It's our last home game of the 2014 season. The last time we get to see the Ralph rocking. I hope everyone there has a great time and sees the Bills blow the Pack away with a huge win. Go Bills!!

My problem with our coaches is all too often, I feel like I know more about the game than they do. And, in no universe or alternate reality should that be the case. At that moment in the game, the coach required boldness. Either you go for it on 4th and 2 and risk losing the game if you don't make it. OR if you punt, stop them, get the ball back... you have to throw deep and score fast. Either way... you have to go against your conservative nature. A long slow drive, like they had may look good on the stat sheet, but it looses the game.... just like not converting the 4th and 2 would have done. Bottom line: Marrone took the safe and conservative option when everyone watching knows we needed to take the shot there,