After a successful Christmas dinner which we hosted at the condo, we headed to the cottage Boxing Day. Minus 2 when we arrived at 2.30pm - shovelled, sawed the swimming hole and stoked the fire before the sauna and dinner. In the absence of weather forecasts which told us that big changes were coming, everything seemed fine - a big snowpack, pretty thick ice for late December, calm winds - all signs pointed to the beginning of a great winter. As was forecast, Saturday brought warm breezes and showers which became torrential rain and a balmy 10 degrees. By Sunday at 8am, half of the huge snowpack was gone and the temperature was holding at 10. Then, the winds came. Power went out at 9.15am and we were ready to go by 10.30am. The road was an luge track except with many large downed branches which we had to get out and clear. Had to wait until Barrie to find a Tim Hortons with power. Home just after kick-off in Buffalo.
The Bills looked like they were going to be able to run the ball effectively but also looked like they might not be able to stop the Patriots from doing the same. In the end, poor clock management and play-calling, among other things, were their undoing on this day when the wind severely limited offensive options and really simplified each team's game-plan. What a great call on Cassell's punt down to Bills one yard line in the fourth quarter. The "quick kick" which my dad talks about from old time CFL games - a perfect call at this point in this game with the wind at their backs. Gotta respect Belichick. As for Dick Jauron, well, not much to respect in this game but he has been very consistent in his 3 years in Buffalo, posting 7-9 records each season. That's 21 wins in 48 games. Are we not entitled to results better than that?
So, we will head back up to Muskoka Tuesday night for New Years Eve and a 5 day weekend. The long range forecast is for much colder towards New Years Day with a low of minus 23. That means the potential for excellent skating on the lake if it freezes evenly with little or no snow. We need more snow to soften the snowpack for skiing so, either way, I am happy as long as it stays cold.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday was a snow day in Toronto. It was also the day that the new Clint Eastwood film, Gran Torino, opened, so, at lunchtime, I headed out in the storm to buy tickets for the 7.40pm show. Mostly to avoid lining up later to buy tickets but some screenings sell out on opening night (most recently, as I recall, for Snakes on a Plane, which I admit seeing on its opening night) but there were about only 25 people willing to venture out in the wind and snow this time. And, it was way better than Snakes on a Plane, too. For Clint fans, it's obviously a must see but, I recommend it even for casual Clint fans. At 78, Clint stills knows his craft. We liked it. My grandfather drove a yellow Gran Torino for a couple of years when I was about 11 or 12 - might have been just a Torino.
Got up early Saturday and drove to the Queens Quay Loblaws to get the turkey. We're having my family to the condo for Christmas Dinner this year. Got a fresh turkey and loads of other stuff, just beat the huge line-ups and were home in time to get 2 messages from Siobhan's mother advising us to wait until Tuesday to buy the turkey. We could have waited and picked up the same turkey on Tuesday but our fridge is as good as Loblaws fridge, isn't it?
Sunday, I was cleaning up and ruminating on Christmas details during the early games and my Pro-line ticket blew up early as the Lions failed to win for the 15th time this year. Then, I watched the first quarter of the Bills game. It inspired me to go skating across the street at the Harbourfront rink as the second quarter started. The first quarter was a disaster - the kind that poor teams - especially those with "nothing" to play for - very rarely can turn around, but, as was anticipated by some, the team seems to like and respect Dick Jauron and, in the second half, it showed. I don't know if that's counter-productive in the long term but it's not a bad thing. I am also certain that, psychologically, once you have been eliminated from the playoffs, the pressure is relieved - or re-focused on your individual job, next year, free agency - whatever - but not on getting a birth in the tournament and seeing where you can go. Teams play differently once they are out. Some better and some worse and it's sometimes hard to know what it means but its different when you are just playing out the schedule.
Not to take away from what was a really good effort against a playoff calibre Broncos team (who must now travel to San Diego to decide the AFC West in what might be next week's best game). The Bills played 3 quarters of pretty good football yesterday and what I liked most besides Fred Jackson, was Edwards, who looked like he is not as scared to throw the ball down the field as he was through the month of November.
So, one more game next Sunday against the Patriots with a chance to go 8-8 and show the home fans that there might be hope for next year. The Patriots will have something to play for so it could be fun to play the spoiler again. I want Edwards to continue to build for next year. Next year - yeah, that's it. Next year will be the year.
Here's hoping that whatever we all do for the holidays, that we enjoy it as much as we can. As I write this, the winter solstice is some 15 hours past and each day will now grow longer, the sun will rise a little higher in the sky and the Stonehenge druids can take most of the next 12 months off. We will be off to the cottage Friday. Maybe we will take the ABS canoe to the creek for some December paddling.
Got up early Saturday and drove to the Queens Quay Loblaws to get the turkey. We're having my family to the condo for Christmas Dinner this year. Got a fresh turkey and loads of other stuff, just beat the huge line-ups and were home in time to get 2 messages from Siobhan's mother advising us to wait until Tuesday to buy the turkey. We could have waited and picked up the same turkey on Tuesday but our fridge is as good as Loblaws fridge, isn't it?
Sunday, I was cleaning up and ruminating on Christmas details during the early games and my Pro-line ticket blew up early as the Lions failed to win for the 15th time this year. Then, I watched the first quarter of the Bills game. It inspired me to go skating across the street at the Harbourfront rink as the second quarter started. The first quarter was a disaster - the kind that poor teams - especially those with "nothing" to play for - very rarely can turn around, but, as was anticipated by some, the team seems to like and respect Dick Jauron and, in the second half, it showed. I don't know if that's counter-productive in the long term but it's not a bad thing. I am also certain that, psychologically, once you have been eliminated from the playoffs, the pressure is relieved - or re-focused on your individual job, next year, free agency - whatever - but not on getting a birth in the tournament and seeing where you can go. Teams play differently once they are out. Some better and some worse and it's sometimes hard to know what it means but its different when you are just playing out the schedule.
Not to take away from what was a really good effort against a playoff calibre Broncos team (who must now travel to San Diego to decide the AFC West in what might be next week's best game). The Bills played 3 quarters of pretty good football yesterday and what I liked most besides Fred Jackson, was Edwards, who looked like he is not as scared to throw the ball down the field as he was through the month of November.
So, one more game next Sunday against the Patriots with a chance to go 8-8 and show the home fans that there might be hope for next year. The Patriots will have something to play for so it could be fun to play the spoiler again. I want Edwards to continue to build for next year. Next year - yeah, that's it. Next year will be the year.
Here's hoping that whatever we all do for the holidays, that we enjoy it as much as we can. As I write this, the winter solstice is some 15 hours past and each day will now grow longer, the sun will rise a little higher in the sky and the Stonehenge druids can take most of the next 12 months off. We will be off to the cottage Friday. Maybe we will take the ABS canoe to the creek for some December paddling.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
MCAP Party Friday night which was fun. Went to the cottage Saturday morning. No snow in the city to speak of but Muskoka has about 60 cm on the ground already. Joe, who plows the road and our driveway, has done so 6 times now, including Sunday morning as we had another 8cm overnight. Winter begins in a week.
Skied into Keyhole Lake along the Johnson trail to Saw lake then along Clear Creek - about 7km return - once Saturday and once yesterday. The first one was tough through 25cm of untracked powdery dry snow. My cousin Pete was on snowshoes and we traded the lead several times, stopping to knock the caked on snow off the hemlock boughs along Clear Creek. Sunday's ski was a bit easier through the 8cm of new snow and took 90 minutes - 20 less than Saturday's. The forest looks transformed - like a surreal movie set - with all the trees heavily laden with so much snow. Many smaller trees are still bent over from the rain then ice then heavy wet snow which fell overnight on November 9th.
With rain in the forecast, I decided to shovel the roof. I did this once last year - in February, I think, and one other time in the last 5 years but certainly never in mid December. An even bigger workout than the skiing actually, and it's a bit more dangerous too. I survived and got the whole north leaf done which is where it had drifted up to 80 to 100cm in places. I then had to shovel the snow off the back porch which creates a cool sort of tunnel effect leading from the driveway to the back door. It was a fairly heavy calorie burning couple of days.
The Bills lost again. Dick Jauron personally took responsibility for calling the fateful play on second down with 2:06 to go in the game and Bills leading by 3. JP Losman executed it in his own special way (I used to think, mistakenly, that Drew Bledsoe was the best at this), and the Bills are now 6-8 after showing some promising signs in the running game on this day in the Meadowlands, but finding another way to lose in the end. Going from 5-1 to 6-8 isn't necessarily indicative of a coaching problem but it would not make you want to sign him to three year extension, would it?
At Denver next Sunday if anyone cares, as we begin thinking now about our position in the April draft and, once again, about the revenue disparity and the team's long term future in Buffalo.
We will will go next to the cottage on Boxing day - 2 days before the Bills last game of the season against the Patriots.
Skied into Keyhole Lake along the Johnson trail to Saw lake then along Clear Creek - about 7km return - once Saturday and once yesterday. The first one was tough through 25cm of untracked powdery dry snow. My cousin Pete was on snowshoes and we traded the lead several times, stopping to knock the caked on snow off the hemlock boughs along Clear Creek. Sunday's ski was a bit easier through the 8cm of new snow and took 90 minutes - 20 less than Saturday's. The forest looks transformed - like a surreal movie set - with all the trees heavily laden with so much snow. Many smaller trees are still bent over from the rain then ice then heavy wet snow which fell overnight on November 9th.
With rain in the forecast, I decided to shovel the roof. I did this once last year - in February, I think, and one other time in the last 5 years but certainly never in mid December. An even bigger workout than the skiing actually, and it's a bit more dangerous too. I survived and got the whole north leaf done which is where it had drifted up to 80 to 100cm in places. I then had to shovel the snow off the back porch which creates a cool sort of tunnel effect leading from the driveway to the back door. It was a fairly heavy calorie burning couple of days.
The Bills lost again. Dick Jauron personally took responsibility for calling the fateful play on second down with 2:06 to go in the game and Bills leading by 3. JP Losman executed it in his own special way (I used to think, mistakenly, that Drew Bledsoe was the best at this), and the Bills are now 6-8 after showing some promising signs in the running game on this day in the Meadowlands, but finding another way to lose in the end. Going from 5-1 to 6-8 isn't necessarily indicative of a coaching problem but it would not make you want to sign him to three year extension, would it?
At Denver next Sunday if anyone cares, as we begin thinking now about our position in the April draft and, once again, about the revenue disparity and the team's long term future in Buffalo.
We will will go next to the cottage on Boxing day - 2 days before the Bills last game of the season against the Patriots.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
2008 Season Week 14
I like riding my bike so much that I went for a ride yesterday at noon from my place at Queens Quay and Lower Simcoe to High Park and back. It was sunny, about minus 8 and the winds were gusting to about 70km I think. Tough ride westbound then a gift eastbound. I realized early on the westbound leg that trying to light the bar-b-que in the parking lot at Ralph Wilson Stadium yesterday would have been quite a challenge, not to mention the challenge of staying warm for 6 hours in those conditions. I've been to plenty of cold weather games in Orchard Park over the years but I was happy to walk into the Rogers Centre around 3.15pm to soak up the "atmosphere" leading up to the first ever real NFL game in Canada.
I am surprised that we were able to breathe at all because there was no atmosphere. None. About 5 minutes before kick-off, I looked around from my $255 seats in the 500 level (I paid $215 but the "face" value on the ticket was $255 - I presume this was to point out that I actually could have paid more than I did) and the place was only two thirds full and most certainly did not feel like anyone's "home" game. The introduction of the Bills offence was met with only half hearted applause. The Dolphin fans weren't any better either. It just felt dead. Dead, but warm.
The Bills season is now officially over. JP Losman played the way we want to remember him after he leaves, mercifully, at the conclusion of this now lost season. Indecision, sacks and fumbles - just the way we like them. The defence was OK but gave up some key third down passes. But the offence was pathetic once again. Forget the quarterbacking, the line broke down numerous times, Lynch couldn't break out and generally, it was crap. The most promising moment came right before the most disappointing moment- so at least we got a couple of important plays close together which held off the overall boredom for a while. Josh Reed made a nice one-handed catch and broke down deep into Miami territory but, on first and goal from the 3, they tried a corner fade to Lee Evans which was intercepted for a touchback. The Bills never threatened to score again as they continued their virtual free-fall through the sub 500 barrier to 6-7.
The SkyDome (with no dis-respect intended to the recently departed Ted Rogers), with the roof closed, has always been and continues to be a facility whose vast steel and concrete ceiling just seems to suck the life from the crowd inside the comfortable, anti-septic pod. Even with the stands approaching full in the second quarter (no matter how much Toronto sports fans pay, they still show up late), the mood seemed quiet and disinterested - even on Miami's third downs. I had hoped for more from the crowd - a buzz of any kind - but the game offered nothing and the crowd offered nothing in return. It just seemed like a gathering of casual NFL fans sitting in the warm dome and chatting with each-other as the ugly game played itself out - kind of like a bad baseball game where the home team just can't generate any offence. This league, despite producing some of the most compelling sports entertainment every season, can sometimes offer a brand of football, as we saw in Toronto today, which is almost unwatchable.
And so the first real NFL game in Canada is history. Was it a success? For Ralph Wilson's bottom line, yes it was a success but, apart from the Miami Dolphins (who, after finishing 1-15 last year have turned their fortunes around dramatically), I can't think of anyone who was happy with this day, for a long list of reasons. It was warm in there though. That was nice.
I am surprised that we were able to breathe at all because there was no atmosphere. None. About 5 minutes before kick-off, I looked around from my $255 seats in the 500 level (I paid $215 but the "face" value on the ticket was $255 - I presume this was to point out that I actually could have paid more than I did) and the place was only two thirds full and most certainly did not feel like anyone's "home" game. The introduction of the Bills offence was met with only half hearted applause. The Dolphin fans weren't any better either. It just felt dead. Dead, but warm.
The Bills season is now officially over. JP Losman played the way we want to remember him after he leaves, mercifully, at the conclusion of this now lost season. Indecision, sacks and fumbles - just the way we like them. The defence was OK but gave up some key third down passes. But the offence was pathetic once again. Forget the quarterbacking, the line broke down numerous times, Lynch couldn't break out and generally, it was crap. The most promising moment came right before the most disappointing moment- so at least we got a couple of important plays close together which held off the overall boredom for a while. Josh Reed made a nice one-handed catch and broke down deep into Miami territory but, on first and goal from the 3, they tried a corner fade to Lee Evans which was intercepted for a touchback. The Bills never threatened to score again as they continued their virtual free-fall through the sub 500 barrier to 6-7.
The SkyDome (with no dis-respect intended to the recently departed Ted Rogers), with the roof closed, has always been and continues to be a facility whose vast steel and concrete ceiling just seems to suck the life from the crowd inside the comfortable, anti-septic pod. Even with the stands approaching full in the second quarter (no matter how much Toronto sports fans pay, they still show up late), the mood seemed quiet and disinterested - even on Miami's third downs. I had hoped for more from the crowd - a buzz of any kind - but the game offered nothing and the crowd offered nothing in return. It just seemed like a gathering of casual NFL fans sitting in the warm dome and chatting with each-other as the ugly game played itself out - kind of like a bad baseball game where the home team just can't generate any offence. This league, despite producing some of the most compelling sports entertainment every season, can sometimes offer a brand of football, as we saw in Toronto today, which is almost unwatchable.
And so the first real NFL game in Canada is history. Was it a success? For Ralph Wilson's bottom line, yes it was a success but, apart from the Miami Dolphins (who, after finishing 1-15 last year have turned their fortunes around dramatically), I can't think of anyone who was happy with this day, for a long list of reasons. It was warm in there though. That was nice.
Monday, November 24, 2008
2009 Season Week 12
Turns out all the Buffalo Bills needed was a trip to Kansas City to face the hapless Chiefs who have lost 19 or their past 20 games. Despite giving up over 460 yards yesterday, the Bills managed to secure 5 takeaways on their way to a 54 point explosion. Needless to say, the Chiefs have some issues on defence.
Trent Edwards did not continue his rapid downward spiral and was a relatively efficient 20 of 28 with 2 touchdown passes and he earned another 2 himself on the ground. The tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson was very effective again and Lee Evans was back from the wilderness with 5 catches for over 100 yards. Josh Reed returned after a lengthy absence with a touchdown pass.
How good can Leodis McKelvin be? Well, he's scored 2 return touchdowns in 2 consecutive games and he looked comfortable playing the corner as well. Speaking of Corner, he looked good too but maybe everyone looks against the Chiefs.
So, here we are 11 games into the season and one game over .500 with the 49ers coming to Buffalo next. The Jets look like the best team in the AFC East right now but that can all change. It looks like the Bills will have to "run the table" to make the playoffs as the Colts and the Steelers are coming on strong. There will almost certanly be a 10-6 team left out again this year. Running the table would put thme at 11-5 and 3-3 in the division which could win the division if the Jets and Pats falter (beyond losing once each to the Bills). So, it's tough and they might regret the missed field goal against Cleveland if they do end up at 10-6. 9-7 is more likely.
The Bills have their Toronto game on Dec 7th against Miami. I'm looking forward to the 5 minute walk rather than the 3 hour drive but something tells me we are doing the Dolphins a favour by playing this game indoors. We'll see. So, both teams should be 7-5 going into that game as the Dolphins visit St. Louis this week.
Trent Edwards did not continue his rapid downward spiral and was a relatively efficient 20 of 28 with 2 touchdown passes and he earned another 2 himself on the ground. The tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson was very effective again and Lee Evans was back from the wilderness with 5 catches for over 100 yards. Josh Reed returned after a lengthy absence with a touchdown pass.
How good can Leodis McKelvin be? Well, he's scored 2 return touchdowns in 2 consecutive games and he looked comfortable playing the corner as well. Speaking of Corner, he looked good too but maybe everyone looks against the Chiefs.
So, here we are 11 games into the season and one game over .500 with the 49ers coming to Buffalo next. The Jets look like the best team in the AFC East right now but that can all change. It looks like the Bills will have to "run the table" to make the playoffs as the Colts and the Steelers are coming on strong. There will almost certanly be a 10-6 team left out again this year. Running the table would put thme at 11-5 and 3-3 in the division which could win the division if the Jets and Pats falter (beyond losing once each to the Bills). So, it's tough and they might regret the missed field goal against Cleveland if they do end up at 10-6. 9-7 is more likely.
The Bills have their Toronto game on Dec 7th against Miami. I'm looking forward to the 5 minute walk rather than the 3 hour drive but something tells me we are doing the Dolphins a favour by playing this game indoors. We'll see. So, both teams should be 7-5 going into that game as the Dolphins visit St. Louis this week.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
2008 Season Week 10
Didn't see any of the game. Good thing, too.
If they don't beat Cleveland at home next Monday, they are done, if they aren't already.
If they don't beat Cleveland at home next Monday, they are done, if they aren't already.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
2008 Season Week 9
After Marshawn Lynch gained 40+ yards on an early first quarter screen pass which found him as wide open as an NFL defence will ever allow, he was overcome by nausea and returned only in a limited role in the second half of yesterday's AFC East battle between the Bills and the Jets at a sun drenched RWS. For the 71,000+ on hand, the weather was much more enjoyable than the home team's effort and, although nauseating is too strong a word, the Bills game plan and execution was uninspired and sloppy. Losses in 3 of their last 4 games, including 2 straight division contests have now brought them to the half way point of the season and clearly to a crossroads.
The teams traded interceptions returned for touchdowns - the Jets in the first quarter and Buffalo's midway in the 4th - but the Bills lost the turnover battle and the interior battles on both sides of the ball. The Jets moved effectively with a short passing game and the running of veteran Thomas Jones while the Bills offensive line is getting worse each week in both run blocking and pass protection as they were unable to run the ball or find plays down the field. Their highly rated special teams fared no better as Rian Lindell kicked the ball out of bounds on a kick-off (or at least into the hands of a Jets player standing out of bounds) and missed a 43 yard field goal while Brian Moorman shanked a punt. This game generated very little to encourage Bills fans that their team is any better than one of many average teams.
So, the mid point if the season - and at 5-3, it would feel a lot better if they had won 3 of the last 4 rather than vice versa. The dominating effort against Seattle seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? They need a boost - something to re-energize them. How about this? Tuesday is usually an off day for NFL players, leaving plenty of time to, say, vote. Despite probably receiving the tax advice to the contrary, most NFL players and the rest of America are about to elect their first black President and hopefully Bills players will mark that moment with a special effort in New England next week to jump start the second half of their season. It's a big week for America and for the Bills before they return home for a Monday night match-up against their Lake Erie cousins, the Cleveland Browns.
The teams traded interceptions returned for touchdowns - the Jets in the first quarter and Buffalo's midway in the 4th - but the Bills lost the turnover battle and the interior battles on both sides of the ball. The Jets moved effectively with a short passing game and the running of veteran Thomas Jones while the Bills offensive line is getting worse each week in both run blocking and pass protection as they were unable to run the ball or find plays down the field. Their highly rated special teams fared no better as Rian Lindell kicked the ball out of bounds on a kick-off (or at least into the hands of a Jets player standing out of bounds) and missed a 43 yard field goal while Brian Moorman shanked a punt. This game generated very little to encourage Bills fans that their team is any better than one of many average teams.
So, the mid point if the season - and at 5-3, it would feel a lot better if they had won 3 of the last 4 rather than vice versa. The dominating effort against Seattle seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? They need a boost - something to re-energize them. How about this? Tuesday is usually an off day for NFL players, leaving plenty of time to, say, vote. Despite probably receiving the tax advice to the contrary, most NFL players and the rest of America are about to elect their first black President and hopefully Bills players will mark that moment with a special effort in New England next week to jump start the second half of their season. It's a big week for America and for the Bills before they return home for a Monday night match-up against their Lake Erie cousins, the Cleveland Browns.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
2008 Season Week 8
The Buffalo Bills had four 4th quarter possessions yesterday in south Florida against the Dolphins but they will regret each one of them as they unravelled in spectacular fashion with the following results from those possessions: interception, fumble, safety against, fumble. Four turnovers on four consecutive possessions will usually make it impossible to win in the NFL and this game got away from them quickly. They now stand at 5-2 .
Were there good things to build on from this loss? If there were, they will be overshadowed by some trends which should concern Bills fans. Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 13 times for 61 yards - not enough for the featured back. Trent Edwards seemed to lose his focus on protecting the ball - especially on his third down carry which lead to the first fumble as he stretched out his hand with the ball as if on the goal-line but, with his knee not down, Joey Porter simply grabbed it from him. Terrance McGee's knee is not in game shape as he was unable to cover receivers closely and the fact the he played the whole game speaks volumes about the coaching staff's comfort level with their rookie first rounder Leodis McKelvin who returned kick-offs only. Without Aaron Schobel, Buffalo's pass rush was muted as Chad Pennington had plenty of time to find his targets. They had no solution for Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. who had the first 100 yard day of his short career and showed that his controversial selection at 9th overall in this spring's draft might turn out to be justified.
They now find themselves tied with the Patriots on top the AFC East - something that would have sounded good on opening day but now seems a little dissapointing after their first division game. Next up: the New York Jets and Brett Favre come to Orchard Park. The Bills are early 5 to 6 point favourites and should rebound and move to 6-2 before travelling to new England on November 9th.
Were there good things to build on from this loss? If there were, they will be overshadowed by some trends which should concern Bills fans. Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 13 times for 61 yards - not enough for the featured back. Trent Edwards seemed to lose his focus on protecting the ball - especially on his third down carry which lead to the first fumble as he stretched out his hand with the ball as if on the goal-line but, with his knee not down, Joey Porter simply grabbed it from him. Terrance McGee's knee is not in game shape as he was unable to cover receivers closely and the fact the he played the whole game speaks volumes about the coaching staff's comfort level with their rookie first rounder Leodis McKelvin who returned kick-offs only. Without Aaron Schobel, Buffalo's pass rush was muted as Chad Pennington had plenty of time to find his targets. They had no solution for Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. who had the first 100 yard day of his short career and showed that his controversial selection at 9th overall in this spring's draft might turn out to be justified.
They now find themselves tied with the Patriots on top the AFC East - something that would have sounded good on opening day but now seems a little dissapointing after their first division game. Next up: the New York Jets and Brett Favre come to Orchard Park. The Bills are early 5 to 6 point favourites and should rebound and move to 6-2 before travelling to new England on November 9th.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
2008 Season Week 7
Good old fashioned football yesterday in Western New York. No headsets, no helmet speakers, no 40 second clock and no television for about 40% of the game but most importantly for the Buffalo Bills, no turn-overs and no sacks allowed as they handled the hard luck San Diego Chargers 23-14 at a sun drenched Ralph Wilson Stadium. Apparently, some mylar balloons got loose (as they so often do) and somehow caused an electrical transformer near the stadium to fail shortly before game time causing recurring black-outs which cut out almost half of the game for home viewers.
Those at the stadium witnessed an impressive display of quarterbacking as both Philip Rivers and Trent Edwards moved their teams skillfully and combined for over 630 yards in total offence but the game turned on Rivers pass in the red zone late in the game which was intercepted by Kawika Mitchell who would also cause another turnover 2 minutes later with a sack/fumble on Rivers. Chargers coach Norv Turner's punt call on 4th and 1 at the Bills 40 yard line earlier in the 4th quarter was the subject of much discussion on the call-in shows after the game - mostly in terms of the message to the team - and, although they punted the Bills down to their half yard line, Bills fans were probably relieved to see Rivers, Tomlinson and Gates coming off and the punter coming on.
Bills coach Dick Jauron said afterward that the coaching staff and the players saw this game as critical in establishing the team as a true contender in the AFC and really one of the few tough match-ups on this year's otherwise relatively favourable schedule (I'm embellishing his words here) and he has to be happy with how they responded without defensive starters Terrance McGee and Aaron Schobel. As for the Chargers, they now travel to London for their next game against New Orleans before the bye. Now 3-4, how long will they continue to be regarded as one of the AFC's top teams?
Now 5-1, Buffalo's schedule turns to divisional games for the next 3 weeks - beginning at Miami next Sunday. Trent Edwards seems to be the key for this team and if he can stay healthy, which he has not been able to do over the past season or in his career at Stanford, Buffalo can easily challenge for one of the top 2 seeds in the AFC. The cold weather is around the corner and there is a lot of football left. For the first time in almost 10 years, the chances seem good that the Bills will be playing meaningful games in late December.
Those at the stadium witnessed an impressive display of quarterbacking as both Philip Rivers and Trent Edwards moved their teams skillfully and combined for over 630 yards in total offence but the game turned on Rivers pass in the red zone late in the game which was intercepted by Kawika Mitchell who would also cause another turnover 2 minutes later with a sack/fumble on Rivers. Chargers coach Norv Turner's punt call on 4th and 1 at the Bills 40 yard line earlier in the 4th quarter was the subject of much discussion on the call-in shows after the game - mostly in terms of the message to the team - and, although they punted the Bills down to their half yard line, Bills fans were probably relieved to see Rivers, Tomlinson and Gates coming off and the punter coming on.
Bills coach Dick Jauron said afterward that the coaching staff and the players saw this game as critical in establishing the team as a true contender in the AFC and really one of the few tough match-ups on this year's otherwise relatively favourable schedule (I'm embellishing his words here) and he has to be happy with how they responded without defensive starters Terrance McGee and Aaron Schobel. As for the Chargers, they now travel to London for their next game against New Orleans before the bye. Now 3-4, how long will they continue to be regarded as one of the AFC's top teams?
Now 5-1, Buffalo's schedule turns to divisional games for the next 3 weeks - beginning at Miami next Sunday. Trent Edwards seems to be the key for this team and if he can stay healthy, which he has not been able to do over the past season or in his career at Stanford, Buffalo can easily challenge for one of the top 2 seeds in the AFC. The cold weather is around the corner and there is a lot of football left. For the first time in almost 10 years, the chances seem good that the Bills will be playing meaningful games in late December.
Monday, October 6, 2008
2008 Season Week 5
With hopes of an undefeated season evaporated in the desert air yesterday in the land of John McCain, The Buffalo Bills have 2 weeks to show their fans just how well they can handle adversity. Their first loss came at a time and in a way that presents a crossroads for them: they could have their confidence shattered and realize that they are only an average team who learned how to beat weak teams over the first 4 weeks of the season - or they could clear their groggy heads and simply recognize that the Cardinals were the better team yesterday and that getting spanked by a strong home side is something that happens to almost every NFL team, no matter how good, at least once during the 16 game schedule.
Bills quarterback Trent Edwards stood in the pocket and delivered a first down strike to James Hardy just before getting his jaw crunched between the ground and the helmet of Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson. It was third down. It was the game's third play from scrimmage. It was also the last play Edwards remembers if he remembers anything at all from this game as his day ended with the sound of cardinals chirping in his ears. Enter J.P. Losman - the man who has the uncanny ability to remind us all why we had such high hopes for him as he found a wide open Lee Evans on an 87 yard touchdown bomb to get the Bills right back in the game. Unfortunately, in the second half, he demonstrated why we found him so frustrating to watch with his dithering approach to standing in the pocket as the Cardinals defence got to him again and again.
The story of yesterday's game was that the Bills defence could not stop Kurt Warner and company. Before the game was out of reach, the only time that Arizona's offence did not have their way was on the first possession of the second half. Buffalo generated only a field goal on their next possession and they would not score again. The Cardinals had an excellent offensive game plan which, combined with the Bills poor tackling, let them move the ball at will as they gained 28 first downs on the day.
So, which Bills team will we see against the Chargers in 2 weeks? Hopefully, the Bills will learn from this defeat and if Edwards concussion is mild enough for him to recover and prepare for this game, look for Buffalo to rebound with a strong showing in front of their home fans. If he can't go, J.P. will get another chance to learn to get rid of the ball early enough not to cost his team too dearly.
Bills quarterback Trent Edwards stood in the pocket and delivered a first down strike to James Hardy just before getting his jaw crunched between the ground and the helmet of Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson. It was third down. It was the game's third play from scrimmage. It was also the last play Edwards remembers if he remembers anything at all from this game as his day ended with the sound of cardinals chirping in his ears. Enter J.P. Losman - the man who has the uncanny ability to remind us all why we had such high hopes for him as he found a wide open Lee Evans on an 87 yard touchdown bomb to get the Bills right back in the game. Unfortunately, in the second half, he demonstrated why we found him so frustrating to watch with his dithering approach to standing in the pocket as the Cardinals defence got to him again and again.
The story of yesterday's game was that the Bills defence could not stop Kurt Warner and company. Before the game was out of reach, the only time that Arizona's offence did not have their way was on the first possession of the second half. Buffalo generated only a field goal on their next possession and they would not score again. The Cardinals had an excellent offensive game plan which, combined with the Bills poor tackling, let them move the ball at will as they gained 28 first downs on the day.
So, which Bills team will we see against the Chargers in 2 weeks? Hopefully, the Bills will learn from this defeat and if Edwards concussion is mild enough for him to recover and prepare for this game, look for Buffalo to rebound with a strong showing in front of their home fans. If he can't go, J.P. will get another chance to learn to get rid of the ball early enough not to cost his team too dearly.
Monday, September 29, 2008
2008 Season Week 4
Yesterday's game technically qualifies as a fourth quarter comeback because the Buffalo Bills trailed the St. Louis Rams 14-13 at the end of the third quarter. Jabari Greer intercepted Trent Green's pass on the first play of the fourth quarter and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown to give the Bills a lead for good as they cruised to their first 4-0 record since 1992 when Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith were the core of that dominant team.
Give the Rams credit. Personal pride, professionalism - call it whatever you want - but it carried them through 3 quarters yesterday as they tried to avoid their fourth loss in as many games but, in the end, they just don't have enough talent. Running back Stephen Jackson is their best player and, while he still needs to get fully up to game speed after a long contract hold-out, he broke into the secondary several times on his way to a 110 yard day.
Buffalo looks like a team which now knows how to win. After taking the lead on the Greer interception, on their next possession, Trent Edwards went for the Rams jugular by finding Lee Evans on a 39 yard touchdown pass and then finding him again for a 2 point conversion to put them up 28-14. As coach Dick Jauron said afterwards, the Bills "ended up making more plays at the end and that's what the game's all about". Yes, that's what it's all about but it's also about having the confidence to make those plays and to know how to close out a game.
Up next: the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. The Cardinals allowed Brett Favre to throw no less than 6 touchdown passes against them yesterday as they gave up 56 points to the Jets. If the Bills can find a way to win this one, they have their bye week before hosting one of the AFC's top teams, the San Diego Chargers.
Give the Rams credit. Personal pride, professionalism - call it whatever you want - but it carried them through 3 quarters yesterday as they tried to avoid their fourth loss in as many games but, in the end, they just don't have enough talent. Running back Stephen Jackson is their best player and, while he still needs to get fully up to game speed after a long contract hold-out, he broke into the secondary several times on his way to a 110 yard day.
Buffalo looks like a team which now knows how to win. After taking the lead on the Greer interception, on their next possession, Trent Edwards went for the Rams jugular by finding Lee Evans on a 39 yard touchdown pass and then finding him again for a 2 point conversion to put them up 28-14. As coach Dick Jauron said afterwards, the Bills "ended up making more plays at the end and that's what the game's all about". Yes, that's what it's all about but it's also about having the confidence to make those plays and to know how to close out a game.
Up next: the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. The Cardinals allowed Brett Favre to throw no less than 6 touchdown passes against them yesterday as they gave up 56 points to the Jets. If the Bills can find a way to win this one, they have their bye week before hosting one of the AFC's top teams, the San Diego Chargers.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
2008 Season Week 3
When a quarterback is inducted into the pro football Hall of Fame, one of the most often mentioned statistical accomplishments of a typical Hall of Famer's career is his fourth quarter comeback wins. All of the great quarterbacks have the ability to lead their team to victory late in a game when everything is on the line. While it is absurd at this early stage to think that Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards could be Canton bound, he already has three of these comebacks under his belt, including one in each of the past two weeks. With only 14 NFL starts, if he can continue this ratio over, say, ten years, his place in the H of F should be a certainty.
For three quarters at a misty Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, the Bills seemed sluggish and looked like they might have under-estimated the Oakland Raiders who came into this contest with their head coach perhaps only hours away from being fired. The Raiders played well for him and the Bills found themselves down by nine points twice in the fourth quarter. Edwards engineered three drives, two for touchdowns and one for the winning field goal as time expired to eke out a 24-23 victory. After a Marshawn Lynch touchdown brought Buffalo to within two points, on the next possession, Raiders receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins caught a pass on a slant pattern, avoided Paul Pozluzny's tackle, broke free and then taunted Bills safety Donte Whitner by slowing down around the 25 yard line as he cruised toward the endzone. Whitner kept coming and then tackled Higgins hard at the back of the end zone, earning himself a personal foul but also demonstrating that the Bills have some pride as a team - something we may not have seen a few seasons ago.
The Bills would then score ten more points over the last five minutes of the game - lead by the surprisingly poised Edwards who distributed the ball, managed the clock and lead the team to within easy field goal range for Rian Lindell's winning kick on the game's final play. This was another close game which good teams win and bad teams lose. Wins like this build confidence for the winners and seem devastating for the losers. The 3-0 Bills travel next to St. Louis to face the 0-3 Rams who have just announced a quarterback change for this game.
For three quarters at a misty Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, the Bills seemed sluggish and looked like they might have under-estimated the Oakland Raiders who came into this contest with their head coach perhaps only hours away from being fired. The Raiders played well for him and the Bills found themselves down by nine points twice in the fourth quarter. Edwards engineered three drives, two for touchdowns and one for the winning field goal as time expired to eke out a 24-23 victory. After a Marshawn Lynch touchdown brought Buffalo to within two points, on the next possession, Raiders receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins caught a pass on a slant pattern, avoided Paul Pozluzny's tackle, broke free and then taunted Bills safety Donte Whitner by slowing down around the 25 yard line as he cruised toward the endzone. Whitner kept coming and then tackled Higgins hard at the back of the end zone, earning himself a personal foul but also demonstrating that the Bills have some pride as a team - something we may not have seen a few seasons ago.
The Bills would then score ten more points over the last five minutes of the game - lead by the surprisingly poised Edwards who distributed the ball, managed the clock and lead the team to within easy field goal range for Rian Lindell's winning kick on the game's final play. This was another close game which good teams win and bad teams lose. Wins like this build confidence for the winners and seem devastating for the losers. The 3-0 Bills travel next to St. Louis to face the 0-3 Rams who have just announced a quarterback change for this game.
Monday, September 15, 2008
2008 Season Week 1
With the Buffalo Bills leading the Seattle Seahawks by 10 points in the
third quarter of yesterday's NFL regular season kick-off at Ralph Wilson
Stadium, Bills defensive end Ryan Denney reported eligible on a fourth
down play with the Bills within easy field goal range for kicker Rian
Lindell. He then moved toward the sidelines but not off the field. The
ball was snapped to holder Brian Moorman who stood up and lofted an easy
pass to a wide open Denney who walked into the end zone to give Buffalo a
17 point lead on their way to a 34-10 rout of the 'hawks.
This dominating opening day performance was a welcome sight for Bills fans
who had seen their team lose two of its past three opening games at home
on the final play of the game. Does this bode well for the rest of the
season? Recent history indicates that it does not. The opening game of the
2003 season saw the Bills clobber the Patriots 31-0 but by January,
Buffalo had finished well out of the playoffs at 6-10 and the Patriots
were Super Bowl winners. The 2005 season began with an over-powering
defensive performance against the inept Houston Texans but Buffalo only
won 4 more times that season.
History, although interesting, is probably irrelevant - especially in
light of the team's performance in all three aspects of the game and
against a quality opponent like Seattle. The defence looked strong. The
offence, with Jason Peters out of the line-up but due to play next week,
ran and passed effectively and protected the ball. Buffalo's special teams
may be the best in the league with the electrifying Roscoe Parrish
returning punts and coach Bobby April devising trick plays which seem to
work much more often than not. All indications are that the 2008 Bills are
a talented, motivated and well coached team which should be able to make
it to the post-season for the first time since the Music City Miracle.
Weeks 3,4 and 5 of this season provide good opportunities for wins as the
Bills host Oakland before travelling to St. Louis and Arizona. Next week,
however, presents one of the toughest challenges on the schedule as
Buffalo visits steamy Jacksonville. The Jaguars, who lost yesterday at
Tennessee, will be motivated to win their home opener and avoid starting
0-2. If the Bills can get a win in this game, they will certainly be in
very good shape going into the bye week in week 6.
third quarter of yesterday's NFL regular season kick-off at Ralph Wilson
Stadium, Bills defensive end Ryan Denney reported eligible on a fourth
down play with the Bills within easy field goal range for kicker Rian
Lindell. He then moved toward the sidelines but not off the field. The
ball was snapped to holder Brian Moorman who stood up and lofted an easy
pass to a wide open Denney who walked into the end zone to give Buffalo a
17 point lead on their way to a 34-10 rout of the 'hawks.
This dominating opening day performance was a welcome sight for Bills fans
who had seen their team lose two of its past three opening games at home
on the final play of the game. Does this bode well for the rest of the
season? Recent history indicates that it does not. The opening game of the
2003 season saw the Bills clobber the Patriots 31-0 but by January,
Buffalo had finished well out of the playoffs at 6-10 and the Patriots
were Super Bowl winners. The 2005 season began with an over-powering
defensive performance against the inept Houston Texans but Buffalo only
won 4 more times that season.
History, although interesting, is probably irrelevant - especially in
light of the team's performance in all three aspects of the game and
against a quality opponent like Seattle. The defence looked strong. The
offence, with Jason Peters out of the line-up but due to play next week,
ran and passed effectively and protected the ball. Buffalo's special teams
may be the best in the league with the electrifying Roscoe Parrish
returning punts and coach Bobby April devising trick plays which seem to
work much more often than not. All indications are that the 2008 Bills are
a talented, motivated and well coached team which should be able to make
it to the post-season for the first time since the Music City Miracle.
Weeks 3,4 and 5 of this season provide good opportunities for wins as the
Bills host Oakland before travelling to St. Louis and Arizona. Next week,
however, presents one of the toughest challenges on the schedule as
Buffalo visits steamy Jacksonville. The Jaguars, who lost yesterday at
Tennessee, will be motivated to win their home opener and avoid starting
0-2. If the Bills can get a win in this game, they will certainly be in
very good shape going into the bye week in week 6.
2008 Season Week 2
James Hardy and Terrance McGee both caught balls on the right side of the
same end zone in sweltering Jacksonville, Florida and each catch
represented a critical moment in the Buffalo Bills victory yesterday over
the Jaguars. McGee's interception at the end of the first half stalled a
threatening Jacksonville drive and Hardy, the rookie second rounder from
Illinois who was drafted as a tall "possession" receiver, leapt high to
catch a Trent Edwards pass in the corner of the endzone and managed to
keep his toes just inside the white lines as the Bills took the lead for
good late in the game.
This was a hard fought game which ebbed and flowed with each team having
offensive success at different times. Buffalo did an excellent job of
dealing with the near 100 degree F heat by rotating their personnel,
particularly their big men and especially all-pro offensive tackle Jason
Peters, in and out to fend off cramping and exhaustion. Jacksonville
presents one of the league's best combinations of running backs in Fred
Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and, although they were quite effective in
the second half, the Bills defence stepped up late in the game to shut
them down. Special teams were important again with Roscoe Parrish's last
punt return setting up the field goal which would give the Bills a 4 point
cushion. Trent Edwards was efficient once more, going 20 for 25 with no
interceptions and hitting Lee Evans with a 30+ yard pass on third down to
set up the winning touchdown.
This was a close game - the kind that good teams tend to win - and a
significant step toward the Bills becoming a decent and confident team
this season. Wins over two of last year's playoff teams now lead them to
two games which they should win. Oakland won yesterday in Kansas City but
will be at least 7 point underdogs in Buffalo next Sunday. Then the Bills
travel to St. Louis where they will also be favoured. The NFL season is a
marathon but after 2 weeks, the Bills are in a great position - relatively
injury free with upcoming opportunities to build their confidence and
establish themselves as one of the AFC's better teams.
same end zone in sweltering Jacksonville, Florida and each catch
represented a critical moment in the Buffalo Bills victory yesterday over
the Jaguars. McGee's interception at the end of the first half stalled a
threatening Jacksonville drive and Hardy, the rookie second rounder from
Illinois who was drafted as a tall "possession" receiver, leapt high to
catch a Trent Edwards pass in the corner of the endzone and managed to
keep his toes just inside the white lines as the Bills took the lead for
good late in the game.
This was a hard fought game which ebbed and flowed with each team having
offensive success at different times. Buffalo did an excellent job of
dealing with the near 100 degree F heat by rotating their personnel,
particularly their big men and especially all-pro offensive tackle Jason
Peters, in and out to fend off cramping and exhaustion. Jacksonville
presents one of the league's best combinations of running backs in Fred
Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and, although they were quite effective in
the second half, the Bills defence stepped up late in the game to shut
them down. Special teams were important again with Roscoe Parrish's last
punt return setting up the field goal which would give the Bills a 4 point
cushion. Trent Edwards was efficient once more, going 20 for 25 with no
interceptions and hitting Lee Evans with a 30+ yard pass on third down to
set up the winning touchdown.
This was a close game - the kind that good teams tend to win - and a
significant step toward the Bills becoming a decent and confident team
this season. Wins over two of last year's playoff teams now lead them to
two games which they should win. Oakland won yesterday in Kansas City but
will be at least 7 point underdogs in Buffalo next Sunday. Then the Bills
travel to St. Louis where they will also be favoured. The NFL season is a
marathon but after 2 weeks, the Bills are in a great position - relatively
injury free with upcoming opportunities to build their confidence and
establish themselves as one of the AFC's better teams.
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