David Duprey/Asscociated Press

By: Breanna Jacobs
The Buffalo Bills shocked football fans everywhere by starting the 2011 season off 5-2. The team broke their 15 game losing streak to the New England Patriots and had a few incredible come-from-behind victories. Under head coach Chan Gailey, the Bills looked like they were a new and improved team; early on in the season they led the AFC East and there was chatter of a long overdue play-off berth.
However, as the season went on, the chances of making it to the play-offs became dismal. The Bills lost seven games in a row and finished the season 6-10. Although unimpressive, their record was an improvement on their 4-12 record in 2010.
The rough end to the season (a 49-21 loss to the Patriots) has left many questioning what went wrong, and where the Bills are headed in the future. So, we’ll start with what went wrong:
1. Injuries
The Bills finished the season with a total of 17 players on Injured Reserve. There were four different starting centers and three different starting kickers over the course of the season. The Bills also went through various offensive line combinations after losing OL Eric Wood. But perhaps the biggest loss on offense was RB Fred Jackson, who was one of the top RBs in the NFL when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. The loss of Jackson temporarily halted the running game of the Bills. On defense, the Bills lost NT Kyle Williams and LB Shawne Merriman, two of the strongest and most efficient defensive players on the roster. With such a high injury count, it was difficult for the Bills to put together a string of wins.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Although he is, without a doubt, the quarterback of the future in Buffalo, “Fitzpanic,” as a friend so affectionately calls it, started to set in mid-season. After signing a $59 million contract extension when the Bills were hot, it was expected that Fitzpatrick would continue to come out with guns blazing but, instead, he began to look tentative in the pocket, reminding this Bills fan, at some times, of a certain Trent Edwards. Fitzpatrick began throwing errant passes, often times missing his receivers altogether. And while he showed a spark of the quarterback that was toward the end of the season, he often times looked skittish. He has the vote of confidence with Gailey, and it can be imagined that it was hard to play successfully when the offensive line he was playing behind was constantly changing. Fitzpatrick has a promising future with Buffalo, as long as he loses the “Fitzpanic” and regains the “Fitzmagic.”
3. Penalties
While they used to be one of the least penalized teams in the NFL, this season, the Bills racked up penalties this season like it was nobody’s business. Many of the Buffalo players are young and inexperienced, but it is important that they play disciplined football. While penalties are inevitable, they can certainly be avoided, especially penalties such as Excessive Celebration (yes, Stevie Johnson, I’m talking about you).
Although the Bills’ season did not go as planned, there are a number of bright spots for the future:
1. Defense
This season, the Bills played phenomenal defense; they were aggressive and disciplined and capitalized on turnover opportunities. Many veteran players, such as S George Wilson, DE/LB Spencer Johnson and LB Nick Barnett, really stepped up this season, making big plays and an even bigger impact on the team. Rookie defensive players also impressed. First round draft pick Marcell Dareus (DE) proved why he was a first round pick, showing himself as a powerful defensive force. Former Texas Longhorn Aaron Williams (CB) also showed his play making ability. Although he missed time early in the season after suffering an injury in training camp, Williams came in looking great. He shows a great deal of athletic ability and I believe he’ll be an absolute star for the Bills in the future.
2. The Run Game
When they lost Jackson to a knee injury, the Bills showed perhaps one of the best run games in the NFL. Jackson is a powerful runner and his ability to power over defenders earned him extra yardage. Without Jackson, the Bills turned to C.J. Spiller. Although he doesn’t possess the same size as Jackson, Spiller is an agile runner with gazelle-like speed, which also gives him the ability to evade defenders. Earning his first 100-yard rushing game at home against the Denver Broncos, Spiller proved that he is a valuable part of the Bills offense. In a league that has increasingly become all about the passing game, the Bills could have one of the most dominant run games in the NFL, as long as they are able to use both Jackson and Spiller effectively and in some sort of tandem.
3. Chan Gailey
In his second year as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Gailey has shown his leadership abilities. Gailey, who also calls the offense, challenges this team to play like professionals, a sentiment that often motivates his team and encourages them to play better football. And while the past two seasons did not end as Gailey would have liked, he knows what needs to be done to improve the team and get them to where they want to be. I look forward to what Gailey will do in his third season, because I have no doubt that he is the man to lead this team to success.

AP Photo/David Duprey

By Paul Casey Gotham

Please hold on while the train is moving…

Eight years and fifteen games later the Buffalo Bills triumphed over the New England Patriots in a manner few thought possible: the Bills matched and trumped the Pats offensive prowess. Despite allowing 387 yards through the air, an opportunistic Bills defense made plays when they needed picking four Tom Brady passes on the afternoon.  The four picks equal how many Brady amassed during the entire 2010 season.

Buffalo overcame an 18-point halftime deficit for the second time in as many weeks – a feat no other NFL franchise has accomplished. Ryan Fitzpatrick connected on 27-40 passes for two touchdowns.

Interesting to note that the Pats were without their starting tight end – Aaron Hernandez while Bills TE, Scott Chandler, scored another touchdown.

With the win, the Bills improve to 3-0. Last week’s victory over the Oakland Raiders is looking better since the Silver and Black clipped the New York Jets. The Bills are relevant for the first time in more than a decade.  Orchard Park is alive again on Sundays.  One might even suggest that the Bills are gaining momentum. Sure, it is early but there is a train that is moving and a stadium “picking up souls who don’t know where they’re going.”

We’re going streaking

Different from years past the number of undefeated teams is shrinking quickly. Along with the Bills only the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and their NFC North Division rival Detroit Lions stand at 3-0. The Washington Redskins put their 2-0 ledger on the line tonight.

A good man always has to know his limitations

Mother Nature has been making a name for herself in the college game. The grand old lady is getting some tongue-in-cheek Heisman recognition.  She grabbed everyone’s attention yesterday in Charlotte, North Carolina when the Jacksonville Jaguars paid a visit to the Carolina Panthers.

The Jags and Panthers played “amid a torrential downpour that slowed the game to a crawl and made the field a slick puddle-filled mess.”  From out of these conditions came Carolina’s first victory on the season and the first-ever NFL triumph for Heisman-Trophy winner, Cam Newton.  Slowed by the conditions, Newton connected on 18 of 34 passes for 158 yards. But two big statistics were Newton’s lack of interceptions and sacks.  In the rookie’s first two games (both losses) he threw for more yards (422 versus Arizona and 432 against the Pack), but he also acquired more negative stats (one int and four sacks versus the Cards and three ints. and four sacks to Green Bay). Sure, it is early in Newton’s career. He went through a condensed rookie training camp. Maybe Mother Nature and Dirty Harry can help the Heisman winner with his tutelage.

Do you really want to hurt me?

In the category of head-scratchers, the depleted New York Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 29-16. The Eagles grabbed headlines in the off-season by assembling what some referred to as a “dream team.” With Mario Manningham, Osi Umenyiora and Domenik Hixon on the shelf, the Giants took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and rallied for 15 in the fourth quarter to give Andy Reid and crew a few nightmares.

Michael Vick grabbed headlines with his post-game comments.

“Why? You all see. There’s no reason for it. I’m not going to go into a big dissertation about why I’m not getting the calls. … The refs have to do their jobs as well. … Everybody seen the game. I’m on the ground constantly, all the time. All the highlights, watching film every time I throw the ball, I’m on the ground.

“I don’t know why I don’t get the 15-yard penalties like everyone else does. I am not complaining. I am just pointing it out and hopefully someone will do something about it. … I’m not blaming the referee. Let’s not get it twisted. Everybody on the field has to do their job. … I just want them to take notice.”

Was the hit on Vick excessive? Probably

Should there have been a flag on the play where Vick was injured? Sure.

The refs need to take notice?

Vick might want to give Chicago QB Jay Cutler (who has been sacked more times than an Idaho spud) a call.

Until then, Vick just sounds like …

A round of cold ones

These guys earned some liquid refreshment from the Pine. And there is none better than the home brew:

NY Giants Aaron Ross – made two interceptions directly leading to 14 points.

The Buffalo Bills defense – which picked off as many Tom Brady passes yesterday as the NE QB had intercepted all of last year.

Minnesota’s Jared Allen – for his three quarterback sacks.

Baltimore’s Ray Lewis and Chicago’s Lance Briggs – 10 tackles a piece.

Baltimore’s Joe Flacco – 389 passing yards.

Oakland’s Darren McFadden – 171 rushing yards.

New England’s Wes Welker – 217 receiving yards.

MNF

Big times in Big D tonight. The ‘Skins put their unblemished record on the line. Willie? Ohhhhhh Willllllllie? You got anything to say about this?

Got any NFL Splinters? Share them here.

By Paul Casey Gotham

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

Ryan Fitzpatrick gets my POTW. Let me correct myself. Slingin’ Ryan Fitzpatrick gets my POTW.

Yes, the Bills lost. Yesterday’s game set up for them like chickens at Perdue Farms. The Bills didn’t stand a chance. They were, and still are, winless going up against the vaunted defense of the Baltimore Ravens. And the Ravens were coming off a loss to the New England Patriots. Did Justin Beiber take advantage of the situation to take a shot at the Ravens?

Like the Ravens needed an edge to beat the Bills.

The Bills grabbed a 17-3 lead and held on for 24-20 advantage at half.  When the Bills did finally get behind by two scores, it seemed conceivable they could come back. And they did.

If only for one day, Ryan Fitzpatrick brought back excitement to Sunday afternoons in Western New York.

Connecting on touchdown passes of 33, 33, 20 and 17 yards the Bills pushed the Ravens to overtime before succumbing. Fitzpatrick connected on 29 of 43 for 374 yards.

Even his interceptions made him look good. Rather than sulk, Fitzpatrick got back under center and led the offense. With the Bills trailing by 10 after the third quarter, the kid from Harvard led a pair of scoring drives to send the game into the extra frame.

Who gets your POTW?

AP Photo/Don Heupel

By Paul Gotham

Another week of sports action, and so many great performances with which to choose. Step right up readers and give us the one (1), uno, une performance that stands out for you this past week.

Not sure how far the tremors reached, but the roar heard between 3pm and 4pm EST came from Western New York as the Buffalo Bills exploded for 24 unanswered points en route to a 31 – 14 come-from-behind pounding of rival, Miami Dolphins.

After too many years existing in  the depths of NFL despair, Buffalo Bills’ fans could cheer. Ryan Fitzpatrick hooking up with Terrell Owens on a 51-yard bomb opened the flood gates and the Bills poured it on from there. Buffalo’s defense accounted for three interceptions. Fred Jackson rushed for 73 yards and accumulated 43 receiving yards.

Congratulations to interim coach, Perry Fewell, on his first victory. Thanks go to Fewell for injecting enthusiasm into a team that seemed dormant for the past few seasons.

Who gets your POTW?

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

By Paul Gotham

Saints and Vikings march on

Both New Orleans and Minnesota put their unbeaten records on the line yesterday. Both remained undefeated. The similarities end there.

The Saints rolled up 493 yards of total offense and left no doubt in trouncing the formerly undefeated New York Giants, 48-27. Brett Favre tossed three touchdowns, but it almost wasn’t enough as the Minnesota walked a thin line in defeating Baltimore, 33-31.

New Orleans took advantage of a home game after a bye week and fired on all cylinders. Seven different Saints marched into the end zone, Drew Brees threw four touchdowns giving him 101 with the Saints, and the New Orleans defense played stingy. Marques Colston (Hofstra) made 8 receptions for 166 yards including one touchdown.

Eli Manning completed just 14 passes while being intercepted once. The Giant offense lacked timing all day. That tends to happen when a team feasts on the likes of the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins.  New Orleans brought an entirely different pace than the aforementioned sisters of the poor.

New York hosts an Arizona team that resembled their Super Bowl participant selves in beating Seattle 27-3. New Orleans travels to Miami for an interesting date with wildcat offense of the Dolphins. Saint defense coordinator, Gregg Williams has developed schemes to disrupt passing attacks. Will the Saints figure out the rushing attack of the fish?

AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid

Six games played, and Brett Favre remains off the injury report. Whew! I am still reeling from Bill’s description of Favre’s pending downfall.   Favre completed 21-29 for 278 yards along with a 58-yard strike to Sidney Rice to set up the eventual winning field goal.  Minnesota unleashed a balanced attack. Are the Ravens still considered a vaunted defense? Adrian Peterson rushed for 143 yards. Despite the impressive numbers, Favre could only watch as Steve Hauschka’s field goal attempt sailed wide sealing the Minnesota victory.

The Vikes travel to Pittsburgh next week before heading to Green Bay – time to walk like men.

Not to be lost in the mix is the performance by Baltimore QB, Joe Flacco, who threw for 385 yards going 28 for 43.

Denver puts their unblemished record on the line tonight in San Diego. The Broncos have a bye next week before embarking on a gauntlet that will see rookie coach Josh McDaniels prepare his surprise crew for the Ravens, Steelers, Chargers, and Giants over five weeks.

Peyton Manning had the chance to rest his arm this week. Anyone want to take a guess as to Manning’s numbers next week in St. Louis? Wonder if he’ll get pulled at half if he hasn’t thrown for 300 yards.

Curse or Coincidence?

Not that I believe in voodoo or anything (or maybe I do since I am a Boston Red Sox fan), but it just seems very strange that the last time the Tennessee Titans won a game was …oh…let’s see…last year! And when I say last year, I don’t mean last season. I mean the last calendar year. Considering that the department stores are breaking out Christmas decorations, this streak of infamy is taking on a length of time.

Last December, the 21st to be exact, the Titans downed the Steelers, 31-14. That was the day LenDale White, Javon Kearse, and Keith Bulluck decided to do a little dance and make a little flub with ‘The Terrible Towel.’ The next week Tennessee lost 23-0, followed by a first-round playoff loss at home. The Titans are 0-6 this season. Which wouldn’t be so bad, except that they lost 59-0 yesterday. Is Jeff Fisher’s seat getting hot?

Oh yeah, in case you’re keeping track. Last week, the Lions’ mascot decided to stomp on the ‘Towel’ while the Lions were driving for a potential game-tying touchdown. You guessed it. The Lions didn’t tie the game, and this week they fell 26-0 to the Pack. Does Detroit need anymore misery?

One Step Up

…and two steps back. Mark Sanchez welcome to winter north of the Mason-Dixon line. Hey Kid! You’re not in SoCal anymore. We have varying weather conditions in these parts, and ya best get used to it.

Oh my, not sure if the Jets rookie “woke up this morning to a cold house,” but he sure has “been given some hard lessons lately.” Let’s put it this way – the Buffalo Bills defense had more catches yesterday than Terrell Owens. Munch on that one for a minute. T.O. made three catches yesterday. The Buffalo defense? They had six interceptions (five off Sanchez) as the Bills won in OT, 16-13. At times, the Jets rookie looked bothered by the wind in Giants Stadium. Oh boy, it’s gonna be a long season if that continues.

By the way, is there a new sheriff in Buffalo…uh…maybe deputy would be more appropriate…actually, sergeant sounds more fitting (no offense intended to those who wear the uniform)? Ryan Fitzpatrick came off the bench to replace the injured …what’s his name?…and threw for 116 yards. Not to mention a 40-yard attempt that was ruled incomplete…barely.

Got any NFL Splinters? Share them here.