Buffalo Bills

As soon as I turned off my laptop and turned on my tv, I learned the Patriots reached an agreement with OG Stephen Neal. While not an elite player at his position, he's been solid for the Pats for years at right guard. Now New England has to get Logan Mankins signed.

Continue reading "Quick Update"

Apparently it all started after the first game of the season, the home opener against the Buffalo Bills, which saw the Tom Brady pull of the greatest fourth quarter comeback of his career. Thomas said that Coach Belichick met with him after the game to express that his play was substandard and from there things went down hill fast.

Continue reading "A Closer Look at Adalius Thomas in ..."

1. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick should feel honored. New England’s defense used the “everyone stand around” pass rush. It was first introduced when the Patriots played against Drew Bledsoe in 2002. Years later it was used against QB Tom Brady. I think it was the New York Jets when coached by Eric Mangini that turned the tables. That’s good company to be in for Fitzpatrick. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 15"

Imagine a transcript of a conversation between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Only the Pats' words had been recorded: 

Oh my goodness…is that who I think it is? Oh snap!

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 15"

ay. 

One particular bit of news that caught Belichick’s attention is the state of the Buffalo Bills. Already in disarray, Buffalo fired head coach Dick Jauron last week. They named defensive coordinator Perry Fewell interm coach and owner Ralph Wilson said he wants a proven head coach to be the next coach of the Bills. A few names have already been floated around, and one name in particular sent a chill down Belichick’s spine. 

Continue reading "Bill Belichick's Nemesis"

OLB Clay Matthews. DE Larry English. CB Alphonso Smith. Just a few of the names projected as players the New England Patriots would draft with the 23rd overall pick. Instead the Pats traded out of the first round, stockpiled more picks, and used all four second round picks. 

Continue reading "Rookies vs. Rookies"

Alright, Tom Brady. The grace period is over. Now it’s time to be yourself again. That means the accurate surgeon capable of lighting up the scoreboard with few errors should finally be back. You’ve had enough time to work out the kinks. No more excuses. 

Continue reading "The Real Tom Brady"

Hopefully RB Laurence Maroney doesn’t think he’s off the hook after rushing for 123 yards (7.7 average) and a score. If anything, the expectations have gone up. It’s nice to see you blow up in one game as the undisputed primary ball carrier. But can you do this week after week after week? 

Continue reading "Staying On the Run"

Over the last two years, the Patriots invested a lot of their time turning over the cornerback position. It started with allowing Asante Samuel to leave as a free agent. New England took action to replace him by drafting Terrance Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite in the 2008 draft. 

Continue reading "Very INTeresting"

Hello, and welcome to week one of the NFL season. 

No, I haven’t been in a cave for the week. But like the Patriots, I’m forgetting about the season opener. 

Was the home team that bad? No, not really. There were a couple of highlights (QB Tom Brady and the secondary), but everywhere else there was plenty of room for improvement: inability to gain first downs on short yardage runs, dropped passes, lack of a pass rush, etc. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 2"

Thank you Buffalo for being the Bills. Just when you had the Patriots right where you wanted them, you found a way to blow a game that appeared well in hand. They should know by now that you don’t give New England chance after chance after chance. 

Continue reading "Pick 6: Week 1"

ays before the game. 

That’s what New England must deal with as they prepared for the Buffalo Bills. Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert was fired September fifth. This puts Buffalo in a tough position as the players must quickly adjust to quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt’s way of play calling and style. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 1"

No matter how many times I re-do my mock draft, the answer is always the same. Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim falls to the Pats. I’ve just completed my third edition and for the third time Sintim is the logical 23rd pick overall. 

Continue reading "Dream Draft"

In the world of journalism, it's the greatest compliment when an article you wrote inspires others to express their own opinion on the same subject.

Back in February, I wrote an article asking the question should teams draft tight ends in the first round. It was a relevant question because Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew could be the only TE selected within the first 32 picks.

Continue reading "Great Minds Think Alike"

n Friday, and previous to receiving word Terrell Owens had speedily signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, I had gone through two-thirds of the NFL's teams attempting to make my best guess as to where the high-maintenance receiver would potentially land. I’m proud to announce that the four teams I had listed in the “interested category” at that point were the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Bills and of course, the dysfunctional Oakland Raiders. Let’s be honest, with the return of Tom Brady to the Patriots and the apparent revitalization of the Dolphins and Jets, the acquisition of T.O. was a move Buffalo needed to make. The team showed life at the beginning of the 2008 season but faded as the weeks progressed, and the addition of a player of Owens’ ability partnered with Lee Evans creates a formidable duo who could secure the Bills standing as a definite playoff contender. The Bills’ owner is 90-years old, are in danger of being relocated to Toronto, haven’t made the postseason this millennium, and their best player, Marshawn Lynch, is now on probation for the next three years. Management needed to do something to give its franchise a boost, and since it’s a one-year deal, I’m sure they’re on their knees and praying T.O. will be on his best behavior and put up huge numbers as he chases a new, and potentially his last, lucrative free agent contract. Owens scored 25 touchdowns over the past two seasons which gives him 10 more than the entire Bills receiving core has combined over the same time period. Offense is obviously a need. But as long as we’re being honest, the chance of the player who trails only Jerry Rice in career receiving touchdowns making it through his deal without an incident when Trent Edwards is his quarterback is around 1%, give or take 1%. The only quarterback Owens has seemingly coexisted with is Steve Young, and Edwards is no Steve Young. If Owens was unable to get along with Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb or Tony Romo (all superior quarterbacks to Edwards), he’s going to eat poor Trent alive. I feel bad for Bills coach Dick Jauron, but he’s lucky to still have a job to lose anyway.

Continue reading "The Sports Don's Sunday Musings: Volume V"

In a show of their dedication to mediocrity, the Minnesota Vikings appear close to dealing a fourth round draft pick to the Houston Texans for QB Sage Rosenfels.

With Tavaris Jackson showing few signs of developing as a starter and free agent Gus Ferrotte refusing to return unless he's named the starter, the Vikes will go in a different direction and barter a second day draft pick for a band aid to apply to a wound that needs better first aid.

Continue reading "Three Points"

 

           Why do people read books or watch movies? What is it that they find intriguing? It’s the story. If it’s a great story that you are looking for than you need only look to professional sports.

Continue reading "For Love of the Game"

According to The Boston Globe, DE Richard Seyour will miss today's game. With Big Sey is out, DE Jarvis Green probably starts in Richard's place.

While it's nothing new to the team, I'm going to repeat head coach Bill Belichick's mantra that worked so well in the past and this season:

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 17"

From bostonsportz.com: 

Well it all comes down to this. When Brady went down this is probably about as high as Pats fans' expectations could've been, needing a win in the last game of the season to even have a chance at the playoffs. 

Continue reading "5 Keyz: Patriots vs. Bills"

I can't believe I'm about to say this. It makes me feel dirty just thinking about it. But it's what has to be done.

Go Jets.

 Ugh! I'm gonna need a shower.

As much as I despise New York and their teams (the Yankees once again came through with more than $400 million reasons to hate them more this off-season), for once, I want the Jets to win.

Continue reading "Sacreligious"

About a couple of weeks ago, I was talking with a co-worker about the current state of the Patriots. He suggested that maybe the team would be better off tanking for better draft position as opposed to trying to get into the playoffs because they'd probably get bounced out early.

Continue reading "Playoffs or Draft?"

Why is BenJarvus Green-Ellis not playing? 

It’s a trend that started the moment Sammy Morris was able to play again. With the nine-year back’s return to health, the rookie free agent has been sent to the bench. He now only sees carries in a Boston Celtics “Gino” role: BJGE dances only after the game is won. 

Continue reading "Where Have You Been, BenJarvus?"

After one outstanding start for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills traded for the Californian and made him the franchise QB. In short, Johnson bombed.

Teams have become a lot more careful when evaluating passers. They put more value on the body of work instead of stray moments. Teams will aggressively go after Cassel with the peace of mind of watching him develop over the course of the 2008 season.

Continue reading "The Cassel-Brady Debate"

Is this game against Miami a must win?

Personally I hate that phrase because it suggests that if a team loses the game, there's no hope for the rest of the season. I don't think that's the case for the Pats. They stand at 6-4 and while one loss hurts their chances of reaching the playoffs, it doesn't completely kills their chances of advancing to the second season.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 12"

They say the players on the field determine the outcome of the game. That's true, but this week the players who won't be on the field could matter as well. Focusing on recent injuries, both teams have injuries that could be weaknesses waiting to be taken advantage of:

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 10"

e Seahawks fly across country, they lose.

Winners - Miami Dolphins

3) Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

This is a big AFC East showdown. Both teams are coming off loses. Matt Cassel is 5-3 as a starter which is definitely respectable. The Bills defense is good, but for some reason my gut is telling me to go with the Pats with this one. New England still has veteran players, they still have grumpy old Bill on the sideline who knows the game. This game will be close, but I say Pats win.

Continue reading "NFL Week 10 Predictions"

It's better than a suspension.

NT Vince Wilfork had a reluctant visit with commish Roger Goodell about his elbow to the helmet of Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler. While a suspension was an option, Goodell showed some leniency and just fined Wilfork, but it is a hefty fine.

Continue reading "Vince Will Fork Over the Dough"

Losman, 5th season - Buffalo Bills
71.4 220 yds 1 TD 1 Int 101.3 rating 0-1 W-L

Tyler Thigpen, 2nd season - Kansas City Chiefs
41.8 pct 316 yds 2 TD 4 Int 40.9 rating 0-1 W-L

Continue reading "Pick Your Poision"

Have the mighty fallen? It's too early to say. Maybe they tripped and skinned their knees.

The three best teams in the AFC last year are struggling. The Indianapolis Colts are just .500 as injuries to key players has Indy stumbling thus far. The two other powers face off tonight in primetime, though both teams are looking up at division leaders instead of their typical spot on top.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 6"

The Boston Globe is reporting that QB Tom Brady had successful surgery to repair his injured knee on Monday. The anticipated recovery time is about six to eight months.

Since it is October, we'll project that Brady will be ready to practice between February and April. He will be a participant in mini-camps most likely and absolutely training his butt off in the weight room.

Continue reading "Get Well...Whenever"

       Sean Salisbury offers his fantasy football preview for week 6 of the NFL. Check this out every week at my blog.

Continue reading "Sean Salisbury's Fantasy Preview for Week 6"

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

terback, but they have a good quarterback who can win some games.

The early season success of the Buffalo Bills in 2008 can be widely contributed to two simple factors.  Number one: 

Continue reading "How to win consistently in the National ..."

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

              The economic “crisis" is not that complicated. The stock market always wants positive press to continue its trading

Continue reading "Economic Crisis"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  I missed a few during Hurricane Ike and could use your help. Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes"

Your favorite method of getting your football returns this week . The popular video series can be found at my blog.

Continue reading "Fantasy girl returns"

   I just wanted to let you know that I may be unable to post for a few days. I live south of Houston, near Galveston, Texas. As hurricane Ike approaches there may be power outages and loss of internet access. If that is the case, I will be unable to write my column. Remember though, there are things much more important than sports. If you need Ike information, you can go to:

Continue reading "Hurricane information"

Houston Texans injury update:

Megan Manfull of the Houston Chronicle has reported these injuries -

               Running back Ahman Green - It wasn't a cramp that limited his play Sunday. He has a sprained ankle.

Continue reading "Injury Update"

Here is the great Jack Buck's poem that was given on September 17, 2001."Since this nation was founded ... under God
More than 200 years ago
We have been the bastion of freedom
The light that keeps the free world aglow

Continue reading "Jack Buck's Poem remembering 9-11"

Believe. Believe. It’s the one word in sports that says so much but says so little. You’ve seen signs in every NFL stadium at some point with this simple word. ”Believe.” When MLB baseball approaches the postseason every year, the word reappears. “Believe.” But believe in what I ask you? Do the Chicago Cubs “believe” that they will win a World Championship? Or do they “believe” that some strange twist of fate will ruin another promising season. What does your team “believe” in?

Continue reading "Believe!"

NFL Week 1 Results
NY Giants 16 Wahington 7
Pittsburgh 38 Houston 17
Atlanta 34 Detroit 21
Tennessee 17 Jacksonville 10
Baltimore 17 Cincinnati 10
Philadelphia 38 St. Louis 3

Continue reading "NFL SCOREBOARD"

You can get your fantasy football updates here as well as columns, funny sports quotes, injury updates and anything else sports related. If your not already seeing this video just hit the sportspoet link and you will get everything that you need to keep up with your favorite sports teams. Thank you for visiting this site.

Continue reading "Fantasy Football Video by Sportsgirl"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes-September 10"

I'm watching the NFL Network broadcast of the Indianapolis Colts-Buffalo Bills preseason game. It's almost the same crew from the Patriots-Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game with Sterling Sharpe and Marshall Faulk. But listening to the broadcast, you wouldn't think so.

Continue reading "Different perspective"

All of Patriot Nation can finally breathe again after the unveiling of the physically unable to perform list. According to The Boston Globe, the reason why there's so many players on PUP is to not over-work them so they perform well for the whole season. Already rookie running back BenJarivs Green-Ellis was removed from the list. And offensive tackle Nick Kaczur returned to the field as well.

Continue reading "Sigh of relief"

99 wins. That's the total number of wins in 2007 of the Patriots' opponents for the upcoming season. It is the easiest schedule for any team in the NFL and it already has ESPN analyst Chris Carter saying the Patriots can go undefeated in '08.

Continue reading "Schedule redux"