Buffalo Rumblings

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 5/27

2012-05-27T13:11:36Z

Bills get back to work | www.WHEC.com
Bills management has already been on campus to see the progress and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took ownership as well earlier this week while in Rochester for the Press Radio Club Dinner. He said, "I went and checked out St. John Fisher and the new field -- they've done a great job for us. There's a lot of optimism in the city and from Bills fans and also from that locker room. We're every excited for the season."

Ranking AFC East offenses - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Buffalo has the second-ranked offense in the AFC East.

Early projections for AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Vegas has the Bills at the bottom of the division, but James Walker predicts 8.5 wins for Buffalo.

Factual Evidence: Top 5 picks over the past ten years - Mocking The Draft
Mike Williams, Mario Williams, Vince Young, and Marcell Dareus are the four players drafted in the top five from the last ten years that are playing on or did play for the Bills. Check out some trivia facts about the Top 5 here.

Valley’s Clemons stays grounded | TribLIVE
"Kiski area and Pitt grad Scott McKillop was selected in the 2009 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. A linebacker, McKillop is now trying to build a career with the Buffalo Bills. McKillop has been through the rookie process and knows how difficult it can be. 'If I was to give him any advice football-wise, it would be to do everything you possibly can to help the team out, no matter what it is,' McKillop said."

Catching up with: Kwame Cavil - Texas Football
"He signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills following the 2000 NFL Draft and played one season in Buffalo. Cavil then played five seasons in the Canadian Football League with Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Hamilton. Cavil spoke to MB-TF.com during Letterman's Weekend."

Joe D's in the house - Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Online
"When we played, they didn’t call it a concussion. They said, ‘You got dinged,’ " DeLamielleure said. "And when you felt a little better, you went back in the game."

PFF Fantasy Under The Helmet Dynasty Podcast-Bills/Jets | Blog Talk Radio
"Your host, Chad Parsons, discusses fantasy football with an eye towards the future in dynasty, keeper, and auction league formats. In this podcast, your host reviews dynasty trades, team and draft strategy, and breaks down the dynasty prospects of the Bills and Jets."

Ranking All 32 NFL Starting QBs - Where Does Ryan Fitzpatrick Stand? - BuffaLowDown
I personally think Ryan Fitzpatrick is a few spots too high here at No. 14, ahead of Matt Ryan among others.

NFL Power Rankings: Memorial Day edition | Buffalo Wins
Bills are No. 21.

Discussion: Biggest Obstacle In Front Of Bills Coach Chan Gailey

2012-05-26T14:01:10Z

It has been a wild, productive, exciting and overall very successful off-season for the Buffalo Bills. The team's various personnel decisions and acquisitions this spring have undoubtedly led to increased expectations for the team, and with that, the pressure on third-year head coach Chan Gailey is rising.

There has been a sense throughout the first two years of Gailey's tenure that the team is "headed in the right direction," which we hear far more often now than we did this time last year. Yet the Bills are just 10-22 under Gailey (and GM Buddy Nix), and have eight- and seven-game losing streaks on his watch.

Our question for you on this lovely (in Western New York) Saturday: what is the single biggest hurdle standing between Gailey and the Bills having a winning record, or (dare we dream) achieving a playoff berth? Despite everything that's gone in this spring, there are still a lot of question marks - and we're curious to know which question mark you believe is the biggest entering the new season.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 5/26

2012-05-26T13:47:05Z

Inside The Bills | Fan Friday 5-25
Chris Brown tries to explain the defensive line rotation, improving the run defense by returning injured players, the comeback of Eric Wood, adding more free agents, the wide receiver depth, and the hopes for OTA.

Bills in Toronto extension no problem for CFL, Argos | canada.com
"As the Argos gear up to rebuild their fan base this season and going forward, the Bills Toronto Series will be trying to do the same under the terms of a new agreement. It been clear though, if the last five years are any indication, the CFL has nothing to worry about in the next five."

1994 Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Champions Tee Shirt RARE mistake XL | eBay
Check this out. CHAMPIONS! WE WON!

Troup's redemption - BuffaloBills.com
"Troup had suffered a fracture in his lower spine, which along with a bulging disc caused an excruciating amount of pain. He would be inactive for the first three games before trying to play Week 4 at Cincinnati, with limited success. He shut it down for Week 5 and played sparingly the next five weeks. He tried to suit up for the second meeting with the Jets in Week 12, but his back had enough."

Inside The Bills | The 4-3 appealing to Troup
"The 4-3 is just more of a defensive line scheme," Troup told Buffalobills.com. "In a 3-4 you’re holding up guys and letting the linebackers shoot gaps. This 4-3 is going to be us getting off the ball and making plays."

Inside The Bills | Troup: Fans were rough
"With the fans I’ve taken a lot of heat for this (past season)," Troup told Buffalobills.com. "For example that (second) Jets game for not going out on the field I’ve taken a lot of heat for that. It got to the point where I wouldn’t even check my twitter page because the guys are bashing me on there."

Ranking AFC East wide receivers - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Stevie Johnson is the third-best wide receiver in the division, according to James Walker. I don't think you can argue much about Wes Welker being in the top spot. Santonio Holmes is second.

Russell Wilson Interviews Nick Toon, T.J. Graham [VIDEO] - SB Nation Seattle
"Seahawks' QB Russell Wilson interviews a couple of his former teammates - Saints WR Nick Toon, who Wilson threw passes to at Wisconsin, and Bills WR T.J. Graham, who was on the receiving end of some Wilson passes while they were teammates at N.C. State. Check it out."

Kids' football camp keeps follows Washington's lead | Recordnet.com
"Former NFL wide receiver J.D. Hill and San Jose SaberCats head coach and co-owner Darren Arbet are facilitating a football camp for kids on Monday and Tuesday at Edison High." Hill was the fourth overall pick by Buffalo in 1971.

Gallo predicts NFL win totals for each team - Fandom Blog - ESPN Playbook
DJ Gallo thinks the Bills will be under 7 wins.

ESPN's Colin Cowherd gives NFL season win total picks - 05-25-2012
"Cowherd gave his favorite plays on his show 'The Herd' Friday morning, picking the over on the New England Patriots (12 wins), Green Bay Packers (12 wins), Buffalo Bills (seven wins) and St. Louis Rams (six wins)."

Four key players returning from injuries - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Mario Williams is the Bills player in the spotlight, but Kyle Williams could definitely be mentioned, too.

Bills fans hope Zebrie Sanders stays awake this time | The Penalty Flag
"Remember that viral YouTube video where the offensive lineman just sat there in his stance as the play continued? Yep, that was Sanders. Now he is all grown up and was a four-year starter for the Florida State Seminoles. He capped off his career by earning first team All-ACC honors and was a two-time All-ACC Academic football team member. Despite that video, it’s Sanders intangibles that keep him afloat for the Buffalo Bills. He is smart, durable and knows how to stay healthy."

Kelly, Jackson, Gronk slated for HR Derby - The Buffalo News
"Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly will take his swings, as will current Bills running back Fred Jackson and CEO Russ Brandon, a St. John Fisher College Hall of Famer in baseball. New England Patriots tight end and Williamsville native Rob Gronkowski is on the list, and so is Buffalo native and Hollywood writer/actor Nick Bakay."

How Much Improvement Can Bills Fans Expect From Ryan Fitzpatrick? - BuffaLowDown
"But, at 29 years old, after a decade of playing football that way, is it inconceivable to think Fitzpatrick’s technique can change so drastically that it’ll become second nature and he can rely on the new mechanics in pressure situations?"

#23: What if Joe Ferguson didn't let the play clock hit zero? | Buffalo Wins
In 1981, the Bills were called for delay of game coming out of a timeout on fourth and three. They didn't convert on fourth and eight and lost the game.

Are The Buffalo Bills Better When Ryan Fitzpatrick Throws Less?

2012-05-25T19:00:34Z

On Thursday, BuffaloBills.com ran an article about the work that quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is putting in with new quarterbacks coach David Lee to improve his mechanics. It's an interesting read with good thoughts from the player and the tutor. It also caused a reader to run the following by me last evening (posted here with permission, but anonymously):

"Hey Bri - curious to know your opinion on the Fitz article, and especially if you think that mechanics are his biggest issue right now," submits the reader. "I just think Gailey needs to make him throw less, and they'll start winning more. Maybe that happens if the D steps up."

To my eye, mechanics are a factor in one of two major issues facing Fitzpatrick: consistency. We've talked about Fitzpatrick being the quarterbacking equivalent of a streak shooter in basketball before: he can get really hot, but he can also go stone cold for stretches. If improved mechanics help beget improved consistency, that's a big step in the right direction.

Aside from consistency, the other major factor working against Fitzpatrick has been (but hopefully won't continue to be) the team around him. The old rule - "your team goes as your quarterback goes" - is true the overwhelming majority of the time, but it's a two-way street, even if the street is running downhill in favor of the quarterback.

There's an idea out there, for example, that Fitzpatrick is significantly better when Buffalo's defense plays well - which is true, of course, but not necessarily because of the oft-cited reasoning that he's had to throw the ball less (which our questioning reader presented above the fold, lest you've forgotten). It actually has to do with his level of aggression, in my opinion.

Buffalo is 10-19 with Fitzpatrick as a starter in the last two seasons. If you take Fitzpatrick's stats from all of the wins and compare to those from losses, there are expected drop-offs in certain areas, but not in others. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is obviously significantly better in wins (19:8) than losses (28:30), as is his completion percentage (64.2 to 58.5). But the Bills aren't winning because Fitzpatrick isn't throwing; he's averaged 30 passing attempts in wins (37 in losses), and averages 232 passing yards in wins (238 in losses).

What does it all mean? There is some consistency to Fitzpatrick week-to-week that we can't see, and the team influences the way Fitzpatrick plays quite a bit more than most people are willing to admit. The offense doesn't change a lot when the team is winning - Fitzpatrick is still slinging the rock a ton. What appears to change when the team is playing well around Fitzpatrick is his willingness to take chances; his remarkable drop-off in completion percentage and especially in turning the football over speaks to his cranking up the aggression trying to account for his team's other various misgivings when things aren't going well.

The popular question to ask about Fitzpatrick is whether or not he's a "franchise quarterback." I think the answer to that is a clear "no," based on my own subjective interpretation of "franchise quarterback" meaning a quarterback being able to elevate a bad team on occasion and steal some wins. If you're using that definition, Fitzpatrick is clearly not that guy - or at least he hasn't been yet. But can he be a guy that a franchise wins with? I also firmly believe that he is that player - he just needs to be more consistent. Improved mechanics and the benefits of a better team around him could very well help him get there soon.

Rochester Still Vital To The Buffalo Bills' Sustainability

2012-05-25T16:01:02Z

While a looming extension to the team's series of games in Toronto has been garnering the most news recently, that doesn't mean the Buffalo Bills are ignoring their other regionalization efforts. CEO Russ Brandon and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick both spent part of Wednesday in Rochester, and reiterated the team's commitment to their regional partner.

"I think it's important for us to have a presence here in Rochester just because there's a lot of support for us here," said Fitzpatrick before the Rochester Press-Radio Club Dinner of Champions. The annual dinner raises money for children's charities in Rochester, and features big-name sports talent. This year, Eli Manning was named Sports Personality of the Year, while other recent winners include Drew Brees and Cal Ripken.

"We want to give it back to the community and be able to come to events like this and the one David [Nelson] was at in order to say thank you and meet some people that are here," continued Fitzpatrick.

Nelson was in Rochester on May 18 meeting fans and signing autographs at the annual Lilac Festival, Rochester's largest annual event. He also introduced one of the musical acts, with Brandon tweeting out this photo.

In his speech during the dinner, Fitzpatrick thanked the Rochester community for their support of the Bills and mentioned his affection for the area. Having been in three different team's pre-season camps, Fitzpatrick would have some knowledge of how they are run around the league.

"It means a lot for us to be here," said Fitzpatrick. "For me tonight, I get a chance to meet some of you guys and get a chance to come and say thank you. We really do appreciate the support and we enjoy having training camp here. Just to reiterate what Russ said, he's a little biased, but as a player I think this is the best training camp in the NFL."

The Bills moved their training camp to St. John Fisher College in suburban Rochester in 2000. Brandon spoke of the team's new extension with Fisher to house training camp for another five years, and discussed the region's importance to the Bills' sustainability.

"The Rochester fan base has long been instrumental to the success of the Bills at One Bills Drive," Brandon told the media at the dinner. "We came to Rochester over a decade ago and moved our training camp here. It's been very, very successful and we're excited that we have entered into a new five-year extension with St. John Fisher and plan on being here long term. Rochester is key to the long-term viability of the franchise."

Brandon - a Fisher graduate - has previously estimated that the Bills get 15 percent of their revenue from the Rochester area. Training camp returns to Rochester in late July as the Bills begin preparing for the new season.

SB Nation's guest correspondent Russell Wilson catches up with his former receivers: Nick Toon from...

2012-05-25T13:33:46Z

SB Nation's guest correspondent Russell Wilson catches up with his former receivers: Nick Toon from Wisconsin and T.J. Graham from NC State.

State Of The Buffalo Bills Roster: Tight End

2012-05-25T13:02:12Z

Buffalo Rumblings is in the process of breaking down the Buffalo Bills' roster position by position. Installments you may have missed: WR, OT, G/C, DE, DT, LB, CB.

The big question at tight end for the Buffalo Bills entering the off-season was whether or not the team would be able to re-sign impending free agent Scott Chandler, as GM Buddy Nix indicated in early January that Chandler's asking price may have been a bit too lofty. In the end, however, the Bills and Chandler agreed to a modest two-year deal that brings stability to the position.

Beyond that - as well as the signing of a high-upside tryout player - nothing has changed for the Bills at the position. That's not necessarily a bad thing, either.

SCOTT CHANDLER
Age: 26 (27 in July 2012)
Contract: UFA in 2014. Signed a two-year, $5.45 million contract this past March.

When the Bills added Chandler to the roster late in 2010, fans took a look at his size and immediately thought "blocking specialist." We had it backwards: Chandler has proven himself a capable receiver and a dangerous red zone threat - and while he's a perfectly willing blocker, that's most definitely not his strong suit. (Aaron Maybin torched him for a sack last year, after all.) In a stable Chan Gailey offense, Chandler has the size and soft hands to be a really important possession and red zone receiver, and is capable of having huge games. He's a good player.

LEE SMITH
Age: 24 (25 in November 2012)
Contract: UFA in 2015. Bills took on a four-year, $2.29 million contract when they claimed him off waivers.

Added just prior to the start of the 2011 season, the rookie out of Marshall became the team's blocking specialist quickly. Smith is a pleasure to watch in the stadium, as he's the Bills player most adept at getting under the skin of his opponents. A gritty and dependable blocker with a nasty demeanor, Smith will return to his specialist role in 2012. He's a good reserve player to have on a healthy team, but likely won't ever be much of a receiving threat.

MIKE CAUSSIN
Age: 25
Contract: RFA in 2013. Scheduled to make $540,000 in base salary in 2012.

Caussin has been with the team for the past two seasons, but may struggle to make the team next season based purely on the fact that he's coming off of an ACL tear. In very limited playing time, the third-year pro out of James Madison has five career receptions for 41 yards.

KEVIN BROCK
Age: 26
Contract: RFA in 2014. Scheduled to make $945,000 in base salary over the last two years of his deal.

A late-season add after injuries decimated the position last year, Brock saw limited playing time and caught two passes for 27 yards in the two games in which he played. We consider him to have a slightly better chance at sticking around as a third tight end based purely on the three-year deal (two years plus two games, really) that he signed as a practice squad player last year. But we're not expecting the Bills to keep three tight ends, either.

FENDI ONOBUN
Age: 25 (26 in November 2012)
Contract: Details undisclosed. Under contract through at least the 2012 season.

Known mostly for being one of the latest college basketball players to try his hand at playing football, Onobun is an excellent athlete, but hasn't done much on the gridiron. He'll get to compete for a spot this summer, and much like the player listed below him here, has the upside to make the team if he can perform well on special teams.

DORIN DICKERSON
Age: 24
Contract: Details undisclosed. Signed after a May 2012 tryout in rookie camp.

The only new face in this group, Dickerson has only been with the organization for the last couple of weeks after landing a camp gig thanks to an impressive tryout. The former seventh-round pick is a highly athletic player that hasn't yet found a positional home in the pros. Though he's played receiver, and though the Bills list him as a fullback, the team will actually use him as an off-the-line tight end, similar to how New England uses Aaron Hernandez. If he performs in that role and plays well on special teams, he's got a shot at the 53-man roster.

POSITIONAL OUTLOOK: In Chandler and Smith, the Bills have two tight ends with specific roles. Chandler is the starter and the receiver; Smith is the blocker and the specialist. That may be all the team needs at the position, and if both players can stay healthy, they should be just fine. Not special - but good. If one of the younger guys with athleticism shines in camp, however, a third tight end is not out of the question.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 5/25

2012-05-25T10:27:29Z

Fitz already improving mechanics under Lee - BuffaloBills.com
"In terms of all the plays we were watching, we were seeing a lot of bad plays and not a lot of good plays, but in order to get better you have to do that stuff," said Fitzpatrick. "As a quarterback you’ve got to have thick skin."

Ryan Fitzpatrick faces pivotal season - NFL.com
"The Bills franchise and its fans are growing tired of consistently missing the playoffs. This season Ryan Fitzpatrick faces a lot of expectations in Buffalo."

Rochester Press-Radio Club Dinner - BuffaloBills.com Video
"Bills CEO Russ Brandon and Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick attend the Rochester Press-Radio Club Dinner, and talk about training camp at St. John Fisher."

Inside The Bills | Why mock drafts don’t help prospects
"I’m a big fan of football so just watching the draft and being a part of it was cool, but I got the chance to watch as a fan the first day and I figured I’d watch on the second day and figure out where I’d fall on day three," Graham said. "But watching it and then getting your name called was pretty surreal. I guess all the hard work and being a good character guy paid off."

Inside The Bills | The blue team dream
"I had a dream a few months ago about getting picked by a team that wears blue, and that team wound up being the Bills," said Graham. "The anticipation and waiting to get picked and the anxiety that comes with it, and then I got picked by Buffalo. It feels good."

Bills Focus: Glenn Gets His Chance - BuffaloBills.com
"Bills second round pick Cordy Glenn is happy Buffalo is giving him a chance to compete for the starting left tackle job, when so many other NFL teams passed him over."

This Birthday in Buffalo Sports History: Cookie Gilchrist - The Buffalo News
"(Born May 25, 1935) -- The word "colorful" doesn't begin to describe Cookie Gilchrist as a player or a person. It's a good start, though."

WGR 550 - Eagles Add Ex-Bills GM Donahoe To Front Office
"The Philadelphia Eagles announced Thursday that they have hired former Buffalo Bills team president and general manager Tom Donahoe as their senior football advisor."

Bills: Dream/nightmare scenarios - AFC East Blog - ESPN
What the best and worst case scenarios for the Bills this year? James Walker delves into it.

Former Bills Great Sues NFL Over Concussion Problems | wgrz.com
"Harry Jacobs played middle linebacker for the Bills during the team's hey day in the 1960's. Jacobs was the defensive captain when the Bills won back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. Jacobs played the most violent position in a most violent sport."

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - CFL - Winnipeg: Bombers sign import receiver
Former Bills receiver Paull Hubbard signed with the CFL's Blue Bombers yesterday.

Terrence McGee Unsure if He Will Be Healthy Enough to Play in 2012 - BuffaLowDown
"The Bills have a quartet of young CBs (Aaron Williams, Justin Rogers, Stephon Gilmore, Ron Brooks) drafted in the past two years. All four will make the team unless something weird happens. It would be ideal if McGee could be around to provide some veteran leadership for the group. Otherwise the 'veteran leader' role falls to…Leodis McKelvin? Not good."

The Buffalo Bills Have The Best And Worst Of The Wonderlic - Buffalowdown
Ryan Fitzpatrick and Vince Young stand at opposite ends of the Wonderlic spectrum.