Buffalo Rumblings

LB Keith Ellison has been placed on Injured Reserve. DB Cary Harris was promoted to the 53-man...

2009-11-20T21:32:00Z

LB Keith Ellison has been placed on Injured Reserve. DB Cary Harris was promoted to the 53-man roster.

Buffalo Bills (buffalobillscom) on Twitter

Stroud one of three Bills starters out for Sunday

2009-11-20T18:54:36Z

The Buffalo Bills, led by interim head coach Perry Fewell, will be looking for a win in Jacksonville without the services of three key starters.

Marcus Stroud did not practice all week with a knee injury and has been ruled out, according to BuffaloBills.com. This could potentially leave the Bills with just two healthy defensive tackles on Sunday. Also ruled out were tackle Demetrius Bell (knee), linebacker Keith Ellison (thigh) and cornerback Ashton Youboty (ankle).

Stroud's absence is of critical importance. The Bills have the NFL's worst run defense, and they're about to take on the NFL's fifth-leading rusher in Maurice Jones-Drew without their most proven run defender. Exacerbating that issue is the fact that fellow defensive tackle Kyle Williams is on the injury report as well, listed as questionable with a knee injury that has caused him to miss Buffalo's last two games.

Spencer Johnson will start in Stroud's place, and if Williams can't go, John McCargo will make his first start of the season as well. Converted safety Bryan Scott will make a second straight start at outside linebacker in place of Ellison. Rookie guard Andy Levitre will flip out to left tackle in place of Bell, with veteran Seth McKinney getting the nod in Levitre's left guard spot.

Joining Williams as questionable for Sunday are receiver James Hardy (groin), cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and rookie free safety Jairus Byrd (groin). McGee and Byrd were both limited in practice on Friday. With Donte Whitner returning to the lineup (he's not listed on the injury report and practiced all week), George Wilson would start at safety if Byrd can't go. If McGee cannot play, the Bills will dress just three healthy cornerbacks in Jacksonville (Drayton Florence, Reggie Corner and Ellis Lankster).

Meanwhile, Jacksonville will be missing one key defensive starter (cornerback Rashean Mathis) and is likely to be without another (middle linebacker Justin Durant is doubtful).

Looking back at Perry Fewell's career path

2009-11-20T16:03:15Z

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

Browse more photos »

It's only appropriate that Buffalo Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell's first game as an NFL head coach would be against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fewell broke into the NFL as a coach with the Jaguars organization in 1998. Let's take a closer look at the Bills' new leader.

Playing Career
Perry Fewell attended South Point High School in Belmont, N.C. and was inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. Following high school, he went to Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina and was a football standout. He was a four-year letterman, and as a senior in 1983, he was named the team's Most Improved Player.

College Coaching Career
Following his graduation, Fewell accepted a two-year stint with the North Carolina Tar Heels as a special assistant under head coach Dick Krum, followed by one year at Army. From 1988 to 1991, he made the move to Kent State University as a defensive assistant, before holding the same role back at Army (1992-1994). In 1995, Fewell became defensive backs coach and assistant head coach at Vanderbilt University, where they finished 2-9 twice and 3-8 - but coached future Pro Bowl safety Corey Chavous.

Professional Coaching Career
In 1998, Fewell accepted a job on Tom Coughlin's staff as defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. The following year, Jauron was hired in Chicago as head coach; former Panthers head coach Dom Capers replaced Jauron as defensive coordinator, and he kept Fewell on staff as his defensive backs coach. Capers left to accept the job as the expansion Houston Texans' head coach following the 2000 season. Gary Moeller was hired from the Lions to replace Capers, and John Pease took over the following year. Fewell continued to be passed over for the defensive coordinator job for much more experienced candidates.

After Coughlin's firing in 2002, Fewell moved to St. Louis, where he was appointed defensive backs coach under head coach Mike Martz and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. With the Rams, Fewell coached Aeneas Williams, his greatest pupil, to his final Pro Bowl appearance. The Rams snagged 24 interceptions in Fewell's first year. When Smith took the head coaching job in Chicago, Fewell was again passed over for the coordinator position, as the Rams hired recently-fired Cardinals defensive coordinator Larry Marmie.

A year later, Fewell joined Smith's staff in Chicago as the defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. During one year with the Bears, both safety Mike Brown and cornerback Nathan Vasher were selected to the Pro Bowl, and Chicago ranked second in defense and third in passing defense.

A year after joining the Bears, Fewell was offered his first chance at a defensive coordinator job with the Buffalo Bills and new head coach Dick Jauron. Jauron, as mentioned earlier, was defensive coordinator in Jacksonville when Fewell broke into the NFL as defensive backs coach there. In his years as a coordinator in Buffalo, Fewell's units have been up and down in statistically in every category - except rushing yards, where they have ranked in the bottom 10 for four straight years. Aaron Schobel is the only Bills defender to be selected to the Pro Bowl in Fewell's time in Buffalo, earning the honor in 2006 and 2007.

On November 17, 2009, the Bills fired Jauron as head coach, promoting Fewell to the interim head coaching position. Here's a quote from Aeneas Williams who says he isn't surprised by Fewell's promotion at all:

"Coach Fewell knew how to relate to the guys to get the veterans as well as the younger guys to play together. He commanded the respect of the players -- not demanded, but he commanded the respect of us players by his professionalism and his ability to help us be successful."

ESPN's Adam Schefter had some interesting points to make about Fewell in a recent article as well:

When NFL teams were sifting through head-coaching candidates to interview last winter, at least three of them were advised to talk to Buffalo's then-defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. None did. But now the Bills have given the 47-year-old Fewell an opportunity as interim head coach... Some men carry themselves in a way befitting an NFL head coach; Fewell is one of them. Sitting in a conference room in an Indianapolis hotel last summer before a preseason game against the Colts, Fewell impressed those around him with his mix of smarts and seriousness. It is what he has done in each of his NFL stops -- Jacksonville, St. Louis, Chicago and Buffalo. Now Fewell inherits a talent-deficient roster, with plenty of holes along the offensive line. But should the Bills play for him the way the 49ers played last season for Mike Singletary, Fewell could wind up having the "interim" tag removed from his title.

On his new role as Bills head coach, Fewell wasn't thrilled his chance had to come at the expense of one of his mentors. "It's something I always wanted to do," said Fewell, "but I didn't envision doing it like this." Only time will tell if he holds onto the position for longer than the seven games he is scheduled to coach now. Either way, Fewell will certainly have a home in the NFL in 2010 and beyond.

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 11 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

2009-11-20T13:03:49Z

It's been a rather eventful week, hasn't it? There's a new head coach, new starting quarterback and maybe some new hope for the future. Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bills' fantasy prospects are still quite dim for the rest of the season. The Bills head down to northern Florida to take on the 5-4 Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. It'll be another difficult matchup for the Bills, especially for the run defense.

There aren't many fantasy players of significance for either side in this game, but we'll take a look at anyone who might have some value. Head on in after the jump for a review of all the individual fantasy players of note for Bills at Jaguars.

Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick was named the starting quarterback twice this week, by two different head coaches. That's odd and probably caused a few winces out of many Bills fans this week, but not as cringe-worthy as Fitzpatrick's play on the field this year. He's completing less than 50% of his passes at just 4.7 yards an attempt. His quarterback rating checks in at 49.8, which is slightly better than JaMarcus Russell's 47.7. Fitzpatrick has been that bad. It's hard to believe this guy is believed to give the Bills a better chance of winning, but such is life in Buffalo. Don't bother with him and don't bother keeping Trent Edwards anywhere near your roster either. Verdict: Sit 'Em

David Garrard - Garrard's had some good moments this year and overall his stats look pretty solid. However, he's been an up and down fantasy option, but has could be a borderline starter this week. He's thrown a touchdown pass in just four games this season (same as Edwards), but has done a good job racking up yards as he's averaging 232 yards per game. In league's where passing yards are weighed more heavily, Garrard has more value. Look for him to continue his modest success this week. Touchdowns could remain an iffy proposition, but he should be in line to reach his average yardage total. He's a potential starter in deeper leagues and you could do a lot worse this week. I'd rather go with someone else, though. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Running Backs
Marshawn Lynch - Lynch continues to see his production decrease as the Bills offense continues to struggle. For the fourth consecutive game, Lynch's rushing yardage was less than the prior game. He finished with just 37 yards on 9 carries last and had a long carry of just 7 yards. Simply put, he hasn't been a fantasy option this year. He did add four receptions for 18 yards last week, but its hard to imagine him having much value behind the current Bills' offensive line. He will remain a flex option at best and until he puts up some big numbers, I can't envision using him. Keep him on your bench and hope a change in mindset at the head coaching position might provide him more opportunities. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Fred Jackson - Jackson was a little more involved last week against the Titans, but a good chunk of his production came late in the game when the score was out of hand. The Bills got him involved in the passing game again (3 receptions for 23 yards) and he actually threw a touchdown pass out of a beautifully designed Wildcat play. His value in the rushing game is quite limited at this point, so unless the Bills being using him more as a receiving again, he's probably not much of a flex option either. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Maurice Jones-Drew - If it wasn't for the spectacular Chris Johnson, MoJo would be the top scoring RB in most fantasy setups. He's been excellent in his first go-round as the Jaguars every down back. He leads the NFL in touchdowns with 12 through nine games, is fourth in the NFL with 860 yards rushing and has also added 32 receptions for 220 yards. He's lived up to his status as the number two player taken in many fantasy drafts this year. Expect it to continue against the terrible Bills run defense this week. A week after Johnson racked up 232 total yards and a pair of touchdowns, Jones-Drew looks every bit capable of matching that. Verdict: Start 'Em

Wide Receivers
Lee Evans - Evans once again had a solid fantasy game last week posting 4 receptions for 50 yards and two first half touchdowns. Quietly, despite overall horrific numbers, Evans has been somewhat useful the past month putting up 222 receiving yards on 15 catches and 4 touchdowns the past four games. I still can't recommend starting him at one of your WR spots, but he does look like he'll be a good flex option from time to time. This week, against the Jaguars 26th ranked pass defense, is one of those weeks. Verdict: Start 'Em as a flex

Terrell Owens - Owens' 85 yards receiving last week were the most he's put up in a Bills uniform. Is that a sign of things to come or just a fluke? I think it's most definitely the former. Last week was just the third times he's put up 50 or more receiving yards this season, and he still hasn't scored a touchdown through the air since week 2. With Fitzpatrick back under center, expect Owens' struggles to continue. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Mike Sims-Walker - MS-W has been one of this fantasy season's top free agent additions. He's been one of the biggest surprises so far this season, and looks to continue his success this week against the mediocre Bills' pass defense. Sims-Walker has caught a touchdown in 4 of his 7 games, and has six or more catches in 5 of those games. For the most part, he's been a consistent performer and David Garrard's favorite receiver. He's an every week starter and has played like a borderline #1 WR all season. Don't take him out now. Verdict: Start 'Em

Torry Holt - The veteran receiver hasn't scored a touchdown all season, but has put up a solid 35 receptions for 485 yards thus far. Unless Sims-Walker gets hurt or suspended again, Holt doesn't have much value in fantasy lineups. Keep him on the bench. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Tight Ends
Shawn Nelson - With Derek Fine placed in Injury Reserve earlier this week, Nelson assumes the starting tight end role a lot sooner than many Bills fans expected. He hasn't exactly earned that role, but has a chance to prove himself over the final seven games of the season. Expect him to get more and more comfortable every week and with his athleticism, he could bust a big play at any time. Wait to see it first before you even consider adding Nelson to your bench. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Marcedes Lewis - The former first round pick has really disappeared after a solid first month of the season. He's a guy that routinely flashes big time ability, but never seems to be able to put it together. Unless you are desperate, look elsewhere. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Kickers
Rian Lindell - Lindell continues to have a quietly efficient season. Too bad that doesn't mean much for fantasy owners. Look elsewhere for your kicker, especially to a good offensive team. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Jose Scobee - Scobee has hit just 10 of 16 field goals this year and has scored seven points less than Lindell so far this year. That should tell you all you need to know about whether to go with him this week. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo D/ST - Jairus Byrd had another interception last week and he's about the only thing good about this unit at this point. With a poor pass rush and weak return units, it's hard to imagine even using a bench spot on these guys. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Jacksonville D/ST - Another very poor fantasy option, the Jaguars defense has been pretty ineffective totaling just 7 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries and just 8 sacks. Even against the bumbling Bills offense, they aren't worth the pickup. Verdict: Sit 'Em

Sleepers
Buffalo - This space will remain vacant for the Bills until a guy outside of Jackson or Evans puts up some numbers. There aren't many options here for Buffalo.

Jacksonville - Mike Thomas (WR): Thomas is the Jaguars 3rd WR and actually has 23 receptions on the year for 220 yards, while adding another 70 yards rushing. He's the primary punt returner and has returned kicks this year in addition to his WR duties. For teams that pick up fantasy points for return yards, Thomas is a deep option.

*****

There are only a few weeks left of most fantasy regular seasons, so this week is of utmost importance. Keep rolling with your studs (MoJo, Sims-Walker) and consider your matchups for the other players in this game. With the bye weeks past us, it's unlikely you'll be using any of the other players in this game, but take a look at Evans, Jackson, Lynch, Garrard and Holt if you must. As always, good luck and use the comments section to discuss your fantasy issues. Go Bills!

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/20

2009-11-20T12:44:59Z

Stefanie Spielman dies at 42 | ProFootballTalk.com
Former Buffalo Bill Chris Spielman's wife has died after a very public battle with breast cancer. She beat it four times but the fifth was too much to ask after 12 years. Heartfelt condolences to the Spielman family.

The Associated Press: Bills owner tells AP big changes could be coming
"It's not about money, it's about winning," Wilson said by phone from his home in suburban Detroit. "If it was about money, we wouldn't have brought in and paid for somebody we know was a great player [Terrell Owens]. Anybody that says I'm cheap is looking down the wrong side of the street."

Scott unlikely to bump Levitre from LT – Inside The Bills
Jonathan Scott practiced at every position except center yesterday in preparation for what Chris Brown terms a "backup role". Coach Fewell did leave the door open for Scott to start at LT.

Search for a Coach
Bills' head start could force Snyder's hand | ProFootballTalk.com
Mike Florio speculates that the Bills entering the fray for Mike Shanahan could force not only the Redskins to make quick decisions but the Bears as well.

An adjustment for Fewell – Inside The Bills
Coach Fewell will have to adjust to calling his plays from the sideline this week.

Bills' job might be tough sell : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan outlines the hurdles to hiring a big name coach like the small market, lack of quarterback, and tight purse strings.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - John Clayton On Bills Coaching Search
ESPN's John Clayton was on with Schopp and the Bulldog yesterday. Here's what he said about the coaching search.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Tasker, Lodish dish
Former Bills Steve Tasker and Mike Lodish talk about Dick Jauron, GM candidates, and potential head coaches moving forward.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - OPINION: Fear of Fewell
Joe Buscaglia is afraid that if Perry Fewell puts together a 4-3 run over the next seven games that Ralph Wilson may remove his interim title.

Scott Pitoniak: Sounds like Ralph Wilson means business
Scott Pitoniak doesn't think the Bills should wait until the end of the year to get their new coach in place if he is available.

Bills-Shanahan summit savvy for both sides - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham speculates that Mike Shanahan may be using the Bills as leverage (then why didn't he do that with the Redskins?) and the Bills may be using Shanahan to placate the fan base.

POLLOCK: Way more than change of coach needed by Bills | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack questions and defends the Bills over a myriad of issues related to the organization.

Memo to Shanny: Just say no to Buffalo | All Things Broncos
Jim Armstrong gives the usual "there's nothing in Buffalo" routine imploring Shanahan to stay away from Buffalo because of "snow".

Non-Coach News
More on the QB decision – Inside The Bills
Alex Van Pelt discusses benching Trent Edwards and promoting Ryan Fitzpatrick.

McGee’s knee taking longer to heal – Inside The Bills
Terrence McGee is already past the expected 14 day healing time window on his knee scope. He says there have been no setbacks but he doesn't want to push it.

Touchdown Turkeys helps Food Bank | BuffaloBills.com
The Buffalo Bills Women’s Association comprised of Bills player and staff wives, fiancées and girlfriends did some early Thanksgiving food shopping for the Food Bank of Western New York on November 12th.

Levitre set to man left tackle | BuffaloBills.com
The timing couldn’t be better for Andy Levitre as the Bills are facing the worst pass rush in football.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on DT Kyle Williams participating in individual work today: "I was very encouraged. It's always good to have him on the football field. Just to have him in a limited fashion was good."
- After learning of Buffalo's offer to QB Brian Brohm, the Packers offered a deal of their own to the QB. But Brohm thought it would be better to part ways with Green Bay. "I just wanted a fresh start, a new start and I think Buffalo gives me that," he said.

Brohm signing could push Edwards out : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson profiles new quarterback Brian Brohn and his impact on the future of the QB position in Buffalo.

Bills notebook: Defense aims to be sharp against Jags' "ball of butcher knives' : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Maurice Jones-Drew is fourth in the league in rushing and will be trying to plow through the Bills defense this week.

Why the Bills signed Brian Brohm - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Brohm gives the Bills the longer-range prospect they were lacking and the hope they no longer see when they consider Edwards' future.

Root of Buffalo's problem easy to tackle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham traces the timeline of the left tackle position from the trade of Jason Peters to Dick Jauron's firing.

Sunday's Jaguars vs. Bills game will be blacked out | Jacksonville.com
It's the fifth regular season game and the seventh, counting the two preseason games, that has been blacked out.

Bills looking for turnaround against Jaguars - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Marcus Stroud and Perry Fewell both got their starts in the NFL in Jacksonville. They are both featured prominently in this game preview.

Bills' receivers give Fitzpatrick a thumb's up : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
His receivers seem genuinely excited about him taking over again. And Trent Edwards' chances to ever become "The Man" in Buffalo appear all but over.

This Bud Says F* You - Front Office Fans
Front Office Fans, a SBN blog, openly mocks Bud Adams' double-barreled salute as outdated.

SB Nation's Week 11 NFL Picks - SB Nation Bloggers Pick Jags
Maurice Jones-Drew will be the latest beneficiary of the Buffalo Bills' generous rush defense. Buffalo interim head coach Perry Fewell will have to wait to get his first win, according to our bloggers.

BallHype - NFL/Pro Football Blog Rankings
Every once in a while I check in at Ball Hype to see how Rumblings is doing. Buffalo Rumblings is currently ranked 13th on the internet as the most-linked to NFL weblog. Among individual team blogs, BR ranks fifth by an owe-so-slim margin.

Bills Tweets
Terrell Owens
2day ws a good day! A lil insight as 2 wht new head coach Perry Fewell's thought process is...it is 2 practice & play w/a purpose!!

Fake Perry Fewell
If I can go 4-3, I will have the 4th highest winning % in the history of Bills HC's. Sounds like $3 million/year to me. When I go 5-2, I'll be #1. Bills fans, I think you found your big-time coach. It's me!

Jodn DiTullio
I was told today my a source that Shanahan encouraged the Bills to sign Brian Brohm away from the Packers. More on this at 3:00 at WHTK.com

Aaron Maybin
Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room. Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room.

NFL Week 11: Buffalo Rumblings Authors Picks

2009-11-20T00:00:15Z

Week 11 of the 2009 NFL regular season is set to kick off at 8:20 PM ET tonight, and the authors of Buffalo Rumblings are back to provide our picks for all 16 games on the docket. Nine of us are participating, and once again, we encourage you to leave your own picks in the comments section. All of our picks are after the jump. The standings after ten weeks of NFL action:

#1: Brian Galliford (98-46)
#2: krytime (97-47)
#2: poz (97-47)
#4: Kurupt (94-50)
#5: MattRichWarren (92-52)
#6: MARVelous (90-54)
#6: Ron From NM (90-54)
#8: sireric (89-55)
#9: WABillsfan (83-61)

Game	Brian	krytime	poz	Kurupt	MRW	MARV	Ron	sireric	WA
MIA at CAR
PIT at KC
CLE at DET
NO at TB
ATL at NYG
BUF at JAC
WAS at DAL
SEA at MIN
Game	Brian	krytime	poz	Kurupt	MRW	MARV	Ron	sireric	WA
SF at GB
IND at BAL
ARI at STL
NYJ at NE
SD at DEN
CIN at OAK
PHI at CHI
TEN at HOU

AP: Wilson says Bills ready to go all in

2009-11-19T17:05:56Z

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

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At halftime of the Buffalo Bills' Week 8 loss to Houston, team owner Ralph Wilson received his Hall of Fame ring in a ceremony held on the Bills logo at midfield of the stadium named after him. During his brief speech at that ceremony, Wilson did the typical thanks and praise routine. He also mentioned, to skeptical groans and half-hearted applause from the masses still in their seats at the time, that he'd do everything in his power to bring a championship to Buffalo.

According to John Wawrow of the Associated Press, who spoke with Wilson via phone from his home in Detroit, Wilson is sticking to his guns on that statement.

Quoting Wilson from Wawrow's report, which you can read in full here: "We've got to revamp and take a look at the whole operation, and that's what we're going to do... It's not about money, it's about winning."

Well, that's certainly a departure from the norm in Buffalo, to say the least. Coupled with reports that the Bills have names like Mike Shanahan and Bill Cowher on their short list of men to turn the franchise around, Buffalo has suddenly become a focal point of great interest league-wide.

On Shanahan, Cowher and the "big name coaches"
Throughout his 50 years as team owner of the Bills, Wilson has always been reluctant to hand full authority of his football team over to one man. NFL.com's Vic Carucci, however, reported last night that Wilson seems ready to change his mind in that regard:

The Bills, the source said, are willing to offer whatever salary is necessary to land a high-end candidate such as Shanahan and would give him total control of the football operation, something Wilson has generally been opposed to doing in the past.

"This is his (Wilson’s) last coach and (he) is going to do everything it takes to get it right," the source said of the 91-year-old owner.

I've spoken at length about how Buffalo needs an organizational makeover, top-to-bottom, at length in this space. Wilson, according to the AP quote above, is prepared to do that. He also appears prepared to put all his eggs in one basket in the form of giving one of the many proven-winner head coaches available full authority over personnel and coaching responsibilities. Wilson also claims above that he's willing to pay top dollar to bring one of those names in.

I'm not a huge fan of giving one man two hats. That's exactly what the Bills seem to be contemplating - letting one man coach the team and bring in all the players. That format has rarely proven to be successful at the NFL level, but at the very least, it's a departure from the mess the team has been over the last four years. At a minimum, one respected voice in the organization brings some credibility back to a franchise that has lacked in that department for the better part of a decade. If it happens - we'll get to that "if" in a moment - I could live with it.

And yes, for the record - I'm (pleasantly) floored. If Wilson stands by his word and throws wads of cash at the big names, how could one not be excited? At the very least, it would be a nice change of pace to see a typically ultra-conservative franchise roll the dice for once.

Not going after Shanahan?
Wilson did, however, shoot down speculation that the Bills were already in hot pursuit of Mike Shanahan. From Wawrow's report:

"I don’t know anything about [Shanahan]," [Wilson] said, adding the team will be releasing a statement later in the day to address the speculation.

That statement will be interesting, to say the least. Be prepared for a lot of reading between the lines.

Wilson's lack of commentary on the matter does little to quell yesterday's report from ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Bills are attempting to set up a meeting with Shanahan - which Carucci confirms will take place next week. Carucci takes it a step further, adding that former Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher is on Buffalo's short list of potential candidates. (Schefter, by the way, added three more not-as-prominent names to the mix: Jim Haslett, Kevin Gilbride and Marc Trestman.)

Buffalo is in a tricky situation right now. They have an interim head coach in place in Perry Fewell who they really like, and they want to support him as best they can over the next seven weeks. There's also the Rooney Rule complication. If Buffalo lands one of these big-name coaches before the end of the 2009 regular season - and I don't think I need to tell you that that remains a monumental "if" - they'd need to be creative about it. They'd need to hire that person as some sort of consultant, and then grant them a formal head coaching interview alongside Fewell at season's end. The early speculation is clearly going to be uncomfortable for Fewell, who should view this as a legitimate opportunity to make a name for himself, but it's also necessary, because there will be incredible competition for the likes of Shanahan and Cowher.

In all of this, it's (intentionally?) apparent that this media blitz that Wilson has accelerated today is making Buffalo seem like a more attractive destination than it probably is. That's obviously not a bad thing, because this is not an unattractive destination. The more we talk about this, the incrementally less begging and pleading we have to do in our big name interviews.

Missing on the big names won't be the end of the world
If the Schefter and Carucci reports are true - and Wilson's pending statement will do little to falsify those reports - it's pretty clear how the Bills believe they need to proceed. Hire a respected big name with a plan and let him do his thing. As mentioned above, I'm not completely on board with that idea, but it's certainly an improvement over what we've had.

Schefter was very accurate when he tweeted this earlier this morning:

With Mike Shanahan, Bills are going Big Bear Hunting. At very least, they can tell their fans they hunted the Big Bear and took their shot.

That's the other half of the beauty of this media blitz: Bills fans are excited again. Some of that excitement would trail off if Buffalo struck out in its courtship of Shanahan and Cowher - or any other big fish it pursues, for that matter - but it certainly wouldn't be the end of the world.

Only the big-name coaches are capable of carrying out what appears to be the Bills' highest priority - the dual Head Coach/General Manager role. If the Bills strike out, they'll be forced to bring in front office talent - because let's face it, without one of the big names, any plug-and-chug, run-of-the-mill head coach, no matter how qualified, would re-raise the massive amounts of skepticism from the fan base that has dwindled some over the past few days.

I still maintain that bringing in a GM who hires his own head coach - big name or small name - is the best possible decision the franchise could make. It might not be the quickest road back to respectability, but it's been proven to be the most successful route time and time again. That possibility becomes a probability if the likes of Shanahan and Cowher spurn Wilson's advances - and there's nothing wrong with that plan of attack.

Things might slow down on the big picture front for a while with a Week 11 tilt in Jacksonville on the horizon. One thing is for certain: this is going to be an incredibly fascinating off-season.

Bills add QB Brohm to active roster, release Hamdan

2009-11-19T13:06:46Z

More photos » by John Russell - AP

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The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have signed second-year quarterback Brian Brohm off of the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. In order to complete the signing, the Bills released third-string quarterback Gibran Hamdan so as to have room for Brohm on the active roster.

Brohm was a second-round pick of Green Bay in the 2008 NFL Draft, selected No. 56 overall. He was the third quarterback selected in that draft class, behind Atlanta's Matt Ryan and Baltimore's Joe Flacco. One of the more prolific passers in the nation in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at Louisville, the 6'4", 228-pound Brohm threw for 10,775 yards, 70 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. At just 24 years of age, Brohm still has a considerable amount of unrealized potential.

He was cut, however, after a 2009 pre-season in which he struggled mightily. He has been on Green Bay's practice squad ever since, and took Buffalo's two-year offer over Green Bay's similar two-year offer to join their active roster. Additionally, as the Sentinel also points out, Brohm's college center was one Eric Wood, now a rookie guard for the Bills.

Buffalo recently benched 2007 third-round pick Trent Edwards in favor of veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. All signs point toward the Bills looking for their next franchise signal-caller starting this coming off-season, and Brohm is a young, talented player with upside. This is a smart signing for the organization, though it's much closer to a stab in the dark than an answer to the franchise's longest-standing question mark.

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars

2009-11-19T12:50:01Z

Buffalo Bills (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 1:00 PM EST
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium - Jacksonville, FL

This is a little later than we normally start to look at next week's opponent, but after the events of the past two days, it seemed appropriate to push it back a little bit. This will be the tenth meeting between the Bills and the Jaguars, including their first ever meeting in the 1996 AFC Wild Card playoff game. The Bills hold a 5-4 lead in the all-time series. This is also the fifth ever meeting to take place in Jacksonville, where the Bills hold a 3-1 victory edge. With the exception of two contests, these have been very close games, with the average margin of victory being a little over a touchdown. Recaps of last five meetings are after the jump.

Sunday, September 14, 2003: Bills 38, Jaguars 17
Completely unable to run the football, Drew Bledsoe and the Bills went to the air. Bledsoe passed for 314 yards and two touchdowns, while Travis Henry proved to be useful in the red zone by pushing in three goal line touchdowns to pace to Bills' offense. Alex Van Pelt even got into the game late and completed one pass for 14 yards. Eric Moulds had a nice day, with 7 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown.

Sunday, September 12, 2004: Jaguars 13, Bills 10
This was another good day for Moulds, but his 8 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown weren't enough. The Bills had a 10-6 lead in the closing seconds of the game, but Byron Leftwich hit Ernest Wilford in the back of the end zone as time expired to give the Jags the win. I remember that I couldn't watch this game, but I was watching a different game looking for updates. The scroll on CBS kept saying that the game was over and the Bills had won, so I was happy. When they showed the game break, I got really pissed.

Sunday, November 26, 2006: Bills 27, Jaguars 24
This time it was the Bills scoring as time expired to get the win. The Bills jumped out to a 17-7 lead on the strength of two Willis McGahee touchdown runs and a Rian Lindell field goal. The Jags pulled closer by adding a David Garrard-to-Marcedes Lewis touchdown pass to the Maurice Jones-Drew TD run they already had to make the score 17-14 at the half. After a Roscoe Parrish punt return for a touchdown and a Josh Scobee field goal, Garrard hit Matt Jones with 28 seconds left to tie the game up. But the Bills got into filed goal range in just 28 seconds, and Lindell hit a 42-yarder to give the Bills the win as the clock hit zeroes.

Sunday, November 25, 2007: Jaguars 36, Bills 14
This game was never really close. Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew combined for 124 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Scobee hit five field goals as the Jags rolled over the Bills. Anthony Thomas and Roscoe Parrish found the end zone for the Bills as lone bright spots.

Sunday, September 14, 2008: Bills 20, Jags 16
This was probably the one game that I blame the high expectations from the previous year on the most. The Bills headed into heavily favored Jacksonville and pulled out a win. With the Jags leading 16-10 late in the fourth quarter, Trent Edwards hit James Hardy in the back of the end zone on a beautiful fade pass to give the Bills a 17-16 lead. Lindell added an insurance field goal to help seal it for the Bills. Buffalo would win their next two game to move to 4-0 on the season before starting a downward spiral that would crush all of our hearts.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/19

2009-11-19T12:13:53Z

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Report: Brohm signs
Prolific college passer and Green Bay practice squad quarterback Brian Brohm is now a member of the Buffalo Bills active roster, according to the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

Brandon is conspicuous by his absence : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Brandon still hasn't spoken publicly about Jauron's overdue ouster, or what might lie ahead for the Great Dysfunctional Family at One Bills Drive.

Diner morning news: No magic wand for Fewell | National Football Post
Michael Lombardi says Perry Fewell is walking into a difficult situation because the Bills don't lack passion or drive, they lack talent and that's something Fewell can't inspire.

Coaching Changes
11.18 Adam Schefter w/ Schopp + Bulldog on WGR 550
ESPN's Adam Schefter is all over the Bills search for a new Head Coach.

PFTV looks at the Jauron firing | ProFootballTalk.com
Here's the first of the five new segments, regarding the termination of Coach Jauron and whatever else we talked about but that I can't currently remember. Oh an Florio pronounces PF's name wrong.

Stroud on Jauron: "We let him down" | ProFootballTalk.com
"I feel like we let him down a little bit," Marcus Stroud said on Sirius XM radio, per Sean Leahy of USA Today, "as far as us not being able to produce and do the things we should have done to help the coach keep his job."

NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive Shanahan likely to meet with Bills officials next week "
"This is his (Wilson’s) last coach and (he) is going to do everything it takes to get it right," the source said of the 91-year-old owner.

Most Bills surprised by Jauron dismissal – Inside The Bills
Lee Evans, Aaron Maybin, Kyle Williams, Jairus Byrd, Terrell Owens, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Marshawn Lynch and Andy Levitre weigh in on their coach's dismissal.

BillBoard: Let's not get carried away
Mark Gaughan throws some water on the Mike Shanahan news.

BillBoard: Bills coaching search
They also already have told interim head coach Perry Fewell that the remainder of the season amounts to a seven-week interview for him, and he will be assured of getting a formal interview with the Bills after the season ends. It’s expected any other assistant coach on the current staff who wants an interview will get one, as well.

Big names are in play for Bills' coaching search : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Among the many personnel men who get mentioned as front-office candidates include former Raiders and Tampa Bay executive Bruce Allen, Chicago college scouting chief Greg Gabriel, former New Orleans executive Rick Mueller, former Redskins and Texans GM Charley Casserly and former Titans GM Floyd Reese.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - What they're saying...
Nick Mendola compiles national football voices into one column discussing the state of the Bills. It ain't pretty.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Jim Kelly gives his opinion on the Bills
Jim Kelly had some very good things to say as he joined Schopp and the Bulldog the other day.

Democrat and Chronicle | Sports Exchange Blog
Bob Matthews writes Jim Haslett might be a good choice to replace Dick Jauron.

Video: AFC East Huddle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN.com's John Clayton takes a spin around the AFC East to discuss the Dick Jauron firing, Ronnie Brown's injury, the fallout from Bill Belichick's fourth-down decision and a change on the Jets' coaching staff.

Star ex-pupil praises Fewell as a leader - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Perry Fewell's greatest pupil, Aeneas Willaims, was pleased to receive news the Buffalo Bills had promoted Fewell to be their interim head coach.

Melted Faces and Freezing Lakes | The Goose's Roost
Ryan at TGR is frustrated because the Jauron firing, like so many other decisions at OBD, has come too late in his opinion.

NFL Videos: Wednesday's Around the League
Steve Wyche and Jason La Canfora report on the Bills' coaching search and more.

Marv Levy Reacts to Jauron Firing | wgrz.com
Marv Levy uses his gift for linguistics to discuss his hire, Dick Jauron.

Ex-Jaguar Fewell becomes foe as Bills' head coach | Jacksonville.com
Bills' new coach making debut vs. former team.

Bills a mess even without Dick Jauron | detnews.com | The Detroit News
"You knew [Dick Jauron was cooked], quite frankly, because history says former Lions coaches -- even an interim one like Jauron that might've deserved a longer look here -- don't become coaches elsewhere. "

A first step for Bills - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
"Firing Jauron isn’t a cure for all of the team’s problems. The list of problems goes well beyond the coaching staff ."

Other Bills News
Fewell: Ryan gives Bills best opportunity to win - AFC East Blog - ESPN
David Amber delves into new coach Perry Fewell's decision to start Ryan Fitzpatrick instead of Trent Edwards.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills interim coach Perry Fewell displayed his sense of humor when asked about how to get rid of false start penalties. "We worked on that today. I started to cut the guy’s finger off when he jumped offsides," he said with a laugh. "But (head trainer) Bud (Carpenter) told me I shouldn’t do that."
- Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on inteirm coach Perry Fewell. "He addressed the team this morning, real straight-forward, going to tell you how it is. He’s here to kind of break us out of our little funk and I think he’s a good guy to do it. He’s got some fire in him."

Woodson Is Honored; Allen Is Released; Brohm In Buffalo - Acme Packing Company
Brian Brohm declined the Packers offer of a spot on the active roster to join the Bills.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 11: Hanging On to the Top for Dear Life -- NFL FanHouse
The Bills sit at 26, moving down one spot from 25.

OchoCinco News Network Poll
Who most deserves his first Pro Bowl in 09'? Vote for Jairus Byrd.

Bills know jobs on the line – Inside The Bills
When a head coach is dismissed during the season it’s an obvious indication that more change is soon to follow at the conclusion of the season.

Drafting a QB an improving possibility – Inside The Bills
"[Trent Edwards] has one year remaining on his contract in Buffalo, but with the way things are going the likelihood that the Bills draft a quarterback high next April is improving every day."

Bills notebook: Fewell adds fire to practice : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Perry Fewell set a hard-working tone Wednesday in his first practice as interim head coach with the Buffalo Bills complete with full pads.

Fewell adds his own fire to Buffalo Bills | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Leo Roth and other local sportswriters are really impressed with coach Fewell's approach of having them practice outside and in pads.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS: Fewell makes impression on first day as Bills coach
The players and media are still abuzz over Perry Fewell's more animated approach.

Quiet Gaddis Signing Prelude to Levitire at LT? : Buffalo Sports Daily
Wednesday morning the Bills signed interior linemen Christian Gaddis to the practice squad (his third stint there) and released C.J. Hawthorne.

Do Not Trust These Men: Week 11 | National Football Post
Ray Gustini pokes fun at Ralph Wilson.

Jaguars notebook: CB Mathis to miss Buffalo game | Jacksonville.com
Coach Jack Del Rio ruled Mathis out because of a groin injury the cornerback suffered last week in the fourth quarter against the Jets.

Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd would gladly trade interceptions for victories | NFL and Seattle Seahawks - OregonLive.com
Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian interviews former Oregon Duck cornerback Jairus Byrd about his interceptions and the Buffalo Bills.

Bills-Jaguars Preview - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Here's your first look ahead to the game this Sunday.

Schefter: Bills contact Mike Shanahan regarding coaching vacancy

2009-11-18T20:42:52Z

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

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Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have contacted former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan in regards to the team's coaching vacancy. Perry Fewell was named the team's interim head coach Tuesday night and is just hours removed from the close of his first practice, but it appears that the Bills are taking advantage of their early jump on the coaching search by talking to one of the most reputable names currently available.

Pro Football Talk has the story, too, citing Schefter. Not only have the Bills contacted Shanahan, but ESPN is also reporting that the two sides are arranging a meeting. The sources leaking the story tell Schefter that Shanahan appears willing, for now, to listen to what the Bills have to say.

The same Schefter report also lists Jim Haslett, Kevin Gilbride and Marc Trestman as potential candidates. Haslett is currently in the UFL, while Gilbride is the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants. Both men have ties to the Bills. Trestman is currently the head coach of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, but has offensive coordinator experience in the NFL. Shanahan, however, appears to be the lead candidate.

It's also possible that the Bills will try to talk Shanahan into taking a more advisory role tailored toward the front office, similar to the role that Bill Parcells currently holds in Miami. We've discussed at length how the team needs a front office vision before bringing in a new coach. Shanahan has made it known that he has the desire to coach again, preferably in 2010. He has 14 years of head coaching experience, two Super Bowl rings, and a career record of 146-98 in stints with Denver and Oakland.

This, folks, is going to be a tough sell for Mr. Wilson. The role that Wilson has in mind will be of critical importance. Don't get too excited yet.

Fewell sticks with Fitzpatrick at QB, Levitre at LT

2009-11-18T18:00:30Z

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

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Various news outlets - we'll link WGR 550 and Paul Hamilton, since it's been a while - are reporting that Ryan Fitzpatrick is taking first-team reps at quarterback in Perry Fewell's first practice as interim head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Fewell confirmed this fact after practice. That bit of news confirms an NFL.com report from Wednesday - prior to the firing of Dick Jauron - that Fitzpatrick would be the club's starter.

With Demetrius Bell dealing with a knee injury, rookie lineman Andy Levitre lined up at left tackle in practice on Wednesday, again according to Hamilton. Levitre saw his first reps of the season at that position last week in Tennessee after Bell left the game at halftime. Replacing Levitre at left guard was, and remains, Seth McKinney. If that move is permanent, Levitre will become the sixth player to line up at either tackle position for Buffalo this season, and the third on the left side.

Additionally, Chris Brown at BuffaloBills.com is reporting that, while safety Donte Whitner and defensive tackle Kyle Williams are back on the practice field, several players missed today's session. That list includes Roscoe Parrish, Justin Jenkins, Bell, Jonathan Scott, Marcus Stroud, Keith Ellison, Terrence McGee, Ashton Youboty and Jairus Byrd. McGee, recovering from knee surgery, worked with trainers on the sideline. Scott was absent as he continues to mourn the passing of his father.

One last note: converted strong safety Bryan Scott continues to take practice reps at linebacker, again according to Brown. That likely won't change until Ellison returns to the lineup.

Bills place TE Fine on IR, sign Joe Klopfenstein

2009-11-18T15:16:28Z

Perry Fewell may have inherited an "opportunity of a lifetime," as he termed it, when he was named interim head coach of the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday night, but he also inherits a nightmare situation in terms of injuries. That situation got worse on Wednesday morning, as starting tight end Derek Fine was placed on Injured Reserve. His season is now over thanks to a knee injury. The Bills themselves confirmed the news via Twitter.

To fill out their depth chart at tight end, the Bills signed street free agent Joe Klopfenstein, a second-round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2006. Klopfenstein has 33 career receptions in three seasons.

Fine was Buffalo's starting tight end by default after the Bills lost opening-day starter Derek Schouman to a season-ending knee injury. With both Schouman and Fine gone, rookie fourth-round pick Shawn Nelson will likely be the team's full-time starter at tight end, with Jonathan Stupar and Klopfenstein providing depth.

The Bills have now had six players hit the IR list since opening day. Fine joins an ever-expanding list including Schouman, tackle Brad Butler, linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs, and cornerback Leodis McKelvin.

Has Bills' search for a GM already begun?

2009-11-18T14:01:52Z

So... yeah. The Buffalo Bills fired Dick Jauron. Perhaps you'd heard. It's still difficult to believe that the Jauron era in Buffalo is over; I'll chalk my inability to wrap my mind around it to the timing, which will always be strange to me, given that a week ago today, the Bills were only just returning from a bye week.

That's big news, to say the least. The fact that defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was promoted to interim head coach was pretty big news, too. It's fun to speculate who might become Buffalo's next head coach, or who might become the next casualty in the front office purge Ralph Wilson is expected to embark upon.

With all proper apologies to folks who would rather partake in those discussions on the day after, I'm going to go ahead and say that those two news items were not the biggest news on the day. No, to me, the biggest, most important news comes via Ed Kilgore of WGRZ.com, who offered up this little throwaway nugget in the aftermath of Jauron's firing:

But, there are reasons to think Ralph C. Wilson "gets it", and is actually willing to do "what it takes" to turn his sagging Bills franchise around. A source tells me C.O.O. Russ Brandon has already started the search for a respected football man to head up football operations, and that person would be in charge of bringing in the next head coach along with all other changes in the personnel department, and changes there will be.

About a month ago, on October 14, we wrote about the possibility of the Bills hiring a GM. At that point in time, I wrote the piece more from the angle of clinging to hope, rather than setting an expectation. If Kilgore's source is accurate on this, it's incredibly satisfying news. As much as the Jauron firing was inevitable and needed to happen - weird timing or not - it's been pretty clear that Jauron was only the figurehead, not the root cause, of the Bills' organizational problems.

From the sounds of Kilgore's information, this is going to happen similarly to the way we discussed it might last month. Russ Brandon, current COO and GM (the latter by default), is heading up the search for the new GM. That's not a complete departure from the consensus model that Marv Levy preached and which Wilson attempted to follow up on in the two years after Levy departed. Brandon's presence makes it possible, because it represents a different structure than the Tom Donahoe experiment, which as you're all aware, Wilson was eager to avoid.

Theoretically - and I'm just speculating here - this new "respected football mind" would essentially be Brandon's organizational equal, or at worst, a half-step below Brandon. (If Brandon's a half-step above, that's not necessarily terrible, as he's positioned to run interference between Ralph and the new guy and let the new guy do his job.) As Kilgore mentions in his piece, Brandon and Wilson would hire the new guy, and then the new guy would build his own scouting and pro personnel staffs, and bring in his own head coach.

I can't even believe how glorious that sounds on paper. Forgive me if I don't join in on the next head coach speculation, because I'm much, much more interested in this particular bit of news.

If Kilgore is right - and we're not likely to know if he is until at least January, when these bigger-picture moves are most likely to be made - it'll be proof that Wilson finally, mercifully understands that the root of his team's problems are in the front office. There have been successes from the current regime - Jairus Byrd, anyone? - but far more failures, particularly at the game's most important positions (quarterback and the two lines).

Hearing that your head coach is fired mid-season shouldn't inspire much hope, no matter how much you dislike the coach himself. Hearing that your owner might finally be realizing that he's been doing things the wrong way for four years and looking to fix it? That should inspire hope. I'm trying not to get too excited, but if this is true, perhaps this franchise's fortunes are about to turn around. It has to start up top; here's hoping Kilgore is right in saying that Wilson has realized it.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/18

2009-11-18T11:41:12Z

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

3 days ago: Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell speaks during a news conference where he was introduced as the NFL football team's new interim head coach at Bills headquarters in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. Fewell takes over after Dick Jauron was fired as head coach on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Perry Fewell Named Interim Head Coach | BuffaloBills.com Video
Perry Fewell meets the media for the first time as a head coach.

Tavern talk: Bills need a team for the elements | National Football Post
Michael Lombardi at National Football Post looks at Jauron's firing and the task of Russ Brandon moving forward of building a winning football team.

Jauron relieved of coaching duties | BuffaloBills.com
Team statement regarding coach Jauron's ouster.

Dick Jauron the Latest Example of Damage a Bad Quarterback Can Do -- NFL FanHouse
Dan Graziano scapegoats Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and J.P. Losman for Dick Jauron's demise in Buffalo.

Jauron’s dismissal is business as usual | National Football Post
Former Jauron pupil Matt Bowen discusses the coach and the Bills' decision to fire him yesterday.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Immediate Reactions, Fire(d) Jauron
Nick Mendola's immediate reaction to Dick Jauron's firing.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - WGR Homepage
Plenty of audio clips from John Clayton, Tim Graham, Andre Reed and Ross Tucker all reacting to DJ's firing on WGR's homepage. Click on the "Audio Vault" links on the left-hand side to listen.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on how to turn things around: "We just need to go out and be successful. We have to have some success, get excited about what we’re doing ... just win one football game and then I think that will take care of itself. That’s the best cure."

Ironic twist for Fewell – Inside The Bills
Perry Fewell will be facing the team with which his NFL coaching career began in Sunday when Buffalo travels to Jacksonville.

Fewell’s plans – Inside The Bills
Here's a rundown of the plans for this weekend's game.

Fewell ready to lead | BuffaloBills.com
It was a roller coaster day for Fewell, who was buried in the process of game planning for the Jaguars Tuesday, before hearing the news of Jauron's termination as head coach. He admitted the day carried a wide range of emotions for him.

Dear Ralph: No more football on the cheap : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Whatever it takes, Wilson has to loosen the purse strings and pay the going rate for good football people. It's time. No more hiding behind the small-market excuse.

Jauron's tenure falls short; Fewell takes over : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Jauron's desperation came to an end Tuesday when he was fired by Wilson. Mark Gaughan lays out the reasoning for the firing and the hiring.

Sudden firing takes Bills players by surprise : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Several Bills players were taken aback by the timing, expecting it to be on the bye week or not at all.

BillBoard: Fewell in charge
Mark Gaughan says Fewell makes the most sense as the interim coach because he has experienced assistants on the defensive side of the ball.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - A Commitment To Mediocrity?
Ross Tucker of Sports Illustrated and Sirius radio, and former Buffalo Bill, says his former coach Marty Schottenheimer would be a great choice.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - Jauron leaving has to be the first move of more
Paul Hamilton advocates for more heads to roll as front office members like John Guy and Tom Modrak need to be sent packing as well as the Bills hire a new football guy at GM.

Scott Pitoniak: Firing Jauron first step on Bills road to recovery
This change was long overdue. But it should be viewed as only the beginning.

Blame not all on Jauron | Democrat and Chronicle
Both Steve Tasker and Chris Kelsay said that Jauron is not totally to blame for the way the 2009 season has disintegrated.

Dick Jauron timeline | Democrat and Chronicle
From birth until yesterday's firing, the D&C has you covered.

Buffalo Bills fans react to firing of Jauron | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Fans have written in expressing their thoughts on coach Jauron.

Players, Levy, others shocked | Democrat and Chronicle
Players contacted by the Democrat and Chronicle and WGRZ-TV in Buffalo were shocked by the firing but at the same time said that with the team struggling, something was bound to happen.

Dick Jauron biography | Democrat and Chronicle
Everything you wanted to know about Dick Jauron's resume.

Jauron remains true to old pals | Democrat and Chronicle
Three of coach Jauron's high school buddies relay some stories from back in the day. This is an article being reprinted from August 2009.

Bills answer fans' agony, replace Jauron | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana's take on the Jauron firing.

Democrat and Chronicle | Three-Point Stance
Sal Maiorana gives his honest, non-word-count opinion on Dick Jauron's tenure in Buffalo.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS: Fewell picked to replace Jauron as Bills coach
The AP report of the new coach.

The Case for Dick Jauron as Defensive Coordinator 2010 - Arrowhead Pride
A member of Arrowhead Pride already has DJ's next job lined up.

Blogger's Blitz: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham looks at Buffalo's firing of Dick Jauron, the ongoing controversy over Bill Belichick's fourth-down call and other news out of the AFC East.

Who will be Buffalo's coach in 2010? - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Here are some thoughts on a few potential candidates in no particular order including all the big names.

Bills finally fire Jauron - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"The only surprising aspect of the decision is that it happened now."

Unexpected Holiday | The Goose's Roost
TGR suggests a celebration. I just don't feel right about that yet.

NFL.com Videos: What do the Bills do?
NFL Total Access looks at coaching candidates for the Bills and ponders their future.

No More Mr. Nice Guy– More Changes To Come? : Buffalo Sports Daily
""I really don’t have anything to say," was all Jauron would say when reached on his cell phone by The Associated Press. It’s the only comment we’ve heard from Jauron at this time.

Jauron Firing Also Means Ralph "Gets It" | Ed Kilgore | wgrz.com
"A source tells me C.O.O. Russ Brandon has already started the search for a respected football man to head up football operations, and that person would be in charge of bringing in the next head coach along with all other changes in the personnel department, and changes there will be."

Anti-Jauron Billboard Leaders: "Mission Accomplished" | wgrz.com
Dave McKinley gave a phone call to the guy who coordinated the billboard calling for Jauron's firing to get his thoughts.

Channel 2 Sports Roundtable | wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY
See what Ed Kilgore, Stu Boyar and Ben Hayes think about the firing of Dick Jauron and what's ahead for the franchise in this Channel 2 sports roundtable that you'll see only here on wgrz.com.

Bills drop axe on Jauron - The Globe and Mail
Head coach dismissed by stumbling NFL team despite 2½ years remaining on contract extension. The view from north of the border.

Tonawanda News - DUVALL: Start the hope-cycle again for Buffalo Bills
Eric DuVall says moves like this give Bills fans hope.

Lockport Union-Sun and Journal Online - BUFFALO BILLS: With Jauron out, fans doubt Wilson will pay for name coach
"Some of the Bills’ followers were pretty pragmatic in wake of the decision and reasoned that Wilson would watch his wallet, something the Bills’ only owner has been criticized for in the past."

Non-coach Bills news
Bell reportedly out 2 weeks – Inside The Bills
NFL Network reporter Jason LaCanfora is reporting that Demetrius Bell’s knee injury will keep him on the shelf for two weeks.

Levitre not using youth as excuse – Inside The Bills
[Now former] Bills head coach Dick Jauron has chalked up a lot of his line’s penalty problems to youth and inexperience. But rookie Andy Levitre doesn’t want to use youth as an excuse.

DT Williams working to return | BuffaloBills.com
Williams is doing all he can to return after a two-game absence as he’s putting a lot of time in to get his knee right again, spending up to 11 hours a day at One Bills Drive doing rehab and treatment.

Week 11 power rankings: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills have fallen to 26.

How I See It: AFC East Stock Watch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills offensive tackles make the list as Fallers.

Bills replace Jauron with Fewell on interim basis

2009-11-18T00:00:43Z

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

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Roughly four full hours after the news that the Buffalo Bills had fired head coach Dick Jauron became public, the Bills have finally officially named an interim replacement. Perry Fewell, who served as Jauron's defensive coordinator through Jauron's entire tenure in Buffalo, will be the Bills' interim head coach for the next seven weeks.

Fewell, 47, is in the midst of his 12th season as an NFL coach. He spent 1998-2002 with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a defensive backs coach, before assuming the same position with the St. Louis Rams (2003-2004) and the Chicago Bears (2005), following current Bears head coach Lovie Smith through the final two locations. He then joined Jauron's staff as defensive coordinator - his first coordinator gig - when Jauron began assembling his staff early in 2006.

It's curious that it took the Bills this long to officially fill the position. Typically, when an NFL head coach is fired mid-season, the man making the decision already has a replacement in mind. We're just speculating here, so please don't take this anything more than that, but the time gap between firing and hiring could indicate that someone turned down the job between events. Given Bobby April's status as assistant head coach (as well as special teams coordinator), we think that's very possible - but again, it's just speculation on our part. It's also now irrelevant, as the Bills officially know who they'll be led by for the next two months.

Here's team owner Ralph Wilson's statement on the matter:

“Perry Fewell will be our Interim Head Coach. Perry has done a great job with our defense and has demonstrated excellent leadership skills as Defensive Coordinator. Our players and staff have a lot of confidence in him and that is important as we look forward to these next seven games.”

Buffalo Bills fire head coach Dick Jauron

2009-11-17T19:38:11Z

More photos » by Mike Groll - AP

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The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Dick Jauron. NFL.com's Jason La Canfora had the story first via Twitter. Perry Fewell, in his fourth season as Buffalo's defensive coordinator, will be tapped as the interim replacement to Jauron, a fact first reported by NFL.com's Vic Carucci. That move has yet to be made official by the team, though Ralph Wilson has confirmed via statement that Jauron is done.

The decision to fire Jauron came after his Bills team stumbled to a 3-6 start in his fourth, and most critical, season as coach. Jauron ends his Bills career with a record of 24-33. His tenure was marked with offensive inconsistency, a revolving door at quarterback, curious game-day and personnel decisions, and many a late-game collapse. He has been squarely on the proverbial "hot seat" since the Bills' 2-8 finish to the 2008 season.

Jauron's moves have, unsurprisingly, been viewed as increasingly desperate this season, including the signing of receiver Terrell Owens, the implementation and subsequent scrapping of the no-huddle offense, and the firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert just ten days prior to the start of the season.

Fewell's defenses have never been statistically dominant, and while the unit is currently dead last in the league in defending the run, the general sentiment is that, considering the lack of talent and the amount of injuries he's had to work with, Fewell's done an excellent job preaching team defense this season. In fact, the defense has been critical in the team's three wins. He now gets an opportunity to coach Buffalo from the head position for the next seven weeks.

With that, the Dick Jauron era comes to an abrupt halt in Buffalo. The broad, sweeping change the fan base has been eagerly calling for over the past year has finally begun.

Report: Bills to start Fitzpatrick Week 11 at Jacksonville

2009-11-17T17:19:36Z

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

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NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, citing a league source, is reporting that the Buffalo Bills are expected to start Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback in their Week 11 game in Jacksonville.

Trent Edwards, the team's opening-day starter, was pulled in favor of Fitzpatrick at the end of the team's Week 10 loss to Tennessee despite a solid first-half showing from the offense. Fitzpatrick has been at the helm for two of Buffalo's three wins this season, though he has yet to throw for more than 123 yards in a game as a Bill.

For Edwards, this move represents the low point in a career that showed early signs of promise, but quickly fizzled to mediocrity. The Bills are 3-10 in the last 13 games that Edwards has completed. Edwards returned to the lineup last week after recovering from his second career concussion, but his return didn't last a full four quarters.

As we discussed this morning, this move likely has only one reason behind it: the team, and head coach Dick Jauron, appears to have completely lost faith in the third-year signal caller from Stanford. It's hardly a ringing endorsement of Fitzpatrick, and highlights the full-blown mess the team is right now.

With season in tailspin, Bills have QB controversy

2009-11-17T13:45:27Z

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

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'Quarterback controversy' is a term, and a situation, that has been all too prevalent for the Buffalo Bills as a franchise over the past decade. Not many NFL teams have had as many questions surrounding football's most important position in that time frame, and that fact alone speaks volumes towards the fact that the Bills are on the verge of missing the post-season for a tenth consecutive season.

The current Buffalo Bills, who stand at 3-6 on the season and are looking at an off-season of massive changes, are now staring down the barrel of perhaps the most feeble and meaningless quarterback controversy in team history: Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick?

Dick Jauron on Monday wouldn't commit to a starter. When the Bills begin preparations for Week 11 on Wednesday, Jauron is expected to announce his starter for that particular the game. Unfortunately for Jauron and Buffalo, there isn't a right answer to the question - which, of course, only emphasizes the total, utter chaos these Bills seem to be on the verge of.

Arguments predominantly against Edwards
I say arguments for and against Edwards because the fact of the matter is this: the only argument that holds any water in favor of Fitzpatrick is the quickly-ripening "Edwards just isn't good enough" argument. There's absolutely no reason that a player of Fitzpatrick's caliber sees the field unless it's due to injury, or if it's due to a complete, epic collapse on the starter's part.

Edwards is on the outskirts of that territory. Though his numbers weren't awful in the Bills' Week 10 loss in Tennessee (18 of 28, 185 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), the offense - and, in reality, the team itself - began to collapse around him on Sunday. Receivers openly questioned his reads on the field and on the sidelines. Jauron himself mentioned post-game that the offense "missed things" on the field. Edwards continues to play as if he trusts no one around him, nor himself. How is a team, in any state of array or disarray, supposed to rally around a player they don't trust in any sense of the word?

In terms of this specific controversy, Jauron may be forced to put Fitzpatrick into the lineup simply to avoid the mutiny that could ensue if Edwards doesn't improve (and there's no reason to expect that to happen). If the fact that Jauron may be forced to play a quarterback based solely on damage control doesn't speak volumes about his future with this organization, I don't know what does.

The common fan perspectives
There are two predominant ways that fans will approach this new, exciting controversy. The most common perspective will be that Edwards is clearly the superior talent, and thus should start on that fact alone. It's certainly not unreasonable - the team certainly isn't going anywhere with Fitzpatrick, who has reached his professional ceiling, and we might as well play Edwards to see what the guy can do before a new coaching regime comes in. (It might be irrational, however, to expect Jauron to take that position; like it or not, the man is still coaching for his job.)

Most folks who don't fall into that spectrum will take the apathetic approach; these people will, in some form or another, say that it doesn't really matter who plays quarterback, because, as mentioned above, the team's not going anywhere with either player at the helm. Many of these folks are also so far from caring that they might nominate Gibran Hamdan or Fred Jackson for starting quarterback duties. That's a bit absurd, but it highlights the lack of caring. Why not start Edwards? Why not start Fitzpatrick? It doesn't matter either way.

I'm somewhere between those two categories. I'd like to see Edwards play for all of the reasons stated above, but I'm not going to get upset if he doesn't, because it would be difficult to blame Jauron for playing the quarterback (i.e. Fitzpatrick) that is the furthest from boom-or-bust in terms of his team's psyche. In all likelihood, we're going to see both players in significant chunks over the next seven weeks, so this decision will probably turn out to be meaningless as well.

There it is. It's not a complete lack of caring on my behalf, but more an understanding that this Bills team is on the verge of a complete meltdown from top to bottom, and this decision could turn out to be the final spark for the ensuing blaze. Fun times, folks. Fun times. With the way things are going, would anyone be surprised to see Hamdan get the nod?

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/17

2009-11-17T13:41:14Z

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

5 days ago: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) scores a touchdown on a one-yard run ahead of Buffalo Bills linebacker Nic Harris, right, in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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DE Schobel Questions Bills Lack Of Direction -- NFL FanHouse
"I mean, we're technically, mathematically still in it, I guess," said Aaron Schobel, "but it's like what ... are we doing here?"

Obscene Gesture Costs Adams $250K -- NFL FanHouse
The NFL has fined Titans owner Bud Adams $250,000 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans while celebrating Tennessee's victory over the Bills.

Jauron on Whitner situation – Inside The Bills
Basically Whitner was dressed to play in an emergency situation, but was still not 100 percent recovered from the severe bone bruise on his ankle.

Jauron to announce starting QB Wednesday | BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown says the offense hasn't looked much different with Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick starting. The team won't make a decision on the starter until Wednesday.

Jauron not optimistic about Bell – Inside The Bills
Demetrius Bell’s injured knee won’t be re-evaluated until later Monday, but Dick Jauron was not optimistic about his status moving forward.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
Bills DT Kyle Williams - one of Buffalo's best defenders this season - is hoping to return this week from a torn MCL. "I’m hoping this week, but I don’t know ... it’s better than it was last week," Williams said. "I tore that ligament and they say it’s just at time issue."

Bills rookie Byrd continues fine season - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The last time a player had at least eight interceptions in five games was Tommy Morrow for the Oakland Raiders in 1963.

Bills notebook: Jauron won't say if Edwards is starter: The Buffalo News
Ever true to his guarded approach, Bills coach Dick Jauron would not say whether Trent Edwards will be under center Sunday when the team visits Jacksonville.

Bud Adams Fined $250K for Flipping off the Bills - Music City Miracles
Bud Adams fined $250K for the Music City Salute. The MCM blog says that's way too high. I agree.

Buffalo Bills Replay: Where does team go from here? | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana and Leo Roth go back and forth on the future of the Bills.

Music City Meltdown | Democrat and Chronicle | Three-Point Stance
Here’s a few things Sal Maiorana would do if he was calling the shots at One Bills Drive: start Trent Edwards, start Fred Jackson, get rid of Terrell Owens and start James Hardy, say goodbye to Donte Whitner, play Aaron Maybin, let Roscoe Parrish return punts, and get Shawn Nelson more involved.

Jauron Hints At Changes In Presser : Buffalo Sports Daily
Personnel decisions are aplenty with injuries and poor play across the board.

POLLOCK: These Bills are a team in disarray | Olean Times Herald
"What a mess," says Chuck Pollack.

Jeff Nixon: "Head Games" : Buffalo Sports Daily
The former Bill looks at concussions and the NFL in light of Trent Edwards' return from the injury.

Kawika chops the hair! – Inside The Bills
Bills LB Kawika Mitchell, whose season is over due to a knee injury suffered a month ago, made a bold decision recently to cut his long locks off. Photo there.

Latest Meltdown Has Bills’ Season On Verge Of Imploding : Buffalo Sports Daily
Pat Moran likens the Bills to Amy Winehouse in the meltdown department as he gives his game recap.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS DVR REWIND: Bad decision accelerates Bills’ implosion
Tim Schmitt looks back at the Bills loss in Tennessee focusing in on the last 3:30 minutes of play.

Notebook: Byrd is again the word | BuffaloBills.com
Dan Bates gives some positive notes from the Titans loss featuring Jairus Byrd, Lee Evans, T.O., and the OL reshuffle.

Statement from Titans Owner K.S. 'Bud' Adams, Jr. | Titansonline.com
The full text from Bud Adams double-finger apology.

High pick in cards for Bills : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan recounts a meeting with Rex Carr at Cole's Monday discussing the demise of the Bills and the upcoming offseason.

Owens Sums it Up: What's New? | wgrz.com
Adam Benigni poses the question to key parts of the Bills and comes up with the answer "nothing".