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Sabres Edge: Ruff Playing Hardball

By Tim Redinger | January 3, 2009 | Dispatches from the Aud

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/sabres/2009/01/ruff-playing-ha.htmlIs Lindy Ruff playing hardball enough for this team? The last time Darcy Regier did anything trade wise it was 2002 when he brought Jason Woolley in. Do players here know that? Is that why they take the average night off?We know the Bills love their coach because he is easy, do the Sabres love their GM for the same reason? Sure Lindy will sit them if they have a bad stretch, but whats a game or two here or there amongst friends. I think see through targets should be applied to all of the mirrors in the locker room right at eye level, with the words TRADE TARGET written underneath. Maybe if players feel the heat of the pressure they will start performing, but not until then....

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Darcy Regier, Jason Woolley, Lindy Ruff

NFL Top Ten: Best 2009 Teams not in the 2008 Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | January 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

There will be a bunch of teams in the tournament next year that aren't right now. Seven teams in the 2008 playoffs were not there in 2007. Which non-playoff teams have the best chance of making it next year? MVN's NFL Top Ten investigates:10. Dallas CowboysDallas has a lot of problems that will prevent them from significantly improving in the offseason, but you have to look at the roster right now as one that can compete for a playoff spot. Who knows whether they can improve on offense in 2009? The offensive line and the protection schemes have serious issues, and it's possible the two best receivers on the team don't even start, but Tony Romo is going to continue to be Tony Romo, and the team will have a three headed rushing attack it can lean on next year. The defense can be the type of defense it showed...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Washington Redskins

New Year, Old Hope

By BillsGirl25 | January 2, 2009 | Circling the Wagons

The New Year. A time to start fresh and look to a year of endless possibilities. It's a time we share with each other, knowing that we're all free to enjoy this time of new beginnings. We're excited, we're anxious, and we're all hopeful for what's to come. In a perfect world, every aspect of our lives would be filled with this optimism during this time. But for Bills fans, there's just one thing that even the New Year can't change. Weeks ago, I was still trying to wrap my head around what exactly happened to my team. Like many of you, I've accepted the fact that again, like the years before, it just wasn't our time. Maybe it's not the best justification for the team's failure, but it does help me sleep at night. But now, I've moved on to trying to wrap my head around why Dick...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo, Buffalo Bills, Dick Jauron, Marshawn Lynch, Ralph Wilson

Patriots beat Buffalo Bills, miss playoffs

By Beth | December 29, 2008 | The Patriot Act

Before their fate was decided at the hands of their sworn enemies, the New York Jets, the Patriots played a memorable season finale against the upstate New York team, in a stadium that had become a wind tunnel. Gusts were reported in the Buffalo area up to 60 mph--before the game both goalposts were bent over at odd angles. During the game, at least one of them would bend back again, requiring a crew to reposition it before a field goal could be attempted. Later in the game the wind would calm down, but during the first half only one field goal was successful, by Stephen Gostkowski late in the first quarter. Two more would be attempted, but they were no match for the wind. Buffalo stepped up first, with a 47-yard attempt that quickly went awry. The swirling gale forced the ball to the left, then reversed direction, pushing...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Bill Belichick, Brett Favre, Buffalo Bills, Eric Mangini, Fred Jackson, LaMont Jordan, Matt Cassel, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Sammy Morris, Stephen Gostkowski, Tom Brady

Wind playing havoc with play calling

By Jamie | December 28, 2008 | The Patriot Act

With the wind swirling around Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Pats and the Bills have had to change the way they call the game. The Pats have been the only ones able to connect on a field goal, and lead 3-0. Both the Bills and the Pats have had field goals be blown clear away from their targets. They even have had to stop play in order to re-set the goal posts because they were blown off to the side.The running game has been clearly the most important part of the game, with both teams barely attempting any passes. Neither team has attempted a pass going into the wind. In total, Matt Cassel has attempted 3 passes and Trent Edwards has attempted 5 passes. The Pats have been using a running back by committee approach, as they have most of the season, with Sammy Morris and LaMonte Jordan splitting carries. Buffalo's...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, LaMont Jordan, Sammy Morris, Stephen Gostkowski

Patriots need more then a Christmas gift to make it to the playoffs

By | December 26, 2008 | The Patriot Act

This week more then one person has commented about rooting for the Jets to win versus the Dolphins in order for the Patriots to clinch the AFC East title and become the 3rd seed on the AFC. I think a few people have forgotten the Patriots need to beat the Bills first. If both the Dolphins and Patriots do win then the only way the Patriots may make it in a wild card spot is if the Ravens lose to the Jaguars. I think it will be a tough job for the Jags. The Ravens are playing extremely well and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has been playing better then I expected. But this would be the second gift the Patriots would need to receive. The ideal scenario would be Miami and Ravens losing (very doubtful) and Patriots winning. Then the Patriots are AFC East Champs and then I believe Miami...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

Enough is Enough.

By BillsGirl25 | December 19, 2008 | Circling the Wagons

No longer interested in relying on the old phrase, "there's always next year" to glue their broken hearts back together, Bills fans are rallying to make their voices heard loud and clear. Disapproval of the Bills organization is at an all-time high, and there doesn't seem to be any sign of this going away quietly. Bills fans want change and they want it now. And while venting on message boards or to each other is the typical way fans have voiced their disdain in the past, a group of fans is going in a new direction to get their point across this time.Known as the "Buffalo Billboard Project", the group is currently trying to raise approximately $1500 for a 4-week billboard "to voice the true feeling of Buffalo Bills fans." The message is simple: Fire Jauron and hire Bill Cowher, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and current sports analyst on...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Bill Cowher, Buffalo Bills, Dick Jauron, Ralph Wilson

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

1. Tennessee Titans (12-2) The Titans hold the top spot at least one more week through the loss, but they will have to beat Pittsburgh at home without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle VandenBosch to hold it any further. Good luck guys.2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)The Eagles jump up to number two this week behind the strength of a third consecutive win, and the Steelers knocking off the Ravens, who beat the Eagles back when this was a team in turmoil. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) Do the Steelers have the greatest defense of all time? Only a championship would validate this. The offense apparently isn't going to assist them until the final two minutes of every game.4. Baltimore Ravens (9-5) The Ravens aren't going to fall too far, falling victim to the "Tuck Rule curse". They should have taken care of business in Pittsburgh, and then it wouldn't have come down to...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

NFL Top Ten: Best 2009 Teams not in the 2008 Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | January 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

NFL Stock Market Week 15: Eagles soar while Jets grounded

By Greg Trippiedi | December 9, 2008 | MVN Outsider

This week, we're going to change around the structure of the NFL Stock Market. We're looking for teams, players, coaches who are down right now, but for the rest of this year, you should buy, buy, buy what they are selling. And for other teams, players, and coaches, it's time to sell their stock while you still can.Buy LowWashington Redskins -- the Redskins have played five games versus elite NFL teams this year, Philadelphia, New York (twice), Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and have gone 1-4 in those games. The Redskins still have to finish out against the Eagles, in a game that will likely determine who, besides the Giants, from the NFC East will make the playoffs. But the other two games are against the Bengals and the 49ers. The Redskins have been a remarkably consistent slightly above average team ever since upsetting the Eagles in Week 5, and above average...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Cincinatti Bengals, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Trent Edwards, Washington Redskins

News and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | December 5, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Six players have been suspended for four games, the remainder of the regular season, for violating the league's steroid policy. Hardest hit are the Vikings, who lost defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, two keys for the Vikes' playoff hopes. Minnesota has a one-game lead in the NFC North and will struggle to keep it without the Williams Wall to stop the run. The Williamses obtained a temporary restraining order Wednesday which allows them to practice but does not guarantee they will play on Sunday. The judge in the case is awaiting legal briefs by both sides before making a final ruling. Meanwhile, the Vikings have signed Jimmy Kennedy as an insurance policy. The Saints lost three players, running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, but New Orleans is in last place in their division with no realistic playoff hopes. The sixth player is Texans long snapper Bryan...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins

The NFL third-quarter review

By Andrew Strickert | December 4, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Three quarters of the NFL regular season have been played and we head into what should be an exciting fourth quarter. Nineteen teams are in strong contention for postseason play. The Giants, Titans, Cardinals and Broncos each have three-game leads in their divisions and are on the verge of clinching. They'll be jockeying for position in the home stretch for the best seedings. The other four division races are a lot closer. The Steelers, Jets and Vikings each have one-game leads and the NFC South is extremely close. The Panthers and Bucs are tied with 9-3 records and will face each other Monday night, with the Falcons on their heels and only a game behind them at 8-4. Here's a look at the current standings, remaining schedules and the remaining strengths of schedule. AFC division leaders: Tennessee Titans (11-1) Browns, Texans, Steelers, Colts 26-22 (.542) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) Cowboys, Ravens,...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Plaxico, the Giants and other news and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | December 2, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Plaxico Burress has been charged with two counts of felony possession of a weapon, following an incident in which he accidentally shot himself in a nightclub last Friday night. Burress could face incarceration for 3½ to 15 years. Even if he gets off, he's probably played his last game as a Giant. Giants captain Antonio Pierce may be in trouble as well. He's accused of hiding the gun Burress accidentally shot himself with and Giants fans aren't happy with Pierce or with the club's decision to let him play against the Redskins. New York may have strict gun control laws but several Giants players defended Burress. On the other hand, Burress may be an idiot for carrying an unlicensed gun into a nightclub. Here's my question, does a temporary insanity defense apply here? The sadly ironic thing about this situation is it occurred prior to the game in which the Redskins honored...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

NFL Stock Market Week 14: Franchise Quarterback Roulette

By Greg Trippiedi | December 2, 2008 | MVN Outsider

This week, we examine efforts by second opportunity head coaches in losing seasons, call into question the franchise QB label for some AFC passers, and try to figure out just what the heck is wrong with the Chargers. This is your weekly look at the NFL stock market on MVN Outsider!RisersPlayer: QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore RavensAt it's most basic levels, football analysts will question whether or not a team's quarterback has what it takes to be the passer the franchise needs. Coming out of Delaware, there were significant questions surrounding Joe Flacco, whether or not he was able to milk enough experience out of his three years at Delaware to compete in the NFL, why Pitt gave up on him so fast if he was indeed an NFL prospect, and yes, why his team wasn't competitive against App State in the DI FCS Championship Game. If Flacco hasn't yet established...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL stock market, San Diego Chargers

Fantasy Football: Tuesday Waiver Wire

By Brad Berreman | November 25, 2008 | MVN Outsider

As Week 13 comes upon us, it is the last week of the regular season in many fantasy football leagues. A well placed free agent addition could help get a needed victory this week, as well as have an impact in the playoffs. In this my final edition of the Tuesday Waiver Wire for the 2008 season, I'l once again give you my recommendations of who you should consider adding to your rosters this week. Quarterbacks David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars- Garrard threw for 317 yards last week against Minnesota, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. He's got a favorable matchup coming next Monday against Houston, and then has a favorable looking matchup against Chicago in Week 14. Garrard could be a sneaky plug-in for the next couple weeks, as the Bears have struggled to generate pass rush and defend the pass this season. Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers- Hill...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Fantasy, Fantasy Football, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

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