Jets Outlast Bills: Sloppy Play On Both Sides Of The Ball

EJ Under Pressure All Day!  Photo Courtesy of BuffaloBills.com

It was another divisional matchup.  The Bills were on the road.  EJ Manuel's first game in hostile territory.  There were many questions going in, many of them were answered by the end of the first half.  The Jets rookie QB, Geno Smith was also a question.  Does Geno have what it takes?  Can he win?  Is Geno better than EJ?  There are many other questions but lets focus on where the Bills go from here.

The Bills started out by losing a close game to the Patriots in week 1.  Then in week 2 they pull out a close win against the Panthers.  Can they do the same against the Jets?  The answer to this question is no.  The Jets pretty much kept the Bills in the game.  They managed a franchise record 18 penalties.  But, at the same time the Bills Defense kept the game close.  But, the secondary also got burned on a few big plays.  They need to tighten this up or its going to be another long season for the fans.

The offense never really got going.  Yes, they managed a pretty good looking drive in the 4th but by then it was a bit too late.  EJ was under pressure all day, getting sacked 8 times.  The play calling looked very predictable and conservative.  Many fans are feeling that they should have opened it up and let EJ learn a bit.  The running game was lack luster except a big run by Fred Jackson, who just may be the Bills starter with CJ Spiller suffering a knee injury.

Now its time to get ready for the Superbowl champions.  The Ravens come to to town next week after blowing out the Houston Texans.  The Bills Defense needs to play better and tighter.  The offense needs to be less predictable.  They also need to protect EJ Manuel.  This kid can not throw the ball if he is laying down.  Here is the key to beating Joe Flacco, pressure him and stop the run.  If you make Joe Flacco beat you with his arm, then you have half the game won.

One final word!  Go Bills!  #BillsMafia

Biggest Game Of The Year! Jarius Byrd and other Happenings In Buffalo!

Guess its just about time for a new NFL Season in Central NY.  The feeling that football is finally here is something that most Buffalo Bills fans can testify to.  Its like none other.  Those that follow the Bills faithfully have to be some of the best football fans in the nation.  This weekend just happens to be the opening weekend and its the biggest game of the year.  Yep, the New England Patriots are coming to town!

It seems that the place to be Sunday morning is Hammers Lot.  Its right next to the camping lot, and best of all its not governed by the NFL.  What this means is that Pinto Ron aka Ken Johnson can tailgate like he is used to.  Fans from near and far, all show up at Hammers looking to meet Ken and have some of his grub that is cooked right on the hood of his car.  Below you can see a photo of myself with "Pinto Ron".  This was my first trip to Hammers, and this weekend will be the first time I attended the season opener, and my first New England Patriots game.   I'm not worried mainly because the Buffalo Bills have never lost a game I've been at.  Lets hope the streak keeps going!  Go Bills!

Myself and Pinto Ron (Ken Johnson) Taken before the Minnesota Game

Now on to the Jarius Byrd situation.  There seems to be many fans upset with his recent antics.  People everywhere want to know why it seems like he just does not want to play this year.  I, myself have not been completely sold on this.  I believe that there is some issues between Byrd and the organization.  But, he is a professional and its about business.  I think that he will go out and play as much as he can.  NO!  I don't think that he will play the first game.  I think that he will finally realize that he has to play in order to get other teams interested.  He honestly does not want to be a distraction.  Mainly because that is not attractive to other teams.  Does he want to play in B-Lo, not sure.  I mean he didn't put a clause where he could not be tagged again.  So, does anyone really know what Byrd wants?  Probably not.

There are others things going on.  Like next week at the Carolina Panthers game.  Its the annual #BillsMafia Tweetup!  You can get discounted tickets plus access to the field after the game.  If your interested check out the BillsMafia blog. 

Well, after the game on Sunday I will be traveling back home.  But, if you give me a few hours to get home, I will be posting some pics and my comments on the game regardless of the outcome.  My seat is section 231, Row 8, Seat 24.  Thats right Paul McGuire Club!

Check back soon for more!

Buffalo Bills Lose To Patriots: Stevie Johnson Benched

Stevie Johnson Benched After Displaying His message

There has been a lot of talk on the boards and Facebook about the benching of Stevie Johnson.  Going into the last game of the 2011 NFL season there were many Bills fans hoping for a sweep of the highly disliked New England Patriots.  There are not too many fans in the NFL that like Tom Brady (except Patriot fans).

Early in the game it looked like the Bills were going to walk away with this game.   21 points in the first quarter.  The Patriots didn't seem like they could stop Fitz and Spiller.  They were throwing it and running it at will.  Then came the moment that Stevie Johnson wished everyone a happy new year.  He had it written on his undershirt.  This drew a excessive demonstration penalty and Chan Gailey benched him the rest of the game.  (Was this the right move?).

After that first quarter the Patriots went on to score 49 unanswered points.  The Bills did not have anything to say or do about it.  It appeared to some that they just laid down and took it.  What I seen was that the Patriots changed up a bit on defense and put a stop the Bills play making.  On offense Brady started the no huddle and picked up the pace.  This gave him confidence and he was playing a bit more efficient.  (Brady is still a baby when it comes to getting touched)

After the game Johnson owned up to the penalty and stated that he was sorry and it wont happen again.  The issue is this, he did the same thing last year (why so serious).  He was not flagged for it.  How was he supposed to know that this year (these refs) would think its wrong?  Chan said that if anyone player hurt the team with a demonstration penalty they were out for the remainder of the game.  He stood by his word.  Not sure if Johsnon and the rest of the players agree with him on this.

In order to win this game the Bills needed to change things up a bit.  They failed to do so (again not giving the ball to Spiller 20 times a game).  Stop saying that we don't know if he is a 20 carries a game back.  Give him the ball and find out.  Don't bench your best receiver because he wrote on his shirt.  Get out and give the ref an ear full.  Let them know how you feel about the penalty.  Show your players that you are behind them and get emotional.

Before the Bills fell behind Fitz played an okay game.  He is not a Jim Kelly by any means.  But, I think with a little work in the off season he will be okay.  Ryan Fitzpatrick has the ability to take this team to the playoffs.  This game and season were not entirely his fault.  Yes he played quite badly after his big signing.  But,  he is no the one that allows the defense to score (except those dreaded pick six interceptions).

In closing the 2011 NFL season is all lost.  Yes the Bills missed the playoffs again.  But, the Miami Dolphins finally shut up Rex Ryan and the Jets.  I am so glad that they are not in the post season.  So, for the rest of the season, my pick for the Superbowl was Pittsburgh Steelers and GreenBay Packers.  After watching both teams play.  I might go with Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.  Check back for more posts during the off season.  They will not come as quick.  Maybe every other week or so.