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.

Ryan Fitzpatrick: My Take on His First Year As Starter

I was asked this question today.  What is your take on Ryan Fitzpatrick?  I would like to go over his stats for this season so far.  Then I will give you all what I think of the job that some people were calling Fitzmagic early on.

Remember back in September when the Buffalo Bills defeated the Chiefs, Patriots, Raiders and the Eagles.  On their way to to a surprising 4-1 record.  The only loss long this way was to the Bengals.  It seems that Buffalo Bills took the NFL world by storm and were heading into a territory that they haven't been to in a decade.  But, wait lets fast forward to today.  The Buffalo Bills are a disappointing 5-8.  They have dropped six straight games and not one fan would have thought that this could happen.  The Buffalo Bills were officially eliminated from post season play.  Now lets get to Ryan Fitzpatricks stats over the span of 13 games.

In the first 8 games.

170-260 passing (65.4%), 1,930 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs, 92.3 rating, 18 plays of 25-yards plus.

Last 5 games.

108-189 passing (57.1%), 1,083 yards, 5 TDs, 7 INTs, 67 rating, 7 plays of 25-yards plus.

What this shows is that his production has dropped off.  Now there could be a lot of factors in this.  First they lost Fred Jackson.  That left them relying on CJ Spiller who has been nothing but disappointing at the running back position.  I beg the Bills to use him at WR and see what he can do for them.

Now there are no excuses to be made here.  The Buffalo Bills took a bunch of steps backwards and they are nothing like they were in the beginning of the season.  Fitz is not playing at the level he was and they have a whopping 15 players on injured reserve. But that is not an excuse in my eyes.  Champions over come obstacles and Bills have not done so.

So, my take on Ryan Fitzpatrick is that the 6 game skid is not entirely his fault.  But, when he over throws or under throws a receiver, its all on him.  Yes the play calling has to change.  Maybe its time to get an offensive coordinator and let him design the plays.  Chan Gailey is doing an okay job, but being a head coach and offense coordinator might be too much for him to handle.  This seasons ending will be blamed completely on the entire team.  Yes, we can point fingers at the QB and Coaches.  Or even blame the amount of injuries.  But, in the end here is what the Buffalo Bills need to do. 

• Fire George Edwards
• Hire an Offensive Coordinator
• Draft a QB to take over after Fitz fails again
• Improve the Depth at all positions
• Get a new strength and conditioning team.  There are way too many injuries for the second season in a row.  

If they do not make the playoffs next season.  Its time to pay for a quality coach and players.  Lets put a winning team on the field and start enjoying being a Bills fan again.