Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch Cleared To Practice

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo's running back corps is getting healthier with Marshawn Lynch set to play in the Bills' preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
Coach Chan Gailey said Lynch looked good in returning to practice Tuesday for the first time since hurting his ankle in a loss to Washington.
"It didn't look like there was any residual effect, so we're looking forward to watching him Thursday night," Gailey said.
Lynch's return means the Bills will have two-thirds of their running back rotation healthy. First-round draft pick C.J. Spiller has carried most of the running load the past two preseason games, and Fred Jackson has been out since breaking a bone in his left hand against the Redskins.
Wearing a brace around his hand, Jackson practiced Tuesday on a limited basis. Jackson took part in individual drills and also tested his injured hand by catching a few soft passes.
"I felt like I was able to go full-go, but I still can't hold the ball in my left hand like I wanted to with this brace that I have on," Jackson said. "Hopefully, next week, I could come out and do some more stuff."
Jackson is a long shot to be ready for Buffalo's season opener against Miami on Sept. 12.
Coming off his first career 1,000-yard season, Jackson opened training camp as the Bills starter and was expected to get a fair share of carries despite the addition of Spiller.
Spiller has proven to be the Bills offensive star this preseason. In the past two games, he has 22 carries for 106 yards and three touchdowns, and three catches for 35 yards.
Gailey said veteran linebacker Kawika Mitchell was absent from practice due to an injury. Gailey would only describe the injury as "a little issue" which the player was having checked.
Cornell Green, who's projected to start at right tackle, did not practice after hurting his knee in a win over Cincinnati on Saturday. Gailey said Green would be game-time decision.
Rookie offensive tackle Ed Wang practiced on a limited basis for the first time since hurting his left hand Aug. 2. Wang had his hand extensively wrapped and there's still no timetable on when the fifth-round pick out of Virginia Tech could play.

Buffalo Bills vs Detriot Lions: Preseason Game Preview Aug, 31

I like the Bills, because they are still trying to find their identity, and don’t have any stars to sit and rest before the regular season starts – they can’t be wasting time like that – so they’ll play their guys and covering a 4.5 in the pre-season when your starters are playing more snaps seems like a solid chance. Plus, the Lions are far from amazing.
Buffalo may have their starter figured out, and that is probably Trent Edwards, but it’s not like the position is his to keep forever – the Bills are a work in progress, and besides C.J. Spiller, they are probably willing to give everybody on their roster an extra look going into the pre-season. This is also a new coaching staff in Buffalo, so they need to use as much time as they are given to put in their new schemes. That’s just another reason to play your starters a little bit longer on Thursday Night.
The Lions have had a solid pre-season, seeing explosive football out of Jahvid Best, nice passing from the young sophomore quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and getting their WRs and TEs some solid looks. Defensively, the Lions have looked improved. They have some versatility in the front 7, and Mr. Suh looks to be every bit the stud they drafted #2 in this years’ draft.
I full expect the Lions to put up some points early, especially if the starters get a couple series – but the Bills will end up on top in this one, or at least covering that 5.5 point spread.

2010 U.B. Bulls vs Rhode Island And MAC Perdications Week One FBS Winners

2010 in the MAC will begin as Villanova pulls off another win over Temple on the strength of back Matt Szczur, quarterback Chris Whitney, and a Wildcats team eyeing a repeat in the FCS National Championship.
Taking its show on the road, Bowling Green will meet Troy at home in Alabama where the Trojans prove too much for a Falcon squad faced with the task of totally rebuilding itself.
Toledo will host the Pac-10 Arizona Wildcats whose offensive unit is simply too much for a struggling Rocket defense to contend with.
Meanwhile, Ball State beats Southeastern Missouri State and Army defeats Eastern Michigan in what have to be considered two of the least anticipated matchups of the season. This is not must see T.V.
On a more positive note, the Akron Zips pull off a stunning Week One defeat of the struggling Syracuse Orangemen in Akron, Ohio, putting the Zip squad in the national spotlight.

East
Temple vs. Villanova: at Temple
Sept. 3 Winner: Villanova
Bowling Green at Troy:
Sept. 4 Winner: Troy
Ohio vs. Wofford: at Ohio
Sept. 4 Winner: Ohio
Kent State vs. Murray State: at Kent
Sept. 4 Winner: Kent State
Buffalo vs. Rhode Island: at Buffalo
Sept. 2 Winner: Buffalo
Akron vs. Syracuse: at Akron
Sept. 4 Winner: Akron
Miami (Ohio) at Florida:
Sept. 4 Winner: Florida
West
Northern Illinois at Iowa State:
Sept. 2 Winner: Iowa State
Central Michigan vs. Hampton: at Central Mich.
Sept. 2 Winner: Central Michigan
Toledo vs. Arizona: at Toledo
Sept. 3 Winner: Arizona
Western Michigan at Michigan State:
Sept. 4 Winner: Michigan State
Ball State vs. Southeast Missouri State: at Ball State
Sept. 2 Winner: Ball State
Eastern Michigan vs. Army: at Eastern Mich
Sept. 4 Winner: Army

University Of Buffalo Bulls Preseason Preview

2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5 in MAC)
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (1st year at Buffalo, 1-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Rhode Island (9/2), at Baylor (9/11), UCF (9/18), at UConn (9/25)

2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.1 points per game (8th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 163 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 241 (6th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 404 (3rd in MAC) 

2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 23.8 points per game (6th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 131 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 210 (7th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 342 (3rd in MAC)

2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.58 per game (10th in MAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (10th in MAC)

Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 2

Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jerry Davis, Soph (8 of 15 for 145 yds, 1 TD)
Rushing: RB Ike Nduka, Sr (96 carries for 598 yds, 6 TD, 6.2 ypc, 74 ypg)
Rushing: RB Brandon Thermilus, Sr (124 carries for 560 yds, 4 TD, 4.5 ypc, 50 ypg)
Receiving: WR Terrell Jackson, Jr (25 rec, 250 yds, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (97)
Sacks: DL Steven Means, Soph; LB Justin Winters, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (2)

2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #95
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #102

2010 Pre-Season MAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4 in MAC East

About a month after Jeff Quinn took over the reigns of the Buffalo Bulls, starting QB Zach Maynard left the program. Buffalo is coming off of a 5-7 year. Will they be able to right the ship this year or will this be a longer rebuilding process? We turned to the Buffalo blog Bull Run to get their take on the 2010 Buffalo Bulls.

What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?

The biggest strength is the defensive backfield, it's a veteran unit that is as good as any in the conference and better than most. Davonte Shannon leads six returning backs and linebackers. Last season Shannon was at or near the topin most defensive categories and the team will need him to perform at that level, or better, this season if they want to compete.

The Biggest weakness is offensive inexperience, especially among the skill positions. The talent is there but there are only a hand full of snaps behind whoever wins the quarterback battle and the bulk of our receptions and yards (80%) are gone with the departure of Roosevelt, Hamlin, and Rack.

Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?

Baylor is going to be a big test for the team, road game against a Big 12 team that is on the upswing. They bring an absolute beast at QB (Robert Griffin) and a respectable defense. At this point in the season UB will have just one game under its belt and that's against FCS member Rhode Island. 

What team on the schedule do you fear the most?

Its going to be either Temple or Northern Illinois. The two teams are each the favorites to win their division this season and UB draws them both. Neither is exactly the best team we are going to play this year (UConn fits that role) but because they are conference games they mean that much more.

Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?

Josh Thomas does not get nearly the press that he should, Thomas is as good as any corner in the conference. He is experienced and a hard hitter. His physical approach to the game did not fit ideally under last years softer scheme but this season he should thrive with the new staff.

Who is the best offensive player on the team?

Right now I would have to say Offensive lineman Peter Bittner is the best offensive player we have. In addition to the experience and skill a solid leader.

Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?

Davonte Shannon already held that role and that was before the team cut over to a more physical approach to covering receivers. 

What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?

Whoever emerges as our starting quarterback (Dennison/Davis) and at least two of UB's receivers (Lee, Rivers, or Jackson) need to grow up, and quick, if UB is going to be competitive this season.

Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

If he wins the job Dennison will easily be the biggest single factor in UB having any offensive success this season, and he is a red shirt freshman.

Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

I am looking forward to seeing if Colby Way can make an immediate impact. There were rumors UB was going to try and go 3-4 this season but as evidenced by the spring game the Bulls still lack the personnel to make that move. Way is a good sized and fast linebacker who may fit the role of 'Elephant Back' during a transition.

Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?

My gut say 5-7, I would consider anything north of that to be a success.

Buffalo Bills Tame Cincinnati Bengals 35-20

Thoughts from the press box at Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Buffalo Bills beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night 35-20:

• If there was any doubt before -- or if Bills fans were in denial and still clinging to hope Brian Brohm would win the gig -- Trent Edwards is Buffalo's quarterback.
• On the first possession, Buffalo had minus-12 yards aside from a pass interference penalty. The Bengals sacked Edwards the only time he tried to pass. But Edwards rebounded on the second drive, methodically taking the Bills down the field. He completed all five of his passes for 48 yards and connected with Roscoe Parrish for a 12-yard touchdown.
• Edwards' stat line: 13-of-17 for 153 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He had a 122.9 quarterback rating.
• C.J. Spiller had another brilliant game. He ran 12 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns and two receptions for 33 yards in a half of work. He had a 20-yard run and a 26-yard reception.
• As mentioned in my notes column following the Bills' victory over the Indianapolis Colts last week, Spiller is going to have a lot of negative-yardage runs because of his style and the Bills' offensive line. He had runs of minus-7 and minus-11 yards. But he's a threat to break away every single time.
• The Bills showed off a little Wildcat. Spiller took a direct snap and ran 6 yards for a first down. In case you were wondering, Edwards remained on the field, split wide right. In the fourth quarter, rookie running back Joique Bell also took a direct snap and ran for 4 yards.
• Parrish is one of those players fans always want to see more of, but size always seemed to be an impediment to increased involvement. Think Leon Washington with the New York Jets. Maybe new Bills head coach Chan Gailey has been able to figure something out. Parrish caught all four balls thrown to him for 56 yards and a touchdown.
• Maybe the Bills were showcasing Ryan Fitzpatrick for a potential trade (hello, Arizona?). Otherwise, Brohm can't like the fact he quarterbacked only two series late in the fourth quarter. Brohm threw one pass, an incompletion.
• Buffalo's secondary didn't have the same success against Carson Palmer that it did against Peyton Manning. Palmer completed all but two of his 11 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns for a 142.2 rating.
• Second-year outside linebacker Aaron Maybin, the 11th overall draft choice last year, may have gotten some traction. He didn't start even though Reggie Torbor was out with an undisclosed injury. Chris Ellis started instead. But Maybin did force J.T. O'Sullivan into an intentional grounding call with some heavy pressure in the third quarter and sacked Jordan Palmer twice in the fourth quarter.
• James Hardy, a second-round draft pick in 2008, didn't make much of an impression in his bid to stay on the roster. He had one catch for 30 yards (great pass from Fitzpatrick) and a drop. That was all.
• Undrafted rookie receiver David Nelson had another strong game: two receptions for 34 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown.
• Third-year cornerback Reggie Corner looked like he might be on the roster bubble in a deep defensive backfield. He helped himself in the fourth quarter by intercepting Jordan Palmer and dashing 20 yards for a touchdown.
• Reserve cornerback Ellis Lankster, meanwhile, had another rough night. Quan Crosby beat him for a 44 yard pass play one series after Corner's touchdown. Lankster broke up a pass on fourth-and-goal from the 6, but he got away with pulling on Dezmon Briscoe's collar. Lankster was called for illegal hands to the face to wipe out an Arthur Moats 9-yard sack.
• The Bills strength in recent years has been their special-teams play. Special teams coordinator Bobby April bolted for Philadelphia, and the transition to Bruce DeHaven has not been smooth. Their kickoff coverage unit has been awful. The Bengals averaged 32.7 yards per return and rarely started a drive insider their own 30-yard line.

Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL Preseason Preview Game Aug, 28

The Bills' first Buffalo-area appearance of the 2010 preseason will include a visit from an old friend, as Terrell Owens and the Cincinnati Bengals descend on Ralph Wilson Stadium for a Saturday night warm- up.

Owens spent the 2009 season with Buffalo, leading the team with 55 catches for 829 yards and scoring six touchdowns, but the perennial Pro Bowler failed to help Buffalo avoid a last-place, 6-10 finish.
The Bills opted not to re-sign Owens in the offseason, and he subsequently inked a one-year deal with Cincinnati in late July. During his first preseason with the Bengals, Owens leads the team with nine catches for 108 yards.
Since opening with a Hall of Fame Game loss to the Cowboys (16-7), the Bengals have looked generally impressive in wins over the Broncos (33-24) and Eagles (22-9).
Quarterback Carson Palmer was 15-of-23 for 169 yards in last Friday's win over Philadelphia, though he did throw a pair of interceptions in the victory.
On the injury front for Cincinnati this week, cornerback Morgan Trent (ankle), and tackle Andrew Whitworth (thumb) are question marks, while safety Gibril Wilson (knee) will not play.
Possibly overshadowing Owens' return for Buffalo fans will be the development of the team's quarterback picture, which should come into sharper focus on Saturday.
According to head coach Chan Gailey, Trent Edwards is leading the competition after a solid outing in last week's 34-21 win over the Colts in Toronto. Edwards was 5-of-8 for 93 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans, versus Indianapolis. Backups Brian Brohm (14-of-21, 125 yards) and Levi Brown (2-of-5, 10 yards) also saw time.
Part-time 2009 starter Ryan Fitzpatrick did not play against the Colts, but could see some action in relief of Edwards on Saturday.
Buffalo fans will also get their first live look at first-round running back C.J. Spiller, who carried 10 times for 54 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown pass, last week.
Both the Cincinnati and Buffalo starters should see their most extensive work of the summer on Saturday night, in keeping with third-game-of-preseason tradition.
The Bengals own a 6-4 advantage in their all-time preseason series with the Bills, including a 44-31 road victory in the last such meeting, prior to the 2006 campaign.
The teams last met in meaningful play during the 2007 season, a 33-21 Buffalo win at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
The Bengals and Bills will meet again in Week 11 of the 2010 regular season, a matchup that will also take place in Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills RB C.J Spiller Rookie Of The Year?

And the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year goes to.........

It’s a topic many analysts and fans are fiercely debating right now. It's always one of those preseason questions that people show a lot of interest in. Names like Ryan Matthews and Dez Bryant pop up in the conversation a lot this year. But there’s one name that should be right at the top of the list–C.J. Spiller.

There’s reasons to believe Spiller won’t have much success this season considering Buffalo’s backfield is a crowded one with veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch looking for carries. The Bills also enlist one of the worst offensive lines in the league to handle run blocking duties.

Those factors are enough to shed doubt on even the most skilled of players, but sometimes, there are just rare rookies who can persevere through it all.

C.J. Spiller is one of those players.

Spiller is that “other world” type of talent. That type of pure speed and grace that you see once every 10 years or so.
C.J. Spiller is the best running back prospect we’ve seen this millennium.

Maybe because he played off at Clemson, which is a certainly a big school but it doesn’t necessarily have the cache of some of the more prestigious names of the sport. He was accomplishing so much, but Clemson’s continued failure in the biggest spot of the season–the ACC Championship Game–never allowed Spiller the chance to show off his talents on a BCS Bowl stage.

In this era when we over-analyze every top quarterback prospect ad nauseum, maybe we should have spent a little more time this offseason watching a tape of C.J. Spiller.
Instead of watching Tim Tebow’s terrible throwing motion 10 times a day in super slow motion, we should have been watching C.J. We should have been giving him his due.

Not even an invite to the Heisman ceremonies?

For a kid who totaled more than 4,500 yards in his four-year college career.

Shame on us.
But now I have feeling Mr. Spiller has a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

He may have one of the worst lines in the sport, but he also has something else that’s a bit dangerous –something to prove.

“O.K. Seattle, O.K. Cleveland, you guys wanted to pass on me, now it’s time to show you I was worth it.”
If that’s Spiller’s type of attitude and motivation for the season, then he could really do some special things.

New Report Derrelle Revis wants $162 Million

There was a buzz late Sunday afternoon when Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw, a regular panelist on ESPN ‘s “Around the Horn,” wrote on his Twitter
account that the Jets and Darrelle Revis will announce an agreement as early as Wednesday. But a league source told me late Sunday that the speculation was inaccurate. I’m led to believe there has been little progress in the Revis talks. Which makes you wonder if Revis is beginning to overplay his hand. With three years left on his deal and the Jets offering as much as $122 million over 10 years – you read right, $122 million over 10 years – he is demanding $162 million over 10 years, according to NFL sources. With that $40-million chasm showing no sign of closing soon, the Jets appear to be doing the next-best thing: signing their other key young players to deals that are more palatable. — Newsday

NBA Player Daniel Gibson Has Shotgun Wedding

Cavaliers guard Daniel “Boobie” Gibson won’t get to pass the ball to LeBron James anymore, but at least he’s got a woman to call his wife now.
Gibson reportedly had a “shotgun wedding” to recording artist/ reality show star Keyshia Cole recently in Malibu, CA.
The couple have a child, Daniel Gibson Jr. who was born in March of this year.
Media Take Out had the scoop:
If you’ve been wondering for an ANNOUNCEMENT about the Keyshia Cole-Danile Gibson wedding . . . you ain’t gonna hear it. That’s because MediaTakeOut.com just received word from a FAIRLY reliable source that they’re ALREADY MARRIED. According to our MUSIC INDUSTRY INSIDER, the two had a private ceremony in Malibu, CA a few weeks ago

Buffalo Bills: Monday Player Notes, Rookie Report, Injury Report

Veteran free agent linebacker Reggie Torbor, 29, who played a backup role in Miami the past two seasons, was on track to winning a starting job with the Bills until suffering an undisclosed injury in last week's preseason win over Indianapolis. Torbor, who was No. 1 on the depth chart at weak outside linebacker ahead of Aaron Maybin, Buffalo's 2009 first-round pick, will miss at least three weeks, coach Chan Gailey said. That makes his status for the regular season opener Sept. 12 against Miami questionable. While the door is open for Maybin, Torbor's experience in the 3-4 scheme and his muscle -- he's a legitimate 250 pounds while Maybin is not -- will be welcomed upon his return. Torbor's bulk makes him much more effective at the point of attack. "We kind of knew coming in what he would bring to the table. He's helped us," said Bills defensive coordinator George Edwards, Torbor's position coach with the Dolphins. Maybin has been replacing Torbor in Buffalo's nickel package. Torbor's injury will give more run-down reps to Chris Ellis, who has been backing up Chris Kelsay on the strong side.
PLAYER NOTES
--TE Shawn Nelson will miss the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He'll be eligible to return to the active roster on Oct. 4.
--RB Marshawn Lynch, who injured his ankle Aug. 13 in a preseason game against Washington, is running better on his own and could return to practice this week. If all goes well, he could play in Saturday's third practice game against Cincinnati.
--WR James Hardy, who has missed two preseason games with a leg injury, could play Saturday against Cincinnati.
--WR David Nelson, who suffered a minor Achilles' injury last week, is running on his own. He could return to practice this week.
--TE Derek Schouman, whose season was cut short last season by a major knee injury, will miss 3-6 weeks after he suffered yet another knee injury in last Thursday's win over Indianapolis.
--LB Reggie Torbor, who was on track to win the starting weakside linebacker job, will miss at least three weeks with an undisclosed injury, coach Chan Gailey announced. Torbor was hurt in a preseason win over the Colts.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK
Joique Bell vs. Chad Simpson for the No. 4 running back job -- Bell, a free agent rookie, had a very nice game against the Colts' backups, rushing 11 times for 80 yards and a 2-yard TD. Simpson had eight carries for eight yards. Buffalo's first cuts come after Saturday's preseason game against the Bengals.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
Trent Edwards vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm for the starting QB job -- Edwards has earned both preseason starts so far and is expected to start Saturday's game at home against Cincinnati. If so, then this really wasn't an open competition because neither Fitzpatrick nor Brohm had time with the first unit.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
WR Chad Jackson -- The 2006 second-round pick of the New England Patriots is not just making a serious bid to revive his career, he could wind up starting for the Bills alongside Lee Evans. In Buffalo's preseason win over Indianapolis, Jackson caught a team-leading five passes for 52 yards, including a pretty grab along the right sideline from Brian Brohm that set up a field goal. The 6-1, 223-pounder has consistently made big plays all camp while Steve Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter when camp opened, has been less impressive.
ROOKIE REPORT
C.J. Spiller lived up to his billing as the team's No. 1 pick, rushing for 54 yards on 10 carries and scoring on a strong 31-yard run in the team's preseason win over Indianapolis. ... NT Torell Troup continues to have a strong camp. He's been very good at the point of attack and in pursuit of the ball. ... WR Marcus Easley (knee), OT Ed Wang (thumb) and LB Danny Batten (shoulder) are candidates for season-ending IR.
INJURY REPORT
Safety Jairus Byrd's electrifying rookie season was cut short by lingering problems with his groin. Now that injury has resurfaced, threatening to sideline the team's interception leader past the regular season opener on Sept. 12 vs. Miami. Byrd underwent surgery last week on his bothersome groin, the third procedure he's undergone in 13 months. "It looks like he's going to be out for a while," Coach Chan Gailey said. "We're hoping first game, but it may be not." George Wilson has moved into Byrd's starting free safety spot.

Buffalo Bills Sign TE J.P. Foschi

The Buffalo Bills have begun adding to their banged-up tight end corps by signing free agent J.P. Foschi (FAH-shee).Listed at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Foschi has four years NFL experience. He spent last season with Cincinnati, where he set career highs with 27 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, including 10 starts. Foschi has also played for Kansas City and Oakland.
Bills coach Chan Gailey coached Foschi at Georgia Tech.
The move was made Monday, a day after Michael Matthews hurt his left foot in practice. That injury left Jonathan Stupar as the Bills' only healthy tight end heading into their preseason game against Cincinnati on Saturday.
The Bills also waived defensive back John Destin.

NBA Player Leaves $500 Tip

NBA star Rudy Gay celebrating his $82 million Grizzlies deal at CV over shots with Bulls guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah, leaving a $500 tip on the way out. — NY Post

NBA Player Gives Hall Of Fame Jacket To Hanicapped Boy

Karl Malone’s legend was taken to a new level during Pro Basketball Hall of Fame weekend.
Norm Clarke the great gossip columnist from the Las Vegas Review-Journal has details on a tail of kindness that seems like it was right out of a Hollywood script:

Luxor executive Gene Kilroy was a guest of NBA great Karl Malone’s during the latter’s induction last weekend in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Kilroy was standing with Malone when a man approached pushing a 12-year-old handicapped boy in a wheelchair. The father asked whether Malone would sign an autograph for his son, adding that several former NBA stars had declined. Malone responded by giving the boy the Hall of Fame jacket he had just received. Malone told the boy that he would have a jacket to wear when he graduated from high school.

Tom Brady Agent Makes The Case For Privatizing College Football

Donald H. Yee, a sports lawyer whose firm represents Patriots star Tom Brady and Super Bowl winning New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, makes a case to the WASHINGTON POST for privatizing college football and paying the players.
What needs to change is the entire attitude toward college football. This is the perfect time to implement an honest approach to the combination of big-time football and higher education, an approach that eliminates the NCAA’s notion of amateurism. College football generates huge revenues, and there is plenty of money to create a win-win business model for players, coaches and universities. A big business deserves market-driven reform, absent of hypocrisy. Here are 10 steps to accomplish that.
1. All of the major football-playing universities should lease the rights to operate a commercial football program on behalf of the university to an independent, outside company. For example, the University of Southern California would contract with USC Football Inc. Such leases would be open to bidding — schools such as Notre Dame, USC and Texas could generate massive revenue. USC football could look exactly as it does now, except USC Football Inc. would have paid for the right to operate it. The university and the company would share net profits from all revenue streams at a negotiated level. Can you imagine how much more revenue schools could garner if, for instance, they were allowed to sell more ad space on uniforms?
This would not be a new business structure for major universities; many already use similar arrangements for other ventures. For example, many major athletic departments now sell their marketing rights to outside companies, and the majority of schools (and the NCAA) contract with the Collegiate Licensing Company to market and license their trademarks.
Some universities would find that the marketplace doesn’t have any interest in their programs. This means that business people think football is a money-loser for those schools. So those schools should drop football and allocate the money to their core objective: educating students.
2. Each university’s football corporation could create leagues, whether long- or short-term, with other corporations. There wouldn’t have to be any allegiance to geography, fan loyalties or tradition. For example, some of these leagues could be premised on budget size. To a large degree, this is already being done; it’s called the BCS. A group of conferences formed the BCS, or Bowl Championship Series, and decided to exclude other conferences.
Or the football corporations could decide to avoid joining a league, simply scheduling games as a free agent. Again, this is hardly novel — Notre Dame has done it for years, and Brigham Young University is contemplating it now — so this arrangement would simply formalize and spread the practice.
3. All of the players would be paid a salary, whatever the market would bear. Players would no longer receive scholarships. Just as in the pros, they would be paid based on their perceived value to their program. If an outstanding high school player is coveted, he should be allowed to experience the fruits of American capitalism. Prominent high school players entering college are no different than prominent college players entering the NFL — they can bring excitement and new revenue to a program. No one, for instance, can deny the excitement, revenue and attention that Bush brought to USC. The players would pay income taxes; the football corporations would pay Social Security taxes; 401(k) plans could be established.
USC Football Inc. would be free to recruit a player any way it wants, with anything it wants, say, an iPhone and plane tickets for his parents. If a player feels misled in the recruiting process, he could sue for fraud. Each program would be reliant on the business acumen of its operators and subject to whatever profit-margin goal it chooses.
4. The corporations could offer a range of educational opportunities. Academically gifted players could take regular university courses, if they could have gained admission on their own merit. Others may be more interested in vocational training or other specialty classes. Either way, average students would no longer lose a chance at admission because the university made an exception for an academically less qualified athlete. And athletes would have a broader array of course offerings, should they choose to receive education. Some may even choose not to attend classes and simply focus on honing their football skills.
5. The NCAA can be eliminated, at least as it relates to football. Many of its rules are archaic and frankly gibberish. The NCAA itself states that it does not have subpoena power, which is one way of admitting that enforcement of its rules is difficult.

ESPN Personality Jay Mariotti Arrested On Felony Charge In L.A.

ESPN personality and sports columnist Jay Mariotti has been arrested on a felony charge in Los Angeles, according to the AP.
Officer Norma Eisenman says the 51-year-old Mariotti was arrested early Saturday in the police department’s Pacific Division following a “domestic incident.” Eisenman declined to provide further details.
The Sheriff’s Department website confirms Mariotti was booked on an undisclosed felony charge at 5:45 a.m. and is being held on $50,000 bail.
Mariotti lives in Los Angeles. He is a panelist on the ESPN show “Around the Horn” and writes a regular column for the sports website Fanhouse.com.

Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton Will Make More Than Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Drew Brees

While the $8.8 million salary Kyle Orton will receive in 2011 won’t make him the league’s highest-paid quarterback, he will make more than what Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Tony Romo and Jay Cutler are making this year.

Quarterbacks with their 2010 salaries:
Quarterback … 2010 salary

1. Eli Manning, Giants … $19 million
2. Brett Favre, Vikings … $16.5 million
3. Peyton Manning, Colts … $15.8 million
4. Philip Rivers, Chargers … $12.6 million
5. Matt Cassel, Chiefs … $12 million
6. Donovan McNabb, Redskins … $11.2 million
7. Matthew Stafford, Lions … $9.5 million
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys … $8.5 million
9. Jay Cutler, Bears … $7.5 million
10. Drew Brees, Saints … $6.5 million
11. Tom Brady, Patriots … $6.5 million — Denver Post

L.A. Lakers Player Dumps Baby Momma For Singer

Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown may be engaged to R&B singer Monica, according to Media Take Out.
The gossip website reports that the NBA player abruptly dumped his baby momma when he met Monica. Shannon and his sons mother Sharde had been TOGETHER for 7 years, living together AS A FAMILY!
“Everything was fine, they were even talking about getting married . . . they were one big happy family, and then Monica came along,” according to Media Take Out’s insider

Buffalo Bills Run Over The Colts 34-21

It took four plays for rookie first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller to begin delivering on his dynamic billing, as the running back sparked the Buffalo Bills in a 34-21 preseason victory over Indianapolis on Thursday.

Starting in place of injured veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, Spiller opened the scoring on a powerful 31-yard run 3 minutes in. Drafted ninth overall out of Clemson, Spiller finished with 10 carries on 54 yards.

The Bills offense followed suit. Shaking off an inconsistent debut in last week's 42-17 loss at Washington, quarterback Trent Edwards produced two scoring drives in five series, including a 70-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans to put Buffalo up 21-14. Furthering his bid to reclaim the starting job he lost midway through last season, Edwards went 5 for 8 for 93 yards and the Bills (1-1) never trailed.

The 14 points scored by Buffalo's first-stringers more than doubled the two field goals they had managed in their previous six preseason games, dating to last year.

Rian Lindell hit a 24-yard with 22 seconds left in the first half to put Buffalo ahead for good, 24-21.

Peyton Manning and the high-powered Colts (0-2) didn't disappoint in what proved to be a wide-open and entertaining first half in the fourth installment of Buffalo's five-year, eight-game series in Toronto.

After opening with a three-and-out, Manning engineered two scoring drives on the next four series, including a perfectly placed 21-yard touchdown pass over the middle to tight end Jacob Tamme on a third-and-9. Joseph Addai also scored on a 17-yard run.

Manning went 8 for 15 for 91 yards, with an interception that was returned 78 yards for a touchdown by Terrence McGee. Manning was attempting to squeeze a pass into Anthony Gonzalez when defender Drayton Florence got his hand in, deflecting the ball directly to McGee, who ran it back untouched up the left sideline.

The biggest disappointment was an announced crowd of 39,583 - well over 14,000 below capacity. That's considered the latest blow for Rogers Communication, which has been under heavy criticism in the Toronto media this week for paying the Bills $78 million two years ago for the right to host the series, which runs through 2012.

Neither of the first three games of the series fully sold out the 54,000-seat facility.

Spiller provided the early highlight by capping a four-play drive on Buffalo's opening possession. Spiller shed defensive end Robert Mathis in the backfield and then cut left across the middle, where he broke Jacob Lacey's arm tackle. He then cut up the left sideline where a shifty move allowed him to get by Antoine Bethea and into the end zone.

"I just cut back, made a guy miss," Spiller said. "It felt good to get in there."

Spiller credited the offensive line, which returned three starters who missed last week's game: tackles Demetrius Bell and Cornell Green and guard Eric Wood.

"It starts with our running game," Edwards said. "If C.J. can pound out yards, move the ball and the chains, it helps scoring touchdowns."

Initially supposed to be eased into this preseason, Spiller will get a bulk of the action after Jackson (broken hand) and Lynch (sprained ankle) were both hurt in last week's 42-17 loss at Washington. Jackson is expected to miss at least the next three weeks, while Lynch is considered week to week.

The crowd that did show proved lively, but it's unclear how many paid full price for their tickets, which ranged from $75 to $275. About 15 minutes before the game, a group of three fans purchased lower bowl tickets, originally priced at $275, for half price from a scalper.

And it was a mixed group of fans in attendance, with a number of them wearing Colts jerseys. The Bills did have the larger contingent, and attracted several loud and extended cheers throughout much of the first half. A wave even made its way around the upper bowl in the fourth quarter.

Colts backup quarterback Curtis Painter had an encouraging outing after he was booed off the field while throwing three interceptions in a 37-17 loss to San Francisco on Sunday. On his second series, Painter drove the Colts 81 yards on two plays for a touchdown. After hitting Taj Smith for a 38-yard pass, Painter went back to Smith for a 43-yard touchdown pass.

Bills rookie running Joique Bell capped the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left.

Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts Preseason Preview

Tomorrow night at 7:30 PM EST the Buffalo Bills will compete in their second preseason matchup with the new head coaching staff, consisting of head coach, Chan Gailey, offensive coordinator, Curtis Modkins, and former University of Florida defensive coordinator, George Edwards.
Last week the Bills were demoralized in a 42-17 embarassing defeat that left both running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson injured for the remainder of preseason games. Jackson suffered a broken bone in his hand, while Lynch had a high ankle sprain after being pushed out of bounds.
This slideshow will preview the top five storylines and keys to a Buffalo Bills victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
In last weeks preseason game against the Washington Redskins, head coach, Chan Gailey, opted to let rookie seventh round draft pick, Levi Brown, get extended playing time instead of playing fourth quarterback, Brian Brohm.

Tomorrow night, Brian Brohm will see action after both Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick, while Brown sits on the bench.
Most Buffalo fans are rooting for Brohm to win the starting job, but coach Gailey wants to see a bit more from the former Louisville standout, where he passed for 10,775 yards, 70 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions, while completing 65.8% of his passes.
Last year, after Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick were injured, Brohm was thrown into his first NFL action, in a 31-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, in which he went 17-29 for 146 yards and two interceptions.
All the pundits who criticized Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey for selecting Clemson running back, C.J. Spiller in the first round of the draft when there were other glaring needs to fill, were given their reasoning last week when both Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson were injured in the first half.
C.J. Spiller will be starting for the Bills, with Chad Simpson, Joique Bell, and the newly signed Andre Anderson getting carries as well.
The Bills' running game was one of their only strong points aginst the Redskins, as both Chad Simpson and Joique Bell shined.

After Lee Evans, the Buffalo Bills depth at the wide receiver position is untapped. Steve Johnson, a former 7th round draft pick out of Kentucky, is the favorite to earn the job.
Wide receiver is still a major hole in the Bills depth chart, as the Terrell Owens experiment is over. James Hardy, the former second round draft pick out of Indiana, has been plagued by leg injuries, and will miss his second straight week of action, and is at risk of being cut.
David Nelson, an undrafted rookie out of the University of Florida, led the Bills in receiving against the Redskins, but injured his ankle yesterday and is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason.

Tomorrow night, both Eric Wood and Demetrius Bell return to the Bills' starting lineup, after missing time last season and some offseason training due to leg injuries.
Right tackle Cornell Green, an offseason acquisition who played for the Oakland Raiders last season is a game-time decision, as he is battling injury also.

The Bills new 3-4 defense was absolutely smoked on multiple occasions by the Redskins offense, as Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, and John Beck passed for 212 yards, and the Redskins running backs gained another 140.
The Redskins were moving the ball down the field fast, and had nine plays of 15+ yards, and four plays over 20 yards.
The Bills couldn't stop the Redskins on third down either, as they converted 12 of 19 chances, compared to Buffalo's one for 10 efficiency.
The Colts are an even more explosive offense than the Redskins, so hopefully the Bills can get it together this week.

Buffalo Bills QB Brian Brohm Gets His chance

Quarterback Trent Edwards has maintained his hold on the Buffalo Bills starter's job for now. Brian Brohm will get his chance to prove himself this week. And it's Ryan Fitzpatrick's turn to sit.
In other words, nothing's been resolved in the team's offseason-long quarterback competition as Buffalo prepares to play its second preseason game Thursday, facing Indianapolis at Toronto.
And if as coach Chan Gailey has indicated he's got a deadline to award the starting job before the season opener on Sept. 12, he's not there just yet.
"There's no job that's locked in right now," the first-year coach said after practice Tuesday. "All jobs are still open."
Edwards, attempting to reclaim the job he lost to Fitzpatrick midway through last season, opened camp atop Gailey's pecking order and has spent the past three weeks working with the first-team offense. He's preparing to make his second start following an up-and-down outing in a 42-17 loss at Washington last week.
After going 5 of 6 for 44 yards passing on the Bills opening drive to set up a 38-yard field goal, Edwards went 1 of 6 for 14 yards and an interception over the final three series he played.
"I think I just need to continue to grow, continue to compete out there," Edwards said. "I think that's what Chan wants to see, a guy that's taking control of the quarterback position, being assertive."
For Brohm, the game Thursday will be his preseason debut while entering the game as the No. 2. He's expected to get about two quarters of playing time. That's a switch after Brohm sat out last week's game while Fitzpatrick appeared in six series as Edwards' backup.
Rookie seventh-round pick Levi Brown, who's not part of the competition, will serve as the third-stringer as he did against the Redskins.
"Any way he wants to do it is fine," Brohm said. "I just have to go out there with the attitude that any opportunity I have, I've got to make the most of it."
This is the latest in what's becoming a long line of second chances for Brohm, who finished last season as the Bills' third-stringer. Green Bay's 2008 second-round draft pick out of Louisville, Brohm was signed by Buffalo in November off of the Packers practice squad.
He wound up being a castoff after losing the backup job in Green Bay to seventh-round draft pick Matt Flynn. Due to injuries to Edwards and Fitzpatrick, Brohm struggled in making his first career start, going 17 of 29 for 146 yards and two interceptions in a 31-3 loss at Atlanta in December.
"I feel like I'm ready," Brohm said. "I'm not worried about the quarterback race or who's where. I'm just worried about each and every single play and doing what I'm supposed to do."
Brohm is mobile and has a strong arm, but has struggled with his accuracy during training camp. That was evident while Brohm ran a two-minute drill in practice on Monday.
He opened the drive by making a perfect pass up the left sideline, hitting Naaman Roosevelt in stride. Brohm then scrambled up the middle for a 5-yard gain before the drive ended with him throwing three straight incompletions.
"He's done a good job in practice and he'll get his shot," Gailey said, assessing Brohm. "He's very smart. He knows where to go with the football. He's got good velocity on the ball. He just needs to work on continual accuracy. That's really been his only issue."
Fitzpatrick hasn't wowed anyone yet, either. Taking over late in the second quarter against Washington, he produced one first down on his first four series before engineering consecutive scoring drives. Fitzpatrick finished 9 for 14 for 61 yards and a touchdown.
There's pressure on Edwards, too. Dating to the start of last preseason, the Bills' first-string offense under Edwards has produced just two field goals in 19 series in six exhibition games (Buffalo played five preseason games last year).

Buffalo Bills Running Back Problems

The Bills backfield had a rough preseason opener. Fred Jackson left the game early with hand and ankle injuries. It sounds like the ankle issue is likely just a sprain, but the hand injury looks to be pretty serious. Early word is that Jackson will miss the rest of the preseason and is highly questionable for the season opener.
To make matters worse, Marshawn Lynch also hurt his ankle in his limited action. At this point, there’s no news on the severity of the injury.
These injuries may not seem that significant, but they’re going to change some things in both re-draft and dynasty leagues.
CJ Spiller is going to get increased practice team with the first unit and could make a push to pass Jackson on the depth chart. The talented Clemson rookie was already making up ground pretty quickly.
The Fred Jackson injury should also quiet any Marshawn Lynch trade rumors that were floating around. It would be highly unlikely the Bills decide to move him now that their No. 1 running back is on the shelf.
Spiller should be moved up the re-draft boards a little, and dynasty league owners who took him in rookie drafts could see him produce a little sooner than expected as well.

Buffalo Bills Scalped By Washington Redskins 42-17

Donovan McNabb(notes) threw a touchdown pass in his Washington Redskins debut, Albert Haynesworth(notes) looked suitably motivated in his debut as a $100 million backup, and the new-look Buffalo Bills looked like the same old Buffalo Bills.
McNabb went 5 for 8 for 58 yards in two series Friday night and hit first-year player Anthony Armstrong(notes) for a 4-yard touchdown in the Redskins’ 42-17 win over the mistake-ridden Bills. It was a first-glimpse preseason game that shows Washington’s new coach Mike Shanahan is quite a bit further along than Buffalo’s new coach Chan Gailey.
It’s been a little over four months since the Easter Sunday trade that brought McNabb to the Redskins, and it’s still a jarring sight to see No. 5 in something other than a Philadelphia Eagles uniform. After a couple of wayward throws on his first series, he went 4 for 5 for 47 yards on his second drive and showed he still has some speed in his 33-year-old legs by scrambling to convert a third-and-1.

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“When you play your first game, obviously, with a new ballclub, it takes you back to the first game you played,” McNabb said. “Your adrenaline is high, and you have to settle down a little bit. The second time we went out, after our first drive, it led to us putting up some points. Then good things happen. There are a lot of things we have to work on, but I thought offensively we were able to progress.”
McNabb’s favorite target was tight end Chris Cooley(notes), who caught three passes for 33 yards—a surefire harbinger of the regular season, especially with the Redskins still trying to figure out their receiver corps. McNabb’s last throw was the TD to Armstrong, who has made a surprisingly strong case for a roster spot.
Clinton Portis(notes), with more competition than usual at camp, got more than his usual work for a first preseason game, carrying six times for 22 yards. Brandon Banks(notes), an undrafted rookie receiver from Kansas State listed at 5-foot-7, made some look-at-me noise with a dynamic 77-yard punt return down the right sideline for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Haynesworth, who has ended up on the short end of a monthslong showdown with Shanahan, skipped offseason workouts because he wanted a trade. He wasn’t allowed to practice at camp until passing a conditioning test. He aced the test on the 10th day of camp and was told by coaches he’ll have to play with the reserves until he earns a spot back in the starting lineup.
Haynesworth played two series Friday, both with the second unit in the second quarter, and he drew plenty of attention. Buffalo’s offensive line committed two false starts while he was in the game, and he did exactly what a nose tackle is supposed to do—occupy multiple bodies—while rookie Perry Riley(notes) blitzed unencumbered and forced Trent Edwards(notes) to rush a throw. Haynesworth was the last player to head to the locker room at halftime, walking slowly behind his teammates.
No one could have blamed the Bills for walking slowly off the field. Buffalo had a horrible preseason a year ago—the starting offense scored just three points over 15 series in five games—and Gailey and his players are hoping to use this August to get it right.
They’re not off to a good start.
The Bills scratched 13 players due to injuries, including five linebackers and four offensive linemen. Then they committed three morale-sapping third-down penalties: holding on tight end Jonathan Stupar(notes) that killed a drive; roughing the passer on linebacker Aaron Maybin(notes) that kept one Redskins’ touchdown drive alive; and illegal contact against Andra Davis(notes) that led to another Washington touchdown.
“We have a lot of work to do. A lot of work,” Davis said. “We’re still learning this defense. We’ll learn from this.”
Edwards, in a three-way competition for the starting job, completed 6 of 12 passes for 58 yards and had an interception returned 33 yards by DeAngelo Hall(notes), setting a Redskins score. Another mistake for the lowlight reel: Ellis Lankster(notes) muffed a punt for a turnover in the third quarter.
Buffalo trailed 35-3 before Ryan Fitzpatrick’s(notes) 5-yard pass to rookie David Nelson(notes) late in the third quarter. First-round pick C.J. Spiller(notes) debuted with three carries for 14 yards.

Bills vs Redskins Preview 2010 Preseason Week 1

First of all, the Buffalo Bills will need to get used to seeing Donovan McNabb in a Washington Redskins uniform. "It's going to look funny," linebacker Kawika Mitchell said, "having him in that white or burgundy."
Once that is out of the way, the Bills hope to start a new chapter in their franchise by actually getting something meaningful accomplished in a preseason game when they visit the Redskins on Friday night.
Buffalo's starters scored just three points in 15 series during last year's 1-4 preseason, leading to the dismissal of the offensive coordinator 10 days before the regular season opener. It was no surprise, therefore, that the Bills stumbled to another losing season - 6-10 - and out of the playoffs for the 10th straight year.
"I felt last year's preseason was horrible," quarterback Trent Edwards said. "I'd throw that out and say that right now, that we didn't do what we needed to do. We weren't in rhythm."
Horrible was also a good word to describe the Redskins' 4-12 season, making Friday's game the first step in a cleansing of sorts for both teams, the debut of new faces and new concepts all across the field.

Mike Shanahan is the new Redskins coach. Chan Gailey is the new Bills coach. Both teams are installing a 3-4 defense. Both have questions at receiver and offensive line. McNabb is trying to master a new offensive scheme for the first time since he was a rookie, while Edwards is trying to maintain his edge in a three-way quarterback competition.
The Redskins starters will likely play the standard one quarter or so that has become the norm for the first preseason game, but the Bills first-teamers might be out there a while longer.
"I told our team (to) anticipate if you're a starter that you would play maybe a little bit longer than you would have in a normal situation because we're learning new schemes," Gailey said. "We have a new offense, new defense, new special teams. You might have to go a little bit longer so we can get a feel for each other."
The game is also the first under-the-spotlight chance for a bubble player to make a case for a roster spot, or for a player hoping a starting job to show he's worth a place at the top of the depth chart. The Redskins will unveil No. 4 overall draft pick Trent Williams at left tackle, while the Bills are working in No. 9 selection C.J. Spiller, although the versatile running back is playing catch-up after holding out for the first 11 days of training camp.
The Redskins will also trot out Albert Haynesworth, who is working as a second-string nose tackle after missing the first nine days of camp because he couldn't pass the team's conditioning test. It's not the norm for a two-time All-Pro with a $100 million contract to see much action in the first preseason game - especially as a backup - but the Redskins aren't about to let Haynesworth forget how he dissed the team during the offseason.
Yet the player highest on the curiosity meter for fans will be McNabb, who is more concerned with getting his new offense to function properly and less about his reception from the crowd.
"The crowd cheers; the crowd boos," McNabb said. "I mean, I probably won't have that many boos here, but I think for our offense we need to focus on what we need to do

Buffalo Bills: Top 3 Worst Teams In The NFL?

This August, like every August before, NFL fan bases around the country are brimming with optimism about their respective teams. Fans from Miami to Seattle spend summer days analyzing their teams’ upcoming schedules and convincing themselves, “You know what? 10-6 and a wild card berth is possible this year.”
After a few minutes and more contemplation, that 10-6 wild card season turns to 12-4 and a division crown. After a final look, 13-3 and a Super Bowl is not just a mere possibility  — it’s gonna happen!
And no one can tell them otherwise. It’s the very beauty of the NFL.

In every NFL season since 1999, at least five teams that failed to make the playoffs the year before qualified for the postseason. In 2009, the Saints, Bengals and Cowboys all won divisions despite missing the postseason altogether in 2008. The Dolphins went from 1-15 in 2007 to an AFC East division crown in ’08. The ’98 Colts were 3-13; the ’99 Colts were 13-3. It’s all about parity, and in today’s NFL any year could be your team’s year.
That is, of course, unless you’re a fan of the Bills, Buccaneers or Rams and the year is 2010.
I hate to be Debbie Downer, but if you’re a fan of one of those three franchises, I’m going to do what your loved ones should have done for you a few months ago. I’m ripping the Band-Aid off, because it ain’t happening this year, folks. Twenty-nine teams could end up being very good this year. Hell, even the Raiders, Browns and Lions could be playoff contenders in 2010. But, you guys? No, no and no.
The draft is only nine months away. You might as well pack it up and look towards April.
Hate, piss and moan all you want, but I’m a necessary evil. I’m that one friend who tells it to you like it is. I’m your buddy who pulls you aside and makes you change that terrible Facebook profile photo of you funneling a beer out of a hollowed-out wiffle ball bat. I’m the guy who lets you know it’s not the summer of 2006 and you shouldn’t still be doing that Borat imitation for the women at the bar. I’m the dude who saves you anguish of shattered August dreams by telling you the hard and ugly truth: Your team stinks and there’s a chance they could lose every game this season.
The 2008 Lions are the only NFL franchise to go 0-16, but the Bills, Bucs and Rams could all very well do it in 2010 and will all battle for being the worst team in football. Here's why ...
BUFFALO BILLS
2009 Record: 6-10
Current Las Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 5.5
Why they’ll stink...
Edwards, Fitzpatrick and Brohm sounds more like a law firm that advertises on city benches and subway cars than an NFL quarterback depth chart. The fact that not one of Buffalo’s three quarterbacks has done a thing in their pro careers scares me. The fact that not one has done a thing to distinguish himself from the other two in training camp is downright horrifying.
Beyond the quarterback position, the offensive line was an utter disaster in 2009 and could be even worse in 2010. Arguably the youngest and most inexperienced line in the entire league, the unit also lacks any semblance of depth. The Bills had 11 different players start at least one game up front in 2009, mostly due to injuries. GM Buddy Nix did next to nothing to upgrade the woeful unit over the offseason. Brad Butler, the most accomplished of the Bills O-linemen, shocked the team by retiring at the age of 26 to pursue interests outside of football. Starting left tackle Demetrius Bell, meanwhile, still isn’t 100% from a season-ending injury he suffered in Week 8 last season.

Coaches on hot seat

The NFL's a tough, no-nonsense business, and many head coaches face 2010 with their jobs on the line.

While the offense is a cause of concern in Buffalo (and no, I’m not convinced Steve Johnson is a bonafide NFL No. 2 wideout), the defense has its share of issues, too. The defensive backfield — if healthy — is one of the very best in the league. Can’t argue that.
But, outside of those four spots, there are question marks all over the front seven. Making the trendy switch to a 3-4 scheme, one would think Buffalo would have gone out and acquired a space-eating 330-plus-pound nose tackle to anchor the D-line. Instead, Kyle Williams— at just 305 pounds and undersized to play that position, will be the starter. And there are no proven backups behind him. The linebackers, though adequate enough on paper, have already been hit with Buffalo's annual rash of summertime injuries. Paul Posluszny (groin), Chris Kelsay (shoulder), Keith Ellison (leg) and Kawika Mitchell (Achilles) have all missed time this training camp due to ailments. Aaron Schobel, the team’s one pass-rushing threat from last season, spent four months mulling retirement before being released last week. Meanwhile, second-year man Aaron Maybin — arguably the most disappointing rookie of the 2009 class— has a lot to prove in 2010.
And then there’s the division. The Jets are going to boast a top-five defense and loaded up on offensive star power this offseason. The Dolphins only got better with the additions of rookie Koa Misi, Karlos Dansby and star WR Brandon Marshall. The Patriots aren’t going anywhere. Buffalo could easily go winless inside the division.
The Bills are tied for the league’s longest postseason drought in the NFL (along with Detroit Lions), having not played in the playoffs since the Music City Miracle year of ‘99. Put it in ink — you can add another season to that drought.
Who they might take with No. 1 overall pick in 2011 draft: Jake Locker, QB, Washington; Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford; Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2009 Record: 3-13
Current Las Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 5.5
Why they’ll stink ...
There are definitely some things to like about the 2010 Buccaneers. Their two rookie defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price are being tutored by one-time Tampa great Warren Sapp and learning the ropes. The second-year starting quarterback and a pair of exciting rookie wideouts are the buzz of camp. The offensive line is young and pretty good, there’s some Pro Bowl talent at defensive back and their middle linebacker is consistently one of the leading tacklers in the league. Plus, the Bucs will undoubtedly wear the creamsicle jerseys at some point during the season.
There’s youth, energy, and excitement in Tampa. In 2013, the Bucs can potentially win the NFC South.
In 2010? I’m sorry, but they’re just too damn young.
Youth springs eternal in Tampa this season, as just three players in camp — cornerback Ronde Barber, defensive lineman Stylez G. White and guard Keydrick Vincent — are over the age of 30. The team is made up of wide-eyed rookies and second- and third-year veterans, mid-20s journeymen and a baby-faced coaching staff.

While this certainly makes the Bucs a loveable squad to root for (think the Indians in “Major League”), it doesn’t mean they’ll be contenders. Though starting left tackle Donald Penn recently got the contract extension he’d been longing for and the rookies got theirs, it doesn’t look like Tampa ownership will be going into a spending mode anytime soon. Long criticized for being overly frugal, a months-long investigation in England recently indicated that the Glazer family had greater debts than previously known and further suggested their real estate holdings in U.S. shopping centers were on shaky ground. Ask New York Mets fans who watched the baseball trading deadline come and go last week without a single noteworthy transaction — an ownership group not looking to spend big bucks and pay for outside talent doesn’t do much for team or fan morale.
After starting the 2009 season with a 1-12 record, the Buccaneers won two of their final three games, including an inspiring come-from-behind overtime victory over the eventual Super Bowl champion Saints. Expect a few similar fleeting moments of joy and excitement in 2010. Key words, fleeting moments.
Who they might take with No. 1 overall pick in 2011 draft: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama; Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

ST. LOUIS RAMS
2009 Record: 1-15
Current Las Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 5
Why they’ll stink ...
The Rams are a combined 6-42 over the last three NFL seasons, going from a dismal three wins in ’07 to two wins in ’08 to a league-worst one win in 2009. But there’s a new quarterback in town, the team seems to be rallying around coach Steve Spagnuolo in his second year and a new owner should (maybe? possibly?) be in place by August 25.
Unfortunately, there’s not much of a chance for a playoff season in 2010. Sorry. Just telling it like it is.
The Rams’ offense, now more than a decade removed from the “Greatest Show on Turf” squad of 1999, still appears to be Steven Jackson and a bunch of question marks.
Sam Bradford’s been the feel-good story of August, using this past weekend to show off his arm and wow fans at training camp. But he’s still a rookie QB, still currently backing up A.J. Feeley and still a kid 11 months removed from any competitive football action. And oh yeah, preseason scrimmages against the second-team defense in August aren’t exactly Week 14 bouts vs. Gregg Williams’ unit under the roof in New Orleans.
The wideout depth chart, made of several young unknowns, reveal a hodgepodge of unfamiliar names that could very well come together to form a serviceable unit. That said, there’s absolutely no No. 1 receiver in the bunch. Hell, there may not be a No. 2. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, they are not. Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl? There probably isn't one of them either.
Some offseason moves were made to bolster the defense, including the acquisition of former Cowboys first-round bust Rob Carpenter, but no one’s expecting the young unit to finish in the top third of the NFL in 2010. “Spags” is a defensive coach at heart and there are some young talents poised for big years. There should be improvement from last year’s abysmal defensive showing, but any lofty expectations of a 2007 Giants-like defense should be tempered.

There’s certainly some positive energy around this team. 2010 training camp attendance has tripled over last year’s numbers and there have been a reported 2,000 season tickets sold in recent weeks. There's genuine buzz and a few reasons to care about the Rams in 2010.
But this is still a rebuilding year in St. Louis.

Buffalo Bills Rookie Marcus Easley out Indeinitely

Buffalo Bills rookie receiver Marcus Easley is out indefinitely and could miss the entire season because of an apparent knee injury.Coach Chan Gailey provided few details or specifics of what part of the body Easley hurt, except to say the team will make a final determination on the player's status within the next day. Gailey said Easley will be out for a long time, and wouldn't rule out the injury being season-ending.
The fourth-round draft pick out of Connecticut has not practiced since falling awkwardly on his knee during a training camp session on Aug. 2. Easley watched practice Tuesday from the sideline a day after meeting with doctors to get a second opinion.

Buffalo Bills: Marshawn Lynch On The Trading Block

Since the Buffalo Bills drafted CJ Spiller 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, the future of Marshawn Lynch has been in question. Having run-ins with the law, it seemed that Lynch would be making his way out of  Buffalo soon.
And after reading an article on NESN.com, it seems more likely that a deal could happen.
As multiple sources, including NFL Network, noted, CJ Spiller has been getting reps in camp with the first team.
Now that Spiller has been locked up to a deal, it seems more likely that Lynch could be dealt in camp.
NESN did report of maybe a possible deal to the Patriots. "While no rumors about the Patriots have surfaced, one would have to say that Lynch would be a significant upgrade over the current backs on the roster."
It would also make sense, as the Patriots are known for bringing in players with questionable character.
The Seattle Seahawks, and maybe the Denver Broncos could be potential suitors for Lynch.
What we know right now is his future in Buffalo is looking bleak, especially for a team that looks to be in major rebuilding mode.

Buffalo Bills News: Monday Aug 9, 2009 Notes

OT Ed Wang had surgery on his hand, and is out indefinitely. The rookie struggled early in training camp handling edge rushers."Any guy that misses time as a rookie...The only guys that can kind of weather that storm is a vet, a guy that's been around five or six years and has got his position firmly entrenched. It's hard," said coach Chan Gailey.
--And the winner is ... Trent Edwards.
It was no surprise that Edwards was named the No. 1 quarterback to open training camp, and he himself figured he was going to get the nod.
"I was pretty confident that I would be the guy and I'm hoping to be the guy at the end of this camp," said the fourth-year veteran who has underwhelmed Bills fans for most of that time. "Honestly it just means I'm working with the ones right now. I still have a lot to learn, a long way to go, but I must be doing something right in the OTAs and mini-camps. It's nice that you're appreciated for what you've done, but that's in the past now."
New coach Chan Gailey used the OTAs as a measuring stick to determine who would be the top guy on the depth chart.
"After evaluating all the OTA and mini-camp things, we just felt that Trent deserved to start training camp with the first group," Gailey said. "He made a lot more plays that we thought were positive plays during the course of the OTAs and mini-camps. He did a good job of handling the team, he did a good job when he had the threes as well as when he had the ones, and that was impressive to me that he was able to do that with whoever he was throwing with."
--Like most coaches, Chan Gailey has a disdain for pre-snap penalties, and he let that be known to his team.
"Don't accept it," Gailey said when asked his reaction to those penalties. "We work on it every day. We talk about it every day. I make it a point every day. I don't have any magic wand, I don't have any pixie dust. We're going to work on it every day. We make it a point of emphasis. Guys generally will respond to things you make a point of emphasis of."
Always talkative safety George Wilson is fine with wearing pads in practice.
"We're definitely going to get a lot of work in pads because coach Gailey is trying to change the culture around here, change the mindset and attitudes and the way we prepare for games. He's trying to set the tone from day one. I think the guys in the locker room kind of expect to be in pads just about every day we come out here. It's a different change-up from what we've had but hey, the past 10-12 years for this organization haven't been working so hey, let's give this a try."
--The Bills waived second-year LB Nic Harris and signed LB Donovan Woods. What's interesting about Woods, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in 2008, is that he began his career as a quarterback at Oklahoma State and set a school record for touchdown passes by a freshman with 13 in 2005. Midway through his sophomore year he was switched to safety, where he finished his career. He was then moved to linebacker by the Steelers and now he will try to play that role in Buffalo's 3-4 defense.
--Gailey has made the offensive linemen wear knee braces in practice, and there's no getting out of it.
"I've done it for many, many years," Gailey said. "I've seen too many times where that saved an injury on the practice field. It's just made all the difference in the world. It's hugely important."
Gailey said the linemen complained a bit, but not much.
"They don't like it, but they're smart enough to understand why. And with all the injuries we've had around here, they weren't quite as reluctant."