Fox News - Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson blamed God for dropping a game-winning touchdown in a 19-16 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
The Bills outscored the Steelers 16-3 in the second half to force the overtime, but let the victory slip through their fingers, literally, as Johnson dropped a wide-open pass in the end zone.
Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick could only watch as Johnson dropped the sure touchdown and Pittsburgh drove 80 yards on the game's next series to set up the game-winning 41-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham.
Johnson was reluctant to accept responsibility for the gaffe, posting on his Twitter account post-game that it was in fact God's fault.
"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO...," Johnson tweeted.
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Fitzpatrick finished the day completing 23 of 45 passes for 265 yards in the loss.
Suisham, who was brought in earlier this month after the Steelers waived long-time kicker Jeff Reed, provided the bulk of Pittsburgh’s points, converting four of four field goals at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Steelers running back Rashard Mendenall ran for 151 yards and one touchdown on 36 attempts to help keep Pittsburgh in position to win the tight game on the road.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 246 yards, completing 20 of 33 passes.
The result snapped Buffalo's two-game winning streak after a miserable 0-8 start to the season.
The team now travels to Minnesota to take on the Vikings, who are 4-7 coming off a win over the Washington Redskins.
Pittsburgh, 8-3, heads to Baltimore next Sunday night to square off against AFC North rivals the Ravens.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/11/29/buffalo-bills-wide-receiver-blames-dropped-pass-god/#ixzz16hHbJMWl
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cyber Monday Deals 2010 'Buffalo Bills Option 3-1 Tee Combo"
Cyber Monday 2010, which should logically be started on first Monday after Thanksgiving, has already begun in Amazon Stores. Both retail giants has launched the early-Cyber Monday deals to get the best out of the shopping event.
AMazon is holding a week long Cyber Monday Deals for 2010 shopping event. The retail king calls it “Cyber Week”. It is commonly understood that Amazon will have number of deals on Laptops, Desktops, Toys, Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Clothing and other product at the discounted rate as Cyber Monday deals. Cyber-Monday Will have A Buffalo Bills Option 3-1 Tee Combo for $29.35. There will be other Bills products on sale.
AMazon is holding a week long Cyber Monday Deals for 2010 shopping event. The retail king calls it “Cyber Week”. It is commonly understood that Amazon will have number of deals on Laptops, Desktops, Toys, Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Clothing and other product at the discounted rate as Cyber Monday deals. Cyber-Monday Will have A Buffalo Bills Option 3-1 Tee Combo for $29.35. There will be other Bills products on sale.
BCS Should Thank Nevada For Saving There Pathetic System
BCS Guru - The BCS ought to cut Nevada a fat check, seeing the upset of Boise State saved it untold millions, not to mention a potential public relations nightmare. That, coupled with Auburn's Lazarus-like comeback against Alabama, is setting up a relatively controversy-free postseason.
The deal for the main event is now pretty cut-and-dried. It will be Oregon vs. Auburn. If either is upset next week, TCU, which has locked up at worst a Rose Bowl berth, will be the stand-in. The only potential for chaos now is if both teams go down next week - Oregon plays at Oregon State in the Civil War game and Auburn faces South Carolina in the SEC championship game.
The Cameron Newton saga actually isn't in play now. Even if the NCAA rules him ineligible, Auburn's victory will not be vacated by next week. Whatever the Tigers achieve this season may be erased later, but not before this season is over.
On the undercard, however, there's a whole lot going on ...
1) TCU: With its rout of New Mexico, TCU becomes the first team to complete an undefeated season. At worst, the Frogs will earn a Rose Bowl berth against the Big Ten champion. And with LSU's loss to Arkansas, their spot in the top three will not be threatened no matter what happens next week.
2) Rose Bowl: LSU's loss made the Wisconsin-Ohio State race much closer, because the Tigers were wedged between these two teams in the polls. So close that the Guru is calling Ohio State to edge slightly in front. Keep in mind that the Big Ten will send the highest ranked team in the final BCS standings to the Rose Bowl, so this won't be decided until next week even though the Big Ten schedule is done. The Rose Bowl will be rooting for an Auburn loss, because then it will be free to pick Stanford to replace Oregon.
3) Stanford: Losses by LSU and Boise State also have enormous meaning for Stanford, which is now in position to be guaranteed a BCS bowl berth. The Cardinal will be No. 4 in the new BCS standings, and by BCS rule, it will have to be chosen by one of the BCS bowls. It remains to be seen whether Jim Harbaugh will be coaching that game.
4) Big 12: Oklahoma's bedlam of a victory over Oklahoma State produced the dreaded three-way tie in the Big 12 South for the second time in three years. OU will gain enough ground to take the division but it just boggles the mind why conferences would choose to use a ranking system that's so easily manipulated by outside influences, or even the participants themselves. In the Big Ten's case, all three head coaches have a vote in the coaches poll; but in the Big 12's case, Mike Sherman has a vote but Bob Stoops and Mike Gundy don't. It's pure insanity.
5) The Biggest Loser: If it wasn't so important to the Broncos you'd think that they lost to Nevada just to spite the WAC, which stands to lose nearly $10 million by missing out on a BCS bowl. But Boise State lost its chance to play in its third BCS bowl, probably the Rose Bowl, and possibly a shot at the national championship. They won't even win the conference outright, and will be consigned to play in either the Kraft Fight Hunger or Humanitarian Bowl against some 6-6 team.
6) The Biggest Winner: Meanwhile, UConn, a team that was manhandled by a second-division Big Ten team (Michigan) and a fifth-place team in the MAC (Temple), is one win away from a BCS Bowl berth. The Big East is committing grand larceny.
7) Bowl picture: The Guru will have a complete breakdown on all the bowls next week, but on a quick count, we now have exactly 70 bowl eligible teams, filling all 35 bowl games, with four teams (Washington, Oregon State, Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech) can still play their way in by winning their final game. Of those four, only UW is likely to win and get a bowl bid, and if it does, then Western Michigan is out.
This week's projected BCS standings: 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. TCU, 4. Stanford, 5. Ohio State, 6. Wisconsin, 7. Arkansas, 8. Michigan State, 9. LSU, 10. Oklahoma, 11. Boise State, 12. Oklahoma State, 13. Nebraska, 14. Missouri, 15. Nevada.
The deal for the main event is now pretty cut-and-dried. It will be Oregon vs. Auburn. If either is upset next week, TCU, which has locked up at worst a Rose Bowl berth, will be the stand-in. The only potential for chaos now is if both teams go down next week - Oregon plays at Oregon State in the Civil War game and Auburn faces South Carolina in the SEC championship game.
The Cameron Newton saga actually isn't in play now. Even if the NCAA rules him ineligible, Auburn's victory will not be vacated by next week. Whatever the Tigers achieve this season may be erased later, but not before this season is over.
On the undercard, however, there's a whole lot going on ...
1) TCU: With its rout of New Mexico, TCU becomes the first team to complete an undefeated season. At worst, the Frogs will earn a Rose Bowl berth against the Big Ten champion. And with LSU's loss to Arkansas, their spot in the top three will not be threatened no matter what happens next week.
2) Rose Bowl: LSU's loss made the Wisconsin-Ohio State race much closer, because the Tigers were wedged between these two teams in the polls. So close that the Guru is calling Ohio State to edge slightly in front. Keep in mind that the Big Ten will send the highest ranked team in the final BCS standings to the Rose Bowl, so this won't be decided until next week even though the Big Ten schedule is done. The Rose Bowl will be rooting for an Auburn loss, because then it will be free to pick Stanford to replace Oregon.
3) Stanford: Losses by LSU and Boise State also have enormous meaning for Stanford, which is now in position to be guaranteed a BCS bowl berth. The Cardinal will be No. 4 in the new BCS standings, and by BCS rule, it will have to be chosen by one of the BCS bowls. It remains to be seen whether Jim Harbaugh will be coaching that game.
4) Big 12: Oklahoma's bedlam of a victory over Oklahoma State produced the dreaded three-way tie in the Big 12 South for the second time in three years. OU will gain enough ground to take the division but it just boggles the mind why conferences would choose to use a ranking system that's so easily manipulated by outside influences, or even the participants themselves. In the Big Ten's case, all three head coaches have a vote in the coaches poll; but in the Big 12's case, Mike Sherman has a vote but Bob Stoops and Mike Gundy don't. It's pure insanity.
5) The Biggest Loser: If it wasn't so important to the Broncos you'd think that they lost to Nevada just to spite the WAC, which stands to lose nearly $10 million by missing out on a BCS bowl. But Boise State lost its chance to play in its third BCS bowl, probably the Rose Bowl, and possibly a shot at the national championship. They won't even win the conference outright, and will be consigned to play in either the Kraft Fight Hunger or Humanitarian Bowl against some 6-6 team.
6) The Biggest Winner: Meanwhile, UConn, a team that was manhandled by a second-division Big Ten team (Michigan) and a fifth-place team in the MAC (Temple), is one win away from a BCS Bowl berth. The Big East is committing grand larceny.
7) Bowl picture: The Guru will have a complete breakdown on all the bowls next week, but on a quick count, we now have exactly 70 bowl eligible teams, filling all 35 bowl games, with four teams (Washington, Oregon State, Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech) can still play their way in by winning their final game. Of those four, only UW is likely to win and get a bowl bid, and if it does, then Western Michigan is out.
This week's projected BCS standings: 1. Oregon, 2. Auburn, 3. TCU, 4. Stanford, 5. Ohio State, 6. Wisconsin, 7. Arkansas, 8. Michigan State, 9. LSU, 10. Oklahoma, 11. Boise State, 12. Oklahoma State, 13. Nebraska, 14. Missouri, 15. Nevada.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
NFL Week 12: Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview/Perdiction
The Buffalo Bills may be on a mini hot streak, winning their last two games and improving to an 2-8 record.
But we're fooling ourselves if we are anticipating an upset in this game.
This is a lock for the Steelers. You can count on it.
It's one thing when the Bills are going against a hapless defensive squad such as the Cincinnati Bengals, when they exploded for 35 second half points. But the Steelers are a much different and more viscous animal.
The Steelers are just fresh off of shutting down Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders in Week 11.
With a blend of scary and intimidating defense, as well as a potent offense. The Steelers should have it easy on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Bills 10
But we're fooling ourselves if we are anticipating an upset in this game.
This is a lock for the Steelers. You can count on it.
It's one thing when the Bills are going against a hapless defensive squad such as the Cincinnati Bengals, when they exploded for 35 second half points. But the Steelers are a much different and more viscous animal.
The Steelers are just fresh off of shutting down Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders in Week 11.
With a blend of scary and intimidating defense, as well as a potent offense. The Steelers should have it easy on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Bills 10
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tampa Bay's Bucs Mike Williams Charged With DUI
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Michael Williams has been charged with DUI.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies said 23-year-old Michael Williams was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic around 2:30 a.m. Friday. Authorities said the football star's eyes were glassy and he smelled like alcohol.
According to a breathalyzer test, Williams had .065 blood-alcohol level, above Florida's 0.08 percent legal limit
Sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said Williams also submitted to a urine test, but the results are pending.
A message could not be left for the Buccaneers
Friday morning.
Williams was released on $500 bond later Friday. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies said 23-year-old Michael Williams was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic around 2:30 a.m. Friday. Authorities said the football star's eyes were glassy and he smelled like alcohol.
According to a breathalyzer test, Williams had .065 blood-alcohol level, above Florida's 0.08 percent legal limit
Sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said Williams also submitted to a urine test, but the results are pending.
A message could not be left for the Buccaneers
Friday morning.
Williams was released on $500 bond later Friday. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals - Gameday Preview Nov 21, 2010
The Chan Gailey era has finally begun in Buffalo as the Bills are coming off their first win of the season and it only took them 10 weeks to get the job done. Buffalo was able to fend off the Lions in the fourth quarter of a tight football game to become the last team to register a win this season. The Cincinnati Bengals are starting to feel like the Bills as they have lost the last six games they've played. Last season's Cardiac Cats have returned, but this year they haven't been able to get that final score in regulation to either tie the game or get the win. In six of the Bengals seven losses this season they lost by one score or less with the latest being a six point loss to the Colts in which they came back and had the ball with a chance to take the lead had they scored a late touchdown.
With Chan Gailey finally in the winners column he is now focused on starting a win streak. This week against the Bengals is as good a chance as any to get the Bills second win of the season. Last game the Bills were paced by running back Fred Jackson who ran 25 times for 133 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also caught six passes for 37 yards including a 16-yard pass that resulted in a touchdown from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. While Fitzpatrick only completed 12 of his 24 passes for under 150 yards it was enough as the Bills were able to control the ball and move on with a win. Buffalo's defense allowed Lions QB Shaun Hill to throw for 323 yards, but were able to give up only 76 yards on the ground. The turning point in the game came late in the fourth quarter when the Lions were stopped on a 2-pt conversion try that would have tied the game, but instead gave the Bills their first win of the season. This week, the Bills will look to do more of the same against the Bengals in their gameplan. Fred Jackson will be a large part of the offense this week most likely carrying the ball 25 times again. Star receiver Lee Evans will need to step up in this one and make a few big plays as well. Evans talent has always drawn plenty of attention from opposing defenses and it has caused him to have few opportunities a game. However, it was also allowed fellow receiver Steve Johnson to step up this season into the role of the top receiver for this Bills team as he leads the team with 44 receptions for 591 yards and 6 touchdowns. The defense is going to need to focus on being successful against the run this week just like they were last week allowing those 76 yards on 26 carries and no touchdowns. Through the air it will Owens who will be shadowed as he is having one of the best years he's had in a while, and he is also playing his former team.
With Terrell Owens playing against another former team of his it should be interesting to see how he treats them in between plays, but during plays the Bengals expect him to be making big ones. In recent weeks T.O. has overshadowed fellow teammate and received Chad Ochocinco and it is apparent Chad is not happy about the recent developments of the ball sharing situation. Carson Palmer has developed a liking for throwing to T.O. since he has done pretty much everything with the ball so far this season catching 59 passes for 834 yards and seven scores. Ochocinco has only caught 47 passes for 559 yards and three scores and he is not too happy about that differential, especially since his team has only two wins. Aside from the WR issues this team has failed to close out a game that was close this season since week two and it has cost them arguably up to six wins. If the fourth quarter were to go a little differently for this team it would be a completely different season, but right now it hasn't and the Bengals are staring at a 2-9 start if they can't work together against the Bills who are coming into this game hungry for another win. While Palmer has thrown 16 touchdowns he has also thrown 11 interceptions and some of them have been costly. Against the Bills, the Bengals plan will most likely be to pound the ball with Cedric Benson or see if Owens can slice up the Bills DB's. With Ochocinco's head sometimes out of the game it will be interesting to see how big a role he plays in this game, especially when it gets down to the end. While the Bengals have struggled this season they still have the talent on both sides of the ball to get big wins, and even though they are playing the 1-8 Buffalo Bills this would be a big confidence win for the team.
The Buffalo Bills played scrappy in their last game and it got them the win. The Cincinnati Bengals have scrapped away more wins this season then they would like to remember. As the season gets into the second half teams start to realize that they aren't in playoff contention and for some of them that takes their heads out of the game. Bengals 31 - Bills20
With Chan Gailey finally in the winners column he is now focused on starting a win streak. This week against the Bengals is as good a chance as any to get the Bills second win of the season. Last game the Bills were paced by running back Fred Jackson who ran 25 times for 133 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also caught six passes for 37 yards including a 16-yard pass that resulted in a touchdown from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. While Fitzpatrick only completed 12 of his 24 passes for under 150 yards it was enough as the Bills were able to control the ball and move on with a win. Buffalo's defense allowed Lions QB Shaun Hill to throw for 323 yards, but were able to give up only 76 yards on the ground. The turning point in the game came late in the fourth quarter when the Lions were stopped on a 2-pt conversion try that would have tied the game, but instead gave the Bills their first win of the season. This week, the Bills will look to do more of the same against the Bengals in their gameplan. Fred Jackson will be a large part of the offense this week most likely carrying the ball 25 times again. Star receiver Lee Evans will need to step up in this one and make a few big plays as well. Evans talent has always drawn plenty of attention from opposing defenses and it has caused him to have few opportunities a game. However, it was also allowed fellow receiver Steve Johnson to step up this season into the role of the top receiver for this Bills team as he leads the team with 44 receptions for 591 yards and 6 touchdowns. The defense is going to need to focus on being successful against the run this week just like they were last week allowing those 76 yards on 26 carries and no touchdowns. Through the air it will Owens who will be shadowed as he is having one of the best years he's had in a while, and he is also playing his former team.
With Terrell Owens playing against another former team of his it should be interesting to see how he treats them in between plays, but during plays the Bengals expect him to be making big ones. In recent weeks T.O. has overshadowed fellow teammate and received Chad Ochocinco and it is apparent Chad is not happy about the recent developments of the ball sharing situation. Carson Palmer has developed a liking for throwing to T.O. since he has done pretty much everything with the ball so far this season catching 59 passes for 834 yards and seven scores. Ochocinco has only caught 47 passes for 559 yards and three scores and he is not too happy about that differential, especially since his team has only two wins. Aside from the WR issues this team has failed to close out a game that was close this season since week two and it has cost them arguably up to six wins. If the fourth quarter were to go a little differently for this team it would be a completely different season, but right now it hasn't and the Bengals are staring at a 2-9 start if they can't work together against the Bills who are coming into this game hungry for another win. While Palmer has thrown 16 touchdowns he has also thrown 11 interceptions and some of them have been costly. Against the Bills, the Bengals plan will most likely be to pound the ball with Cedric Benson or see if Owens can slice up the Bills DB's. With Ochocinco's head sometimes out of the game it will be interesting to see how big a role he plays in this game, especially when it gets down to the end. While the Bengals have struggled this season they still have the talent on both sides of the ball to get big wins, and even though they are playing the 1-8 Buffalo Bills this would be a big confidence win for the team.
The Buffalo Bills played scrappy in their last game and it got them the win. The Cincinnati Bengals have scrapped away more wins this season then they would like to remember. As the season gets into the second half teams start to realize that they aren't in playoff contention and for some of them that takes their heads out of the game. Bengals 31 - Bills20
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Buffalo Bills vs. Detriot Lions Preview
The Detroit Lions and Matt Stafford will take on the Buffalo Bills and the up and coming Ryan Fitzpatrick. The
Detroit Lions with Matt Stafford back in the lineup is playing much more confidently on offense. Stafford has the "it" quality at quarterback for the young Detroit Lions team and he is fearless under center. Ryan Fitzpatrick is bringing that same quality to the Buffalo Bills this season although it has not shown up in the win column.
Detroit Lions Defense vs Buffalo Bills Offense
The Detroit Lions improved immensely on the defensive front line with the addition of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh. They now have one of the most menacing lines in the NFL but they are still lacking when it comes to coverage on the edges by their defensive backs and safeties. Looking at their statistics may not bear this out as the Minnesota Vikings are only giving up 220 yards through the air and 130 yards on the ground.
The Buffalo Bills offense has come alive of late and their performance against the Baltimore Ravens a few weeks ago has shown they have the potential to be an explosive offense. Ryan Fitzgerald has taken over the team as the leader of a team that could be destined to be the best win less team in NFL history. CJ Spiller has not become as involved as expected in the offense as of yet but once he does get involved he will give the Buffalo Bills a Reggie Bush type threat. The Detroit Lions defense has the edge over the Buffalo Bills offense.
Detroit Lions Offense vs Buffalo Bills Defense
Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions offense has also improved over the last two seasons, making distant memories of the 0-16 season just a few seasons ago. Stafford is the unquestioned leader and face of this team and his key number one wide receiver Calvin Johnson ranks among the best in the NFL. In the back field Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best are solid running backs that are tough to get on the ground. Lions 31-Bills 24
Detroit Lions with Matt Stafford back in the lineup is playing much more confidently on offense. Stafford has the "it" quality at quarterback for the young Detroit Lions team and he is fearless under center. Ryan Fitzpatrick is bringing that same quality to the Buffalo Bills this season although it has not shown up in the win column.
Detroit Lions Defense vs Buffalo Bills Offense
The Detroit Lions improved immensely on the defensive front line with the addition of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh. They now have one of the most menacing lines in the NFL but they are still lacking when it comes to coverage on the edges by their defensive backs and safeties. Looking at their statistics may not bear this out as the Minnesota Vikings are only giving up 220 yards through the air and 130 yards on the ground.
The Buffalo Bills offense has come alive of late and their performance against the Baltimore Ravens a few weeks ago has shown they have the potential to be an explosive offense. Ryan Fitzgerald has taken over the team as the leader of a team that could be destined to be the best win less team in NFL history. CJ Spiller has not become as involved as expected in the offense as of yet but once he does get involved he will give the Buffalo Bills a Reggie Bush type threat. The Detroit Lions defense has the edge over the Buffalo Bills offense.
Detroit Lions Offense vs Buffalo Bills Defense
Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions offense has also improved over the last two seasons, making distant memories of the 0-16 season just a few seasons ago. Stafford is the unquestioned leader and face of this team and his key number one wide receiver Calvin Johnson ranks among the best in the NFL. In the back field Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best are solid running backs that are tough to get on the ground. Lions 31-Bills 24
Cam Newton And Hesiman Trophy
UponFutherReview - As you have heard, Cam Newton (Auburn QB) has been accused of a variety of things – all of which could either negate his eligibility as a player or, if not, his justifiable claim to the Heisman trophy. Seems like we’ve been here before. The question I have is whether proven or not, should voters hold these claims against him?
Let’s start with the basics. Auburn is undefeated and #2 in the BCS. There is zero chance that they won’t play for the national championship as long as they don’t lose. Their remaining games are versus Georgia (5-5), at Alabama (7-2) and against the SEC East Champion which is guaranteed to have at least three losses and most likely four. So, it’s perfectly within the realm of probability that Auburn will be undefeated when the Heisman votes are counted.
It’s also worth pointing out that five of the last six Heisman trophy winners have played for either the #1 or #2 (AP) team in the final regular season poll. Clearly, voters are tending to reward a player from a team that is great. In the one season since 2003 in which the Heisman winner came from a team other than the #1 or #2 teams, it was Tim Tebow (Florida, 2007) and it’s at least partly because he was #7 in total offense where the highest player for the #1 and #2 teams based upon total offense were #58 and #80.
In the case of Cam Newton, he ranks #11 in total offense per game. That might not sound like that big of a deal, but the only other recent player to rank above #11, but be on a #1 or #2 team was Sam Bradford (Oklahoma, 2008) and he won the Heisman.
Cam Newton has a very unique set of statistics. He has rushed for 1,146 yards and passed for 1,890. That’s over 10 games, but he has three left. By the time Heisman voters cast their ballot, he would have 1,490 rushing and 2,457 passing. There are very few quarterbacks who have ever had those types of numbers – especially when playing for one of the best teams in the country.
Before I look back, I would be remiss not to point out that there is actually a QB in 2010 with even better numbers. Denard Robinson of Michigan has already rushed for 1,349 yards and passed for 1,814. And, he’s done it in nine games as opposed to Newton’s ten! But, the problem of course, is that Michigan has three losses and is going to get a so-so bowl bid. That’s not exactly what Heisman voters are looking for.
Looking back, the most obvious similar situation was Vince Young of Texas in 2005. UT was #2 in the polls, and Young was #6 in total offense. He ended rushing for 1,050 and passing for 3,036. Impressive, but he only ended second in the balloting. Ironically, he was beaten by Reggie Bush who just gave up his Heisman trophy because of accusations that he was paid while in college. And, that’s the focus of this post.
Cam Newton may well be the favorite to win the Heisman, but that assumes voters dismiss the allegations or, at the minimum, decide they shouldn’t matter without more proof.
The NCAA is investigating. The FBI is investigating. Something could be learned that would have enormous affects on Newton, Auburn and the Heisman well before the voting takes place. So, it’s not just a question of his worthiness as a Heisman candidate, but also his eligibility as a college football player. If that ends up being more than questionable, it is conceivable that TCU could get into the national championship game through the back door. A lot is at stake and this subject is going to be cussed and discussed a lot over the next three weeks.
I don’t care who wins the national championship and I don’t care who wins the Heisman. But, the #1 reason I don’t care is because the B12 isn’t going to have a team challenging - barring a miracle (Go OSU!) and they aren’t going to have a B12 player in the Heisman hunt. But, there is another reason I don’t care… because I don’t vote! If I had a vote for the Heisman or in one of the polls, I would care because I would be forced to have to think through this issue.
The fact that Reggie Bush just gave up his award has to be fresh (super fresh) on everyone’s mind who is casting a vote. And, the information we have at this point would lead anyone to seriously believe that even if Newton won the Heisman that he will eventually have to give it up.
It’s not the Heisman’s fault that Bush is scum. They have no reason to be embarrassed that the trophy was vacated. And, by the way, on Heisman.com, when you look at the former winners, it simply goes from 2004 to 2006 as though the earth skipped a year. Bush is dead to the Heisman community. Can you imagine if they had to go through it twice – and in such a short period.
Therefore if I were a voter, I would absolutely have that in the forefront of my mind when voting. Here’s what we know – or at least what is being reported.
Cam Newton was a Freshman at Florida and played under Tebow. During that time FoxSports.com reported that Newton was accused of cheating as well as being charged with three felony counts – one of which involved a stolen lap-top. Apparently, charges were dropped when Newton went to pretrial diversion.
Florida (and Urban Meyer) have only indicated that they did not leak the information about his time in Gainesville, but he has not denied the accusations against Newton. Neither have Newton or his father, who played a prominent role in Cam’s recruitment process after he left Florida.
Initially, Newton went to a Junior College in Texas. Upon leaving there, he committed to Mississippi State. This is where the latest accusations come in. It has been reported that both he and his father called MSU to indicate they had withdrawn his commitment and instead opted to go to Auburn because the “money was better”. A former MSU player indicated that someone representing the Newton family had demanded $180,000 to go to the university. MSU head coach (Dan Mullen) has not denied it, stating only that those who need to know the details, know them.
The immediate question really isn’t about whether he is guilty or innocent. Do we honestly think we will know the answer in three weeks? The question is whether a Heisman voter believes he has reason to believe Newton is guilty. If so, is that enough to cause him to vote for someone else? Considering the great season Oregon RB LaMichael James is having, how hard would it be to simply pick him instead? After all, Oregon is #1 in the polls, not #2. James #1 in rushing (by quite a bit) while Newton is #11 in total yardage. It just wouldn’t be that hard to pull the other lever.
But, whether there is another easy choice or not, the real question is whether voters have the right to mete out justice simply by casting a vote.
If you don’t think they do, then you are certainly in the minority – at least based upon voters for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Take a look at how many voted for Mark McGwire. In four years, he has consistently received about 24% (75% required) of the votes despite being the 10th most prolific home run hitter of all-time. Unless they build a separate wing for cheaters, he will never make the HOF and probably neither will many other present-day players.
Clearly, voters have decided that, although they can’t do anything about the stats and records, they can do something about the Hall of Fame. The question today is whether Heisman voters are going to adopt the same strategy. I think they will.
A week ago, Newton was considered almost a shoe-in for the award. Today, it is highly questionable. Three weeks from now, who knows?
Let’s start with the basics. Auburn is undefeated and #2 in the BCS. There is zero chance that they won’t play for the national championship as long as they don’t lose. Their remaining games are versus Georgia (5-5), at Alabama (7-2) and against the SEC East Champion which is guaranteed to have at least three losses and most likely four. So, it’s perfectly within the realm of probability that Auburn will be undefeated when the Heisman votes are counted.
It’s also worth pointing out that five of the last six Heisman trophy winners have played for either the #1 or #2 (AP) team in the final regular season poll. Clearly, voters are tending to reward a player from a team that is great. In the one season since 2003 in which the Heisman winner came from a team other than the #1 or #2 teams, it was Tim Tebow (Florida, 2007) and it’s at least partly because he was #7 in total offense where the highest player for the #1 and #2 teams based upon total offense were #58 and #80.
In the case of Cam Newton, he ranks #11 in total offense per game. That might not sound like that big of a deal, but the only other recent player to rank above #11, but be on a #1 or #2 team was Sam Bradford (Oklahoma, 2008) and he won the Heisman.
Cam Newton has a very unique set of statistics. He has rushed for 1,146 yards and passed for 1,890. That’s over 10 games, but he has three left. By the time Heisman voters cast their ballot, he would have 1,490 rushing and 2,457 passing. There are very few quarterbacks who have ever had those types of numbers – especially when playing for one of the best teams in the country.
Before I look back, I would be remiss not to point out that there is actually a QB in 2010 with even better numbers. Denard Robinson of Michigan has already rushed for 1,349 yards and passed for 1,814. And, he’s done it in nine games as opposed to Newton’s ten! But, the problem of course, is that Michigan has three losses and is going to get a so-so bowl bid. That’s not exactly what Heisman voters are looking for.
Looking back, the most obvious similar situation was Vince Young of Texas in 2005. UT was #2 in the polls, and Young was #6 in total offense. He ended rushing for 1,050 and passing for 3,036. Impressive, but he only ended second in the balloting. Ironically, he was beaten by Reggie Bush who just gave up his Heisman trophy because of accusations that he was paid while in college. And, that’s the focus of this post.
Cam Newton may well be the favorite to win the Heisman, but that assumes voters dismiss the allegations or, at the minimum, decide they shouldn’t matter without more proof.
The NCAA is investigating. The FBI is investigating. Something could be learned that would have enormous affects on Newton, Auburn and the Heisman well before the voting takes place. So, it’s not just a question of his worthiness as a Heisman candidate, but also his eligibility as a college football player. If that ends up being more than questionable, it is conceivable that TCU could get into the national championship game through the back door. A lot is at stake and this subject is going to be cussed and discussed a lot over the next three weeks.
I don’t care who wins the national championship and I don’t care who wins the Heisman. But, the #1 reason I don’t care is because the B12 isn’t going to have a team challenging - barring a miracle (Go OSU!) and they aren’t going to have a B12 player in the Heisman hunt. But, there is another reason I don’t care… because I don’t vote! If I had a vote for the Heisman or in one of the polls, I would care because I would be forced to have to think through this issue.
The fact that Reggie Bush just gave up his award has to be fresh (super fresh) on everyone’s mind who is casting a vote. And, the information we have at this point would lead anyone to seriously believe that even if Newton won the Heisman that he will eventually have to give it up.
It’s not the Heisman’s fault that Bush is scum. They have no reason to be embarrassed that the trophy was vacated. And, by the way, on Heisman.com, when you look at the former winners, it simply goes from 2004 to 2006 as though the earth skipped a year. Bush is dead to the Heisman community. Can you imagine if they had to go through it twice – and in such a short period.
Therefore if I were a voter, I would absolutely have that in the forefront of my mind when voting. Here’s what we know – or at least what is being reported.
Cam Newton was a Freshman at Florida and played under Tebow. During that time FoxSports.com reported that Newton was accused of cheating as well as being charged with three felony counts – one of which involved a stolen lap-top. Apparently, charges were dropped when Newton went to pretrial diversion.
Florida (and Urban Meyer) have only indicated that they did not leak the information about his time in Gainesville, but he has not denied the accusations against Newton. Neither have Newton or his father, who played a prominent role in Cam’s recruitment process after he left Florida.
Initially, Newton went to a Junior College in Texas. Upon leaving there, he committed to Mississippi State. This is where the latest accusations come in. It has been reported that both he and his father called MSU to indicate they had withdrawn his commitment and instead opted to go to Auburn because the “money was better”. A former MSU player indicated that someone representing the Newton family had demanded $180,000 to go to the university. MSU head coach (Dan Mullen) has not denied it, stating only that those who need to know the details, know them.
The immediate question really isn’t about whether he is guilty or innocent. Do we honestly think we will know the answer in three weeks? The question is whether a Heisman voter believes he has reason to believe Newton is guilty. If so, is that enough to cause him to vote for someone else? Considering the great season Oregon RB LaMichael James is having, how hard would it be to simply pick him instead? After all, Oregon is #1 in the polls, not #2. James #1 in rushing (by quite a bit) while Newton is #11 in total yardage. It just wouldn’t be that hard to pull the other lever.
But, whether there is another easy choice or not, the real question is whether voters have the right to mete out justice simply by casting a vote.
If you don’t think they do, then you are certainly in the minority – at least based upon voters for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Take a look at how many voted for Mark McGwire. In four years, he has consistently received about 24% (75% required) of the votes despite being the 10th most prolific home run hitter of all-time. Unless they build a separate wing for cheaters, he will never make the HOF and probably neither will many other present-day players.
Clearly, voters have decided that, although they can’t do anything about the stats and records, they can do something about the Hall of Fame. The question today is whether Heisman voters are going to adopt the same strategy. I think they will.
A week ago, Newton was considered almost a shoe-in for the award. Today, it is highly questionable. Three weeks from now, who knows?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Buffalo Bills Lose Chicago Bears 22-19; The March to 0-16 Continues
TORONTO (Reuters) - Unable to find a victory in the United States, the Buffalo Bills fared no better across the border in Canada as they fell 22-19 to the Chicago Bears on Sunday to remain the NFL's only winless team.
Jay Cutler tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Chester Taylor ran for another as the Bears pulled out of a two-game losing skid to improve to 5-3 while the Bills sank to 0-8.
Making the annual visit to their northern neighbors, the Bills have found no more success in downtown Toronto than they have at Orchard Park, losing all three regular-season games played at the Rogers Center the last three years.
It was also the third consecutive heartbreaker for the Bills who have lost their last three games by three points including two in overtime.
"This one really hurts, I don't know what to say," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick told reporters. "We did some good things out there again but came up short.
"They keep hurting more and more but the guys keep fighting. I know we're 0-8 now but all it takes is one win. We need one win to get over the hump and things will start going our way."
The Bills enjoyed little in the way of home-field advantage with just as many fans in the crowd of 50,746 wearing Bears jerseys.
"It seemed close to 50/50 but that's our responsibility, we have to be a better football team so that these people become Bills fans not just people that want to see NFL football," said coach Chan Gailey.
Chicago opened the scoring with a grinding eight-minute, 81-yard scoring drive that bridged the opening two quarters, Cutler finding Greg Olsen in the back of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown.
Buffalo answered with 13 seconds left in the half, Roscoe Parrish latching on to a 14-yard laser throw from Fitzpatrick to send the teams into the intermission deadlocked at 7-7.
The Bears stormed out after the break, Cutler engineering another long scoring drive capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge by Taylor only to watch the battling Bills hit back immediately with Fred Jackson rumbling over from four yards.
The Bills kept up the pressure in the fourth quarter, converting a Cutler fumble near mid-field into a one-yard Corey McIntyre touchdown plunge and a 19-14 lead.
However, Bears cornerback Tim Jennings jumped in front of a Fitzpatrick pass and returned it deep into Bills territory to set up Chicago's winning score, a two-yard touchdown strike from Cutler to Earl Bennett.
"I don't have any new words to tell you guys, it feels like someone has kicked us in the stomach," said Gailey. "It hurts.
"I truly believe this team will get there and I don't just mean win a game, I think we have a chance to be a decent football team."
Jay Cutler tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Chester Taylor ran for another as the Bears pulled out of a two-game losing skid to improve to 5-3 while the Bills sank to 0-8.
Making the annual visit to their northern neighbors, the Bills have found no more success in downtown Toronto than they have at Orchard Park, losing all three regular-season games played at the Rogers Center the last three years.
It was also the third consecutive heartbreaker for the Bills who have lost their last three games by three points including two in overtime.
"This one really hurts, I don't know what to say," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick told reporters. "We did some good things out there again but came up short.
"They keep hurting more and more but the guys keep fighting. I know we're 0-8 now but all it takes is one win. We need one win to get over the hump and things will start going our way."
The Bills enjoyed little in the way of home-field advantage with just as many fans in the crowd of 50,746 wearing Bears jerseys.
"It seemed close to 50/50 but that's our responsibility, we have to be a better football team so that these people become Bills fans not just people that want to see NFL football," said coach Chan Gailey.
Chicago opened the scoring with a grinding eight-minute, 81-yard scoring drive that bridged the opening two quarters, Cutler finding Greg Olsen in the back of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown.
Buffalo answered with 13 seconds left in the half, Roscoe Parrish latching on to a 14-yard laser throw from Fitzpatrick to send the teams into the intermission deadlocked at 7-7.
The Bears stormed out after the break, Cutler engineering another long scoring drive capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge by Taylor only to watch the battling Bills hit back immediately with Fred Jackson rumbling over from four yards.
The Bills kept up the pressure in the fourth quarter, converting a Cutler fumble near mid-field into a one-yard Corey McIntyre touchdown plunge and a 19-14 lead.
However, Bears cornerback Tim Jennings jumped in front of a Fitzpatrick pass and returned it deep into Bills territory to set up Chicago's winning score, a two-yard touchdown strike from Cutler to Earl Bennett.
"I don't have any new words to tell you guys, it feels like someone has kicked us in the stomach," said Gailey. "It hurts.
"I truly believe this team will get there and I don't just mean win a game, I think we have a chance to be a decent football team."
Buffalo Bills: Monday News & Notes Nov 8, 2010
S
--WR Stevie Johnson caught a career-best 11 passes for 145 yards, but he had his consecutive games streak of catching a TD pass snapped at five.
--RB Fred Jackson was held to 16 yards on eight carries. He scored a touchdown, but was stuffed on a two-point conversion and had a costly fumble.
--FS Jairus Byrd was in on 10 tackles, setting a new single-game career high.
--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick attempted a career-most 51 passes, which also tied for the fourth-most in Bills history. He threw for 299 yards and a TD, plus had two interceptions.
--FB Corey McIntyre scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard plunge.
--WR Stevie Johnson caught a career-best 11 passes for 145 yards, but he had his consecutive games streak of catching a TD pass snapped at five.
--RB Fred Jackson was held to 16 yards on eight carries. He scored a touchdown, but was stuffed on a two-point conversion and had a costly fumble.
--FS Jairus Byrd was in on 10 tackles, setting a new single-game career high.
--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick attempted a career-most 51 passes, which also tied for the fourth-most in Bills history. He threw for 299 yards and a TD, plus had two interceptions.
--FB Corey McIntyre scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard plunge.
Buffalo Bills Or Dallas Cowboys: Who's Worst Team In The NFL
Once upon a time this was an easy question to answer but now due to the obvious circumstances it takes some serious thought as to who is worse, the Buffalo Bills or Dallas Cowboys.
To think that 16 years ago both of these teams represented their divisions in the Super Bowl for the second consecutive season seems like a distant and insane memory.
The Buffalo Bills are a young and inexperienced team that doesn't possess much talent and is still currently without a win in the 2010 NFL season. As for the Dallas Cowboys, they are a team loaded with talent that many picked as a Super Bowl favorite and currently sit at the bottom of the NFC East at 1-7.
On paper the Dallas Cowboys are worlds above the lowly Buffalo Bills. They are above the rest with their new Cowboy's Stadium, bringing in revenue, and marketability. As for the Bills they are one of the small market NFL teams and they have to travel to Canada just to bring in double the amount of revenue that they would playing at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Just take a look at an NFL store catalog or any NFL catalog and try to find that awesome pillow that comes representing the Dallas Cowboys, but not for the Buffalo Bills. Sadly the market isn't there and neither is the popularity that the Dallas Cowboys have.
The Buffalo Bills may be 0-8 but have made strides and improvements to a struggling team. Ralph Wilson, the 92-year-old owner of the Bills, has entrusted his faith in Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix who have moved RB Marshawn Lynch, rid themselves of QB Trent Edwards, and picked up LB Shawne Merriman and are trying to do something to help the Buffalo Bills win.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hasn't done a thing to improve the Dallas Cowboys since the beginning of the season and is watching his team fall apart and hit new lows that Dallas is unaccustomed to.
The Cowboys are playing the worst football possibly anyone has seen and it all starts from the top. This time the dysfunction of the Cowboys can't be blamed on Terrell Owens as Wade Phillips can't get this team to actually give a damn.
Who would have thought that the Cowboys could get any lower than their performance against Jacksonville last week only to be crushed by the Packers 45-7? It's pathetic to see this team miss tackles, not continue on plays, and actually just give up. Watch the Dallas Cowboys play and tell me they are giving 100 percent?
One the other hand the Buffalo Bills have done everything they possibly can to win the last three games. Both games against Kansas City and Baltimore went into overtime and it took everything Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears had to knock them off in Canada. The Bills play with their heart on their sleeve and refuse to give up each and every Sunday.
While the records of the two teams might be somewhat similar they are two completely different teams. The Buffalo Bills fans can at least hold their heads up high knowing that they aren't quitting each and ever week and that when you go against Buffalo you better be prepared for a fight.
The Dallas Cowboys may be dubbed "America's Team" but the Buffalo Bills, as the struggling underdog, represent "America" much better than a quitter.
To think that 16 years ago both of these teams represented their divisions in the Super Bowl for the second consecutive season seems like a distant and insane memory.
The Buffalo Bills are a young and inexperienced team that doesn't possess much talent and is still currently without a win in the 2010 NFL season. As for the Dallas Cowboys, they are a team loaded with talent that many picked as a Super Bowl favorite and currently sit at the bottom of the NFC East at 1-7.
On paper the Dallas Cowboys are worlds above the lowly Buffalo Bills. They are above the rest with their new Cowboy's Stadium, bringing in revenue, and marketability. As for the Bills they are one of the small market NFL teams and they have to travel to Canada just to bring in double the amount of revenue that they would playing at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Just take a look at an NFL store catalog or any NFL catalog and try to find that awesome pillow that comes representing the Dallas Cowboys, but not for the Buffalo Bills. Sadly the market isn't there and neither is the popularity that the Dallas Cowboys have.
The Buffalo Bills may be 0-8 but have made strides and improvements to a struggling team. Ralph Wilson, the 92-year-old owner of the Bills, has entrusted his faith in Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix who have moved RB Marshawn Lynch, rid themselves of QB Trent Edwards, and picked up LB Shawne Merriman and are trying to do something to help the Buffalo Bills win.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hasn't done a thing to improve the Dallas Cowboys since the beginning of the season and is watching his team fall apart and hit new lows that Dallas is unaccustomed to.
The Cowboys are playing the worst football possibly anyone has seen and it all starts from the top. This time the dysfunction of the Cowboys can't be blamed on Terrell Owens as Wade Phillips can't get this team to actually give a damn.
Who would have thought that the Cowboys could get any lower than their performance against Jacksonville last week only to be crushed by the Packers 45-7? It's pathetic to see this team miss tackles, not continue on plays, and actually just give up. Watch the Dallas Cowboys play and tell me they are giving 100 percent?
One the other hand the Buffalo Bills have done everything they possibly can to win the last three games. Both games against Kansas City and Baltimore went into overtime and it took everything Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears had to knock them off in Canada. The Bills play with their heart on their sleeve and refuse to give up each and every Sunday.
While the records of the two teams might be somewhat similar they are two completely different teams. The Buffalo Bills fans can at least hold their heads up high knowing that they aren't quitting each and ever week and that when you go against Buffalo you better be prepared for a fight.
The Dallas Cowboys may be dubbed "America's Team" but the Buffalo Bills, as the struggling underdog, represent "America" much better than a quitter.
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