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.
Showing posts with label preseason football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preseason football. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
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
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
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Buffalo Bills Report: Chan Gailey's Strategy And Personnel
Chan Gailey's response was simple, and direct. "We're in training camp, aren't we?"
Gailey has had the Bills in pads every day, and that's quite a departure around Bills' camps of recent years. But Gailey said it's imperative that the team begin developing a toughness.
"The theory behind that is that it's a tough game for tough people, and in order to be a physical football team, you have to feel what it's like to be in pads," said Gailey. "We go out and do walk-throughs and you can go out in shorts and get an idea of responsibility and what your job is, but to understand the game and how it's played with leverage and low-man wins, you've got to have pads on."
But beyond the obvious upgrade in tempo and contact that Gailey demands, there's another reason why wearing pads is vital according to the new coach.
"The other thing that I think is big and often overlooked is that we end up protecting our players when we go out in pads," he said. "Guys feel confident about diving for balls. Guys feel confident about running through gaps. You can bang on each other, and you don't get injuries, which I like."
PLAYER NOTES
-- LT Demetrius Bell had been held out of 11-on-11 team drills until Sunday's practice.
-- LB Chris Kelsay suffered a shoulder injury on the second day of practice and has been sidelined since. There is no timetable on his return.
-- LB Paul Posluszny arrived at camp and announced that he had undergone a minor procedure on his groin, and that it was going to keep him out of practice as long as two weeks, maybe more.
-- RB Fred Jackson has been on the receiving end of a couple of big hits as the Bills have been much more physical in camp under Chan Gailey than they ever were under Dick Jauron.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK
James Hardy vs. Steve Johnson for starting wide receiver. At No. 2 wide receiver, a pair of 2008 draft picks are 1-2 on the depth chart, but just not in the order you would expect. Seventh-rounder choice Johnson began camp as the starter opposite Lee Evans, with second-round pick James Hardy working with the second group. Hardy has been plagued by injuries during his first two years, but he thinks he can push his way past Johnson with a big camp and solid performances in the preseason games.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
ILB Kawika Mitchell is taking advantage of Paul Posluszny's absence and getting reps. Andra Davis, also in the mix at ILB, is the other starter right now. ... At tight end, Shawn Nelson and Derek Schouman are involved in a tight battle. ... Leodis McKelvin, a 2008 first-round pick, is backing up veteran Drayton Florence at left corner. Last year, Florence began the year as the nickel corner and McKelvin the starter before McKelvin broke his leg in Week 3.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
NT Kyle Williams - At 305 pounds, he's undersized for this position, but he seems to be making the adaptation pretty well. "If I listened to what some people say, I wouldn't be here today," Williams said of those who have doubted him. "It doesn't bother me. It really doesn't matter what position you play, it's still football. If you can play football, you can play football. It's going out there and working hard every day. That's what I've always done and what I'm doing out here now." Williams is really the lone option at this point because Torell Troup is a rookie, and Lonnie Harvey was on the practice squad last year so neither have any NFL experience.
ROOKIE REPORT
NT Torell Troup signed his contract and reported on time, and he's off to a good start. Playing for George O'Leary at Central Florida, who has an NFL background, has helped him adapt. ... DE Alex Carrington has looked quick off the ball in one-on-one drills. ... OT Ed Wang has a hand injury.
INJURY REPORT
The Bills have had a rash of problems at linebacker so far. Paul Posluszny (groin), Keith Ellison (leg) and Chris Kelsay (shoulder) have all been sidelined, and Kawika Mitchell (Achilles) needed a day off Saturday. DE Marcus Stroud had to leave practice early one day because of the heat. LB Danny Batten left practice early Sunday with a shoulder problem
Gailey has had the Bills in pads every day, and that's quite a departure around Bills' camps of recent years. But Gailey said it's imperative that the team begin developing a toughness.
"The theory behind that is that it's a tough game for tough people, and in order to be a physical football team, you have to feel what it's like to be in pads," said Gailey. "We go out and do walk-throughs and you can go out in shorts and get an idea of responsibility and what your job is, but to understand the game and how it's played with leverage and low-man wins, you've got to have pads on."
But beyond the obvious upgrade in tempo and contact that Gailey demands, there's another reason why wearing pads is vital according to the new coach.
"The other thing that I think is big and often overlooked is that we end up protecting our players when we go out in pads," he said. "Guys feel confident about diving for balls. Guys feel confident about running through gaps. You can bang on each other, and you don't get injuries, which I like."
PLAYER NOTES
-- LT Demetrius Bell had been held out of 11-on-11 team drills until Sunday's practice.
-- LB Chris Kelsay suffered a shoulder injury on the second day of practice and has been sidelined since. There is no timetable on his return.
-- LB Paul Posluszny arrived at camp and announced that he had undergone a minor procedure on his groin, and that it was going to keep him out of practice as long as two weeks, maybe more.
-- RB Fred Jackson has been on the receiving end of a couple of big hits as the Bills have been much more physical in camp under Chan Gailey than they ever were under Dick Jauron.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK
James Hardy vs. Steve Johnson for starting wide receiver. At No. 2 wide receiver, a pair of 2008 draft picks are 1-2 on the depth chart, but just not in the order you would expect. Seventh-rounder choice Johnson began camp as the starter opposite Lee Evans, with second-round pick James Hardy working with the second group. Hardy has been plagued by injuries during his first two years, but he thinks he can push his way past Johnson with a big camp and solid performances in the preseason games.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
ILB Kawika Mitchell is taking advantage of Paul Posluszny's absence and getting reps. Andra Davis, also in the mix at ILB, is the other starter right now. ... At tight end, Shawn Nelson and Derek Schouman are involved in a tight battle. ... Leodis McKelvin, a 2008 first-round pick, is backing up veteran Drayton Florence at left corner. Last year, Florence began the year as the nickel corner and McKelvin the starter before McKelvin broke his leg in Week 3.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
NT Kyle Williams - At 305 pounds, he's undersized for this position, but he seems to be making the adaptation pretty well. "If I listened to what some people say, I wouldn't be here today," Williams said of those who have doubted him. "It doesn't bother me. It really doesn't matter what position you play, it's still football. If you can play football, you can play football. It's going out there and working hard every day. That's what I've always done and what I'm doing out here now." Williams is really the lone option at this point because Torell Troup is a rookie, and Lonnie Harvey was on the practice squad last year so neither have any NFL experience.
ROOKIE REPORT
NT Torell Troup signed his contract and reported on time, and he's off to a good start. Playing for George O'Leary at Central Florida, who has an NFL background, has helped him adapt. ... DE Alex Carrington has looked quick off the ball in one-on-one drills. ... OT Ed Wang has a hand injury.
INJURY REPORT
The Bills have had a rash of problems at linebacker so far. Paul Posluszny (groin), Keith Ellison (leg) and Chris Kelsay (shoulder) have all been sidelined, and Kawika Mitchell (Achilles) needed a day off Saturday. DE Marcus Stroud had to leave practice early one day because of the heat. LB Danny Batten left practice early Sunday with a shoulder problem
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Buffalo Bills Smashed By Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0
The Buffalo Bills lose to the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0 at Heinz Field Saturday Night. The Bills were without there flamboyant wide receiver Terrell Owens who missed his third preseason game with a lingering toe injury. The Buffalo Bills were out maned, out coached and overwhelmed by the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers had there way with the "Punk Ass" Buffalo Bills. Ben Roethlisberger had his way with the Bills mediocre defense completing 15/19 168 yd. in the first half. Big Ben led the Steelers on two offensive scoring drives in the first half. The first Steelers drive of the game was stopped by a Bills turnover created by Kyle Williams penetration into the Steelers backfield knocking the football out of Rashard Mendenhall hands and it was recovered by Keith Ellison. The Steelers came right back on there next possession went a 13 play 49 yard drive and kicked a 34 yd. field to open the scoring. On the Bills next possession Trent Edwards threw a James Farrior 22 yd. interception return for a touchdown. Trent Edwards was clueless for the second straight week he finished the game 6/13 31yd. 1 int. for a touchdown. The Steelers completed there first half domination of the Bills by driving 13 plays 87 yd. and it was capped of by a Rashard Mendenhall 4 yd. touchdown run. The Buffalo Bills finished the first half with 50 yd. of total offense in the first half. The only bright spot in the first half is that First Round Draft Pick Aaron Maybin got his first sack. The Bills first team offense has hit rock bottom because they have not scored a offensive touchdown this preseason. It seems like Trent Edwards has regressed to the point where he, looks like a rookie right out of college. The Bills are in total chaos and lack any type of respectable leadership from the coaches or players. This will be a long season for the Bills if Terrell Owens does not have a big year on offense. It is sad to say that the Bills a depending on a 35 year old wide receiver to save there worthless season. Finally, this is what happens when you have one of the worst coaches in the NFL leading your football team. Ralph Wilson made big mistake bringing back Dick Jauron as Head Coach because he, has just guaranteed Bills a tenth straight season without making the playoffs. The Bills finished the game 135 yd. and 8 first downs. The Steelers finished the game with 359 yd. and 20 first downs. The Bills were 0/8 on third down conversion and the Steelers fished the game 10/17 on third down conversions. This game should have never been played. The Bills should have forfeited the football game. The player of the Game is Brian Moorman.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Buffalo Bills Johnathan Stupar "A Real Surprise"
It is clear that the Buffalo Bills still have plenty of work to do before there regular season opener against the New England Patriots. However, in the 31-21 preseason loss against the Green Bay Packers backup Tight End Johnathan Stupar had a encouraging performance. Stupar who joined the Bills practice squad last September as a rookie free agent, caught a 9 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick for the team's first touchdown in the third quarter. He also, had 5 receptions for 63 yards, marking the second week in a row for this distinction. It was a tight window, " said Stupar. "Said of the opening Fitzpatrick had on the scoring pass due to Green Bay's coverage. Fitzpatrick kind of squeezed it in there. I think it actually bounced off the defender and bounced off me and I just made a play on it, which was nice, It felt good to get the first touchdown. Stupar said, he was pleased with his performance Saturday, and he knows why is reaping some rewards this summer. He made sure he put in some additional time with the quarterbacks in the offseason to develop a stronger on-field relationship with the team's signal callers. That is something I have been working on in the offseason with the quarterbacks after practice,"said Stupar who entered the NFL from Virginia last year as a undrafted free agent with New England. We have been doing different routes and everything. It is about trust and they need to know that you are going to be where you need to be at the right time. That is something that is starting to come along with us, and I am starting to have ball thrown my way, which is kind of nice. The fate of Stupar is somewhat in the air. If the team chooses to keep four tight ends he will make a 53 man roster. If the staff chooses to keep only three, however Stupar could again be looking at another season on the practice squad, with Derek Schouman, Derek Fine, and fourth round draft pick Shawn Nelson ahead of him in the depth chart. Finally, I personally think that Johnathan Stupar should be the starting Tight End.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Buffalo Bills Slammed Green Bay Packers 31-21
The Buffalo Bills lose to the Green Bay Packers 31-21 in Legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Bills played there second game without there Flamboyant Wide Receiver Terrell Owens who is out with a nagging toe injury. The Bills also, played without there newly signed first round draft pick Aaron Maybin who missed the Bills extended training camp because of a highly publicized contract dispute. The Buffalo Bills look like the worst team in the NFL. Trent Edwards was horrible completing 7/11 45 yds 1 int. The Bills Offense could not move the football with any consistency on the Packers new three-four defense. Dom Capers the new Defensive Coordinator for the Packers has his, young defensive playing with a lot of intensity. On the Bills first posession Brady Poppinga picked off a Trent Edwards pass and returned it to the Bills 41 yard line. The Bills Defense came up big with a fourth and one stop at the Bills 16 yard line when Keith Elision stopped Ryan Grant. The Bills second possession turned into a nightmare when Trent Edwards fumble the football at the Bills 5 yard line after a Johnny Jolly sack and fumble recovery by A. J. Hawk. The Packers Cash in the opportunity with a Aaron Rogers 5 yard touchdown pass on a quick slant pattern to Gregg Jennings. The Bills third possession ended with a punt and the Packers quickly drove the football 6 plays 79 yards and ended the drive 3 yard touchdown by Ryan Grant. The Bills fourth possession ended with a Fred Jackson fumble which was recovered by Brady Poppinga at the Bills 41 yard line. The Packers cashed in again with a Aaron Rogers 5 yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver. Aaron Rogers finished the first half 8/9 98 yards 2 td. and he looked like he was in mid-season form against the Bills hapless Defense. The Bills ended the first half with a Ryan Fitzpatrick fumble and Mason Crosby 36 yard field goal. The Bills opened up the second half scoring with a 12 play 60 yard drive capped off with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Johnathan Stupar. On the drive Ryan Fitzpatrick completed a 15 yard pass to Felton Huggins and 17 yard pass to Johnathan Stupar to set up the touchdown. Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the game 12/16 112 yards 1 td. 1 int. The Bills also, scored on a 7 play 60 yard drive that was capped by a 1 yard touchdown run by Xavier Omon. Gibran Hamdan threw a nice 24 yard pass to Johnathan Stupar. Gibran Hamdan also, drove the team 6 plays 74 yards and capped off the drive with a Bruce Hall 1 yard touchdown run. Gibran Hamdan finshed the game 7/11 137 yds. The Bills stars of the game Ryan Fitzpatrick, Gibran Hamdan, Johnathan Stupar and Xavier Oman had a excellent game the rest of the team was garbage. The Bills are the worst coached team in the NFL and Dick Jauron should be the first coaching causality of the year. The 2009 edition of the Buffalo Bills will not make the playoffs with this inept coaching staff. This team has not improved over the last five years, because this team lacks the discipline to be a contender in the AFC. The Bills finished the game with 363 total yards 5 turnovers and 11 penalties 118 yards. This is a typical Dick Jauron coached Football team.
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