For some more immediate "reactions," check Nick's in-game posts at Twitter.Also, I'll be on the air following Mike Schopp's post-game antics. Six p.m. See you there.
For those like me hoping for some sort of hope-filled reprieve from the ruthless tradition that is November/December Buffalo Bills football of the 21st century, you're forgiven for your naivete. Just think, if your team had any semblance of offensive function, we could be talking unlikely playoff scenarios for two weeks. We could be discussing how you could possibly take out a quarterback who was 3-0 as a Bill. We could be imagining which of the Bills' incredibly-difficult final three contests of the season could be the upset that puts us back in the playoffs.
We could have, but we can't.
-- How many minutes did the Bills offense have the ball? Ten? Twelve? Twenty? This team was all sorts of inefficient, and only scored when the defense put them in a wonderful spot via turnovers. This line is brutal. Both quarterbacks have been ineffective, but for some reason Ryan Fitzpatrick's struggles against Houston stung a little more.
The great Fitzpatrick hope is over, and we can all be sated by the news that Miami, New York and New England all have a better hold on their future at quarterback. If I may note that they went to Michigan, Southern Cal and Michigan. Not Stanford, Harvard, Tulane, Indiana, Middle Tennessee State...
-- Ryan Moats: fantasy stud.
-- The signs were there early. As advantageous as this defense has been, to only get 10 points out of that first half was a sign of impending Sunday doom. Twenty-two fourth-quarter Houston points later... get out of here.
-- Truth hurts, I guess, but please, please, please refrain from the ultra-annoying "we should've lost for the last few weeks just for a better draft pick" talk. It grates on me on the most primal of levels.
-- Bills fans' emotions could be properly summed up by one camera shot going to break late in the fourth quarter, as sterling rookie Jairus Byrd was heading down the tunnel, his day over early. The team's best player out, taking our hope with him. Seven interceptions in four weeks. Now, if he could only learn to tackle.
-- The Bills have lost eight of their last nine home games. It's a horrible embarrassment, but big ups to the fans for cheering Ralph Wilson's reception of his Hall of Fame ring.
-- Marcus Stroud continues to perform well under the radar for a large, large human being. His 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks project to numbers that would've finished second in the NFL last season (70 and five). Entering this week, Stroud lead all NFL defensive tackles in solo take-downs this year. Fight those numbers.
-- Buffalo's linebackers were annihilated at the second level by Houston fullback Vonta Leach. On one play, he sent Paul Posluszny back to Happy Valley.
-- You know what's extra pathetic? If the Bills could play football at all... at all... they'd be one game out, or on top of the AFC East. Buffalo is probably blowing a cherry opportunity to hold sway for a year (or even a week). My goodness, is this team pathetic right now.
-- Is there a more symbolic or telling show of the Bills ills than running "fake Owens reverse" at least four times after it went for the touchdown? My goodness. This offense needs an entirely new coaching staff. The defense probably does, too, but I'm not interesting in harping on that today. They are missing -- what? -- five opening day starters? Six, if you count Aaron Schobel being pulled.
-- I am never interested in what Rich Gannon has to say. He didn't do much in his career -- save four late years with Tim Brown in Oakland -- and he kow-tows to his friends in the league. As much as Fitzpatrick deserves all the criticism in the world, chastising him for Marshawn Lynch dropping a check down pass late in the goings was silly. The guy dropped an almost-sure first down.
-- I did a nice interview with linebacker Chris Draft a couple weeks back, and in lieu of saying something else about the trash performance on the field, check out his "family first" foundation. It's one of the best causes I've seen from athletes doing charity.
-- I kinda wish I could come down with the swine flu again so I could not listen to the raw Whiner Line tomorrow. Aiy-yie-yie.
Stat line I enjoyed:
Lynch, 9 carries, 43 yards
-- Lynch's 4.8 yards-per-carry was the first time he or Jackson carried for more than 4.0 since the Cleveland game, when he went for 4.1. This line can't block for anyone right now, which explains why the more explosive pure talent is the one getting better yards. He may not be as smart, decent or football-witty as Jackson, but he's the Bills' best hope for positive yards in the run game behind this line.
Stat line I didn't enjoy:
Fitzpatrick, 15-of-23, 117 yards, two sacks, two interceptions
-- As it turns out, your completion percentage can be much, much higher when you don't try many throws of consequence. Fitzpatrick struggled on a lot of levels, and when he had the chance to make a big throw -- like he did to Lee Evans last week -- he poorly floats a ball to the corner for Owens. At least he made it easier for his coaches to re-install Trent Edwards after the bye.
Game ball:
Byrd. Two interceptions, five tackles.
-- Kid needs a lot of work in tackling, but he's a rookie and I'm going to enjoy his play for a little while, provided he's not hurt.
Lastly...
What do we even say anymore? I missed my niece and nephew's Christening reception to make sure I saw this entire game via DVR. What a trainwreck. I could've been in South Buffalo eating a lot of food and celebrating something meaningful.
EDIT NOTE: I saw the actual Christening at St. Gabriel's in Elma. Congrats to the Austin and Olivia Milewski, and their parents and Godparents! Next week:
Bye week.
You mean to tell me you chose to watch a Bills game over spending time with family? I'd get it if it was the early-90s... then again your job does sort of dictate that you have to see the game. I apologize.
11/01/2009 4:47PM
SUCK
patheic hahahahahahahahahahahahhahaa
11/01/2009 4:48PM
Re: missed the Christening
I made the Christening. Those are way too important to miss. What I did miss was the free food, beer, party, and that's why I'm angry.
-- Nick
11/01/2009 4:52PM
Theres Still Time
Go to the Christening and enjoy whats left.
11/01/2009 4:55PM
Enjoy Byrd Now
Enjoy rookie Byrd now because when the stunningly cheap Bills don't resign him after his contract is up, we wil have to watch him go to Pro Bowls with other teams.
11/01/2009 5:01PM
Dear Santa:
1)New Owner who is willing to put his ego aside and do what is necessary to win.2)An NFL quality coach - preferably one of the several available with superbowl championship experience.3)An NFL level QB - preferably one who can consistently complete passes to WR's and throws to or past the first down marker on 3rd and longs.4)5 Offensive Lineman who block defenders instead of dodge them.5)An aggressive defense that attacks offenses rather than one that tries to slow them down and hope they self destruct for the whole game.6)Eh, screw it, can I just have a new team?
11/01/2009 5:08PM
Next Week
The Bills won't loose
11/01/2009 5:23PM
Trent
I gues it wasn't Edwards fault after all
11/01/2009 5:28PM
Stellar
Comment re: QB's and their university pedigree is well-taken. Speaking of pedigree, anyone know how Coe College's flame-thrower is doing fhis season?
11/01/2009 5:29PM
Next Week
The Bills won't lose
11/01/2009 5:35PM
Good News / Bad News
Good news: There's only 8 games left
Bad news: There's 8 games left
11/01/2009 5:41PM
brutal
I give props to all Bills fans who still show up for the Buffalo Bills shi* show, every home game. Cant wait until next year... if there is a god in heaven (which i think there is) please deliver a QB for the most dedicated fans in football.. Buffalo Bills fans. Adam in Israel
11/01/2009 5:42PM
Where are all the
Fitz lovers this week?? Before the garbage time "drive" the guy had 63 yards and 10 completions AGAIN for the 3rd week in a row. And yes Nick the CHECKDOWN throw to Marshawn was way behind him, lead the guy or even hit him in the numbers likeeven the most average QB does. The guy blows.
11/01/2009 5:46PM
3rd down and short
Watch for the off tackle and end runs instead of straight up the middle. How predictable.
11/01/2009 5:50PM
re: Trent
Of course it wasn't his fault but once these WGR talking heads get a guy they hate they abuse the guy to no end until he's gone.
11/01/2009 5:58PM
:)
Go Bills
11/01/2009 6:04PM
See you next year:
Lets go Vikings! I'm done with the Bills this year. See you all next year for more bad times.
11/01/2009 6:09PM
If the Bills fold or move who would you root for?
I think I would go 49ers.
11/01/2009 6:10PM
Happy Bye Week Bills Fans
I've never looked forward to a bye week...until this year.
11/01/2009 6:19PM
Jauron
If only we had lost the previous 2 (not for the draft) but cuz Jauron "might" be gone!
11/01/2009 6:23PM
Re: If the Bills fold or move who would you root for?
Toronto
11/01/2009 6:24PM
Morning show
Think Hose and Jeremy will start talking up Hamden now?
11/01/2009 6:27PM
BYE Week
Good-BYE Jauron week.
11/01/2009 6:33PM
Again
There isnt a coach or QB on this team, so WHO CARES?
11/01/2009 6:33PM
RE: Morning show
That's sports, they only talk about Lost, Survivor and American Idol.
11/01/2009 7:27PM
the wild cat...
i think it was over for me when they ran the wildcat unsuccessfully and tried to "fool" the houston defense again by running it right after. and surprise...again they didn't make any yardage!! pathetic simply pathetic
11/01/2009 7:45PM
Fitzpatrick
We all know Fitzpatrick sucks, but we all enjoy that he occasionally tries to hit our talented wide receivers. I'd rather put Timon's QB out there than Trent if he's willing to try to hit future HOFer Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, and Josh Reed. I hope Edwards gets another concussion and has to retire.
11/01/2009 7:59PM
The Good Old Days
At this rate, the Bills won't hit their typical 7-9 record ... ah, the good old days.
11/01/2009 8:07PM
Run, run, run.....
....Fake Punt...nice Jauron....and please, could you keep clapping with 2:34 to go down by 21?? That makes me real happy....skeletor!!
11/01/2009 8:36PM
re: Fitzpatrick
Shows your "intelligence" and I use that term loosely. You're probably the same guy who went around drowning cats last night for halloween.
11/01/2009 8:37PM
i would like
i say we play roscoe out of wildcat all game against TEN in 2weeks!! no reason why anything better then what we are doing now
11/01/2009 8:49PM
Drew Willy..
.. is available. Bring him in and give hime a chance! It would be a great move for Buffalo/UB and could only be as good or better then what we are doing now!
11/01/2009 8:58PM
Bye Week
At least we won't lose next week. Then again...
11/01/2009 9:01PM
Next week's early line
The Bills are listed as 7 point dogs against the Bye!!!
11/01/2009 9:28PM
RE: Fitzpatrick
How could you possibly wish that someone get another concussion?
11/01/2009 9:29PM
Eric
Can we please fire this idiot? Down 17-10 he runs 3 straight times?!?! How does that not get you fired?
11/01/2009 9:42PM
Skeletor
I cant even look at that freak anymore. I wish he would pull his lip over his head and swallow
11/01/2009 11:27PM
terell
is awful!
11/01/2009 11:51PM
Rich Gannon
Are you aware of who he is?He made the most recent finalist list for the HOF. Obviously he will never make that, and sure he says some dumb stuff, but come on.And the Bills are pretty terrible.
11/02/2009 12:32AM
o-line
what cracks me up is the comments like this offensive slump was just the second half today. They have finished in the bottom six of the NFL for 9 years on offense.
11/02/2009 12:34AM
maulers
this offensive line is hilarious to watch. Coach Jauron has had more toime than most they look lost even when they win. Defense plays their fannies off all game we can't even get first downs
11/02/2009 1:16AM
I just want to Laugh Now
Please put Gibran Hamdan in, I really would rather see the Fans laughing at how rediculous this team plays, rather than hearing and seeing boos... how about laughing now!! LOL
11/02/2009 1:20AM
I think Jauron wants to get out of Buffalo Too!
He's actually telling everyone how bad he even wants out of this organization. He's repeatedly stated IT'S ALL HIS FAULT, and yet he's still here. He's doing all of this on purpose - he's actually not that dumb. lol
11/02/2009 1:28AM
Wilson Fire Dick for the TROOPS!
Imagine being a Bills fan, but overseas in Iraq or Afganistan in these wars. There are alot of Bills fans over there who not only fight for this country and world, but also watch Bills games. Goosh my heart goes out to those people fighting in a war and watching their Bills team play like Garbage. What an aweful day that must be. Please Ralph - If for any reason, do it for those men flying jets over the stadium , or at least do it for the troops!
11/02/2009 4:40AM
Gannon
Wasn't he league MVP. Moron.
11/02/2009 6:57AM
BEAUTIFUL DAY !!!!
Blue skies(mostly),raked leaves, took my 5 year old on hikes to two different parks, saw alot of wildlife, the smell of fall, was just a perfect day. No thoughts of the BILLS until this morning, now I remember why I hate mondays !!!
11/02/2009 7:08AM
wheres our first round pick
as predicted by anyone that watches college football,ayron "eric flowers II" is a BUST,JUST STOP DRESSING HIM,HE DOES NOTHING!!!! AND WILL DO NOTHING!
11/02/2009 7:10AM
Early '90's and Christening
Let's be frank...in the early '90's, nobody would schedule the Christening during a Bills game...it would have been during the bye week or at the very least, when there was a night game. We would not play golf on Sundays during football season or make any plans at all. This "habit" has taken 10 years to break but now we are booking Christenings, golf games and even shopping trips with the wife DURING Bills games....how sad has this become? Please Ralph, do something to stop this!!!!!!!!!!!
11/02/2009 8:36AM
WGR web poll
Can't there be a choice of who cares on the web poll...b/c I don't know about you but I really don't care who starts @ QB among those 3 b/c they are all garbage! So my vote is for none of the above.
11/02/2009 8:48AM
I got 5$
on the bye
11/02/2009 8:51AM
3 Stooges
Dick Ralph and Alex
11/02/2009 9:00AM
No regrets
After working in the yard all morning, I took a shower and sat down to watch the game. At the start of the second half, I went horizontal on the couch. I thought this is a bad idea. I woke to find the score 31-10 Houston and thought, that worked out well.
11/02/2009 9:11AM
WANTED
Wealthy "Go-getter" willing to purchase NFL franchise with avid/loyal fan base, and is willing to bring REAL football people in to run operation. Parties interested in relocating team need not apply.
11/02/2009 9:37AM
RE: I got 5$
Dude, the bye week is going to kick the Bills ass. No way they can win. Bills -6.
11/02/2009 9:53AM
I want my money back
yes i know i am an idiot for falling for this teams usual off season tricks. I was sold on false hope. MAN I AM DUMB. I wonder what kind of tricks Count Wilson and company will come up with this off season? Seriously people, I cant even give away the remaining tickets I have. Maybe I can use them to wipe myself.
11/02/2009 12:34PM
It's the Bean Counters plan people
too create so much apathy in this community towards this team that fan interest goes right down the toilet. I believe Wilson when he says he won't move the team "as long as he's the owner". Obviously when he's gone all bets are off and Jeff Littman will see to it that we cannot/willnot improve this team until it's moves to a more viable market.
11/02/2009 12:45PM
Right on the money dude
Littman has Wilson's ear wherever $$$ is concerned
11/02/2009 1:15PM
another embarassing game
the team is winning going into halftime 10-6 and then just can't get any more points. they should just put the white flag up and just don't show up because we know they suck. what happened to the team we know no QB, no O-Line, no good rushingDefense, and score on turnovers you will lose every single game.
11/02/2009 1:53PM
You know what I can't wait for?
ACTOR DRAFT!!!
11/02/2009 2:24PM
Get Real
You see Ralph? This guy although "owner" is no more than a figure head. I think Litman is the true owner & i wouldn't expect any changes this year. when Ralph goes so does the team so we won't have any worries. But don'texpect much with a bunch of non-football people making decisions.
11/02/2009 2:58PM
DON'T WORRY
We still can watch reruns of the TO show!!
11/02/2009 5:01PM
go team
lets go alden bulldogs!!! yaaaaaaa!!!
11/04/2009 1:57AM
DO NOT GO TO THE GAMES
Do us ALL favors, and do not show up to the home games. This is a disgrace and anyone yelling go bills is basically an idiot.
11/04/2009 12:17PM
2006
JP Losman's 2006 version of the Bill's would cream this team. Soooo what the hell happened?
11/05/2009 1:39AM
empty seats
its pretty sad that there wasn't even enough fans left at the end of the game to boo the team off the field.
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
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