Filed under: Bills, AFC East

For as many pieces I have seen written regarding Peyton and Coach Tony finally reaching the top, there have been relatively few about Colts GM Bill Polian. Polian, the architect of the Bills Super Bowl teams, served as GM for the first three seasons. After the '92 season, he was fired. It's fair to say that in Buffalo today, Polian is as much respected as Marv Levy. Both men were key for building the early '90s Bills. Congratulations, Bill, on earning the coveted ring.

Former Bills tight end Pete Metzelaars also earns his first ring, now as offensive quality control coach with the Colts. An integral part of the "K-Gun" offense, Metzelaars played on all four Buffalo Super Bowl teams. Jim Kelly once said that Metzelaars was the best tight end he ever played with. Considering the Bills also had a tight end Keith McKeller (who the K-Gun offense was named after), that was a high, and accurate compliment from Kelly.

The list of former 1190-1993 Bills who went on to earn Super Bowl rings includes Don Beebe (won with Green Bay) and Mike Lodish (won with Denver).

And with that, the 2006 season ends. Let the 2007 season begin!

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Yesterday's announcement that Thurman Thomas was elected to the Hall of Fame should come as no surprise. After all, only Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders had more rushing yards in the 90's than Thomas. What is surprising is Thomas didn't get elected in his first year of eligibility.

Thomas is the seventh Bill to go to Canton: James Lofton and Joe DeLamielluere (2003), Jim Kelly (2002), Marv Levy (2001), Billy Shaw (1999) and some other running back we won't mention who was enshrined in 1985.

Andre Reed did not make it out the round of 17. I'm afraid Reed will have the same destiny as Art Monk - solid players whose stats say they belong in the Hall of Fame, but will annually be passed over. Bruce Smith will be a lock in a couple of years when he is eligible. Counting Levy and Lofton, Smith would be the fifth member of the "glory years" to reach Canton.

Final thought: Someone should give a highlight tape of Thurman and give it to Willis McGahee. Running, catching, and picking up blocks, Thurman was the complete back. And now his career is complete, with an honor that is well-deserved.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

In case you missed it, Ruben Brown was named to his ninth Pro Bowl this week, coming off the heals of the Bears making it back to the Super Bowl. Good for Ruben, I say. And from all of the Bills fans I speak with, that seems to be the consensus.

With Buffalo, Brown was the anchor at left guard, going to eight Pro Bowls and playing on four playoff teams. His career in Buffalo spanned from Marv Levy/Jim Kelly to Gregg Williams/Drew Bledsoe. It's a shame that Brown's Buffalo career came to an abrupt end. After voicing his displeasure with the offense, Brown was suspended for the regular season finale in 2003. And he never played in Buffalo again. Since then, the Bills have struggled to find the replacement at left guard. Bennie Anderson, Tutan Reyes, and others have failed to fill Ruben's shoes. Mike Gandy was OK at left guard after the 2006 mid-season switch.

So here's a question: When Brown's career comes to a close, is he Hall of Fame material? I think he's in the conversation. Not many observers, myself included, can evaluate individual offensive line play. Every other position has statistics to compare. Offensive line? For Brown, his resume says nine Pro Bowls and a possible Super Bowl ring. I'm not saying he's in, but I think he's on the bubble right now.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

We've heard the analogy before: The Colts of this decade mirror the Buffalo Bills of the early 90's. The Colts are a team with a breathtaking offense, led by a future Hall-of Fame quarterback, with a defense that has had trouble defending the run. And both teams never won the whole enchilada. But the Colts today have a golden opportunity today to get to the Super Bowl. If you are a Bills fan and are on the fence as to who to cheer for in today's AFC Championship game, allow me to offer some reason to pull for Indy:

• Bill Polian: He's the man who drafted Kelly and Thomas, traded for "Biscuit", plucked Steve Tasker off of waivers, and brought his close friend, Marv Levy, down from the CFL to lead the Bills to a historic Super Bowl run. By 1992, Polian and owner Ralph Wilson's money people couldn't get along, so Polian was fired. In my opinion, Polian deserves as much credit as Levy for the success of the Bills in the early 90's
• Peyton Manning: Remember when Steve Young, post-Montana, took the celebratory lap in Candlestick when he brought the Niners back to the Super Bowl? I hope Peyton can take one of those laps today. He's a classy guy. Anyone who met him last May at the Rochester "Day of Champions" charity dinner would agree.
• Go away: That is, go away New England! If the Bills are to win the division in 2007, the Patriots need to slip a notch. Let the slip begin today in Indy, I say.

Enjoy the games today!

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Agents can be good for two things: Negotiating contracts, and damage control. After Willis McGahee told Penthouse that the league should move the Bills to Toronto, you could almost hear the keyboard in Drew Rosenhaus' office banging away, offering up an apology. In a statement, McGahee says it was all taken out of context. As appeared in The Buffalo News:

"It has been brought to my attention that through an article I did with Penthouse magazine, fans and readers may have misinterpreted my response when asked about the possibility of the NFL one day coming to Toronto.

"I want to make it clear today as I have been committed to the Bills for the last four years that my heart is with the Bills and the city of Buffalo. If the league decided to expand my intent was that Toronto is a beautiful place to do so. I never would suggest the Buffalo Bills move to Toronto. My words were taken out of context and I suggested they get a team with a loyal fan base and organization such as the Buffalo Bills. My family and I have made our home here and enjoy the hospitality of the city. I am a proud member of the Buffalo Bills, we have the most loyal, supportive and dedicated fans in the world, and I cannot think of a better organization to be a part of."

Who actually believes McGahee sat down and wrote this? Anyone? Here's how I imagine it went down: Rosenhaus knew his leverage for extending McGahee's deal in Buffalo was all but gone, so he had he people type this. Then he called Willis' cellphone, read it to him, and Willis mumbled "go ahead."

Former GM Tom Donahoe was never able to fully shake the "I am ashamed to be part of this community" quote. Will Bills fans forgive and forget Willis' quote?

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

A press conference called by the Buffalo Bills originally scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to an undetermined date and time. Wilson wants to meet with reporters, to "expound on the viability of the franchise in Western New York."

It's no secret that Wilson was unhappy with the CBA prior to the start of this season. The Bills and Bengals were the only teams not to approve the deal.

An interesting note on this press conference: Cameras and any sort of recording device are not permitted. From the press release: The goal of the Bills organization is to continue to give insight into this complicated issue so that media members will know the latest information in order to have a complete understanding of the subject matter when reporting. We encourage media members to attend this important meeting as some very worthwhile information will be disseminated by Mr. Wilson and the Bills organization

The key word here being "complicated." I am looking forward to hearing Wilson speak in long-form, and to understand better what it is the organization is not happy about.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

If Willis McGahee had his way, he'd move the Bills to Toronto. In a recent interview with, ahem, Penthouse, the Bills running back was asked about the possibility of Toronto receiving an NFL expansion franchise someday.

"That would be a good situation. Toronto is a beautiful place. But if they're going to put a team there, they should just bring the Buffalo Bills to Toronto. Case closed."

Needless to say, those comments didn't go over well here in Western New York. Look, Toronto is a great city, on par with any in the world. Someday I hope the NFL puts an expansion team in Toronto, a city that is more deserving of a franchise, than say, Los Angeles. But to have your star player say the franchise should leave Buffalo? Why, Willis? What has Buffalo done to deserve not having a team?

McGahee may not be aware of this, but there already is a football team in Toronto. They are called the Argos. How about it, Willis? You and Ricky Williams would make quite a 1-2 punch in the backfield.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Who's up for a European roadie? The NFL has announced that the Bills are one of six finalists to host a regular season game in Europe next season. The game will be played in either Germany or England, with the announcement of the location coming next week. The other teams being considered to go overseas are the Dolphins, Chiefs, Saints, 49ers, and Seahawks.

The way I see it, there's more drawbacks than pluses to the Bills hosting a regular season game for the obvious reason: You will lose the home-field advantage at Ralph Wilson Stadium. From a competitive standpoint, that's not good. On the other hand, season ticket prices will have to down if there are only seven home games next season (they would have to, wouldn't they?)

Remember, the Bills had their last four home games as non-sellouts. So it's no wonder the Bills are on the list of six teams that may need passports next season.

The complete 2007 NFL schedule will be announced later in the spring.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

OK, Bills fans, here's a pop-quiz for you: Can you name the five former Buffalo Bills that are on one of the twelve NFL playoff rosters? Stop reading for a minute - give it a try, see if you can get it. I'll be honest, originally I was only coming up with three: upon review, there are five. Ready? OK

Dallas Cowboys: QB Drew Bledsoe. Easy. Barring an injury to Tony Romo, he won't see the field. And should the Cowboys lose the the Seahawks, he may be suiting up for the last time.

New Orleans Saints: TE Mark Campbell. A first-class guy, always a pleasure to deal with. I am happy he'll earn some extra playoff cash.

Seattle Seahawks: DE Bryce Fisher. A good John Butler 7th-round pick still in the league.

Baltimore Ravens: DT Justin Bannan. One of the two players I missed on. Bannan signed with the Ravens this off-season.

New England Patriots: S Rashad Baker. Had the Bills let go Troy Vincent at the end of camp, it's possible that Baker wouldn't be wearing Patriots colors right now.

There is one other player that spent time in camp, but never made the final roster: Giants backup QB Tim Hasselbeck. His time at St. John Fisher is memorable, if for nothing else we reporters had an "Elisabeth watch" going on, hoping his then fiance/former reality TV star would come to Rochester. She never came.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

I'm sure most of you by now have heard of the shocking admission by Bears quarterback Rex Billy Joe Grossman. Grossman admitted that he didn't prepare for the season finale against the Packers. He went on to say something about being distracted by New Years' Eve. Wow.

Bears fans should know we had a similar situation here in Buffalo in 1997. Any Bills fan worth his weight in chicken wings knows the story: Then starter Todd Collins (who, by the way, is still in the league today with the Redskins. How is this possible?) was injured in New England. Hobert came in relief and promptly stunk out the joint. His excuse? Like Grossman, he didn't prepare. Hobert offered up this following the loss: "I only looked at the passing plays (during the week) one or two times. I'm probably going to get in trouble for this, but I just didn't study hard enough."

Was Hobert benched? No. Was he suspended? No. HE WAS CUT. The message was clear: You are a professional, and if you don't do your job, you will lose your job. Cutting Hobert was the right decision by then-GM John Butler and head coach Marv Levy. The Bills fell to 6-10 in '97, but the message was sent to the younger players. The Bills went back to the playoffs in 1998 and 1999.

Will Grossman be cut? No. But if you were a Bears fan, wouldn't you be demanding the team start Brian Griese?

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

It came as no surprise that Super-Charger LaDainian Tomlinson won the MVP. If they did the voting team-by-team, who would be the Bills MVP? While punter Brian Moorman, Aaron Schobel, and London Fletcher-Baker all had decent seasons, imagine where the Bills offense would have been without Lee Evans. My Bills vote goes to #83.

Statistically, Evans was one of the best in the league this season: sixth most yards at 1,292, coming on 82 receptions and he scored eight touchdowns. He led the league in yards per reception at 15.8, just edging out Chad Johnson. Two 83-yard receptions in Houston showed the league that he is the best deep threat in football today. if you want to argue Johnson, Owens, or Wayne are better deep-threats, go ahead. Those receivers also have quality #2 receivers on the opposite side. Evans, playing opposite Peerless Price or Josh Reed, often faced double-teams. And he still beat them. Hopefully you had Evans on your fantasy team.

It's not yet Kelly-to-Reed, but Losman-to-Evans is going to be a fun tandem for years to come.

photo: Rick Stewart, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Dear Miami Dolphin fan,

These must be dark days for you. You were lied to repeatedly. And in the end, you were dumped on your butt by King Liar himself. Your head coach took a ton of money and left you. And you know what, Dolphin fan? You have only yourself to blame. Nick Saban had a track record of leaving behind jobs (you don't think he lied to a recruit or two in his day?) You really thought he would stay "forever and ever" in Miami? At least you'll know he'll somehow not make it to the end of his contract at Alabama. He'll worm his way out, just like he wormed his way out on you.

What's up with your owner? Wayne Huizenga seemed mellow discussing being dumped. I could understand if Saban left your team a better team. But he left your team a mess! Next year, you'll be pinning your hopes on a healthy Duante Culpepper return. Good luck with that! Oh, if only Saban had chose Drew Brees over the human turnover machine. Things might have been different. But then again, your defense isn't much better, with your two best players - Thomas and Taylor - on the wrong side of 30.

Say it out loud, Dolphins fans: Nick Saban was a liar, and a failure in the pros! Now doesn't that make you feel better? Some fans think it was a good thing to see him go. But I know you, Dolphin fan, must feel jilted.

Here's the advice from your friends in Buffalo: You don't have to look far for your next head coach. There is a man of with great offensive creativity and great character right on your staff, with NFL head coaching experience. Do the right thing, Wayne! Hire Mike Mularkey today!

Sincerely,

Gene

(with tongue firmly planted in cheek)

photo: Rick Stewart, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

How many days until training camp?

There is optimism in Buffalo. While the league begins the playoffs this weekend, Bills fans can honestly say that next year, their young team will have a chance at getting back to the postseason. It won't be easy, having to play the NFC East and AFC North in '07. Here are the home and away opponents for the next season:

HOME: Dolphins, Pats, Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Ravens, Bengals, Broncos

AWAY: Dolphins, Pats, Jets, Redskins, Eagles, Steelers, Browns, Jaguars

The Cowboys (first since 1996) and Giants (first since 1999) games at RWS will sellout. The game at Cleveland will mark the Bills first game their since their reincarnation in 1999. The actual dates and times won't be announced until the spring.

Assuming camp opens on July 27th, camp at St. John Fisher College will begin in 206 days. Let the countdown begin!

photo: Jamie Squire, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Monday was locker-clean out day in Buffalo. It's a time for players to get their instructions for their off-season regimen, and to pack up and go home. It's the one day each year the talk with reporters isn't about the next opponent, but "big-picture" things can be discussed. Conversation about his future caused London Fletcher-Baker's eyes to well up with tears.

According the AP, it was a stressful year for Fletcher, whose mother passed in June. Also, the soon-to-be free agent linebacker was peeved that the Bills did not extend his contract this off-season.

"I didn't think that was fair at all," he said in regards to not getting an extension. "You don't do that to a player who's done so much for you both on the field and off the field. So I was not happy about it. I'm still not happy about those things.

"You've extended other guys, why not extend me?" said Fletcher. "I didn't think that was fair at all."

Could it be that London knows his time in Buffalo is over, which is why he let his emotions out? Whether it is the Bills or some other team, Fletcher will have a big contract in March when he hits free agency.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

The Bills will try to avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1986-87 (believe it - or not!) when they face the Ravens in Baltimore today at 4:15. Here are some players to watch:

Robert Royal: Entering the Titans game, Royal had caught touchdowns in three consecutive games, and was starting to become an integral part of the offense. Then came his brain-cramp, not getting both feet in-bounds on the pass from Lee Evans. The play cost the Bills four points in the fourth quarter. Let's see how Royal responds today.

The Great Eight: As in, the eight soon-to-be unrestricted free agents on the roster. Watch how Nate Clements, London Fletcher-Baker, and others perform today.

Brian Moorman: He's got an outside shot to become the first punter in league history to finish with a net punting average of 40.0. Currently, he's at 39.5.

The Ravens will be playing for a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs, so expect an intense game from both sides. We'll talk on New Years Day. Happy New Year, Bills fans! And please designate a driver.

Photo: Rick Stewart, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Three starters on the Bills defense could be playing their last game with the team when the Bills line up to face the Baltimore Ravens at 4:15 this Sunday. Nate Clements, Chris Kelsay, and London Fletcher-Baker all will be be unrestricted free agents at seasons' end.

Clements has been a true shutdown corner in the second half of the season, and as we predicted over a month ago, will soon get a huge paycheck. The complete list of eight UFAs:

• Clements
• Fletcher-Baker
• Kelsay
• S Coy Wire
• CB Kiwaukee Thomas
• LG Mike Gandy
• RB Anthony Thomas
• WR Andre Davis

In addition, both defensive lineman Tim Anderson and Anthony Hargrove are restricted free agents, and the Bills will have the right to match any offer.

Who stays? Who goes? Who knows. We do know that the Baltimore game will be the final audition in 2006 for these players.

Photo: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

George Wilson has re-joined the Bills 53-man roster. Today the team promoted the wide receiver, and placed fullback Daimon Shelton in injured reserve. Shelton suffered a concussion in the win over the Dolphins on December 17th and has not practiced since.

in both camps with the Bills, Wilson has shown promise. He was active for three of the first four games in 2005, but then was not active the final 12 games of the season. Having one year of practice squad eligibility left, the Bills were able to stash him there this season. It's uncertain whether Wilson will dress this Sunday.

In place of Shelton, the Bills will use tight end Brad Cieslak at fullback.

Remember, the game-time has moved to 4:15 this Sunday.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

We all knew this was coming, didn't we? Thursdays' edition of The Buffalo News has an article on Willis McGahee's contract situation. McGahee will be entering the final year of his contract in 2007, and both he and his controversial agent, Drew Rosenhaus, are starting to send out the message that they want a new contract.

"Willis has been a very productive player for the Buffalo Bills," Rosenhaus told Allen Wilson of The Buffalo News. "He has played through injuries. He's worked hard. He has been a good teammate. I think he deserves a new contract and we will vigorously pursue that this offseason."

McGahee, who is 23rd in the league in rushing yardage this season, also expressed his intentions: "No doubt about it," he said. "I think I'm due. I don't know if they will do something or not. We'll just have to see. What I've done here should speak for itself."

Add McGahee to the to-do list for GM Marv Levy this offseason. Rosenhaus doesn't have much leverage for 2007, but if the Bills intend to keep him beyond next season, then the two sides will have to sit down.

Photo: Rick Stewart, Getty Images

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

The Buffalo Bills have locked up one of their mainstays on special teams. Kicker Rian Lindell received a five-year contract extension on Tuesday, a deal that will keep him in Buffalo until 2011. He was due to become a free agent at seasons' end.

Lindell is having an outstanding year, having made 23 of 25 field goal attempts, an eye-popping 92 percent (considering the elements). However, one of those two misses - a 41-yard attempt in Indianapolis pushed wide right - would have given the Bills an improbable lead with under seven minutes remaining. On the positive side, Lindell hit a clutch 42-yard field goal at the end of the Jacksonville game to win it, 27-24.

The team has yet to officially announce the extension, but ESPN is reporting that the deal is in the neighborhood of $10 million. Lindell is coming a game where he tied his career high with five field goals. Years from now, it probably will be the field goal that he did not attempt (45 yards into the wind) that Bills fans will recall about the Christmas Eve game.

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Filed under: Bills, AFC East

Avoid a losing season. And make Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens play the first week in January, and not get a bye in the AFC playoffs. Those are two things, amongst many others, for the Buffalo Bills to play for Sunday in Baltimore. The league announced today that the game time has been changed from 1:00 to 4:15 PM. It's not quite prime-time, but it's good nonetheless that Buffalo is getting some additional exposure. So you can watch the Bills game - then head on out and celebrate the New Year.

On a completely different subject, does anyone remember what the over/under for Bills 2006 wins was, as posted by Vegas odds-makers? Well, I do. Back on September 5th, Vegas had the over/under at 6 1/2 for 2006. While it's hardly cause for celebration that the Bills will get the "over", it does once again point out that wiseguys generally know more than you and I combined when it comes to these sort of things. If the Bills do indeed finish at 7-9, that's exactly where the odds-makers had them at.

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