Dan

I agree. The Bills are a more talented team than the Vikings in most every key area and the game stats bear it out. Plus, the game is in Buffalo. There should be no reason to not control this game and get a win. I don't think we're anywhere near good enough to expect them to dominate and win easily.. but win, they should do. I know they want to run the ball, but if they start out with CJ up the middle for little/no gain... I might turn the game off right there!

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: FOX (TV Map) Announcers: Tim Brando, Brendon Ayanbadejo DirecTV: 706 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 139 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: The Minnesota Vikings made a move toward the future when they handed the quarterback position to first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater's opponent Sunday, the Buffalo Bills, didn't subscribe to the same school of thought. They proved as much when they benched second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel in favor of Kyle Orton after four games. For Buffalo (3-3), the quarterback change emphasized its hope to compete this season. But since Orton took over, the Bills are 1-1 -- the same winning percentage they had under Manuel. Orton threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-22 loss to New England last week. The veteran also turned the ball over twice, both of which led to Patriots scores. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vikings at Bills NFL.com Preview Mark Kelso: Vikings-Bills Game Preview Playbook: Vikings at Bills NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Vikings Total Yds/Game.... 327.0 314.7 Total Rush............. 101.0 119.8 Total Pass............. 226.0 194.8 Points/Game.......... 19.7 17.3 Time of Poss.......... 29.8 29.3 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 336.7 332.0 Rush Yards........... 71.0 119.6 Pass Yards........... 269.2 213.8 Points Allowed........ 21.0 23.8 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 25th; Vikings - 28st Overall Defense: Bills - 11th; Vikings - 7th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills 24, 10, 12, NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Dareus, Marcell DT Not injury related DNP - - - Easley, Marcus WR Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Goodwin, Marquise WR Hamstring - LP DNP Out Powell, Ty LB Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out Sanborn, Garrison LS Knee LP FP FP Probable Searcy, Da'Norris S Knee LP LP LP Probable Spikes, Brandon LB Ribs LP LP LP Probable Williams, Aaron S Wrist/Neck LP LP LP Probable Williams, Kyle DT Knee LP LP LP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com New England Patriots NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Kyle Rudolph TE Abdomen/Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Gerald Hodges LB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Jabari Price CB Hamstring DNP LP FP Probable Corey Wootton DE Low Back DNP DNP DNP Out Sharrif Floyd DT Elbow/Ankle LP DNP LP Out Linval Joseph DT Ankle LP LP FP Questionable Chad Greenway LB Hand/Rib FP FP FP Questionable Cordarelle Patterson WR Hip FP FP FP Probable Chase Ford TE Foot FP FP FP Probable Harrison Smith S Ankle FP FP FP Probable Michael Mauti LB Illness - DNP FP Probable Source: Vikings.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bills -4 Over/Under: 43.0 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: After another beat down at the hands of Tom Brady, our team looks to get back on the winning track this week. And it would appear they’ve got just the right 2-4 team coming to the Ralph to do that. However, no game in this league is a given. So, hopefully the Bills come out pissed and ready to take advantage of the weak part of their schedule. Bottom line, if they don’t stack some wins over the next month the season is likely another lost one. Here’s what I’ll be looking for this week: 1. The Run Game. Marrone has said its an emphasis. But, can they turn it around? The run offense has been steadily sliding down the hill since week one. The league seems to have figured out Hackett’s scheme and the Bills aren’t adjusting. So, it’ll be interesting to see how we do after making it a new found emphasis. 2. The DBs. Facing a weak QB maybe our secondary can look good. The pass defense has clearly been a weak link on the team. It would be nice to see if they can use a game like this to improve their standings. 3. Orton. He needs to not start the game with a couple turnovers in the first quarter. He’s making a habit out of starting in a hole. I’m pretty sure EJ can do that. So, I’m hopeful he’ll finally start the game hot. 4. Mike Williams. Is he going to play? How can Hogan be better than him? I just don’t get that move last week. 5. Marrone and Hackett. No.. .seriously, I’ve given up; I'm not watching to see if they improve.. They’re not going to suddenly figure out how to develop a proper game plan. The offense, their baby, has been steadily producing less and less each week since last season. As I see it, we move the ball in spite of them, not because of them. They under utilize the players as they continually beat the brick wall with a wet noodle. It ain’t workin’ and I just don’t think they have a clue how to fix it. Go Bills!!

I agree, that does tell the story. Our offense is entirely predictable and unimaginative. The Patriots, like most every other team and fans, have figured it out and we consistently start in a hole. I truly hate that I can sit on my couch and know exactly what play is coming, what gap they're running to, what play is coming after this one fails! And I'm not even that smart.

This is exactly how I see it as well. We've faulted EJ for having slow eyes, CJ for having blind eyes to the hole, the entire O line for everything, WRs for their drops. But the one consistent element is they're all in a crappy offense that puts them in position for the defense to T off on them all time and time again. Our offense is regressing week by week. That's coaching, plain and simple.

Here's a few of my thoughts... Too many people want to ignore the youth and inexperience on this team. It hurts us. Young players make mistakes at critical times; they always have. But that doesn't mean they're garbage. We don't have the coaching staff to overcome this youth and inexperience. Marrone and Hackett think this is college and they can line up and play one on one and just beat guys. It's not working and they have no clue when it comes to making adjustments in a game plan for the other team, or for our players. Shwartz fell into the old trap that infuriates me! He didn't put any pressure on Brady and dropped everyone into coverage. That game plan hasn't worked ever against the Pats! Why in the f#%d don't our coaches understand this!!? I see all these posts about Spiller, just like we had dozens of posts about EJ's ineffective play. Well, here we are now and Orton is only playing minimally better than EJ (and if not for an epically bad day for a Lions' kicker would be winless). The problem on this team isn't the players. It's the coaching! They flat out suck. Why do we always start a game with 2 runs up the middle for no gain, then a pass on 3rd... followed by a punt? Maybe Marrone just doesn't like getting the ball first? We were outcoached in the game, horribly outcoached. And it was evident all day, especially after the half when the Pats made all the right right adjustments and we made none. The officiating in the league is making the game unwatchable. In most every game, they pick a drive or two (usually in the second half) and completely take over the game, typically in favor of one team over the other. Phantom calls, non calls, picked up flags, you name it! The announcers don't even know what they're calling any more. It's pathetic and makes me turn off games every weekend. I knew our game was over in the third quarter, mostly due to the way the flags were flying.

Week 6: New England at Buffalo Bills Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: FOX (TV Map) Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa DirecTV: 705 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 135 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: While many were ready to write off Tom Brady and the New England Patriots after an ugly Week 4 defeat, they clearly still have plenty left in the tank. So does veteran Kyle Orton, who led the Buffalo Bills to a surprising victory in his first start since taking over under center. It's been an exciting week for Bills fans, as Terry Pegula and wife Kim were unanimously approved as new owners Wednesday. While there was some concern the team could be moved out of state if purchased by another party, the Pegulas -- who also own the Buffalo Sabres -- have no such plans. The sale is expected to be finalized by the end of the week. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patriots at Bills NFL.com Preview Game Preview: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills Unconventional Preview: Tom Brady, Patriots Will Deserve a Frosty Beverage After This One NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Patriots Total Yds/Game.... 325.2 339.8 Total Rush............. 107.6 122.0 Total Pass............. 217.6 217.8 Points/Game.......... 19.2 24.6 Time of Poss.......... 29.8 31.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 324.8 316.2 Rush Yards........... 71.0 119.6 Pass Yards........... 253.8 196.6 Points Allowed........ 17.8 21.4 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 26th; Patriots - 21st Overall Defense: Bills - 8th; Patriots - 4th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills 24, 10, 12, NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Bradham, Nigel LB Knee DNP DNP LP Doubtful Brooks, Ron CB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Easley, Marcus WR Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Jackson, Fred RB Illness/Ankle LP LP DNP Questionable Searcy, Da'Norris S Knee LP LP LP Questionable Spikes, Brandon LB Ribs LP LP LP Questionable Williams, Chris G Back LP LP DNP Out Williams, Kyle DT Knee LP LP LP Questionable Williams, Aaron S Wrist LP LP LP Questionable Source: BuffaloBills.com New England Patriots NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brady, Tom QB Ankle - - LP Questionable Browner, Brandon CB Ankle - DNP DNP Questionable Collins, Jamie LB Thigh LP LP LP Questionable Easley, Dominique DL Shoulder/Knee LP DNP DNP Questionable Ebner, Nate DB Finger DNP DNP DNP Out Fleming, Cameron OL Finger DNP DNP DNP Out Hightower, Dont'a LB Knee LP LP LP Questionable Jones, Chandler DE Shoulder LP LP LP Probable McCourty, Devin DB Rib LP LP LP Probable Slater, Matthew WR Shoulder LP LP LP Questionable Stork, Bryan OL Head - LP DNP Questionable Source: Patriots.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Patriots -3 Over/Under: 45.0 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: After an exciting game last week and an historic week off the field, it’s shaping up to be a great game at the Ralph again. How long has it been since we’ve seen this level of optimism that’s currently surrounding our team? It really seems like it’s been since the early 90’s since we’ve had so much positive energy surrounding the Bills. Is the team perfect? Dominating opponents? No. But, none of that seems to matter. We can win every week with this team. Is this finally the season when this team turns the corner? It certainly feels that way. So, what will I be watching for this Sunday? Everything. Win or lose, good or bad, stupid CJ run plays up the middle.. .none of that matters. This week, we have a new owner. Someone that genuinely seems to love our team, our community, our loyalty. For the first time in nearly 2 decades I can watch a Bills game and know that they’re my team, the same as they were my parent’s team, and will be my kids team... with no caveats. How good does that feel! The Buffalo Bills will remain the BUFFALO Bills. This team is special, there is only one. And it’s our team. Our time. Our future. So, I’ll enjoy every snap, every cheer, every moment, reflecting on all that we’ve been through over the last 2 decades. And enjoy the prospect that things are getting better every day in Bills Nation. Today... it’s a good day. Go Bills!!

Here, you touch on my problem/concern with Hackett. Too many people blame CJ for not running better up the middle, or maybe it's the Guards. Pears is abysmal. 3/5's of our line was changed this summer. Stevie was too erratic, so he was traded. EJ is horrible... benched. Pears, Urbik, Stevie, CJ... all looked great in Chan's offense. Suddenly, they all suck? We were a mid-ranked offense under Chan. Now, with better players (supposedly) we're ranked 27? At some point, the coaching staff have to look at themselves.

I think it means he's very sad that he might not be playing. ...or that I put that report together too late after traveling all day. I'm not sure. fixed.

Week 5: Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: FOX (TV Map) Announcers: Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber DirecTV: 709 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 126 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Boasting the NFL's top defense, Detroit looks to continue its strong start Sunday as it hosts a struggling Buffalo Bills team which is changing quarterbacks. Alone again atop the division after last week's 24-17 victory over the New York Jets, they are determined to turn this season into something special rather than withering away as the importance of each contest grows. The Bills (2-2) beat Chicago and Miami to open the season, but the offense sputtered in a 22-10 loss to San Diego on Sept. 21 before Manuel threw two picks -- including one returned for a touchdown -- in last Sunday's 23-17 loss to Houston. Manuel's completion percentage has dropped with every game and was a Week 4-worst 47.7. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bills at Lions NFL.com Preview Lions Weekly Matchup Mark Kelso: Bills at Lions In-Depth Preview NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Lions Total Yds/Game.... 320.8 363.2 Total Rush............. 122.2 87.2 Total Pass............. 198.5 276.0 Points/Game.......... 19.8 21.2 Time of Poss.......... 29.2 35.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 337.8 267.2 Rush Yards........... 71.5 80.8 Pass Yards........... 266.2 185.6 Points Allowed........ 18.8 15.5 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 27th; Texans - 12th Overall Defense: Bills - 10th; Texans - 1st MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills 24, 10, 12, NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Bradham, Nigel LB Knee DNP DNP LP Doubtful Brooks, Ron CB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Easley, Marcus WR Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Goodwin, Marquise WR Concussion FP FP FP Probable Johnson, Randell LB Knee LP LP LP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP Probable Williams, Kyle DT Knee DNP DNP LP Doubtful Williams, Chris G Back DNP DNP DNP Out Source: BuffaloBills.com Detroit Lions NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Joique Bell RB Concussion NP NP NP Out Joseph Fauria TE Ankle NP NP NP Out Travis Lewis LB Quadricep NP NP NP Out Theo Riddick RB Hamstring NP NP NP Out Cassius Vaughn CB Ankle NP LP LP Doubtful Calvin Johnson WR Ankle NP NP LP Questionable Don Carey S Hamstring FP FP FP Probable Nick Fairley DT Knee LP LP FP Probable Golden Tate WR Hamstring not listed LP LP Probable Devin Taylor DE Knee LP LP FP Probable LaAdrian Waddle T Calf FP FP FP Probable Source: DetroitLions.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Lions -6.5 Over/Under: 43.0 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: Sometimes I think the Bills do things just to keep us excited. So, what do you do after 2 losses and a dismal performance by your QB? You bench him! So, here we go.. Kyle Orton gets his first start and EJ is benched for poor performance for the first time in his life. If nothing else, it gives us all something to talk about. But, the real question is.. will it lead to better play on the field and result in a win? By the numbers, this game is lopsided. The Lions are better than the Bills in every statistical measure. The Lions are playing at home. The Bills have a QB seeing his first game action for the team, ever. In short, if the Bills could win, it could easily be the biggest up set of the week. So the deck is stacked against us. How will our team come out? I expect the offense to come out and play hard. They want to prove that this team isn’t falling apart. But, what the players do on the field may be less important than what the minds of Doug and Nate do to the game plan. Our offense has look uninspired, to say the least, this season. We’ve steadily regressed in every key measure since the start of last season. Now, we should have a decent QB (despite what anyone may think of the benching, there’s little doubt Orton is a more polished QB than EJ). How Hackett uses his new BFF may easily be the difference in the game and our season. With all that said, I’m looking for several key points: 1. The Bills Secondary. Stafford is good QB and he has the weapons to burn the field. The Lions rank 5th in the league in passing offense. Our secondary easily faces their toughest game of the season. They need to step up. 2. The Bills Defensive Line. It’s simple.. If they don’t get pressure while shutting down the 26th ranked run game of the league, there’s no way I think our secondary wins their battles. 3. Our Offensive Line. The Lions have the best D line in the league. We haven’t stopped a stunting pass rusher all season. If they don’t step up, it doesn’t matter who the QB is. This unit could easily be the key to the entire game. If they keep the rush off Orton, he definitely has the skill to get the ball to our WRs with accuracy. 4. Hackett and Marrone. I’m still waiting for either of these guys to look like they have a clue. Let’s just say that if Orton is lining up in a read option style set with Jackson, my head might actually explode. I have almost no faith in either of them. Hopefully, they restore some this week. Go Bills!!

Exactly. Have we not seen all the ex-players a couple years after they retire as announcers? It's like they all shrink!

I'm proud to be able to say my team was owned by a man like Ralph Wilson. The world, and the NFL in particular, need more people like him. His legacy is one of great kindness, generosity and wisdom.

I read. I am replying. Now what happens?

Typically.... you don't bench your starting QB for non-injury reasons when you're leading your division. Just like you don't bench your healthy, starting QB for the first game of the playoffs after he got you there. Good teams don't generally make those kinda moves.

That's kinda my interpretation as well. He's been playing timid and over thinking everything... trying to make sure he does everything that the coaches tell him. And, in the end, he needs to just needs to play. What's the old saying... don't forget to breath. Sometimes people get so focused on everything, they forget the simple stuff. It's encouraging that he seems to realize that and hopefully he learns from it. He is a good guy. I hope he does great things.. for the Bills. And these cheap shots from "fans", I just don't get. If you didn't like his play, well sit back and enjoy, you got your wish ..he's benched. But, why take cheap shots? He's still a Bill and he's still working hard every day to be a better player for our team. What more could you want from a player?

I don't think I every said... glad you're posting again. But I am. It's always good to see well-reasoned, rational posts amidst the frenzy of emotions and conjecture. I have to completely agree with you, and I guess that's why this move has me so perplexed. Just 2 weeks ago, we were 2-0 and EJ was talked about as an up and coming young QB with loads of talent. He was making strides from last season, managing games well, and leading the team with firey pre-game speeches. After 2 games against good defenses he's raw, inaccurate, untalented and benched because he's single handedly losing games. I guess I just don't get it. How did he go from talented, young leader to useless bust so fast? I'm all for Marrone doing what he needs to win. We all want the team to win. But, something about this just screams of desperation to me. That... or a power struggle behind the scenes. I really don't know. I just hope it all works out and we win some more games, starting this week.

But that's pretty much the blueprint on EVERY young QB. Pressure him up the middle, put him on his back, and rattle him early. Few QBs look good when they're hit a second after their plant foot hits the ground. Look at Brady last night, he was in the same boat. It's up to the OC to devise a plan to counter the pressure your line, and QB is going to get. Otherwise your offense is toast.

If its impossible to expect Orton to be 12-0, why does EJ have to be perfect? Yeah, he looked bad against Houston. But, he was trying to run a game plan that played directly into the Texans' strength and left one of the best pass rushers in the league one on one with rookie linemen. If the difference between EJ and Orton is 7 wins vs 9 wins, then what's the point of making the switch?

I couldn't agree more. You know what this whole situation and thread reminds me of.... The year we cut Drew Bledsoe. He was a statue! He was slow! JP was gonna mean a winning season because.... he wasn't Drew. All we needed was a QB that could scramble a little and the offense would put up crazy points. Fast forward to today.... And Orton will be good and have us in the playoffs because... he's not EJ. All he has to do is "be on point" and the team will be saved. What everyone is forgetting, unless Marrone also overehauls the offensive game plan and demotes Hackett, the root cause of our offensive mess is still there. It doesn't matter how accurate your QB is when he's handing the ball off to Spiller so he can dive into a pile on 1st down. Or if he's on his back because the line can't handle a stunt.

Are we already making excuses for the guy? None of this matters.. he's in the lineup because Marrone decided EJ wasn't getting it done. You don't sit your unquestioned starter, when he's healthy, and then say... you gotta give the backup time to learn the system. If the offense doesn't improve with Orton this week, then it was a bad decision. Simple as that.

Any chance they'll want to interview Hackett? Can we somehow make that happen!

Completely agree. Well said. I was saying the same thing to a friend today. If the ref calls contact, we keep moving and there's a good chance we win that game and EJ is the talk of the game. But... ..and all we can do now is hope that this all works out.

CJ

You forgot... "Bench him after 4 ganes... when you're 2-2 and in first place in your division...

Yes, the Bills team is so talented any QB should be able to do what no QB has ever done.

Yeah, I remember all the talk about him going ballistic about the time Orton was brought in. And the specualtion it was about the QBs. But, I don't recall that it was confirmed that Marrone DIDN'T want Orton. Because, if that's the case, then he's either had a big change of heart now or he's lieing about it being his decision to bench EJ.