Dan

Sullivan is that you looking for the headline for your article tomorrow? ..and many of us are glad you're posting again. Welcome back.

In the pre-game thread, I said I was looking at 5 different things. Here's what I saw: 1. Henderson was a stud today! All the talk coming into the game was about Wake and the Fin Dline. And Henderson, without much help at all, just shut him down. EJ should buy him a huge steak dinner. Henderson is odds on favorite for steal of the draft right now. 2. The Bills secondary had a solid all around game, and Corey Graham had another stellar game. Just a solid game all the way around. 3. Neither team really set the turf on fire running the ball, but thanks to Spiller's 47yd run the Bills easily out rushed another opponent. Looks like running and stopping the run is a major piece of their game plan through 2wks. And its working! 4. I've been very critical of Marrone since his hire, but this week he did what a good coach needs to do. The team was riding high with enthusiam and energy, but played focused and smart. The game plan was solid. The challenge of Chandler's catch was right on the money. I have to give him a lot of credit for this win. 5. The fans wee clearly rocking the Ralph! It was a beautiful thing to see and hear! And I'd like to add... EJ really impressed me. He played the smart, consistent game that we need from him right now. He's not the best QB in the league... yet. But, he's progressing nicely so far. Love this thread each week, Bill. Thanks. edit.. I forgot to add, Bradham. Man that guy is coming into his own! I loved his hit on the screen. He seemed to be everywhere.

I agree. EJ is playing exactly how you want your young, second year QB to play. Sure he misses some passes, and he'll make some mistakes; but he's managing the game really well. I still think Hackett needs to get more creative in the red zone to help him out.

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta DirecTV: 705 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Joe Buscaglia (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - Sportsnet 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WTKW (99.5/WTKV 105.5) Sirius/XM: 231 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: While Buffalo (1-0) earned a 23-20 overtime victory at Chicago on Sunday, Miami posted a 23-0 second-half scoring advantage to win 33-20 at home over New England. Buffalo won both meetings with Miami last season, including a 19-0 home victory Dec. 22 in which it sacked Tannehill seven times and limited the Dolphins to 103 yards of offense, the third-lowest total in team history. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dolphins at Bills, CBS Game Preview Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills Week 2 Preview Dolphins seek first win in Buffalo since 2011 NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 360.0 360.0 Total Rush............. 193.0 191.0 Total Pass............. 167.0 169.0 Points/Game.......... 23.0 33.0 Time of Poss.......... 30.5 30.5 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 427.0 315.0 Rush Yards........... 86.0 89.0 Pass Yards........... 341.0 226.0 Points Allowed........ 20.0 20.0 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Gilmore, Stephon CB Groin FP FP FP probable Hogan, Chris WR Ankle - FP FP probable Meeks, Jonathan S Neck LP LP LP doubtful Rivers, Keith LB Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Smith, Lee TE Toe DNP LP LP doubtful Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP probable Williams, Aaron S Concussion/MTBI LP LP FP probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Miami Dolphins NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Aikens, Walt CB Hand LP LP LP probable Clay, Charles TE Knee LP LP LP probable Fede, Terrence DE Knee Out Out Out Out McCain, Chris LB Illness DNP LP LP probable Misi, Koa LB Ankle DNP DNP DNP doubtful Moreno, Knowshon RB Shoulder LP LP LP probable Pouncey, Mike C Hip Out Out Out Out Shelby, Derrick DE Knee LP LP LP probable Sims, Dion TE Neck LP LP LP probable Starks, Randy DT Toe DNP LP LP probable Tripp, Jordan LB Chest Out Out Out Out Turner, Billy G Foot DNP DNP DNP doubtful Wallace, Mike WR Hamstring LP LP FP probable Wheeler, Philip LB Thumb LP LP LP probable Source: MiamiDolphins.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 -1 Over/Under: 43.0 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: It’s hard to imagine a more electric atmosphere than what we’re going to see at the Ralph for this week’s game. It’s the home opener, against the fish, Ralph tribute, Pegula announced as the new owner, after a week 1 win in Chicago, Alumni Day, Reed, Kelly… seriously, are the football stars aligning for the Bills or what!? However, I certainly hope the Bills aren’t taking the Dolphins lightly. Looking at the game stats from last week it’s also hard to imagine a team more evenly matched for the Bills. It should be good, tough game. Miami, unfortunately, has made some strides in their perpetual rebuilding as well and are looking like a real team again. With that said, no way they beat the Bills THIS week. I’ll be watching for a few things: 1. Henderson vs Wake. This could be the matchup of the game. Wake ripped through the NE line last week and caused fits for Brady. Let’s hope Hackett has a plan, because I’d rather not see the rookie have to deal with Wake all by his lonesome. 2. The Bills secondary. Last week Cutler seemed to pass at will (when he wasn’t throwing interceptions). I like to think that was just Cutler and a couple of good WRs. Hopefully, the Dolphins don’t get 300 yds passing as well. 3. The running game for both teams. It seems both teams want to run, but which one will? If I were going to make predictions, I’d say whomever runs the ball more effectively, will win this game. 4. Marrone. Can he keep the players focused and sharp in a week where emotions should be riding as high as ever? 5. The Fans at the Ralph. I anticipate a wild, loud and insane crowd at the Ralph. Once again, Buffalo is going to show the league and the nation what a true football town looks like. I hope everyone in attendance has a great time and a safe travel to and from the game. Go Bills!!

best day ever

Maybe you got slow eyes?

I'm not sure I can help, technically. But, if you find the problem can be resolved with some sort of upgrade in hardware and need monetary assistance, don't hesitate to ask. You've given me more than you'll ever know with this place and I'm in a position, finally, to help if needed. Dan

Agreed. We need a solid running game (with more than just that read option/draw/run up the middle play). EJ might become a good QB, but he has a long way to go and is firmly in the "game manager" stage of development. And I don't say that to be derogatory to EJ in any way; he's just a young QB learning how to paly in the NFL.

I don't think NFL DBs are allowed to knock recievers out any more.

I have to agree. Whaley is doing an excellent job at building a team. I commented on it during the preseason, one thing I noticed in spite of all the horrendous first team offense plays, was our depth looks to be excellent. It wasn't too long ago when most of our starters couldn't be backups on most other teams. Now... it seems quite a few of our backups could start on other teams. That's pretty impressive and he's done it with good drafting and great free agent pick ups.

That play is EXACTLY why all these top draft picks with all the talent in the world can't put Freddie on the bench. The guy is a complete stud!

All I needed! http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/170524-2014-pump-up-video-old-school-style/#entry3240171 Awesomeness

I kinda did the same thing. Been sleepin off and on all night, excited for the game to start! I try to tell myself its just a game, go back to sleep.. but all I can do is picture EJ touchdown passes in my head. So, I finally just got up and started doing stuff. Kickoff Sunday really is like Christmas. Let's kick some a#%!

Hampton Inn in Greenville, MS. Earing blah pizza, chips and dip.

Week 1: Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: FOX (TV Map) Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa DirecTV: 708 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Joe Buscaglia (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - Sportsnet 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WTKW (99.5/WTKV 105.5) Sirius/XM: 113 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Although the Chicago Bears possess all the makings of an elite offense, turning around their defensive incompetence appears to be a necessity if they're going to make a run at the playoffs. After making several moves to fix those holes, the Bears hope to see major improvement on that side of the ball as they look to win their sixth straight home opener Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, who haven't been to the playoffs in 15 years. The Bears could have an opportunity to gain some confidence versus Buffalo, which had difficulty moving the ball throughout the preseason. The starters went 18 straight possessions without a touchdown until EJ Manuel's TD pass in the second half against Tampa Bay on Aug. 23. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bills vs. Bears 2014: NFL Week 1 Game Preview, Prediction NFL.com Video Preview 'Playbook': Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Bears Total Yds/Game.... 338.1 381.8 Total Rush............. 144.2 114.2 Total Pass............. 193.9 267.6 Points/Game.......... 21.2 27.8 Time of Poss.......... 28.7 31.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 333.4 394.6 Rush Yards........... 128.9 161.4 Pass Yards........... 204.4 233.1 Points Allowed........ 24.2 29.9 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Dixon, Boobie RB Hamstring - LP DNP questionable Gilmore, Stephon CB Groin LP FP FP questionable Johnson, Randell LB Ankle LP FP FP probable Meeks, Jonathan S Neck LP LP LP doubtful Smith, Lee TE Toe DNP DNP DNP doubtful Spikes, Brandon LB Knee - LP FP probable Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Chicago Bears NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Conte, Chris S concussion LP FP FP probable Fales, David QB shoulder Out Out Out Out Fiammetta, Tony FB hamstring LP LP LP questionable de la Puente, Brian C knee LP FP FP probable Source: http://=“http://www.chicagobears.com/team/injury-report.html”]chicagobears.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: Chicago -7 Over/Under: 47.0 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: Here we go… are you ready for some football! I certainly am! After perhaps the most emotional and trying off season (for our team at least) that I can remember, it’s time to finally put it all aside and just watch my Bills play. I have no idea what to expect. I want to believe. I want to think Marrone and Hackett have a clue. I want to think Whaley made the right choice with Watkins. I want to believe that this is not the last season I’ll ever get to watch the BUFFALO Bills play. I want to believe. But, at the start of this season, like pretty much every season in recent memory I have no idea what to expect from this team. I know everyone talks about playoffs; but, I’ll settle for just a winning season at this point. Maybe even actual NFL level competence on the field? It’s hard to be optimistic for this season. So, please, post and tell me why I should be optimistic for this team, this game, this season. Here’s what I’ll be watching for: 1. Marrone. Has he lost this team before it even started? Is he going to finally look like an NFL HC with his in game adjustments and decisions? 2. Hackett. Does he have a clue whatsoever what an NFL offense is supposed to look like? Hopefully our play calling and design show marked improvement from last year! 3. EJ. Yeah, we can add this every week. But, our season and future really does rest on the shoulders of EJ. I expect some mistakes, some ups and down. I can live with that; but is he showing us progress? Hopefully we see more good than bad. However, maybe the O line is what we should really be watching? 4. Secondary. Can Gilmore and company keep up with Cutler and his passing attack? It seems like 3rd and long are always a gimmie 15 yd pass completion. 5. Our run D. I expect to see much improvement here!! 6. This will be the first game in the history of our beloved Bills without Ralph Wilson as the owner. That sobering fact is enough to give me pause. I hope the entire team can play with the passion that Ralph had for the game. Go Bills!!

Fixed. Excellent post!

Exactly. I think many people forget this and immediately expect everything to work like Madden. We have a shaken up OLine, they're gonna take time to gel. Watkins is a rookie. Rookies rarely set the league on fire for any reason (especially one that relies on someone else to get him the ball). We have new linebackers... a new DC. It could easily take half a seaosn or more for this team to play like a team. That was my first thought... we've completely breached etiquette and skipped right over the "this game is a must win" and gone straight to "the most important game in 10yrs!". It's week 1! This place is gonna be in complete meltdown mode before the end of September.

This is my take of our offense, going back to last season. It's a badly conceptualised mess. The coaching staff keeps trying to run plays that just don't work, that don't fit the players we have, that are poorly designed... and we're left to blame the players for executing. Then this preseason, we get all the OLine shuffling while our coach tells us that having the same 5 guys play together isn't a big deal for line play... and now our line looks to be the worst unit on the team. The offense has steadily gone downhill since Chan left, yet by all accounts we have more talented players. How does that figure? It's much more than just one player, that how.

Buy stock in Labatt — it’s going to be a long year. Good stuff. I'm practically in mid-season form with my thought process! Disclaimer: I hadn't seen this before, so be kind if it's old.

Are we just hoping for players to get suspended so we have more to gripe about now?

I agree, they needed to fix the line and find the best 5 guys there. But, at this point, they've had all off season, voluntary and mandatory OTAs, camp, preseason games, and last year's footage to use for evaluation. I'm glad they moved guys around, allowed them to get experience at other positions, build some depth and all that good stuff. But they now have less than 3 weeks before the season opener. I would suggest that the time for evaluations is over. It's time to make a decision and stick with.

After 3 preseason games and a month of camp, I would really hope they know who the starting line should be. It's time to stop tinkering and start learning to play as a unit.

I don't understand why we have this QB mess either, when Peyton was available! We totally should have traded Spiller to the Colts for Luck too. Then, we'd be set at QB for the next 15yrs!! I just don't get this FO.

My brother in law is currently undergoing chemo for esophogeal cancer, my sister is a breast cancer survivor, I have a very good friend who has survived brain tumor surgery... all have said the same thing which is have a sense of humor and try to enjoy life. I think everyone here knows that some of the posts here were having fun and meant in a good spirit. Nothing wrong with that, because I'm equally sure everyone here thinks this is truly a good thing that EJ is doing.

I look at plays like this and shake my head at Hackett more than any player. We're inside the 10, there are 5 receivers running patterns, and only one is in the end zone - the slowest one at that? Why? This type of play design and call is exactly why I wonder about our coaching. Why not use every bit of field possible? Why not have all the receivers, except Freddie run to the back of the and create as much space as possible? Why not give your QB some real options? I don't know... maybe all the players ran the wrong routes.