Dan

Week 7: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker DirecTV: 710 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: 128 ================================================================= Game Preview: Coming off a bye week following consecutive losses, the Dolphins hope they've fixed some of their issues as they look for their best six-game start in 10 years Sunday against the visiting Bills. Miami got off to a 3-0 start before losing 38-17 at New Orleans on Sept. 30 and 26-23 to Baltimore on Oct. 6. A win in their AFC East opener will put the Dolphins at 4-2 for the first time since 2003. The Bills are expected to have leading rusher C.J. Spiller and hope receiver Stevie Johnson is available, while quarterback Thad Lewis is set to make his second start despite the signing of Matt Flynn on Monday. With rookie starter EJ Manuel out at least another four weeks because of a sprained right knee, Lewis looks to build on a solid debut after he connected on 19 of 32 attempts for 216 yards with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to lead the Bills' rally last week. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scouting Report: Week 7 (from Buffalo Bills.com Chris Brown) Bills' Focus: Coach Marrone DolphinsPreview NFL.com Video Preview NFL.com Game Center Teams Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 344.2 316.6 Total Rush.............148.8 69.6 Total Pass.............195.3 247.0 Points/Game.......... 22.7 22.8 Time of Poss.......... 27.3 27.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 395.0 393.0 Rush Yards........... 124.2 105.4 Pass Yards........... 270.8 287.6 Points Allowed........ 26.2 23.4 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brooks, Ron DB Foot LP LP FP Probable Johnson, Stevie WR Back LP FP FP Probable Lawson, Manny LB Hamstring LP LP FP Probable Lewis, Thad QB Foot FP FP FP Probable Manuel, EJ QB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Spiller, C.J. RB Ankle DNP LP FP Probable Williams, Mario DL Hip LP LP FP Probable Williams, Kyle DL Achilles/Illness DNP FP DNP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Miami Dolphins Name Position Injury Practice Status Game Status Dion Jordan DE Ankle Full Participation in Practice Probable Jason Trusnik LB Rib Full Participation in Practice Probable Mike Pouncey C Ankle Full Participation in Practice Probable Koa Misi LB Shoulder Full Participation in Practice Probable Brandon Fields P Back Full Participation in Practice Probable Nate Garner T Knee Full Participation in Practice Probable Dimitri Patterson CB Groin Limited Participation in Practice Questionable Dannell Ellerbe LB Shoulder Did Not Participate In Practice Doubtful Will Yeatman T Shoulder Full Participation in Practice Probable Brandon Gibson WR Hip Limited Participation in Practice Questionable Cameron Wake DE Knee Full Participation in Practice Probable Chris Clemons S Knee Full Participation in Practice Probable Source: NFL.com Practice Status DNP = Did not participate in practice LP = Limited Participation in Practice - Less than 100% of a player's normal repetitions FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Out = Player will not play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available Game Status Out = Player will not play Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Dolphins -8.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Source: Rant Sports Up to date... if you're in Vegas. My Take on the Matchup: By the numbers, this week's game looks to be pretty evenly matched. Both teams are averaging close to 23 points per game; however, the Dolphins are holding their oppenents to 3 fewer points than the Bills' defense. And therein lies the key to this game, the Bills D has to find a way to hold a well-rested offense. The Dolphins don't have a great running attack. But, you can bet they've spent the last two weeks working on that and stressing it in their meetings. And we all know the Bills have a way of making very average players look like Pro Bowlers. So, I wouldn't take their run game lightly. If the Bills can hold them in check, they have a good shot at getting to Tannenhill. Tanny has looked good, at times, but he's also looked like the young player that he is. Hopefully the Bills line can get after him and cause some of these mistakes. If they do that, hold the Dolphins run game to their season average while forcing a few turnovers in the passing game, things will be looking good. Offensively, I expect the Bills to do what they've done. Be average. Expect Thad to look a little more comfortable, but he's still going to have his moments. Hopefully having Stevie back in the lineup will give him another option to look for rather than running and looking confused. Stevie, gets open and I expect he will today. The big question marks for me are... can Thad avoid some of the poor decisions he made last week? And can Hackett avoid those situationally poor decisions that he's done every game (run right, run right, short pass, punt). I expect a close game. However, I expect the better rested, home team to win. But I'll be watching: 1. The Bills D-line. Can they get some decent pressure on a young QB for once? 2. Kiko. 3. Will the Dolphins target the one-armed Gilmore like the Bengals did? 4. Thad. Can he continue to look as good as his last showing? 5. CJ Spiller's ankle is supposedly feeling better. Let's hope he finds some open space. 6. The punt coverage unit. Will they blow another game and face the wrath of Kiko as he eats their heads one by one? Go Bills!!

I agree. I'm thinking the best thing about having Flynn may just very well be the veteran presence he brings.

I know the more snaps EJ gets this season, just helps him learn the game and the offense. However, given the way the season is currently going, there's absolutely nothing to gain by rushing him back. I'd rather he take the time, heal completely, and hopefully learn how to avoid these hits in the future. For EJ at this point in his career that seems more important than an extra game's worth of play time.

I get it, being 45 myself, I've had all those same feelings about the Dolphins. But the 70's were forever ago and the futility of last 10+yrs just seems greater. At least in the 70's we had OJ. What have we had since 2000... Beldsoe? Plus the way the Pats have beaten us is just embarassing. Add to that the Jets complete domination and manhandling of our teams for that last 4-5 yrs along with the constant ball washing of Brady, its just nauseating. It'd be curious to add up the numbers, but I just feels like we've been way worse and much more dominated by the Pats than we were the Fins in the 70s. And here we sit at 13 years and counting with a new FO, new coaches, new players with really no end in sight.

I have a very good friend who is a diehard Fin fan. 8-9 years ago the majority of our football talk was trashing the others team and talking up our own. Now... we trash talk the Jets and Pats and generally talk well of each others teams. He would much rather see the Bills win the division, if the Fins can't. And I would rather see Miami win it, if we can't. Yes, the decade of fail has changed the very fabric of our division and the rivalries within, at least for us.

I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it... these running QBs that seem all the rage lately don't last long in the NFL. They either get injured or defenses game plan to shut their running down. When either happens, they have to pass. Problem is, they never developed the ability to really pick a defense apart passing because they've relied on running out of their problems. One of the greatest running QBs of all time, Vick, has how many playoff wins? Super Bowls? Bottom line, if you want a consistently good team winning in the play offs, you need a pocket passer. I truly hope Marrone and Hacket know this and don't forgo quick flashes of success and highlights for what all really good teams need - a true passing QB.

But that's all part of it, the intricacies of the rules make it so no one, not even players, truly know what's good and what's not any more. So, the refs can call whatever they want to suit their whims at the moment. To this day, no one really knows what the tuck rule is because they invoke it at arbitrary times. What's considered a "football move"? You can't dive at a QBs knee, but you go for the sack by grabbing his legs. There's so many judgement call, subjective rules in the books that no one understands them. Add in inconsistent calls and it all leads to a contrived game story. Regardless of when the hold, as pointed out in this thread, ocurred it was a blatant hold. It should be called. Period. To say it was the last play; therefore, just let them play is just confirming the fact that the refs pick and choose when to enforce penalites to encourage certain out comes.

The NFL is becoming increasingly difficult to watch because the officials are so arbitrary in calling plays. They're either grossly incompetent or being directed to "influence" prescribed outcomes. Case in point, Dallas/Skins game, on the punt the ball bounces back and hits the Dallas guy in the ass, Redskins fall on it. Their ball right? Nope, the Dallas player was blocked into the ball, thefore Dallas retains possession. What?! The 2 players were engaged, sure, but neither was watching the ball and the ball bounced back, into them. Absurd. In any and every game there's multiple completely missed or made up penalties, usually overturning big plays. And in most instances, favoring the perceived good story line. Manning is this year's story. Every week, I watch Denver games with a life long Broncos fan and even he is glad to see the favorable calls the Broncos are getting in every game because it seems the NFL wants Manning to get one more ring. Now, can the NFL make Brady throw a perfect pass on that last play? Can they make dude make a great catch? Can they make Greer come up just short of breaking the pass up? No. So, the players still have to perform. But, the NFL can certainly allow certain teams the opportunity to make those game winning plays by ignoring certain calls or fabricating others. It happens in every game, every week. Stupid, inconsistent, and arbitrary refereeing is just part of today's NFL. It's good for ratings, its good for dollars, so I guess its good for the league.

Flying from out west to Buffalo, he'd have to connect through MSP or DET. My guess, he was on a Delta flught. As most of the other would have connected through Chicago.

Mostly because he led all receivers in the preseason in receptions and yards and Hogan has done nothing but conistently drop passes. I'd say it's worth at least a few series in a game to see what he can do.

At this point, my biggest concern with this team is the coaching. 1. To the original point about Hogan... how can he still be out there with all his drops and Easley on the bench. Every fan watching the game can see that Hogan doesn't have it. Why can't the coaches? 2. This continual running up the middle, off center. It's just not working. Stop it. Every fan watching the game can see it. What can't the coaches. 3. That 4th and goal play. Really? First of all, after 3 tries, take the easy FG, tie the game and keep your offense's confidence flying high. But, if you do run a play, why pick a play you rarely ever run that calls for a back up lineman and the fullback to be e 2 receiving options? Whe does that make sense? 4. OT. you can't go conservative. I understand that an interception ends the game, but punting from your 10 isn't much better. The QB had just had a great drive to tie the game, you gotta give him a chance. The run, run, pass conservative plan is just wrong there. Once again, I see us losing a game that just looked winnable. But our coaching and game plan just came up lacking when the young players needed it the most.

I honestly don't see how anyone can say this team feels different. For me, its the same old same old. If the offense looks competent, the defense blows; if the defense looks competent the coaching blows; if there's a ritical 4 and 15, you just know they'll let them convert it. This team has perfected snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Nothing really is changing other than the names on the sideline.

That's what I was thinking too. Thad was actually throwing deep pretty good. Why not take a chance? There's almost zero chance of picking up a 1st down with those 3 plays.

is it me or did Hackett just give up in OT?

wow. the more yards they need... the easier it is to convert. that's nothing short of pathetic.

Once again, the Bills proving that they can make anyone look like a future HOF player. Just getting so tiring.

Unfortunately, I'm a Bills fan. I don't deny it, I can't escape it. So, yeah, everything I do is a little biased towards the Bills. This game, however, I truly think just comes down to the Bills. The two teams are fairly evenly matched. So, its up to the Bills to win this and not lose it. And to win it, I think Thad is going to have to score some points with a good defense coming after him.

Thanks.

I'm a little surprised Stevie is inactive. But, with his back problems and traveling back home with a death in his family, he hasn't practiced all week. So, I guess it makes sense.

I'm not Lori, But, here's a shot at a some pregame info to get us ready. I hope to do this everyweek, if people like it and I have the ability. Week 6: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots, and Boomer Esiason DirecTV: 709 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: 110 ================================================================= Game Preview: After holding Super Bowl champion quarterbacks in check in their three wins this year, the Cincinnati Bengals face a signal-caller making his second NFL start Sunday when they visit Thad Lewis and the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have won six in a row at home against the Bengals but had a 10-game winning streak in the series snapped in the last meeting, falling 23-20 at Cincinnati on Oct. 2, 2011. Dalton threw for 298 yards, including 118 to Green. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scouting Report: Week 6 (from Buffalo Bills.com Chris Brown) Bills' Focus: Coach Marrone Bengals Preview NFL.com Video Preview NFL.com Game Center Teams Stats: Bills Bengals Total Yds/Game.... 348.6 330.2 Total Rush.............152.6 99.4 Total Pass.............196.0 230.8 Points/Game.......... 22.4 18.8 Time of Poss.......... 27.7 31.1 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 377.4 316.8 Rush Yards........... 116.0 95.6 Pass Yards........... 261.4 221.2 Points Allowed........ 26.0 17.4 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brooks, Ron DB Foot LP LP DNP Out Byrd, Jairus S Foot FP FP FP Probable Easley, Marcus WR Ribs LP LP LP Probable Gilmore, Stephon DB Wrist LP LP LP Questionable Goodwin, Marquise WR Hand LP LP LP Probable Hopkins, Dustin K Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Johnson, Stevie WR Back DNP DNP DNP Questionable Manuel, EJ QB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Spiller, C.J. RB Ankle LP LP LP Questionable Williams, Kyle DL Achilles LP FP FP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Cincinnati Bengals NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Boley, Michael LB Hamstring LP LP FP Questionable Ghee, Brandon CB Thigh DNP LP FP Questionable Hall, Leon CB Hamstring LP LP FP Questionable Johnson, Michael DE Concussion DNP DNP FP Questionable Pollak, Mike G Knee LP FP FP Probable Smith, Andre T Shoulder LP FP FP Probable Source: Bengals.com Practice Status DNP = Did not participate in practice LP = Limited Participation in Practice - Less than 100% of a player's normal repetitions FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Out = Player will not play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available Game Status Out = Player will not play Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bengals -7 Over/Under: 42 Source: The Linemakers More... if you're in Vegas. My Take on the Matchup: How can a Practice Squad QB get activated and beat a pretty good team that just shut down Tom Brady? By all accounts, this game should be an easy win for the Bengals. So, why even watch? Well, for starters... 1. The Bills defense should get most of the starters back this week. With the reinforcements showing up just in the nick of time, we get our first look at Byrd in 2013. Add in Gilmore and Leo and the backfield might finally be able to stop someone on 3rd and 10 or more. Its worth watching just to see how much playing time they all get, and how much rust they have on them. 2. Kiko, enough said. 8. Brian Moorman to punt! 4. Thad the Impaler. For me, he's a complete mystery. On one hand, from the brief game film I've seen he looks raw, inaccurate downfield, and too quick to go with his first read. On the other hand, it can be argued that I just described EJ's performance through the first month of the season. So, will the offense be that much different? To offset these concerns, it would seem logical to have Spiller and Freddie and Choice run and run some more. But, how many times have we seen Bills Coaches out smart themselves? However, if Hackett can draw up a good game plan and our secondary can keep Dalton from looking like a first ballot HOFer, we stand a good chance to upset the Bengals with a practice squad QB. The defense has yet to shut an opponent down and there's little reason to believe they'll start this week. As for the Bengals defense, they will almost certainly play the run and dare Thad to beat them. So, as I see it, there's only one key to this game, as far as the Bills are concerned... the offensive success and most likely the game, boils down to how well Thad handles the pressure coupled with his ability to be more accurate with downfield passes. And that's why I'll be watching; hoping for Thad to shine and the renewed secondary to finally get off the field on 3rd and forever with some consistency. Go Bills!!

Good points. I'm no writer/press/smart guy, but I may try my hand at a pregame summary for the pregame thread, in an effort to add substantive content for discussion to the board. I'll see what I can come up with tonight, at least.

I actually like the thread per quarter idea. As someone that travels and can't always watch the game, I enjoy reading the game thread just to see the range of emotions and reactions. But, it's often hard to figure what's being discussed because it all gets jumbled. Breaking it down, per half or per quarter, might make perusing the game day thread much more coherent and easy. Also are the threads started by a moderator? It seems they always started earlier and earlier because people wanted the prestige of starting the threads. Maybe whoever starts the pregame thread could start with quick summary of broadcast info, injury status for both teams, a few links, things like that? So, we could get some real info before the posts to cut everyone start. My other thought, as a lowly board member... is a pregame thread opened just 30mins prior to kickoff enough time? How much info can actually be posted and discussed in 30mins? I'd ask that the Mods in their infinite wisdom consider an hour (or hour and a half) pregame thread.

Exactly, its all about money and more money. At some point, you reach a point of diminishing returns however. No business, no nothing grows and continues to increase forever. Trying to grasp at every last dollar is unsustainable. Yeah, they may gain viewership and fans over there, but they'll lose over here. I know no one that wants to watch that London game. Its lousy TV, with an apathetic crowd and over-sized stadium. They're watering down everything that has made the league what it is. Between the favoring of big market teams, to the highly subjective rules enforced at random, to the time stoppages every 2 minutes to allow the refs to confer with the rule book, the league is becoming a parody of itself.

For whatever little reason there was to watch the Pro Bowl before (I actually used to enjoy it for the fun game that it was), there's absolutely no reason to tune into this thing now. It's absolutely abyssmal what they've done to this thing.

This is what I don't get either. When was the last time anyone heard of a guy being promoted from the practice squad and starting over the #2 like this? Its just bizarre.