Dan Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) 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!! Edited October 19, 2014 by Dan
Special K Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 This game is pretty much a must win game if the Bills want to entertain any thoughts of a playoff push in the second half of the season. I'm hoping the Bills limit the mistakes, limit the penalties, and bring home a victory today. Go Bills!!
BringBackFergy Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 After a monumental letdown last week, I'm emotionally drained (and we're not even at the half way point). Hoping we can have a decisive win for a change...but nothing is guaranteed.
IslandBillsFan Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Puerto Rico Bills Backers have already started the tailgate down here. It consists of me and some homeless guy I have a Bills shirt too. I didn't get to see the game last week so it would be great to see a win today.
DCBongo Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Abandoning cosy Connecticut and my direct TV to take the old man into NYC to watch the game at Calico Jacks with the Bills Backers of NYC! Second only to being at The Ralph!
DCBongo Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Then get thee to the pub! Courtesy of the Bills Backers Chapter list Bills Backers of Boston The Harp Restaurant & Pub 85 Causeway St. Boston,MA 02114
PolishDave Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 I predict the Bills will here plenty of boos today if the first play from scrimmage on offense is a handoff to CJ running between the tackles. Another typical 3 and out on the Bills first possession could set a negative tone for the day that results in an embarrassing game. We better see some new plays and play calling on offense today. At least that would show the coaching staff is actually trying to find something that works.
ALF Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 This OL is not ready for CJ to go up the middle unless there is a extra G or T at TE
Chandler#81 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 After a monumental letdown last week, I'm emotionally drained (and we're not even at the half way point). Hoping we can have a decisive win for a change...but nothing is guaranteed. Ditto. We won't be anything more than the whipping Boy of the century until we beat NE* consistently -and we still can't beat them just once. If we lose our 3rd straight Home Game today, we simply aren't worthy and the countdown to FO firings begin. Then we start this same old crap all over again..
bananathumb Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Nice lead-in, Dan. I'm with you, done with The Hack and The Moron. Maybe they'll do better against the Grapes.
YoloinOhio Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 This is the first game where I feel the Bills are unequivocally the better team. Houston was close, but the EJ and JJ factors and being on the road muddied things. Today, there are truly no excuses not to dominate. I expect them to be rather aggressive on both sides if the ball. If they can't, I know the season needs to play out, but that's unacceptable and I doubt they get much further than they did last year. @NickelCityBills: Kyle Orton vs. Teddy Bridgewater: http://t.co/f8p2IgUxWN http://t.co/NvFdyXUGUx
Dan Posted October 19, 2014 Author Posted October 19, 2014 This is the first game where I feel the Bills are unequivocally the better team. Houston was close, but the EJ and JJ factors and being on the road muddied things. Today, there are truly no excuses not to dominate. I expect them to be rather aggressive on both sides if the ball. If they can't, I know the season needs to play out, but that's unacceptable and I doubt they get much further than they did last year. @NickelCityBills: Kyle Orton vs. Teddy Bridgewater: http://t.co/f8p2IgUxWN http://t.co/NvFdyXUGUx 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!
YoloinOhio Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 @buffalobills: #Bills WR Mike Williams (@CaveManMike19) is ACTIVE vs. the Vikings today. #MINvsBUF
The Wiz Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 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! Better keep your remote handy.
YoloinOhio Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 @buffalobills: INACTIVE: 29 CB Cockrell, 31 S Ladler, 35 RB Brown, 57 LB Powell, 71 T Kouandjio, 81 WR Easley, 88 WR Goodwin. #MINvsBUF
boyst Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 @buffalobills: INACTIVE: 29 CB Cockrell, 31 S Ladler, 35 RB Brown, 57 LB Powell, 71 T Kouandjio, 81 WR Easley, 88 WR Goodwin. #MINvsBUF This is the game I would want to see Brown and not see Gragg or Smith.
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