Afc east preseason reports

BILLS

The Buffalo Bills employ a total of 13 outside and inside linebackers, and with 2010 training camp barely a weekend old, five of those players have already missed practice time.

WGR 550's Joe Buscaglia is at Monday morning's practice (closed to the public), and reports that Paul Posluszny, Kawika Mitchell, Keith Ellison, Chris Kelsay and Danny Batten are all spectators.

Kelsay and Batten are dealing with shoulder injuries; Batten's arm was in a sling this morning, according to Chris Brown. Mitchell sat out a practice over the weekend as he was rested. Posluszny is dealing with a recent groin injury, while Ellison is still recuperating from a quadriceps injury that ended his 2009 season. Posluszny, however, did some light individual work Monday morning, according to Buscaglia; none of these injuries are considered much more than minor, as well.

Of the eight linebackers practicing, Reggie Torbor and Chris Ellis continue to get first-team reps on the outside, with Aaron Maybin and Antonio Coleman bringing up the rear. Andra Davis is joined in the middle by Ryan Manalac, Arthur Moats and Donovan Woods.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/2/1600874/bills-are-banged-up-at-linebacker

Trent Edwards has an early stranglehold on the starting QB job. This goes beyond the fact that Edwards opened camp as the No. 1 QB on the depth chart. Edwards is seeing significantly more team work than his two chief competitors, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm, who are currently swapping between the second and third slots on the depth chart. With Levi Brown sneaking in some third-team reps, both Fitzpatrick and Brohm have been the fourth QB through on occasion. Fitzpatrick is erratic, and Brohm has shown a similar tendency early in the camp setting. Edwards, meanwhile, has been consistent, if somewhat unspectacular, making sharp throws on a daily basis. It seems very unlikely at this point that anyone but Edwards will open the season as the starter, but the four pre-season games will hold more sway than what the players accomplish on the Growney Stadium field.

Marshawn Lynch isn't getting a lot of work. Fred Jackson remains the first-team running back, and younger players Chad Simpson and especially Joique Bell have been getting a lot of work running the ball during team drills. Lynch has looked excellent to this point in camp, but he's not taking a lot of reps - and C.J. Spiller isn't even in camp yet. It could just be that Chan Gailey and the coaching staff want to keep their stars fresh, because Jackson isn't seeing a ton of work, either, but Lynch's camp workload is something to pay attention to over the next week or two.

Demetrius Bell had better be ready to start the season at left tackle. Bell is still not a full camp participant, as he's watched a couple of practices while the coaches ease him back into the lineup. He missed all of spring practices while he continued to rehabilitate the knee injury that ended his 2009 season, with Jamon Meredith taking every first-team rep in his stead. Meredith and Ed Wang are the only other tackles to take left-side reps aside from Bell to this point in training camp, and both have struggled mightily - Meredith with speed, Wang with speed and, on occasion, power. Neither is ready to play left tackle full-time in the NFL, and while Bell may not be, either, he kind of needs to be.

Pass-rushing optimism should be tempered for the time being. Aaron Maybin has looked quick and fluid rushing from his new position. Chris Ellis has been impressive, as well. Rookies Danny Batten and Antonio Coleman have flashed ability in this department, as well. But we did just get done talking about how shaky Buffalo's tackles have been in camp (Cornell Green included), so until these Bills OLBs look good rushing the passer against other NFL teams, expectations and optimism should be held in check.

The winner of the second WR position might end up being a figurehead. Steve Johnson has been getting the bulk of the starting WR reps opposite Lee Evans, and he's been consistently sharp in the early stages of camp. Nearly every young receiver - with the possible exception of Donald Jones - has shown flashes of brilliance in the camp setting, as well. Felton Huggins and Marcus Easley have been particularly spiffy, Chad Jackson and James Hardy have been dependable and consistent, and Naaman Roosevelt and David Nelson have a lot of potential, as well. All have made plays. We need to be paying more attention to the entirety of the receiving corps, and not just who's getting first-team reps, because the Bills are likely to play a lot of different No. 2 receivers this year. All of these guys can play.

Ellis Lankster is further bolstering Buffalo's loaded secondary. We knew entering camp that Buffalo was deepest in the defensive backfield (though an argument can certainly be made at running back), but we also knew that the Bills had several young defensive backs that were unknown commodities. Lankster, a second-year pro out of West Virginia, was one of those players. He's having an outstanding camp thus far, with a highlight-reel interception and several excellent pass break-ups under his belt. He also appears to be one of the team's most naturally athletic defensive backs, and while the Bills are deep, they don't have many truly outstanding athletes at corner. Last year's seventh-round pick looks like a lock to make the team at this point, and don't be surprised if he continues to surge up the depth chart over the next several weeks.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/1/1599462/six-early-storylines-from-bills

 

PATRIOTS

With Gary Guyton out of practice, we saw the Jerod Mayo/Brandon Spikes combination get some work. It appears for now that Spikes may be ahead of Tyrone McKenzie on the depth chart for now, but McKenzie has looked quite good. Also, in a slightly unrelated note, outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham continues to line up with the first team defense.

* Wes Welker took part in some team drills this practice. Welker took part in some skeleton drills, but seemed to avoid contact. Once contact drills began, Welker moved to the side of the field and worked with the training staff again.
* The Patriots did a lot of one on one, receiver vs. defensive back drills today. Brandon Tate and Darius Butler were the best match-up, both bringing a lot of athleticism to the table, but Butler ultimately winning the battle. Rob Gronkowski continued his solid camp performance, beating Gary Guyton a couple of times. Taylor Price beat Devin McCourty on a long ball down the sideline. Brandon Spikes performed very well in coverage during the drill.
* The coaches did some sideline work calling plays during practice. On the defensive side, Matt Patricia had the headset. On offense, as expected, Bill O'Brien was calling plays in from the radio.
* Gary Guyton had an injury scare today. He appeared to slip on the grass during a passing drill and ended up tweaking his knee. While the injury doesn't appear too serious, he didn't return to practice after testing out the knee with the training staff.
* The two minute offense got its first run of camp. Brady led his unit down into field goal position, finishing the drive on an out to Randy Moss. Brian Hoyer's group was less successful, failing to move down the field effectively.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2010/8/1/1600253/5-from-camp-patriots-training-camp

 

JETS

Ryan said Jason Taylor's shoulder isn't bothering him.

Ryan saw some good things at the first practice. He started his press conference by congratulating himself on picking backup fullback John Conner in this year's draft. The Kentucky product knocked the wind out of three linebackers his first practice, which made Ryan smile.

Ryan admitted that having the veteran Mark Brunell to mentor Mark Sanchez was a good move. He said he resisted the idea last season with Matt Cavanaugh on staff and reluctantly said he might not have had all the answers his first year as a head coach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5430950

 

Yeah they are in for a long year. Offensive line, pass rush, linebackers maybe, QB. I'm investing in liquor stores in Buffalo. I smell money

 

BILLS

Stock Up
+Torell Troup really stood out to me today. He blew up Sean Allen in individual work, got good penetration during pass protection drills in one on one work, and had a great tackle three yards in the backfield on the goal line. He caught my eye more than anyone today, even though I didn't know what number he was wearing (for those that think I was looking out for him).

+Demetrius Bell took every snap at starting left tackle until the final full speed team work. He blocked well in pass protection.

+Paul Posluszny appears to be close to a return. He wasn't in pads and didn't do any individual drills, but he was acting as a running back during ILB drills and seemed to be moving very well.

+Trent Edwards has a stranglehold on the starting spot. Brian Brohm took every second team rep today, so I guess it's stock up for him, too.

+The starting offensive line as a whole. They looked good today and opened up some nice holes during the rushing portion of practice. Eric Wood pulled left and sealed off a backer, allowing Fred Jackson to have a nice run, and then Cornell Green sealed off the right side as Marshawn Lynch went for a big gain off tackle.

+Lots of red zone work today in full team and individual drills. Bills coaches put a garbage can face down with another garbage can face up on top, and had the QBs drop a fade literally into the bucket. The team practiced end zone fades and slants (really) down close as well. They also ended practice with a full team session on the three-yard line.

Star-divide

Stock Down
-Ryan Fitzpatrick took third team reps today. Stock down.

-Aaron Maybin. He had one good read during run fits and looked fast enough, but lacked any pass rush moves and was handled repeatedly in one on one and full team situations. On one pass rush, he went so far inside to avoid contact he lost contain and Brian Brohm took it outside for an eight-yard scramble. He also jumped offsides once. He can't rely solely on his speed.

-Andy Levitre looked good as part of the starting unit, but was put on his butt once and knocked around another time one on one with Marcus Stroud and Troup.

-The weather stunk today. It was super hot and muggy - Jon Corto sweat through his shirt just standing there - and then it rained on me as I rode my bike home. Did I mention it stopped as soon as I reached my street?

-Excitement. The fans at St. John Fisher today were very muted. A lot of that has to do with the way practice is structured. It's a lot more individual work this year, where last year saw more passing shell, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 work.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/3/1603789/buffalo-bills-training-camp-recap

 

PATRIOTS

Absentees still abundant; Patrick Chung joins those sidelined. Not participating in the session but rehabbing on the field were defensive linemen Myron Pryor, Ron Brace, and Mike Wright, as well as defensive backs Terrence Johnson, Jonathan Wilhite, and Patrick Chung. It was Chung’s first missed practice of training camp. Not on the practice fields were offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, wide receiver Matthew Slater, defensive lineman Ty warren, linebacker Gary Guyton and safety Bret Lockett. Meanwhile, running back Thomas Clayton returned to action for the first time since Thursday’s evening practice.

Shift in practice focus. With 10 practices in the book by Tuesday, there was a clear shift in focus of the Patriots’ practice objectives beginning with Tuesday afternoon’s practice. The team spent less time in individual position drills teaching fundamentals and spent more time in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. The team continued its focus on two-minute and red zone situations, while also digging deeper in their playbook with more blitzing and sub packages on defense.

Passing game not crisp. As had been the case in earlier practices during camp, the team’s quarterbacks and receivers had trouble connecting at times on Tuesday afternoon. There were numerous overthrown and underthrown passes, and many of the passes that were on target were bobbled or dropped by receivers. Even Tom Brady had a rougher day than usual, overthrowing Randy Moss on multiple occasions. The problems were accentuated by a Zac Robinson pass late in practice, intended for Taylor Price but intercepted by safety Ross Ventrone five yards away.

Spikes gets nod over McKenzie. With Gary Guyton missing his second full day of practice, one thing that has stood out is rookie Brandon Spikes getting the nod with the top unit over second-year Tyrone McKenzie at inside linebacker. This would not appear to be an indictment of McKenzie, but rather the poise and development of Spikes shining through. He continued to be the most aggressive member of the defense, working through blocks on his blitzes and batting down a pass in full-team work. In one-on-one pass rush drills, Spikes steamrolled guard Rich Ohrnberger, knocking Ohrnberger on his backside.

Kyle Love impressive. Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Kyle Love has had an impressive camp so far. He is typically lined up at nose tackle, and is able to penetrate into the backfield on passes while generally holding his ground against the run. Surprisingly, he has seen more reps than the two defensive linemen the team drafted in the late rounds, Kade Weston and Brandon Deaderick. With a number of injuries along the defensive line, Love should be able see significant playing time in the preseason, but he still has an uphill climb in order to make the final roster.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-.../id/4680879/patriots-practice-12-observations

 

JETS



On the Jets’ first day of training camp he was active and batted down a pass. On the second day he “sacked” the quarterback and blew up plays in the backfield a number of times.

Defensive end Vernon Gholston, earning multiple “attaboys” from defensive line coach Mark Carrier and his teammates, has been showing a spark that many Jets fans have hoped to see since he was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2008 draft.

“The biggest thing,” Gholston said, “is trying to get better and be a little bit more aggressive as you know what you’re doing and know the playbook.”

In his third year, the 6’3”, 264-pound former Ohio State standout understands that he needs to make his presence known on the field to quiet his doubters. Since the spring, Gholston has been taking some reps with the first team, and at this morning’s training camp practice he was seen in a variety of different packages and formations that allowed him to use his combination of quickness and might that was so impressive as a Buckeye and at the NFL combine.

A big factor in his success will be returning from linebacker to the end position he played with the Buckeyes.

“Reading the blocking schemes and just getting that familiarity back, that's the biggest thing when you’re talking about putting your hand back on the ground," Gholston said. "It’s something that is coming back to me and I’m going to continue to get better, and obviously the quicker it happens, the better.”

The ease that he feels at DE was evident today, and his speed and power are a difficult combination for an offensive lineman to deal with. In some of the 1-on-1 drills he made tackles miss and bulled past tight ends. The ability he has shown this offseason has impressed his teammates and coaches.

“He’s actually working the outside, inside — he’s all over,” veteran linebacker Bryan Thomas said. “Just watching him out there, he’s seems faster, seems stronger. He’s already really strong anyway. He’s looking really good out there.”

Head coach Rex Ryan has mentioned Gholston in each of his news conferences here at Cortland, saying that he has had “a couple of big days”. If those days turn into a couple of big weeks, Gholston may give himself a great chance to consistently show his mettle in the regular season.

“He’s got to step up and show what he can do,” Ryan said. “This is year three. That’s when you’re going to do it. I think the young man is going to play in the league a long time, but I want him to be a Jet. I want to see him make plays right now for us.”

Highly touted coming out of college, where he was All-Big Ten first team and the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior, Gholston has not put up the impressive numbers that were seen when he routinely abused offensive tackles and laid out opposing quarterbacks in college. As a Buckeye he started 25 games and finished with 87 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks.

On the professional level, however, he’s only started three games and made 30 tackles in his two seasons as a Jet. He realizes the amount of time he spends on the field and the production he provides must increase and that the coaching staff will be keeping a weather eye on his progress.

“They told me they’re going to be on me,” Gholston said. “Obviously they expect a lot out of me. The biggest thing right now for me is to continue to take steps forward to get better. Knowing the playbook, I have a pretty solid foundation for that from experience.”

He’s two years deep into his time with the Jets, and now has a full year’s knowledge of Ryan's and Mike Pettine’s defense. The next step is regaining that status as a major threat to attack the quarterback on every pass play, and to do it when it counts.

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/art...ly-Going/6de3b7ec-74ff-49cd-869b-8a7398da74e1

 

I'm doing the whole NFL. It's just easier keeping everything together rather than putting this in another section

 

PATRIOTS

http://www.patsfans.com/ian/blog/2010/08/04/training-camp-what-weve-learned-jermaine-cunningham/

In a piece I wrote back on July 6th, the reports were pretty positive for rookie defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. That continues to be the case so far through week one of Patriots training camp.

Back in April when linebacker Brandon Spikes and Cunningham were drafted out of Florda, much of the talk at the time centered around Spikes and how he would fit in with the current group of linebackers. At the time very few expected much from Cunningham, and the expectations were pretty low.

Rookie LB Jermaine Cunningham has impressed everyone so far at training camp. (PHOTO: Icon/SMI)

While Spikes has played fairly well so far, it’s been Cunningham who’s been getting the attention recently. The transition from defensive end to outside linebacker in New England’s system seems to be going smoothly, and he’s made quite an impression while working with the first team defense.

By all accounts should he continue to improve, it’s looking more and more like he appears to be poised to earn a starting spot at that position with just a little over a month to go before the start of the season. When asked on Tuesday if he felt like a3-4 outside linebacker yet, Cunningham said he’s just focused on getting better.

“I feel like a football player,” Cunningham told the Boston Herald yesterday. “Out here on the football field with cleats on, just tackle the person with the football.”

“I’m just out here trying to get better. That’s what practice is for, to come out and get better every day.”

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com followed him earlier this week, and while he struggled a bit that day, he appears to be handling things a bit better and the kinks are starting to get worked out. Reiss even said in his Tuesday mailbag that he may be the fastest guy at his position.

“I think he’s fast,” wrote Reiss. “I locked in on him Monday night in pass-rush drills and I think he’s their fastest player at that spot.”

When asked if he could fill in next to Mayo at the outside linebacker position as a rookie, Reiss said he wouldn’t be surprised if that ended up happening.

“It’s simple to me: If he’s the best option, he will be the choice, rookie or not,” said Reiss. “Based on the current personnel, I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the case.”

Clearly the person he has to impress is obviously is head coach Bill Belichick, and the good news for Cunningham is that he was indeed given some positive comments during a general question about the linebackers on Monday.

“Jermaine has picked up things very well,” Belichick said during his press conference on Monday. “I think each day you can definitely see him getting better, more confident, understanding things that happened the day before and being able to process that.”

The other great thing about Cunningham has been his work ethic, and we saw a bit of that on Tuesday when Reiss reported that Cunningham stayed on the field for some extra work, working with veteran defensive lineman Gerard Warren. Cunningham had said yesterday that the playbook was “10 times thicker than the one he had at Florida, and obviously is focused on trying to get everything down.

In Reiss’ earlier spotlight piece on him he appeared to struggle a bit and got pushed around early on, but did a solid job in coverage and appears to be getting more and more comfortable in that role. Hopefully as he continues to work hard the rest will come, and he’ll work is way into the line-up. After Monday night’s evening session where the team practiced inside Gillette on the field in front of about 20,000 – he’s looking forward to seeing what it’s like when you add another 48,000 or so to the mix.

 

BILLS

supposedly Brohm is getting some first team snaps and there seems to be some conflicting accounts as to how good Trent Edwards has looked


OK, I don't get it. I have been watching all the videos of practice, been reading all the reports from the media and the other posters and I admit it, I am not sure what the heck people are seeing, watching, observing....whatever.

Let me explain.

Trent Edwards - The report from everyone has been that he is "clearly the best QB in camp." That's not what I saw. Heck, there was a report TONIGHT from a guy who was there that said his confidence was back and he looked good. I disagree.

Edwards is your prototypical "pat the ball" QB who throws the safe ball only when the receiver is looking at him. 7-7 I was counting 4 seconds at least every play before he would release the ball and every time it was after the receiver broke his route off. He would take his 5 step drop and scan the field, scan the field then throw. And that ain't gonna work with this offensive line.

His best pass of the night was the Roscoe TD that I called from the stands. Why? Cause Roscoe went in motion and no one went with him.....he was WIDE OPEN the whole play. Trent saw it, and made the play. Thumbs up for him on that play.

Levi Brown - The report from most are he is playing well. I have also read he is the 2nd best QB in camp. My opinion? HE WAS BAD.

Yes, he is a rookie,....but his passes were bad and he even botched a snap. The coaches had all the QB's doing this quick release drill where they were throwing quick passes to a receiver in the end zone and Levi's mechanics broke down so much he was throwing the ball side arm. BAD.

Brian Brohm - Reports from fans are that he is not good, and the Media swings both ways. What I saw? He was the best QB on the field. He was the ONLY QB throwing with any sort of rhythm at all. In the same 7-7 drill, he was dropping 5 steps then planting and throwing. He looked like a QB....not a sitting duck. His passes were crisp he appeared confident and poised.

Fitz - BAD. Need I say more? He took all the 2nd team reps..... Throws with a little more anticipation than Trent, but not much. He will not make the roster in my opinion.

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=194092

 

BILLS

I will start off with this:
It actually looked like a real training camp out there. They were actually being yelled at and hitting each other. The D didnt like the O and vice versa...Also Chan Gailey is very hands on and huddle the players a few times to talk to them as a group and you could see he was trying to be an actual leader out there

Such a contrast from the last 4 years i was at one of the night practices.

Now on to the players:

Aaron Maybin: looks to be extremely fast out there and got to the QB more than a few times with double moves looked very impressive running around out there.

Terrell Troupe: is gonna be a solid NT in this league he is a bull out there and beat his guy a few times on running plays. so did kyle williams: as well looked very stout out there

Alex Carrington looks to have several pass rush moves and is also looking to be extremely athletic out there he ripped his guy on the one on one pass rush drills...so did Dwan Edwards looked very strong in run support and pass rushing even thou that is not his strong spot.

Antinio Coleman and Chris Ellis also looked to be holding down the fort when they were in there and both looked impressie in pass rush drill's..Reggie Torber was also solid in his time out there and had a few plays made in the run game

Secondary looks sound and fast out there and blanketed WR's on all the team activity's..also they were coming up and filing holes in run support during team activity and Whitner had a nice shot on stupar to set tone or D.

Now on to the bad news...Our Offensive Line is terrible, I will say this Cornell Green should be cut right now he is a bum in pass protection.. Levitre and Hang looked good run blocking but Hang was over whelemed quite a bit in pass protection by Kyle Williams and Terrell Troupe and Lonnie Harvey was pushing him and Sean Allen straight back into the QB.

Kyle Calloway I came away most impressed with kid is a beast out there and walled off players a few times and was solid in pass protection and one on one pass drill's he may over take Green by next year unless Green get's cut good value for a 7th rounder

Our Qb's look awful especially Fitz and Edwards..man they are bad and they panic all day in the pocket..Edwards did not try and throw the ball 10yards in team work..Fitz was throwing terrible passes as well..Brohm got 2nd team reps and at least looks willing to make plays and take chances and had a few nice completions...Brown looks the most athletic of the bunch and has a real quick release...Fitz better watch out that may cost him his job he sucks that bad out there

The good news..Our running game will be sick especially after Spiller arrives...Jackson had some nice carries he has incredible vision and Chad Simpson burst thru the whole..no way we should cut chad simpson kid looks like a pin ball in there with great speed...and i will give Draftboy props Jaqoue Bell is no joke his 40 time is not reflecting how fast he looks in person...he has great vision in the whole and runs real hard..Marshawn Lynch looked good on his few oppurtunities he isn't seeing many touches thats for sure.... this will be the only strength of the team this year..

WR's Chad Jackson will make this team and looks real solid out there real fast runs good routes and plays physical..Hardy did nothing..Steve Johnson made a few plays..Roscoe did nothing..Roosevelt made a few plays in there as well..Evans had his usual few plays..David Nelson is gonna open some eye's i think kid is big and runs real well and catch's everything he is PS material in my opinion..Hardy better watch out

TE's did nothing and looks slow..Nelson is terrible at blocking bt is solid in passing game Schouman blocked well too but there is no real comptetion here Mathews I think may be cut Stupar is getting alot of reps ahead of him..

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=194134

 

JETS

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- When Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan wanted to show draft pick Vladimir Ducasse how to be a great left guard, he didn't have to go far to get the film. Callahan had tape of Alan Faneca, which he showed Ducasse to give him an idea of what the team needed in an offensive lineman.

"Alan's game consisted of being a great puller," Callahan said, "and he was phenomenal in space. You put him on a pull, you put him on a screen, he was exceptional. And he also had an uncanny ability to play when he was uncovered, getting to the second level, making the blocks on the linebackers. And he was good at the point of attack when he was uncovered. So he was complete."

Critics might point out that the Jets could have had the real Faneca in there again this season, rather than using video of him as an example for a rookie. But with Faneca in Arizona after being cut by the Jets (who are still on the hook for roughly $5 million of his salary), the Jets will have to find a replacement.

Matt Slauson, the second-year player competing with Ducasse for the spot left vacant when Faneca was cut, has said all along that he isn't in this to win second place. Callahan said the Nebraska player worked hard all offseason to get ready. He has several advantages -- he played behind Faneca for a season, he has been in the system for a year and he is more familiar with the guard position. Ducasse played tackle at Massachusetts.

"I feel like I'm in a good position right now battling for a starting position and that's it," Ducasse said.

When Joe Namath visited Cortland, N.Y., this week, he said he was "confused and upset" when he learned the Jets had cut nine-time Pro Bowler Faneca. The offensive line is a critical component, and can be the difference in dozens of rushing yards.

"I'm more worried about our left guard position than I'm worried about anything," Namath said. "The offensive line is a major factor in letting the offense produce. If our horses up front can do a job similar to what they did last year, you have a good shot offensively."

Nick Mangold said it would be difficult for either rookie to follow in the footsteps of Faneca, whom he called a future Hall of Famer, but that doesn't mean the Jets aren't trying to give the two young players the tools.

"It's a learning curve but we're trying to get them past that curve quicker than it should take," Mangold said.

Callahan is still figuring out Ducasse, the rookie who looks the part but seems a little lost in all that he is taking in right now. Slauson has been with Callahan for four full seasons now, since he's the man who recruited Slauson to Nebraska. The coach compared the two.

"We've got a young guy who's learning in Vlad and we've got a little more experienced player in Matt who has worked hard," Callahan said. "He's worked extremely hard in the offseason."

Although Ducasse and Slauson are both a step slower than Faneca, they will have capable tutors in Mangold, Damien Woody, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Brandon Moore. Mangold agreed that Slauson has the edge right now.

"He has a little upside on the mental side and the NFL is a very mental game," Mangold said.

Slauson realizes that he's up against a player with a physical advantage. Ducasse is 6-5 and 330 pounds and looks like the prototypical left guard. Slauson is the same height but about 15 pounds lighter.

"I don't want to be in the same position I was last year because that means I'm not improving," Slauson said. "I want the job, but If Vlad beats me out because he's a freak and he's incredible so be it. So long as we win."

The truth is, this competition is far from over. In the fifth day of training camp, the tone has been set, but weeks will pass before an outcome is determined.

"Really the evaluation comes when you get into the preseason games and the bullets are flying," Woody said. "So they're both competing hard but this thing is far from being decided right now."

http://forums.theganggreen.com/showthread.php?t=58134

 

PATRIOTS

The Patriots just wrapped up their Friday afternoon practice session after having a walkthrough in the morning. The ESPN caravan made a stop at Gillette Stadium, meaning Adam Schefter was signing autographs before any of the players. Here are some notes:

- Not in attendance were linebackers Gary Guyton and Derrick Burgess, defensive end Ty Warren, defensive backs Brett Lockett and Leigh Bodden, and offensive linemen Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur.

Defensive tackles Ron Brace and Mike Wright, as well as defensive back Terrence Johnson and running back Thomas Clayton, were present but exercised in shorts and t-shirts.

- Jonathan Wilhite, defensive lineman Myron Pryor and offensive tackle Mark LeVoir made their returns to the practice field. LeVoir was welcomed back by having to run a lap for jumping early on a play.

- In 1-on-1 passing drills, a few players stood out for various reasons. Sam Aiken was the first, making an impressive catch despite having Terrence Wheatley pretty much choirs to him. The best play of the drill came from Receiver Rod Owens, who downright embarrassed second-year cornerback Darius Butler. Owens took a step toward the middle of the endzone, and Butler totally took the bait, making for an easy catch once Owens changed course for the outside. Butler made up for any shame caused by breaking up a pass from Brian Hoyer that was destined for the hands of Randy Moss.

- The catch of the day happened during 11-on-11 drills, when Brandon Tate made a diving, over-the-shoulder catch to reel in a pass deep along the sidelines from Hoyer. Though Tate landed out of bounds and the play would have been ruled an incompletion in a game, there was quite the celebration from players and fans alike.

- On a drill in which rookie punter Zoltan Mesko practiced punting out of the endzone under pressure, receivers Julian Edelman, Buddy Farnham, and Tate took took turns acting as the punt returner.

- Rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski dropped a ball in traffic in the the endzone during the final two-minute drill but made up for it with a nice catch on the goal line to wrap up the session.

- Not that it’s surprising, but Brandon Spikes looks very good against the run. He may not be the fastest guy and certainly risks being exposed when in coverage, but where the runner goes, Spikes goes. It’s that simple for the hard-hitting rookie.

- Tom Brady wasn’t particularly active in the practice, with Hoyer taking far and away more snaps than either Brady or third-stringer Zac Robinson. Hoyer looks comfortable as he enters his second season, though Robinson remains very erratic with his throws. The seventh-round pick did run a two-minute drill towards the end of practice. The lack of snaps for Brady simply appeared to be a case of him getting a lighter session and nothing more. He did get to act as a pash-rusher, however, in drills to familiarize the quarterbacks with throwing the ball under pressure.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...ng-camp-report-from-friday-afternoon-session/

 

BILLS

At today's practice I wanted to focus in on the wide receivers. I hadn't seen them play very much, and wanted to get a sense of how each was performing. During positional drills, the wideouts worked on quick slants. Roscoe Parrish let one get through his hands, and David Nelson made a nice adjustment to get back to the ball on a throw that was behind him.

The next route to work on was a hard curl. The coaches set up three orange discs, and that was where the wide receivers had to stop and come back to the ball. Several had excellent footwork, while others looked like they were running in cement. Once again, Nelson made a crisp cut. Lee Evans also was very good at stopping on a dime and coming back towards the ball. James Hardy had one go through his hands and off his shoulders pads. Chad Jackson slipped and fell over. In practice, the coach didn't throw it, but in the game that could be a pick-six very easily.

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Marcus Easley was catching passes but noticeably limping. Steve Johnson had his left knee wrapped, but it wasn't affecting his routes and he wasn't limping.

Perhaps the biggest difference from the Dick Jauron offense was the heavy use of motion. Today, the receivers spent a lot of time on running routes out of motion. For instance, in goal line work they began wide, motioned in, and then ran a quick slant across the goal line. Another was a motion inside to a flag pattern, where Trent Edwards hit Nelson on a 20-yard strike against air.

As the team moved to the passing shell, where the DBs and WRs go head-to-head with a QB throwing the ball, you could start to see who was good against air and who was good, period. Evans always seemed to have a step on his defender. Jackson slipped and went down for the second time in practice, but soon ran a great out pattern and had a phenomenal shoestring grab.

In other red zone work, Parrish caught a pair of touchdowns, Shawn Nelson shielded the defender using his big body to grab a score, and Naaman Roosevelt had a touchdown on a nice high throw from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Johnson also hauled in a red zone score from Fitzpatrick.

As for the quarterbacks, Edwards is still looking the best. Brian Brohm was floating some red zone posts, and Fitzpatrick was inconsistent. Levi Brown also received his first extended action in preparation for Friday's preseason tilt, when he ran a two-minute drill. He completed five passes and scrambled for 15 yards. The last completion was a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jackson, who caught the bad throw one-handed as he crossed the goal line to end practice.

A few other notes from practice include John McCargo making his presence felt on several tackles behind the line of scrimmage and a QB would-be-sack, Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch doing their best pitcher impressions on the side during special teams work, and C.J. Spiller split out wide from time to time. (By the way, that guy has quick feet.)

Updating the injury situation, Hardy ended practice on the sideline, getting his foot/ankle looked at by trainers, though it did not seem serious. Paul Posluszny and Keith Ellison participated in some team work, but not 11-on-11. Corey McIntyre, Marcus Stroud, Demetrius Bell, Eric Wood, and John Destin all participated as well. Cornell Green, Jon Corto, Spencer Johnson, Andre Ramsey, Easley, Derek Schouman, Ed Wang and Danny Batten all missed practice.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/10/1616599/buffalo-bills-training-camp

 

PATRIOTS

This afternoon's session saw pretty much the same format as the morning, beginning with stretching and warm-ups for both teams. Saints on the far field and Patriots near the bleachers. That was followed by individual drills, with each team broken down by position. One twist here was watching Matt Patricia rolling a large weighted ball at the linebackers as each came off the line at the snap.

The one-on-one drills featuring receivers against defensive backs showcased Brandon Tate making an outstanding one-handed catch. Gronkowski, Edelman and Hernandez all made nice catches.

Special teams work included New England kicking off to the Saints return team. The Saints had a play where the returner caught it and promptly threw it to the other side of the field, causing the Pats to have to change direction. It was thrown back and forth a couple of times before the referee blew the whistle. Gostkowski practiced some onside kicks here as well.

Seven-on-seven drills are really fun to watch. Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer switched off with Drew Brees and Patrick Ramsey. Brady completed passes to Hernandez, Taylor and Welker. Moss dropped one and Brady wasn't too happy with his throw (but managed to throw his helmet down afterward). Hoyer completed passes to Edelman, Gronkowski and Darnell Jenkins.

Special teams work continued, this time with the Saints kicking off to Patriots returners. Julian Edelman, Devin McCourty, Brandon Tate and Taylor Price took turns returning. Tate is shifty and can turn on the burners. McCourty surprised me with his speed. Nice getting as many rookies involved on special teams as possible.

More after the break...

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Tom Brady made a point to walk the sideline and stop to speak and pump fists with each receiver, tight end and running back after his series was finished and Hoyer was under center.

Pats_training_camp_110_medium

The team period featured the full New England offense vs. the full Saints defense, and the full Saints offense vs the full New England defense. This is clearly the best part of these practices. Brandon Spikes would have made a highlight reel with his break up of a Drew Brees pass. Brady had a pass knocked out of his hand just as he was about to throw. Laurence Maroney had a nice run too.

The two-minute drill featured Darius Butler breaking up a Brees pass. The Saints were using a hurry-up offense with Brees connecting to RB Lynell Hamilton, throwing an incomplete pass, connecting for a first down and then an overthrow into the endzone. The Saints series ended with a Terrence Wheatley interception.

Tom Brady began his series with a bomb to Hernandez that he dropped, a pass to Tate, two passes to Welker, one overthrown, and a completed pass to Hernandez. Brady overthrew Moss with two guys on him and then had a pass blocked. The field goal unit came out with Gostkowski kicking it with 4 seconds left.

The defenders for the Saints were a bit grabby in my opinion, holding onto the Pats receivers and running backs a tad longer than necessary. This was evidenced by Moss having his shirt ripped and Kevin Faulk yapping at the defenders a few times before walking away.

The practice finished up with the Zac Robinson leading the third team against the third team for the Saints and vice versa. The players for each team huddled up afterwards, and maybe a dozen players headed off to the bleachers and end zone to sign autographs. My daughter scored Vince Wilfork and Drew Brees signatures to add to her extensive collection. Being young and blond has its advantages.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2010/8/10/1616477/patriots-saints-afternoon-practice

 

JETS


1. QB Mark Sanchez didn't receive the usual amount of reps --some of the practice was devoted to the Wildcat with Brad Smith at QB -- but he struggled with his accuracy. Sanchez was throwing off his back foot, and easily could've been intercepted two or three times. He completed 4 of 11 passes, with one INT. Actually, that was a good throw, a well-placed deep sideline pass to WR Braylon Edwards -- in the perfect spot against a Cover-2 defense. But Edwards juggled the ball and it was picked off by S Jim Leonhard, who was covering over the top.

Earlier, Leonhard dropped a ball that should've been an easy pick. On his next pass, Sanchez put up a dangerous throw to WR Jerricho Cotchery, who muscled it away from CB Dwight Lowery, who smelled interception. Sanchez isn't having a poor camp, but he hasn't been as sharp as he could be.

2. It was a rare sight, Cotchery dropping a pass. He has the best hands on the team, and his drops are few and far between. On this play, he beat rookie Kyle Wilson on a deep route -- beat him badly -- but failed to haul in a pass from Sanchez.

3. It was a big Brad Smith day. In other words, there was a lot of work on the Wildcat. That helps the defense, too, because it gives it a good look at the Wildcat. The Jets face the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, so you know they'll see the 'Cat.

4. The coaches continue to tweak the Revis-less secondary. At one point, in a nickel package, they had Marquice Cole at right corner, with Wilson in the slot. With Mark Brunell at quarterback, Cole made a nice interception on a deep ball to WR Laveranues Coles -- a case of Cole on Coles. Lowery continues to see time as safety, especially in sub packages.

5. Here's a player who's starting to flash -- WR Aundrae Allison. The former Minnesota Viking, coming back from major knee surgery, is one of the fastest players on the team. Rex Ryan calls him ''88 out the gate." Allison usually flashes on kickoffs, but he's starting to show up at receiver. He made a nice catch in the red zone, a comeback route against tight coverage.

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yorkjet...ark?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

FOXBORO, Mass. -- No, the Patriots don’t have any official coordinators, but the defensive players know there is one man leading the meeting room. There's one man in charge on the practice field and one man in command on the sideline.

It's head coach Bill Belichick.

While linebackers coach Matt Patricia appears to be the guy in charge of making the play calls -- based on the fact that he wears the headset during practices to communicate with the inside linebackers who wear the communication devices within their helmets -- Belichick is viewed by the team as the defensive coordinator, the leader of the whole operation, and sources have acknowledged as much.

They believe that Belichick is the man behind the defense, and everything runs through him. Longtime assistant Pepper Johnson, who is the defensive line coach, hit on that Tuesday.

"We have an understanding, plus the head man is up there; he's making the final say," Johnson said. "For the most part, we all have experience with [Belichick] and have an understanding with him. I have 23 years of experience with him, so we know what he wants and what he's looking for, things like that."

Lineman Vince Wilfork, who is one of the three longest-tenured members of the Patriots' defense, said Belichick has been the same guy, but he's taken a more expansive approach with the defense.

"Bill's been Bill," Wilfork said. "Now, I see him every day in our defensive meetings. I look at him as the same Bill -- a great coach, a great defensive-minded coach. He's one of the best. To get taught by one of the best, I'll sit down and get wisdom from him any day. He knows his stuff, and he's proven. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about why he's taken over."

Belichick has still delegated responsibilities to the assistants, including Patricia, Johnson and defensive backs coaches Josh Boyer (cornerbacks) and Corwin Brown (safeties). In fact, the defensive players believe the coaching staff has done a better job of communicating this season, and the structure of the new system has had nothing but benefits.

"I think this year, we're doing a real good job of players actually getting taught the right way to do things, and how it needs to be done," Wilfork said. "It's showing up on film. At the end of the day, we need to be more consistent. Once we get the consistency where we need it, we'll be able to compete with the big guys."

http://www.nesn.com/2010/08/bill-belichick-running-patriots-defense-even-without-former-title.html

 

JETS

I guess the Giants and their fans take bragging rights. They can brag their third stringers are better than the Jets'. Honestly I'm glad this game is finally over. The hype over a meaningless game was a bit much. Below are my thoughts.

-Mark Sanchez's first throw was everything he should have spent the offseason learning to avoid. He decided to throw the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson the second he left the huddle. He locked onto the back and didn't go through his progressions once the primary target was covered.

-The rest of the game, he was terrific. Let's be honest. He didn't face any really confusing fronts. He also had a few series against second stringers. Even so, he looked good. He made smart decisions with the football. He went through his progressions. He put the ball into places where either his receivers would catch it or the ball would be incomplete.

-Braylon Edwards' hands looked good. It's a start.

-It looks like Matt Slauson has the inside track at left guard. He played the entire first half with the starting unit. He was somewhat uneven. The holding penalty was bad. There were a few running plays where he got a good push. He wasn't really beaten badly, but there were other plays where he didn't get a push. He held up all right as a pass blocker. He didn't make much of an impact pulling.

-The defense looked good. The Giants scored 10 points. 7 were off the Sanchez interception. The other 3 were the result of a broken play.

-The pass rush was doing its job. We didn't have a chance to see much of Antonio Cromartie in coverage, but the new addition had his man blanketed pretty much all night. He was in good coverage on the one reception he allowed. I do have to say that Darrelle Revis probably wouldn't have allowed it to be a catch.

-Sione Pouha started at nose tackle. Kris Jenkins started at end. I have been expecting the jumbo front, and it did not disappoint. It's going to be quite a task for offensive linemen to take both on at the same time.

-The hidden factor in the Revis holdout? Kyle Wilson did not return the ball tonight. Maybe the Jets don't want to expend him while he is starting. Larry Taylor looked mediocre back there. He wasn't hitting his holes. He wasn't taking good paths to the ball and allowed a few to hit the ground he probably should not have.

-Tomlinson's stats didn't look pretty, but I liked what I saw. His offensive line didn't give him a chance on most of his runs. When he had room, he showed impressive explosion.

-It can't be a good sign for Laveranues Coles' roster hopes that Brad Smith was seeing the field over him when the Jets went to multi receiver looks in the first half.

-Nick Folk was decent. He made all 3 of his kicks from inside 40. He also registered a touchback and stuck all of his other kickoffs on the goal line aside from one he left on the 2. Keep in mind it was also a hot and humid night. Can we kill Folk for the 46 yard miss? It was not an easy kick but probably one he needs to make if he wants to make the team confident.

-With the loss of key special teams contributors Wallace Wright and Marques Murrell, it is good to see a guy like Eric Smith (blocked punt and tackle) step up.

-Let's not go overboard on Kellen Clemens' good stat line. A lot of guys would look good with Santonio Holmes running against backups.

-Dwight Lowery was in good coverage twice on Victor Cruz but didn't look for the ball, showing poor recognition. I thought ball skills were his strength.

-That guy who got toasted on Cruz's second touchdown? He played prominently in the team's plans to stop Peyton Manning in the second half of the AFC Championship Game. It's no surprise to see how that turned out.

-He still looked like the best of the backup candidates. Mark Brunell looks like his arm is so weak that he cannot fit it into all but the widest windows. Kevin O'Connell's interception was strikingly off the mark. His numbers are inflated by hitting a bunch of checkdowns when the Giants went prevent.

-Bad job by ESPN cutting out of the Ring of Honor ceremony right before the Weeb Ewbank video.

-For all of the talk about a new role for Vernon Gholston, it didn't seem like there was much of a change. He lined up a lot as a pass rusher on a 4 man line and a stand up rusher when the Jets had 3 men. I noticed a pair of pressures, but the backup Giants linemen also seemed to have no trouble cutting him down on other plays.

-Vladimir Ducasse looked lost when he got action in the second half.

-I don't think Joe McKnight read his blocks well.

-The Jets have joined Brett Favre, Tim Tebow, and the Wildcat among Jon Gruden's favorite things.

-By far the most important takeway is that the Jets avoided the injury bug.

http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/8/16/1626815/first-impressions

 

PATRIOTS

FOXBORO - The Patriots [team stats] players present for last year’s regular-season debacle against the Saints claimed no extra motivation for last night’s preseason opener. They shrugged off talk of playing for pride even with the way they exited the Louisiana Superdome supremely humbled.

But even those same Patriots could take solace knowing their first-team offense and defense exited Gillette Stadium with a performance on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The young and untested defense flashed a rejuvenated pass-rush early, stopping the Saints offense on the game’s two opening possessions in ways it rarely did in 2009.

That was all quarterback Tom Brady [stats] and his offense needed to score 10 quick points and begin the 2010 preseason with a shot of optimism thanks to a 27-24 win against New Orleans.

Brady played the first quarter, going 5-of-8 for 67 yards with three completions longer than 20 yards. His counterpart, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, was 9-of-13 for 55 yards with one touchdown drive.

The Patriots led the defending Super Bowl champions by 10 at halftime, and by 17 after quarterback Brian Hoyer (8-of-13, 106 yards) drove the second unit for a score.

Even when the Saints came back to tie it, a 52-yard reception by Patriots receiver Darnell Jenkins led to a Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal with 53 seconds left.

Still, it was the front-line players’ performance - without Wes Welker - that was impressive. Prior to the game, owner Robert Kraft had stated his goals.

“We hope tonight, when we get the ball, we just go down and (score quickly),” Kraft said. “Then we’ll see how those young defensive players do. The measure of a good team is quality depth management. We have a lot of young guys this preseason. Hopefully, they’ll make a great contribution.”

They did in all phases of the game.

Second-year receiver Julian Edelman had six catches for 90 yards, while second-year speedster Brandon Tate had a sweet 20-yard reception off a Brady pass.

On defense, rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes started alongside Jerod Mayo and held running back Pierre Thomas to a 1-yard gain early. By the second half, he was calling the defense for the reserves, finishing with eight tackles. Second-year safety Patrick Chung had seven tackles.

First-round draft pick cornerback Devin McCourty was physical on defense, playing with the first group. But he shined on special teams, with kickoff returns of 52 and 50 yards. Rookie Zoltan Mesko killed two punts inside the 15-yard line.

“We use this kind of as a measuring stick,” Mayo said.

For a defense searching for an identity and pass-rush, it received both in the first series.

On third-and-9, outside linebacker Marques Murrell sacked Brees for an 11-yard loss. The first two Saints possessions were futile.

After a down year on special teams, Edelman provided optimism, taking a short punt back 40 yards. Then came the pessimism with Saints returner Larry Beavers taking a kickoff back 97 yards for a score.

Early on, a 14-play, 93-yard drive capped by a BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ 6-yard touchdown created a 10-0 lead.

The Saints responded with a marathon 20-play drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Bush, but the Pats second-team offense picked up where the first left off. Two big Edelman catches and a Laurence Maroney [stats] 5-yard run made it 17-7 at halftime. It was 24-7 before the Saints almost clawed their way back.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...2&format=&page=2&listingType=pats#articleFull

 

BILLS



Fans looking for the new hierarchy of the Buffalo Bills to drastically change the course of events in this franchise’s recent history…will have to continue to wait. The Bills’ 42-17 loss at the hands of the Redskins has Bills’ fans in a familiar place this early in the preseason. A fast start was quickly undone by mistakes and even more injuries to key players. It’s only the preseason, and the games don’t count in the standings, but you’d still like to see some signs of life. Before the game, Buffalo Bills’ play-by-play announcer John Murphy quoted former Bill and current Redskin London Fletcher, who once told him, “preseason games don’t count, but they matter.” Let’s take a look at what happened in the first action for the 2010 Buffalo Bills.

The Bills did appear to show signs they are a different squad under Chan Gailey very early in the ballgame. The new 3-4 defense quickly stopped the Redskins’ first drive and forced a punt. C.J. Spiller didn’t provide any fireworks on a short return, but the Bills’ offense got off to a nice start. Trent Edwards and company went on a 60-yard drive that led to a field goal, and had the Bills up 3-0. Edwards was 5-6 for 44 yards on the drive, exuding some of the confidence that was absent in his game last season.

That’s when it got ugly for the Bills. Donovan McNabb and the Redskins’ offense appeared to be shut down again after McNabb threw an incomplete pass on third-and-long. However, Aaron Maybin was flagged on the play for roughing the passer. The yellow flag was all-too-familiar for Bills’ fans after last season’s team showed a penchant for Plaxico Burressing (shooting themselves in the foot/leg)in key moments of games. Needless to say, McNabb didn’t look back and led the Redskins to a touchdown.

Then Trent Edwards reminded everyone not to get too confident about this year’s offense by throwing an awful interception on the sideline on a 2nd and 10, leading to another Redskin touchdown a few plays later. Edwards was pressured, and forced to roll to his right. He did a nice job getting outside the pocket and buying time. Since nothing was there, he could now throw the ball away…or force it to an extremely well-covered Lee Evans leading to an interception and 33-yard return. Thanks for keeping us grounded, Trent. Next thing I knew, it was 35-3, and Frank Reich was not walking through the tunnel.

Penalties and injuries continue to impede the Bills. Penalties early in drives doomed hope of offensive production. Free agent signing LB Andra Davis’ illegal contact on a third down helped turned the Redskins’ third possession into a touchdown. I’m glad he’s fitting in early. Running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch were both injured in the first half. Jackson, who hurt his hand, is likely out for the rest of the preseason. Lynch’s ankle kept him out of action after a few touches. Lynch did a great job running through tacklers when he had the ball. I am presently unaware of the severity of Lynch’s injury.

The tale of two Trents was sort of a microcosm of his career in Buffalo to this point. Promising start, settling for a field goal, and then imploding upon himself. Bills’ fans just have to hope that Trent’s up-and-down play was the result of a new offense that was missing three starting offensive linemen, and not a continuing trend from a season ago.

Spiller was bottled up pretty quickly on his lone punt return. He showed some burst on a nice run off right tackle for a first down, and wound up with 16 yards on 4 carries. Nothing to write home about, but in limited action, you can’t complain about what he produced.

Defensively, Maybin’s big contribution to the game was again a negative one, as his roughing-the-passer pretty much catapulted Washington to their romp of the Bills. He showed that he has an effective speed rush, and even made a nice counter spin move on one play, but he was just overmatched again by Washington’s starting offensive lineman. Unless he is able to counter starting-caliber NFL offensive lineman who take away his speed rush off the edge, he’ll continue to be better served on special teams than defense.

The Bills have given up a return touchdown in each of Bruce DeHaven’s last two games as special teams coordinator. This one was a lot less costly than the one in Tennessee 10 years ago, but not a great start for a guy replacing the most effective special teams coach in Bills’ history, Bobby April.

Note to Bills’ defensive coaches: George Wilson is a STRONG safety. We found this out a couple of seasons ago, when as a free safety, he stood idly by while Tom Brady threw touchdown passes over his head in a 56-10 win in Buffalo on national television. On Friday night, he watched a Rex Grossman pass sail by him to a wide open Devin Thomas when he was playing with Brian Scott in the defensive backfield. I think they’re both outstanding backup strong safeties. However, not a good pairing when you’re expecting one of them to play free safety.

There were some bright spots for Buffalo. Leodis McKelvin made some nice tackles and seemed stronger than I’d seen him in previous seasons. John McCargo played like a first round pick, albeit late in the game against Washington’s reserves, as he made two tackles for a loss (one sack). I thought OLB Chris Ellis made a couple of nice plays in space defending passes, showing promise in his position switch from defensive end. Shawn Nelson made a nice block on a Joique Bell run, as both reserve RBs Bell and Chad Simpson made some nice runs late in the game.

Remember Bills’ fans, it’s just preseason, and the Bills are just trying to make progress this year, not compete for championships. In case you forget, they may provide some harsh reminders.

http://buffalowdown.com/2010/08/13/the-good-the-bad-and-all-the-ugly-in-game-one-of-preseason/

I'm not going to focus on the negatives. There were a lot of them. It was a bad game. You don't have to be a rocket scientist or even watch football to realize that the Bills played a pathetic game.

So instead of repeating the negatives over and over again as so many Bills fans and media members will do leading up to Thursday, I thought I would post some positive things I saw. Not that there were many.

Our running game is going to be good this year. Despite horrific pass blocking by Chambers, the interior line wasn't awful. Wood instantly makes them better. By a huge margin. Others may disagree with me, but I felt that Meredith had one hell of a night. He played a lot of snaps and, correct me if I am wrong, didn't let up a sack or QB hit. (The hits on QB that I saw and the main pressures came from the right side of the line.) I felt that the line opened up some holes and even on some plays where there was a breakdown in blocking, the running backs got free. I think if you put our healthy starters in on the line our run blocking and pass blocking gets a little better. Specifically the run blocking. Our backs are talented too. They're going to get their yards. It's sad that we'll only be able to keep 3-4 of them. Simpson and Bell looked excellent. Particularly Simpson on a few plays. I had no idea he was that fast.

Edwards threw it deep. That's a good sign. He over threw it a bit, but I felt that had Johnson put on a burst of speed to chase it down he would have scored. Had that been Evans going after it, he probably would have caught it. Evans seems to thrive at chasing down the slightly overthrown deep ball once he has separation. Ie. Losman.

Troup had some solid plays. Especially against the run. I thought he did an excellent job of strafing the line a few times taking up two blockers. He had a few busted plays, but I liked it for a first showing.

Maybin. It's kind of hard to put him down as a positive, because even though he had some good plays he has some really bad ones. His problem is that he has one rush. The speed rush. He doesn't have any counter moves. The one time he spun inside and rip moved his guy he gets a sack. He got thrown to the ground at least twice that I saw. But, there were times that he was right on the QB. He seemed to run up field a lot, but the few plays he slowed it down a bit he was right in the QBs face. I think with some coaching (and added muscle) he could contribute as a situational rusher this year. But he has yet to show he can be an every down guy. (Although there was one run play he read perfectly. He got through the line, saw it was a run. Broke down, kept his shoulders square and moved down the line for an assisted tackle. Gain of a yard on the play.)

David Nelson. He will make this team. It's going to be hard to say no to this kid. He has great size and hands, and shows some speed. I'm not just putting him down here because of the TD. There were a few catches and routes that were nice from him. Even when he didn't get the ball I was trying to watch him. I did a lot of rewinding and fast forwarding.

All in all, it wasn't pretty. The QB play was down right awful (to say the least. Edwards had a few good plays then plenty bad ones and Fitzpatrick's first few series were a clinic on how NOT to play football), our defense was disturbingly bad (Even our secondary had breakdowns), our special teams made big time errors and our linebacker depth was disappointing.

But I think once you put players like Poz, Wood, Green and Bell into the mix you'll see a little better pass protection (if only slightly better) and Poz is much better than Mitchell or Ellison or whoever that was making some pretty big mistakes inside.

We're not going to the playoffs this year, but I don't think this game was a 100% indication of how the season will turn out.

We've got a lot of work to do though.

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=194438

 

JETS

His head was pounding when he made one request to the cameraman a few feet away: "Can you please turn off the light?"

Antonio Cromartie stood in the nearly empty locker room after the Jets' preseason opener on Monday night, towel over his head, battling a migraine and speaking softly about his impressive debut with his new team. For two quarters, Cromartie flashed the skills that made him an instant star as a rookie in San Diego in 2006. He blanketed receivers and showed flashes of why the Jets traded for him in the offseason.

"It's a great defense," the cornerback said in the aftermath of the Jets' 31-16 preseason loss to the Giants. "I'm just trying to come in and help out as much as I can. I feel comfortable in this defense. Coach (Rex) Ryan and (defensive backs) Coach (Dennis) Thurman are building the confidence in me. I've accepted the role they've given me."

For now, that means filling the void left by holdout Darrelle Revis. Cromartie has embraced playing in Revis' left corner spot after spending the majority of his career on the opposite side. His transition has been seamless during training camp. Monday night, Cromartie effectively shut down Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks in the first half, allowing just one completion for 13 yards.

Revis Island may be closed for business these days, but Al-Cro-Traz is fast becoming a tourist attraction.

"To watch him play, you have to get excited for the regular season," safety Jim Leonhard said.

Cromartie was hardly perfect though. He missed an open-field tackle on Ahmad Bradshaw and dropped a couple sure interceptions, prompting Ryan to joke, "We're not getting our money's worth."

Despite the throbbing headache, Cromartie got an earful from his teammates. Bart Scott cracked that he was going to buy a Jugs Machine to help the fourth-year pro improve his catching skills.

"I told him he should have been out there playing with his glasses on," linebacker Calvin Pace said. "It's rare that you're going to find a rangy cornerback like that. It was a great pickup for us. He's going to make our job up front a lot easier. I love playing with him."

Cromartie appears ideally suited for Ryan's aggressive schemes. He looked right at home on Monday playing man-to-man coverage.

"It's just a fresh start for him," Pace said. "It's the environment and attitude we have about having fun. Guys buy into that. It takes your enjoyment up to another level. It's crazy. But you don't hear fun preached a lot in this league. You would think that would be said more. With Rex, we work, but it's a loose group."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/f...cromartie_cornering_market.html#ixzz0x08Lf6so

 

BILLS

A performance

David Nelsons WR- His performance was extremely good for such low expectations. Coming from a team like Florida being 6-5 and goin undrafted is a hard thing to do but he looked more like a top 2 round pick out there.

John McCargo DE- He was probably the most consitent player on our team for once. Normally and extremely inconsistant player but showed up

Chris Ellis OLB- Now i have to say this is an extreme surprise for people but I DID keep a close eye on Ellis and wow he stood out. Hes not going to be our primary pass rusher but he does do alot of little things and I dont think I saw his number once when a completion was made

Chad Simpson and Joque Bell- These 2 stood out more than anyone. Both are extremely quick and I cant wait to see them taking 2nd-3rd snaps

I will show my Bs later or tomorrow



B performers

The whole OL- Every player on the OL did very well. There was 2-3 QB pressures that were at least overall noticeable which is very good for a preseason game. Merideth should start imo

Drayton Florence and McGee- Both did very well covering there man and was never really in on a play which is good, i may have to watch the game again but overall they seemed to play very well

Kyle Williams- This guy is great, not just because hes very good at football but because he can do whatever he wants. It doesnt matter if hes DT, NT, LE, RE, ILB, P, he will excell. He has so much will to win its amazing

Torrell Troup- 1st off id like to say, this guy is alot bigger than i thought. He looks like a space eater which I didnt think he would at 6-4 315. He is like a chubby stroud which is good. But about his play, he just doesnt move at all, which is great, he took on some double teams and overall did very nice.

Steve Johnson- He had 1 catch, but i have to put him here cuz if trent didnt over throw him he would be listed as an A so the seperation he got was great and I hope our QB hits him next time a shot like that comes around

Donald Jones- Now not spectacular but he does look like a decent 7th reciever to stick around. He didnt get lost in the WRs and actually had the 2nd best recieving game. Id say let him see some 4 wide action and maybe who knows

Dwan Edwards- I didnt know how much a 3-4 LE can actually be recognized but he was in on alot of plays and he made his presense felt every time he was in there. Him, Stroud, and Williams did wonders friday

Cs are just solid, no explainations just who were solid

Ryan Fitzpatrick
Corey Mac
Marshawn Lynch
Aaron Maybin
Jairus Byrd
Fred Jackson
CJ Spiller
Lee Evans
Roscoe Parrish
Andre Davis
Reggie Torbor
Kawika Mitchell
George Wilson
And others lol, who ever is not mentioned on abdf is on here basically

Ds

Leodis McKelvin- Come on man, wtf. He really does piss me off lately. He just isnt that good it seems, i understand its just preseason but hes our Losman at CB. Way inconsistant

Naaman Roosevelt- So many expectations, playing against the last string defense on washington and couldnt do jack squat. As much as people want him to succeed, i have my money on Nelson, Jackson, and Jones

Donte Whitner- Ok, your yearly big hit is over, now cover someone damn donte. Your always 2 seconds to late in a millasecond game

Ellis la la la lanks st st ster- Sorry, i usually love him but his one chance to do something usefull yesterday and he fumbles. It wouldnt of been so bad if it wasnt for the fact that our team was finally getting momentum

Levi Brown- Im pulling for him i really am but he was very average, but on a bright side i loved how his 1st play he went deep. I think he was figuring, wtf this may be my only pass today, mind as well throw one up there. The int was very bad but once again at least he threw it farther than 2 yds

F

Reggie Corner- I cant stand him, i really hate everything about how he plays and how people think hes better than he really is. I play QB, so I watch alot about how CBs react and im always looking for the player who is covering the reciever when a reception is made. I wish I kept a number cuz i can almost guarentee that at least 6/10 times i see reggie "**** how do I play" corner running his little 27 *** to make a tackle after he messed up. He gave up 2 TDs, and the one at the 2 was horrible, he had perfect coverage and it was like he wanted to INT the ball and at last second was like not bat, and missed it completely. WOW

Arthur Moats- I dont want to rag on him to much cuz he is a late round rookie in his 1st game, but he cant cover, he needs to get a 50 or 90 number cuz he looks really stupid running around with a DBs number when he cant cover

Trent Edwards- If I had an account on here at the end of the season he would of gotten a F for the year, and nothing changed about him so F it remains. How come he does so well in practice and so bad in games? It makes no sense to me, is our D really than un intiminating in practice

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=194592

The Buffalo Bills have already lost running back Fred Jackson and wide receiver David Nelson for the remainder of the pre-season, according to reports. You can add free safety Jairus Byrd's name to that list, as well.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey revealed Wednesday that Byrd underwent surgery on a groin injury that plagued him throughout the 2009 season, which puts him out indefinitely. His status for the season opener is very much in doubt, though no exact timetable has yet been set for his return. WGR 550 has the details.

Byrd missed the early portions of 2009 training camp due to the same sports hernia injury; it bothered him throughout his record-setting rookie season, ending it prematurely. He had off-season surgery on what was diagnosed as a torn labrum in his hip, which limited his availability throughout the team's spring practices. However, the injury reportedly continued to bother him into training camp.

George Wilson will start at free safety as long as Byrd is out of the lineup.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/18/1630335/groin-surgery-sidelines-bills-fs

 

PATRIOTS

With Pro Bowler Logan Mankins holding out and the Nick Kaczur's back a potential season-long issue, the Patriots were in the market for an offensive guard.

The man they picked up, former Oklahoma standout Brian Simmons, is as surprising a choice as there could be.

You see Simmons, a 6-4, 315 pound former defensive tackle who played in 42 games for the Sooners at left and right guard, has a clubfoot. He wasn't invited to the Combine and despite plenty of hype surrounding him, wasn't drafted. As his mother explained in an sad email used by David Ubben on ESPN's Big 12 blog , her son's clubfoot had landed him on the NFL reject list.

A clubfoot, according to WebMD , is a deformity that occurs in the tendons of the foot prior to birth. The tendons force the foot to turn downward and inward towards the other foot. It may result in the foot, especially after the heel, being smaller than the other foot. To correct the issue, the foot is often broken and placed in a cast to re-shape it.

According to Brandon George's article in the Dallas Morning News, Simmons wears a size 17.5 shoe on his left foot and a size 16 on his right.

George's article, written in August of 2007, notes that Simmons has had his right foot broken and re-set a staggering 16 times during surgeries.

With thousands of prospects to grade, NFL teams rely on sharing medical information. It is one of the primary reasons for the development of the Scouting Combine as we now know it. By being placed on the reject list, Simmons had virtually no shot at getting as much as a workout from an NFL team despite the fact that other professional athletes, including Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, have beaten clubfoot to enjoy productive careers.

Simmons was an often-used backup for much of his career, but a knee injury robbed him of five games during his senior campaign -- the only year in which he started at Oklahoma. Playing next to Trent Williams for much of the time, Simmons' athleticism and balance stands out on film. He proved at his Pro Day (the official Oklahoma Pro Day March 9, not Sam Bradford's throwing session March 29) that he was a legitimate draftable athlete at guard -- especially considering the relatively weak crop of talent that was available this year. Simmons measured in at 6-4 1/4, 315 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash between 5.19-5.26. He was timed at 4.75 in the short shuttle, 7.61 in the 3-cone and posted a 28" vertical jump and a 8-10" broad jump. I was disappointed, if not surprised, when Simmons wasn't drafted or immediately signed as a high priority free agent.

Fortunately for Simmons (and potentially the Patriots), New England elected to roll the dice Sunday and gave the former Sooner a shot

http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/23965805

 

yeah the injuries keep coming to buffalo might throw a couple hundred on the under for them seasonwise

 

arguably the worst team in football and probably 0-6 within their own division. means they have to win 6 out of 10 outside of the division. dont see it happening

 

Poor offensive line and worse QB. Rookie midget RB. Not a good combo, easy pickins, even for the Jesters. All AFC East teams go through it at some point. Its their turn to have our 2007 season

 

PATRIOTS

Even though Aaron Hernandez only has two preseason games on his professional resume, it’s clear the Patriots have never had a pass-catcher this unique.

Thus far, the Florida product has displayed a preternatural ability in New England’s passing game. The rookie tight end, who had four catches for a team-high 46 yards and a touchdown in Thursday’s 28-10 preseason victory over the Falcons in Atlanta (click here for the complete recap), continues to flash an amazingly versatile skill set. On Thursday against the Falcons, he was lined up in no fewer than four different spots — fullback, split wide, in the slot and flush against the tackles — on the field, and ended up playing 42 snaps.

The highlight of the evening for the 6-foot-2, 245-pound tight end (who will cause all sorts of matchup problems this year for opposing defenses with his size, speed, soft hands and versatility) came when he caught his first touchdown pass as a Patriot late in the second quarter. On a third-down situation in the Atlanta red zone (New England was on the Falcons’ 4), Brady found him in the back of the end zone with a laser. Atlanta linebacker Sean Witherspoon looked foolish trying to keep up with Hernandez, who not only turned him inside out but had the presence of mind to tip-toe along the back of the end zone and hold on to the football. The touchdown gave the Patriots a 14-3 lead, and was the final ball Tom Brady would throw all evening.

For a team that, A) struggled to find the tight end in the passing game all last year, and, B) struggled offensively in the red zone all last year, it was a sight for sore eyes for New England football fans.

It was also part of another impressive night for New England’s tight ends. Rob Gronkowski added a touchdown of his own, a 24-yard catch from Brian Hoyer in the second half. (Early on, Gronkowski did appear to be the one who missed a block that almost got Fred Taylor smooshed, but other than that, he had a fine night, finishing with four catches for 38 yards.) And Alge Crumpler had a terrific block on Taylor’s first-half touchdown run that helped the running back cut loose for a 28-yarder to the end zone.

“Alge’s clearly the most experienced,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “Rob and Aaron both have shown flashes of good things. They’ve got a ways to go, but I think they’re working hard and making progress.”

Here are nine other things we learned Thursday night:

It is hard not to be amazed at what Wes Welker has accomplished

Almost eight months after tearing up his left knee in Houston, Welker didn’t get the start in his first game back (the Patriots opened in a three tight-end set for the second straight preseason game), but was heavily involved in the first drive of the night, a 12-play 80-yard sequence that ended with a New England touchdown. He was in for six snaps, and ended the night with two catches for 20 yards.

When it came to contact, he was able to absorb a nasty hit on a screen that was blown up Atlanta defensive back Christopher Owens. Owens neatly avoided a block from Randy Moss and really crunched Welker. But the receiver popped up after the hit, looking no worse for wear.

“The big thing was to get him in there, let him play a little bit. We talked about it this week and it was kind of the next step him for and he felt good about it so we put him in there,” Belichick said of Welker. “Nobody works harder than Wes. He's as competitive and as hard working a player as we've had, and we've had a lot of them. But I'd put him right up there with all of them.”

For Welker, the milestone of returning game action was significant, but he was quick to remind people that there is still work that needs to be done.

“I mean, it’s a step forward,” Welker told reporters after the game. “I don’t know if we’re all there yet or anything like that, but it’s a step forward and we got some plays out there and got some contact, which I haven’t had before. And it was good to have out there.”

After two preseason games, Tom Brady is about where you would expect him to be

On the heels of a 17-snap performance in the preseason opener against the Saints in which he went 5-for-8 for 67 yards, Brady was able to build on that with another good outing against the Falcons. On Thursday, he was 10-for-12 for 85 yards a touchdown and a shining 124 quarterback rating. (His only two incompletions came on the Welker screen and a deep ball to Moss that might have been a missed pass interference call.) He took 24 snaps and helped engineer a pair of scoring drives, one that ended with a rushing touchdown and another and another that culminated in a 4-yard scoring strike to Hernandez in the second quarter.

Brady spread the ball around nicely, targeting seven different receivers over the first quarter-plus of action and hitting with Welker, Hernandez and Randy Moss for two receptions each. (Kevin Faulk, Julian Edelman, Sammy Morris and Gronkowski caught one ball each from Brady). But it was his early connections with No. 83 that set the tone. The quarterback allowed the returning receiver to get his feet wet (Welker’s two catches were on his first two snaps of the game) while developing a nice rhythm for the rest of the offense.

There was one black mark on his evening — midway through the second quarter and with the Patriots in the middle of an 11-play, 63-yard drive that would end with the touchdown pass to Hernandez, Brady was introduced to Falcons third-year defensive lineman Kroy Biermann, who sacked him on third-and-4. Brady pump-faked after seeing Welker was covered over the middle, and before he could get another chance, both he and the ball were on the ground. While teammate Stephen Neal recovered the fumble (and the Patriots were able to eventually score), it was the only thing that marred an otherwise impressive night for the quarterback. As for next week against St. Louis, look for another 10-15 snaps from Brady in what will almost certainly be his final appearance before Week 1 of the regular season.

It was a very impressive night for the New England offense in general: Under Brady's control, the Pats were efficient and balanced — of New England’s first 26 offensive plays, there were 13 runs and 13 passes. The offense had the ball for nine series and finished with four touchdowns. And even when the Patriots weren’t scoring, they were taking time off the clock — four of the drives went nine plays or more. They were 11-for-17 for 65 percent on third-down conversions, and finished with 299 total net yards.

Dan Connolly is now officially The Man at left guard

Not that there was any question heading into Thursday night, but the Patriots offensive line now appears to be locked in, with Dan Connolly settling into Logan Mankins’ left guard spot. (Anything is possible, of course — Mankins and the Patriots could reach an agreement. But let’s just say no one is holding their breath.) Filling out the rest of the line is Matt Light (left tackle), Dan Koppen (center), Stephen Neal (right guard) and Sebastian Vollmer (right tackle).

As for Connolly, he had a solid night, running with the starting offense for the second straight preseason game at left guard (he even took a snap at fullback for good measure) and coming out of the game late in the first half with the rest of the starters. In the end, Connolly wasn’t Mankins, but he more than held his own against Atlanta’s No. 1 defense, with perhaps his finest moment coming when he led the way on a Kevin Faulk first-down carry in the first quarter. And he was part of an offensive line that imposed its will on the Falcons with a powerful running game, as the Patriots rolled up 120 rushing yards on the evening.

As a group, there were a few miscommunications along the offensive line, but in all, the linemen allowed the offense to do its job. And as for Connolly, there will be another test for him next week against the Rams. It remains to be seen how he could hold up over a 16-game season against some of the more physical AFC teams on New England’s schedule (Steelers, Ravens and Jets), but so far, he’s done well.

When it comes to the Patriots’ use of running backs this preseason, a pattern is emerging

In the wake of the Week 1 victory over the Saints — when BenJarvus Green-Ellis got the call and played most of the evening — no one was quite sure what to make of the running back depth chart. But now, two weeks in, it appears a clear pattern is starting to emerge. New England is giving each running back a sizable chunk of playing time, using them as a de facto feature back for about a half or so in an attempt to get them as much run as possible.

On Thursday, it was Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris who got the bulk of the work. Taylor got the start and carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards in the first half. Morris was the man in the second half, rumbling for 52 yards on just six carries. (Morris finished with an eye-popping 8.7 yards per carry. It came mostly against Atlanta’s No. 2 defense, but it was still a very impressive performance nonetheless.) In all, the running backs accounted for 4.8 yards per carry.

“I think all the backs ran pretty well tonight,” Belichick told reporters after the game. “Fred, when he hit that draw, bounced through there. All the backs had long runs I think at one point or another, so that's good to see. … Fred's had a good camp. He's been out there every day, and he's worked hard. I think he's in good condition and it looks like he can still run the ball.”

Both ended with touchdowns. Taylor’s score was impressive on a number of levels — there was a crushing block delivered by Alge Crumpler, Taylor beat his man to the corner and almost walked into the end zone, a 28-yard run that put New England on top, 7-3 midway through the first quarter. Morris had a 20-yard touchdown run midway through the third when he went straight up the middle on a draw play and dashed untouched into the end zone. A really nice way to end the night for a pair of veteran backs.

On paper, this would seem to suggest that Laurence Maroney — who really hasn’t gotten much of a chance thus far (eight carries through two games, all in Week 1 against the Saints) — is next in line for his chance next week against the Rams.

Brandon Spikes is starting to seize command of the inside linebacker spot opposite Jerod Mayo

After the first week of preseason, there was some question as to whether or not Spikes’ workload at inside linebacker next to Jerod Mayo was the result of the coaches’ desire to see more of Spikes in action or a commentary on what they thought of Tyrone McKenzie. But after another week where there was plenty of Spikes (our unscientific count had him at 27 snaps in the first half — as was the case against the Saints, he left the field on third-and-long situations), it’s clear the Florida product is making his case to be the starter next to Mayo when Week 1 rolls around.

McKenzie did see time in the second half, and showed a knack for getting after the ball when Ron Brace forced a fumble and McKenzie scooped it up. But it’s clear that the positional battle between Spikes, McKenzie and Guyton (who is still sidelined with a knee injury) for the inside linebacker spot opposite Mayo is turning into no contest, at least at this point of the preseason.

Against the Falcons, Spikes had three tackles and showed a good ability to read and react to the action in front of him. He and Mayo seemed to be dropping into coverage — the Patriots were giving Atlanta a large area of real estate about 10-12 yards from the line of scrimmage just over the middle. It’ll be interesting to see how much of that was specific to this week’s game plan and if that’s a statement on their abilities to go back on the ball. Just something that bears watching.

Ron Brace and Derrick Burgess started well but are still going to need to play catch-up

The two defenders who weren’t in the mix at this time last week were got their first taste of preseason action against the Falcons. Burgess started at his old outside linebacker/defensive end position, while Brace rotated into the game in the second half as part of the defensive line. Burgess had no tackles in limited action.

“I think Derrick’s got a lot of experience, but I think it was good to get him back in the action. He had a good week, but he's got a long way to go,” Belichick said. “He's got a lot of ground to make up. He made up some of it this week, hopefully he can make up some more next week. I know he's working hard at it and I'm not worried about that. It’s just [that] there's no substitute for snaps and reps in practices and games. He'll get more of them, and I think he still needs them.”

As for Brace, he had three tackles, with his finest moment coming late in the third quarter when he delivered a hit on Atlanta’s Dimitri Nance that knocked the ball loose. Tyrone McKenzie scooped up the loose ball, the second turnover of the game for the Falcons. (Five plays later, the Patriots cashed in when Brian Hoyer found Gronkowski on a 24-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-3.)

As things stand, even with their relatively late starts, both Burgess and Brace will almost certainly get big opportunities to contribute this season. It remains to be seen what they do with the chances.

It’s hard to get a read on just where the pass-rushing capabilities of this team are right now

In Burgess’ first game back, there were times where he looked a bit overwhelmed, and New England had just one sack on the night. With Tully Banta-Cain not making the trip, the fact remains that the best pass rushers on this team still have to get some more game reps as a group before you can assess whether or not they are better than last year’s collection. And that includes rookie Jermaine Cunningham, who missed his second consecutive preseason game on Thursday with an undisclosed injury.

On Thursday, the Patriots had three quarterback hurries and a sack, with backup outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich being the only Patriot to get to an Atlanta quarterback — he hit Falcons backup quarterback John Parker Wilson midway through the fourth quarter for a 6-yard loss. Some surprising names have come through here and there (Marques Murrell in Week 1 against the Saints, Myron Pryor had a nice pressure on Thursday against the Falcons). But until that unit is out there as a group consistently, there will still be questions about what sort of impact they will have in 2010.

The coverage units — the only really subpar part of New England’s special teams in Week 1 against the Saints — improved over the week

The only bad thing about New England’s special teams performance in the season-opener was a 97-yard kickoff return from New Orleans’ Larry Beavers. Other than that, it was a very good evening across the board. On Thursday against the Falcons, whatever coverage problems the Patriots had were rectified, as New England did not allow a big play on special teams, limiting Atlanta’s average starting field position to its own 21-yard line.

Unlike Week 1, when Devin McCourty had a pair of kick returns go for at least 50 yards and Julian Edelman had a 40-yard punt return, there were no big-time returns for the Patriots. However, punter Zoltan Mesko continues to impress, dropping two of his four punts on the night inside the 20-yard line (of his nine punts in two preseason games, five have landed inside the 20) and finishing with an average of 42.8 yards per punt. (Atlanta could only return one punt for minus-7 yards.) And against the Falcons, Stephen Gostkowski was 4-for-4 on extra points and delivered three touchbacks.

Other than Atlanta kicker Michael Koenen, whose three kickoffs all went into the end zone for touchbacks, New England’s special teams performance stood in marked contrast to the Falcons, who made some bad mistakes at bad times with the game still in doubt. Early in the second quarter, Atlanta’s Matt Bryant missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. And Gostkowski missed a 41-yard field goal attempt midway through the second, but Atlanta’s Chevis Jackson was called for roughing the kicker. Given new life, the Patriots punched it in for a touchdown three plays later.

Look for more joint practices in the future

The series of joint practices the Patriots have held over the last two weeks have been immensely beneficial to the team for several reasons, not the least of which is that it’s provided a break from the traditional dog days of camp. It’s shaken things up, the team has had the chance to break from its normal routine and the coaching staff and front office has had a chance to pick the brains of other teams.

Of course, it helps that the Patriots won both games, but in the long run, the chance to just be on the field with another team at this time of year can be a tremendous teaching tool for the players and coaches.

“Just being on the field with the Saints last week was interesting, just watching their guys work, their coaches, their drills, their operation,” Belichick said prior to the game. “It’s something we haven’t done in a while and it is interesting to see what another team does, just even simple things.”



http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/f...-things-we-learned-thursday-night-he?page=0,3

 

BILLS

It was Day 16 of Buffalo Bills Training Camp on Saturday afternoon. It was also the first practice back after the preseason win against the Colts. As expected, the team came out in shorts and shoulder pads and worked at about half speed, as it was basically a walk-thru for the players. Coach Gailey also shortened the practice by about 45 minutes. The quarterbacks rotation continued with Trent Edwards getting a majority of the snaps while Brian Brohm and Ryan Fitzpatrick split the backup reps in half. Levi Brown got the leftovers. As for the the rest of the players, Gailey gave more time to the special teamers to work on their drills and more time was spent on the individual drills with some 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 mixed in.

The players began strolling out onto the field by 3:30pm and practice began at about 3:45pm. As always, the team spent a ton of time on individual drills. I focused on the defensive backs. George Wilson shined out there and caught everything thrown his way during the pass catching drills. On the negative side, Reggie Corner struggled to catch the passes from the jugs machine and looked a bit slow. Terrence McGee also continued his solid camp as he caught all the "passes" and looked good in coverage drills too. Ashton Youboty also showed good hands and caught everything "thrown" to him. During the individual drills, Coach Gailey also gave extra time for the special teams to work on their drills and the fundamentals.

After the horn sounded, the team went to work on some 11-on-11. Trent Edwards got a huge majority of the snaps with the full squad while Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm and Levi Brown all lined up at center 3 times. CJ Spiller started it off with a run up the middle for 4 yards, followed by a nice 7-yard run where he plowed thru the middle. On the next play, the defense stuffed Spiller at the line. He made up for it after that with a run around the left tackle for 5-yards. Joique Bell came in next and ran around the right tackle for 6-yards. Trent Edwards then finished the series off with a beautiful 70-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans who flew ahead of Drayton Florence. Chad Simpson came in with the backups and ran up the middle for 3-yards and then 5-yards. Ryan Fitzpatrick then threw a 12-yard pass to Michael Matthews.

Brian Brohm came in next and handed the ball off to Andre Anderson who was stuffed at the line. Chad Simpson got the ball next and ran up the middle for 4-yards. Joique Bell then came back and ran up the middle for 5-yards. The starters then came back and CJ Spiller was stuffed immediately by Marcus Stroud and George Wilson. On the next play, Spiller ran up the middle for 4-yards. He then ran around the left tackle for 8-yards to finish the series. Levi Brown then came in and handed the ball off to Joique Bell who showed off his speed and ran for about 12-yards. Andre Anderson then came back and ran around the left tackle for 9-yards. Levi Brown then finished the series off with an 18-yard pass to Chad Jackson.

The horn sounded and then the line split up from the rest of the players as the offense worked on the 7-on-7 drill. Trent Edwards started the drill off with a 6-yard pass to Steve Johnson. However, on the next play, Edwards threw it right to Drayton Florence, who dropped it. Edwards then threw an 18-yard pass to Chad Jackson, who made a nice catch. On the next play, Edwards hit Jonathan Stupar for 5-yards. He then connected with Steve Johnson who showed good hands on a 9-yard pass. Edwards finished the series off with a 4-yard pass to Chad Jackson. Ryan Fitzpatrick came in next and hit Steve Johnson for 11-yards and then Donald Jones for 7-yards. He then threw an 8-yard pass to Lee Evans. On the next play, Fitzpatrick threw a nice 50-yard bomb to Chad Jackson. He then hit Aaron Rhea for 8-yards. Fitzpatrick finished the series off by overthrowing Roscoe Parrish.

The starters came back onto the field and Trent Edwards immediately connected with Roscoe Parrish for 7-yards. He then threw a 12-yard pass to Chad Jackson. On the next play, Edwards found Lee Evans, but he dropped it. Edwards then hit Roscoe Parrish in stride for at least 20-yards. On the last play of the series, Edward lobbed a pass and it was intercepted by Donte Whitner. Brian Brohm then came out and threw at Roscoe Parrish's feet. He then found Steve Johnson for 9-yards. Brohm then connected with Parrish for 7-yards. On the next play, Steve Johnson got tripped up and the ball sailed over his head. Brohm then hit Jonathan Stupar for 13-yards. Brohm then threw a 10-yard pass to Donald Jones to finish the drill.

The team then got back together to work on some more 11-on-11 drills. Trent Edwards started it off with a 5-yard pass to Jonathan Stupar. CJ Spiller then ran up the middle for 3-yards. Edwards then overthrew Lee Evans. Spiller got the ball again and ran up the middle for 6-yards. Chad Simpson then got his chance and was stopped after 2-yards. Edwards finished the series off with a 7-yard pass to Chad Jackson. Ryan Fitzpatrick then came in and felt a ton of pressure from Alex Carrington. Chad Simpson then ran behind a huge hole made by Kirk Chambers for a gain of 8-yards. Joique Bell then got a chance and ran behind the left guard for 5-yards. Aaron Maybin then flew into the backfield and would have sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick. Joique Bell then ran up the middle for 4-yards. Fitzpatrick finished the series off with a 6-yard pass to Chad Jackson who made a nice leaping catch.

Trent Edwards came back onto the field and dumped off to CJ Spiller for 2-yards. On the next play, Edwards would have been sacked by Chris Kelsay. Edwards then hit Naaman Roosevelt for 3-yards. He then overthrew Donald Jones. Joique Bell then carried the ball and ran up the middle for 4-yards. Trent Edwards then decided to keep the ball and ran for 20-yards. Brian Brohm came in next and started out with a horrible low snap by Christian Gaddis. He then handed it off to Bell who ran around the left tackle for 5-yards. On the next play, Brohm felt major pressure from Chris Ellis, but got the ball to Steve Johnson for 20-yards. Chad Simpson then ran up the middle for 7-yards. Andre Anderson then got the ball and ran around the left tackle for 8-yards. Brohm finished the series off by finding Jonathan Stupar, but Lydell Sargeant got his hand on it and forced the incompletion.

The starting offense came back and worked on a 1-minute drill to finish the day. Trent Edwards hit Roscoe Parrish for 6-yards. He then felt pressure from Aaron Maybin and threw it away. On the next play, Edwards overthrew Steve Johnson. He then connected with Donald Jones for 5-yards. On the next play, Edwards threw the ball right to Reggie Corner who would have been gone for the touchdown, but he dropped it. Edwards then felt major pressure when both Chris Ellis and Aaron Maybin got into the backfield, so he threw it away. Edwards then connected with Roscoe Parrish for 2-yards to end the drill.

Extra Points:

1. It looks like Steve Johnson has a challenger for the #2 receiver job. After two solid games, Chad Jackson is kicking it up a notch in camp and made quite a few catches right in the middle of the field. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win the job, after Steve Johnson disappeared in pre-season so far.

2. Chad Simpson is another player that won't leave without a fight. He's showed really good speed and the ability to plow thru people in the 11-on-11 drills. Plus he can also return kicks and is a solid special teamer. I love Joique Bell, but both players are having a solid camp. I wouldn't be surprised to see Simpson win a roster spot based on his special teams play. But letting Bell hit the waivers is a bad idea. He'd get scooped up instantly.

3. Another diamond in the rough is Antonio Coleman. He's been getting more reps each day at camp and has also worked as a starter. If the Bills decide to save salary, I could see Kelsay getting released in favor of Coleman.

4. George Wilson is my last player to keep an eye on. He had a great day, making several "tackles" and also showed excellent hands during the individual drills. Sure we'll miss Jairus Byrd when he's out, but I don't think you'll see that much of a different. Wilson is a solid player. He's also a great guy, signing autographs and chatting with the fans many times at camp. I'm glad he's on the team. And to think, he used to be a Wide Receiver several years ago.

5. Only negative that I have today is Reggie Corner. Sure he made lots of pass deflections, but he has been badly burned in the pre-season games and has hands of stone. I was surprised how many times he missed the ball in the individual drills. He also dropped at least one sure fire interception. Hopefully he can pick it up before it's too late.

Overall, it was a quiet day at St. John Fisher College. It actually felt a bit like the Dick Jauron training camp because of how little action there was on the field. But that's to be expected after a tough game on Thursday night against the Colts

http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/2010/08/21/billszone_training_camp_report_8212010.php

Just a few things:

1) Cornell Green blocked like an all-pro on the long TD throw. Go back and watch the job he did on Mathis. He blew the block on Mathis when Trent got hit on the 2nd series. Mathis made an inside move.

2) Lankster had a bad night. I still want the guy on this roster, and it looked to me like Gailey bumped him up on the depth chart in favor of Corner. But, he may be headed back down after this game. With our DB's having problems, moving one of them may be a bad move.

3) Joique Bell makes one of our top RB's expendable. He makes this team. He's a good looking RB. A move may not happen before the trade deadline, because of the injuries. But if they both come back healthy, and Bell is on this roster, either Lynch or Jackson may get moved.

4) Parrish is looking more comfortable as a WR. I think hes turned the corner with his confidence.

5) Kyle Williams is an assett to this team. He is just a nasty, fiery, road grader who gives you constant high effort. If your a fan of the big ugly's, you gotta love this guy. He gets off blocks, and shows very good quickness in this game.

6) Our front 3 guys on the DL are solid.

7) Poz had a questionable night. He looked tentative and clueless.

8) Whitner completely blew his tackle on the long TD run.

9) Florence, with 3 holding penalties may be supplanted by McKelvin who had a good night.

10) Dehaven needs to get to work. An illegal wedge? Doesnt he know thats a penalty? It was obviously called and coached that way. Tackling was poor and they still arent staying in their lanes.

11) Brohm was sharp. He didn't make any stellar plays, but he kept the chains moving and threw the ball with good velocity and accuracy.

12) We continue toget pressure on the QB. However, it seems all our rushers only have a bull rush move and they get contained just enough to prevent the sack. We really dont have any finesse rushers with an array of moves.

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=194701

 

JETS

Quarterbacks: F

Mark Sanchez: 5/10, 12 yards
Mark Brunell: 3/7, 2 yards
Kellen Clemens: 4/6, 32 yards
Kevin O’Connell: 0/3, 0 yards

They didn’t allow any turnovers. Thus ends the positives that can be said about this squad. The offensive possessions were so short, you would think they were
going “TWO and out.” Passes were too high, too low, too far in front, too far behind, too early, too late, too…. everything. This report goes to show that you don’t
necessarily have to throw the ball away to fail in the report card. Kellen Clemens was his usual self tonight which, hilariously, made him the best QB to hit the field
New York.

Running Backs: D-

Shonn Greene: 6 carries, 10 yards
Ladanian Tomlinson: 3 carries, 26 yards
Chauncey Washington: 8 carries, 19 yards, 1 fumble
Danny Woodhead: 8 carries, 19 yards
John Conner: 1 carry, 2 yards
Joe McKnight: 11 carries, 28 yards

The running backs were stuck in molasses all night. They just couldn’t get that ball past the line of scrimmage. Tomlinson was the only bright spot, and the
only thing standing in between this unit and an “F”.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C-

The wide receivers and tight ends just couldn’t make the big plays tonight. A quarterback with time to throw, and a quarterback who could actually
deliver it to them would have helped. Cumberland (TE) led receivers with…. 19 yards. I wish I could give this unit a “N/A”

Offensive Line: F

The first team offensive line looked weak early, surrendering two sacks in the 1st quarter. The backups looked even worse. It’s hard to imagine
a more lackluster performance than this.

Defensive Line: B+

The defensive line stuffed the run and applied pressure well in both halves. They faltered for a bit here and there, but they never broke down entirely. Most importantly, they kept Carolina out of the endzone.

Secondary: A-

For the most part, the Jets secondary was stingy against the pass. Jim Leonhard registered a sack and an interception. Marquice Cole grabbed an interception that practically sealed the game.

Special Teams: A+

Special teams was all over the place. You can’t get a better showing than this. Nick Folk was perfect on 3 field goals, McKnight had a punt return to the Carolina 10, there were 2 fumble recoveries on punts. Did I miss anything?

Coaching: N/A. No rating for coaching in the preseason.

http://www.jetnation.com/2010/08/22/new-york-jets-report-card-preseason-game-2/

Gholston (My Lord, he looked like a football player)
Kenwin Cummings (covered ground and laid some hits)
Jamaal Westerman (prediction - he will be starting opposite Pace in 2011 - you heard it here first)
Marquice Cole (this guy should absolutely be kept over Drew Coleman if it comes down to those two for one spot)Brodney Pool (I like this guy's range)
Nick Folk (we finally have a kicker who can kick off into the end zone consistently - and so far, so good with the FG accuracy)
Joe McKnight (ran a little harder and the punt return was pretty)
Chauncey Washington (great punt coverage hit and ran hard - fumble was bad)

And of course, Leonhard was great, but you expect that from him.

One more thing. Can either Brunell or Clemens hit the broad side of a barn?

http://www.jetnation.com/forums/index.php?/topic/91094-i-was-impressed-last-night-with/

 

PATRIOTS

While the Patriots struggled as a team at times in their 36-35 loss to the St. Louis Rams last night, there were some bright spots individually, as well as some players who struggled.

Stock Up

Jerod Mayo/Brandon Spikes: Both linebackers shined at times. Spikes in particular had a few nice blitzes on the quarterback, one of which nearly ended up as an interception. Mayo combined for 10 tackles, while Spikes had seven total tackles.

Ron Brace: The second year defensive lineman had seven total tackles and a sack for Brace. He also saw a lot of time with the first unit and looks like he will be a significant part of the team's defensive line rotation in 2010.

Brandon Tate: Started the game with a kick return touchdown, and also had a couple of catches.

Rob Gronkowski: The more I watch Gronkowski, the more I become a fan of him. He really takes advantage of his size, and made two touchdown grabs last night, one of which was a shoestring, diving, highlight reel play.

Run Defense: The run defense, overall, was solid. Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess made some nice plays on the edge, as well as Darius Butler at cornerback.

Pat Chung/Brandon Meriweather: Both of these guys were all over the field making tackles. Chung delivers a solid, hard hit every time he makes a tackle. Brandon Meriweather also had a good game, nearly intercepting a pass and showing improved tackling.

Pass Blocking: Tom Brady seemingly had a perfect pocket every time he dropped back to pass. This was particularly obvious on the 65 yard bomb to Randy Moss.

Tom Brady: While he suffered from uber-conservative play-calling in the first half, he was lights out once he got to air it out.

More on whose stock was down following the jump!

Star-divide

Stock Down

Offensive Play-calling in First Half: The Patriots offense was too conservative in the first half. Too many dink and dumps, they never established the running game. Once Bill O'Brien let Brady start slinging the ball more, the offense looked a lot better.

Darius Butler: While Butler had a couple of excellent plays against the run, he really seemed to struggle in coverage throughout the game.

Defense as a Team: There were some strong individual performances as defense, but they never put it together collectively, and had a lot of stupid penalties. At times, the starting defense made the game very difficult to watch.

Marques Murrell: Struggled getting a pass rush, and looked lost at times. Also lost his spot as a starting outside linebacker to Derrick Burgess after Tully Banta-Cain returned from injury this week.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2010/8/27/1653248/patriots-preseason-game-3-stock

Its only the preseason, but Gronk and Hernan have been quite impressive for the Patriots.

You don't know who Gronk and Hernan are? If don't know already, you will.

Rookie tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez may be New England's next offensive dynamic duo since Moss and Welker.

When the Patriots selected Gronkowski in the 2nd round and Hernandez in the 4th round in this year's draft, fans may have been scratching their heads. Okay maybe one tight end but two?

New England hasn't utilized the tight end position in their offense since the retirement of Ben Coates for the most part. Since 2000, Ben Watson(48 catches in '06) and Daniel Graham(38 catches in '03) have been the Patriots biggest "threats" at the tight end position.

After the release of Watson and the failed experiment, Chris Baker the Patriots had a gaping hole at the end of the line. Besides the addition of Gronk and Hernan, New England added veteran depth by signing Alge Crumpler. Crump was brought in to be more of a blocker that will assist in the running game. He will not be relied upon offensively, he'll leave that to the young guns.

Gronk is a perfect mix of power and agility. At 6'6" 264 lbs, he has the size and surprisingly the quickness to break free across the middle and in the red zone( 3 touchdowns in three preason games). Ironicallly, he wears the same number, #87 as the last Patriots player to dominate his position, Ben Coates. Both players are physical beasts that overmatch their defensive foes.

Gronk is not Coates, not yet.

One play against the Rams in the preseason, made fans look twice to see which #87 was on the field. Gronkowski dragged a defender five yards and then lunged for the goal line for a score. Just like against Coates, the linebackers and secondary will have a difficult time getting Gronk down with the first tackle.

What Gronk has in pure physical freakishness, Aaron Hernandez has in shiftiness and "Dallas Clark" headiness. He is able to slice up the middle of the field which will have defenses thinking twice about focusing solely on Wes Welker.

Could Hernandez be the Pats' Dallas Clark? The Connecticut native played at the University of Florida and benefited from having Tim Tebow has his quarterback. As a junior, Hernandez was awarded the John Mackey award for the nation's best tight end. His stat line that year was quite impressive with 68 receptions for 850 yards and five touchdowns.

There is no doubt that Hernan can perform in a high octane offense like the one in New England.

Hernandez has also made his mark in the preseason catching 7 balls for 72 yards and a score. His touchdown catch off his back shoulder versus Atlanta, made people take notice. It seems like Tom Brady and him are already on the same page.

Granted it's still preseason, but the Patriots may have struck gold with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. They have the power in Gronkowski and the agility in Hernandez.

Could they be the next Ben Coates and Dallas Clark?

You know that Tom Brady is licking his chops to find out.

http://www.patsfans.com/articles/pa...ility--Patriots-Young-Tight-Ends-Impress.html

 

JETS

BREAKING: #Jets Calvin Pace out about 6 weeks with broken right foot, according to source. Big blow for #NYJ. #nfl

This is a big blow for the Jets, it will mean Pace will miss the home opener against Baltimore, the home game against the Patriots, the away trip to Miami as well as the away trip to Buffalo. He could return for the home game against the Vikings, or the week 6 trip to Denver.

This leaves a big hole for the Jets that needs to be filled by Jason Taylor. I have faith in Taylor doing a job, but now do we start thinking about Adalius Thomas? who enjoyed an 11 sack season under Rex Ryan. Or do you believe that Jason Taylor can adequately fill in until Calvin returns.

Either way, losing a player like Pace is not the way we wanted to start the year.

http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/8/29/1656756/calvin-pace-out-6-weeks

"It's only the pre-season, it's only the pre-season, it's only the pre-season", I envisage thousands of Jets fans across the country, across the world, repeating these words right now. The saying goes it;s never as bad as it seems, and I sure hope that rings true because tonight was bad; it was very bad.

However it really is just pre-season, and the play calling is reigned back on both sides of the ball, home and away team. As much as the players will say they were going all out. The vets are not, no way. Our watered down system was beaten by the Redskins watered down system. At least that's how I'm looking at it, so on we go:
The Good

LaDainian Tomlinson: Finished the night with 11 carries for 86 yards and that's pretty damn impressive. It included a 43 yard run which he may have taken to the house had it not been for a stumble. He pounded inside, he cut through the middle, he stretched it to the outside. He did pretty much everything that you'd want to see from a #1 back, let alone a 1A back. His burst is still there, the vision is still there, and if his pre-season form continues into his regular season form, we'll be uttering the words Tomlinson and renaissance in the same sentence a lot.

Shonn Greene: 12 carries for 56 yards is not eye opening but his ability to keep his legs churning and pick up the extra couple of yards will be crucial this season. He takes a lot of pounding but his brute physical presence just makes LT's change of pace style all that more effective. He was very solid tonight and the running tandem can go home positive with their own performance, if not the teams.

Dustin Keller: 5 catches for 46 yards and a TD on a night where the passing game looked horrendous. He ran some great routes, he was open more than he received the ball. He made a nice stretch move to get in for the TD and after not having a TD for so long as a team, I couldn't leave Keller out here. His blocking also looked like it was better although Hartsock came in for a lot of those situations.

Steve Weatherford: That is one of the best games I've seen from Weatherford, those shakes must really be working for him. His longest was 56 yards and he dropped two inside the 20 yard line, both of which were downed inside the 10. When you have a D like ours, pinning them back inside the 10 yard line will help a lot, and the way the passing O looked. We're going to need it.

Join after the jump for the bad and the ugly

Star-divide
The Bad

Special Teams (Certain Assignment): I wondered whether to put this in here or not but I'm going ahead with it anyway. We caused a turnover and McKnight had a good return with a great block from Digs. However did anyone notice on kick-off the Redskins gunner coming completely untouched and unabated down the right hand side? on 2 (maybe 3) different occasions he came in and made the tackle on Brad Smith who had nowhere to go. This wasn't a big downside, and wasn't "that" bad, but that was strange to see.

Vlad: It's blocking like we saw in the 3rd quarter that sends your QB to the injured reserve list. He completely whiffed on a Gholston (the other one) rush which led to Sanchez getting driven into the turf. Sanchez had a wrap on his shoulder post game and it could have been worse. Right now I have to believe that Slausen has the edge in the battle for the LG spot. Vlad has plenty of potential and he's a rookie we need to be patient with, but Matt is head and shoulders above him at the minute.

Damien Woody: I have no idea what is wrong with Big Wood right now, but he is getting beaten on that outside shoulder far too often. You watch him and then you watch D'Brickashaw Ferguson. We noted againstthe Giants the ease with which JPP got around Woody for the sack. Well it doesn't always lead to sacks but pressure on Sanchez is never good. He had another outside rush pass him by tonight that actually did lead to a sack.

Nick Folk: He has been a welcome surprise early, but he has to go here for missing an extra point attempt. There really is no excuse for that to happen. He almost connected on a 62 yard field goal, and he kicked his other FG attempt from 45 yards. He also failed to get the ball into the end zone once on kick-offs.

Penalties: 5 penalties for 46 yards, that's all that needs to be said. A couple surprisingly went to Ferguson, who was called for a couple of holding penalties. Cromartie was done for a holding penalty as well which negated an interception. Penalties put you in a hole, and they stall drives. Take some laps gentlemen.
The Very Ugly

Passing offence: I said in the game thread that with Revis or without him, we won't be winning a Superbowl unless Mark Sanchez improves. There was very little evidence tonight to suggest he has made improvements apart from the slide. He got baited by Hall into throwing into double coverage, and thankfully Cotchery got his butt back down field to make the tackle or that could have been a pick 6. He was telegraphing passes, the rhythm and timing wasn't there. At no point did you have any confidence that Sanchez was leading this team to the end zone. He did in the 3rd and you have to give credit there. However the pattern of a poor passing offence that we have witnessed this pre-season continued tonight. 13/21 for 139 yards, and that's with pretty conservative play calling. We need more completions and less turnovers.

Turnovers: How many tonight? 4. We had 3 fumbles and 1 interception in the Red Zone, and that quite frankly is just not good enough. Sanchez's interception we already talked about. McKnight has to do a better job protecting the football, hell learn that as he gets used to running between the tackles. Santonio needs to protect the football after the catch and he needs to know that. Brunell was put behind a terrible offensive line, but protection of the football is paramount. Unfortunately turning the ball over puts too much strain on the defence and although our first team D bent but didn't break tonight, there is only so much they can do. You get in the red zone, you have to put points up on the scoreboard.

Injuries: Matt has already touched on this, but Calvin Pace is out for a "few weeks", you really don't know with comments like that just how long, but that's a big blow. Our pass rush looked pretty mediocre tonight without bringing the house. Pace is one of our better pass rushers, if he does miss week 1, that is a big loss against Flacco and the Ravens.

I may have forgotten a few things here, but this is what immediately came to mind.

http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/8/27/1655061/post-game-good-bad-and-very-ugly

 

BILLS

The Buffalo Bills, behind an efficient offensive performance spearheaded by C.J. Spiller, Trent Edwards and Roscoe Parrish, overcome sloppy efforts from their defense and special teams in beating the Cincinnati Bengals 35-20 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Spiller, who after three carries had amassed 16 negative yards, still managed to finish the game with 52 rushing yards on 12 carries, including two touchdowns (one yard and 20 yards). He added two catches for 33 yards as Buffalo's offense put up 21 points in the first half.

Edwards was highly efficient, completing 13 of 17 passes for 153 yards with one touchdown. Most impressively, he showed outstanding pocket awareness, deftly avoiding the rush and negative plays on several occasions. Parrish was his favorite target, hauling in four passes for 56 yards with a 12-yard touchdown to open the scoring for the Bills.

The offensive effort overshadowed a weak defensive effort; Carson Palmer completed 9 of 11 passes for 95 yards with two touchdowns, and Cedric Benson ripped off 50 rushing yards on eight carries as the Bengals put up 14 points early. Additionally, Bengals return man Adam Jones 38 yards per kick return, while Quan Crosby averaged 30. As encouraging as Buffalo's offense was, the defense (despite recording three sacks - two from Aaron Maybin - and two turnovers) and special teams were equally discouraging.

This game will re-air locally on Sunday night, for those who missed it. We'll have more comprehensive coverage throughout Sunday, but one likelihood is prevalent at the moment: no matter how good or bad the Bills are in 2010, they look like they'll at least be entertaining.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/28/1656365/offense-efficient-defense-lacking

So I finally tuned in to a game. I figured 3rd preseason game was a good time to check things out.

Here's my point for thoughts:

- Trent looked very good. His sideline pass to roscoe was very dangerous, and probably should have been picked. But otherwise he was very good avoiding the rush, finding targets and did not look "trentative" Fitz looked ok to me. I skipped the 4th, but i really don't care who the backup is anyway.

- Spiller also looks to be a very exciting player. He better learn fast to stop trying to make something out of nothing though. Take the 2 yard loss if you have to, but don't turn it into 10! But that's minor and he def has some Barry Sanders moves at times.

- The WR's looked ok. I was really surprised by that actually. Too bad we won't have Nelson for the first 4 games. Hardy is a goner (i can't believe how many early round misses this team has managed). Despite his 1 nice catch, he then drops an easy one.

- The line was ok. But I still have serious doubts. This was PRESEASON. no real trickery, no blitzing to pick up, and the Bengals didn't even have a legit dominant pass rusher out there (Geathers was inactive.) RT tackle in particular is atrocious. Chambers and Green both stink. I'm not sold on ANY of the OT's for that matter. I fear this will still be a serious weakness come the real thing.

- The D was just terrible against the first teamers. Seriously. The D is going to be PAINFUL. I can't believe we still have ****ner out there. For a group that claims to be one of the best secondaries in the league, they sure sucked the bag. Byrd will help, but that means Wilson sits, who was the best player in the secondary last night. ****ner needs to be riding the Pine, and let Wilson and Byrd play. The Corners need to do much better than that as well.

- The front 3 were ok. It's not their job to get pressure after all. By far the biggest issue on the D is the LINEBACKERS. Wow. They are going to be a HUGE issue. I thought Andra Davis played well and liked Ellis a bit. Maybin did NOT impress me. Kelsay was terrible... the list goes on. the 3-4 is all about you LB's. The Bills are a LONG way from having a good set of them.

- Special Teams? they need to just drop the word special all together. horrid. beyond horrid. I can't even believe how bad they were. Why exactly did they let Bobby April go?




Overall, I think it's going to be another LONG season. I think the O will be somewhat improved with better coaching, but not as good as it could be with a true #2 WR and i'm unconvinced the line will hold up against serious competition.

I think the D will be pretty horrid. they just don't have what they need to run a 3-4. the LB's aren't there.

ST is shockingly terrible. Which is sad to see considering how good they've been for so long.

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=195015

 

JETS

At least coach Rex Ryan and his Jets have experience opening the season without outside linebacker Calvin Pace on the field.

Pace missed the first four games last season when he was suspended by the NFL for violating its policy on steroids and related substances. Now he will miss at least the season opener and probably another game or two while rehabbing from a broken bone in his right foot. The veteran outside linebacker suffered the injury in the Jets' 16-11 preseason loss to Washington on Friday.

Pace was rushing backup quarterback John Beck from the left edge on the second play of Washington's first second-half possession. Backup right tackle Stephon Heyer tried to cut-block Pace, who had an awkward step after the block, although he didn't lose his footing. He then left the game and was seen exiting the locker room that night with a walking boot on his right foot.

"I guess his helmet hit the side of my foot," Pace said Sunday, one day before he was to go to Charlotte, N.C. for an operation to be performed by foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson.

"I'm not going to say it was a dirty play," Pace added. "It happens. I guess I should've gotten my foot out of the way a litle quicker. ... Hopefully, it will be a somewhat speedy recovery. I'm still upbeat, I really am."

Pace and the Jets would not put a timetable on how long his rehab will take, although they conceded he will miss the regular-season opener against Baltimore on Sept. 13. Some reports have put the total time of his rehab at four to six weeks, which means he could miss as many as four games.

Ryan acknowledged the Jets are thinking about signing free-agent linebacker Adalius Thomas, although that possibility didn't seem all that imminent.

"Sometimes what really makes sense might not make sense to the organization," Ryan said somewhat cryptically. "I don't want to bring A.D. up here not to have a roster spot for him."

But Ryan said that without Pace and possibly without holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis as well to start the season, "we've got enough depth here (on defense). We've got enough good football players that offenses need to worry about our defense. We're definitely not worried about it. I've got a lot of confidence in the guys we have. I'm not nearly as concerned as maybe other people are.

"We're fortunate because we have a lot of depth at that position," added Ryan, who intends to use veteran Jason Taylor, signed in April as a free agent, at Pace's spot until he returns.

Ryan said he had intended to use Taylor on "75 percent" of the defensive snaps until Pace was hurt, but said he now will play "100 percent" of them. Taylor, with 127.5 career sacks, is the active NFL leader in that category.

"I wasn't walking around telling everybody I was a situation guy," said the former Dolphin, who believes he can handle the increased workload. "Do I think I can do it? Yeah, that's what I do."

Taylor had seven sacks for Miami last season, including 5.5 in the first seven games. Taylor, who will turn 36 on Wednesday, was forced to play more than expected early last season because Miami linebacker Matt Roth missed the first six games because of an injury.

--His hair isn't Auburn-tinged, but one could probably excuse linebacker David Harris of the New York Jets if he felt a little bit like the team's red-headed stepchild.

Except he doesn't.

With team management doling out big-money contract extensions to offensive left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold, and in discussions for another monster deal (cornerback Darrelle Revis) at some point, one has to wonder if there is enough money left over in Woody Johnson's coffers for Harris, who also has quietly requested an extension.

There isn't, and, to his credit, Harris hasn't allowed it to bother him.

The left-out member of the Jets' so-called "Core Four," and a second-round pick in the 2007 draft, Harris has outplayed his original contract nearly as much as have Ferguson, Mangold and Revis. In three seasons, the former University of Michigan star has averaged 109.7 tackles, and the only time he didn't ring up more than 100 stops was in '08, when foot, groin and leg injuries limited him to 11 starts.

But he isn't going to get a new contract. Not this season.

He knows it, agents Brian Mackler and Jim Ivler know it, Jets' general manager Mike Tannenbaum probably knows it, too.

And so Harris, who is scheduled to earn a base salary of $550,000 in the final year of his original rookie deal, and is believed to be the lowest-paid of the Jets' starters, will do what he always does: Team with Bart Scott to provide New York with one of the best 3-4 inside linebacker duos in the league, post 100 tackles or more, and keep his mouth shut.

"We've talked, and I've had a great relationship with (Tannenbaum) for 20 years ... but it's probably not going to happen (this season)," Mackler told The Sports Xchange on Monday afternoon.

One reason: The structure of the Ferguson and Mangold deals, which guarantees what seems to be a lot of money, but which doesn't include a big upfront payout. Much of the money in those complicated extensions is tied to future bonuses, and is not fully guaranteed for both skill and injury. One of the best "numbers guys" in the agent community, Mackler likely won't go for that type of structure.

The two Pro Bowl linemen, Mangold and Ferguson, will get the bulk of their money in future bonuses.

So, eventually, will Harris cash in. But if there is a new collective bargaining agreement by next spring, Harris will likely get much of his money in a signing or option bonus. Until then, he'll just bite his tongue and play football.

*

To get down to the NFL roster limit of 75, the Jets released veteran WR Laveranues Coles and also waived WRs Marcus Henry and Aundrae Allison and DL Rodrique Wright. This might not be the end of Coles' third tour of duty with the Jets, however.

Coach Rex Ryan said it's a "real possibility" that Coles could be re-signed after the first game of the regular season. Translation: the Jets wouldn't have to pay him for the whole season if he's not on the opening-day roster.

Coles had four catches for 19 yards in three preseason games, and noted last week that free-agent rookie Vic Hall had complimented him recently while watching film of Coles running a route. "[Hall] said, 'Man, you look like you've still got it,'" Coles said. "And that made me feel good."

Hall himself was waived a few days later.
*

Ryan said that QB Mark Sanchez practiced full Sunday with no limitations, despite landing hard on his shoulder when hit by Washington's Kedric Golston Friday night. After the game, Sanchez said, "I just felt kind of weird [after the hit], but I jumped right up. … That's part of the game. You've got to play. I'm glad I got a taste of that and got a good hit out of the way. Hopefully, there won't be any more."

"I just kind of fell funny when I got tackled," Sanchez added. "I threw the ball away real quick and just kind of fell on my shoulder. But I got up and they just checked it out real quick to make sure it was OK. It's fine."
*

Ryan said that except for a selected player or two, such as second-year LG Matt Slauson, the Jets' starters won't play Thursday in the preseason finale at Philadelphia. "We will not be going with the ones even for a series," Ryan said. "I want to make sure our guys are fresh" for the season opener on Sept. 13. Ryan added he doesn't want to risk any more injuries.
*

RB LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 86 yards on 11 carries against the Redskins, including a 43-yard burst, and seems to be answering all the naysayers who said he had nothing left in the tank after averaging a career-worst 3.3 yards per carry for San Diego last season.

He said he appreciates the offensive line in front of him, and likes the zone-blocking concepts used by the Jets.

"The holes that we had to run through today were tremendous," Tomlinson said. "I'm not sure as a group, what the yards per carry were, but I'm pretty sure it was pretty high. Those guys, they're the best in the league. Last year, they were the best in the league and I think we're going to continue to be the same."

About the long run, he said, "it was a zone scheme and I cut it back. The line did a great job at pushing everybody by. Once I cut it back, I had the safety coming downhill and I knew he was coming too fast to be able to tackle me once I made a move on him. I made the move on him and kind of hit [into] my receiver a little bit, trying to get behind him and I kept my balance and was able to get up the field for 43 yards."
*

C Nick Mangold said he felt "fantastic" after he agreed to a seven-year, $55 million contract, a record for a center.

"I could not be more excited to have that done, to be here as long as I can imagine," said Mangold. "It kind of came out of the blue when things started, and now that it's done, I'm very excited."

Quote To Note:

"I felt normal again. At least Mangold normal."
—C Nick Mangold on how he felt the day after sitting out the Jets' preseason opener because he still felt "foggy" after an inadvertent blow to the head the previous week.

Player Notes

*

QB Kellen Clemens had an X next to his name on the Jets' roster board, as seen on HBO's "Hard Knocks," so it would seem he's the one most likely to be cut. Yet coach Rex Ryan hasn't declared a winner in the battle for the No. 3 spot between Clemens and Kevin O'Connell.
*

OG Matt Slauson has opened a sizable advantage over rookie Vladimir Ducasse in the battle to be the starting left guard. Ducasse didn't help his cause by whiffing on Washington DL Kedric Golston, who then delivered a hard hit on QB Mark Sanchez.
*

OLB Calvin Pace will miss the Jets' opener and likely at least another game or two because of a fractured bone in his right foot. He will have surgery to repair the break.
*

WR Laveranues Coles was released by the Jets, but coach Rex Ryan said he could be re-signed after the first game of the season. That way, the Jets wouldn't be on the hook for a full year's salary to Coles, who has stated he doesn't want to play for any team besides the Jets.
*

PK Nick Folk has made seven of nine field-goal attempts in three preseason games, with one of the misses from 62 yards. But he missed a PAT against Washington.
*

CB Antonio Cromartie struggled somewhat against Washington, with two penalties, including one that negated his own interception. He also was beaten by former Jet Santana Moss on a deep route, but Moss dropped the ball.
*

C Nick Mangold re-signed with the Jets last week, getting a seven-year, $55 million deal that makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL. Unlike CB Darrelle Revis, Mangold chose not to hold out of training camp.
*

WR Santonio Holmes fumbled at the end of a 23-yard reception against the Redskins. Holmes figures to get a lot of playing time in the preseason finale, because he won't be eligible to play again until the Jets' fifth game, versus Minnesota on Oct. 11

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nyj/report

 

PATRIOTS

The positive vibes emanating from the Patriots' first two preseason games came to a screeching halt last week when rookie quarterback Sam Bradford picked apart New England's first-string defense in a preseason loss to the St. Louis Rams.

Granted, it's still preseason, but watching Bradford -- the overall No. 1 pick in this year's draft -- complete 15 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns had to be a bit unsettling for coach Bill Belichick, who is still uncertain about what his defensive rotation will be when Week 1 rolls around.

The night ended on a last-second field goal by St. Louis, but Belichick was "disappointed in the whole game" despite the minor positives his team showed through the first three quarters.

"Regardless of how the last kick turned out, whether it was good or not good, that's really not the point," Belichick said. "I don't think we did things as well as we are capable of doing them, so that part is disappointing.

"It doesn't make you feel very good as a coach. And when your team doesn't perform well, that's a reflection on the coaching and how the coaches feel."

The Patriots have spent most of the summer trying to sort out the issues with their starting defense, ranging from who'll be their primary pass rusher to who starts in the secondary.

Thursday's loss exposed a few flaws in the pass rush in addition to some question marks about the team's lack of discipline, which was evident by the seven penalties they committed for 72 yards.

All told, the blame pie could be split into a number of pieces; the Patriots didn't put nearly enough pressure on Bradford and a few miscommunications in the secondary left receivers wide open.

"I think the two are interrelated," Belichick said. "There were times when we had good pressure on the quarterback and hit him and didn't have tight enough coverage, and the ball came out because the receiver was open.

"There were other times when we didn't have quite enough pressure to force the ball out quickly when we had him covered. It was a combination of things. I would say it was a little bit of both."

Now, the fringe players on the team will use the final preseason game as one last audition to land a spot on the active roster. Likewise, the coaching staff might take it as an opportunity to sort out what the starting defense will look like in the regular-season opener, which means some potential starters could play into the second half if necessary.

The finale is always predictable, as is what decisions Belichick and his staff will make within the next two weeks. They've worked with a number of different combinations at linebacker, cornerback and safety, but judging by last week's results, nothing is set in stone just yet.

This would be considered more of a transition year than a rebuilding one based on the fact the players being given more responsibility are expected to make an immediate impact. Only time will tell, but it's clear there's more work to be done before Week 1.

"There are certainly a lot of things we need to correct," Belichick said.

--Now that Wes Welker has cleared the hurdle of live preseason action, it would seem a virtual certainty that the guy who's caught more passes than anyone in the NFL over the last three seasons will be in the New England starting lineup on opening day against the Bengals.

But the question remains -- can Welker be the same, key cog in the Patriots' offense that he's been in his three seasons in New England?

While there is little doubt that Randy Moss strikes fear into opposing defenses thanks to his big-play ability, it's Welker who's been the most consistent force on the New England offense since its genesis in 2007. He's caught 346 passes -- topping the 100-catch mark for three-straight seasons. Marvin Harrison holds the NFL record with fourth straight.

Is it realistic that after blowing out the ACL in his left knee in last year's regular season finale that Welker can still be the same nearly unstoppable pass-catching machine out of the slot?
Welker himself seemed to understand the magnitude of his own appearance in the Patriots second preseason game in Atlanta, and as such doesn't seem likely to assume that just because he's on the field in September that he'll be the same guy he was before the injury.

"I think they are really significant," Welker said of the half-dozen plays last Thursday night at the Georgia Dome. "This is something I've really been working toward and really trying to come back. To be able to do it here in the second preseason game is kind of a milestone for me. It's something I've really been looking forward to and something I've worked my tail off to get to this whole offseason."

But he admitted that the injury is not yet an afterthought.

"It's a step forward," Welker said. "I don't know if we're all the way there yet."

That's the uncertainty Tom Brady and the Patriots face heading into the regular season. Sure, it's great to have No. 83 back in the slot ready to catch passes. But can he be the same guy? Can he find a way to slip two would-be tacklers to pick up 5 extra yards and a first down?

Those are the questions that Welker will have to answer in the regular season for a New England team that has more question marks and changes on the roster than at maybe any other time in the Bill Belichick era.

For now, all of New England is happy to see its diminutive playmaker back on the field. But if the Patriots are to be a legitimate AFC contender, heck if they're to compete for what should be a challenging AFC East title, Welker will have to be more than just a shell of himself.

Welker has surprised everyone with the speed of his rehab and recovery. He's on the field barely seven months after blowing out his left knee. Now, he must prove that he can be the same consistent impact player he's been for New England throughout his first three seasons with the team. If he can do that -- in doing so tying an NFL record with his fourth straight 100-catch campaign with, ho hum, a blown ACL in between -- it truly will be remarkable.

*

Whether it was a byproduct of how the game unfolded, or something more telling, it's worth nothing that RB Laurence Maroney got zero carries for the second consecutive preseason game last Thursday.

The Patriots only had the ball for 16 minutes, but they still ran 11 plays on the ground with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Sammy Morris doing most of the work.

Coach Bill Belichick has said from the start that his running backs are working within a rotation. Maroney has only carried eight times during the preseason, so it remains to be seen where he'll end up at the start of the year.
*

One of the biggest positives from this preseason is the Patriots appear to have a number of weapons in the return game.

Rookie WR Brandon Tate returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in the loss to the Rams, which was the team's third return of more than 50 yards this summer. Rookie CB Devin McCourty had logged returns of 50 and 52 yards in the preseason opener against the Saints.
*

QB Tom Brady put up solid numbers against the Rams (18-of-22, 273 yards, three touchdowns primarily against the Rams' second-string defense), but walked off the field generally dissatisfied with the team's performance on offense.

"We just have to execute better," Brady said. "I think that's what it comes down to. In the first half, like I said, it's about making plays on third down. The first drive we didn't. The second drive we got sacked and I was holding the ball; I shouldn't have been holding the ball. The third drive we didn't do anything.

"The fourth drive we didn't (do anything). It gets pretty old pretty quick when you keep going to the bench after three or four plays."
*

PK Stephen Gostkowski has agreed to a four-year deal worth around $14 million, according to The Boston Herald. Gostkowski signed his one-year, $1.759 million restricted free agent tender in April. His new deal runs through 2014.
*

LG Logan Mankins, holding out in a contract dispute, is financially prepared to sit out the entire season, according to the Boston Herald.

Mankins was tendered at $3.268 million with first- and third-round compensation, but that was dropped to $1.54 million after he declined to sign it by the June 15 deadline.

"All we want is fair market value, and that's like comparing an apple to a watermelon," Mankins' agent, Frank Bauer, told the Herald earlier this month. "We're not asking for $8.5 or $9 million."
*

CB Asante Samuel hasn't played in New England for more than two seasons, but he apparently still has plenty to say about his former team. The current Eagles playmaker had some pretty pointed words about his former head coach, Bill Belichick, in some recent comments.

"I ain't never said it, but Belichick, I just felt like he had a thing for me," Samuel told The New Journal of Delaware. "He had something against me. I have no idea why. He was going to start Troy Brown, a receiver, at nickel (corner) and I'm over here sitting healthy and he don't want to even play me."

Quote To Note:

"No news."
—Tom Brady, with a smile last week on the practice field in Atlanta, when asked for an update on his ongoing contract negotiations.

Player Notes

*

WR Wes Welker made his return to the starting lineup after undergoing knee surgery last year and finished with two catches for 39 yards. Assuming there are no setbacks between now and the season opener, Welker will be ready for Week 1.
*

QB Brian Hoyer continues to impress in a limited role. The backup connected with Sam Aiken on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Rams, which gave the Patriots a temporary lead.
*

Rookie TE Rob Gronkowski caught two touchdowns in the loss to the Rams as he continues to battle for a roster spot in a crowded field of tight ends. His presence gives QB Tom Brady another weapon to work with in the red zone.
*

LB Tully Banta-Cain was the team's top pass rusher last year, but he committed two costly penalties in the loss to the Rams as the Patriots' defense failed to generate any pressure against Sam Bradford.
*

CB Devin McCourty started for the second consecutive week, but got torched twice on a pair of long throws and served as the poster boy for the secondary's struggles against Sam Bradford. Luckily for him, one of the throws by Bradford was off the mark, otherwise it would've been another big play.
*

WR Sam Aiken caught a 5-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Known primarily as a special-teamer, Aiken has a solid chance at sticking around given the Patriots' lack of depth at wide receiver.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nwe/report

 

BILLS

It was the competition that wasn't.

Trent Edwards entered training camp No. 1 on the depth chart at quarterback and No. 1 is where he remains with just one preseason game left, Thursday, Aug. 2 at Detroit.

Taking advantage of three consecutive preseason game starts, Edwards and the first-unit offense have produced six scoring drives in 15 possessions, including five touchdowns in victories over Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

A year ago, Edwards produced just one field goal in 15 preseason turns with the ball.

It means that barring an injury, the fourth-year pro with a 14-17 career record will open the season Sept. 12 against Miami, a nice rags-to-riches turnaround for a player who lost his starting job to Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2009 and didn't know where his future lied after the coaching staff was fired.

New Bills coach Chan Gailey is expected to officially name Edwards his man before or just after the Lions game. After Saturday's 35-20 victory over the Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium, he reserved to the right to think some more.

For his part, Edwards gave him little to think about. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and a 122.9 rating against the Bengals in one half of work, leaving the game with a 21-14 lead.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm finished up the second half, with Fitzpatrick throwing for one score, as Buffalo raised its practice game record to 2-1.

"Well, he's earned the right to be in the position he's in right now," Gailey said when asked if Edwards would be the starter for the season. "We're still evaluating everybody. I still want to reserve the right to make an evaluation."

Edwards, who was caught in a dysfunctional offensive tug-of-war a year ago between coach Dick Jauron and offensive coordinator Turk Schonert who would be fired just days before the season kicked off, seems to be thriving under Gailey, a noted offensive mind.

He saw the field extremely well against Cincinnati and showed a lot of moxie in bailing his team out of a second-and-21 situation in the first quarter by completing throws of 14 and eight yards to produce a first down. Five plays later, he found wide receiver Roscoe Parrish open for a 12-yard touchdown on a screen call.

Buffalo's second touchdown was sparked by a 28-yard Edwards-to-Parrish completion in the second quarter. Then, with 2:32 left in the half, Edwards engineered a nice two-minute drill with three pass completions, producing a third score capped by rookie running back C.J. Spiller's 20-yard run.

"I feel like I'm having fun out there," Edwards said. "I really enjoying playing with these guys, I really enjoy playing for Chan and it's fun winning football games. So if that leads to more confidence, then yes. But it's still the preseason. I don't want to get too ahead of myself."

Gailey, who has worked with quarterbacks as diverse as John Elway and Kordell Stewart, was impressed with Edwards' decision making, something Edwards has been ridiculed for in the past. His protection was good and he didn't just check off on demand.

"He made good decisions," Gailey said. "He got back to the third guy several times to make plays in crucial situations. That was very encouraging to me."

Offensively, there appears to be a lot for Bills fans to be encouraged about.

Spiller, the team's first-round draft pick, was the spark in victories over Indianapolis and Cincinnati. His 20-yard touchdown against the Bengals was the result of raw speed, leaving defenders grasping at air. He also added a 26-yard reception.

Meanwhile, Gailey managed to do something past coaches haven't been able to do: call plays to get the speedy Parrish involved. He finished with four catches for 56 yards operating from the slot.

Toss in two defensive scores and Buffalo has produced 69 points in their last two practice games. Last year, the Bills ranked 28th in scoring in the NFL.

"I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but I feel like we're finding a rhythm," Edwards said. "We're starting to get in sync."

--Bills fans were hoping this would be the season that the tight end position emerged from a long slumber, becoming a viable force in their team's offense again.

Hold that thought.

In a 24-hour span, Buffalo saw its tight end depth chart cut in half when star-crossed Derek Schouman suffered a knee injury in a preseason victory over Indianapolis and Shawn Nelson was slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Schouman started 12 games for the Bills in 2008 and was perhaps their best blocking tight end. Nelson, a promising fourth-round pick in '09, is their best pass catcher at the position and was expected to blossom in Chan Gailey's offense.

Things got worse when Michael Matthews was injured and subsequently agreed to an injury settlement.

Schouman will miss 3-6 weeks, Gailey said. Last year, Schouman missed 14 games after ACL surgery.

"The guy can't get a break. He can't stay on the field and he's not getting enough reps," Gailey said.

Nelson's problems are self-inflicted. In a statement he issued to the media, the former Southern Miss star implied that his suspension did not involve the use of illegal substances under the law, just under the NFL's policy, which covers a long list of performance enhancing drugs.

"On behalf of my team, my family, my church family, the great city of Buffalo and my fans, I want to say I apologize," Nelson said. "It's not nothing bad, nothing illegal that happened. There's rumors that it was dealing with some different type of things that myself was not involved in. I'm not that guy. I'm a guy of character, a guy who works hard."

Nelson is eligible to return on Oct. 4. He can practice and play in the remaining preseason games, although he is currently nursing a minor muscle pull.

"I spoke with some of my teammates earlier today and told them what was really going on," Nelson said. "I spoke to my coaches and my GM. We are all on the same page."

Nelson plans to work with noted trainer Tom Shaw in Orlando, Fla., during his month away. His suspension will cost him a reported $92,941 in salary.

Nelson, who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, making him a true downfield threat, started 12 games as a rookie and caught 17 passes for 156 yards and a TD.

Stupar, 6-3, 254, had already risen to No. 1 on the depth chart due to his versatility and consistent play even before Schouman's latest injury and Nelson's suspension.

"You always are trying to mentally tell yourself that you belong, especially as a free agent, not being drafted," said the 2008 undrafted rookie out of Virginia. "I think a lot of (former) free agents are like that."

Stupar is mindful of the opportunity staring him in the face this summer.

"Shawn's got his own situation that he's going through right now," he said. "I'm trying to be supportive as a teammate with what's going on, but the NFL's all about opportunities. I'm going to try to make the best of my opportunity that I have. ... It's one of those things where it happens and you have to put the next foot forward and go from there."

Gailey expressed complete faith in Stupar and what he brings to the table.

"Stup is a very solid, consistent football player," Gailey said. "He can't go in there and knock people off the ball. He can't run down the field and run a 4.5 (in the 40-yard dash). But he's a good route-runner. He's an intelligent player. He fights every snap. He's more than an adequate blocker. He's done a good job so far. He's been one of the pleasant surprises of camp."



*

WR Roscoe Parrish has heard the lip service before about being a major part of Buffalo's offense. But maybe new coach Chan Gailey really means it when he says "He's a big weapon for this football team." In Saturday's preseason win over the Bengals, Parrish certainly was that as he caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Parrish caught three passes for 34 yards all last season as he wound up benched by former coach Dick Jauron after he muffed a punt that cost Buffalo a game. "Chan Gailey is a good offensive-minded coach and he likes to get the ball in the playmakers' hands," Parrish said. "I've heard it all before but that's in the past. Right now is right now and I just have to control my own destiny and that's to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way."
*

LB Aaron Maybin, the team's first-round pick in 2009 who is making the switch from end to outside linebacker in the 3-4, finished with two sacks against the Bengals playing with backups. Buffalo's new coaches are working with Maybin on developing a repertoire of pass-rush moves, rather than him just relying on speed and athleticism, which is what he got by on at Penn State. "Look at any of the great pass rushers in the game and they have a whole repertoire of moves they go to," Maybin said. "Some guys do two or three things well and that wins for them. I've always actually been a good bull-rusher, I just never really had to do it. So, working on that, and seeing it in game competition, is definitely helping out a lot."
*

Former Bills WR Terrell Owens received a nice reception from Bills fans while showing he can still play. T.O. caught three passes for 35 yards and teamed with Chad Ochocinco (2-23) to give QB Carson Palmer an effective passing attack against Buffalo's first-unit defense. Palmer went 9 of 11 for 95 yards and two touchdowns. "The fans were great," T.O. said. "It was funny. I couldn't tell if I was an opponent or if I was on the home team. It just shows the love they have for me and vice versa. I appreciated the fans when I was here and I appreciate them now. The people of the City of Buffalo were nothing but good to me when I was here and I enjoyed my time here, even though it was short lived."
*

RB Chad Simpson and Cincinnati cornerback Brandon Ghee were involved in a violent helmet-to-helmet collision about six minutes into the third quarter of Saturday's preseason game. Simpson gained two yards on the run around left end on a fourth-and-one play when Ghee tackled him. Simpson was able to get up and walk off the field but Ghee was motionless for several minutes. He eventually sat up and was able to move all his extremities before being carted to the locker room to a nice round of applause from Bills fans and a tap on the shoulder from Simpson. Ghee was able to return to Cincinnati with his team.
*

Buffalo shored up its thin tight end position with the signing of veteran free agent J.P. Foschi and rookie Andrew George from BYU. Foschi, a six-year veteran who posted career highs for Cincinnati last year with 27 catches for 260 yards and two TDs, was immediately penciled in to back up Jonathan Stupar, the team's only healthy tight end. Shawn Nelson didn't dress for the Bengals game due to an ankle injury and must serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy when the regular season starts. Foschi played for coach Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech and Kansas City. "This will be my third go-around with his offense," Foschi said. "I'm familiar with the terminology so I feel comfortable." Said Gailey: "I've had J.P. for a few stops so he knows our system which is great. He's a competitor and a tough guy, and we can use those kinds of guys."
*

The Bills have lost two promising rookie draft picks to injury for the season, certainly not good news for a team that placed 20 players on season-ending injured reserve last season. WR Marcus Easley, a fourth-round pick out of Connecticut who had a shot at the team's No. 2 receiving job, and LB Danny Batten, who registered 23 career sacks in college at South Dakota State, each went on IR with knee and shoulder injuries, respectively. "Obviously, it's not what we wanted, but it's just something that had to be done looking at the long-term prognosis," said Gailey, who has allowed a lot more contact in practice than his recent Bills predecessors. "We just couldn't see time-wise that it was going to benefit them to try to make it back this year."

Player Notes

*

QB Trent Edwards has all but officially locked up the starting quarterback job after a 13-of-17, 153-yard, no-turnover game against Cincinnati Saturday night. Edwards had virtually no slipups in regaining the job he lost last season to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
*

RB C.J. Spiller, the team's No. 1 draft pick, scored two touchdowns in Saturday's preseason win over the Bengals, including one on a spectacular 20-yard run around left end. He also caught two passes for 33 yards and showed the coaching staff he's ready to play a major role in the offense as a rookie.
*

TE J.P. Foschi, a six-year NFL veteran signed last week, saw his first action as a Bill in Saturday's preseason win over Cincinnati. Foschi posted career highs for the Bengals last season with 27 catches for 260 yards and two TDs. He'll help Buffalo's depth after a rash of injuries at tight end and the four-game suspension of Shawn Nelson.
*

RB Chad Simpson was groggy but otherwise OK after a violent helmet-to-helmet collision with Cincinnati CB Brandon Ghee in the third quarter of Saturday's preseason game. Simpson didn't play the fourth quarter and finished with 18 yards on three carries.
*

NT Kyle Williams did not dress vs. the Bengals due to a foot injury but he's expected back this week.
*

WR Marcus Easley, a fourth-round pick out of Connecticut who had a shot at the team's No. 2 receiving job, was placed on injured reserve after undergoing left knee surgery. The move ends his season but the coaching staff felt it wise to allow him to recover on his own time and be ready for 2011.
*

LB Danny Batten, a sixth-round pick out of South Dakota State who was a strong candidate to make the final 53-man roster, was placed on injured reserve. He had been out of camp since Aug. 1 when he hurt his right shoulder.
*

FS Jairus Byrd remains sidelined follow his latest groin surgery. The team is still hopeful he can be ready for the regular season opener Sept. 12 against Miami. Veteran George Wilson has been playing in his place.
*

DB John Destin was waived.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/buf/report