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Saturday, July 26, 2008

 

Blogs & Lee Evans

Despite my initial pessimism, the AFC East blog on ESPN has grown into a nice spot for news. It's written by Tim Graham, who used to cover the Sabres for the Buffalo News. Yes, some of its regurgitated stories from local papers, but it has some solid fresh content as well. The format works and if it grows in a Hashmarks for each division, ESPN will definitely have a hit on its hands. Speaking of blogs, the Buffalo News has a solid training camp blog.

And I can't help but think that the Bills brass is using Lee Evans against Jason Peters. Look at the two situations. Evans wants a new contract. Says so a couple of years ago. Keeps playing. And now it looks like negotiations are coming together. In contrast, Peters was thinking about a new contract late last season and has pouted in silence, waiting for the Bills to come crawling. I think the Bills will overpay Evans in order to send a clear message to Peters and others that the only way to get a new deal is show up at camp. By comparison, Devin Hester had every reason to hold out and didn't, despite the fact that he was making $445,000.

There are two other good comparisons to Peters' situation. First, Kellen Winslow has joined the Browns despite wanting a new contract. Still playing on his rookie contract, Winslow had two injury mired seasons before breaking out in 2006 and 2007. His current contract pays him around $4 to $5 million a year and has three years remaining. Second, Brian Westbrook also has three years left on his deal averaging $5 million a year. But he has chosen to sit out, demanding Tomlinson-like money: $30 million guaranteed without any increase in the life of the contract. While Westbrook has had injury problems in the past and is closing in on the ominous 30 years old (for running backs), he's also proven himself on the field more than both Winslow and Peters.

And these are the guys who are getting ink for their decisions. Think of all the guys around the league who are over-performing their contracts and not a word has been mentioned.

Friday, July 25, 2008

 

Bills Looking to "Mesh"

1) Stud left tackle Jason Peters was a no-show on the first day of training camp. Does he deserve a new deal, or should J. Pete shut up and play out his contract?

2) There's no debating that Marshawn Lynch hit someone with his Porsche that night in Allentown. But there is debate over whether Beast Mode actually knew he hit someone.

3) The brothers' beloved grandfather had successful hip surgery, but for some reason his balls have swelled to the size of softballs. And what's with his choice of underwear? The horrified brothers discuss.

4) As the Bills head into training camp, Riley and Bennett look at a couple key battles that are worth keeping an eye on. Robert Royal, watch your back.

5) The NFL Network recently named Steve Tasker to their list of best players NOT in the NFL. Both the brothers want their beloved special teams ace in the hall, but will he ever get there?

Friday, July 11, 2008

 

Best Comeback in NFL History

NFL Network decided to tell us what we already knew: the Bills still hold the best comeback in NFL history. Yeah, it's obvious, but we still like to hear it.

In other news, CBS Sportsline has called the Greer/McKelvin training camp battle in favor of McLovin'. John McCargo is one of the 32 breakout players for 2008.

Bucky Brooks over on Sports Illustrated slotted Jason Peters on his 2008 capped team. It was a polite reminder that while Peters is a steal, he's got a cap number of nearly $5 million next season. And dude is still riding the pine for more money. No other Bills made the 53 man roster. His coworker, Michael Lombardi, decided no Bills worthy roster-worthy.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

 

Further Proof

ESPN decided to make an even stronger case that they have no clue how to cover individual teams. In ranking the running backs of the top 32 teams, here's what Jeremy Green crafted on the Bills: "13. Buffalo Bills. Marshawn Lynch turned what was one of the worst running games in the league into a solid one. He didn't show a lot of big-time speed or playmaking ability, but he did provide what this offense needed most and that was a big back who could pound it between the tackles. After Lynch, the Bills' depth is scarce."

Thirteenth? That's fair for a line and a running back with only one decent season under its belt. I even think the criticism that he didn't show big-time speed is true. And it's all how you define playmaking ability. Lynch had trouble cracking the big runs, but unlike Willis had a real sense for when to lower his head and get the extra yard for the first down. Here's the line that kills me: "After Lynch, the Bills' depth is scarce." In an article that waxes poetic about Michael Bush, Darren Sproles, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Pierre Thomas, to not mention Fred "The Head" Jackson is simply bad reporting. I'm not sold on Fred Jackson yet, but he's worth more than Green gave him.

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Bennett
When he's not writing, or cringing over a rank diaper, you can find Bennett in his LA backyard with a six pack of PBR, ruminating on today's most significant issues, such as how does Magic Shell ice cream topping really work, what happened to Darick Holmes, and why does Bennett's cat insist on crapping in the bathtub.

Riley
After spending three years in soccer-loving country, Riley craves his Bills fix. Every Sunday you can find him at McFadden's in DC.

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