Tim Anderson

A colleague of mine recently said that if the Bills didn’t have bad luck, they would have no luck at all.  Well, there is a different aura coming from Orchard Park this year, and perhaps it was affirmed last night when Langston Walker went down with an apparent, serious injury during Buffalo’s pre-season game against Indianapolis.  Dick Jauron was not optimistic in his first reaction to the injury, simply saying, “It’s not a good one.”  However since that time, the Bills’ head coach has stated that the results of the x-rays were negative, and the team is now calling Walker’s ailment nothing more than a deep bruise.  Despite the fact that Walker will certainly miss some time, and there is still no indication as to whether or not he’ll be ready for opening day, the Bills dodged a huge bullet with this one.  Jason Peters’ payday will have to wait a little longer, and as far as contract talks go, the ball has once again shifted back into his court.

Rest assured that any and all developments concerning this situation will be covered as quickly as possible right here.  In the meantime, I’ll be monitoring the first round of cuts over the next 36 hours, as they could start leaking in as soon as today.  Until then…

Go Bills!

Tim Anderson

It couldn’t have come at a worse time, or at a thinner position.  The man given the task of replacing Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters, Langston Walker, could potentially miss significant time with an arm injury suffered in tonight’s pre-season game with Indianapolis.  With regard to the injury, Dick Jauron’s words echoed with disbelief in the ears of Bills’ fans across the country, saying only, “It’s not a good one.”  There has been no information given to the extent of the injury, but assuming the worst, which most Buffalo fans do, Walker could be done for the season. 

Cha-ching!  Jason Peters is likely on the phone with his financial advisor right now, deciding what to do with the boatload of money he is about to obtain.  Why is it that the guy who has worked hard all month long, could now be watching from the sidelines, while the man who has abandoned his teammates, and pouted like a child wanting an extra cookie for desert, because he ate all of his green beans, may now cash in?  The Bills rhetoric over the summer has been that of an understanding that Peters needs to come to camp in order to even consider engaging in contract talks.  That may change, however I would be highly impressed if the team opted not to contact Peters during their time of dire need.

With that said, can a realistic Bills’ fan live his/her 2008 football season under the delusion that their team can still make a run at the coveted final playoff spot in the AFC as is?  Of course not!  Now, more than ever, Peters will undoubtedly need to be part of the equation, otherwise Trent Edwards will need to make acquaintances with weekly beatings.  If there is a football God, I implore all Buffalo fans to use any and all measures to reach him/her (just in case - you never know) tonight, as good news on Langston Walker would be nothing short of a miracle.  I am not a spiritual man, but I may be headed to church next Sunday if #68 is not out long term.

As for the game, Buffalo were once again very sharp, and effective on both sides of the ball.  However, the defense was most impressive, taking the ball away 5 times, and scoring 6 points of their own, as Terrence McGee took a Joseph Addai fumble 68-yards to pay dirt.  The remaining 4 turnovers came in the form of interceptions from Ashton Youboty, Keith Ellison, Reggie Corner and John Wendling.  Youboty continues to impress, and may have officially won himself a roster spot this evening.

The offense was efficient, but far from perfect.  One of the problems that plagued the Bills for much of last season, run-blocking, was evident again tonight.  Aside from a couple of 10+ yard runs, Buffalo were completely stymied by the Colts defense, and unable to get anything going in terms of a running game.  Nevertheless, Losman looked good in Edwards’ stead, and connected with his favorite target, Lee Evans, 5 times, while also utilizing the services of Josh Reed thrice, who played in his first game of the year tonight.

The one glaring mistake on the defensive side of the ball, was the blown coverage of 1st round pick Leodis McKelvin, who was badly burned on a 94-yard touchdown pass from Gray to Aromashodu.  While McKelvin has shined on special teams this pre-season, he has certainly played like a rookie on defense.

Game Balls

Offense: Kirk Chambers, Demetrius Bell; For what they had to deal with tonight, while at the same time managing to afford JP Losman the time to make plays in the first half, there is no other single player that stands out more.

Defense: Paul Posluszny; A tough call tonight, as so many played well, but Posluszny made his presence felt early and often in his limited playing time this evening, and continues to make great strides in coming back from his season ending injury of a year ago.

Quick Hits

-In the battle for the 5th, and potential final roster spot at receiver, Justin Jenkins turned in a solid performance, hauling in 4 passes for 33 yards.  He did however cough up a ball in the 2nd half, something that will not sit well with a coaching staff prepared to play a ball control style of offense this year.  Rookie Steve Johnson had 1 catch for 4 yards, for those of you scoring at home.

-Chris Kelsay had the Bills’ only sack of the contest, but it is important in that Buffalo need him to be productive in that department this year in order to be successful.

-Xavier Omon scored his first professional touchdown this evening on a 1-yard touchdown dive.  The way he has looked thus far into the pre-season, could spell disaster for last year’s 4th round pick Dwayne Wright.

Obviously, the story of the night will be the injury to Langston Walker.  The next 24 hours will be very telling, and I will keep you posted on any and all happenings at One Bills Drive, whether it be regarding the Jason Peters soap opera, or any other news.  Remember, we are only 2 days away from the first set of cuts - always an interesting time of year.  We’re getting close!

Go Bills!

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Update:  Results of Walker’s MRI have come back negative.  Keep hope alive Buffalo!

Tim Anderson

The Bills are going to play it safe this Sunday, and leave their banged up starting quarterback on the bench for this week’s pre-season game against the Colts.  With the knowledge that Buffalo are likely going to go with their starters for the entire 1st half, coupled with Edwards’ performance of nine days ago, this news is more disappointing than it normally would be when discussing a pre-season affair.  With regard to the injury itself however, there is nothing to worry about Bills’ fans.  Edwards will simply rest his bruised thigh, and hopefully suit up for the final tune-up this coming Thursday. 

While on the subject of injuries, the Bills will also be without the services of wide receivers James Hardy and Roscoe Parrish, both of whom will be nursing minor afflictions.  This should give rookie Steve Johnson and incumbent 5th receiver Justin Jenkins a lot of looks.  It should be an exciting match-up, as the first round of cuts is drawing nearer. 

Finally, the Bills did make a pair of roster moves yesterday morning, adding un-drafted rookie free agent OT Dustin Dickinson.  His presence will spell relief for players like Brad Butler and Duke Preston, who have been called upon in recent weeks to play outside of their natural position, in order to afford the starting OT’s a much needed break.  Dickinson was originally signed by Seattle after the draft, but was released in June.  In order to make room for the newcomer, Buffalo parted ways with WR Jason Jones.