Bills Come Up Short In Shootout With Patriots - Yoozpaper | Free Online Articles

Bills Come Up Short In Shootout With Patriots - Yoozpaper | Free Online Articles

The Buffalo Bills lost to the New England Patriots 37-31 behind 2 Tom Brady touchdown passes. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw and interception in the end zone to ice the game. 

Poor Playing Calling Drops Bills To 3-5 - Yoozpaper | Free Online Articles

Poor Playing Calling Drops Bills To 3-5 - Yoozpaper | Free Online Articles

The Buffalo Bills were coming off a tough loss to Tennessee before their bye week. Their road to a winning record did not get any as they had to go on the road to face possibly the best team in the AFC. The game went as expected, with the Houston Texans defeating the Buffalo Bills 21-9. The Bills gave up over 100 yards to yet another running back, and gave too many throws to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The team keeps getting worse and worse.

Buffalo Bills Midseason Report Card

The Buffalo Bills had very high hopes going into the 2012 NFL season. They had signed free agent defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. The front line also featured two-time Pro Bowl tackle Kyle Williams and last season's number 3 overall pick Marcell Dareus. The Bills had also used their 1st round pick on impressive rookie Stephon Gilmore. Many had projected that this would be the best defense the Bills have had in years. To date, this has not held up.

The Buffalo Bills front office seems to have a lot of faith in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick had a great start to the 2011 season and was awarded with a $59 million contract. This season, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been very up and down. All in all, he has definitely regressed, not showing the accuracy and awareness he showed one season ago. Through 8 games of the regular season, Fitzpatrick has yet to complete a pass thrown over 30 yards. I give him a C- for the season, to date.

The Bills have had one bright spot this season. Their running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller have been very good. Jackson was injured in the first game of the season and Spiller stepped in. He put up huge numbers in games where was the solo running back. He currently leads the league in yards per carry. Fred Jackson has also been very good when he has touched the ball. The one problem is that the Bills do not get these two the ball enough. Despite sometimes not getting the ball as often as they should, I give them an A.

The Bills wide receivers have only been as good as the quarterback. Stevie Johnson has been slightly injured all season, but has still been the Bills best receiver. Donald Jones has been okay. T.J. Graham has been okay, but Fitzpatrick cannot get him the ball on a deep ball. David Nelson is out for the season. Overall, I give them a C+.

The offensive line has been solid. Cordy Glenn seems to be a good addition, although he was injured. Eric Wood and Andy Levitre are playing very well and have remained healthy. Eric Pears and Craig Urbik both have been hurt this season. I give the line a B, as they have done a good job in both pass protection and run protection.

After signing free agent defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, Bills fans got excited. The front line also features two-time Pro Bowl tackle Kyle Williams and last season's number 3 overall pick Marcell Dareus. However, the defensive line is getting very little pressure by themselves and they have consistently given up 100 yard running backs. I give the line a C+.

The linebackers are a wreck. The linebackers cannot plug run gaps. They cannot rush the passer. They cannot tackle. They cannot cover tight ends. Whether it be rookies like Nigel Bradham or veterans like Nick Barnett, the group has struggled. I give them a C-.

The secondary is not much better. Stephon Gilmore has been okay, but not great. Aaron Williams and Leodis McKelvin have been consistenly getting beat. George Wilson in the secondary has been below average. The only player playing will in the secondary would be Jariyus Byrd, who has a few interceptions. I would give the secondary a C.

Overall, the Bills are greatly underachieving and need to go on a bit winning streak, which would include wins over teams with a winning record. If the Bills do end up missing the playoffs, they must get a quarterback in the upcoming draft. This is their main concern. I would give the Bills a C- for where they are at this season.

2012 NHL Draft Approaching Soon For Sabres - Yoozpaper

2012 NHL Draft Approaching Soon For Sabres - Yoozpaper | Free Online Articles

Paul Gaustad will most likely be traded

It appears as though part of the Buffalo Sabres core will finally be traded. Paul Gaustad, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, will probably be sent packing if the Sabres and Gaustad cannot reach a deal. While not a goal scorer, the big center can be an asset to a team in the playoffs. He kills penalties, hits, and is very good on faceoffs. I am very happy to see Gaustad traded, as I think is he highly overpaid for what he does on the ice. I believe that the Sabres can land a 2nd round pick for the big center. I would like the Sabres to get as many assets as they can to either get into the top 2 of the draft and to make a trade for a bonafide center. Hopefully, Brad Boyes will be sent packing as well.