Here and There

by Ryan

Just a few thoughts for the afternoon.

- I was watching the Monday Night game last night and realized something: I would be really, really satisfied with the broadcast if Tony Kornheiser wasn't involved. I've always liked Jaws, and Mike Tirico has done an excellent job of growing into the role. He actually gets excited, rarely says stupid things, and he doesn't rely on the tired cliches that bother most people when it comes to announcers.



Most importantly, he seems to really understand football and doesn't dumb down the game at all. It's probably a result of sitting in the same booth as Ron Jaworski for five months, but he will describe blitz packages, notices when a quarterback checks down or reads a defense, and is willing to inform the audience of these things without sounding like a complete tool. You can tell he takes his job really seriously, and it's just nice to see that in such a high profile guy. Last night's game was almost a complete waste of time, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't watch the whole thing.

- It looks like the Nathan Gerbe Experiment will be on hold for a bit. I'm not exactly sure what this will do to the roster, but Kaleta coming back will help a ton. Hopefully other teams didn't notice that Montreal figured out how to handle him.

- Craig Rivet being out for an extended period of time is disappointing, but letting rehab and stay on the shelf for a bit is not a huge loss as far as his level of play. Of course having your captain in the press box is tough, but he has been visibly struggling for the past month with the variety of injuries he's had.

Chris and I have sent "he's definitely still hurt" text messages to each other at least a half dozen times since he's returned from that knee injury. Letting him heal will be better for the team down the road when it (hopefully) really counts. That said, Paetsch hasn't been the best and when he's paired with Teppo I slam my face on the panic button the entire shift. Add in a struggling Sekera and we have another season of shaky D play in front of sometimes iffy goaltending.

- Mirtle has been looking at where NHL players come from, and a few days ago he did New York State. It's pretty cool to see that the youth hockey in WNY has made a legitimate impact on the league. We all know about guys like Stempniak and Kane, but you might forget about Foligno and even that Timmy's from Baldwinsville.

James is right, the fact that a lot of former Sabres stay in the area after retirement does help the hockey landscape around here. Try going to the Pepsi Center and not hitting a former player coaching or watching their kids, let alone the practices the current Sabres put on there. We knew a lot of guys in the league were from the area, but 15% of all U.S. players is a huge number, and it looks like that number is only going to increase with guys like Thomas McCollum and Tim Kennedy in the NHL pipeline.



- I like that we have players on our teams that make stories like this possible. Lots of good quotes in there, but he didn't call Vanek "Atlas" once. Bummer.

- I messed around with the template yesterday, so let me know what you think of the changes. I basically made the links on the sidebar a bit darker. Too dark? Don't care? In a related story, I really want to widen the main column but I'm not exactly sure how to alter the html like that. Any ideas?

Common People

by Ryan

There was a mist hovering above the stadium tonight that had nothing to do with Mother Nature. From outside it was pretty cool to see, and as the night went on it only intensified. Yet at the game's close I looked up at it and thought to myself:



There is no God.

This game wasn't just about Rian Lindell, but that field goal is going to forever stick in my mind. That football drifting to the right was a true punch to the stomach, and after over three hours of screaming and yelling and making jokes about Antowain Smith, all I could do is slump into my seat and sit there. I wanted to just lay there for a while and feel better, but that moment never came.

The mist I mentioned earlier, that was from the heat of over 72,000 people doing everything they could to keep their season alive. For a while there it looked shaky, but it sure did look like it was going to happen in the end. We had them. Twice. But in the back of your mind you knew something had to give, and right on que Rian kicked it all to hell.

There are a lot of people to blame for tonight. Trent Edwards probably had the worst game of his career, while Marshawn Lynch probably had the best. The defense didn't do much, and I can't even address how open Lee Evans was at times tonight without wanting to burn churches. However, I'll save these points for a time when all that bile in my body recedes to where it should be.

Last year's Monday Night Football game had a similar ending, but for me the two games felt completely different. There was nothing but pride on the line against Dallas, and while that loss was shocking, having that shock factor softened the blow in a way. This year, however, Buffalo took everything on the field and fell short in a spectacular matter.

But, because it was right there, tonight felt so much worse. I've never witnessed a moment in sports that made me want to curl up on a freezing metal bench and just forget about the world. Tonight my sports fandom knocked me off my own feet, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. You're not supposed to take things that seriously, right? It's not supposed to mean that much. But it does, and that's what keeps you coming back.

After games like this you have to look at what brought you here and ask if it was worth it. What is it worth to sit this close and feel this much and hurt so badly?



I can't really answer any of those questions, but I know it's not going to end anytime soon. The Bills are 5-5 and the their quarterback can't see past ten yards. All that playoff talk a few weeks ago has become just another cloud of mist hovering over us. So maybe there is a God, or maybe not. The one thing I do know is that I'll be back on Sunday. If there is a religion in this town it is sports, even when the pastor can't preach and the collection is corrupt. Into the fog we go, once again.



Because there's nothing else to do.

MNF Prep: Bills vs. Browns

by Ryan


Oh, he's ready.

Announcers: Mike Tirico, Jaws, and Some Douchebag Who Loves Hyperbole. (Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

Depth Charts: Browns, Bills

Stats: NFL.com, ESPN, or Yahoo Sports all do a good job. If you have fantasy teams through Yahoo, you're better off paying the ten bucks for "stattracker", it's a lifesaver. (Especially when you have three fantasy leagues with Yahoo...)

Things They've Been Saying:
- Snow

- Thoughts on Brady Quinn.

- FTLT has the as-usual excellent preview.

- Football Outsiders has a look at Bills/Browns special teams.

Pump-Up Song that Will Melt Your Face Off: "Tessellate", Tokyo Police Club



This is about as perfect a song as I could find for tonight.

Fun Facts:

- If you want Bills shoes but hate Reebook, I'd suggest reading this.

- I was reading this a few days ago and realized that Dan Steinberg grew up a Bills fan. Interesting.

- Cleveland gave up 160 yards to a Broncos team that literally ran out of running backs. So yeah, maybe because Marshawn Lynch is a running back we will see some success in the run game. Maybe.

- Brady Quinn is a douche:



Just so we're still clear.

Okay, that's it. Game time. I'll be at the stadium, so I'm not sure if anyone will be around. All I can say is enjoy tonight. Last year Monday Night Football was one of the best experiences I've ever had as a fan. If not for the soul-sucking last second loss, it would probably be my favorite moment as a Bills fan. I don't expect the same result tonight, but I do expect the same atmosphere.




Go Bills.

Talking Tonight

by Ryan

Today I was digging through my basement getting ready for the game tonight. While getting out the boots I only use for Bills games and lake effect snow, I found a bunch of old Bills pennants, posters, and this:



Even after all these years, this guy still has an impact on the city. There are even a few street signs downtown that have "Talking Proud!" on them, and it wouldn't be hard to find someone humming a tune to those words on a Sunday morning.

What I find interesting is that the slogan came from a time of economic duress, designed to put some pride back in a city that desperately needed it. We are seeing a similar stretch of economic downturn, and no one's come up with anything catchy to tide us over. However, over the years what better pick me up has this city ever received than a big Bills win?

Last Saturday when we had our get together at Fat Bob's, Tedd from FirstTimeLongTime asked what championship would be bigger for the city: Stanley Cup or Super Bowl. I said Super Bowl hands down because we all know how much of a mood swing a Bills score has on Buffalo.

When you think about it, doesn't this city need tonight, just to wake up in a more cheerful world tomorrow? The difference between a dreary winter day and a perfect morning snowfall is one boxscore. This city needs Monday Night Football, and it's only a few hours away.



Something tells me this time will be different.

Gameday Prep: Bills Play Tomorrow

by Ryan



We will have another one of these up tomorrow, but if you aren't watching football today you're probably not reading this site either. We'll go through this for all the games we get to see on cable, because if you have Sunday Ticket, well, get the hell out of here Rockefeller.

Game Distribution Maps and Announcers: Courtesy of the506, Awful Announcing.

CBS 1PM: Baltimore at New York Giants - Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf

CBS 4PM: San Diego at Pittsburgh - Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

FOX 1PM: Chicago at Green Bay - Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver

NBC: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins - Al Michaels, John Madden

Handy Things: team info, scouting reports, fantasy injuries, and depressing Staph infection story are seem like things you may want to see.

Stats: NFL.com, ESPN, or Yahoo Sports all do a good job. If you have fantasy teams through Yahoo, you're better off paying the ten bucks for "stattracker", it's a lifesaver. (Especially when you have three fantasy leagues with Yahoo...)

Things They've Been Saying:
- Hasselbeck and Branch are back this week for Seattle, so they should right the ship anytime now.

- Looks like the only thing slowing down the Giants offense is booze.

- Does anyone else really enjoy seeing Leitch post on Deadspin, even if it's once a week. Site's just not the same without him...

- Well this doesn't look good for our opponents tomorrow...

Pump-Up Song that Will Melt Your Face Off Depress the hell out of you: "Waiting", City and Colour



You have to get low before you can get back up again. We have a good one tomorrow, I promise.

Fun Facts:

- Larry Johnson will be playing today after spitting on a woman and getting Herm Edwards mad. Stephen Jackson won't be playing, however, because he is a woman. Also, Herm Edwards just may be clinically retarded.

- John Lynch is going to retire on Monday. Twice. I'm not sure how that's happening, but T.O.'s retirement ceremony is going to be awesome.

- Drew Henson sighting!

- I just found out yesterday that I'm going to the game tomorrow. I know you don't care, but I'm pumped. So there. Enjoy the games today, and remember that football isn't over until it's Monday night.




Go Bills.

Fix It

by Ryan

If there were ever a time to play the Browns it would be now. Sure the Bills are reeling, but what the Browns have gone through this year is quite frankly, pretty awful. The trendy playoff pick, Cleveland was given a ton of nationally televised games and a lot of hype. Former backup Derek Anderson was signed to an extension with Brady Quinn waiting in the wings, and while most picked Cleveland to win their division, some critics saw them as the obvious underachiever for 2008.

The Browns proved them right by getting murdered by Dallas at home to open the season, and a quick 0-3 start made all those prime time games look pretty boring. However, coming out of the bye with a 1-3 record and facing the world champions at home on Monday Night, Cleveland finally showed up. A 35-14 win over the Giants has been the highlight of Cleveland's season, and they will come to Buffalo on Monday 3-6 and still reeling from a game played almost ten days before.

Well, the The last two weeks Cleveland has given up leads in the fourth quarter. Their tight end was in the hospital with giant testicles. Some players think their team quit on them. Some say otherwise, but even the 0-8s in the league haven't heard accusations like that. Romeo Crennel has been awful, and Will Leitch and Buzz Bissinger just may have killed their best player.

Looking at the numbers it's easy to see why the Browns are so bad. Giving up 564 yards to a team missing all eleven of its running backs is not a good sign, and when your run game is struggling just like Buffalo's you can't expect to win many games. In fact, aside from the big showing on Monday night Cleveland has beaten the hapless Bengals and a Jaguars team that has struggled all season. That's it.

And then there's this fellow:



Quinn had a decent game against a Broncos defense made of stuffing. That's great for him, but the fact of the matter is that this will be his second career start. Ever. Thursday Night Football is cool and everything, but on Monday the entire country gets to see him play. Different story, and the pressure will be on.

Looking at the opponent it seems like an easy win. Lately, however, nothing has been easy for the Bills. The more you think about this game, the more you realize the entire season rests on the outcome. The bad news is they may fall, but if they do it will be to the perfect opponent. Cleveland on Monday night is the perfect recipe for Buffalo to get things back on track.

Let's see if anyone on the roster can cook.

Stu Scott, Unlike Ryan Miller, Actually Has a Lazy Eye

by Ryan

And is a questionable prognosticator.



"In his career Matt Cassel has backed up Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Tom Brady. Cassel is the only quarterback starting this week. I'm taking New England."

My take? Well, the game is taking place in New England, and everyone knows that New England was named after England. Much like New York was obviously named after "old" York. However, this game isn't being played in Old York, so I'm taking the Broncos; because they are from Denver. I like nachos.

Why Yes, That's a Jets Jersey

For just a moment, let's imagine that this photo is a representation of the Monday Night Football television broadcast booth.

If that were the case the old lady holding the sign is Tony Kornheiser, and the pissed off looking guy under that arrow is Ron Jaworski.

Seriously, we get it; Brett Favre is important. He's probably a magical football wizard that will rid the world of polio with his sweat. Whatever. Just shut the hell up and watch the game. We want to watch the game, that's what we came here for. Stop talking about something you beat to death in the preseason along with everyone else.

The thing that kills me about Kornheiser is that this is his only job. It's not like he has a writing job to worry about anymore, his entire existence is being a face on television. Despite this he seems to try so hard at being an annoying jackass, which doesn't project well on television. Puzzling.

A moment to reflect

By Chris

I was caught up in a mix of emotions last night. I was so proud of an undermanned Bills team fighting it out against the Goliath that is the Dallas Cowboys. Five interceptions? Two defensive touchdowns? A special teams score? AND WE LOST????

I went to bed just satisfied that it was close. I woke up this morning and my stomach felt empty. This game should not have been close. The makeshift Bills should have carried that lead and momentum all the way to the end of the game.

DiGiorgio's pick should have sealed the deal, right? Greer's stop on the two point conversion should have sealed the deal, right? Countless other plays could have changed the outcome of the game.

Maybe you don't pass on 3rd and eight from the Dallas 11 with six minutes to go. Work for the field goal and stay up by two scores. Jauron and Fairchild wanted to go for the kill there, and since passing worked last week against the Jets, they tried it again. Except this time, it was an awful play call and Edwards made an even worse decision. While that play didn't close the coffin on the Bills' lead, they Bills never got a real chance to score again.

And what was with the offense? For what plays were being called, I thought Edwards looked good. Sure he may have shook off one two many receivers, but he made all the safe throws, kept the chains moving, and kept his defense off the field. Edwards did everything asked of him from the coaching staff, with the exception of that one throw in the red zone.

Still, they didn't score an offensive touchdown and scored just three points on six turnovers. Looking back, that's completely unacceptable. The play calling was terrible and only got worse as the game went on.

Dallas never should have been given the opportunity to get back in the game. The 12th Man was rocking. Everything was going right until that fourth quarter, when everything that could go wrong did.



Even after Owens completion was revered with :13 to go, the Bills still allowed Romo to throw a pass to Creighton to put them in field goal range. How do you let Creighton catch that pass ON THE SIDELINE??? He catches that ball in the middle of the field and the game is over. But, nope, bad coverage schemes led to that one, costing the team the game.

I'm not ready to fire Dick Jauron yet. But I'm close. Coaching up his players going into that game and have them go out and make a statement earlier was truly remarkable. But during the game, he stands emotionless and, it appears at times, clueless. The terrible play calling is something that's going to haunt this team.

The team needed a win last night. The entire city needed a win. And Dick Jauron let us down.

Maybe during the Baltimore game in two weeks, Chargers fans won't be the only ones chanting, "Marty."

Unbillievable

by Ryan


Did they show the Falls tonight? You know, going to or coming back from commercial? It's an open invitation for anyone too weak to stay on board. They should have given directions to get there, just so we can all go hurl ourselves into the Gorge.

Listen, I'm not going to sit here and BS with you guys, because you know what you saw. There were a lot of good things we saw from the Bills tonight, and a whole lot of bad. We also saw that America's Team has a lot of questions to answer next weekend against the New England Monster, and anyone who thinks Romo is the second coming should check their Bible again.

We all saw it, and we all felt it. The question is, are you still willing to do it? Are two humongous punches to the stomach enough for you to hang up the towel and move on to hockey season? From my view, I wouldn't blame you if you shut it down now. I'm certainly not condoning it, but what else can you do if you've had your fill five weeks in?

I only bring it up because no one shut it down out in those seats tonight. If you were in that crowd you know exactly what I mean. I hope you felt it on TV, because that was the loudest I've heard the Ralph in years. We stood the entire game, made noise every down, and never lost thirst for an upset. Every single Bills fan in that place forgot the standings tonight and put on a show on national television. It was beautiful, and made me proud of this area and the fans.

The on field result, however, is what makes our reputation ring true. They don't make commercials like this for just any team, and Dick Jauron did just enough to keep the universe in balance.

Listen, there are at least a half dozen times this game was won, and for everyone a different play will stand out. The fact of the matter is those players did everything they could to win that game, and the Cowboys did everything they could to give it to us. How we sit at a 25-24 final is just mind boggling, and when I think mind boggling, I think Dick Jauron and company.

Trent Edwards made four major mistakes tonight. Two were sacks, one was a fumble he recovered, and the fourth was an interception that wouldn't have happened if they don't call a five wide out package in field goal range. I know some people think otherwise, but there is a time to be aggressive, and a time to run the ball and make it a two score game. A half dozen decisions like this make the difference in a game's end result, and each one tonight went against us.

This isn't an aberration. Opening day our loss was a result of the same type of miscues, and to be quite honest, these decisions are balls. I highly doubt DiGorgio is the one who decided to play off late when the Cowboys needed a mid range sideline completion, nor did Schobel plead for a minimal rush on a quarterback who was flustered all night.

I guess in the end it doesn't matter. A bounce here, a stumble there, and we are 3-2 at the bye with a defense beginning to mesh and an offense doing just enough to win. Instead we are a 1-4 team devastated by injuries and an incompetence that saturates every genuinely outstanding effort this team puts forth.

There are no answers, only the question of whether you have enough in the tank to be there for the next eleven games. Tonight, for both for fans and this team, will either be the turning point of the season, or the pinnacle of our disastrous fate.

My heart says it's worth it, but on nights like this, my mettle is rocked to its very core.

RoosTV: Buffalo gets the four-letter treatment

By Chris

Welcome to Monday Night Football, live from Buffalo, NY--well sort of live, and sort of from Buffalo, NY (the Bills play in Orchard Park and I'm at home in Lockport, a few minutes north).

It's just after 9:00 now and I literally just walked in the door ten minutes ago.

I had class until 8:30 and for the first time, I made it from college to my house in 15 minutes. God bless green lights and a heavy foot.

I've also been rocking my Todd Collins jersey all day and I don't plan on changing it anytime soon.

I did catch the Bills first drive on the radio and here's what transpired:

At 8:37 I turned my car on and switched the radio. John Murphy, the voice of the Bills, and Mark Kelso are on the air. Kelso just called the Cowboys' 4-0 record misleading. I knew there was a reason why I try my hardest not to listen to these games on the radio.

Marshawn Lynch busts out for a 15 yard gain on the Bills first play from scrimmage. I notice Murph and Kelso are on a first name basis with the players. Roscoe on the kick return. Trent takes the snap. Marshawn with a nice gain.

I actually wonder if punters can win Player of the Game awards. After running for a first down on a fake punt to keep the drive alive, the Bills go three and out, setting Moorman up for another punt. Murph goes nuts as Brian pins the Cowboys on the one yard line.

Romo throws a pick to wide receiver turned defensive back George Wilson, who runs it in for the score.

The 12th man is in mid-season form right now.

Lindell's kick is good, 7-0 Bills.



Finally got the laptop set up, I'm ready to write and Roost TV is live:

9:16: Sweet graphic as ESPN shows Tony Romo walking off the field. "Dallas Cowboys: aaaaaaaag." Maybe the Four-Letter is on our side after all.

9:17: Yankees Update (yes, I'll be flipping from time to time): Yanks down 4-1 in the top of the fourth. I think I might start rooting for the Indians the rest of the post season.

9:19: Romo's finally finding his groove. Three straight completions, Cowboys keep moving the chains.

9:22: Great catch by T.O., then takes the spiking penalty. Not much of a call but whatever, we'll take the 5 yards. Romo's taking a lot of hits after the throw.

9:23: Witten takes those extra five yards and catches one in the end zone. We've got a tie game, 7-7.

9:28 Nice shot of Jerry Jones and Michael Irvin in their box having a coke party---errr watching the game intently.

9:28: Lynch with a 23 yard run after a quick dump from Edwards. This guy is the real freaking deal. He works for every yard. Instant fan favorite here, although his hard nosed running style doesn't bode well for a long career.

9:30: Roscoe with a nice run after the catch to pick up a first. He tried the Playmaker button from Madden 04 to call his block, but caught his teammates off guard. Parrish with 3 catches for 24 yards already, all pretty big plays. Edwards looks great.

9:34: Kornheiser telling America what everyone in Buffalo already knows: J.P. Losman is pretty much unemployed after this season. There's no allegiance to J.P. and everyone is already anointing Edwards. Sentiment here is that even if the Bills lose tonight, people are going to want to see how he bounces back after the bye week.

9:37 Does anyone else think that Mike Tirico is boring? I mean the 2007 quarterback draft is interesting and all, but I think I fell asleep after he said, "Edwards was the sixth quarterbaaaaaaaaayaaaaawwwnnnnn..."

9:37: Bills are in the red zone. They're using play action well. As the half winds down, a field goal is a success here.

9:40: Third and goal. Nice little throw to Gaines. Nothing special like Jaws says, but Edwards is doing the right thing by playing it safe on that throw.

9:41: Lindell puts it through the uprights. I'm still trying to figure out when this guy became a legitimately reliable kicker. I remember when he stunk outside of 40, now he can kick it from pretty much anywhere.

This 24-yarder put Buffalo up 10-7 with 3:26 to go.

9:45: Chris Kelsay tips up a Romo pass to himself and catches it in the end zone. TOUCHDOWN!!!! And did I just hear "Song 2" by the Blur after that score? Really?

17-7 Bills.



So much for being satisfied with the 10-7 lead going into half.

Tirico: "Unbelievable."

The 12th man is rocking.

9:45: Waiting for the "Shout" song.

9:46: Still waiting.

9:47: There it is! "BUMP BUMP BUMP BUMP THE BILLS MAKE ME WANNA SHOUT!!!"

9:48: On a side note, it's a great thing I've already got a comfortable lead in my fantasy league. Tony Romo is killing my team.

9:49: Romo looks like he's going to cry. Picked off by AFC Defensive Player of the Week Jabari Greer. I just got two instant messages almost instantaneously.

The first one, from the Roost's own Jon: "!!!!!!!!!!1 this is the most fun i have had watching football in years."

The second from my sports editor at the UB newspaper, Rubin: "is this really f**king happening?"

It's been a good night to be a Bills fan.

9:58: Lindell misses a 54-yarder. No worries. The crowd's still roaring and Romo is still jumpy.

10:00: I think they just showed a replay of T.O. on the bench giving Romo some pills that will "make him feel better."

10:01: Dallas now in field goal range as Romo gets blasted by Kelsay but makes the throw to Sam Turd--I mean Hurd.

10:02: Field goal is good, Bills lead 17-10 at half. Cowboys will start with the ball for the second half.

Bills are really playing above their level right now. You wouldn't know they were playing with a patchwork defense and a rookie quarterback. It'll be amazing if Dick Jauron can keep the emotional level up, all while making sure they don't get too over anxious and cough up the lead. It'll also be interesting to see what adjustments Dallas makes coming into the half.

Be back in a few...

10:04: Back sooner than I thought...Quick Yankee update, they're down 6-1 in the middle of the sixth. I'm not sure even Ronan Tynan could save them now.

10:15: Wow. Yanks in the middle of a nice min-rally. 6-2 now in the bottom of the sixth with one out and a man on first. Not a bad half time show.

10:16: Duncan moves to third on a base hit by Johnny Damon. In the words of Mike Tirico, "Unbelievable."

10:20: The usually clutch Jeter pulls an A-Rod and grounds into a double play to end the inning.

Whoops, football game's back on...no worries, it's still 17-10.

10:22: Niagara Falls looks pretty good at night. Just please don't show the rest of the city. Please.

10:23: Bills just won some sort of challenge, either way Dallas earns a first down. I'm more shocked to see Wade Phillips wearing a headset. He never wore them when he was a head coach here.

10:25: Kornheiser agrees with Kelso's earlier assessment that the Cowboys maybe aren't as good as we thought they were. What--what we thought they were. After all they ARE in the NFC.

10:28: Jaws is from Lackawanna, a Buffalo suburb. He freaking loves us.

10:29: Romo's head seems clear, as they're driving on their first drive of the half. The T.O. pick-me-ups seem to be working.

10:30: John "Poppa" DiGiorgio almost picks off a Romo pass of his own. Forces a fourth down.

10:31: Kick from Nick Folk from 29 yards is good, capping off a nine minute, 72 yard drive. Cowboys only trail by a score of 17-13 now.

10:33: TERRENCE MCGEE!!!!!! Gotta love special teams, a 103 yard return. Bobby April for President. And just like that the Bills respond. 23-7. I may never wash this Todd Collins jersey again. And John Murphy just had a heart attack.



10:33: Jerry Jones is in the fetal position, coked out with Playmaker.

10:33: Tony Romo is wrapped up in a towel, crying, humming Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats."

10:34: Ronan Tynan singing "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium. Is there anyone who DOESN'T love this guy?

10:38: Coming into this game, I would have been satisfied with a close game midway through the third quarter, as long as the team didn't embarrass themselves and Edwards continued to make progress. Now, it's a totally different ballgame. The Bills need to hang on to win this game. This team looks like it's ready to become something the entire community can rally around.

It's amazing what happens when you put a competent quarterback under center, and not one that lines up behind the guard, like Losman once did. Sustain some long offensive drives and it'll allow your defense to stay fresh so they can make some big plays. I don't know where this Bills team came from, but I'm loving it.

10:40: A bomb to T.O. just ruled incomplete. He looks flustered, maybe he'll punch someone soon and make this game reeeally interesting.

10:41: Another incomplete pass intended for Owens. He's going to flip anytime now. He better go take his medication.

10:44: Josh Reed comes up with a great 50-50 ball. Peerless who?

10:45: Jaws analyzing Edwards' footwork. Staying balanced, looking good. Poised. 17/21, 121 yards. Welcome to the Show, kid. Glad to have you.

10:47: Good God, Edwards looks great. Reads the blitz, gets hit, still makes the quick throw, Roscoe picks up 8 yards. I love this guy. Trent Edwards has thrown just two incomplete passes since the 11:00 mark of the second quarter.

10:49: Slowly but surely, Yankees are coming back. Down 6-3 in the bottom of the 7th with two outs. 3-1 count to Matsui.

10:50: Walk. Missed an A-Rod home run (I couldn't believe it either) and the Yanks look to rally again.

10:51: Another beautiful punt by Moorman. Tirico says it won't be as good as that one in the first quarter...duh.

10:56: ESPN now talking about Kevin Everett's progress and the Miami Project. Glad they were able to fit that in now while we're all feeling good. Keep up the positive stuff, please.

10:58: Good presence by Romo. He's looked kind of syzcho out there lately. On that throw he had a good play action, pump faked deep, when he saw he didn't have that, he just dumped it off for a nine yard gain. Bills need to keep the pressure on him and keep him uncomfortable.

11:00: You know, it's nice to see a lot of former Buffalo Bisons succeeding in the postseason. From Sizemore to Garko to Shoppach, we've seen all these guys play live and it really is a treat to see them come up big in October. And this is coming from a Yankees fan.

11:02: Buffalo forces yet another fourth down and another field goal attempt for Folk. In the words of Butch Cassidy, "Who are these guys?"

11:03: Kick is good. Buffalo still leads 24-16. The Todd Collins jersey isn't coming off.



11:05: It's been 13 years since Monday Night Football was last in town. I have a feeling they'll be making a few more stops here in the future (that is until we get the police reports tomorrow morning).

11:05: Thurman's kissing Suzy Kolber. Best memory: "To go into the Hall of Fame as a Buffalo Bill." I love having the old guys from the Glory Years back together and active with the team.

11:08: Edwards hangs onto the ball too long on consecutive plays. Edwards fumbles but recovers. 3rd and 29 now. Edwards made two bonehead mistakes there, but he still looks really really good. I've got a feeling the Bills are going to need at least one more score.

11:10: Yankees update: Rivera gets Pronk to ground out. Jeter charged and made a great play to get him out. Hafner thinks Posada interfered. Wah. Eighth inning's over.

11:13: FUMBLEROOSKIE!!! Romo fumbles, further sinking my fantasy team. Bills recover, crowd goes wild. Five, count 'em, five, turn overs for Romo. He walks off the field crying again. This is surreal.

11:16: Roy Williams horse collars Lynch. Will this idiot ever learn? Officials call a face mask instead of the horse collar and the late helmet to helmet hit from Newman. Lynch, getting abused but still getting the yards. Already he's one of the toughest runners in the league.

11:17: A thinner Wade Phillips is shown on the sideline coaching the Denver Broncos in a flashback to the last time the Bills hosted Monday Night Football.

11:19: Lynch busting out. The line looks great tonight. Fourteen yard run puts the Bulls on the 13 yard line.

11:20: Now we're going to see what Trent Edwards is all about. This is his real moment of truth. Up 24-16 in the red zone with 7 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Are they going to go the conservative route and settle for three?

11:22: Damn. Edwards throws a pick. Bad decision in the red zone. Terrence Newman returns it for 70 yards back to the Buffalo 17. Lot of heart by Lee Evans on that play. The pass was intended for him, but Newman jumped in front of the route, and Evans tracked him down all the way down the field to make the tackle. Turns out he even forced a fumble, but Dallas recovers.

11:24: Bills need a Billy Fucillo-eque "Huuuuuuge-ah" stop here.

11:25: Romo's garbage tonight. Papa DiGiorgio picks him off in the red zone. Bills get the ball back.

11:26: Tony Kornheiser: "It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!" Damn straight.

11:28: Romo must be -35 in fantasy points tonight. Good thing I've got Marshawn Lynch balancing this one out.

11:32: McGee has a chance to end the game, drops the pick.

11:33: Yankees in the bottom of the ninth, down by three. Heart of the order up, with Jeter leading off.

11:34: Jeter pops out. One out. Back to football.

11:34: IM from Jon: "have you seen Wade Phillips' daughter? shes hottttttt. shes a burlesque dancer."

If anyone's interested:
Here and here.

11:37: Just flipped back to New York. Abreu jacked one. 6-4. A-Rod's up, maybe in his last Yankee at bat. Football can wait.

11:38: Baseball can wait. Dallas completes a first down on the Buffalo 15 with 40 seconds left. Time out Cowboys.

11:39: A-Rod pops out. Final out.

11:39: Barber falls near the goal line. Twenty four seconds left. I'm wearing out the "Prev. Channel" button on my remote. Football game goes to commercial.

11:40: Posada crushes one foul. Jeez I thought that was gone.

11:41: Posada strikes out. Cleveland v Boston. For some reason they're playing Sinatra at Yankee Stadium. They lost.

11:41: Tirico just called the football game the "Game of the Year." We're honored.

11:42: Touchdown pass to Creighton. 24-22 with 20 seconds left. Need the 2 point conversion to tie. Bills are due for another interception, right? Right?

11:43: Play of the season right here. Watch out for Marion Barber.

11:44: Dallas sets up at least eight wide for the two point conversion.

11:44: JABARI GREER JABARI GREER JABARI GREER JABARI GREER JABARI GREER JABARI GREER. BREAKS IT UP! T.O. IS GOING TO MURDER SOMEONE! John Murphy just had another heart attack.

11:45: Twenty seconds left.

11:46: Onside kick...Dallas recovers. Wade Phillips looks confused. Officials discussing. Clock reset. Dallas on the 47. Play of the year coming up.

11:47: :18 left. Bills NEED to close this one out. Please, Bills. We need this one.

11:47: Play under review. Illegal touch? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

11:48: My editor Rubin is freaking out, has been since that last touchdown.

11:49: Thank you, ESPN for showing the Music City Miracle. Maybe they're not on our side.

11:49: Play stands, Dallas football.

11:50: Catch at the 25 yard line by Owens. Romo spike it with one second left. Oh God.

11:50: Booth to review the Owens catch. Looks like an incomplete pass from replay.

11:51: After that Denver game Week One, I'm not sure if Bills fans can take another last second field goal loss. I know I can't. This is unfreakingbelievable.

11:53: Jaws: "Is there a full moon in Buffalo tonight?" Might as well be...

11:53: The Ruling: Incomplete Pass. Game Clock back to :13, ball goes back to the 47.

11:54: Barber gets out of bounds on a dump pass. Seven seconds left, would be a 60 yard kick. They're going to run one more play. The 12th man needs this one.

11:55: Romo to Creighton. Two seconds left. Ball on the Buffalo 35. Here we go....

11:55: Kick is up

11:56: Kick is good.

11:56: Time out Buffalo, prior to the snap. Wade Phillips looks confused.

11:56: Mike Shannahan-esque. Very nice, Dick Jauron. Very nice.

11:57: Kick attempt #2 coming up. Let's hear you, Buffalo.

11:57: 53 yards. Good. Cowboys win.

11:57: Flag on the play. Offsides against Buffalo. Penalty declined. Game over.

How hard do you have to fight?

Look's like someone has a case of the Mondays...

by Ryan


It's a strange feeling for sure.


For the first time in over a decade the Bills are hosting a Monday Night Football game. The kicker is that the Bills are currently 1-3 and have more holes than a colander, and the Cowboys are 4-0 and the highest scoring team in the league. It makes you feel like the ten point spread is quite generous.

There's really not much to say here because almost everyone thinks this game has blowout written all over it. If you'd like to think otherwise, here's a few things to hang your hat on.

We still don't know what Trent Edwards can do. Tonight will be his second start, and how he handles the pressure of the spotlight will tell a lot about what he can do. He looked poised and very comfortable behind center last week, but the bright lights and national television audience change things quite a bit.

Anthony Hargrove is back in the starting lineup, after doing, well... he did a lot of things, but was suspended by the NFL for substance abuse. Cop punching aside, he is a necessary part of the defense. He did look good in preseason, and plugging any healthy body in the line will make us better.

Have you seen their head coach? It's Wade Phillips! Rotund, bumbling, headset refusing Wade Phillips! Just because he wears a headset and makes Pepsi Max commercials now doesn't mean he's the cause of the 'Boys 4-0 start. He looks completely lost on the sidelines, and when anything good happens he raises his hands and grins like he just found a vat of cookie dough.

I'm not afraid of him, and you shouldn't be either.

Unfortunately that's all the positives I got. This game does look pretty grim, but it should be a fun time if you are going down to the Ralph. If you are sticking to the television tonight, there's always Game 4 of the ALDS if it gets out of hand. (Hey, the Sox need to play someone...)

No Comment? No problem!

by Ryan


It may be hard to believe, but I feel last night was the start of Monday Night Football's turnaround.

There was something about the booth combination and the Michael Vick Saga that seemed to show off everything Monday Night Football should be. And while it may pain Joe Theismann to hear this, I actually enjoyed the broadcast. A lot.

Sure, there was plenty of Michael Vick overkill. Interviews were done with people that may or may not know anything about the ongoing drama. But when it came to the Falcons organization, no punches were pulled.

I think what works about the MNF crew is that not only do they come from a diverse background, they all happen to like eachother. I'm not sure if anyone else noticed this, but Theismann hated Tony Kornheiser, and Tony seemed to enjoy this. Now while that does make for some great comedy, it does not make for a smooth broadcast.

With Ron Jaworski in the booth this year, however, things seem to go much better. Jaws is one of those guys that loves the game so much he could talk about it forever. If anyone has stayed up on a Saturday and watched one of those 4 A.M. "NFL Matchup" shows, you know what I'm talking about. Watching Jaws makes you feel smarter after you're done, like you could actually understand the Tampa Two scheme. That may not be what some people want in their football broadcast, but I think Jaws does provide something that has been missing from most TV crews in the past: Football IQ.

Mike Tirico is bland, predictable, and doesn't have much to offer in regards to commentary. I think that works for him because he has someone like Tony Kornheiser to do that for him. Tony isn't afraid to tell you what he feels, and while his fantasy ramblings have been annoying, he seems to be more on point this year.

The different backgrounds and styles of the three seem to bring a pretty equal viewpoint of the action. The football broadcast itself was smooth and enjoyable. (well... as enjoyable as a preseason game goes.) Kornheiser made the usual jokes, Tirico said what he was supposed to, and Jaws analyzed everything he saw. He was spot on in reading a blitz late in the game, and his football IQ will help others understand how the game works.

The most telling moment of the broadcast came when it was disclosed that ESPN was not allowed to ask any questions to the Falcons players during their sideline interviews. Kornheiser took notice of this, calling for accountability from the Falcons organization and letting their players speak for themselves. He spoke as a journalist, not as a guy in a booth getting paid by tWWL.

Jaws then defended the Falcons, saying that they are trying to move past the issue. It was an interesting paralell to Tony, and one that shows the strengths of the booth. It just didn't feel like there was a company line drawn, but rather Monday Night Football was used to spotlight and discuss one of the most interesting and devestating stories of the NFLs history.

I'm not saying that Mike Vick and his legal troubles hasn't been talked about; it certianly has and will continue to be. But tonight, when anyone who really cared about football was watching, the issue was properly discussed and explored. There was no yelling, no points awarded, just questions asked and acountability demanded.

Everyone is sick of watching "First and 10", "Mike and Mike", or Sportscenter anchors editorialize over the situation. Every fan has their own opinion on the issue, and no amount of yelling is going to make their own view catch on. Still, it was nice to see it properly handled on the one of football's biggest stages.

This whole "Mike Vick" thing isn't going to go away. The least we can do is a fair look at it.