Inside The Bills

Moore a game time decision?

Dolphins starting QB Matt Moore is listed as questionable, and sounds very much like a game time decision for Sunday’s game with the Bills.

“He threw the ball better,” said Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles after Friday’s practice. “We still got to wait until Sunday just to make sure there’s no lingering effects. We’ll wait and see.”

Moore was limited in practice both Thursday and Friday. If he can’t go Sunday, backup and former Bills first-round draft choice J.P. Losman will get the start.

Dolphins tackle situation shaky

With Jake Long questionable for Sunday’s game with the Bills, Miami interim head coach Todd Bowles had to leave a lot up in the air as far as his left tackle position goes.

“He practiced some,” said Bowles of Long, who was limited in practice Friday. ”Right now he’s questionable. We’ll see how he feels on the plane ride. Kind of go from there.”

When asked if Long was limited more to rest him for Sunday’s game, Bowles indicated that he wasn’t. 

“No. Jake’s a warrior,” Bowles said. ”He wants to play and if he can play and if he’s healthy he will.”

Long suffered a back injury in last Sunday’s game. Last weekend he was replaced by Nate Garner, but this week John Jerry has been his replacement in practice. Jerry is a guard by trade and was lined up at right guard last week to replace starting RG Vernon Carey, who left the game with an ankle injury and is questionable this week.

Jerry never played offensive tackle in college at LSU or in the NFL, so he would be making his first NFL start at left tackle Sunday if Long cannot play.  

“He’s taken some reps,” said Bowles. ”The last few weeks we’ve kind of moved our guys around in case of emergency so he’s had a lot of reps there.”

Nate Garner was Long’s left tackle replacement last week, but was horrible in pass protection giving up three sacks.

Miami injury report

Here is the status of all injured Dolphins players for Sunday’s game against the Bills.

OUT
SLB Koa Misi – shoulder

QUESTIONABLE
LT Jake Long – back
QB Matt Moore – head
RG Vernon Carey – ankle
TE Anthony Fasano – ribs

PROBABLE
S Yeremiah Bell – foot
CB Vontae Davis – neck

Bills injury update

Here are the official listings of Buffalo’s players on this week’s injury report

TE Scott Chandler – ankle – OUT
K Dave Rayner – groin – Probable (he practiced fully on Friday)
CB Aaron Williams - calf – Probable (he practiced fully on Friday)

Head coach Chan Gailey said Aaron Williams would be back in the starting lineup, which means Leodis McKelvin goes back to being the fourth corner behind nickel back Justin Rogers.

Fan Friday 12-16

Three games left for the Bills, but Fan Friday is here for you each and every week. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1 – Chris,
Can you confirm that it would cost the Bills $9.4M to franchise Stevie Johnson for next year?

Thanks,
Jason K.

CB: Your number is in the range projected for 2012. In 2011 the franchise tag for a wide receiver was $11.3 million, but that number is going to come down considerably in 2012. That’s because under the new CBA the franchise tag figure will no longer be the average of the top five salaries at the position. Instead it will be the average of the highest-paid player at the position in each of the last five years.

So the number won’t be reached with just salary figures from 2011, but from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. That’s going to drive the figure down. Estimates are pegging the wide receiver figure to be between $9.4 and $9.8 million depending on whether the salary cap stays flat at $120M or goes up to $125M.

I’m not convinced that the Bills will make use of the franchise tag, especially in light of reports that Johnson is looking for less than the projected franchise figure per season. Signing him up long term would likely prove to be the better option.

2 – Chris,
What day does free agency start in 2012? I heard that it’s starting later this year. Thanks for your help!

Brandon Pease

CB: Free agency will start later than the typical March 1^st date in 2012. The market will not open until March 13^th and it will open at 4 pm, not midnight.

3 - Hi Chris,

I know we signed Fitz to a long term deal, but as disgruntled Bills fan I think we should trade all our draft picks this year for Luck & next year’s # 1 if we have to. They’re saying Luck is better than Elway & Manning so I can see trading all those picks. If we can’t get Luck, how about moving up to get Barkley? We need a franchise QB & Fitz is not the answer. At best he is probably a 8-8 QB. I like Fitz, but he is not going to take this team to the next level. Also why don’t we go back to playing the 4-3 defense permanently. Warren Sapp & Jamie Dukes said that in the beginning of the season. Forget the 3-4 it does not work. Williams & Dareus in the middle who is going to run on us. thank you!!

ICON77

CB: First of all to say he’s better than Manning or Elway is not something I’ve heard anyone say. All I’ve heard is he’s the best QB prospect since Manning in ’98. Trading your entire draft for one player is foolhardy. I respect the need for a team to have a franchise quarterback in this league now more than ever, but the holes that still exist on this team are too numerous to toss away an entire draft’s worth of choices for one player.

I think there might be more merit to your 4-3 defense request. My only concern there is where do you put Nick Barnett? Shep is the bigger and stouter run defender so he would presumably be your MLB. Barnett could probably play WLB because he runs well, but having never seen him in that role I’m not sure about it.

4 – Hey Chris,
With the way things are going and their remaining schedule, a 5-11 finish seems very possible. It’s still a little premature for that, but hypothetically if that were to happen, that would get Buffalo a very nice draft pick, so do you think they should take a quarterback like Matt Barkley or Landry Jones, if one is still available when they pick?

At the very least, it would give Fitzpatrick competition for his job, so if he doesn’t perform, he’s not going to start. If Fitz can prove himself and bring back the magic next year, then you could always trade a guy like Barkley or Jones for a very nice return. If Fitz doesn’t work out, then you’ve got a very promising young quarterback to take over. With Fitz’s contract, it would suck having him as a backup, but at the same time, you can’t start him if he’s not performing just because of his contract.

Thanks,
Jack

CB: I think Barkley won’t be there assuming the Bills pick around 7 or 8. Landry Jones would be there, but I’m not sure he’s deserving of that value (top 10). Knowing Buffalo is committed to Fitz I think it makes getting a top flight pass rusher trump everything if the right one is there when the Bills are on the clock.

That’s not to say your QB idea doesn’t have merit. If the right signal caller is there when the Bills pick Buddy Nix said last year that you have to take him no matter what. So it shouldn’t be completely dismissed.

5 - Chris,

Happy Holidays and a great 2012 to you and yours!

I have concerns about the receiving corps next year. A playmaker opposite Stevie has got to emerge. Have the coaches seen enough to make them think Brad Smith could be that guy, or do you think we need to invest a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a potential no. 2 WR?

Also, you’ve stated that Gailey places a high value on Roscoe Parrish’s abilities, and that you expect Roscoe to stick. I, however, believe that David Nelson has truly earned the slot receiver spot. I’d hate to see David lose playing time, he will only get better. Will the coaches simply hand over the slot receiver role to a healthy Roscoe?

Thanks so much,
Kenny in Indiana

CB: I still think Roscoe can be a valuable contributor to the offense, but I don’t believe it has to be at the expense of David Nelson. This team’s most popular formation when everyone was healthy was a 4 WR, 1 back set. So Parrish and Nelson can be on the field at the same time. Minus Roscoe and Easley there was a lack of top end speed at the position on the field. Speed isn’t everything at receiver, but it helps.

As for putting a draft priority on receiver I would expect them to consider a speed wideout in the middle rounds knowing Easley’s delicate injury history. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

QB Moore, LT Long questionable

Dolphins QB Matt Moore and LT Jake Long are far from sure things for Sunday’s game with the Bills.

Both were listed as questionable by the team on Friday. Long did not practice on Friday after participating on a limited basis Thursday due to a back injury sustained in last Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

Moore is recovering from a concussion suffered last Sunday as well. He did not practice Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and Friday.

Starting RG Vernon Carey was also limited for a third straight day in practice with an ankle injury. He too is questionable as is starting TE Anthony Fasano with a rib injury. He’s questionable.

Flo’s military Christmas event

On Saturday (Dec 17), 29 WNY children, all of whom have a parent serving overseas that they will separated from this holiday season, will be treated to a very special Christmas celebration courtesy of Drayton Florence, cornerback for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, and the Drayton Florence Foundation.

From 12-1:30 pm, Florence and some of his Bills teammates will be at the Santa’s Vision event, hosted by the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo, and will host a private holiday party for these very special youngsters including a luncheon courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings in Hamburg, a unique Christmas tree storybook time, distribution of gifts and all-around holiday cheer. 

“Being a child in a military family myself and having recently had my sister serving our country overseas and missing holidays and birthdays with her kids, I am incredibly sensitive to the needs of these kids this time of year”, said Florence. “It is incredibly taxing on both our military serving our country, protecting our freedom, and the families they leave behind, and this time of year makes it even tougher.  Our goal is to take some time with these kids to provide joy and smiles for as long as we can.”

Outside of the private event hosted by the foundation, the entire Santa’s Vision event is open to the general public from 9 am – 3 pm on Dec 17^th and is entirely FREE! All kids in attendance will get a free toy in addition to enjoying free pony rides, face painting, and pictures with Santa. In addition, a special area will be set up for children to write letters to our troops overseas and meet some of the men and women who serve our country.

Bell to start Sunday

Bills head coach Chan Gailey confirmed that the plan going into Sunday’s game is for Demetrius Bell to start against the Dolphins. But that doesn’t mean that Chris Hairston won’t play Sunday.

“Right now that is the plan, for him to start at left tackle,” said Gailey. “He played well last week and did some good things so we’ll give him a shot.”

In his weekly one-on-one interview with Buffalobills.com, Gailey explained that the reasoning behind the re-insertion of Bell into the lineup is simply based on what provides the team with the best lineup.

“I’m not worried about seeing Chris Hairston and I’m not worried about seeing Demetrius Bell,” said Gailey. ”We think today Demetrius Bell gives us the best chance to win. That’s why he’s playing there. He did a good job against San Diego and is finally healthy and is playing a little better right now. We want to give an opportunity to whoever is playing the best right now. I think Chris will play in the game this week, but Demetrius gets the start.”

Chandler out for Sunday

For the second straight week TE Scott Chandler will not be on the field for the Bills.

Head coach Chan Gailey said he is out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. An ankle injury suffered against the Titans in Week 13 has not allowed Chandler to practice since Dec. 3rd. He did not get on the field in any capacity this week, though he was riding a stationary bike on Thursday. Rookie Lee Smith and first-year player Mike Caussin are again expected to pick up the slack at the tight end position.

Gailey pointed to Chandler’s absence in last week’s game at San Diego as one of the reasons their efficiency in the red zone was lacking in the loss to the Chargers.

“Probably the loss of Chandler last week got us as much as anything because of what he’s been able to do in the red zone for us,” said Gailey earlier this week. ”Fred (Jackson) was obviously a big thing for us but offensive line, we’re doing about the same things that we’ve been doing.”

Bills are 1st in injury rankings

Pro Football Weekly did an independent analysis of NFL clubs’ injury losses and ranked the 32 teams in terms of those most affected by injury to the least affected. Not surprisingly, the Bills ranked first in the league.

The devastating blow of losing their best offensive lineman and best defensive lineman as well as league MVP candidate Fred Jackson earned Buffalo the unfortunate distinction of being ranked number one. Here’s what was written about the Bills losses to injury.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a team with its best three players on injured reserve like the Bills, and it’s no coincidence their losing streak began when they lost Williams, then Wood and then Jackson. In addition to Parrish, Jones and Easley being on I.R., WRs Stevie Johnson and David Nelson have been banged up at times. OLT Demetrius Bell was very impressive early on before suffering an injury that has taken longer than expected to heal. CB Aaron Williams has suffered two injuries, curbing a promising rookie campaign. The loss of SS George Wilson in recent weeks also has hurt the secondary. He was playing at a Pro Bowl level.

Here’s the top 5
1. Buffalo
2. Jacksonville
3. Carolina
4. San Diego
5. Indianapolis

Here’s the bottom 5 (least affected by injury)
28. Dallas
29. New Orleans
30. Atlanta
31. Miami
32. San Francisco

Jake Long not practicing

He didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a back injury suffered last week against Philadelphia. Jake Long practiced on a limited basis on Thursday. But today Long was on the side and not practicing putting his status in doubt for Sunday’s game.

That according to the Palm Beach Post, which is reporting that Long only jogged with a helmet on at the start of practice, but did not participate in individual position drills.

We’ll have Long’s official status for Sunday’s game later this afternoon. Reserve OL John Jerry practiced at LT in place of Long on Wednesday. Nate Garner filled in for Long in last week’s game when he left with the back injury, but by most accounts was awful. Jerry was already filling in at right guard for the injured Vernon Carey.

Dolphins’ Bell fires back

Dolphins S Yeremiah Bell was the one that got the Bills amped up in the first place when he accused them of “laying down” in the first meeting between the two teams in Week 11, won by Miami 35-8. Buffalo’s players didn’t appreciate the opinion or some of the hits after the whistle that were being doled out on occasion by the Dolphins’ players. When asked about his comments firing up the Bills, Bell didn’t care fully standing behind what he told the Palm Beach Post moments after that first game.

“I stand by that, (and) when they watch the film they know that too. Now it’s time for Round 2,” Bell told the Palm Beach Post this week. “The game is full of trash talking, but that’s just part of the game. I like to talk noise; if that gets them riled up then I’m all for it. Bryan Cox is loving it.”

Bryan Cox, who is a Dolphins linebackers coach, is remembered by most Bills fans for his double-bird salute to them during a game between the Dolphins and Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in 1993.

Still no Chandler

Bills TE Scott Chandler is not practicing for a third straight day.

Chandler is dealing with an ankle injury that has already kept him out of last week’s game at San Diego. We’ll have his official status for Sunday’s game later today.

BDC 12/16: Wilson joins U.S. Senator

DAILY REPORT
–  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will team up with Buffalo Bills safety George Wilson to tackle education today. Recently, New York students scored only 33 percent proficiency in NAEP math scores. In response, Senator Gillibrand and Wilson are taking action to inspire children and stimulate enthusiasm toward learning. The “senators” will address the children of Waterfront School in Buffalo, in an assembly, which will include an interactive quiz show and one-on-one interaction between the kids and the senators.

– The Buffalo Bills announced that Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium has not sold out and will be blacked out on local television.

Tickets are still available for purchase for this weekend’s Bills-Dolphins division rivalry game and fans may obtain them by going online at buffalobills.com, by visiting Western New York Ticketmaster outlets or the Ralph Wilson Stadium ticket office, or by calling 1-877-BB-TICKS (228-4257).  Club seats and other premium seating opportunities are also available.

In addition, through the team’s community efforts, the Bills have donated several thousand tickets to the military including the Army, National Guard, Western New York Heroes and the United Way.  Approximately 7,000 tickets remain available for the game.

TODAY’S PRACTICE
Friday, December 16
Practice: 11:00 AM / Open to Media at Approximately 11:00 – 11:20 AM (Stretch & Individual only)

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – Bills-Dolphins game to be blacked out

BuffaloBills.com – Dolphins talk, extra hits have Bills fired up

Buffalo News – Parrish plotting return to Bills

Buffalo News – Moore practices, so Losman won’t get to start against Bills

Rochester D&C – Former Bills QB J.P. Losman returns to Buffalo

Associated Press – Bills game vs. Dolphins blacked out on local TV

Associated Press – Dolphins QB Losman itching to start against Bills

Olean Times Herald – Dolphins to start new era with Bowles

AFC East Blog (ESPN.com) – J.P. Losman ready for return to Buffalo

South Florida Sun-Sentinel – Dolphins QB J.P. Losman looking forward to Buffalo return

MiamiDolphins.com – Losman Intrigued By Possibility Of Facing Former Team

Audio/Video/ Photo Clips
BuffaloBills.com
Bills Focus: Dialing Up Some Pressure
George Wilson on Dolphins matchup

WGR – Bills’ Williams Will Start Sunday vs. Dolphins

WIVB – Losman eager to start vs. Bills

YNN – Losman Less Likely to Start Vs. Bills

Additional Clips
Inside the Bills Blog
Fred to appear at Blvd Mall, George to co-host day of learning, Report: Moore to start for Miami, Stevie wins EA sports showdown, Long & Moore not full go, Choice stunned by Hurd arrest, Rayner to be fine to kick, CB Williams back in lineup, QB Moore gets most of reps, Bills-Dolphins blacked out, Bills free agent list

Bills Beat Blog (WGR) – QB Moore Practices for Dolphins Thursday

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Head Coach Chan Gailey
On the Dolphins playing after the whistle and how to balance having an edge against extra-curricular activity:
I talk about playing smart. This game is an emotional game and if it’s not you’re in the wrong business. It’s got to be an emotional game but you’ve got to play smart. You can’t retaliate. Retaliation gets you in trouble and gets the team in trouble. You have to be smart about making sure that you are striking your blows and making your hits from snap to whistle and not afterwards. I can’t control what other people do but you can always control what you do yourself.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Bills RB Johnny White delivers a bike at the Bills Toyota Rookie Club Holiday Party earlier this week.

Fred to appear at Blvd Mall

Fred Jackson is going to be signing autographs at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst on Monday evening (Dec. 19th) between 6-8 pm.

Fans will receive a limited-edition Fred Jackson lithograph, created by artist Ron Bailey, which Jackson will autograph along with one additional item of your choice for $70. Pre-sale tickets will be available to purchase online ONLY for $60 from December 1 through December 16. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign.

Here’s a look at the lithograph.

George to co-host day of learning

Bills safety George Wilson, known in media circles as ‘The Senator’ will co-host a day of learning event at Buffalo’s Waterfront School with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Friday Dec. 16th.

New York students scored only 33 percent proficiency in NAEP math scores. In response, Senator Gillibrand and Wilson are taking action to inspire children and stimulate enthusiasm toward learning. The “senators” will address the children in an assembly, which will include an interactive quiz show with Dennis George – the Quiz Master, and one-on-one interaction between the kids and the senators.

The event will take place from 1:15 to 2:30 pm at the Waterfront School.

Report: Moore to start for Miami

Dolphins QB Matt Moore has been cleared of concussion-like symptoms and will start on Sunday against the Bills.

That according to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, who wrote the following in his blog.

Stevie wins EA Sports showdown

Throughout the 2011 season, EA Sports and the Buffalo Bills teamed up to give one lucky fan the chance to win the ultimate gaming experience.

On Wednesday 2011 the grand prize winner, Alex Bianchi, took to the virtual gridiron at the Orchard Park GameStop to challenge Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson in a Madden NFL 12 Showdown.

Johnson was one of 32 NFL players up for the Madden NFL 12 cover athlete during fan voting last spring.  Cheered on by a crowd of over a hundred fans, Johnson showed off his Madden skills, defeating Bianchi 50-22.

After the contest, Johnson signed autographs and mingled with the gathered crowd, each of whom  donated a new, unwrapped toy that will be given to needy children in the Western New York community. Here are a couple of photos of Stevie with Alex.

Long, Moore not full go

Dolphins Pro Bowl LT Jake Long and starting QB Matt Moore both returned to practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session, but neither of them were full go.

Long and Moore were both limited on Thursday leaving a small measure of doubt about their availability on Sunday. Most observers believe that both will start on Sunday against the Bills barring a setback.

Starting SLB Koa Misi however, did not practice for a second straight day with a shoulder injury putting his availability Sunday in doubt.

Also limited for the Dolphins on Thursday were S Yeremiah Bell (foot), G Vernon Carey (ankle) and TE Anthony Fasano (ribs).

Choice stunned by Hurd arrest

Chicago Bears WR Sam Hurd was arrested by federal agents Thursday on major drug trafficking charges. His former teammate with the Dallas Cowboys for three seasons, Tashard Choice was stunned by the news.

“I can’t believe it,” he said shaking his head. “I was close to him and I had no idea. I wouldn’t have suspected that in a million years. He was a great teammate. He worked hard. He was upbeat no matter what. It’s unbelievable.”

Choice took the time to read the entire affidavit of Hurd’s case online and saw that the feds were investigating Hurd since July.  

“It’s crazy,” he said. “It’s just terrible to hear.”