Lower Body Fantasy Thoughts

by Ryan

If you don't know about James Mirtle, we can't be friends. Thems the rules around these parts. What makes sites like Mirtle's and Kuklas Korner so useful is that they catch pretty much everything you will need to know about hockey. This is especially helpful when you miss a few days, like I did this weekend.

I'll admit I don't have many thoughts on the Sabres just yet, but I do have quite a few questions about this.

Clubs no longer are required to disclose the specific nature of player injuries. Clubs are, however, required to disclose that a player is expected to miss a game due to injury, or will not return to a game following an injury. Clubs are prohibited from providing untruthful information about the nature of a player injury or otherwise misrepresenting a player’s condition.

I guess that fits the current model, which is Lindy Ruff claiming someone has a "lower body injury" and "will miss some time" while Tim Connolly is wheeled off on a stretcher, clutching his eyeball and screaming in pain. This new rule makes it "playoff time" all the time, and probably will wind up being a better policy than the NFL has. Remember when Tom Brady made the injury report for three straight years? Yeah, I think the NHL is trying to avoid that.

However, here's my question: what impact will this have on fantasy hockey?

You may not be aware of this, but this year the NHL will see a significant shift in attention to the online market. NHL.com is relaunching with more video and online content, and individual teams have been encouraged to develop their site more in order to attract new fans. The Sabres have already stated they would be putting funds into their site and SabresTV, and it will be interesting to see just how committed they are to the product.

However, one of the most interesting moves the league has made is teaming up with Yahoo Sports to offer officially licensed fantasy hockey. This is a major move for a North American sports franchise, and unlike the MLB and MLBPA, which is fighting fantasy baseball at every turn; the league has encouraged fantasy sports as a means of growing fan interest.

How then, does this policy that allows secrecy in player injuries affect a player's status in hockey leagues? Remember last year when Richard Zednick was seriously injured and listed as day to day? There were plenty examples of this kind of absurdity, but that one stands out the most.

So what is going to happen when Shea Weber gets his inevitable injury? Will I have to keep him on my team for three months as he remains day-to-day? Should I drop any player that appears in the injury report? Should waiver wires be reconfigured to allow for "oopsie dropsies" when a player appears to be out long term and instead is dressed the next night?

There are some out there that are more capable of answering these questions than I. Perhaps Mr. Mirtle can shed some more light on it, and let us know how his draft went this past weekend. However, I have a feeling that I'm not overreacting by being concerned about this. There's no way of knowing how far coaches and GMs are going to take this, but if I know anything about this league; it's going to get worse before it gets better.

He Probably Hurt it Here

by Ryan



Goose out 3-4 weeks, as first reported by everyone else. We know he hurt it in a fight on Sunday, but wouldn't you feel better if he hurt it giving Lindy some heat over this whole captaincy business? No? Okay, never mind...

One Day Early

by Ryan

There is something about October that always gets to me. Maybe because my birthday is in October, or maybe because hockey is so close and because it is football season. Maybe, but more and more I think it is because of playoff baseball.



It's no secret around these parts what team I root for. I'm the guy that said I would name my first born Jacoby last year, and I still plan of going through with it. I'm the one that drove to another country to see them three times this year, and the one legitimately bummed out when I got the "sorry you haven't been selected" for playoff tickets to a ballpark seven hours away.

Being a non-traditional fan is hard, but I do put the time into it. I can't possibly watch every game, but following box scores and other blogs has become part of my sporting lifestyle. Knowing Pedrioa's OPS and Beckett's VORP doesn't compare to watching all 180+ games, but it does make me feel like a better fan for it. Because I only watch 30 or so Sox games a year, it's hard to post about them without getting the feeling I am missing something, which is why I usually refrain from doing so.

However, all that changes tomorrow. The playoffs are the time that I do get to see every game, and I can't tell you how excited I am about that. I never feel completely safe with my baseball team, and there's no way I can with Manny's bat missing and a few question marks on the mound, but I am excited about what could happen. Unlike most Sox fans a half decade ago, I no longer dread possible outcomes anymore because postseason baseball is just too much fun.

Yeah, fun, I can call it that now. Sure, it's frustrating and maddening and terrifying and makes you want to slam your head into a wall at times. But, the chills you get when a packed stadium knows that was strike three and roars before the umpire makes the call is something you just can't replicate anywhere else. The sights, sounds, and extraordinary pressure of playoff baseball is one of the best things in sports, and every October I can't help but get excited about it.

This year is even better, because once again the postseason starts one day early. The Chicago White Sox, already late to the party, won last day/night and forced a one game playoff with the Minnesota Twins. At 7:30 tonight, the White Sox and Twins take the field to break the tie. No home wins record, no runs per game, no team ERA. One of the best thing about baseball is that that there are no tiebreakers, just one more game.

Last year we were treated to a tiebreaker in the National League. Rich and I were so excited about it that we did a monstrous live blog that maybe six people read. But it didn't matter because like Rich said, there was absolutely no way we were missing that game.

I can't tell you we will do it again. Hey, maybe we will; but I will tell you that there is absolutely no way any of us miss tonight's game. (Unless you are Yankees fans like Jon and Chris, I'm sure they have are having a good cry over Buster Olney or something...)

You don't need Dane Cook to get excited about the playoffs, but he did read his line right: there is only one October, and so very few Octobers have 32 days.

At the Quarter Pole

by Ryan

There are currently two 4-0 teams in the NFL. The Bills are one of them.

...
...

Wow, that was pretty awesome to type that and mean it. What was I saying? I forget, I keep staring at that number up there and getting distracted. I mean, if you told me the Bills would be undefeated at the quarter pole of the season, well, you would be talking about the Bruce/Thurman/Kelly Bills, and those guys are not walking through that door anytime soon.

To say this is only a big deal is to take the last decade or so of Bills football and say it was a good run. No, no it wasn't, the 4-0 Buffalo Bills are the biggest football story in years in Western New York, and you have every right to be excited about this team.

The Bills have done quite a bit in the first four weeks of the season, defeating two playoff teams from the previous year, completing three fourth quarter comebacks, and effectively murdering a head coach. That's a good run considering at this time last year we were just trying to put a functional defense on the field while Dick Jauron couldn't decide which quarterback he wanted to play peek a boo with.

This year is different. There is no question who our quarterback is, and I have no doubt in my mind he can lead this team effectively. The defense is completely, completely different, and we have Russ Brandon and Marv Levy to thank for that. The post-Tom Donahoe Era has been pretty remarkable when you consider how many draft picks you see playing and making a huge impact. (See Youboty, Ashton) It is a defense that has only looked better as the season goes on, and comes up big late in the game when it matters most.

Still, with all these positives and the fast start, it seems the Bills are still a footnote to the rest of the league. The "4-0 story" goes to the Titans, who have never been there and had their starting quarterback try to kill himself/eat chicken wings after week one. The throwback Jets put up 56 throwback points thanks to the efforts of their throwback gunslinging man-child quarterback messiah and now are the "AFC East story." The Patriots have a bye, and everyone knows what happens when The Best Head Coach of All Time gets two weeks to game plan.

And here we sit, 4-0 with a trip to the Buzzsaw That is the Arizona Cardinals. Once again, this week I will take the shadows and appreciate what I know for myself: the Bills are indeed for real.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

by Ryan

Wooo! 4-0, baby! Playoff time!



Just kidding. We will mull this one over an get back to you in the morning. Maybe have some thoughts on the Sabres as well. For now, consider this: if you had an 84.9 % chance of winning, say, a flat screen TV, you would be thinking about that TV, right?

Just wondering.

Gameday Prep: Bills @ Rams

Oooooh yeah.

Announcers: Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots. Great. (Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

Game Distribution Maps: Courtesy of the506.

Depth Charts: Rams, sorry, here. 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:
- John Clayton on Turk.
- Six new starters for the Rams today.
- Steven Jackson on, well... the Rams.
- Tim Graham on Gibran Hamdan.

Pump-Up Song that Will Melt Your Face Off: "Bohemian Rhapsody", Queen



Anything will do today, I suppose.

Fun Facts:

- Trent Green.

- Lane Kiffin Scott Linehan still has a job!

- Torry Holt is in an interesting situation.

- Some numbers for you to think about today.

Okay, that's it. Game time. I'll be around all day, so if you have a thought drop a line. Comments, email, or our AIM: GoosesRoost28. Seriously, I don't think anyone has ever used that, but it's there if you want it.




Go Bills.

One More

This one has made the rounds, but we are a little short staffed today, as Jon and I are heading to Rochester to see the Cardinals. Sorry for the thin posts this week, but we will have a few things ready for you tomorrow. As Kevin said, this is a big sports weekend in Buffalo.

Most certainly not the last.

I'm Jon, and I approve this message

By Jon

I know we've been embedding a ton of videos over the last few weeks (blah blah blah we're all busy, no time to blog, wah wah wah,) but I found this one pretty hilarious and it's extremely well-done. And it even relates to hockey!

Disclaimer-- I'm not posting this to try and convey any sort of political message. Politics is something we've steered clear of on this site, but I thought this was worth posting.

Saturday

by Ryan

Okay, now I'm excited about tomorrow, and in case you aren't, here's some help.

Any Ideas?

I stumbled across this tonight while searching for some pictures. Here is site I found it on, which seems to collect odd things from the Atomic Age. This certainly seems to fit the bill, so if anyone has any ideas as to what it is I'm all ears.

I would check the Buffalo News but they don't archive anything more than a week old without asking for your first born. Maybe someone lurking out there has the story...

Wednesday

by Ryan

I hate today.

Wednesday, the in medias res day of the week. Some may call it hump day and use it to start looks forward to the weekend, but I view see it completely different. Wednesday is the day where you are the absolute furthest from the weekend, and that means you are the furthest away from football.

We all know how great it feels to win, especially football games. There are only 16 of them, so when you win one it's that much more important. Right after a big game you will think anything is possible. We can make the playoffs. We can win the division. We can host a home playoff game. And so on and so on.

But all that eventually fades, and the worries you had all along come back. I'd say the good feeling a win brings will last about two days afterwards, which brings us to... Wednesday.

Today, I'm worried about everything.

It's one of those sick things being a sports fan does to you. No matter how good something looks I'm going to find the flaws and make sure I'm not quite comfortable. I don't want to get duped, none of us do. We've been there far too many times to go all the way with this thing, and 21 days isn't enough to get me okay with ANYTHING, let alone subject me fully to a football team.

Now I know I should be pretty comfortable with this weekend's game. The Rams are a complete mess, the Bills keep looking better, and Donte Whitner keeps saying all the right things. Still, I see Keller say what I'm secretly thinking in the comments, and then there's Roscoe.

By Friday I know I will be excited and only excited about Sunday, but right now... I'm worried. This is too fun, too good to be true, right?



Nah, we'll be okay.




This week.

A view from the Roost

I can't tell you if this picture was taken from Section 304 or not, but you can't deny that it's totally awesome.



Thanks to John for the link to the picture. Here's the message board post it came from.

Youppi, Fantasy Hockey, and Pound for Pound Strength

by Ryan

If you want to play fantasy hockey with us, we have one spot left open. It's going to be a 12 team league, and we can't draft with odd teams. If you haven't signed up yet and want to give it a shot, go here with the following information:

League ID: 11108
Password: section304

You have about 18 hours before we draft, so hopefully you prepare quickly. Also, this should serve as a reminder to anyone who is playing: we have a draft at 8pm tonight.

- If Youppi and Sabretooth were to get into a mascot fight, Youppi would own.



What a beast. Best anthropomorphic mascot ever, I think. The only Buffalo mascot that could get close would be this thing. Brad's right, we do need to find this guy. Spread the word.

- Speaking of throwback, I have to mention at least twice a year how great the Bills' throwback uniforms look. They should use them all the time. That is all.

- I had my first fantasy hockey draft tonight, and I must say Yahoo did a nice job with the draft portal this year. Be sure to stick around after the draft is over, Yahoo provides a nice draft recap to go through for about 15 minutes afterwards. Pretty cool.

- Their player ranks suck, though. Be sure to have some outside info prepared.

- Here's a decent write up on the Hockeyville game last night. For some reason the AP decided it deserved about seven sentences, but mostly because they suck. If you are using anything but TSN for hockey news, good luck.

- Best quote from that article is about Gerbe:

"He's one of the players we think could play for us down the road," Ruff said. "He's got good speed, a good shot. Pound for pound, he may be one of our strongest players."

Translation: Even though he weighs less than Andrew Peters' bowl movements, he doesn't play like it. He's strong enough to open up doors and everything!

- I know I'm not the first person to say this, but I think Gerbe is NHL ready. I hope he makes the team, and again, I have no idea where to put him.

- Yes, I said the same thing about Zagrapan yesterday, but I honestly think Marek needs some AHL time to get himself set. Training camp will be important for him to stay on the coaching staff's radar with all the new prospects rising fast. Remember, he's never even been called up, and time may be running out with Kennedy/Gerbe/Mancari getting a good look. This will be an important next few weeks for Zags, and even if he doesn't make the team, he's going to need to show us something to insure he gets another chance.



In a way I feel bad for Marek, no matter what he does he is always going to be known as "That guy we got in the Sidney Crosby draft". I think that's what makes me hope he finally catches on. I know he puts in the work while he's up for camp, and maybe someday he can turn out to be a better first rounder than Jiri Novotny. Maybe.

- That reminds me, the new Sabres Media Guide is online as a PDF, if you're into that kinda thing.

- Here's some more Hockeyville stuff to pass the time, really a cool event I'm glad the Sabres had a chance to take part in.

Presented Without Comment

Your starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams.

Quick Hits

by Ryan

Some other thoughts on the Bills game that didn't fit the theme yesterday:

- Lane Kiffin deserves to be fired. Not stopping the clock late for his quarterback to lob throws down field to no one is just downright stupid. Oooooooooooooh. Kiffin is going to be fired no matter what, I guess he knows that as well as anyone at this point. I feel like we should call the SPCA for him or something, at least they would be humane about it.

- There is something to be said about that Donte Whitner penalty after Billy Bob Whatshisname scored on that slant. The rational fan part of me wants to say it was incredibly stupid to tackle him, especially if it puts your team in an even bigger hole on the kickoff. However, I really want to embrace it for the message it sent.

It sounds like a dumb argument, but when was the last time this Bills defense showed any pride? Forget about chest bumps and Antoine Winfield doing cartwheels after batting a pass down; I mean real pride and swagger. What Whitner did was a penalty, but it was calculated and in a way I think it really helped the team.

Donte was on the Jim Rome show yesterday and talked about it, and he flat out said he didn't like the fact that Higgins was showboating. He got frustrated and wanted to show that he wasn't going to stand for it. That may come off as a selfish play, but I think on a higher level it shows an aspect of leadership this team hasn't seen on the defensive end in so long.

What Whitner did was absolutely about pride. He didn't punch him in the face, or jump on him while he was dancing; he finished his play, late, and paid the price. It may have really hurt the team, but I think it showed his teammates and the fans that they weren't going to stand for it. Donte isn't going to let anyone walk into Ralph Wilson Stadium and disrespect us. Not anymore.

And after all those Patriots games, all those late losses, and all those teams running through our tunnel like it was a home game, I needed to see something like that from a surging defense. Sure, the game was close and they survived, but seeing a player take a stand like that in front of everyone made me feel so much better about this team. If it takes 15 yards or an offsetting penalty to give us that swagger, I'll take it every time.


Some Sabres thoughts while we're here:

- If you missed it, here's the video of the Sabres' third jersey ceremonies. Pretty interesting stuff at the end about how it was made.

- Marek Zagrapan had a pretty good game last night. I really would like to see him make the team this year, but I'm not sure if there will be room. It is still very, very early.

- I have no idea why, but I keep forgetting that Clarke MacArthur can't go to Portland this year. In my mind that would make everything easier.

- The Live Chat Mirtle put on was actually a lot of fun, even though I was completely unprepared to talk hockey at all. Those should be popping up for a few more Sabres/Leafs games, and it would be nice to see some more Sabres/fans get involved in those. We'll keep you posted.

- Tonight the Sabres play in Canada again, this time as a part of the Hockeyville contest won by Roberval, Quebec. Over the weekend Donald Audette and Rick Martin took part in a clinic for the town's citizens. The article is a pretty good read, and at the very least you get to see Youppi dressed up like a linesman. Good times all around.

- The Dukes of Awesome have a solid post about Sabres jerseys which makes me wonder what they think of this monstrosity. Good God.



Also, the new third jerseys are for sale on shop.nhl.com. Please, if you are going to spend the money, make it on that jersey. You really don't have any other options.

Sabres Gameday

by Ryan



Well, behind that is where you want to be, but you get the idea.

This is just something to look over while you prepare for your fantasy hockey draft. We have a few spots open in our league, so send us an email if you are interested. Draft is this Wednesday, so get it out fast and we will get back to you with the info.

In any event, Leafs TV is supposed to have video of the game live, so try that if you really want to watch. The portal may not work if you are in the U.S (TSN's online feed for the playoffs had similar restrictions), but I suppose we won't know that until we try.

I would try to preview this game, but I honestly have no idea what is going to happen. Last time we played the Leafs in preseason Derek Roy exploded for like 18 points. Maybe Adam Mair will be a preseason force again. Who knows.

Nathan Gerbe watch starts now.

If you aren't doing anything and would like to kill some time tonight, stop by Dr. Mirtle's site for a live blog, which I suddenly will be taking part in. Should be some fun.

Looking for Maple Love

by Ryan

Tonight the Sabres open the preseason in Toronto. Exciting, I know. A few days ago I was looking through some things on the Leafs' website and came across this strange ad:


(click to enlarge)

Apparently, Leafs fans love Asian women. This was something I hadn't realized, and I was pretty surprised at the audacity of the ads. I know Toronto is a very diverse place, but to have that kind of ad allowed on an NHL website seems very unlikely. Maybe because it was later at night they are allowed to run that kind of thing. Who knows?

Then again, the team hasn't satisfied fans in years, so it should probably start now.



Oh. Oh no. I take it back.

I am Trying to Break Your Heart

by Ryan

That was the title I considered with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. JaMarcus Russel had completed his ninth pass of the day, and of course it was going to be the game winner. It was one of those queer little Wes Welker receptions that make you want to slam your fist into a cinder block, and that was before you knew it went for an 84 yard touchdown.

23-14. F--k.

This was going to be one of those games you see replayed in your mind when you wonder why the Bills haven't made the playoffs this millennium. A game they should have had, but they came on too late and let their own mistakes and one bad pass kill them. This was the perfect chance to start the season off well and they are going to lose to a team with nine pass completions on the day.

They are trying to kill me, I really think they are.

A team that doesn't want to end your life just lets you down early, but once again Trent Edwards saved his best football for the fourth quarter. I can't even describe the kind of poise and presence he had out there. If you saw it, start throwing out superlatives to attach to those last two drives and I'll accept them. I don't know what's happened to our starting quarterback over the last few weeks, but I really, really like it.

The only thing I can compare it to is Madden. I myself don't play a lot of Madden, I was a NFL 2K fan because I had a Sega Dreamcast and therefore was very, very misguided as a youth. There was always an advantage based on what game you were playing with friends because I liked 2K and they liked Madden. This discrepancy would always show up late in the game, especially if the person playing with "their" game was behind. The player with a much better understanding of the playbook and defense would come from behind, always in complete control late in the game because of that superiority of play calling.

That was Trent Edwards yesterday. He completely understood how the game should flow, what his options were, and what do do. He may as well have played with an XBOX controller out there on that last drive. It was... stunning. When was the last time we've seen a quarterback do that with a leaping/standing buffalo on his helmet? The answer to that is not in years but decades, and this is a second year quarterback doing it.

No, the game wasn't perfect. The Bills turned the ball over and missed some huge chances. There is room for improvement, and Marshawn Lynch still hasn't gone off just yet. HOWEVER, the Bills did the little things right once again. The defense came through when it mattered, Money came up with a few huge conversions late, and Trent Edwards was everywhere. As of this moment, right now, he is the best starter in the division, and until Brett Favre hops into the particle machine from The Fly I stand by that statement.

Check the paper today. The Bills are atop the AFC East and the Dolphins beat the Patriots. Seriously, Ronnie Brown outscored them himself. Even with all that, the Bills will be known as the "surprising 3-0 Bills" and all you will hear about are the Jets.



We have them right where we want them.

4th Quarter Comeback, Vol. II

Pink hat be damned, Trent Edwards is the Real Deal.

Gameday Prep: Bills vs Raiders

Hey, at least our ridiculously old owner isn't crazy.

Announcers: Don Criqui and Dan Fouts. (Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

Game Distribution Maps: Courtesy of the506.

Depth Charts: Raiders, 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:
- Big Brother is Watching You
- Tim Graham with more on the Crowell decision.
- Money on playing his hometown Raiders
- Al Davis article that makes the '02 Sabres look like a well oiled machine.

Pump-Up Song that Will Melt Your Face Off: "No One Knows", Queens of the Stone Age



Not the fastest of songs, but the title fits the moment.

Fun Facts:

- Here's a handy timeline of the Raiders fall from grace. It's nice to see Robert Gallery has taken the Mike Williams Road to Success plan...

- Lane Kiffin still has a job!

- The Raiders' best defensive player was booked on a DUI this week. Way to stay focused, boys.

- The Bills haven't started 3-0 in this millennium. Or if you want to look at bigger sample sizes, in over a decade.

Okay, that's it. Game time. I'll be around all day, so if you have a thought drop a line. Comments, email, or our AIM: GoosesRoost28. Seriously, I don't think anyone has ever used that, but it's there if you want it.

One last thing: MGD's playoff picture currently looks like this:




Go Bills.

Magic Numbers

by Ryan

You were just waiting for it, weren't you?

As soon as you heard about the Pominville extension, those numbers started floating around in your head. 5for25. 5for25fivefortwentyfive. It's the phrase that has become cliche around these parts, a benchmark of sorts in an attempt to pinpoint the value of a player in this era.

Well, we were close.

Everyone has been talking about whether they like the deal or not, and I think it's obviously a solid deal for both sides. This summer is the first one I can remember where things went almost as well as possible. No one of significance bailed on the team, no contract talks got out of hand, and players were brought in that will immediately make it better.

But we are still not out of the woods yet. Take a look at the numbers for this team over the next few years. There are three big players entering contract years, and something has to give. Afinogenov, Kotalik, and Connolly all have similar cap hits and similar status as underachievers, and come next fall only one may still be on the roster. With Kennedy, Zagrapan, and Gerbe coming up there will be some turnover, and it will be interesting to see how all that shakes out.

What is important to note is that Darcy went out and got his guys. Regier gets so much flack for just doing his job, but you have to admit he is going about things exactly how he wants. Forget about last summer and the missed chances. Since July 1st everything has moved the way he wanted, even in dealing with Brian Campbell and the development of young talent.

These are his roster moves, his draft picks, and his contract negotiations. What Regier does so well is find guys he likes and trust them to come of age. The system has taken on a different look with the loss of Rochester and subsequent addition of Portland, but nothing has changed about the way he drafts and the way he signs players.

There aren't many expectations for this year's Sabres team, but you can't say that Darcy hasn't put together a roster worth watching. All he can do is sign them and look towards next year. How they perform and respond is up to Lindy, and that's the part I'm less sure about.

Tek and the New Kids

by Ryan


A view from our seats, where we watched the Sox squeak past the Jays 4-3. You don't want to hear me break down a baseball game, so here are some thoughts and a few pictures to pass the time.



See that seat up in the corner? That will cost you $110 bucks on December 7th. Wait, let me get a bit closer.



Yeah, great seat.

- I've never seen that many metrosexual men in one place. I think Skydome doubled for a trendy dance club on Friday. Was Die Mannequin performing somewhere I wasn't aware of?



- Yeah, Papi did a lot of that yesterday. Between that and the huge base running gaffe he didn't have a very good game.

- So its bases loaded with two outs in the eighth, and up comes Varitek. The know it all Jays fan behind me says they should lift Tek for a pinch hitter. I guess as far as most people are concerned that would be a good option, but Francona lets him hit. He grounds into a fielders choice and the run scores. It's 4-3, and here comes Papelbon.



But here's where Varitek is so important. Paps give up a weak hit and misplays it, and the leadoff runner is suddenly on second.



Varitek comes out and settles Papelbon down. Remember that if they lift Tek for a pinch hitter it's Kevin Cash out here talking to Papelbon. Now I don't know what would have happened if Tek doesn't hit, so maybe a few more runs would have scored. Maybe if Varitek isn't even on the team their runs per game would increase and make them a more productive team.

However, what Varitek's true value is what happened last night. He went out and calmed Papelbon down at least three times, and worked through the inning. The game ended with the runner on third and the huge error avoided. A loss last night puts any chance for the AL East title in serious doubt, but Tek came through on both ends despite a bad year statistically.

Situations like this are what makes me think Varitek will be re-signed after this season, even with declining offensive production. The leadership and rapport with his pitchers is something you won't be able to get back with a bigger bat.

- It is more than possible to tailgate outside of Skydome, just be careful to watch out for people begging for change.

- Also, it took forever to get home, but not becuase of ballpark traffic. New Kids on the Block had a concert at the ACC. Yeah, that seems about right.

Sox in Toronto Series: Game Three

by Ryan


I know Fridays are usually pretty busy around here, but I'm actually heading up North to see the Sox one last time at SkyDome. The division is still within reach, and hopefully it will be a good time.

You may see a few things up later on, but expect a ton of posts this weekend. Raiders game, the Leafs on Monday, suddenly we have things to talk about.



Be back soon.

The Most Insignificant Franchise.... revisited

By Jon

A few months ago, we hung this from our rafters....



It looks like we made the right choice.

Hey... doesn't that name sound familiar?

Ånd the Lord hath said unto the Puck Bunnies, Let there be Pominville

Five more years of excellent use of flair and delightful smile.



Oh, we're ready for camp now.

(Some serious analysis once the terms of the deal are disclosed...)

Things for the Morning

by Ryan

- If you are interested, a chapter from Klosterman's Downtown Owl is on Page 2. Seriously, if anyone is reading this let me know, I'm dying to talk to someone about it.

- Time Warner is adding five HD channels, something I suddenly care about. The channels were each added for a specific reason, as you will see:

CNN- Delegates.
TBS- BASEBALL FANS!!!
Discovery Channel- stoners.
Animal Planet- stumpies.
Science Channel- nerdy stoners.

As you can see, I'm pumped about TBS HD, which will be awesome for postseason baseball. Can anyone else smell October coming?

- In a related story, if Time Warner inexplicably drops CBS (which is very unlikely), I will have a dish by that Sunday. Mark my words, Bunny.

- Anyone remember Keith Newman?



Good times!

The former Bills linebacker has been keeping himself busy, and when I say busy, I mean stealing stuff. He may not have been able to tackle Ricky Williams, but at least he knows how to commit bank fraud. Amazing.

- Week two in fantasy went much better for me. Both pay leagues won despite natural disasters and a few injuries, and I figure if I can overcome a hurricane I should be okay the rest of the way through, right?

- I'll leave you with this picture, and the reminder that Lane Kiffin still works for the Raiders as of this post:

They Should Call it the Mats-o-tron

by Ryan



The first new thing hanging in the rafters in years.

We've talked about it here before, but there are some big changes going on at the ACC over the next few years, and this is just the start of it. Jokes about mediocrity (check the comments) aside, the board itself is fantastic, and it certainly does improve the building with regards to other events.

The thing that many sports fans forget is that most owners are concerned about making money and not about actual team performance. Where fans see a $126 million atrium project as money not spent on players, an owner sees it as maintaining a state of the art arena to match his state of the art high-rise apartment complex/television station/offices going up next door.

For Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment the goal seems to be making a profit first and foremost, as all smart businesses should. In a market like Toronto the goal will always be bigger and better no matter how the team below the fireworks plays. It isn't always the right way to build a team, but an owner not concerned with profits is a very, very charitable man.

The grand scale the Leafs are aiming for is downright fascinating: $7.8 million for a really nice, 17-sided TV. Just the price tag for the video board alone is enough to blow your mind, let alone the cost for a few doors and windows. A $126 million "project" shows you just how much money is thrown around in a city like Toronto. It really is no wonder the Bills didn't look into tapping that market sooner, and puts to rest any questions in my mind about the viability of a second hockey team surviving in the GTA.

The Buffalo News' John Vogl had a great point about the atrium project: the entire HSBC Arena construction cost just $1.5 million more than their "expansion". Even with inflation that's a shocking number, one that can be taken one of two ways.

On one hand, for a ten year old building to still be considered state of the art is pretty impressive, especially if that building is sitting in downtown Buffalo. Larry Quinn may not get enough credit for the work he did with the Crossroads Arena Project, but as time goes on he looks better and better for it.

On the other hand, just how far out of our league are we when it comes to keeping pro franchises? If MLSE can throw a few million at a glorified hallway, what chance do we have of keeping a team here once the for sale sign is on the front lawn at One Bills Drive or South Park? Sooner or later Ralph will die or Tom will get tired, and what happens if the highest bidder doesn't have a soft spot for struggling to stay in the green in a quaint little rust belt city?

Buildings like the ACC and Jerryworld are meant to be the pinnacle of venues, but when the time comes, can we even reach the median? If we can't, I'm sure there is a better building somewhere with a vacancy.

I'm Not the Only One Asking

by Ryan


(Click to enlarge, of course)

While we're on the subject of screen capping websites, check out the nice banner Sabres.com had a few days ago:



The rebuilding teams theme must resonate, I guess. I'd make the drive see the Knicks, but without Isaiah Thomas to boo it's just a crappy team playing in a historic building. Hey, that does sound familiar...

Year Three: The Package

by Ryan

I hate the movie Fever Pitch. I dislike it so much, I'm not even linking to imdb to give it the page views. It's a ridiculously stupid example of why most sports movies are awful. The Nick Hornby novel they "based" the movie off of is excellent, and if you want a good view of being a fanatic I'd fully recommend that to you any day. In fact, here.

However, there is one scene in the move I could relate to, and no, not the part where Jimmy Fallon in the restaurant freaking out. Okay fine, I've done that too, but they totally stole that from William Goldman in "Wait 'Till Next Year", another fantastic book. Freaking vultures.

Anyway, that part I relate to is the big package he gets at the beginning of the movie. Ticket day.



There they are, the tickets for Team Mini Pack '08. Beautiful, aren't they? We had some stocks take a tumble yesterday, so we went light this year with the minimum five games. However, we will most certainly be picking a few games up throughout the year, hopefully because the team exceeded our expectations. Maybe a playoff series or two to make us completely broke? We can only hope.

In any event, here are the games we picked. Keep in mind we were dodging some work scheduling issues and trying to run cheap, so don't mock us for only spending $188 each.

Monday, Oct. 27th: Ottawa
Wednesday, Nov. 12th: St. Louis
Monday, Dec. 1st: Nashville
Tuesday, Feb. 24th: Anaheim
Monday, Apr. 6th: Detroit

Some Western Conference love for sure, but we wanted to catch Anaheim and Detroit and the rest fell into place. Any any event, Section 304, Row 9 will be the place to find me, so let me know if you will be in the area and we can get something together. There's always room in the Roost.

Are the Bills For Real?

by Ryan

I've been debating this in my head since James Hardy came down with that catch in the end zone. With only two weeks gone this year, it may be hard to answer this, but that only makes the question more intriguing.

Are the Bills for real?



Seeing that first drive sure made me think so. There are a lot of signs pointing to yes, and factoring in the suddenly weak division only adds to the urgency this team is faced with. However, there are still some big question marks for some, and until those questions are answered I don't think I can be comfortable.

As a matter of fact, I may never be quite comfortable with any team ever, but that's just my paranoid nature. I don't think I'll ever feel safe with the Bills, but the goal here is to at least feel okay considering them a good football team.

The first thing to consider is the level of competition the Bills face. This may be the first time in half a decade the Bills will have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs by way of a division title. The Bills' resurgence along with the decline of the Patriots, Dolphins, and Jets may match up to form the perfect storm for a playoff spot.



Let's put it this way: the Dolphins are rebuilding, and if you think they are worth seven wins this year you are an optimist. Say they finish 4th and be done with it. Now tell me this: did the Patriots or Jets look better than the Bills did on Sunday? Aside from some asinine throws from Favre, terrible play calling, and minimal offensive line performance yeah, the Jets can win the division. Count on that.



However, aside from taking a sack well did Matt Cassel do anything to blow you away? The Patriots said they weren't going to use the "kid gloves" with him, but if that's their version of big boy offense I have some Mega Blocks we can throw on the field to keep him occupied.

The explosive 2007 Patriots minus one major component have put up 17 and 19 points in their first two games against some pretty mediocre defenses, and are 22nd in the league for yards per game. A statistically middle of the road defense isn't going to cut it for New England, and that's exactly what we've seen so far.

The climate is right for a shift in power, and the Bills look like they are taking advantage. Even with New England's easy schedule, the Bills have a nice little stretch of opponents to gain some confidence with, and who knows what a good start can mean for a young team's confidence coming off the bye week?

I'm not saying that the Bills are "good", we still can't know that just yet. What does give me hope is the fact that they have done some things that just look right. When I say that I don't mean Marshawn's dreads look aesthetically pleasing, but rather the Bills are doing the things little that good teams do.

Establishing the run and scoring early. Solid special teams play. Playing through inclement (read: bloody hot) weather. Bouncing back from a bad quarter. Coming from behind late. Stopping big third downs and adjusting to the run. All the little ingredients of a win, all the things necessary to prevent games from slipping away. Aside from a few mistakes in Jacksonville (mistakes that were overcome, mind you), the Bills have played pretty damn near perfect football 120 minutes into the season.

The Seattle game was far too easy to gauge anything, but against Jacksonville the Bills showed is something. They started strong and took control of the game, only to lose control because of a turnover and special teams mistake. Jason Peters missed a block and the hands team wasn't alert enough. These things happen, and anyone who has paid enough attention to the Bills knows what happens next.

It didn't happen this time, though. In past years the Bills would punch but couldn't take a punch. Last year's team doesn't get back up and drive down the field for that winning score, and it certainly doesn't stop the Jags from punching again. This defense held strong after the Jones-Drew touchdown, and it certainly made some big plays with Youboty's tackle late and the McGee interception to end the half.

Brian Galliford at Buffalo Rumblings watched the tape again (something I need to start doing) and agrees that the defense is only going to get better. Once it tackles better and develops its pass rush to compliment great plays in the secondary, this could be quite the compliment to an offense that isn't afraid to get creative.

So are the Bills for real? Yeah, I think they are. So far they look it, at least. Sunday will be another test, but this time it will be an interesting one. First of all, the run defense will be tested with McFadden, but also on a higher level the team will face this: will the Bills play down to their opponent?

Oakland is an absolute mess with Kiffin and the corpse that owns them at odds, and I think Teen Wolf is their defensive coordinator right now. The Bills should win, and it will be interesting to see how they play a team that actually is worse than them on paper.

Yeah, I said it, because right now, the Bills look pretty good. Paper or otherwise.

Forever Young

By Jon

Ed. Note: This column appears in the 9/16 issue of the Albany Student Press, so the style is a bit different then you are used to around these parts. Don't be alarmed...

Vince Young, upset about his lackluster play and recent injury, storms out of his house wielding a gun after mentioning suicide in an earlier therapy session, prompting a four-hour search by police. His concerned mother spouts off to a local newspaper, leading to speculation that the quarterback is battling depression and may be emotionally unstable.

It is a very odd situation, if not completely bizarre. The dramatic elements are better suited for a Hollywood screenplay rather than the front page of the sports section. Journalists across the country were chomping at the bit for the latest news regarding the Young saga, eager to add another chapter to an already juicy story.

Young’s week of hell has provided countless headlines and plenty of message board fodder, but it begs the question: Is this news?

Ever since O.J. and the white Bronco unexpectedly provided a few hours of must-see TV, sports coverage has become more and more concerned with off-the-field incidents rather than the games themselves. Aside from Tom Brady’s injury, the biggest stories in professional football this season have been a soap opera involving a certain over-the-hill quarterback, a man legally changing his name to a pair of Spanish numerals, and now the Young affair.

Young is part of a ever-growing breed: A hybrid of celebrity and athlete; someone whose name you could find on SportsCenter one day and TMZ the next. The pressure of constantly being in the public eye is wearing on him, and the apparent demise of his emotional state is being played out before the eyes of the general public.

Like it or not, this is what the media has become. The average person has become obsessed with the so-called “newsertainment” phenomenon, and the line between a legitimate news story and the latest celebrity gossip is nearly non-existent.

News outlets will print what their readers want to read, and if that story is about a suicidal quarterback on the run with reckless disregard for the privacy of the parties involved, so be it. Does it matter that it was largely personal issue? Is there anyone that would want a situation like that publicized if it were about them? Of course not. But it makes for an entertaining read, and the average reader will devour the drama.

That’s not to say that there weren’t any reportable aspects of Young’s adventure. If the police are called in for a missing-person search it should be reported. However, publishing speculative stories about someone’s depression and suicide talk is nothing more than taking advantage of someone elses unfortunate situation in an effort to gain a few readers.

Sorry, Vince. Your business is now everyone’s business.

You've Gotta Be Kidding Me

by Ryan

We are a few days away from "Puck Drop '08" or whatever they are calling the start of training camp. Because of this, I've been waiting for some news on the season from the team. Something. Anything. Please.

You would think in this age of increased Internet presence the team would do a better job of informing its fans of important events, right? Right.

Today I got an email from the Sabres, and I was excited. Maybe a training camp roster, or maybe just some info about tickets. What about an update on Tyler Kennedy's blog? The possibilities are endless with a new season. With all that money they saved by axing the "Hockey Hotline" format for road games, you must have something pretty amazing ready to roll.

Yeah, something like this:



Wow, I can't wait to hear that homosexual mandolin quartet. Great start guys, be sure to let me know when Matlock is on next, too.

Starting in Goal, #35 Jocelyn Thiebault

Who knew he was Bulgarian?

(Here's the real story if you're interested)

So Far So Good

The Stress Buffalo likes what he sees.

Gameday Prep: Bills @ Jagulars

by Ryan

Yeah, I just dropped a Winnie the Pooh reference.

Taylor and Jones-Drew, respectively.

We've broken down the Jags quite a bit, and now all that's left to do is watch. I thought it would be nice to put some links together that you may need throughout the day. Consider this your Gameday Prep.

Announcers: Gus Johnson(!!!) and Steve Tasker. (Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

Game Distribution Maps: Courtesy of the506.

Depth Charts: Jags, 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.

Things They've Been Saying:
- Vic Carucci on the Bills.
- Michael C. Wright on Stroud.
- Mark Gaughan on Trent not f#$king it and checking down.
- Simmons says Bills with five.
- A real preview, if you're into that kinda thing.

Pump-Up Song that Will Melt Your Face Off: "Wild International", One Day as a Lion



Zach de la Rocha and the drummer from The Mars Volta? Yes, please.

Fun Facts:

- Since leaving the Bills, every team Pierson Prioleau is employed by has a player wounded by gunfire.

- If you want to hate Jacksonville, consider the fact that the Jaguars have to tarp off 9,713 seats in the upper deck just to avoid blackouts. But yeah, the Bills are the team that's not viable in a small market...

- Remember this when you get upset about all that rain we've had over the weekend.



- Marshawn on Marshawn, a must see for any Bills fan. I want to take him saying "championship!" and turn it into a ringtone.

Okay, that's it. Game time. I'll be around all day, so if you have a thought drop a line. Comments, email, or our AIM: GoosesRoost28.



Go Bills.

Mediocre Coach Supports Mediocre General Manager

by Ryan

I had to whip out my thesaurus, because saying "Gretzky thinks Leafs are on the right track" seemed a bit generic. Here's the all important paragraph:

Fletcher spent nearly six years as an executive with Gretzky's Phoenix Coyotes before making his return to the Maple Leafs.

Ah, that makes sense. It's not like there is a conflict of interest there or anything. No personal bias or pressure to say the right things at all. Nope.

In other news, Matt Millen thinks the Raiders looked great last week.

O-S-Who? Redux

by Rich

Ed. Note: Rich started this post at 3:55 AM the night of the National Championship game in January. Needless to say, this never got finished. However, I thought it would be fun to re-live the beating Ohio State took just as, you know, a warm up for tonight. Enjoy.



The BCS National Championship Game started out something like this.


...Aaaaand ended a little more like that. For the second year in a row, The Overrated State University put up a valiant fight was gutted like a fish by an SEC team that many said shouldn't even have been in the game. In the last two national title games, The Fighting Sweater Vests have been outscored 79-41 (And that should be 79-34, because I defy anyone to argue that LSU's defense was concerned with anything other than getting to the sidelines to hug departing coordinator Bo Pelini during OSU's last touchdown drive).

During last year's First Annual BCS Egg-Laying, Florida scored 21 straight points on the Bucks after they ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. This year, the LSU Tigers dropped 31 unanswered points on the boys from Columbus after they jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Nice work guys, this year you scored twice before folding like a red-and-gray card table. Really, you should be proud of yourselves.

The fact that I've spent the entirety of this post so far ripping on OSU certainly does not mean that I plan on overlooking how good this LSU team is. They were banged up all year (although the fact remains that both of their losses came in triple overtime), but got healthy enough to put on one hell of a show tonight. Their defense upstaged a statistically superior Ohio State unit, and to be honest I'm a little worried on behalf of Trent and Money about the idea of Glenn Dorsey possibly suiting up for the Dolphins next season. (Note: crisis averted) He commanded a double-team on every snap, got better as the game went on, and I haven't seen an interior lineman show the kind of closing speed he flashed on a sack of Todd Boeckman since...I dunno, since before Warren Sapp got old?

Senior QB Matt Flynn also came to play tonight, throwing a career-high 4 touchdowns and consistently handling OSU's much-hyped defense by finding the holes in their zone blitz schemes and hitting the hot receiver. Ohio State would bring pressure from the linebackers, and Flynn would simply take his three or five-step drop and sling it in to a tight end or wideout in exactly the spot where the blitzers came from. Props are also in order for LSU's pass protection, which gave Flynn the time he needed to make those reads.

And of course, I need to mention Les Miles. This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite coaches at any level in any sport. He...

Isn't very important right now. Who is important is Beanie Wells, who won't be playing tonight. This should be fun...

Chris Mortensen will Devour your Soul

Jacksonville City Nights: Offense

by Ryan

All week I've been paralyzed with this strange fear. You see, I really want to talk about the Bills, but I'm afraid of get ahead of myself. Since Sunday I've been thinking about this team and what it could do, and right after that all I can think about is that it's just one week.

Still, that was one heck of a game. The person who I honestly thought had the worst game was Roscoe Parrish, and he had a punt return for a touchdown. (Seriously, though, pick up your blocks on important third downs, man. Don't cut inside.) I honestly don't know what to expect out of the Bills on Sunday, but there is something we can talk about today: Jacksonville.

You won't hear about this game on ESPN because they've been quite busy this week. However, Jacksonville is supposed to be an emerging threat in the AFC, and they come off a tough road loss to the Titans. Let's see what they have to say about this week's game.

“It’s going to be hot and we love it. I hope it’s a thousand degrees out there. I hope the ground’s on fire. It can be an advantage for us and we’ll take it.”- Paul Spicer

As far as I can tell, that's about the only thing the Jaguars have going for them at the moment. It may be 93-ish on Sunday, but right now their offensive line is in shambles and as we all know, the O-line is everything with a run-centric offense and a developing quarterback.

Two big injuries have hurt the Jags, with four new linemen on the roster. With their starting center (Brad Meester), left guard (Vince Manuwai), and right guard (Maurice Williams), the Jags were already in trouble. Add in the shooting of Richard Collier and, well, that's a shaky looking offense at best. If you don't think Stroud and Co. won't be trigger happy (sorry) on Sunday, you don't know this defense very well.

As far as their running game goes, you know who the Bills will be up against. Last year we saw plenty of Fred Taylor in Jacksonville. He ate us alive and single handily killed J.P. Losman, causing him the emotional trauma necessary to grow a pretty sick beard. Hey, maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

For all the jokes about Taylor's groin and durability, he certainly isn't showing signs of tailing off. Healthy all of last year, he improved upon his 2006 stats and rushed for over 1,000 yards for the 7th time in his career. While his tandem pairing with Maurice Jones-Drew is bad for fantasy owners, the 1-2 punch has done wonders for the Jaguars offense over the past few years. They will be less dangerous with the line depleted, but they have the ability to make bad running plays into two yard gains.

This is where David Garrard comes in, and where I lose faith in the Jaguars offense.

Listen, Garrard is a good young quarterback, but a good young quarterback needs time to throw, and 5 random fat people standing in front of you an offense line does not make. Tennessee's defense had seven sacks last Sunday, and if the Bills manage half as many this week it will be enough for a win.

We don't quite know what the Bills defense will look like against an opponent that can run a clean route, but if the secondary is able to step up against Jerry Porter and Matt "Pale Nose" Jones the defensive line will be getting plenty of coverage sacks. The Bills first two games are a perfect recipe to help them gain confidence, and you can only hope to see them take advantage of the situation.

We'll be back with some Bills links later on, as well as a look at the Jags' defense, which worries us much more.

Here, Stare at This.

Kind of sums up the week, doesn't it?

The road to recovery...

By Jon


The Miami Herald has a pretty good (and quick) read on Richard Zednik's return to the ice.

It's hard to believe that it happened seven months ago. With the Kevin Everett ceremony during last Sunday's Bills game and now with Zednik's return, it has to make you feel pretty good about the medical staff assisting our local sports teams.

Fantasy Minute

by Ryan

If there is a general rule about fantasy sports it is that no one cares about your team. There are millions upon millions of fantasy owners out there, so what makes you think anyone wants to hear about your individual collection of imaginary player combinations? Unless that person is directly involved in your league I would bet he/she wants absolutely nothing to do with you when fantasy sports come up.

That is why, of course, I'm going to talk about fantasy football. Now to be fair, this will set up a larger discussion, so bear with me for a paragraph or two.

I have four fantasy football teams, and yes, that is a lot. One league I am the commissioner of, and another is the keeper league Jon and Chris invited me to last year. A third team is the Buffalo Bloggers' league, and a fourth I got into because of my new job. Yeah, that's a lot of fantasy work, especially if you add in an eventual hockey team or two.

Needless to say, it sucks when all four teams lose on opening day. My keeper league team got stuck with a roster freeze issue and didn't have a third wide receiver (I have Marshall (suspended), Smith (suspended), Limas Sweed (0), Reggie Brown (hurt), and I was stuck with someone else I couldn't drop before the freeze. (Crazy waiver wire thing, it's very unnecessarily confusing, really.)

ANYWAY, I lost that league by 7 points and the guy we wanted to pick up scored ten. So whatever. The other league I got murdered, but everyone on my team just played awfully. I still really like that team, though, so we'll see what happens. What about those other two leagues?

Well, I drafted Tom Brady.

Now this isn't going to be that whiny, lamenting, Bill Simmons post you may be expecting. As I've stated before, I've never been more excited about someone else's physical injury in my life as I was when Tom Brady tore his ACL and MCL. I mean, I only heard about it from a text message, but when I saw it, I mean, that was awesome. However, two of my fantasy teams are officially dead.

Well, there's a chance I could still do okay, but when you lose your first round pick eight minutes into the season you aren't going to do as well as your once thought. Unlike my keeper league team, which will only get stronger, these two teams will be playing catch-up all year, and that's not the most fun of fantasy strategies.

However, I'm not complaining. When I first heard about Tom Brady getting hurt my first thoughts went towards the Bills and their chances of winning the ACF East. No matter what I have tied up in my fantasy teams I've never put them in front of my real football team, and I'm not sure the same is true for everyone.

For example, Darren Rovell pointed out that Brady's injury equals a $150 million shift in fantasy league prizes, which is a massive number whether estimated or not. I don't fall into that that category (only my other two leagues are pay) but that fact alone may shift an fan's allegiance if you suddenly have $50 riding on the fact that your team's secondary gets eaten alive by Randy Moss.

We all know it happens. You look at the match up on Saturday and know it will come down to a big game against the Bills. But do you secretly root for Ronnie Brown to have a breakout game because you need the win in your standings more than the Bills do?

Maybe that's too abstract of a question, so let's try this: If it comes down to Jacksonville's D holding strong and you getting a tight fantasy win or the Bills going 2-0, which is more important? And if your initial answer is the latter (as mine is), is there a situation you can come up with in your mind where you would want the former, even if you know it means a Bills loss?

Personally, I would let my entire team team catch malaria if it meant the Bills make the playoffs. Even if it means Brett Favre is your Week 2 starter.

(Ugh.)

A Better View

by Ryan

I'm completely stealing this from First Time Caller Long Time Listener, but only because time is short tonight and I enjoyed this video so much.



That's about how it went down in the stadium, but it was about twice as loud. Just imagine what the Denney TD sounded like.

Tomorrow I will talk some fantasy football and take one last look back at the home opener. Jacksonville, here we come.

Break Out the Ortho

by Ryan

Last week 3rdmanin had a solid find: the new Sabres' logo was on some RBK gear at a retail store. It was just a taste, but a taste that I approve of, and it was certainly cool to know who was the first on the block to rock that new Sabres sweater.

Today Puck Daddy comes up big with what we've been waiting for: what the real Sabres sweater is going to look like.



Dang, that's pretty not half bad.

Forget the phonetic issues that sentence has, because that's about as well as I can sum up my thoughts on the issue. I dislike the curved side piping that has been all the rage in jersey design recently, but I'm pretty excited about the logo itself. I'll never understand why they didn't just go with a logo like this in the first place, but it is nice to see them do the right thing two years too late. Wow, that sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Perhaps in the long run they will fully admit the mistake that was the Tepposlug and make this the primary uni, but I really doubt that. Somehow I doubt partial owner Quinn wants to close the wallet books on that venture. In the meantime, hooray for tie up chests, and thank God the crest is back.

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.

Reading with the Roost: Downtown Owl

by Ryan

This is Downtown Owl:



This is also Downtown Owl:


Technically, this book isn't out yet, but thanks to the good people at Amazon.com, I received it on Friday and finished it yesterday.

However, this causes a problem when you want to discuss it, especially when 1) a handful of people have read the book, and 2) discussing any part of it would almost immediately ruin it for anyone.

So here's the situation. The situation is this: I liked this book, and I'd like you to buy it so we can talk about it. This post is going up now, and if you plan on buying the book let me know so we can talk about it in the future. If you'd like to buy the book, that would be nice too, because then we could talk about it.

The post will go up on the sidebar, so whenever you finish it, I'll be there to talk about it. Let me know what you thought, and I'll respond. That post won't be going anywhere, so even if it takes you a few years to get around to it that's fine.

I'd imagine this post stays up as long as Google has servers, which seems like a long, long time. At least until Google figures out how to beam things directly into your brain using a subtle radio wave and bacon bits. I figure at that juncture in your life reading a Chuck Klosterman book is the last thing on your mind, so it probably doesn't matter.

So yeah, get back to me on this.

Out. For. The. Year.

There is a God.
Go Bills.

Believe in Now

by Ryan

Twelve hours ago I woke up to a world that was exactly the same as I had left it three hours before. The sky was clear, it was lukewarm outside. It was by all accounts a perfect day for football. In the span of twelve hours, it has rained and become sunny again. Twelve and a half football games have been played.

Everything was different.

I have never seen a perfect football game. Today was not a perfect football game, but only because it rained at times. The Bills went out and did everything right, and I simply did not expect this. A 34-10 win on opening day against the NFC West champs was never in the realm of possibilities when I considered outcomes today, and when you compile that with the other news around the league you immediately alter your expectations for this year.

Where was the moment it hit you? For me it was the first touchdown. Marshawn Lynch on a 3rd and 11 runs for a 21 yard score. It was a stunning play call, and one that I can't remember seeing executed in some time. In fact, I haven't seen things move so well in a very, very long time.

The defense was formidable, the offensive line performed well, the running backs hit their spots for the most part, and Trent Edwards played well when he was asked to. Roscoe made some fantastic moves on that punt return, and Moorman was spectacular even with the weather. That was the entire game in a nutshell. Everyone did their job, and they won by four scores as a result.

But there was more than that, wasn't there? There was an energy in the building that I haven't felt in a long time. We were a superior team today, and there was absolutely no question about that fact in anyone's mind. That puts you in an interesting mood, and you can cheer that much louder when you know how good you can be.

After that Moorman touchdown pass and the fumble, I had a new feeling take hold of me. That "take on the world" feeling a big momentum swing can bring. But it was more than that. The Seahawks were talked about. Seattle is a "good team", and I wanted to see that team get destroyed. Kill them. Hurt their pride, burn their 12th man flag, and send their bald, Chunky Soup eating quarterback back to the West Coast in plaster.

Screw your team. Screw your fans. Screw your queer little flag. This is our team and we are flat out better. Take your beating and get the hell out of our stadium. It may not have actually happened, but I felt like Tyler beating the blond kid in Fight Club. I wanted to breathe smoke.

And then there was that text message. The news that rumbled through the crowd. By halftime everyone was cheering when the highlights started because they knew it was coming. When Tom Brady got a helmet applied to his knee, the crowd absolutely exploded. It was mass schadenfreude hysteria, and it felt wonderful. Tom Brady is out for the year, and suddenly the AFC East is wide open.

It changes absolutely everything. It doesn't even matter if they go on to win the Super Bowl this year or are just as good as ever. Tom Brady is never going to be the same, and that makes us all better people. Seriously.

For the rest of his life he will have that fear in the back of his mind. Every snap. Every play. For the rest of his life, he will have one singular truth we all now know: he is mortal. Tom Brady is officially human and he knows it. And that f#@king rules.

Now say it with me everyone. It's just one week. Seattle was hit with injuries. Let's see how well they play on the road. It's probably just a fluke. Trust me, I'm with you. Still, the Buffalo Bills lived up to that insane preseason hype we attach to every season, and you can't say that every year. I'm not saying they will make the playoffs, and I'm certainly not saying they will win the division; but I sure as hell know the New York Jets are NOT the best team in the AFC East.

In the tunnel end zone there is a sign that reads "Believe in Now".

So far, I can't see a reason not to.

Snapshot

by Ryan

The last year of my life as a fan can be summed up with the following pictures.



Dallas at Buffalo, Monday Night Football.



Pittsburgh at Buffalo, Winter Classic.

Both events took place at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and both are days and games that I will never forget. To sum up a season in one picture is very unlikely, but each of those moments are perfect. There is simply nothing like going to a stadium and feeling that collective roar of a crowd swell and subsequently explode. From the moment I buy tickets until the moment I get there it is all I think about.

Today I can't wait to hear that roar. I can't tell you the Bills will win, and I can't tell you I'll have a snapshot to bring back tonight, but I can tell you that crowd will be there, and it will be worth the price of admission. You only get one opening day, and you only get one opening day roar. I can't wait.

Go Bills.

ZOOperstars Presents: Classic Commericals

Thanks, beautiful.

Winning that Sack Race

by Ryan

Buffalo is and always will be a football town.

Hockey will always be a part of my life, but in this area it takes a special kind of team to get the type of response every Bills season gets in Western New York. Signs, billboards, prayers at church; almost every aspect of local culture gets penetrated by a mere football team come September. We all get ourselves hyped up every season, only to see them fall in the end.

And God does it hurt when they fall. Year after year it just isn't enough, no matter how the story plays out. Sometimes you can sense it from the beginning, or sometimes they string you along just enough that you believe we can get there. The apex and milestones may vary, but the end result remains all to familiar. You keep that faint hope alive only to have your heart ripped out right around the holidays. Merry Christmas, you're mediocre.

There should be a special word for the type of torture being a Bills fan is. It is almost self schadenfreude, really; an attempt to enjoy something that in the end only causes pain. With every new year comes a chance to end the torture and make it to the promised land, but with that chance also comes the opportunity for defeat. And we all know defeat is a creative little bastard.

Still, we keep coming back. We mock those that give up, reminding ourselves of the glory that is sure to come. All the while there is that lingering thought in the back of our minds: we are running out of time.

Last week I attended the wake of a family friend. For a long time she had been fading, and her family had plenty of time to recognize the signs and prepare for the worst. Now while it is sad to see anyone pass away, there was no shock attached to the loss, just a somber acceptance.

During the wake it didn't really hit me until I saw the photoboard. They had taken the time to fill three big posterboards with photos of her along various points of her life. I wasn't in any of them, but what caught my eye were the number of pictures taken at football stadiums or parking lots. No matter what decade they were from I could recognize the place, anyone around here could.

There were dozens of them, and as I watched her life as a fan captured moment by moment I realized that she never got to see the Bills win it all. How sad is that? There were pictures of her with my then-teenage parents, with her children dressed in red, white, and blue; and with her grandchildren at a game while they were up visiting. All those years, all those games, and she never got to see it happen. It made me wonder how many more lifelong fans were just like her, watching so long and never getting the chance.

I slowly snaked through the line in front of the casket, the worst part of any wake. There it is sitting front and center, the reality of life: it ends. It is our own little Snowden lying in back, and no matter how many times you try to shake it the truth is there. Of course, just to the left of the casket was a bouquet of flowers with a Bills flag sticking out of it. I could only wonder how many more of them are made each year.

There are a lot of people that can't do it. Some people refuse to get excited about the football season for various reasons. Kevin did a nice job explaining his reasons and I don't doubt him one bit. Even my own father can't get excited about the Bills this year, and he was one of the long haired teenagers on those posterboards, the one who got me into this mess in the first place.

However, today I am excited once again. On Sunday we get another chance at that feeling we all secretly hope for when seasons start. Whether meaningless optimism or not, it's another chance to finally win it all, and just knowing that chance is there is enough for me to wonder. Kevin is right, when you sit in that crowd and become a part of that first roar, it all changes. One moment can make all of the above go away forever, and that is worth being around for.

Sunday may be about a lot of things for a lot of people. Drinking, most likely. But underneath all that there remains the hope that it all works out one day. One day, the numbers will turn up right. It's something many of us believe and the hope some have taken to their graves.

I would try to end this myself, but I could never finish as well as Jack Kukoda did with his Bills season preview on Deadspin. A year later, it remains my favorite thing ever written about the Bills. I hope he doesn't mind the replication.

My prediction for the Bills record? No idea. They might go 12-4 or 5-11. I have no clue. If the Bills win the Super Bowl, I will cry, celebrate, then head home to help rebuild after the riots that will almost certainly engulf the city. If they miss the playoffs again, well, I'll just get ready for next season. But I will not ask for, nor will I accept your pity. I'm dragging my perpetual disappointment of a father off that couch, and goddamnit, we're gonna win that fucking potato sack race together.

Go Bills.

There's still time.

Youth Hockey Winter Classic?

by Ryan

File this under the category of completely dropping the ball.

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette has an excellent Penguins blog called Empty Netters, which had a story on it about, of all things, East Aurora.

More specifically, the announcement that The Aurora Ice Association bought the rink materials used for the Winter Classic in January. Wait, what? Really?

The Aurora Ice Association has obtained possession of the actual rink that was used for the Winter Classic event held at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1st, 2008 between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Specifically, they have purchased the same tubing that was used for the game and are looking at other items to purchase through the same vendor including the chiller, dasherboards, glass and zamboni.

So here's my question: how the hell did we not hear about this sooner? I mean, according to the dateline the post is over two days old. I just found this tonight on Empty Netters, who had the post up on September 3rd. A quick Google search tells me Kuklas Korner found it the same way I did and posted it on the third as well.

So where's the local coverage? The only thing I can see locally is a Ron Plants blog post from yesterday. That's all fine and good, but that isn't exactly the best way to get the word out.

Where's the Buffalo News on this? I'd have to say this is something people would be interested in hearing about, and unless my remedial web sleuthing failed me I didn't see a mention of it on their site. Is it not a certifiable source, this whole Internet thing? That sure didn't stop them before. How under the radar can something like this fly?

Hey, I'm just the guy asking questions here...

The Goose's League

by Ryan

For weeks I have been refreshing the fantasy hockey page on Yahoo. That may sound sad to some most, but to me the launch of fantasy hockey means the official start of the hockey season.

Today it happened.

Fantasy hockey is back, and it brought Alexander Ovechkin with it.

Now, over the summer we asked if anyone wanted to play fantasy hockey with us. There was enough of a response that I went ahead and created a separate league for us to fill. Of course, it is called "The Goose's League" and it has a 14 team limit. So far we have 13 spots open, but I'm not sure if any other Roost members will be playing so that number may go down.

My question is this: do you want to play?

If so, send us an email (goosesroost [at] gmail [dot] com) with the following subject line: I want to play fantasy hockey. The body can include whatever you like as long as we know where to send the invite. That seems sort of self explanatory, but you never know.

Please keep in mind that we want serious entries only. Don't take that the wrong way, it's just that we want people who intend on setting their lineup the entire season. This includes setting a roster after December (Jon), so only apply if you can handle that.

Trust me, we aren't the most hardcore of fantasy hockey players, but you have no idea how infuriating it is to see the person with Crosby finish last because they didn't feel like playing anymore.

If you have any questions about format we will be happy to answer them. We plan on doing a live draft, but all that can be set up once everyone joins and we can talk it over. We'd like to do 14 teams, but we are willing to do less if necessary.

Needless to say, I'm excited. Hope to hear from you soon.

8 in 4: AFC East

by Ryan


Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Of course it's located in Myrtle Beach, but that doesn't stop Zach Thomas...

4. Miami Dolphins- The Dolphins are just a mess, and that makes the grass greener and the flowers smell sweeter if you are a Bills fan. However, they may be getting it together. Ricky Williams just signed an extension, Ronnie Brown at even 50% is a nice compliment, and we've heard good things about Chad Pennington out of camp.

Nah just kidding, the Dolphins blow.


Finally, a look inside the Jets' war room on draft day.

3. New York Jets Did you hear the news about the Jets quarterback situation? MumblemumbleWranglerJeansmumblemumble. Okay, that's covered. Thomas Jones will rebound nicely this year with the Jets' improved offensive line actually blocking for him. It will be a nice change from their impersonation of concrete pillars. Listen, even with Farvaro the Jets won't be all that great. Will they be better than the Dolphins? Sure, why not. That's why they are here.


We will be using this picture as much as possible. It's perfect, really.

2. Buffalo Bills- Last year the Bills finished in second place with three fully functional humans left on defense. Needless to say, they have improved that defense, added more targets on offense, and as of yet (fingers crossed) no one has died. Even with Peters holding out they are an improved team that will finish in this spot come December.

Will I say the "P" word? Maybe. Just not this week. Or next week. Do I think they can get there? Of course I do, but I'm a Bills fan, and therefore crazy.


Why? Because we said so, that's why.

1. New England Patriots It may come as a shock to you, but the Patriots are still pretty good. They have the easiest schedule in the league and I'm pretty sure they have a home date with the Canisius College football team sometime in December. While I don't think they will run the table, they are probably going to win 12-14 games and make the playoffs easily. Shocking, I know.

8 in 4: NFC East

by Ryan


Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Coach Spanky Janky refuses to acknowledge the Jim Zorn Era

4. Washington Redskins- You would think having a coach that won't fall asleep during the third quarter is an immediate upgrade, but I'm not so sure Jim Zorn fits the bill. The Redskins are relying on Jason Campbell to develop into the quarterback of the present. If not, they have Todd Collins to be the quarterback of the past, and Colt Brennan to be the quarterback of the future. Hopefully they sort this all out before Christmas so the DVD can hit shelves in time.

The baby blue gives him strength. Kind of like a gay Sampson or something...

3. Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles don't impress me by any means, and the NFC East is one of those divisions where you better blow the other teams away. The Cowboys are the team to beat here, and the other three are very similar in talent. It will be hard to come out of a competitive division like this with wild card hopes, but ask the Giants how that went for them last year. Oh, Brian Westbrook may just give up after this season. The man is a beast and no one around him seems to match his intensity.


Somehow I imagine this is what Eli Manning's marriage looks like.

2. New York Giants- In lieu of an actual preview, let's hop into the way back machine for a second.





Yeah, that was awesome.



I've cried so much,
Since you've been gone,
I guess I'm drowning in my own tears

1. Dallas Cowboys- Yes, the Cowboys will win the division, which will make it all the better when they choke in the playoffs. Tony Romo will have another great year, and somehow it will all go to hell sometime in January. We all know this, so let's move on. Felix Jones is going to be good, so if you haven't drafted in your fantasy league give him a flier in the middle rounds. You never know when you need running back depth, right?

Also, do we get a decent Thanksgiving game this year? Seattle? Well, okay, I guess...

8 in 4: AFC North

By Jon

Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.


4. Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis' senior portrait

Big shock here- the defense should be good. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrel Suggs, Samari Rolle, and Chris McAlister form one of the best defensive cores around. Too bad the offense blows. Joe Flacco was playing I-AA, err... FCS Subdivision ball last year, and his receivers were probably better there.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Innuendo much?

The Bengals have had buckets of talent for the last three or four years, and have nothing to show for it but a lengthy rap sheet. Carson will get his stats, but with a question mark in the backfield and an atrocious defense, don't expect much from the Bengals (again.)

2. Cleveland Browns

"I bet you I can throw this steak over that mountain."

The Browns are a bit of a mystery to me. In the course of a single season some no-name QB makes himself a lot of money, a past-his-prime, fresh out of the slammer running back resurrected his career, and the Browns became an offensive juggernaut. They've made some additions to the defense, but I don't expect their offense to perform to the same level this year. A wild card contender, but I don't see them taking the division.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

I saw someone wearing this shirt today. No joke.

The Steelers may hurt from the loss of Alan Faneca, but I don't think it will be enough of a blow to knock them from the top of the division. The passing game was strong last year, and the chemistry between Big Ben and Santonio Holmes should continue to evolve. Rashard Mendenhall should be a good compliment to Willie Parker, and the defense remains largely intact from last season.

What. The. F#$k

by Ryan

The boys over at Pensblog have to be, um... thanked(?) for the heads up on this one.

Just... just watch.



This is just unreal. I've never watched the show before, but to think that is their definition of "America" is just beyond me. No wonder people hate us.

In any event, I had to check their website to see if anyone was worth mentioning from the Buffalo sports scene. Of course, there is.



Everyone, say hello to Dominik Hashark.

Jump back Jabber Jaws! It's Dominik Hashark - the chompin' champ. This gifted goalie has the gills and skills to be a true CHOMPion. Dominik likes to lurk in the lake just outside of Buffalo when he's not kicking it on the ice. Watch your back... this Shark attacks!

Uh, yeah... something like that.



This is by far the most ridiculous sports-related mascot I've ever seen in my life. Remember those inflatable football players the Colts have dancing around in their end zones at times? Multiply that by a thousand, then toss in racist crabs, and you've got ZOOperstars.

He likes to start, but not finish the season…..it’s Donovan McCrabb.

Rush Limbaugh would be proud.

What else do they have, you ask? Well, see for yourself! Oooh! Squidney Crosby coming soon?

We will be back.

Please Tell Me it Was a Curve...

"Stupid F#$kin' Cubs Game..."

8 in 4: NFC North

By Jon

Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

4. Chicago Bears

The face of the franchise

Was it really just two years ago that the Bears were a Super Bowl team? It's pretty amazing how everything can go to hell. Terrible quarterbacks, bad wideouts, a shaky offensive line and a defense that isn't what it used to be will put the Bears in the basement of the NFC North.

3. Detroit Lions

The Chronic-WHAT?-cles of Millen.

As bad as the Lions have been, there is reason for optimism. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are sure to be one of the best WR pairings in the game, and Jon Kitna is consistently underrated (He is a much better quarterback than prognosticator, that much is for sure.) Rudi Johnson is a good pickup, though he has lost a step or twenty, and it gives rookie RB Kevin Smith time to mature into the role.

2.Green Bay Packers

Frequent Roost commenter JoeGoal, in the flesh.

Sure, Brett Favre handled his "retirement" pretty poorly this off-season, but that doesn't change the fact that the Packers are not as good without him. Aaron Rodgers has some pretty gigantic shoes to fill, and he may not be able to take the pressure in his first year as a starter. Ryan Grant should be eager to prove that last year wasn't a fluke. The defense is fighting off injuries already- never a good sign. Expect the Pack to be just above .500 this year, getting help from playing in a mediocre division.

1. Minnesota Vikings Pat Robertson is beyond offended.

There's a lot to like about the Vikings. Between one of the best RB tandems in the game (Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor) running behind one of the best offensive lines in the game, a stellar defensive line and good defensive backs, the Vikings shouldn't have much of a problem running away with this division. Don't expect them to get much farther than that, however- the passing game is atrocious.

8 in 4: NFC South

by Ryan


Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Welcome to the Matt Ryan Era!

4. Atlanta Falcons- Every year I get this division wrong, so let's just pencil them in here and work my way down. I've heard good things out of Matt Ryan, but it's going to be a long road to recovery before they have wild card aspirations. Nice bag, though.


Wow, probably should have just stuck with the logo for this one...

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- I really don't know why I put them here to be honest. I just don't like their QB situation, and Ernest Graham doesn't do much for me. Forget this pick, let's talk about Cadillac Williams. Remember two years ago he was the greatest thing since sliced bread? Now he can barely walk and is an afterthought in the Tampa offense. It's amazing to me that a player can sustain a single injury and suddenly he is worthless.

I think that says something about the consumerist way we look at football players, as long as we have a suitable alternative (Graham) we don't notice their loss as much. If I were a Bucs fan I would feel stronger about this, but I hope Marshawn and I are never put in a situation like this.

Wow, probably should have just stuck with the logo for this one, too...

2. Carolina Panthers- Steve Smith punched a teammate in the mouth and got a two game suspension. In the old days, this would just mean he's pumped up about football being back. Freaking Goodell. Needless to say, his return to action week three could be the single greatest performance by a wide receiver in league history or a pedestrian performance in which he regains his bearings. For the sake of us all, let's hope for the former.


He is going to LOVE the South...

1. New Orleans Saints- A lot of people dislike this team, but I think Drew Brees will have a huge year for them. Deuce may not be %100, but adding a solid TE like Shockey will only help the most pass-heavy offense in the league. Look for Robert Meachem to play a role as well.

Okay, I'm going to be honest, I have no idea how this whole thing will shake out. I picked them this way last year and was completely wrong, so I have to do better this year, right?

8 in 4: AFC South

by Ryan


Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Yeah, we went there. What are you going to do about it, V Young?

4. Tennessee Titans- Vince Young had a bad year, and I really couldn't tell you who he had to throw to last year. The most recognizable name I see on their roster this year is Alge Crumpler, who seems to love inaccurate arms throwing on the run. Perhaps LenDale and Chris Henry can carry the team, but I'm going with a perhaps not.


"We're gonna do this one for Joey"

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- I'm not as high on David Garrard as most people are, and considering their recent off-field issues they may make for a volatile group this year. Also, no matter which running back you take (Jones-Drew or Taylor), they will screw you over. Just accept it now and we can all move on.


Hooray for mediocrity!

2. Houston Texans- This may be a complete justification for my picking Matt Schaub in 3 of 4 fantasy leagues (for a backup, mind you), but I don't care. I think if this team can stay healthy they will be good enough to vie for the division title. Andre Johnson is a huge target, they have plenty of TE depth, and former #1 overall Mario Williams has developed into the player they thought he could be. I'm not making promises, but I do think the Texans will be on our radar as a Wild Card contender come November.


So he really did get mauled by a Bear?

1. Indianapolis Colts- Ho hum, another division title. Every year I look at this division and thank God we don't play the Colts twice a year. We got the beginning of Manning's career when he was awful, and we are better off for it. MarHar may be on the downswing, but Reggie Wayne will have another great year and Anthony Gonzalez will be the guy you wish you drafted late. Hey, maybe even Dallas Clark will stay healthy. Peyton will be healthy and do his thing, which will give any team a chance. If the defense rebounds they may have a shot at a first round bye, which means the inevitable Colts/Pats AFC Championship Game has a chance. Just like every year.

I Figured it Out

by Ryan

So the big news out of Bills camp yesterday is that Jason Peters hasn't showed up yet.

After reading over that amazing blend of redundancy and inaction it hit me: I know what the Bills are up to.

This whole stalemate, there has to be a reason behind it, right? I mean, it can't just be a fundamental Catch-22 that neither side is willing to break for the sake of pride and negotiation ground. We're not that stupid, right? There just has to be a reason for it.



Michael Oher.

I know that seems crazy, but hang on just one second and we can talk this out.

So start the rationalization with the fact that Russ Brandon reads The Goose's Roost daily. This would mean he saw us talk about The Blind Side earlier in the summer. Of course this peaked his interest in the books' featured player, and he started doing some research on him.

Then the Jason Peters thing came up. He stated he would hold out and the Bills demanded he come to camp before any deals are discussed. Of course he declined, and the Bills were put into a pickle. That's where Oher comes in.

If the Bills stay strong, and Peters doesn't mind sitting around all winter, well, this holdout will go on the entire year. And what happens if the Bills go the entire year without a Pro Bowl lineman to protect their developing second year quarterback's blind side?

Well, they tank, that's what they do. And what does a bad team get? A high draft pick.

Once again, enter Michael Oher. He is the top left tackle in the upcoming draft, and would certainly be drafted in the top ten. The Bills finish 2-14 and Oher starts next September. And that's the rest of the story.

Now, I know you may think there are at least a dozen holes in that scenario, and well, you're right. However, it must be true because that's all I can come up with, and I've had three months to think it over. If anyone has any other ideas I'm willing to listen, but I think we may as well just accept the fact that Michael Oher will be a Bill within twelve months.

Go Rebels?

8 in 4: NFC West

by Ryan


Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Off season workout program seems to be going well...

4. Arizona Cardinals- The Buzzsaw are going with Kurt Warner as their starter this year, meaning Matt Leinart will have even more time to develop into a top flight quarterback. One more year should do, really. The team still has weapons in Bolden and Fitzgerald, but this may be the last year that duo stays together, and if Edgeren James can't stay healthy, it will be another long decade for the Cards. Leitch= :-(


J.T. O'Sullivan, NFL starting quarterback.

3. San Francisco 49ers- Admit it, you had no idea this guy was starting until just now. San Francisco has decided to start a guy that sounds more like a dodgeball coach than a quarterback, and well, that may be a controversial move. The good news is with Frank Gore he may not play as large a role in the offense as most quarterbacks. Wait, Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator? Ho boy, hooo boy.


The source of Stephen Jackson's holdout, I believe.

2. St. Louis Rams- They were pretty awful last year, but Marc Bulger and Stephen Jackson getting hurt will do that to you. According to most, Jackson's fantasy value is still there, so I'd say the Rams will be much improved this year. Sure, I can guess based on fantasy football, why not? (Note: did I take Stephen Jackson in any of the 4 leagues? No.) Their receivers are as follows: Drew Bennett, Donte Hall, and Torry Holt. That's a heartfelt "meh" right there, but this is a very weak division historically, so it should be good for at least eight wins.


Yeah, I got nothing...

1. Seattle Seahawks- Speaking of depleted receiving corps, let's talk about your division champs. Hasselbeck has had a sore back all summer, and the people he throws to have been in even worse shape. Of the seven currently on the roster, one is on injured reserve (Obomanu), one was almost put on the PUP list (Branch), and a few others(Engram most notably) have battled injuries all preseason. Also, the only wideout on the practice squad is named after those dogs from A Christmas Story. So they have that going for them.

However, I do like Julius Jones a lot, and Maurice Morris has always been serviceable. The Seahawks defense is always overlooked, but they have been strong recently and didn't lose anything this summer. Add in some nice home field advantage and a steady Hasselbeck and it looks like another division crown for Seattle.

8 in 4: AFC West

by Ryan

Last year we somehow convinced ourselves that we should do NFL previews. It wasn't the most accurate of experiments, but it was a nice concept at the time. We went through each division and predicted winners, then going back in January to examine how badly we did.

We weren't really planning on much for this week, but it was brought up by someone that we should do it again. Well, why not? We are a little short on time, however, so we present to you eight divisions in four days.

If you have learned not to believe the hype, please don't believe any of this, either.

Get off my lawn

4) Oakland Raiders- There's really not much to talk about here, I just doubt everything about the Raiders. JaMarcus Russel is basically a rookie, and McFadden certainly is. Until they prove to me they have some semblance of an offense, they stay where they've been since Jon Gruden killed them.

Week Four: Larry Johnson out with a groin injury.

3. Kansas City Cheifs- Their starting quarterback is named Brodie. Larry Johnson's yards per carry has decreased steadily over the last three years. Herm Edwards looked... stressed last year. Of course it's more than possible the Cheifs get better this year, I just don't see any evidence to support it. There are two teams better than them in their division, so that's where I put them.


Swear to God that's not Jake Plummer.

2. Denver Broncos- I still don't like Jay Cutler very much, but as someone hoping for Trent Edwards to come through, well, perhaps I should be more forgiving. The running back machine will produce 1,000 yards once again, but anything less would just be an anomaly, really. They'll be in the mix for the Wild Card, which makes them our problem. Hope for chaos, expect 10-6.


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!

1. San Diego Chargers- Injuries kept them from beating New England in the AFC Championship Game, and "Lights Out" will try to play this year on a potential career ending injury. From that point of view things look pretty bleak, but Philip Rivers showed he can be a competent QB as well as a complete douchebag, which is the perfect mix for a quarterback. If Antonio Gates stays healthy and the defense can overcome the inevitable loss of Merriman they will be fine. I wouldn't say first round bye, but at least the division.

Seriously, Phillip Rivers is a douchebag.

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Maybe this will hold you over until I wake up today. I love everything about that story.