The new Kansas City Chiefs jerseys are located in Kansas City, Missouri and play their home games at Arrowhead Stadium, which has 75,383 seats. The Kansas City Chiefs are owned by Clark Hunt, their General Manager is Scott Pioli and they will be coached this year by Todd Haley. The oddsmakers at BODOG.com have the Kansas City Chiefs jerseys listed at 50 to 1 odds to win the 2011 AFC Championship.
"They made it plain very early in the off-season that things were going to be different," said Chiefs guard Brian Waters. "That came with the guys they added to the coaching staff. As a player, you look at those men and their careers and you can't help but be excited."
The first step on that is to see how the cold-weather Super Bowl goes Dwayne Bowe in an outdoor stadium. If the league has a good experience in New York, then there will undoubtedly be many communities to come back and ask for a cold-weather Super Bowl, and we would certainly be on that list.'' -- Kansas City Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, to the Kansas City Star, on his desire to get a Super Bowl in Kansas City.
Hunt won't be alone. If it's anything other than a raging blizzard on Super Sunday 2014 -- when the game is played in northern New Jersey -- you'll have five owners knocking on Roger Goodell's luxury box, saying, "We're next!'': Pat Bowlen (Denver), Dan Snyder (Washington), Hunt, Jeff Lurie (Philadelphia), and hmmm, let me think -- well, Paul Allen (Seattle) won't knock on the door, but he will e-mail Goodell.
Of course, none of those cities would draw the attention and the Derrick Johnson money that New York will, especially not Kansas City. And once the league realizes what a blizzard does to an event's buzz, I doubt another cold-weather city will host the game anytime soon.
If they do, for some reason, start passing around the Super Bowl like weed on Snoop Dogg's tour bus, then it sure seems like the cities King mentioned -- plus the Bay Area and a bunch of other shinier locales -- would be ahead of KC in line. Especially considering that the state just jettisoned the favorite entertainment option of Super Bowl-bound men: lap dances.
The Kansas City Wizards entered the match with a record of 4-8-4 while Manchester United suffered their first loss on their pre-season tour of North America. The Wizards will now break for the All Star week.
Wichita soccer fan Joey Mashaw is a huge Manchester United fan. "Having Manchester United tour in the states is wonderful. It just goes to show how much the U.S. has advanced in the eyes of the world as far as soccer--the world's biggest soccer club came here to play," said Mashaw.
Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs agreed that American soccer is definitely on the rise. "You can see it in the standard of the teams, the standard of the national team, the interest within the crowd and the fans," he said.
The Wizards took the lead early in the match when midfielder Davy Arnaud beat an offside trap by United and took a great pass from Kei Kamara. Arnaud dribbled into the penalty area and found himself one-on-one against backup keeper Ben Amos. Arnaud calmly slotted the ball into the lower left corner and the Wizards led 1-0.
There was some controversy in the 41st minute as United's Dimitar Berbatov received a pass from Ryan Giggs. The Wizards' Jimmy Conrad took Berbatov down inside the box and received a red card. Replays showed that Conrad actually got to the ball ahead of Berbatov. Nevertheless, Berbatov converted for United on the penalty kick to even the score and the Wizards played the rest of the match down a man.
Forward Kei Kamara scored the game-winning goal moments later, heading in Ryan Smith's corner kick over Amos and off the underside of the crossbar. The ball landed just inside of the goal line, giving the Wizards a 2-1 lead just before halftime.
The second half of the match was played with a furious pace that featured several near misses. But the Wizards held on with only 10 men to notch the victory.
2010年7月26日星期一
2010年7月22日星期四
Dolphins' offseason practices
Five years later, however, Brown has played just one full season, rushed for 1,000 yards only once, and earned one, lone Pro Bowl selection.
In fact, the man he was brought in to replace, Williams, has returned from exile to steal carries and perform on par with Brown.
Not quite what the Dolphins jerseys and their fans had in mind.
Still, Brown has managed to grow into the face of Miami's franchise, and is easily the team's most popular player. Despite his many injuries, Brown has managed to produce at a solid level, and Williams' presence has eased Brown's workload.
But his inability to stay healthy and lackluster production might overshadow his popularity and production, leaving Brown on his way out of Miami after the 2010 season.
Brown is currently in the final year of his contract, and the Dolphins football jerseys have yet to come forward with a long-term extension. The running back will turn 29 this season, and with such a long list of major injuries on his record, any type of long-term deal seems rather unlikely.
However, Miami really has nowhere to turn for running back help.
Williams has already announced that 2010 will be his last season in the NFL, and Lex Hilliard impressed few in his 2009 playing time, although he does appear to have some potential.
The Dolphins could place the franchise tag on Brown next season, and pursue a running back of the future in the draft. However, Miami likely won't pick until the latter portions of the first or second rounds, leaving their options limited.
That's when a raft of accusations about players receiving "extra benefits" from an agent — beginning with a player at ACC school North Carolina — detoured quickly into SEC waters. In short order, South Carolina, Florida and Alabama all learned they were officially under suspicion by the NCAA — Georgia was added to the list Thursday — prompting the tirade from Saban at the conference's annual media days festivities.
"I don't think it's anything but greed that's creating it right now on behalf of the agents. The agents that do this — and I hate to say this, but how are they any better than a pimp?
"I have no respect for people who do that to young people. None," Saban continued. "How would you feel if they did it to your child?"
Oh, I don't know, maybe the same way some parents felt when their son came home and told them you decided not to renew his scholarship, which undoubtedly said more about the caliber of athlete he is than whether he was a good student.
Or maybe the way the parents felt when their kid came home and told Chad Pennington them you were leaving Akron behind for Michigan State, then Michigan State for LSU, then LSU for the Miami Dolphins.
And don't even get us started about leaving the Dolphins in the lurch, since you flat-out lied about leaving Miami. Loyalty can be a funny thing, no?
So spare us the lecture about how much you care. Most coaches genuinely care about their guys, Saban included, and would love to see them graduate. It makes life easier all the way around.
A source close to Merling said the report is correct and that he was told that Merling is expected to miss the season. However, the team nor Merling has yet to confirm the injury. The source said Merling tore the Achilles' during a football workout.
The Dolphins had no initial comment on the matter.
It has been a disastrous offseason for Merling, who last week was formally charged with assault on his pregnant girlfriend. The NFL has said it's reviewing the matter.
During the Dolphins' offseason practices, Merling had received most of the first-team snaps at right defensive end, opposite starting left end Kendall Langford. Odrick had received first-team work in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
Merling was expected to compete with Odrick for the job, which was left open when Davone Bess the Dolphins moved Randy Starks to nose tackle in April.
Merling, 25, had 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 16 games last season, including two starts. As a rookie in 2008, he played in 16 games and had 26 tackles and a sack.
Besides Odrick and Langford, the other defensive ends under contract are Tony McDaniel and Ryan Baker (who both can play tackle or end), Lionel Dotson and Ikaika Alama-Francis. The nose tackles under contract are Starks, Paul Soliai and undrafted rookie Travis Ivey.
In fact, the man he was brought in to replace, Williams, has returned from exile to steal carries and perform on par with Brown.
Not quite what the Dolphins jerseys and their fans had in mind.
Still, Brown has managed to grow into the face of Miami's franchise, and is easily the team's most popular player. Despite his many injuries, Brown has managed to produce at a solid level, and Williams' presence has eased Brown's workload.
But his inability to stay healthy and lackluster production might overshadow his popularity and production, leaving Brown on his way out of Miami after the 2010 season.
Brown is currently in the final year of his contract, and the Dolphins football jerseys have yet to come forward with a long-term extension. The running back will turn 29 this season, and with such a long list of major injuries on his record, any type of long-term deal seems rather unlikely.
However, Miami really has nowhere to turn for running back help.
Williams has already announced that 2010 will be his last season in the NFL, and Lex Hilliard impressed few in his 2009 playing time, although he does appear to have some potential.
The Dolphins could place the franchise tag on Brown next season, and pursue a running back of the future in the draft. However, Miami likely won't pick until the latter portions of the first or second rounds, leaving their options limited.
That's when a raft of accusations about players receiving "extra benefits" from an agent — beginning with a player at ACC school North Carolina — detoured quickly into SEC waters. In short order, South Carolina, Florida and Alabama all learned they were officially under suspicion by the NCAA — Georgia was added to the list Thursday — prompting the tirade from Saban at the conference's annual media days festivities.
"I don't think it's anything but greed that's creating it right now on behalf of the agents. The agents that do this — and I hate to say this, but how are they any better than a pimp?
"I have no respect for people who do that to young people. None," Saban continued. "How would you feel if they did it to your child?"
Oh, I don't know, maybe the same way some parents felt when their son came home and told them you decided not to renew his scholarship, which undoubtedly said more about the caliber of athlete he is than whether he was a good student.
Or maybe the way the parents felt when their kid came home and told Chad Pennington them you were leaving Akron behind for Michigan State, then Michigan State for LSU, then LSU for the Miami Dolphins.
And don't even get us started about leaving the Dolphins in the lurch, since you flat-out lied about leaving Miami. Loyalty can be a funny thing, no?
So spare us the lecture about how much you care. Most coaches genuinely care about their guys, Saban included, and would love to see them graduate. It makes life easier all the way around.
A source close to Merling said the report is correct and that he was told that Merling is expected to miss the season. However, the team nor Merling has yet to confirm the injury. The source said Merling tore the Achilles' during a football workout.
The Dolphins had no initial comment on the matter.
It has been a disastrous offseason for Merling, who last week was formally charged with assault on his pregnant girlfriend. The NFL has said it's reviewing the matter.
During the Dolphins' offseason practices, Merling had received most of the first-team snaps at right defensive end, opposite starting left end Kendall Langford. Odrick had received first-team work in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
Merling was expected to compete with Odrick for the job, which was left open when Davone Bess the Dolphins moved Randy Starks to nose tackle in April.
Merling, 25, had 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 16 games last season, including two starts. As a rookie in 2008, he played in 16 games and had 26 tackles and a sack.
Besides Odrick and Langford, the other defensive ends under contract are Tony McDaniel and Ryan Baker (who both can play tackle or end), Lionel Dotson and Ikaika Alama-Francis. The nose tackles under contract are Starks, Paul Soliai and undrafted rookie Travis Ivey.
2010年7月20日星期二
Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling
The 6-foot-5, 328-pounder was taken 73rd overall out of Ole Miss where he started 46 of 49 games, including 12 as a freshman, at right guard. He went on to make nine starts at the same position in 2007 and received 13 starting assignments at right tackle as a junior. He split time at right tackle and right guard as a senior when he was an All-SEC first team selection.
new Miami Dolphins jerseys defensive end Phillip Merling has been formally charged with felony battery on his pregnant girlfriend.
In the early morning hours of May 27, Merling, 25, was arrested at his Weston home by Broward sheriff's deputies for aggravated battery on Kristen Lennon, police said.
With this charge by the Broward State Attorney's Office, police allege that Merling knew or should have known she was pregnant, according to a complaint affidavit.
The Dolphins defensive end was released on $15,000 bail. He has filed a Jake Long not guilty plea and a demand for a jury trial. His attorney, Edward J. O'Donnell Jr. of Miami, was in court Monday and not available to comment, an office staffer said.
But a head coach often begins to hear drumbeats of restlessness during a third season on the job. Take, for example, what happened to Dave Wannstedt, who preceeded Saban, and Jimmy Johnson, who preceded Wannstedt.
Johnson's third regular-season record of 10-6 was good enough to get the Davone Bess Dolphins into the AFC playoffs, and they even won a game once there. But the season-ender was a 38-3 massacre at Denver, a loss so bad that Johnson had to be talked into returning for a fourth season. He did, Miami went 9-7, won another playoff game and then endured the 62-7 humiliation at Jacksonville that ended Johnson's career and Dan Marino's, too.
Wannstedt then took over and led the Dolphins to the playoffs his first two seasons, but never again. He seemed often discombobulated by the end of his third season. And he was gone in the middle of his fifth year, which led to the Saban-Cameron messes.
Sparano had much work to do in the wake of that quinella of dysfunction, and getting the Dolphins into the playoffs in his opening act was an astonishing performance. It also bought Sparano some time when the Dolphins, as expected, slipped to 7-9 last year.
But time can run out quickly in the NFL where no honeymoon lasts as long as the groom hopes, and frequently believes, it will. Sparano isn't likely to fall into that trap - he's not big on entitlement - but it will be interesting to see how he manages a team of his own construction. He was comfortable enough to say during the spring that "there will be no surprises" in terms of understanding the team's work ethic when training camp opens July 30.
"We can push the volume and then start to level off maybe a little bit earlier," Sparano said.
His reasoning was based on the amount of information that already has been installed and Pat White distilled. Sparano expects these Dolphins to be ahead of the summertime learning curve no matter how many new faces show up as starters on defense or how new headliner receiver Brandon Marshall might process the offense.
It's fun to note, by the way, that a head coach named Don Shula led the Dolphins to a perfect record and a Super Bowl title in his third year with the team. Sparano would do well just to get Miami back into the playoffs for a second time on his watch
new Miami Dolphins jerseys defensive end Phillip Merling has been formally charged with felony battery on his pregnant girlfriend.
In the early morning hours of May 27, Merling, 25, was arrested at his Weston home by Broward sheriff's deputies for aggravated battery on Kristen Lennon, police said.
With this charge by the Broward State Attorney's Office, police allege that Merling knew or should have known she was pregnant, according to a complaint affidavit.
The Dolphins defensive end was released on $15,000 bail. He has filed a Jake Long not guilty plea and a demand for a jury trial. His attorney, Edward J. O'Donnell Jr. of Miami, was in court Monday and not available to comment, an office staffer said.
But a head coach often begins to hear drumbeats of restlessness during a third season on the job. Take, for example, what happened to Dave Wannstedt, who preceeded Saban, and Jimmy Johnson, who preceded Wannstedt.
Johnson's third regular-season record of 10-6 was good enough to get the Davone Bess Dolphins into the AFC playoffs, and they even won a game once there. But the season-ender was a 38-3 massacre at Denver, a loss so bad that Johnson had to be talked into returning for a fourth season. He did, Miami went 9-7, won another playoff game and then endured the 62-7 humiliation at Jacksonville that ended Johnson's career and Dan Marino's, too.
Wannstedt then took over and led the Dolphins to the playoffs his first two seasons, but never again. He seemed often discombobulated by the end of his third season. And he was gone in the middle of his fifth year, which led to the Saban-Cameron messes.
Sparano had much work to do in the wake of that quinella of dysfunction, and getting the Dolphins into the playoffs in his opening act was an astonishing performance. It also bought Sparano some time when the Dolphins, as expected, slipped to 7-9 last year.
But time can run out quickly in the NFL where no honeymoon lasts as long as the groom hopes, and frequently believes, it will. Sparano isn't likely to fall into that trap - he's not big on entitlement - but it will be interesting to see how he manages a team of his own construction. He was comfortable enough to say during the spring that "there will be no surprises" in terms of understanding the team's work ethic when training camp opens July 30.
"We can push the volume and then start to level off maybe a little bit earlier," Sparano said.
His reasoning was based on the amount of information that already has been installed and Pat White distilled. Sparano expects these Dolphins to be ahead of the summertime learning curve no matter how many new faces show up as starters on defense or how new headliner receiver Brandon Marshall might process the offense.
It's fun to note, by the way, that a head coach named Don Shula led the Dolphins to a perfect record and a Super Bowl title in his third year with the team. Sparano would do well just to get Miami back into the playoffs for a second time on his watch
2010年7月18日星期日
The Dolphins have a good offensive line
Second-year linebacker Cameron Wake is ready. He gave us a taste last season. The sparsely used pass-rushing specialist typically only played during passing situations, yet still complied 5.5 sacks in limited action, including 2.5 against Buffalo in week four.
Anyone who watched him play last year can tell he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Wake is a force off the edge. The 6-3 250-pounder knows how to best utilize his explosiveness and strength at the point of attack. He accelerates quickly and overpowers lineman from a low stance, dominating the leverage battle en route to the quarterback.
This offseason has been more mental than anything, for Wake. It’s been about pass coverages and play recognition. Everyone knows he can get to the quarterback, but being an every down player in this league requires more than that.
The Dolphins coaching staff wants the most out of him.
“Our hope is that he can be an every-down player,” said Coach Tony Sparano. “I would hope certainly that he can be an every-down player, that’s why we brought him here. It wasn’t just to be a pass-rush specialist."
A Long Road
Wake’s path to the NFL has been anything but steady. After a solid, yet unspectacular career at Penn State, he went undrafted and was picked up by the New York Giants in April of 2005, only to be released a few months later.
After joining the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League, Wake dominated at defensive-end compiling 39 sacks over a two-season span before getting another chance at the NFL with the Dolphins last season.
He was such an effective pass rusher last year that he was on par with NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil (17 sacks in 09′), from an efficiency standpoint.
According to ProFootballFocus.com, a site that measures advanced statistics, Wake registered a sack for every 24.3 pass rushes while Dumervil registered a sack every 24.6 pass rushes. Wake just didn’t have as many snaps, which can be attributed to his inability to play the pass and run equally as well.
Taking the Next Step
New Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan featured Dumervil in Denver last year in his blitz packages. Wake is the ideal fit for that role and could be in for a breakout year. Double digit sack totals are not out of the question.
Taylor seems to think so.”I think maybe five years from now, maybe one year from now,” Taylor wrote, “People in Miami will quickly forget about me and talk about Cameron Wake because I think he has that kind of talent."
He is above and beyond the best pure pass rusher on this team, and for this defense to be effective, they have to put pressure on the quarterback. No pass-rush plus a young, inexperienced secondary equates to major problems.
Henne replaced Chad Pennington last year and emerged as a strong fantasy quarterback despite limited options. He threw 12 touchdowns versus 14 interceptions, but didn’t have an elite weapon outside like Marshall. By simply replacing Ted Ginn with Marshall, the Dolphins offense has improved by leaps and bounds. The continued development of secondary targets should also help Henne to have a strong season under center in Miami.
Running Back
The running game in Miami has been a fantasy nightmare for fantasy owners ever since the Dolphins drafted Ronnie Brown. Brown’s talent is undeniable, and he’s one of the most productive backs in the NFL when he’s on the field.
But that’s the problem. Brown’s rarely on the field.
So the gamble is to look at Ricky Williams, who eclipsed 1,100 Jake Long yards last year, as their top fantasy back. The Dolphins have a good offensive line, and will run the ball to keep defenses honest. But it’s hard for any fantasy owner to put #1 RB faith in any back from Miami because of Brown’s abilities and Williams’ inconsistent history. There are also a number of top rush defenses on the Dolphins schedule this year that impact the draft rankings of either Brown or Williams.
Wide Receivers
Marshall jumpes to the top of the list, but the Fins have some other strong options. Davone Bess broke out with 76 catches for 758 yards last year, and should be the biggest beneficiary of the Marshall acquisition. Greg Camarillo should see plenty of action as the third receiver as well, after catching 50 balls for 552 yards last season.
The enormous catch-22 with Miami’s receivers, however, is the reality that there will be two lost weeks this season when they play the NY Jets, one of which comes during the playoffs in most leagues. So while there could be strong production throughout the season from this talented group, owners are advised to have good depth if banking on Marshall for playoffs. The Dolphins have favorable matchups in Weeks 15 and 16, but the Jets game on 14 is a speed bump for owners.
Tight Ends
Anthony Fasano had a nice season for the Dolphins football jerseys last year with 31 catches and two touchdowns, and could be another player that benefits in the red zone because of the Marshall addition. However, owners shouldn’t look to Fasano as a top fantasy option because of the depth at receiver in Miami; Fasano should be used as an injury replacement or a bye-week/matchup TE.
Anyone who watched him play last year can tell he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Wake is a force off the edge. The 6-3 250-pounder knows how to best utilize his explosiveness and strength at the point of attack. He accelerates quickly and overpowers lineman from a low stance, dominating the leverage battle en route to the quarterback.
This offseason has been more mental than anything, for Wake. It’s been about pass coverages and play recognition. Everyone knows he can get to the quarterback, but being an every down player in this league requires more than that.
The Dolphins coaching staff wants the most out of him.
“Our hope is that he can be an every-down player,” said Coach Tony Sparano. “I would hope certainly that he can be an every-down player, that’s why we brought him here. It wasn’t just to be a pass-rush specialist."
A Long Road
Wake’s path to the NFL has been anything but steady. After a solid, yet unspectacular career at Penn State, he went undrafted and was picked up by the New York Giants in April of 2005, only to be released a few months later.
After joining the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League, Wake dominated at defensive-end compiling 39 sacks over a two-season span before getting another chance at the NFL with the Dolphins last season.
He was such an effective pass rusher last year that he was on par with NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil (17 sacks in 09′), from an efficiency standpoint.
According to ProFootballFocus.com, a site that measures advanced statistics, Wake registered a sack for every 24.3 pass rushes while Dumervil registered a sack every 24.6 pass rushes. Wake just didn’t have as many snaps, which can be attributed to his inability to play the pass and run equally as well.
Taking the Next Step
New Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan featured Dumervil in Denver last year in his blitz packages. Wake is the ideal fit for that role and could be in for a breakout year. Double digit sack totals are not out of the question.
Taylor seems to think so.”I think maybe five years from now, maybe one year from now,” Taylor wrote, “People in Miami will quickly forget about me and talk about Cameron Wake because I think he has that kind of talent."
He is above and beyond the best pure pass rusher on this team, and for this defense to be effective, they have to put pressure on the quarterback. No pass-rush plus a young, inexperienced secondary equates to major problems.
Henne replaced Chad Pennington last year and emerged as a strong fantasy quarterback despite limited options. He threw 12 touchdowns versus 14 interceptions, but didn’t have an elite weapon outside like Marshall. By simply replacing Ted Ginn with Marshall, the Dolphins offense has improved by leaps and bounds. The continued development of secondary targets should also help Henne to have a strong season under center in Miami.
Running Back
The running game in Miami has been a fantasy nightmare for fantasy owners ever since the Dolphins drafted Ronnie Brown. Brown’s talent is undeniable, and he’s one of the most productive backs in the NFL when he’s on the field.
But that’s the problem. Brown’s rarely on the field.
So the gamble is to look at Ricky Williams, who eclipsed 1,100 Jake Long yards last year, as their top fantasy back. The Dolphins have a good offensive line, and will run the ball to keep defenses honest. But it’s hard for any fantasy owner to put #1 RB faith in any back from Miami because of Brown’s abilities and Williams’ inconsistent history. There are also a number of top rush defenses on the Dolphins schedule this year that impact the draft rankings of either Brown or Williams.
Wide Receivers
Marshall jumpes to the top of the list, but the Fins have some other strong options. Davone Bess broke out with 76 catches for 758 yards last year, and should be the biggest beneficiary of the Marshall acquisition. Greg Camarillo should see plenty of action as the third receiver as well, after catching 50 balls for 552 yards last season.
The enormous catch-22 with Miami’s receivers, however, is the reality that there will be two lost weeks this season when they play the NY Jets, one of which comes during the playoffs in most leagues. So while there could be strong production throughout the season from this talented group, owners are advised to have good depth if banking on Marshall for playoffs. The Dolphins have favorable matchups in Weeks 15 and 16, but the Jets game on 14 is a speed bump for owners.
Tight Ends
Anthony Fasano had a nice season for the Dolphins football jerseys last year with 31 catches and two touchdowns, and could be another player that benefits in the red zone because of the Marshall addition. However, owners shouldn’t look to Fasano as a top fantasy option because of the depth at receiver in Miami; Fasano should be used as an injury replacement or a bye-week/matchup TE.
2010年7月14日星期三
Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown
That's also the day of the Dolphins football jerseys final preseason game, an 8 p.m. eastern time kickoff in Dallas. But Brown's attorney, Michael LaScala, said the next hearing will see either the acceptance of a resolution offered by the prosecution or Brown's side will ask that the case be bound over for a jury trial in the State Court of Cobb County. Brown doesn't have to be present.
``He's not going to have to miss a single day of practice or a single game,'' LaScala said.
LaScala said he requested the continuance from Thursday's Jake Long date because he was still waiting on various case elements from the Marietta police department.
It's not clear who was driving the Ford truck that slammed into a broken-down Cadillac Chad Pennington Escalade at 4:30 in the morning on July 3 in south Florida, but one thing authorities do know is that the truck is registered to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline(notes).
As a result, Hartline may get charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, the Miami Davone Bess Herald reports. The paper said the Florida Highway Patrol didn't know if there were any injuries, although a man identifying himself as Hartline's lawyer told the FHP that his client was uninjured.
``He's not going to have to miss a single day of practice or a single game,'' LaScala said.
LaScala said he requested the continuance from Thursday's Jake Long date because he was still waiting on various case elements from the Marietta police department.
It's not clear who was driving the Ford truck that slammed into a broken-down Cadillac Chad Pennington Escalade at 4:30 in the morning on July 3 in south Florida, but one thing authorities do know is that the truck is registered to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline(notes).
As a result, Hartline may get charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, the Miami Davone Bess Herald reports. The paper said the Florida Highway Patrol didn't know if there were any injuries, although a man identifying himself as Hartline's lawyer told the FHP that his client was uninjured.
2010年7月12日星期一
Last season, New York carried 7 receivers into September
Last season, New York carried 7 receivers into September but that may not be the case this year. Should Rhett Bomar continue to improve, the Giants intend to carry a 3rd QB for the first time since 2007. This obviously would cost a roster spot.
Unlike last year, the Giants do not necessarily enjoy the comfort of depth at RB. The same cast is returning, but it is highly unlikely that both of the starting two backs will be able to play in 16 straight games.
Ahmad Bradshaw could very well be running on borrowed time due to his previously shattered ankles. His bow legged running style has officials and analysts worried that another devastating injury will likely befall him. Brandon Jacobs is also returning from an injury plagued season. The 6'4" back saw his yards per carry drop from an impressive 5 to a pedestrian 3.7 over the past year.
With reserve backs D.J Ware and Andre Brown also prone to injury, New York may elect to carry Gartrell Johnson as a 5th back. A 5th back would severely handcuff the club from retaining a surplus of receivers.
On paper, Hagan still seems to be in good shape. Even if Moss's return skills became a priority, he would be listed as the 6th man. Unfortunately for the former Dolphin, he has more than the officially listed receivers to contend with.
The Giants seem intent on continuing the Travis Beckum experiment. Despite his 6'3" 239 lb frame Beckum is considered a TE on the depth chart. The other TE's include Kevin Boss (6'6" 253 lbs), Bear Pascoe (6'5" 251 lbs) Scott Chandler (6'7" 265 lbs).
Beckum managed to haul in 8 catches for 55 yards as a rookie, which is respectable for a mid-round draft choice working with limited playing time. He doesn't deserve to be cut but if both Pascoe and Scott Chandler have solid camps it might not be wise for New York to dedicate a TE spot to a player barely big enough to play the position at the college level.
The truth is, Beckum is not an NFL TE. He is a receiver and should be used as such. The organization made clear in a recent video post that it has no plans whatsoever of lining him up with the O-line as a blocker. When not split out as a slot receiver, he will be used as a backfield pass option.
Eli Manning had a great 2009, greatly improving his accuracy and quickness in making the correct decision with the ball. Manning blew away his prior career highs in completion percentage and, more importantly, yards per attempt, where he improved a full yard per attempt. He showed great poise in standing behind a more porous line than he is accustomed, doing a much better job of keeping his eyes downfield and not focused on the rush. That is reflected in both his increased yardage and also his TD percentage (5.3% of passes, easily another career high). Manning also showed toughness in battling through a nagging foot injury, impressing his teammates with his tenacity and willingness to fight through pain. He has grown more comfortable in commanding the huddle and getting on his receivers for making mistakes, which I feel really helped improve his young receiving corps.
That's not to say Eli has answered all his doubters. He still throws too many aesthetically unpleasant ducks, often at the most critical times. Wind continues to be a problem, and now he'll have to learn new wind patterns in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Anyone who watched him struggle at Denver and at home in the elements against Arizona and Philly last year knows this is a very real problem, one that he appears destined to perpetually struggle. He'll also never be a dominant persona, though I believe the Giants have done a good job of surrounding him with players that appreciate his style.
All the QB eggs are in Eli's basket, because the team severely downgraded the bullpen. Gone is David Carr, replaced by longtime Colts clipboard holder Jim Sorgi. Perhaps the Giants are hoping Sorgi brings along the durability of Peyton Manning with him, because in his very limited experience on the field he's shown poor arm strength and a nasty propensity to stare down his target from the second he breaks the huddle. I am somewhat intrigued by second-year prospect Rhett Bomar, but he has yet to be active on game day.
Unlike last year, the Giants do not necessarily enjoy the comfort of depth at RB. The same cast is returning, but it is highly unlikely that both of the starting two backs will be able to play in 16 straight games.
Ahmad Bradshaw could very well be running on borrowed time due to his previously shattered ankles. His bow legged running style has officials and analysts worried that another devastating injury will likely befall him. Brandon Jacobs is also returning from an injury plagued season. The 6'4" back saw his yards per carry drop from an impressive 5 to a pedestrian 3.7 over the past year.
With reserve backs D.J Ware and Andre Brown also prone to injury, New York may elect to carry Gartrell Johnson as a 5th back. A 5th back would severely handcuff the club from retaining a surplus of receivers.
On paper, Hagan still seems to be in good shape. Even if Moss's return skills became a priority, he would be listed as the 6th man. Unfortunately for the former Dolphin, he has more than the officially listed receivers to contend with.
The Giants seem intent on continuing the Travis Beckum experiment. Despite his 6'3" 239 lb frame Beckum is considered a TE on the depth chart. The other TE's include Kevin Boss (6'6" 253 lbs), Bear Pascoe (6'5" 251 lbs) Scott Chandler (6'7" 265 lbs).
Beckum managed to haul in 8 catches for 55 yards as a rookie, which is respectable for a mid-round draft choice working with limited playing time. He doesn't deserve to be cut but if both Pascoe and Scott Chandler have solid camps it might not be wise for New York to dedicate a TE spot to a player barely big enough to play the position at the college level.
The truth is, Beckum is not an NFL TE. He is a receiver and should be used as such. The organization made clear in a recent video post that it has no plans whatsoever of lining him up with the O-line as a blocker. When not split out as a slot receiver, he will be used as a backfield pass option.
Eli Manning had a great 2009, greatly improving his accuracy and quickness in making the correct decision with the ball. Manning blew away his prior career highs in completion percentage and, more importantly, yards per attempt, where he improved a full yard per attempt. He showed great poise in standing behind a more porous line than he is accustomed, doing a much better job of keeping his eyes downfield and not focused on the rush. That is reflected in both his increased yardage and also his TD percentage (5.3% of passes, easily another career high). Manning also showed toughness in battling through a nagging foot injury, impressing his teammates with his tenacity and willingness to fight through pain. He has grown more comfortable in commanding the huddle and getting on his receivers for making mistakes, which I feel really helped improve his young receiving corps.
That's not to say Eli has answered all his doubters. He still throws too many aesthetically unpleasant ducks, often at the most critical times. Wind continues to be a problem, and now he'll have to learn new wind patterns in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Anyone who watched him struggle at Denver and at home in the elements against Arizona and Philly last year knows this is a very real problem, one that he appears destined to perpetually struggle. He'll also never be a dominant persona, though I believe the Giants have done a good job of surrounding him with players that appreciate his style.
All the QB eggs are in Eli's basket, because the team severely downgraded the bullpen. Gone is David Carr, replaced by longtime Colts clipboard holder Jim Sorgi. Perhaps the Giants are hoping Sorgi brings along the durability of Peyton Manning with him, because in his very limited experience on the field he's shown poor arm strength and a nasty propensity to stare down his target from the second he breaks the huddle. I am somewhat intrigued by second-year prospect Rhett Bomar, but he has yet to be active on game day.
2010年7月8日星期四
The young Dolphins took a step back last year
King James and his court will take over a town that loves winners — and only winners — and will reign for as long as the team competes for titles. Pound for pound, empty seat for empty seat, Miami easily matches Los Angeles for blasé when it comes to sports fans. If you win it, they will come. But they never confuse effort with success.
In a city that cut its professional sports teeth on perfection — the 17-0 new Miami Dolphins jerseys of 1972-73 are still the benchmark — fans yawn in the face of .500 teams. That is if they pay attention at all. But for their two World Series titles in 1997 and 2003, the Marlins have not inspired the Miami minions. And a cautionary note for James: not even the Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez, maybe the best shortstop in baseball, turns many South Florida heads.
This is a football town, and that has not changed since the Dolphins arrived more than 40 years ago as a ragtag bunch purchased on a shoestring by an ambitious lawyer named Joseph Robbie and promoted by the TV star Danny Thomas. That team was tolerated but unloved until Don Shula arrived in 1970 and built a dynasty that averaged — averaged! — 10 victories a year for most of his 32-year career.
There were some die-hard University of Miami backers in those days and earlier, but until the Hurricanes embarked on their decade of dominance in the 1980s and '90s, you could have fired a 21-gun salute in all directions at the old Orange Bowl and harmed nothing but a few pigeons and mourning doves.
Shaquille O'Neal and Wade led the Heat to its first and only title, greeted by a huge outpouring of love from the locals that dissipated faster than a summer afternoon thunderstorm. When the Big Fella left the building, the big Heat crowds pretty much followed him to the exits. A few playoff runs, all too brief, brought in a few more fans, but nothing like what will greet James, Wade and Bosh.
Bess led the Dolphins jerseys with 758 receiving yards last year, but he stands to be the big loser in the Marshall trade. As a receiver best suited for slot, he'll likely catch around 60 passes, but his touchdown and big play opportunities should take a big hit.
I wouldn't rule him out in his battle with Brian Hartline for the starting job opposite Marshall, but he doesn't seem to have the edge right now. Whoever loses that position battle will be waiver wire fodder at best in dynasty leagues.
Fasano was a hot pickup last year as many dynasty league owners envisioned him becoming a top-tier tight end. His disappointing season of 339 yards and two touchdowns can't leave the Dolphins with a ton of confidence in him right now. He's back for one more season, but needs a big year to resurface on dynasty radars.
With Brown, you just wonder what could have been. He's been one of the most explosive dynasty league commodities the past few years, but also one of the biggest disappointments.
After suffering a lisfranc fracture last season, Brown's dynasty value is in a full nose dive. Combine the presence of Ricky Williams, the fact he'll be 29 in December and his obvious durability issues and you have a major sell candidate if you're not a competing team this year in dynasty leagues.
In a city that cut its professional sports teeth on perfection — the 17-0 new Miami Dolphins jerseys of 1972-73 are still the benchmark — fans yawn in the face of .500 teams. That is if they pay attention at all. But for their two World Series titles in 1997 and 2003, the Marlins have not inspired the Miami minions. And a cautionary note for James: not even the Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez, maybe the best shortstop in baseball, turns many South Florida heads.
This is a football town, and that has not changed since the Dolphins arrived more than 40 years ago as a ragtag bunch purchased on a shoestring by an ambitious lawyer named Joseph Robbie and promoted by the TV star Danny Thomas. That team was tolerated but unloved until Don Shula arrived in 1970 and built a dynasty that averaged — averaged! — 10 victories a year for most of his 32-year career.
There were some die-hard University of Miami backers in those days and earlier, but until the Hurricanes embarked on their decade of dominance in the 1980s and '90s, you could have fired a 21-gun salute in all directions at the old Orange Bowl and harmed nothing but a few pigeons and mourning doves.
Shaquille O'Neal and Wade led the Heat to its first and only title, greeted by a huge outpouring of love from the locals that dissipated faster than a summer afternoon thunderstorm. When the Big Fella left the building, the big Heat crowds pretty much followed him to the exits. A few playoff runs, all too brief, brought in a few more fans, but nothing like what will greet James, Wade and Bosh.
Bess led the Dolphins jerseys with 758 receiving yards last year, but he stands to be the big loser in the Marshall trade. As a receiver best suited for slot, he'll likely catch around 60 passes, but his touchdown and big play opportunities should take a big hit.
I wouldn't rule him out in his battle with Brian Hartline for the starting job opposite Marshall, but he doesn't seem to have the edge right now. Whoever loses that position battle will be waiver wire fodder at best in dynasty leagues.
Fasano was a hot pickup last year as many dynasty league owners envisioned him becoming a top-tier tight end. His disappointing season of 339 yards and two touchdowns can't leave the Dolphins with a ton of confidence in him right now. He's back for one more season, but needs a big year to resurface on dynasty radars.
With Brown, you just wonder what could have been. He's been one of the most explosive dynasty league commodities the past few years, but also one of the biggest disappointments.
After suffering a lisfranc fracture last season, Brown's dynasty value is in a full nose dive. Combine the presence of Ricky Williams, the fact he'll be 29 in December and his obvious durability issues and you have a major sell candidate if you're not a competing team this year in dynasty leagues.
2010年7月6日星期二
Pro Bowlers Ryan Clady of the Denver Broncos
NFL teams haven't even reported to training camps yet, but injuries have already changed how we view a few of the clubs. Carolina, Denver, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the New York Giants have taken unexpected roster hits.
Pro Bowlers Ryan Clady of the Denver Broncos and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers figure to get a late start to their seasons because of injuries suffered playing recreational sports. Clady tore a patellar tendon playing basketball in April, and Smith broke a forearm playing flag football in June. Both expect to return to the field at some point this fall – but when?
The Panthers also lost outside linebacker Thomas Davis for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in a non-contact drill during the team's off-season program in June. He finished fourth on Carolina in tackles in 2009 with 61 and also had two interceptions.
The Steelers lost two players this off-season with torn Achilles tendons – starting right offensive tackle Willie Colon and backup wide receiver Limus Sweed.
The loss of Colon was huge. Pittsburgh was hoping to re-invent itself as a running team in 2010. The Steelers finished a dismal 19th in rushing last season and failed to defend their Super Bowl title with a 9-7 record. Colon mans a key spot in any rushing attack – the power-side tackle.
The Giants lost two players in June. Rookie safety Chad Jones was injured in a car wreck, and wide receiver Domenik Hixon suffered a torn ACL in mini-camp.
Hixon caught only 15 passes last year but served as the team's primary return specialist, averaging 15.1 yards with a touchdown on punt returns and 22.6 yards on kickoffs. Jones was a third-round draft pick from LSU who figured to compete for the safety spot vacated by C.C. Brown, the team's third-leading tackler who left in free agency.
The Eagles took a chance that Marlin Jackson could make them bigger and more physical in the secondary when they signed him away from the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. He was a starter on the 2006 Super Bowl champions.
Philadelphia gave the 6-0, 196-pound Jackson a two-year contract even though each of his last two seasons ended prematurely with knee injuries. But Jackson won't get to start or finish the 2010 season with the Eagles after tearing an Achilles tendon in June.
Michigan Wolverines (football): The generous pick would be 7-5, but it's difficult to make a case for more than 6-6. The Big Ten schedule is tough, and even the non-conference menu (Connecticut, Notre Dame, Massachusetts, Bowling Green) has enough thorns in it to make life tense for Rich Rodriguez's team. Anyone who says Connecticut (season-opener) is huge has the autumn forecast pretty well pegged in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State (football): Opposite picture, largely because the schedule is cozy, and also because MSU will be driven to exorcise last November's dorm-incident demons. With no Ohio State on the schedule, this could be a 9-3 team.
new Detroit Lions jerseys Red Wings: Incomplete until we see how free agency plays out.
Lions jerseys Pistons: Ditto.
Michigan State basketball: Tom Izzo will be glad he stayed around. You can't in good conscience predict Final Four trips, all because the variables and bounces can be so capricious in college basketball, but if you were ever going to bet on one of Izzo's teams making it to the final two brackets, this team qualifies.
Pro Bowlers Ryan Clady of the Denver Broncos and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers figure to get a late start to their seasons because of injuries suffered playing recreational sports. Clady tore a patellar tendon playing basketball in April, and Smith broke a forearm playing flag football in June. Both expect to return to the field at some point this fall – but when?
The Panthers also lost outside linebacker Thomas Davis for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in a non-contact drill during the team's off-season program in June. He finished fourth on Carolina in tackles in 2009 with 61 and also had two interceptions.
The Steelers lost two players this off-season with torn Achilles tendons – starting right offensive tackle Willie Colon and backup wide receiver Limus Sweed.
The loss of Colon was huge. Pittsburgh was hoping to re-invent itself as a running team in 2010. The Steelers finished a dismal 19th in rushing last season and failed to defend their Super Bowl title with a 9-7 record. Colon mans a key spot in any rushing attack – the power-side tackle.
The Giants lost two players in June. Rookie safety Chad Jones was injured in a car wreck, and wide receiver Domenik Hixon suffered a torn ACL in mini-camp.
Hixon caught only 15 passes last year but served as the team's primary return specialist, averaging 15.1 yards with a touchdown on punt returns and 22.6 yards on kickoffs. Jones was a third-round draft pick from LSU who figured to compete for the safety spot vacated by C.C. Brown, the team's third-leading tackler who left in free agency.
The Eagles took a chance that Marlin Jackson could make them bigger and more physical in the secondary when they signed him away from the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. He was a starter on the 2006 Super Bowl champions.
Philadelphia gave the 6-0, 196-pound Jackson a two-year contract even though each of his last two seasons ended prematurely with knee injuries. But Jackson won't get to start or finish the 2010 season with the Eagles after tearing an Achilles tendon in June.
Michigan Wolverines (football): The generous pick would be 7-5, but it's difficult to make a case for more than 6-6. The Big Ten schedule is tough, and even the non-conference menu (Connecticut, Notre Dame, Massachusetts, Bowling Green) has enough thorns in it to make life tense for Rich Rodriguez's team. Anyone who says Connecticut (season-opener) is huge has the autumn forecast pretty well pegged in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State (football): Opposite picture, largely because the schedule is cozy, and also because MSU will be driven to exorcise last November's dorm-incident demons. With no Ohio State on the schedule, this could be a 9-3 team.
new Detroit Lions jerseys Red Wings: Incomplete until we see how free agency plays out.
Lions jerseys Pistons: Ditto.
Michigan State basketball: Tom Izzo will be glad he stayed around. You can't in good conscience predict Final Four trips, all because the variables and bounces can be so capricious in college basketball, but if you were ever going to bet on one of Izzo's teams making it to the final two brackets, this team qualifies.
2010年7月5日星期一
About Buffalo Bills
COACHES
This is Gailey's second NFL head coaching stint, having led Dallas to an 18–14 record and two playoff berths in 1998-99. Firing Gailey is among owner Jerry Jones' biggest regrets. Wilson is hoping that hiring Gailey won't be one of his. After being part of 11 playoff teams and coaching in four Super Bowls, Gailey brings a strong résumé to Buffalo as a creative offensive coach, something Buffalo, which ranked 28th in scoring last season, sorely needs. Gailey's trademark is to maximize the talents of the players he has on hand. In Pittsburgh, for example, Jerome Bettis enjoyed his best seasons rushing the ball, but Gailey also gave life to Kordell "Slash'' Stewart by capitalizing on Stewart's multiple skills. Former Cardinals running backs coach Curtis Modkins will assist Gailey in gameplanning as offensive coordinator, but Gailey will be the chief playcaller. Gailey's work with quarterbacks as diverse in talent as John Elway and Jay Fiedler is a bonus. Defensive coordinator George Edwards was hired to help Buffalo convert from a 4-3 defense to the trendy 3-4. He coached linebackers in Miami the past five years and believes in attacking an offense, not sitting back and reacting. GRADE: C
QUARTERBACKS
For fans, the most disappointing words spoken on draft weekend by Nix were, "We're set." He was referring to the team's uninspiring quarterback situation. After losing out in the Donovan McNabb sweepstakes and not drafting Jimmy Clausen, Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy, Buffalo will stage a competition for the starting job among Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. That trio combined to complete 58 percent of its passes with 19 interceptions and 46 sacks. Given Gailey's history with developing quarterbacks, there is hope that Edwards, a third-round pick in 2007 with 30 career starts, can resurrect his career. Among the candidates, he has the most potential if he can overcome a history of injuries and stay in the lineup. Fitzpatrick has shown flashes here and there while making spot starts for three teams, including Buffalo, but if he's the best option at quarterback, times are tough. Brohm, a record-setting passer at Louisville who couldn't hang on to a backup job in Green Bay, lends some intrigue. GRADE: D
RUNNING BACKS
Fred Jackson, a free agent out of Division III Coe College and the United Indoor Football League, was the team's feel-good story of 2009 when he topped 1,000 yards rushing and led the NFL in all-purpose yardage with 2,516. With rookie first-round pick C.J. "Thriller'' Spiller in the mix, Jackson isn't likely to get the same number of touches but will remain Buffalo's workhorse. Spiller, one of the most productive players in NCAA history, provides a change-of-pace weapon in the mold of Reggie Bush and should give Buffalo's 30th-ranked offense a boost in horsepower. Gailey has drawn up plays designed specifically for Spiller, lining him up in the backfield and as a slot receiver to create mismatches and keep defenders guessing. The odd man out is 2007 first-round pick Marshawn Lynch, who has had off-field issues and wants out of Buffalo. Lynch will need a productive and headline-free training camp to keep his roster spot. Corey McIntyre is a reliable battering ram at fullback. GRADE: A
RECEIVERS
With the team parting ways with Terrell Owens and Josh Reed, the pressure returns to Lee Evans to produce as the undisputed No. 1 target. His 340 receptions, 5,356 yards and 39 touchdowns in six seasons rank among the top four in each category in club history, a testament to his work ethic and talent given he has not enjoyed any stability at quarterback or in coordinators. Evans' last and only 80-catch season was in 2006, when J.P. Losman was under center. The Buffalo Bills are hoping that either James Hardy, Steve Johnson or rookie Marcus Easley, all big receivers, develops into a reliable No. 2. The 6'5" Hardy is a year past major knee surgery and could be ready to blossom into the star the Buffalo Bills saw when they selected him 41st overall in 2008. Meanwhile, with new coaches on board, 5'9" speedster Roscoe Parrish could become a factor in the passing game once again. He caught only three passes a year ago after falling out of favor. The Bills hope Shawn Nelson steps up at tight end in his second season. GRADE: C
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
The Bills have ranked in the bottom eight of NFL offenses seven consecutive seasons, thanks to a relentless inability to build a solid line. No significant upgrades were made to a unit that was decimated by injuries, but on the plus side, four starters do return: center Geoff Hangartner, guards Eric Wood and Andy Levitre and left tackle Demetrius Bell. Free agent addition Cornell Green is expected to start at right tackle. He's not a glamorous pickup but does have 46 career starts and shouldn't be a liability on the right side. Left tackle is another story. Bell, a seventh-round pick in 2008, is coming off a knee injury and struggled with penalties when he was healthy. Athletic rookie Ed Wang is a candidate to replace Bell. Meanwhile, Wood, a first-round pick in '09 who was enjoying a stellar rookie campaign, is coming off a severely broken leg and might not be ready for the opener. GRADE: D
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
After a decade of recruiting players to play in a 4-3 scheme, the Bills have undergone a front-seven makeover in order to play a 3-4 look in 2010. Gone are the small, quick two-gap tackles in favor of space-eaters such as second-round pick Torell Troup, who will play in a rotation with Kyle Williams at the nose. John McCargo, a 2006 first-round pick who has just one career start, is at a crossroads but might find new life in a three-man front. The ends, meanwhile, will be a combination of former tackle Marcus Stroud, Spencer Johnson, Chris Ellis, free agent signee Dwan Edwards and rookie Alex Carrington. Edwards, 28, was a shrewd pickup. The 6'3", 290-pounder played very well for the Ravens. GRADE: C
LINEBACKERS
Rising star Paul Posluszny, who has topped 100 tackles each of the past two years, will anchor one of the inside positions alongside either Kawika Mitchell or newcomer Andra Davis, the former Cleveland star who played well for Denver last season and was a surprise free agent cut. The bigger concern involves who will excel at outside linebacker and give Buffalo a consistent pass rush off the edge as well as solid play in coverage. Former ends Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Aaron Maybin are being asked to make the switch to 3-4 outside linebacker. Schobel, second in team history with 78 sacks, has contemplated retirement since the end of the season. The 250-pound Maybin, last year's first-round pick, was grossly overmatched at end in the 4-3 but has a better chance to make an impact with his hand off the ground. GRADE: B
DEFENSIVE BACKS
With Jairus Byrd (pictured), a Pro Bowl rookie free safety last season, at the forefront, this is clearly Buffalo's defensive strength. Byrd, who tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions in 14 games, led a Bills defense that intercepted 28 passes overall, second most in the league. The safety position is exceptionally strong; former first-round pick Donte Whitner will fight for snaps with George Wilson and Bryan Scott. At corner, 2008 first-round pick Leodis McKelvin is back after missing 13 games with a broken leg. He'll team with Terrence McGee, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. This area is extremely deep with Drayton Florence (64 career starts), Ashton Youboty and Reggie Corner. Buffalo ranked No. 2 in overall pass defense at 184.2 yards per game in 2009. GRADE: A-
SPECIALISTS
Kicker Rian Lindell and punter Brian Moorman annually rank among the NFL's best. Lindell owns the league's best field goal percentage inside 40 yards (98.6 percent) since 2006, and Moorman's 46.6-yard average last season broke his own team record. Jackson did a strong job returning kicks after McKelvin, who set a team record with nearly 1,500 yards in 2008, was injured. The Bills need to do a better job returning punts, however, after Parrish averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt. The wild card for both return jobs is Spiller, who tied an NCAA record with eight career return touchdowns. GRADE: A
FINAL ANALYSIS
The Bills will be more fun to watch under the offensive-minded Gailey than they were under Dick Jauron. But it's difficult to imagine them winning many games with so many question marks at quarterback, receiver and offensive line. And it doesn't help that the teams they're chasing in the AFC East were more aggressive upgrading their rosters in the offseason than the Bills, who obviously needed to do more.
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