Bills 20
Panthers 9
Byrd is the Word!
Searching for an accurate description of this Bills team is like trying to explain to someone not from Buffalo why Mighty Taco is better (and different) than Taco Bell. They're both fast food taco chains, but for some reason, I can stroll into a "Mighty" and not feel bad about myself where as when I eat Taco Bell, I swing by their drive through and proceed directly to the ER while consuming 3 "Chalupas". "But you don't understand, their tacos are DIFFERENT", I try to explain to the outsiders, "yes, I know it's meat, cheese and sour cream, but they do it DIFFERENTLY." No use. They don't get it and never will.
The Bills are equally frustrating. They go down to Miami and get knocked around by a win less Dolphins team and then return home to the friendly confines of "the Ralph" only to lose to the horrific Cleveland Browns who have 2 wins in their last 13 games, both against Buffalo IN Buffalo. So naturally, with the team in utter chaos and their coach on the chopping block, they decided to roll off back-to-back road wins for the first time in 5 years. They have been significantly out-gained the last 2 games but thanks to either terrible QB play, a great defensive scheme, or both, they have emerged victorious. A team that has looked dreadful so many times this year is 2 special teams blunders away from being 5-2 and sitting atop the AFC East.
During this two game winning streak, I have learned three things about the Buffalo Bills:
1) Jarius Byrd might actually turn out to be a wise draft pick by the Bills. I don't want to get too excited because his NFL career is only a few games old, but you have to like his knack for being around the football. Bills fans love to cry about how "the ball never seems to bounce our way". Well, I would argue good teams and good players put themselves in position to get those bounces. Byrd seems like he might actually have the necessary instincts to be in the right place at the right time. If so, it would be the first Bills player in a long time to have such a skill set. By the way, Bryd has 5 INT's in just 4 career starts. Donte Whitner has 3 INT's in his career as a Buffalo Bill, might be time for the veteran to take some lessons from the rookie.
2) The Bills have to draft a QB in round 1 next year. Edwards is concussed, literally and figuratively, and there's nothing to make me believe he's going to rebound and have a stellar career in Buffalo. He could very well catch on some where else and be good, but he's not going to succeed at 1 Bills Drive. Ryan "Luck o' the Irish" Fitzpatrick has filled in admirably, but from what I have observed I don't think he is a franchise QB. I like his willingness to let his WR's make a play on the ball and I know the o-line has not been very supportive, but I think the Bills have to snatch a QB with their 1st pick should one be available.
3) The Bills could make the playoffs and Dick Jauron will still lose his job. The team has played better the last two weeks, but behind those stylish shades is a defeated man. I have never heard of a fan base using their own money to buy billboard space so they can publicly ask for a coach to be canned. (If Bills fans were as passionate about economic growth in Buffalo as they are about the Bills, that town could really be something. ) Dick is a nice guy and much like in life, in the NFL, nice guys usually lose. Tony Dungy was nice, but he had Peyton Manning. Dick Jauron has had JP Losman, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. When there is a lack of leadership in the locker room, the coach has to step up and Dick isn't that kind of coach. Put Mike Shanahan on my Christmas wish list, he's an offensive minded coach who plays aggressively.
A win this week puts the Bills at an even 4-4 going into their bye week. They will host the surging Houston Texans who like to throw the ball. Hopefully the pass defense that has slowed the likes of Drew Brees, Mark Sanchez, and Jake Delhomme will show up and "stump the Shaub". A .500 record at the midway point JUST might give the Bills and their fans something to feel good about. But be cautious Bills fans, "hope" is the most dangerous thing this team can give us right now. One can endure losing with low expectations, but it's defeat in the presence of hope that crushes the spirit.... I vote for hope.
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