As the Bills enter the 2008 season expectations are higher than they have been in quite some time. With an improved defense, always solid special teams, and an offense that should improve the playoffs are seen as a very distinct possibility. To stoke the flames of optimism even further Bills fans see a schedule that is the easiest the team has played since Dick Jauron joined the team.

With all of these things in mind you could say there will be a little more heat in the kitchen for Dick Jauron this season. In Jauron’s first year he was a calming influence after an era of chaos in Bills football. This is a man who comes out of the tunnel looking like he just completed a Yoga session in his office with one of those noise machines in the background playing on the “mountain stream” setting. He sometimes looks like he might take a nap at halftime. Part of the calm feelings around the Ralph were also created by the return of Marv Levy. The tumultuous days of Tom Donahoe’s leadership were in the rear view mirror and there was a feeling of nostalgia as everyone recalled the good old days. The Bills made a nice run towards the playoffs in ’06 only to fall short with a record of 7-9, but the future was still looking bright going into 2007.

Unfortunately, we’ll never know what could have been in ’07 as injuries ravaged the team right from the start. Jauron was praised nationally for getting the team to 7-9 when taking into account all of the injuries that the team had to cope with. The general consensus was that if nothing else he kept the team playing hard from start to finish. This was a team that easily could have folded but they showed great effort until the end. But looking back at their 7-9 record you could also look back at some questionable coaching decisions that may have cost the team a victory or two.

I’m sure one sticks out in particular to Bills fans that occurred on Monday Night Football against Dallas. In the fourth quarter it looked as if the Bills were going to sneak away with an unbelievable victory against a superior team. They just had to protect a lead, and with minimal time left the Bills had the ball deep in Dallas territory. A field goal makes the lead almost insurmountable with the time remaining. But for some inexplicable reason they still had a rookie QB in Edwards dropping back to pass, the ball got picked off for a TD, Dallas was back in it, and the rest is history with the Bill losing in overtime. It’s hard to say how that loss affected the psyche of the team but it certainly couldn’t have helped. It’s actually a testament to Jauron’s leadership and popularity with his players that they did rebound and play as hard as they did throughout the rest of the season because in some situations the players would have quit on their coach after that game.

Nobody questions Dick Jauron’s ability to lead. To the man his players seem to love him, as he is the ultimate player’s coach. They say he is calm but stern when necessary, providing the steady and calming leadership that a young team needs. But the fact is there are obvious examples where his game management can be questioned, and when all is said and done being a positive influence gets negated if the X’s and O’s of the game are lacking. It’s part of the game for the decisions of the head coach to be questioned by snack consuming couch potatoes like yours truly, but ultimately if the mistakes are repeated and team improvement is not reflected in the win column then a coach is on borrowed time.

2008 is a big year for both The Bills and Jauron. The fans have been able to respect the effort and determination displayed by this team over the past two years and at this time Jauron is still respected and well liked. The media also seems to like him, which certainly does not hurt his cause. Having said that the playoff drought has lasted way too long, and there can be no more excuses of young players learning the game. After all the NFL is more than ever a young man’s game. The time for results is now for Dick Jauron and The Buffalo Bills.

Drexel Perry - Total Titans

Cowboys vs Redskins

Just as the Cowboys and the Indians battled each other in Western movies, the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins have had their share of violent skirmishes on the gridiron.

Highlights of one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries include head-to-head battles in two NFC Championship Games, with the Redskins winning both of those contests (1972, 1982). In 1989, a shocking 13-3 victory over the Redskins gave the Cowboys their only win in Jimmy Johnson’s forgettable 1-15 debut as an NFL head coach.

Toss the W-L records out of the window, because you can expect a full-fledged war each time two of the NFL’s flagship franchises face off during their bi-annual NFC East grudge matches.

Brian Miller - Phinphanatic.com

An AFC East Point Of View

Breaking down rivalries in the AFC East is no easy task. Ask a Bills fan..he says Miami, ask a Pats fan and he says Miami, ask a Jets fan and he will throw bottles and batteries…at Miami. Ask a Miami fan
and the answer is not so clear.

While the Dolphins and Patriots have had some memorable games, the Bills and Jets would probably fall into a more “bitter” rivalry. In the 1990’s the Bills and Dolphins rekindled a dwindled rivalry with
epic games between Dan Marino and Jim Kelly. Despite the Bills and the Bryan Cox 2 finger salutes to the Bills crowd, it is the Jets that make Miami fans and players’ blood boil. A long history that dates
back to the Don Shula led Colts losing in Super Bowl III, the Dolphins and Jets have had some amazing and memorable games. From ultra high-scoring affairs to a fake spike, from a Monday night miracle
comeback to a rain soaked playoff game. If you want rivalry. Bitter hold no bar rivalry, you don’t have to look any further than north on interstate 95.

The NFL has had some great rivalries over the years. The 49ers vs. Cowboys during the 1990s was awesome. The Colts and Patriots in recent years has been the best in the NFL. The historical rivalries that include Packers vs. Bears and Steelers vs. Browns are steeped in tradition. But there is one rivalry that stands far above the others.

A Media Member Who Has Covered the NFL for Over 13 Years

The Raiders vs. Anybody

True, this rivalry isn’t what it used to be because the Raiders are just so bad. Still, no team draws as much ire and vitriol like the Raiders. Maybe it’s the fans – because it isn’t about what they have done on the field in recent years – but teams still enjoy beating the Raiders. A lot. Especially the teams AFC West opponents. And really, that doesn’t seem like it will die down in the near future.

Matt Loede - NFLGridironGab

Pittsburgh vs Cleveland

Being in Cleveland the rivals of the Browns over the years include the Bengals and Ravens, but no rivalry is quite as heated as the one against the city about 90 miles away - Pittsburgh. The Steelers and Browns have had some fierce battles over the years, and despite the fact that the Steelers have owned the series since the Browns return since 1999, this one continues to be a good one, and in 2008 it should only get better.

As spring turns to summer in Western NY hope springs eternal for fans of The Buffalo Bills. We say to ourselves the schedule seems easier, the off-season seemed a little better, and the coaching stability has to eventually result in a more consistent performance. But unfortunately we’ve been here before, only to have the Bills wilt and eventually crumble as fall turns to winter just like the foliage in New York. Unfortunately the fall season has been a symbol of the Bills’ fall from contention year after year.

This year does seem a little different, with even many in the national media picking the Bills as their “dark horse”. But there is still an elephant in the room that we all seem to want to pretend is not there, and that’s the QB situation. I like many think Trent Edwards is the real deal. I like many thought J.P. Losman was the real deal last year, which is exactly why the situation at QB is still a huge concern. The fact is we just don’t know, as only time will tell.

It is for this reason that the destiny of the Bills could be decided by their revamped defense this season. Last year offenses rolled through this defense like it was a tollbooth on I-90 and they had an EZ-Pass. In the Bills defense there were an unusual amount of injuries, but regardless improvements needed to be made. The front office obviously agreed because they spent a great deal of their time and resources on the defensive side of the ball in the off-season. Because this unit will play such an important role now is as good a time as any to see what The Bills really have with this unit.

Defensive Line: Assuming he can stay healthy Marcus Stroud should make a significant impact in the center of the line, and some feel the under rated and versatile Spencer Johnson could be equally effective. Add them to a solid Kyle Williams and emerging John McCargo and the Bills look as strong on the line as they have since the Pat Williams era. Chris Ellis could be a sleeper edge rusher and is one to watch as training camp progresses. In a league where imitation is common many teams will attempt to follow the Giants lead and attack with the defensive line in waves. Based on the results the Giants had against the Patriots let’s pray the Bills have the players along the front line to carry out the same strategy.

Linebackers: With the signing of Kawika Mitchell and return of Paul Pozluzny to join Angelo Crowell the linebackers should be stronger as well, with DiGiorgio and Ellison returning to more suitable roles as back-ups. With the experience these young players gained last year due to injuries the Bills should be more than comfortable with their depth at the position.

Secondary: In the secondary the Bills look much stronger with the surprise emergence of Jabari Greer, the free agent signing of Will James, the drafting of Leodis McKelvin and Reggie Corner, and the return of Ko Simpson from injury. Donte Whitner and Terrance McGee should return as starters at their respective positions while Ashton Youbouty has gone from potential starter last year to a potential roster casualty, which is a testament to the improved depth at the position. It would be a surprise if George Wilson did not find a way to make the team, as his transition from wide receiver to starting safety was nothing short of miraculous. It’s just one example of the Bills perseverance through injuries.

If this defense can stay healthy, especially Marcus Stroud, this has the makings of being a much-improved defensive unit. Compared to what he worked with last year Perry Fewell has to be thrilled with what he sees on paper. But what we see on paper does not always transfer to the playing field. With an offense that still has many young contributors it’s likely the burden of success will rest on the defense, especially earlier in the season while the offense gels. If this defense is up to the task there just might be playoff football in Western NY.

It is hard to believe, but it appears that no less than seven teams are interested in the services of former Saints and Browns OL LeCharles Bentley, who asked for and got his release from the Browns two weeks ago.  Bentley feels that he is healthy and can be a starter on a team this season, but it’s going to up to the team that he eventually signs with to figure that out.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network put out a list of the seven teams, breaking down as follows:

Buffalo - The Bills O-line was better in 07 than 06, but could use some help.  They need to make sure to get Jason Peters signed, and they have Melvin Folwer as their center, a good, but not great player.

Cincinnati - They need some help up front, and if Bentley is going to line up at center, it’s a position they can use, with right now Eric Ghiaciuc listed as the starting snapper.  Staying in the North means he can stick it to the Browns as well.

Miami - Bentley can teach some traits to #1 pick Jake Long, and probably take some playing time away from center Samson Satele.  The line needs some experience, and Bentley can add that.

Oakland - The silver and black were 6th in the league in rushing last year, and while they could use some depth, I can’t see him wrestling away a starting job on this already pretty good line.

Pittsburgh - The issues on the O-line were well documented for the Steelers in 2007, and now that Alan Faneca is gone, it’s still a problem spot.  They will have 2-3 new starters on the line this year, and while they already brought in a center in Justin Hartwig, Bentley might be an interesting fit here.

St. Louis - This is the top spot in my opinion for Bentley to land.  The Rams lost out on Barry Sims this week to the Niners, and have been looking hard at the O-line market since they were so banged up there last year.  Mark Setterstrom will be the center in 08, and he can be displaced if Bentley signs.

San Francisco - This may have been a more pressing need before they got Sims this week, but the Niners want to upgrade the O-line still, and would love to add someone like Bentley that can teach youngsters like Chilo Rachal and last years #1 Joe Staley.

Seattle - Walter Jones is coming off another shoulder surgery, and the middle three spots are trouble issues, which is why Bentley is getting consideration here. Center Chris Spencer has offseason thumb surgery, making a run at Bentley even more of a possibility.

Pressure.

Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “the burden of physical or mental distress.” An alternative meaning is “the stress or urgency of matters needing attention.” I think Trent Edwards could relate to both of these meanings. There is certainly some mental pressure on Edwards this season, and there is certainly stress related to an “urgency of matters.” Edwards does not seem phased.

He recently said it comes with the position, and a QB starts feeling it even at the High School level. Pressure has broken many athletes at this position while others have built their reputation in times of pressure, with their adrenaline reaching a level that allowed them to reach peak performance. We’ll return to this topic and Edwards, but it’s first important to explore a different word.

Passion. Webster’s defines the word as “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.” Passion is a word that Bills fans can relate to, as one could argue that Bills fans have more passion for their team than any other. Unlike some NFL games Bills games are not primarily a corporate event. While the stadium has luxury boxes like any other this is not an environment created by Corporate America. This is an environment driven by the passion of the common blue-collar fan rooting for a team that has literally become the identity of a region.

Buffalo has seen tough times and at times has been ridiculed by national media, but nobody questions the love this city has for their team. Anyone who saw Monday Night Football return to Buffalo this past season witnessed this passion. Tony Romo felt it as he experienced the “pressure” of unbelievable crowd noise for an entire game. I was thrilled to be a member of that crowd. Anyone who saw Jim Kelly inducted into The Hall of Fame with a crowd filled with Bills jerseys witnessed this passion. There was a time that Kelly wanted nothing to do with Buffalo, but once he witnessed the passion of these fans he decided to never leave.

Which brings us back to Edwards. The pressure he felt in High School and later at Stanford is nothing compared to the pressure he’ll endure as the starter from the first game of 2008. The environment in Buffalo is very different from Stanford. Football is not a diversion it’s an obsession. His performance was not analyzed every Monday morning in every paper and on every sports talk show in the region.

It will be now. It doesn’t help that there is a QB on the bench that deep down believes the position should still be his. How Edwards responds to this pressure will determine not only the Bills success in 2008, but also quite possibly his future success as an NFL QB. He could become the next Rob Johnson or the next Jim Kelly, loved in Buffalo forever. He could even help to keep the team in Buffalo. Let’s hope that Edwards can handle the “burden of mental distress,” because the burden will certainly be there this fall.

It appears that the legal situation for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch is going to be resolved sometime next week. WGR is reporting that Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark told reporters today they have reached an agreement in principle with Lynch and his attorney.

“This whole agreement is predicated on the fact that he was driving the car,” Clark said. “Has he said that officially– the answer is no. But obviously the reason we were here and in these negotiations were all predicated on the fact that he was driving the vehicle. This, at its worst, is a vehicle and traffic misdemeanor. In the hierarchy of criminal conduct, this is certainly in the bottom third.”

Lynch has been staying quiet on the whole case over the last few weeks, but once the matter is put to rest, he is expected to release a statement and talk to the media about what went down. Friday’s announcement came as a grand jury was scheduled to begin hearing testimony in the case. Several Bills players and front-office employees had been subpoenaed by investigators.

It’s been an offseason filled with what seems more players refusing to practice or show up for OTA’s and minicamps than those that are there doing there jobs. Below we give a quick breakdown of 10 players that have chosen the stance to stay away and/or practice and where they may be come training camp come July.

1. Albert Haynesworth, Titans - The All-Pro DT is a big reason the Titans defense played so well last season, and word is a long-term deal that he hoped to get from Tennessee seems not likely to happen by July 15th. Expect Haynesworth to sign the teams one-year franchise deal during training camp and play out his last season before hitting free agency in 2009 and moving elsewhere.

2. Chris Simms, Buccaneers - The QB hasn’t played since a spleen injury in 2006, and his relationship with the Bucs seems to be over. Simms is not even listed on the depth chart, and with a bunch of QB’s on the roster, it seems like a slam dunk that Simms will eventually get his wish to be released and move on to another team. He has said if he’s still a Buccaneer in July, he’ll report to training camp.

3. Jason Peters, Bills - The teams best O-lineman wants a new deal, and won’t show up till he gets one. He’s watched lesser players on the O-line get bigger contracts then him, and simply wants what he feels he’s owed to him. He deserves a new deal, and look for he and the Bills to get on the same page before training camp starts.

4. Ryan Grant, Packers - Grant came out of nowhere in 2007 and saved the teams floundering running game, and now wants a deal that will pay him like a feature back. He showed up to minicamp, but refused to practice. Reports say the two sides are close, and a deal may even take place before the end of the camp for he and the Packers.

5. Chad Johnson, Bengals - C.J. should simply realize that the Bengals are not going to move him, and he’s not going to get a new deal, pure and simple. He did man up a little bit by showing up to minicamp last week, and after some early drama did practice and make some grabs. He’d be smart to put on a happy face and be at camp on time and try and be the best player he can be for the stripes.

6. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers - The back came in for the Bucs last season and kept their running game afloat when injuries hit hard. Now he, like Ryan Grant, wants a deal to fit what he did in 2007. He’s already showed up to the Bucs fanfest and now minicamp, so look for something to be done for him rather soon.

7. Terry Glenn, Cowboys - The veteran WR is being asked to sign an insurance policy since he’s prone to injuries, and Glenn is using that as a sounding board to demand a trade or release to play elsewhere. He should realize that he’s damaged goods at this point, and his best shot at getting some playing time and a ring is in Dallas, but for whatever reason he wants no part in signing that policy.

8. Plaxico Burress, Giants - Another unhappy WR that wants a new deal based on gutting it out on one foot last season for the Super Bowl champs. It was poor timing on his part to complain last week in the middle of Michael Strahan retiring and Jeremy Shockey also playing whinner. Burress said on WIP in Philly Tuesday he feels a deal will get done before camp. If so, they why make a scene like the one made last week?

9. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals - Our 4th WR on the list, Boldin saw Larry Fitzgerald get a big deal from the Cards, and now he wants one too. I can understand his desire for more money, but he had just gotten a deal not that long ago, and the Cardinals can’t overpay two WR’s when they have other concerns. He says he hasn’t decided if he’ll be at training camp, but if he is smart he’ll avoid fines and be there.

10. Jeremy Shockey, Giants - The mouthy tight end probably should be in a Saints uniform today, and likely he and and the Giants will regret not making that deal on draft day. While the team has said from day one that he’s the starting TE, Shockey claims the Giants are leaking info about him not being happy and demanding a trade. Not so. Seems that the TE may have pushed the button too far, and he’d better be careful what happens next as Kevin Boss seems more than ready to be the Giants starting TE.

The start of training camp is about a month away for most teams, and today we’re going to take a look at 6 AFC teams, three of which are in our opinion getting a little too much hype already, and three that we feel are on the verge of sliding under the radar a bit.  Send your comments to us using the “comments” section, or to me directly at matt@nflgridirongab.com

Under the Radar:

Houston Texans - The issue with the Texans is they are in a stacked division, meaning the chances of them making it to the playoffs remain slim.  With that though, they are making a push to have their first winning season in 2008.  They looked to address the RB slot with adding Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton, but the line is still a bit of a question mark.  While the secondary needs some work, Mario Williams on the line is going to have a monster year and will get looks as the defensive player of the year.  Why hasn’t this team added free agent LB Roosvelt Colvin?

Too Much Hype:

New York Jets - The Jets were the most active team in free agency right off the bat, making the biggest O-line signing with bringing in guard Alan Faneca from Pittsburgh.  They also added TE Bubba Franks, S Artrell Hawkins, DT Kris Jekins, LB Calvin Pace, T/G Damien Woody, and CB Andre Woolfolk.  With all that said, this team still has issues at the QB spot, with Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens both not ready to lead this team to the promise land. They also need to shore up the D-line, and hope that draft pick Vernon Gholston in the first round will do that.  Overall, most teams that nab that many free agents and make that many changes take 1-2 years to get it all meshed, and that’s how we feel as well.

Under the Radar:

Oakland Raiders - I like the offseason moves of the Raiders, and think that as long as Al Davis and Lane Kiffin can play nice, this team is on its way to being a .500 or better squad.  The defense was a sore spot, and they added CB DeAngelo Hall, CB Duane Starks, FS Gibril Wilson, and more to make it better.  The running game could be fun to watch, with rookie Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush all looking to get touches.  Javon Walker wants to prove his worth again, and JaMarcus Russell should have a more productive 2nd season.  Don’t overlook this Oakland squad.

Too Much Hype:

Cleveland Browns - Five games under the lights will show the league just how good this team is.  They have holes in the secondary, and they think the D-line will be better with Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers, but to me Rogers is a big question mark.  Derek Anderson will be the starting QB, but the fan base is clammering for Brady Quinn, and early problems for Anderson vs the Cowboys, Steelers and Raevns could create a controversary.  WR Donte Stallworth is also being counted on, and this is a guy that’s been on four teams in four years.

Under the Radar:

Buffalo Bills - Forget about the Marshawn Lynch issues, this team will have that taken care of by Sepetmber.  The Bills were 30th in offense, and 31st in defense, yet had a shot to make the playoffs with three weeks left in the season.  2nd year QB Trent Edwards will be better, and the teams O-line is solid, and will get a deal done with tackle Jason Peters.  The defense under Dick Jauron should also improve, and their schedule is easier than last year with only one trip to the west coast.  Look for the Bills to be a slepper.

Too Much Hype:

Miami Dolphins - 1-15 a year ago, the Fins have been in the headlines a lot with the moves by Bill Parcells and company, and the Jason Taylor saga hanging over this teams head.  The Dolphins are still a long ways away from being good, and coach Tony Sparano and the gang are going to struggle.  QB is an issue with Josh McCown and John Beck expected to each take snaps, and rookie Chad Henne eventually maybe being the best of the bunch.  Having a healthy Ronnie Brown and giving him the ball a bunch is going to be the best way for this team to get 3-4 wins this season.

It’s a well known fact that left tackle Jason Peters is looking for a new deal from the Bills, and that fact became more evident today when the 340 pounder skipped the first of three mandatory minicamp practices the team held.  Peters was a starter in the Pro Bowl, and despite three years left on his current deal, he wants to tear that up and get a new contract.

Peters is the third-highest paid OL on the team, and is set to make about $4 mil this season.  Right now on the Bills left guard Derrick Dockery makes an average of $7 million a year, and right tackle Langston Walker makes an average of $5 million a year.

The Buffalo News reports that Peters may want to make as much as or more than Jets guard Alan Faneca, who signed a deal this offseason that will make him more than $8 mil this season.  The Bills could fine Peters about $25,000 if he misses the entire three-day camp.