Edwards Stuggles Led To Benching
--QB Trent Edwards, whose career record fell to 14-18 with
Sunday's loss to Miami, has been benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Coach
Chan Gailey said the move is permanent until further notice. Edwards had just
102 net passing yards in last Sunday's loss at Green Bay and Buffalo's offense
ranks last in yards, passing yards and points scored.
RF Back At The Helm
--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who led Buffalo to a 5-4 record in
games that he took the majority of snaps in last season, will start Sunday at
New England. Fitzpatrick threw for 1,422 yards with nine TDs and 10
interceptions last season when he was much more effective getting the ball down
field than Trent Edwards was.
A Special Kind Of Player
--RB C.J. Spiller had just five touches for 26 yards in
Sunday's loss to Green Bay but he did make his presence felt returning kicks.
The team's first-round pick out of Clemson had six returns for 174 yards, the
fourth-highest total in club history by a rookie. His day included a long return
of 41 yards, giving the New England Patriots, this week's opponent, something to
game plan for.
Lynch Still On The Block?
--RB Marshawn Lynch was the surprise starter Sunday against
Green Bay and he ran hard with 64 yards on 17 carries. But coach Chan Gailey is
being non-committal on who starts this week at New England. It was felt Lynch
earned the start vs. Green Bay to showcase him in a possible trade to the
Packers or the Patriots which could still be in the works.
Back
To To The Tight Ends?
--TE Jonathan Stupar, who didn't catch a pass in the opener
against Miami, managed two receptions for just 14 yards against the Packers. The
tight end position may re-emerge with Ryan Fitzpatrick replacing Trent Edwards
at quarterback.
Shutouts Are Over?
--WR Lee Evans didn't catch a pass in Sunday's loss to Green
Bay, just the third time in 98 career games he's been shut out. A change of
quarterbacks to Ryan Fitzpatrick should elevate Evans' play. He had only one
pass thrown to him at Green Bay, but his numbers improved greatly when
Fitzpatrick took over for Trent Edwards last year.
No. 2 Target
--WR Steve Johnson had two bad drops in last week's loss to
Green Bay but he was able to regain some confidence to catch three balls for 31
yards. The Bills need him to be a viable No. 2 receiver to take some pressure
off Lee Evans.
Should Play
--LG Andy Levitre has a good chance of being able to play Sunday
at New England. He suffered a neck stinger against Green Bay but was feeling
much better Monday and hopes to practice by Wednesday or Thursday.
Torbor Was Back
--LB Reggie Torbor, recovering since the summer with a chest
injury, returned to action against Green Bay and came through the game fine. He
could start this week at New England if things go well through the week. The
Bills could use his size and experience in a lineup riddle with holes.
Improved His Numbers
--P Brian Moorman's
46.4-yard average on five punts against the Packers has boosted his career
average to 43.62, a club record he has a firm grip on. He also has at least one
inside-the-20 effort in 13 consecutive games, his longest stretch since posting
a club-record with 25 games in a row between the '06 and '08 seasons.