Week 1: Jets vs Bills Game Day Thread

[jb_gobills]

vs.

Sunday, September 9th at 1:00 PM EDT - MetLife Stadium, New York vs. Buffalo


Buffalo Bills (0-0)



2011 Team Rankings
Final Record: 6-10 (1-5 in division)

Offense
Total Yards: 14th (351.5 yards/game)
Rushing Yards: 13th (120.1 yards/game)
Passing Yards: 15th (231.4 yards/game)
Points: 14th (23.2 points/game)

Defense
Total Yards Against: 26th (371.1 yards/game)
Rushing Yards Against: 28th (139.0 yards/game)
Passing Yards Against: 19th (232.1 yards/game)
Points Against: 30th (27.1 points/game)

Differentials
Takeaway/Giveaway: 13th-tied (+1 turnovers)
Net Points: 22nd (-62 points)
Net Yards: 19th (-314 yards)

Football Outsiders Rankings
Overall: 23rd
Offense: 16th
Defense: 24th
Special Teams: 24th

2011 Team Leaders

Passing: Ryan Fitzpatrick - 353/569 (62.0%) for 3,832 yards (6.7 yards/attempt) and 24 touchdowns to 23 interceptions (79.1 rating); 56 carries for 215 yards (3.8 yards/attempt)
Rushing: Fred Jackson - 170 carries for 934 yards (5.5 yards/attempt) and 6 touchdowns; 39 receptions for 442 yards
Receiving: Steve Johnson - 76 receptions for 1,004 yards (13.2 yards/reception) and 7 touchdowns

Solo Tackles: Nick Barnett - 78 solo tackles (130 total), 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 5 passes defended, 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown;
George Wilson - 78 solo tackles (106 total), 2 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended, 4 interceptions
Sacks: Marcell Dareus - 5.5 sacks, 32 solo tackles (43 total), 2 passes defended
Interceptions: George Wilson - 4 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 78 solo tackles (106 total), 2 forced fumbles

Kicking: Rian Lindell - 13/15 field goals (86%), 25/25 extra points (100%), 12/43 touchbacks on kickoffs (27%)
Punting: Brian Moorman - 38.1 net average, 48.2 average, 20/72 inside the 20 (27%)
Kick Returns: Justin Rogers - 13 returns for 373 yards (28.7 average)
Punt Returns: Leodis McKelvin - 8 returns for 156 yards (19.5 average) and 1 touchdown

2011 Game Balls

Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller

2012 Preseason Game Balls

Preseason Week 1: Redskins at Bills -> Ron Brooks
Preseason Week 2: Bills at Vikings -> Delano Howell
Preseason Week 3: Steelers at Bills -> Mario Williams
Preseason Week 4: Bills at Lions -> Marcus Easley

2011 AFC East Standings

1. (13-3) New England [5-1 DIV, 10-2 CONF]
2. (8-8) New York [3-3 DIV, 6-6 CONF]
3. (6-10) Miami [3-3 DIV, 5-7 CONF]
4. (6-10) Buffalo [1-5 DIV, 4-8 CONF]

Current Bills Depth Chart

Check out the Bills Forum Directory (always being updated) for a depth chart as well as recent Bills news and stories.

Bills Injury Report (updated 9/4)

Injured Reserve:
OT Zebrie Sanders
DT Torell Troup (back)
CB Ron Brooks (foot) ~ recall player

Active PUP:
TE Mike Caussin (knee)

Questionable:
WR Brad Smith (groin)
RT Erik Pears (groin)
CB Terrence McGee (knee)

Other Stats

• The AFC East was a combined 1-15 during the preseason, with only New England winning a game
  
• During the preseason, AFC East offenses ranked 23rd (Miami), 24th (Buffalo), 29th (New England), 32nd (New York)
  
• During the preseason, AFC East defenses ranked 5th (New York), 13th (New England), 26th (Miami), 27th (Buffalo)
  
• The Bills are 53-49 all-time against the Jets during the regular season
  
• Buffalo is 1-5 against divisional opponents in each of the last two seasons
  
• Over the last 12 seasons, the Bills have had a winning record against divisional opponents just one time (2007)
  
• Buffalo beat New England last season for the first time since 2003, snapping a 15 game losing streak
  
• Buffalo is on a two game losing streak against Miami, and is 2-6 against the Dolphins over the last four seasons
  
• Buffalo is on a 5 game losing streak against the Jets, and is 1-7 against New York over the last four seasons
  
• The Bills sacked opposing quarterbacks just 29 times in 2011, tied for 27th in the league
  
• Buffalo has not ranked in the top half of the league in sacks since 2006, when they were tied for 8th
  
• Buffalo has not ranked in the top half of the league in rushing yards against since 2004, when they were 7th
  
• Buffalo has not made the playoffs since 1999; they have not had a home playoff game since 1996; they have not won a playoff game since 1995

New York Jets (0-0)



2011 Team Rankings
Final Record: 8-8 (3-3 in division)

Offense
Total Yards: 25th (311.8 yards/game)
Rushing Yards: 22th (105.8 yards/game)
Passing Yards: 21st (206.1 yards/game)
Points: 13th (23.6 points/game)

Defense
Total Yards Against: 5th (312.1 yards/game)
Rushing Yards Against: 13th (111.1 yards/game)
Passing Yards Against: 5th (201.0 yards/game)
Points Against: 20th (22.7 points/game)

Differentials
Takeaway/Giveaway: 19th-tied (-3 turnovers)
Net Points: 15th (+14 points)
Net Yards: 15th (-4 yards)

Football Outsiders Rankings
Overall: 10th
Offense: 19th
Defense: 2nd
Special Teams: 4th

2011 Team Leaders

Passing: Mark Sanchez - 308/543 (56.7%) for 3,474 yards (6.4 yards/attempt) and 26 touchdowns to 18 interceptions (78.2 rating); 37 carries for 103 yards (2.8 yards/attempt) and 6 touchdowns
Rushing: Shonn Greene - 253 carries for 1,054 yards (4.2 yards/attempt) and 6 touchdowns; 30 receptions for 211 yards (7.0 yards/reception)
Receiving: Dustin Keller - 65 receptions for 815 yards (12.5 yards/reception) and 5 touchdowns

Solo Tackles: Eric Smith - 66 solo tackles (89 total), 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 4 passes defended
Sacks: Aaron Maybin - 6.0 sacks, 10 solo tackles (11 total), 4 forced fumbles
Interceptions: Darelle Revis - 4 interceptions for 184 yards and 1 touchdown, 21 passes defended, 41 solo tackles (52 total);
Antonio Cromartie - 4 interceptions for 105 yards, 12 passes defended, 36 solo tackles (45 total), 1 forced fumble;
David Harris - 4 interceptions for 55 yards and 1 touchdown, 8 passes defended, 5.0 sacks, 65 solo tackles (86 total)

Kicking: Nick Folk - 19/25 field goals (76%), 44/44 extra points (100%), 17/81 touchbacks on kickoffs (20%)
Punting: T.J. Conley - 38.8 net average, 42.7 average, 32/92 inside the 20 (34%)
Kick Returns: Joe McKnight - 34 returns for 1,073 yards (31.6 average) and 1 touchdown
Punt Returns: Jeremy Kerley - 29 returns for 316 yards (10.9 average)


Summary

Buffalo did a number of good things during the offseason. Dave Wannstedt was promoted to Defensive Coordinator and Buffalo switched back to a 4-3 scheme. William Inge was hired as the defensive line coach, David Lee was hired as the quarterbacks coach, and Pete Metzelaars was hired as the tight ends coach. Steve Johnson, Scott Chandler, Kirk Morrison, Rian Lindell and Garrison Sanborn were all re-signed while Bryan Scott and Tashard Choice were brought back. Kriag Urbik and Chad Rinehart were tendered. Fred Jackson’s contract was extended. Mark Anderson and Dorin Dickerson were acquired via free agency and Tarvaris Jackson was obtained through a trade. Two starters were drafted in Stephon Gilmore and Cordy Glenn. These are the moves that are forgotten about, even among Bills fans. The move that everyone gets excited about, the move that was largely (if not solely) responsible for a nearly 16% increase in season ticket sales since last year was the acquisition of Mario Williams. The reason for the excitement is certainly justified. The now highest paid defender in NFL history will be playing on a defensive line that has Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus on its interior. Rushing the passer may be the most important part of a defense in today’s NFL. The Bills have not had an effective pass rush since 2006, when they had Aaron Schobel. Bills fans are hoping Wannstedt and the front four will be the key to the defense’s success this year. Buffalo should be able to handle the Jets base offense in week 1. Mario Williams will likely be matched up against Austin Howard, definitely a favorable scenario for Buffalo. One area the Bills will need to make sure they have a handle on is playing against the wild cat and Tim Tebow. If the Jets start out on the right foot the Bills could potentially be in for a long afternoon. Dustin Keller will certainly be a worry. Buffalo’s defense will also be tested against the run, which is something they have not defended very well against since 2004.

One of the biggest surprises to some fans heading into week 1 is Buffalo’s decision to keep only four receivers on the roster. Donald Jones will be starting opposite of Steve Johnson with David Nelson in the slot. Rookie T.J. Graham is the only other wide receiver on the roster. QB/WR Brad Smith has a groin injury and is questionable for week 1. Many suspect that Marcus Easley or Kamar Aiken will be brought up from the practice squad at some point during the season, presumably to take Tyler Thigpen’s spot on the roster once Tarvaris Jackson is up to speed on the offense. This week against the Jets one of the more intriguing matchups will be Steve Johnson against Darelle Revis. Last season Johnson had 3 receptions for 84 yards against Revis in their first meeting and 8 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown in the second game... the only touchdown Revis allowed all year to any receiver. Despite Johnson’s abillity, with Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie on the outside the Bills may have more success working the middle of the field. Scott Chandler, David Nelson and Dorin Dickerson may be targeted often. The key to success for the Buffalo offense this week is balance. Buffalo needs to have a balanced attack of Fred Jackson running the ball to go along with Chan Gailey’s spread passing game. The Jets have one of the best defenses in the league. Gailey needs to have a solid game plan and the players need to execute it well.

Week 1 is an extremely important game against a divisional opponent that has beaten the Bills five straight times. The Bills need to maintain discipline and avoid penalties. Special teams needs to do its thing while minimizing mistakes (no missed tackles, no fumbles). As always, the turnover battle will be paramount. I do not foresee a very high scoring game and predict a Buffalo victory: 13-10. Go Bills!
_________________

^Jamison.

Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?
When it's too tough for them, it's just right for us
Proud to be a Bills fan

[Maxmw22]

Great write up JB,


Is Austin Howard getting the official start at RT over newly acquired Jason Smith? I don't think I have heard anything either way.
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[jb_gobills]

[Yibbyl]

First GDT of the season!

Am really looking forward to seeing the new D. Just wish we didn't have to be everybody else's supply of game tape for whatever the heck they're gonna do with Tebow. Offensively, I hope we feed Freddy at least 20 times & that our TE's get targeted frequently, as I think they both could really make a difference vs. the Jets' D.
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[BillsGuy82]

Right on, excellent write up.. Lots to look forward mainly the Mario Williams factor with our line. Mario might own Howard and give Sanchez fits!

Bills 27-13

[marshawn lynch]

Gonna see a lot of this Sunday....




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Jamison on sig

[TommyC376]

Lets go!!

Cant wait to watch this game... Its time for Wanny and Chan to show us something different than we saw in the preseason.

Look for Freddy to have a big game.
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Go Bills!

[Buffalo_Kid]

won't be able to watch, but will be cheering wherever i am. GO BILLS!
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thanks for the sig NS922!

Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking;
if you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to you and eat with you,
and you with me.
Revelation 3:20

[TommyC376]

Tebow's stats 12-24-11 vs Buffalo

13-29//185//1TD//3INTs - 37.9 Rtg. 10car//34yrds//1TD


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Go Bills!

[jb_gobills]

The Bills will have another wide receiver available for Sunday. Ruvell Martin has come back to take the place of Ron Brooks. Brooks has been placed on IR.
_________________

^Jamison.

Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?
When it's too tough for them, it's just right for us
Proud to be a Bills fan

[BigBillsFan13]

Really looking forward to this game. I think it's definitely winnable, which would be nice because not only would we start off the season with a W, but it would be a divisional W at that.

I think Stevie vs. Revis will be interesting. I think Mario could have a field day against Howard. I'm looking for a big day from Freddy. Stopping the run will be key for us, as I don't think they can beat us through the air.

Prediction - Bills-24 Jets-16
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[marshawn lynch]

[jb_gobills]

[Jetsman82]

I feel like you posted every single piece of info there is about this game . Great write-up, and had a few things I really didn't know.
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[BigBillsFan13]