Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills / Image: Zuma Press

In some instances, this game was marketed as T.O. in TO. And that’s just fine with Terrell:

“For me, it’s gonna be all eyes on me. No matter what I’m looking forward to the opportunity to go up there and showcase my skills and obviously the Bills as an organization and as a team. I think overall, this team is looking forward to the opportunity ….. It feels good. I’m looking forward to the game and all of the Canadians out here in Toronto—you all come out and support the game tomorrow, it’s going to be a good one.”

T.O. doesn’t need to offer any convincing words of salesmanship. I don’t know if he’s aware of it or not, but the game has already been announced as a sellout. So with the local blackout lifted, the entire city of Toronto—and the millions watching on NFL Network—are ready to see a revitalized Buffalo Bills team and a re-energized Terrell Owens. Since defensive coordinator Perry Fewell took over the head coaching duties when Dick Jauron was fired a couple weeks ago, T.O. has been a much bigger factor in the team’s offensive game plan. After a terrible nine-game start (26 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown), Terrell has added 14 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games under coach Fewell. If this trend continues, T.O. in TO will be remembered as more than a marketing phrase.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, BuffaloBills.com

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T.O. in TO: Terrell Owens Enjoys Spotlight

Dick Jauron fired by Buffalo Bills / Image: Zuma Press

Bills owner Ralph Wilson made the following statement today:

“I am announcing today that I am relieving Dick Jauron from his duties as our head coach, effective immediately. I have tremendous respect for Dick and thank him for all of his efforts during these past four years. While this was a very difficult decision, I felt that it is one that needed to be made at this time for the best interest of our team. We will now focus on moving forward and preparing for our game this week in Jacksonville.”

No word was immediately given as to who the interim coach would be (although I suspect defensive coordinator Perry Fewell). But you can bet the Bills will look outside the organization (at least one hopes) for a new head coach next season. Names like Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan come to mind, but there will be a long list of worthy candidates trying to help the Bills return to their glory years.

Source: BuffaloBills.com

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Buffalo Bills Fire Head Coach Dick Jauron

Dick Jauron, Buffalo Bills / Image: Zuma Press

But according to Bills owner Ralph Wilson, no decision will be made right now to replace coach Jauron:

“Yesterday was so bad that it’s hard to make a decision right now. I’m not going to make any decisions during the middle of the season right now. At least right now ….. I’ll tell you what—whatever I say now is going to be twisted around. If I say exactly what I think, whether it’s right or wrong, it’s going to be twisted around, so I just don’t want to talk about it.”

One thing he has to be thinking is that his offense stinks. In fact, following yesterday’s 6-3 loss to the aforementioned Browns, it’s clear the Bills offense can’t get much worse. They are currently ranked 25th in the league overall and no other team has committed more penalties.

I can’t say I’m surprised when the foundation of the team (the O-line) includes new faces at every position (including two rookies). So, I’m not sure whether replacing the head coach is going to make a lot of difference at this point. I definitely think the team needs to go in a new direction with the leadership of the organization. But to begin that overhaul five games into this 2009 season might not make much sense. It really should’ve started nine months ago.

Source: Buffalo News

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Bills Stay With Dick Jauron as Head Coach

Within the past few days, Bills head coach Dick Jauron fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert and the team released their starting left tackle (Langston Walker)—two integral positions in the success of any offense. So with no time to test their suddenly new look offense in game mode, the team must rely merely on a week of practice to ready themselves for one of the toughest tests in the NFL—the New England Patriots in Foxborough. A division rival in front of a national TV audience. On Monday Night Football, no less.

Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills / Image: Zuma Press

On the surface, the removal of coach Schonert and Langston Walker smacks of desperation for a struggling offense that only managed six points in their final two preseason games. In due time we may see these moves take shape as sensible decisions. But I’m wondering if it will be too late? I believe coach Jauron is on very thin ice and a poor showing in September might just seal his and this team’s fate.

That brings the headline into play—Can Terrell Owens save the Buffalo Bills? With all the hype and all the hope of a city on his shoulders, Terrell has been nursing a sore toe for a month and has thus only played in one preseason game—hardly a proper introduction to his new teammates. Is he going to be able to step onto the field with a new left tackle (Demetrius Bell), new OC (Alex Van Pelt) and relatively new no-huddle offense and win a football game? There are more questions than answers in Buffalo right now.

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Can Terrell Owens Save the Buffalo Bills?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens was absent from the start of the team’s 12-week voluntary conditioning program today. I know a lot of media and fans are already blowing this out of proportion but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Certainly, it would be nice if T.O. was around his new team as much as possible during the offseason. It would be the best case scenario if he attended every session offered, voluntary or not. That is what the true leader of a team would do. But he is a veteran who typically stays away from these types of things. Plus he’s always in great physical condition, so I don’t think it’s an issue. Still, head coach Dick Jauron is hoping T.O. shows up:

“Terrell in the past has not been involved in all of those things. My hope is that he’s here. He knows how important it is for us, particularly in his first year with us.”

The Bills had good attendance otherwise. More than 40 players were on-hand today, lifting, running and getting ready for Spring OTAs which begin in roughly six weeks. I’m quite certain Terrell will be present for those workouts. If he isn’t, the drama can rightfully begin. But not until.

Sources: NFL.com, BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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Terrell Owens Skips Voluntary Workout

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

In one of the more surprising moves this offseason, the Buffalo Bills signed enigmatic receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million contract today. On one hand, this acquisition makes sense for Buffalo. They need the offensive weaponry. The Bills’ offense the past two seasons has been anemic. They were 30th in total offense two years ago and only improved to 25th in total offense last season. And quarterback Trent Edwards’ first two seasons — while showing flashes of brilliance — were nothing that would make me think he’s on the same path as, let’s say, youngsters like Baltimore’s Joe Flacco or Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. So, they need all the help they can get, even with ample offensive talent in players like receivers Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish, running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters. And I really like some of Buffalo’s younger receivers — James Hardy, Steve Johnson and tight end Derek Fine. In one possible scenario, Terrell will demand double-team attention and allow his teammates to potentially thrive. But that’s not his style. He’ll demand the ball and the glory.

All that being said, I think this signing is a form of desperation (is it really about ticket sales?) and I don’t think it’s a good fit. Terrell has earned — really earned — a poor reputation as the malcontent diva nobody wanted. And I think this deal got done so quickly because the Buffalo Bills were the only team that wanted T.O. Sure, agent Drew Rosenhaus will tell you other teams were interested in Terrell’s services, but I have to believe Orchard Park, NY would’ve been at the bottom of Terrell’s list of places he’d like to play football. (I guess this is one of the few places T.O. hasn’t burned a bridge with a former coach or owner.) So, I don’t think he had many — if any — other options.

In Buffalo, I think T.O. is in a perfect position to “bully” his quarterback and head coach — something he has become known for. Trent will be entering only his second full season as the Bills’ starting quarterback and he will, most likely, be at the receiving end of many a T.O. rant. And head coach Dick Jauron is one of the more mild-mannered head coaches in the NFL. T.O. will have a license to run his mouth and could destroy any hopes this team had of developing a solid chemistry and making a long overdue postseason run.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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Buffalo Bills Sign Terrell Owens

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron still has a job. After several days of meetings with owner Ralph Wilson, it was decided that coach Jauron will return for a 4th season. Mr. Wilson issued the following statement today:

“It is well known that I share many of the fans’ dissatisfaction with our offensive game management. That being said, I believe that this team, at this time, is better served by continuity in the coaching staff rather than a disruptive overhaul. The team played hard all year long and there are many positives to build on. This is not to say that we will be complacent. In my discussions with Dick and our senior football people the issues are recognized and I am confident they will be addressed. I believe in the last few years we have gotten close personnel wise and look forward to another strong draft, more assertive veteran leadership and continued improvement from our young quarterback.”

I’m a little surprised by this decision. As much as I like coach Jauron as a person, three straight losing seasons doesn’t usually equal ongoing employment in the National Football League. I thought coach Jauron sealed his own fate with an unbelievably bad call against the Jets in a December 14 loss. The Bills had all but won the game and were moving the ball successfully on the ground to run out the clock until coach allowed an ill-advised pass play that resulted in a J.P. Losman fumble and subsequent score by the Jets defense to secure the win over the Bills. Of course, one play does not a season make, but there were other instances of unusual decision-making.

The Bills started the 2008 season impressively — 4-0 and then 5-1 — before collapsing and finishing with a miserable 2-8 record to close at 7-9. In coach Jauron’s defense, the team did show statistical improvement this season, but not improvement where it counts the most — in wins and losses.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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Bills Keep Head Coach Dick Jauron

After starting this season with a very promising 5-1 record, the Buffalo Bills have gone 1-7 since and will fail to make the playoffs for the 9th consecutive year. Head coach Dick Jauron, while remaining one of my favorites among NFL coaches, seemed to be begging to be fired after an unfathomable call on second-and-five at their own 22-yard-line with just over two minutes to play and the Bills just trying to burn clock to ice a win over the N.Y. Jets. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when after four successful running plays, quarterback J.P. Losman was suddenly rolling out to throw a pass. Of course, he was sacked, he fumbled, and the Jets returned the loose ball for a touchdown (the worst possible scenario) to win the game 31-27. It had to be one of the most ill-advised calls I have ever seen. And an unbelievably demoralizing loss for a team in desperate need of a win. To allow that to happen when your troops are at the threshold of victory is unconscionable. His explanation:

“Anytime it doesn’t work out you have second thoughts, so yeah, I definitely have second thoughts. Though the outcome of the call — and it was my call — the outcome shows that it was not the right call at the right time. And that’s really it. That’s the whole thing right there.”

Uggh. Coach Jauron also said he didn’t think it would have been the wrong call if it had worked. It’s very easy to sit here and second-guess the call knowing the disastrous outcome, but I would be second-guessing if the pass play had been successful. I would have called it lucky. Very lucky. Probably dumb lucky. Anyway, in that situation, I don’t think there’s any doubt a head coach should play the percentages, which were very strongly in the Bills’ favor. The chances of bad things happening on a pass play vs. a running play in that situation — especially considering the success the running game was having — were far greater. Coach Jauron was asking for trouble and he got it. Now whether he retains his job after yet another playoff-less, losing season is to be determined. I’ve heard conflicting reports but I would be very surprised to see him back. I think this loss sealed his fate as coach of the Bills in ‘09.

Source: BuffaloBills.com

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What Was Dick Jauron Thinking?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

In a sense, the Buffalo Bills’ postseason starts Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The Bills simply can’t lose another game if they want to get to the real playoffs in January, so it’s do-or-die from here on out. And with a 6-6 record twelve games into this 2008 season, Bills quarterback J.P. Losman will return to the starting lineup. It’s a role he felt never should’ve been taken from him in the first place. And now he has the chance to take it back:

“I want these guys to experience winning. I want to experience winning. We’re a very, very good football team. We’ve just got to keep putting it together. We have an opportunity right here in front of our face to do so. I personally want to do well for them, for my teammates.”

J.P. lost his starting spot to second-year quarterback Trent Edwards because he was inconsistent and erratic. Sure he had flashes of brilliance, but they were few and far between enough to warrant a switch to the promising but inexperienced Trent Edwards. J.P. wanted out of Buffalo because he felt he was good enough to be a starting quarterback somewhere in the NFL. That never happened but he has been a model teammate in swallowing his pride and not being the slightest distraction in a season that has gone terribly wrong for the Bills since a 4-0 start.

Now that Trent is struggling and injured, J.P. needs just one good game (and a win) to earn his starting spot back. It’s all speculation at this point, but if J.P. impresses and the Bills beat Miami (in a Toronto “home” game), how can head coach Dick Jauron go back to Trent? Coach Jauron has vehemently professed his support of Trent, but his own job might be on-the-line if the Bills don’t make the playoffs this season. And a J.P. led Bills team might just be his last best chance of getting there.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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J.P. Losman Will Start For Buffalo Bills

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

I’ve always really respected Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron. Not only is he an intelligent and determined football coach, he’s also a highly respected gentleman around the NFL and beyond. And he knows how to find the right people to build a football team with — talented and hard-nosed, yes — but also willing to put their team before any individual accomplishments. With that kind of philosophy, talent and character, success cannot be far behind. That’s why the organization gave coach Jauron a three-year extension that will keep him in Buffalo through the 2011 season. So, it’s “starting to happen” for the Buffalo Bills. After a 4-0 start to this 2008 season, the team has cooled a bit losing three of their past four. But at 5-3, the Bills are tied for first place in the AFC East and are ready to face their toughest challenge so far this season at New England on Sunday. I spoke with coach Jauron on a national conference call this afternoon.

How is the mood of the team in response to the recent losses?

Well, the mood was a lot better from everybody, including myself, when we were 4-0. But the fact is, you’ve got to take every week as it’s presented to you and we’ve got to take the 5-3 record and move on. We know this New England game is a huge game for us coming up.

How do you keep the team motivated and enthusiastic?

Well, the number one thing is you’d better have the right guys. If you don’t have the right guys, it’s not going to make a whole lot of difference what you say to them. So, they’ve got to be — to a large degree — self-motivated guys. They’ve got to be guys that really care about our football team. Hopefully more or at least as much as they care about their own individual performance. Hopefully they’re into our team just as much. And I would say that we have a good group. So it makes that part of our job a little bit easier. Marv (Levy) used to say it all the time. The way you motivate a team is you have intrinsically motivated people. There’s a lot of truth to that.

Depth on a team is so important because you certainly experienced a deluge of injuries last season and you’re experiencing them again this season — key injuries — albeit to a lesser degree.

Oh yes. We know our game. Everybody in the league suffers injuries. It’s just a tough game. Probably nobody on the field is 100%. Once they start training camp and start working as hard as teams in our business work and play as hard as they play every Sunday, there’s attrition unfortunately. And we all go through it. So, yeah, the backups are critically important. And the backups to the backups. What you do personnel-wise is you move through it because obviously most of your backups are critical special teams performers. If they’ve got double-duty, that wears them down and wears a little thin. So, it really does take its toll over time. But as I said, everybody’s got injuries and they have to deal with them.

Photo: Newscom

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Buffalo Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron