I’m in Row 1, Seat 31 in the football Media section—which puts me exactly at the 40-yard-line (there’s also a baseball media section in the end zone). One thing I like about this Press Box is the open air. At Ralph Wilson Stadium—as nice as that Press Box is—you are behind glass so you lose a lot of the crowd noise. Of course that’s an outdoor stadium, so it just makes sense. But I like this setup. I don’t know if tonight’s crowd will be anywhere close to a Ralph Wilson Stadium crowd in terms of noise, but I like to hear and feel that noise when I’m at a game.

The Bills Toronto Series is an extension of the franchise’s overall regionalization strategy that was developed more than 10 seasons ago with the formation of the Verizon Wireless Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY. Between the two ventures, the Bills have set the standard in the NFL for the regionalization of their franchise. More than 100,000 fans attended the first two Bills Toronto Series games at Rogers Centre last season. Approximately 15% of Bills fans travel from Ontario to Ralph Wilson Stadium on Buffalo Bills game days. And approximately 11% of Bills fans are based in Rochester, NY.

Once both teams completed their warmups, the Hudson (Ohio) High School marching band performed on the field. The U.S. National Anthem was performed by Canada’s own Barenaked Ladies while the Canadian anthem was performed by beautiful contest winner Laura Cavacece. A few more pregame notes: the Budweiser Official Buffalo Bills Tailgate party has been going on outside for the past five hours. And a Bills rally towel is being given to all fans in attendance tonight.

I was watching quarterback Trent Edwards during warmups. He has to be feeling disgruntled with the fact he is not starting. His image was instrumental in the marketing of this game and as the season has progressed (or regressed in his case), he has faded to a backup role behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Ryan is 5-2 in his last seven starts and seems to give the Bills a better chance of winning. But I don’t think either player is the quarterback of the future for the Bills. There are going to be a lot of changes around this organization in the offseason.

This game was officially announced as a sellout three days ago. But twenty minutes before game time, Rogers Centre is only about half full.

POSTGAME: The Bills Toronto Series hasn’t been kind to Buffalo thus far. In tonight’s second regular season game to be played at Rogers Centre here in Toronto, the Bills were beaten by the N.Y. Jets 19-13 in front of a sellout crowd. Yes, the stadium did fill up nicely with only a smattering of empty seats visible. So, the Bills have lost to the Steelers (preseason last year), the Dolphins (regular season last year) and now the Jets.

The statistics that really jumped out at me in this game were those of Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick—he was just 9-of-23 passing for 98 yards and one interception. The Bills offense, seemingly revitalized when interim head coach Perry Fewell took over for Dick Jauron, took a step backwards tonight. And on an evening when Bills receiver Terrell Owens was supposed to put on a show for Toronto, he was held to a meager three catches for 31 yards by the National Football League’s best cover corner, Darrelle Revis. NFL Network’s Deion Sanders called Owens vs. Revis “a matchup of all matchups.” But Darrelle clearly had the better of T.O. this season, holding him to four catches in two games. The Bills offense managed just 194 total yards tonight.

Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez continues to improve and impress. When he left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury, the Jets offense stalled. Mark was 7-of-15 passing for 104 yards and a touchdown. His stats would’ve been padded considerably had receiver Braylon Edwards been able to hang on to what surely would’ve been an 80+ yard touchdown pass. It seems as though Braylon has trouble with the throws that are on target. Then he turns around and makes the difficult catches. It’s got to be some kind of mental block. But he carries the title of receiver. Therefore, he needs to receive.

With the loss, the Bills fall to 4-8 and are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention this season. As far as the Jets are concerned, this was a must-win. And with their record now at 6-6, they are still in the thick of the AFC Wild Card playoff race.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Bills Toronto Series vs. N.Y. Jets

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

When this regionalization plan went into effect last season, many Bills fans felt it was merely the first step at permanently moving the team to Toronto. I, too, was somewhat skeptical at the motive behind the idea of sacrificing a regular season home game in Orchard Park, NY for the larger market in Canada. But Bills owner Ralph Wilson assured fans the plan was part of a bigger picture to introduce the team to a wider audience, not move the team. NFL Chief Marketing Officer Mark Waller concurred, saying the goal was to “grow the NFL, not move the franchise.”

The Bills Toronto Series has been described as a way to strengthen the organization by expanding its fan base, similar to when the team moved its training camp to Rochester, NY back in 2000. But, I wonder. If the venture is deemed a success when all is said and done, is it just the beginning of the end for the Bills in Buffalo?

One thing’s for sure, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell already considers the Toronto Series a success:

“The two games up at Toronto (last) year were tremendously successful for us. We said that the objective was to regionalize the Buffalo Bills, and it achieved those objectives. We were able to increase our season ticket sales in the Toronto area significantly—over 40 percent. And I think from that standpoint, we achieved what our initial goal was. The other issue is that it’s a building process. When we first got in, we wanted to make sure it was a good experience for the two teams, that they were successful and that they could do it without any negative competitive consequences, and we achieved that objective ….. I’m very confident that (this) year’s game is going to be bigger and better. I think we’ll evaluate every aspect of the game, including pricing, and I think they’ll do a terrific job and it’ll be a great game.”

It’s yet to be seen whether the game will be great. Neither the Bills nor Jets are serious playoff contenders. But there will be plenty of fans there to see it. Monday, the game was officially announced as a sellout, further confirming that introducing the National Football League to Canada was a good idea.

Sources: NFL Media, NYTimes.com

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Buffalo Bills Toronto Series Continues

Kris Jenkins, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press

This is a devastating loss for the Jets’ defensive line. They certainly won’t be able to replace Kris with Sione Pouha or Howard Green. So they’ll have to make due for the remainder of the 2009 season. But Kris anticipates a full recovery and return to the Jets in 2010. And who can argue with him? He tore the ACL in his right knee when he was with the Carolina Panthers four years ago. He not only made a full recovery from that injury, he also went to the Pro Bowl the following season.

Source: NewYorkJets.com

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Kris Jenkins Out for Season With Torn ACL

Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins / Photo: Newscom

Said Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano of his new star quarterback:

“I think first and foremost it was a hell of an education for the guy tonight. I think he had a couple of opportunities, certainly at the end there, to have to bring his team back and he handled it with poise. I thought he did a tremendous job managing the clock in all the situations there at the end.”

This Dolphins team is poised for Chad to succeed. Just look at the supporting offensive numbers. With a very creative Wildcat formation attack, the Dolphins are leading the NFL in rushing the football (a quarterback’s best friend) with 177 ypg and their defense is top five at stopping the run (76 ypg). That’s a recipe for success and the Miami Dolphins are well on their way in that department. I’m not predicting a Super Bowl run, but I do think the Dolphins can win the AFC East and advance in the playoffs.

Source: NFL.com, MiamiDolphins.com

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Chad Henne, Wildcat Offense Leads Dolphins

Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns / Photo: Newscom

It’s been a season of turmoil for the Braylon (and the entire Browns organization, for that matter)—who never realized his full potential in Cleveland. In four games, Braylon only has 10 catches for 139 yards and no touchdowns. (Of course, he’s probably dropped more balls than any other receiver in the National Football League since he was drafted five years ago.) And he’s under investigation by the league for allegedly assaulting local club owner Edward Givens just two days ago. So, Braylon doesn’t arrive in New York without baggage. But his upside for success apparently outweighed the obstacles according to the receiver-needy Jets, who hope a change of scenery will enable Braylon to catch more balls than he drops.

Source: NFL.com

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Braylon Edwards Traded to N.Y. Jets

Rex Ryan, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press

Afterward, coach Ryan continued with a confident demeanor:

“The Patriots are a hell of a football team. I just thought we were the better team today. That’s all we said, you know, the whole time going in—that we believed we were the better team today. And we went out and showed it ….. We’re a football team that should be respected. Sometimes, you know, we talk a little bit or something like that, but only because we have confidence in our football team. And we believe it to be true that we’re an outstanding football team. And we’ve got to go out and show it each week.”

Source: ESPN.com

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N.Y. Jets Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk

Mark Sanchez, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press

Coach Ryan shouldered the decision and felt strongly about going with Mark as his starting QB:

“I think this is the appropriate time to make the decision. I feel very comfortable with my decision to go with Sanchez as a quarterback. I’ve relied on a lot of people, but more than anything, I’ve relied on myself. My instincts as a coach — I’ve been around the game a long time. I feel that the best move for our franchise and for our team is to go with Mark as our quarterback. That’s not a slight to (backup) Kellen Clemens at all. I think we can win with Kellen also as a quarterback. But right now, I think Mark gives us the best opportunity to win. And that’s what I owe this franchise. That’s why I made this decision. It’s not based on any other decision ….. I certainly leaned on people, guys that I have a great deal of respect for, but again this was my decision.”

Source: NFL.com

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Jets Name Mark Sanchez Starting QB

Apparently Calvin took an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that he didn’t know violated the league’s policy. Which, of course, was a big mistake. As an NFL player, if you are considering taking any supplement, you should first clear it with your team’s head trainer. Let that qualified professional examine the product and give the o.k. There’s no excuse for violating the policy. It’s a no-brainer—literally.

Calvin Pace, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press

Calvin issued the following statement today:

“I am responsible for what I put into my body, and I should have paid closer attention to the league’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization, as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.”

Oh, I think it’s already a distraction. This is a big loss for the Jets. Calvin finished second on the team with a career-high seven sacks last season. He also had 80 tackles, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries and was expected to play a big role in new head coach Rex Ryan’s 3-4 defensive scheme this season. This gives LB Vernon Gholston a golden opportunity to finally prove his worth. But he’ll have to beat out undrafted rookie free agent OTA standout Jamaal Westerman first.

Source: NewYorkJets.com

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Calvin Pace Suspended Four Games

Mark Sanchez, N.Y. Jets / Photo: Newscom

The best, for Mark, would be a GQ pictorial that came out earlier this week. Today’s minicamp practice was leaning toward the worst. Working with the Jets second team offense, Mark struggled with 7-on-7, red zone and two-minute drills. He was sacked. And he threw three incompletions, two of which were batted down. In other words, it was rough going. Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows it comes with the territory:

“It’s kind of what we expected. We’re throwing him to the wolves. The scheme we have in on offense, we’re just throwing it all at them. There’s no telling how many plays Schotty’s got, but there’s a bunch of them. He’s learning that and he’s probably seeing defenses he’s never seen, different kinds of coverages, blitzes. He’s had his moments this week. Today he had some rough spots as well. But again, that’s to be expected.”

Source: NewYorkJets.com

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Throwing Mark Sanchez to the Wolves