Dominic Rhodes, Buffalo Bills (Image: Newscom)

With starting running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games of the 2009 NFL season and backup running back Fred Jackson in a contract dispute, the Bills needed a veteran back who could at least be a placeholder. In Rhodes, Buffalo got a running back with big game experience who has been relatively successful the last few seasons.

Last season with the Colts, Rhodes rushed for 538 yards and six touchdowns. In 2006, Rhodes was the starting running back as the Colts won the Super Bowl.

The best year of Rhodes’ career came in his rookie campaign in 2001. That season, he rushed for a career-high 1,104 yards for a career-high nine touchdowns.

Post from: EveryJoe

Dominic Rhodes Sings with the Buffalo Bills

I’m sure that all of you know that Tom Brady is out for the season after tearing his ACL during the Patriots’ game against the Chiefs on Sunday. It’s a huge blow to the Patriots organization and all of the fans in New England. With Tom Brady out, the entire AFC landscape has been altered. And the AFC East is wide open.

The football analysts are going crazy with this one. So what I want to know is this: With Tom Brady out, who’s going to win the AFC East?

(Don’t forget to cast your vote in the poll!)

My argument is this:
You might call me a “homer” for this, but I am going with the Buffalo Bills. Their win against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday was not only impressive, it also showcased an incredibly well-rounded team that has the ability to not only win it’s division but also finally make the playoffs after an eight-year drought.

The Buffalo Bills have a more solid team than any other contender in the AFC East. Sure, the Patriots are still a strong team. But with out Tom Brady they are a mere shadow of the offensive juggernaut that they were last season. Matt Cassell performed well but he was hardly pressured on defense. I can’t wait to see what he does against a Bills defensive line that caused five sacks, blitzed 16 times, and caused a number of hurried throws against the Seahawks.

The Bills’ special teams unit scored twice and is capable of providing a spark against any opponent. As for offense, Marshawn Lynch is a solid and productive running back. Lee Evans has proven that he can catch the deep ball and score touchdowns. And Trent Edwards, while still improving, has shown the ability to make smart decisions under pressure.

It’s because of those keys that I think, out of the four teams in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have the best shot at winning the division. And that’s my argument. If you choose to leave a comment below, please be respectful.

The results of the Matthew Mitcham poll are in! The question was: Should NBC have mentioned that Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham was gay? The majority of you think that, yes, it was significant.

For previous editions of For Argument’s Sake, go here.

Photo provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

With Tom Brady Out, Who’s Going To Win The AFC East?

Aaron Rodgers

If the whole thing goes the way I think it’s going to go with Brett Favre
(he’ll be traded even though he arrive in Green Bay last night with his wife Deanna) then Rodgers just might have a breakout season. He’s been the study of Favre and a clipboard holder for a few seasons now so he’s definitely got the apprentice thing down. Now it’s more of a matter of putting it into action. He has a very talented and young team that was only an interception away from the Superbowl last season. He’s got a great running back in Grant and a extremely efficient wide receiver in Donald Driver. I think Rodgers also has something to prove and after all of this time, he’s determined to show everyone what he can do.

Jason Campbell

Peter King of SI said that “Campbell looked terrific, accurate and sure of himself” when he was reporting from the Washington Redskins camp. He was impressive at the end of last season and left me (and his coaches) remarking about his potential. With some definite weapons in the form of a few rookie receivers, I think Campbell could most certainly have a breakout season.

Trent Edwards

After filling in for a less than impressive JP Lossman (who, after how many years, still hasn’t lived up to his so-called potential) Trent Edwards gave the Buffalo Bills a much needed light at the end of the tunnel. He was named the starter halfway through the Bills season last year and will reprise that role again this season. As a Bills fan and resident of Buffalo, I have two words — Thank God. I’m so ready for a change. Now that we have Marshawn Lynch, who should have another productive season if he stays out of trouble, a solid defense, and decent wide receivers I think that the Bills are poised to be the surprise team this season. If Edwards can capitalize on his performance last season, I think he’ll be able to turn a few heads.

So those are my picks. Which quarterback do you think is going to have a breakout season?

Photos provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Which Quarterback Will Have A Breakout Season?

ESPN.com — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell personally informed Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch on Monday that he won’t be disciplined by the league for a hit-and-run accident that left a woman injured.

“I think the facts are clear on the case at this point in time, and I don’t plan any discipline,” Goodell said Monday, during a visit to Bills training camp in suburban Rochester.

Goodell based his decision on the fact that Lynch eventually agreed to plead guilty to a traffic violation, which is not a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Lynch initially faced more serious charges.

Goodell warned Lynch of the importance to act responsibly because he represents NFL players, the Bills and the league.

“He understands that responsibility,” said Goodell. READ MORE

I’m not sure this was “just a traffic violation.” It sounded more like a “driving while intoxicated, hit someone, panicked and left the scene” incident to me.

I guess it pays to be a professional athlete these days.

Post from: EveryJoe

Lynch Won’t Be Disciplined By The NFL

Why Girls Dig Sports?

In other words, he was wondering why I write for the blog or feel the need to write for a blog dedicated to women who love sports. I wrote my answer this morning.

Name five players on the Buffalo Bills. I’ve gotten this question before, usually from unsuspecting men at the bar who I’ve just met. It’s the same old story. Girl watches sports. Girl loves sports. Yet, girl must still prove she’s worthy enough to talk sports with boy.

Why is that? In this day and age you would think it would be a non-issue. But it still is. Women love sports. Lot’s of them, even. But some guys are still surprised to find out that I have a favorite football team (sorry, it’s not the Bills) and that I actually know the names of players, both active and retired, on said team, that I can rattle of statistics at the snap of my fingers regarding most professional sports, or that I can even put forth a good argument and back up my position with solid sports facts. Their eyes widen and their mouths gape, even when they try to hide it.

I’m used to this kind of reaction by now. It doesn’t even faze me anymore. But I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t still irk me to some extent. Michelle Tafoya is a regular on ESPN radio, spouting witty and educated commentary every Wednesday along side Mike Tirico. And without Robin Roberts evening out the fold, ESPN’s PrimeTime sort of fell out of favor. When Roberts left there just seemed as though something was missing. These women and others have made it a little easier for women like me who love sports, love to talk sports and who want an even playing field (pun not intended) on which to discuss sports.

I’m a frequent watcher of ESPN. I catch Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon whenever I get home from work in time. I read the sports page of the Buffalo News and browse ESPN.com when I can. I listen to ESPN radio and light up when I hear a woman call in because I know I’m not the only woman listening. I live, breath, play and watch sports so much that my entire year is segmented in my mind according to professional sports schedules. I try, if I can, to plan activities around playoff games. I even associate seasons with a particular sport. Every fall, I gear up for football. During those long, cozy winter days I watch a mix of hockey, basketball and football. And once spring hits, I can smell the NCAA tournament coming. Summer is reserved for watching hockey and basketball playoffs, and the occasional soccer game or tennis match. And that’s my year in a nutshell. That’s the mind of woman who loves sports.

I wish there were more forums for women like myself to talk sports. Most blogs, radio shows and television programs regarding sports are geared toward men. I understand the reason. I’m just saying I wish there were better outlets for women. That is why I jumped at the chance to write this blog. I wanted to give other women like myself a forum to discuss sports without feeling intimidated or as though they had to prove themselves.

I no longer feel as though I have to prove myself in order to partake in sports-related discussions, but I’m still mindful of who I am talking to. And just for the record, Brian Moorman, Marshawn Lynch, John DiGorgio, Terrance McGee, Paul Posluszny. Oh wait, that’s more than five.

Post from: EveryJoe

Why Girls Dig Sports?

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is expected to plead guilty next week to an unspecified charge stemming from a hit-and-run accident involving his SUV, Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark said Friday.

Clark declined to detail the charge but said a tentative plea agreement assumes Lynch was driving his 2008 Porsche Cayenne when it hit a woman crossing a Buffalo intersection early May 31, leaving the victim with a bruised hip and in need of stitches.

There was one other person in the SUV at the time, Clark said. He would not say who it was.

The announcement of an “agreement in principle” between lawyers came as a grand jury was scheduled to begin hearing testimony in the case. Several Bills players and front-office employees were subpoenaed by investigators frustrated by Lynch’s refusal to speak with them. READ MORE

Lynch is going to comment on the incident when he’s back in Buffalo to attend a court proceeding sometime next week. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about this matter.

The prosecutor, and even the article for that matter, doesn’t answer one irksome question though … why did Lynch leave the scene in the first place? Had he been drinking? Did he think he was going to get away with it?

I guess we’ll never know.

Even after Lynch makes his statement, and the woman he hit is a million dollars richer, we’ll still never know. But when Lynch suits up for the Buffalo Bills in the fall, will it cross are minds? Or will we forget about this incident as soon as he scores his first touch down of the season?

Post from: EveryJoe

Deal Has Been Reached With Lynch

I told you all that I would keep a watchful eye on this case. Here’s the latest from the Buffalo News:

Erie County District Attorney Frank J. Clark said this morning that he’s hopeful about reaching some kind of settlement today in the hit-and-run case involving Bills running back Marshawn Lynch’s vehicle.

“We’re continuing to discuss the matter, and we haven’t reached a resolution yet,” Clark told The Buffalo News at mid-morning. “I’m very optimistic that we’ll have at least an agreement in principle by this afternoon.”

Other sources said grand jury testimony about the case has been postponed today, as attorneys try to hammer out a possible settlement. READ MORE

This is what will most likely happen next:

1. A settlement will be reached.
2. The woman who was hit will sue and another settlement will be reached.
3. This entire case will be swept under the rug just in time for the 2008-2009 football season.

Do I dare raise the question as to what would have happened to Lynch had he NOT been a professional athlete?

This isn’t much of a surprise, is it? There’s a long list of professional athletes who have been able to dodge the proverbial bullet time and time again.

When you’re an athlete, a celebrity, heck … even a politician, there’s always a a way out. The rest of us? Well, I guess we just have to live with our meager status in life and obey the laws that govern our society.

Get your NFL fix at Squib Kick for more football action on and off the field.

Image provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

A Settlement For Lynch Is On The Horizon

First off, I have to take a moment to pay my respects to Tim Russert who passed away on Friday, June 13. Tim was from Buffalo, as am I, and he’s been a permanent supporter of the Buffalo area. He is beloved and revered, and everyone here at home feels as though we have lost a member of our family. God bless Tim and the rest of his family.

Now on to sports.

The NBA Finals

First off, let’s talk about the NBA Finals game last night. The Celtics basically lost that game. The Lakers did not win it, they were not impressive in closing it out and they shouldn’t feel any more confident about their play going into Game Six. I know this because I watched (and blogged) the entire game last night. And even though the Celtics had to make a comeback once again (can’t they just start off the game playing the way they finish?) they were in control of that game for three quarters. The turning point was Kobe’s “big steal,” which is up for debate.

I called it last night and said that it should have been a reach-in … but it wasn’t. Kobe went on to dunk the ball with such vigor that the crowd finally showed some life after falling asleep at some point through the second quarter of play. I’m sorry but Kobe should not feel as though he was the savior here. He played mediocre and I’m kinda of tired of all the MJ comparisons at this point. He’s not MJ. He didn’t take over the game and he didn’t want the ball in his hands at the end of the game either. Would MJ have passed off to Pau Gasol in the lane when the game was on the line? I doubt it. Regardless, I think the Celtics are going to wrap up this series back home in Boston on Tuesday night.

The U.S. Open

I’ll be honest, golf is about the last sports activity I tend to watch on television. But with the drama unfolding yesterday during the U.S. Open, how could I not watch?

I was wrong about Mickelson. He’s wasn’t even in the running for this one. Remember when I said that no analyst wanted to bet against Tiger, well now you know why. Even after knee surgery, he comes out and putts like he has a beacon hidden in his golf balls which leads them all directly into the hole. Did you see the putt he made on Saturday that practically curved like a half moon?? It was incredible!

He was behind the leader by one stroke and managed to send the Open to a one-on-one playoff round with a birdie on the 18th hole — 12 lonely feet from the cup. Now he and Rocco Mediate will play against one another today to decide the winner.

Man, talk about pressure. And I’m not talking about Woods here either. He never falters under pressure, he LOVES pressure situations, and he has proven it time and time again. I’m referring to Mediate. He busted his hump to turn in what is probably his best major performance to date and now he has to muster up a little more magic for one more round. I hadn’t even heard of Mediate before. Who has? He is the 158th ranked player in the world. His last victory was in 2002 at the Greater Greensboro Open. It’s like David vs. Goliath!

Like I said, I don’t usually tune in for golf. But I sure wish I was home watching golf today.

The WNBA

I thought I’d do a quick rundown of the current WNBA standings:

Eastern Conference
Connecticut
Detroit
New York
Indiana
Chicago
Washington
Atlanta

Western Conference
LA
Seattle
San Antonio
Minnesota
Sacramento
Phoenix
Houston

I don’t think it’s a big surprise to see the LA Sparks on top. With Candace Parker AND Lisa Leslie, they are a force to be reckoned with. The surprising bit is that Phoenix is second to last after winning the WNBA Championship last year. Diana Taurasi can’t do it all by herself!

NFL

Despite the Marshawn Lynch debacle, the Bills have something to be excited about. They could be the surprise team of the NFL 2008-2009 season. John Clayton breaks it down on ESPN.

The Dallas Cowboys took a chance on Pacman Jones … why do NFL players continually piss on their talent by acting like fools off the field (I’m including Lynch in these sentiments folks). My father thinks Jones won’t last the entire season. I give him three weeks tops.

That’s it for me — Comments? Class discussion? Anyone?

Post from: EveryJoe

Weekend Sports Update

I know the WNBA is in full swing. I caught the end of a game this afternoon. Once the NBA Finals are over, I’ll jump full force into WNBA action. I’m on a one-track mind at the moment (Celtic pride!!! I won’t lie … I’m rooting for Boston) …

As for the live blogging, I’m going to try to be a little more witty this time around. Thursday night was my first night blogging while watching a game and it was quite a challenge keeping up with the play by play action. I read Bill Simmons diary from the same game and it was HILARIOUS. So I’m going to try to up my game a little bit. Let me know how I do! See you tomorrow for tip-off!

*Just a heads up – I’ll be talking about the U.S. Open, the NBA Finals, the Tim Donaghy situation and Marshawn Lynch on Monday for a Weekend Sports Round Up edition. Check it out!

*Don’t forget to vote on this week’s For Argument’s Sake poll!

Post from: EveryJoe

Live Blogging: Lakers vs. Celtics, Game Five