Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

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Nix out, Telford in as Bills GM
February 12, 2011

AP - Today, the Buffalo Bills are far removed from their "glory days" of the early 90s. After their 4 straight Super Bowl appearances spanning from 1990 to 1993, the Bills experienced an extreme fall from grace. Now, having not made a playoff appearance since the turn of the millennium, it is time for a change. A change geared towards not only a return to the Super Bowl, but to finish what they couldn't in the 90s.

Executive Vice President Buddy Nix has made the decision to hand the General Manager responsibilities over to Tony Telford*, a first-time GM, after interviewing several candidates. "We feel he makes up for his lack of experiences with his ideas and direction for this franchise," said owner Ralph Wilson. "We're really excited to have him on board."

After a 5-11 2010 season spelled a 6th consecutive losing season for Buffalo, there's really nowhere to go but up. Telford released the following brief statement: "The Buffalo Bills have some unfinished business, and it is my duty to see to it that they are once again a Super Bowl contender in the NFL."


* - used a random name generator

Editor's Note: In the coming days I'm going to work on how exactly I want to run this, as far as presentation goes. Also going to try fooling around with photoshop so this isn't as bland. Bear with me.

As far as settings, a combination of Playmaker's and Mike32Ownz's sliders tweaked to try and make it a little tougher, 15 minute quarters.

Simmed the 2010 season to get down to business

Some aspects of this franchise inspired by tomriddle's various franchises as well as downgoesfrazier

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2010 Season Recap: Notes
- The Bills finished 5-11 and will have the 4th pick in the upcoming draft.

- Free agent WR Antonio Bryant was signed prior to the season in an attempt to bolster a weak receiving corps.

- Free agent C Justin Hartwig signed to add O-line depth, eventually became the starter.

- In week 3, Buffalo traded RB Marshawn Lynch to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 3rd round pick.

- Backup FS George Wilson was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a 4th round pick.

- HB Fred Jackson eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark despite being the starter for only half of the season. Rookie C.J. Spiller relinquished the starting job after an unimpressive start to the season averaging under 3 yards per carry.

- The 2010 season saw, to put it nicely, less than spectacular quarterback play from the trio of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brian Brohm. The lone bright spot, however, could be when Brohm had a 10/11 performance in injury relief. It should be interesting to see how Telford address the QB position.

- Defensive ends Marcus Stroud and Dwan Edwards each surpassed 10 sacks

- The Ravens beat the Saints in the Super Bowl

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

"Top-Down" Changes Continue, New Staff In Place
Coaching staff overhaul Telford's first act

"With a new era of Bills football comes a new regime." After the firing of head coach Chan Gailey, along with offensive and defensive coordinators Curtis Modkins and George Edwards last week, Telford and Wilson introduced the new Buffalo coaching staff on Monday.

Head Coach - Dick Lebeau

After spending the last 7 seasons as defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lebeau accepted the head coaching job in Buffalo. Lebeau previously served as head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to a cumulative 12-33 record during his 3 season tenure. Telford explained, "I don't feel his record with Cincinnati was a reflection of his abilities as a coach, but rather a lack of supporting cast. We're hoping he will serve as a great motivator for our players and have our defense playing as sharp as the Steelers defense during his time with them."

Offensive Coordinator - Norv Turner

At the end of the 2010 season, the San Diego Chargers opted not to re-sign Norv Turner as head coach. Turner has been a well-traveled head coach and offensive coordinator throughout his career, and played a key role in the early 90s Super Bowl troubles of the Buffalo Bills as offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys. Telford hopes he can lead the Bills offense in much the same way as he did the Cowboys of old.

Defensive Coordinator - Ron Rivera

Another castoff from the Chargers' 2010 coaching staff, Rivera is expected to team with head coach Lebeau to craft a very physical, dominating defensive scheme. "Any time you put 2 of the better defensive minds in the game together on the same staff, you're expecting to have a top defense. I expect no less from these two." As coordinator for the Chicago Bears, Rivera led them to the Super Bowl with a top 5 defense in 2006.

Bruce DeHaven has retained his role as Special Teams Coordinator.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

Team Analysis - Telford's Take

From a radio interview with new Bills GM Tony Telford:

"To be honest, looking at this team, the 5-11 record from a year ago doesn't represent the level of talent here, in my opinion. I mean look at the depth at halfback, in the secondary, at middle linebacker, defensive line. We've got some real quality players here. Posluszny is one of the most underrated defenders in the league and Byrd is a bright young star as well. We've also got a foundation for a solid o-line with young guards Wood and Levitre.

If I had to pinpoint weaknesses that we're looking to address this offseason it would be QB, WR, O-line, LOLB, and overall depth. We're looking to create a team with a versatile dynamic that is difficult to gameplan against. I'm looking forward to putting the pieces together this offseason."

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

Free Agency Recap

Key Losses
QB Trent Edwards
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
FB Corey McIntyre
SS Bryan Scott
TE David Martin
WR David Nelson
MLB Keith Ellison
LT Demetrius Bell
RT Cornell Green
K Rian Lindell

Key Additions
QB Josh Johnson - To compete with Brohm and whoever else is added through the draft
HB Darren McFadden - Hoping to create a 3-headed monster out of the backfield
RT Brandon Keith - After losing the veteran Green, Keith was the best RT on the market
LOLB Thomas Howard - Some analysts feel the Bills overpaid for Howard, but LOLB was a glaring hole
MLB Gary Guyton - A speedy backer being thrown into an already solid MLB group
CB Zackary Bowman - Telford said secondary depth would be a big focus this offseason... Clearly he wasn't lying
CB Bruce Johnson - See above
K Mason Crosby - Solid replacement for Lindell, strong leg



UP NEXT - 2011 NFL Draft

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2011 NFL Draft

Buffalo Bills Draft Order
Rd 1, Pick 4
Rd 2, Pick 4
Rd 3, Pick 2 (from TB)
Rd 3, Pick 4
Rd 4, Pick 4
Rd 4, Pick 17 (from CLE)
Rd 5, Pick 4
Rd 6, Pick 4
Rd 7, Pick 4


On the Clock - Rd 1, Pick 4 - Buffalo Bills

**TRADE UPDATE**
It appears the Bills have traded away their first round pick to the Cleveland Browns. Here are the terms of the deal:

Browns Get:
1st round pick (4)
6th round pick (4)
Conditional 2011 pick (1st or 2nd rounder)

Bills Get:
2nd round pick (17)
3rd round pick (17)
QB Colt McCoy

Telford's Take - There just wasn't anybody on the board in that range that we felt fit our system well enough to be worth the hefty contract. We also like what we see in McCoy and expect him to compete for the starting job with Johnson and Brohm in camp.

New Draft Order
Rd 2, Pick 4
Rd 2, Pick 17 (from CLE)
Rd 3, Pick 2 (from TB)
Rd 3, Pick 4
Rd 3, Pick 17 (from CLE)
Rd 4, Pick 4
Rd 4, Pick 17 (from CLE)
Rd 5, Pick 4
Rd 6, Pick 17 (from CLE)
Rd 7, Pick 4

Buffalo Bills Draft Picks
2-4 -- LT Vondray Neal, LSU



Neal is a raw talent at the tackle position. He's got the size and work ethic that scouts fawn over, it's just a matter of how quickly he can polish his fundamentals. This pick fills the biggest hole left on the Bills' O-line and will compete with Jamon Meredith for the starting role.


2-17 -- SS Lawrence Wilson, UTEP



Wilson will likely step in immediately as the backup to Donte Whitner. He could also be a standout on special teams due to his big-hit ability. Coverage skills could use refinement.


3-2 -- WR Jordunn Williams, Tulsa



Not seeing any value picks on the board, the Bills decided to draft for need on this one and might have reached a little too much. Williams is viewed as a project talent with high potential, it's just a matter of putting it all together and learning to run routes against NFL corners.


3-4 -- WR Khamari Dansby, UNLV



Dansby's stock in the draft was likely so low due to him playing at UNLV. Perhaps the fastest player in the draft, there is no bigger playmaker in his class. He is a little rough around the edges though and could stand to improve his hands and route running.


3-17 -- LE Deontae Knight, Elon College



Another player whose stock is hindered by playing for a lesser known school. The Bills likely could've picked him up in the next round, but had no other available player ranked higher on their draft board at this point in the draft. This reach could pay huge dividends.


4-4 -- RT Bobby Curl, SMU



There appears to be a recurring theme of taking small school project talents in this draft by the Bills. Curl will likely step in as the backup to Brandon Keith right away.


4-17 -- ROLB Logan Ellis, UCLA



Ellis looks to be a special teamer his rookie season. The Bills like his speed and upside but with Maybin the incumbent it's going to be hard for him to see much time, barring injury or a strong training camp.


5-4 -- TE Torri Bonner, N. Colorado



The Bills and offensive coordinator Norv Turner envision Bonner as an Antonio Gates clone in their offense. His route running needs refining but he could quickly emerge as a top young tight end in the league. Not much of a blocker, though.


6-17 -- FB Trip Allen, Towson State



Known in college as a gamer, the Bills are hoping he brings that hard-nosed tenacity to Buffalo as a lead blocker for their RB trio. Likely will begin the season as the starter, replacing Corey McIntyre.


7-4 -- CB R.T. Smiley, Washington State



Enticed by his speed, Smiley will likely serve as nothing more than a special teams player and extra secondary body. More of an athlete than a defensive back.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2011 Draft Recap



Buffalo Bills - Scout Draft Analysis
2 (4) LT Vondray Neal -

Spoiler

74ovr (B pot)

2 (17) SS Lawrence Wilson -

Spoiler

75ovr (B pot)

3 (2) WR Jordunn Williams -

Spoiler

76ovr (A pot)

3 (4) WR Khamari Dansby -

Spoiler

71ovr (A pot)

3 (17) LE Deontae Knight -

Spoiler

89ovr (A pot)

4 (4) RT Bobby Curl -

Spoiler

70ovr (B pot)

4 (17) ROLB Logan Ellis -

Spoiler

67ovr (D pot)

5 (4) TE Torri Bonner -

Spoiler

75ovr (A pot)

6 (17) FB Trip Allen -

Spoiler

85ovr (A pot)

7 (4) CB R.T. Smiley -

Spoiler

52ovr (F pot)

UPDATE
The Buffalo Bills have come to terms on an agreement with former Saints free safety Usama Young. He will likely serve as the backup to Jarius Byrd.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

This is great!

I like the layout. Some may think the NFL.com graphics are great, but I'd rather do a more simpler approach TBH. It saves a lot of time and my photoshop trial is running out, so I may try something like this for my next franchise. Plus, it looks very clean! Awesome job.

Seeing the draft day trade, you didn't want their first rounder? You gave up a 1st, 6th and a 1st or 2nd 2011 pick for a 2nd, 3rd and their 2nd round choice from last year. Just wondering if there was noone you wanted in the 1st round?

Maybe it was a good deal, you did after all get one of the best college QBs in history with some good early round picks.

Nice draft though! I won't look at overalls since I don't wanna spoil myself and like finding gems and busts alike lol.

I also love Lebeau getting a HC job. I picked him for my Brown's franchise last year, which was very fun.

I will def. follow!

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This is great!

I like the layout. Some may think the NFL.com graphics are great, but I'd rather do a more simpler approach TBH. It saves a lot of time and my photoshop trial is running out, so I may try something like this for my next franchise. Plus, it looks very clean! Awesome job.

Seeing the draft day trade, you didn't want their first rounder? You gave up a 1st, 6th and a 1st or 2nd 2011 pick for a 2nd, 3rd and their 2nd round choice from last year. Just wondering if there was noone you wanted in the 1st round?

Maybe it was a good deal, you did after all get one of the best college QBs in history with some good early round picks.

Nice draft though! I won't look at overalls since I don't wanna spoil myself and like finding gems and busts alike lol.

I also love Lebeau getting a HC job. I picked him for my Brown's franchise last year, which was very fun.

I will def. follow!

I initially was looking to trade into the mid-20s in the first round until i came across McCoy. But yeah there wasn't really anybody in the first round who stood out to me as fitting my vision for the team, plus I figure the Browns probably need their first rounder since I'm taking their QB of the future. Then I figured if he goes on to start for me most of the season I'd send them another 1st, and if not then I'll probably use that first on a QB myself. This was a pretty weak draft as far as QBs go I think.

I'll have a preseason wrap-up on position battles as well as week 1 results up tonight

Thanks for following and glad you like the way it looks. I must say tho I'm a big fan of your NFL.com layout. Also, I'll put draft pick overalls and potential in spoiler tags from now on.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

A Look Ahead: Position Battles
The following battles are expected to take place during training camp and preseason.

Quarterback
The Bills don't currently have a quarterback with real starting experience. They expect third stringer from a year ago, Brian Brohm, to compete with newly acquired Josh Johnson and Colt McCoy for the job. The staff has said whoever plays the best in camp and preseason will earn the job, at least to start the season.

Halfback
After using their 2010 first rounder on RB CJ Spiller and handing him the starting job, the Bills saw him vastly outperformed by Fred Jackson. Now with free agent acquisition Darren McFadden thrown into the mix this is sure to become a heated battle. Telford is striving to put together a 3-headed monster in the backfield, but one must wonder if one out of the three might be traded prior to the season.

Wide Receiver
Will rookie receivers Jordunn Williams and Khamari Dansby step in and make an immediate impact in 2011 or will incumbents Roscoe Parrish and Marcus Easley force them to spend most of their rookie season on the bench? Turner is looking forward to having so many potential weapons to utilize in his offensive scheme.

Tight End
The team has high hopes for fifth-round pick Torri Bonner, but will he pick up the NFL game quick enough and take the starting spot from Jonathan Stupar and Shawn Nelson? His weakness as a blocker could hinder his chances to start out of the gate, but nonetheless we expect him to be an oft-utilized weapon in the passing game this season.

Left Tackle
Last season's backup Jamon Meredith will have every chance to win the starting job over rookie and 2nd round pick Vondray Neal. Although if Neal adjusts to NFL lineman quickly he could run away with the left tackle position.

Middle Linebacker
Paul Posluszny is the captain of this defensive unit, but who will accompany him in the middle of their 3-4 scheme? Odds likely favor veterans Kawika Mitchell and Andra Davis, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Bills favor the speed of free agent acquisition Gary Guyton. Regardless of who starts, they all should see plenty of time on the field in various packages.

Cornerback
With an already strong secondary, Buffalo added two more veteran corners to the group to team up with McKelvin & McGee. Bruce Johnson and Zackary Bowman will likely compete for a nickel corner position, although I wouldn't be shocked if an impressive preseason lands either of them in a starting spot.

Kick/Punt Returner
Parrish has long been the returner for the Bills, but with rookie Williams' impressive return abilities flashed at Tulsa I wouldn't be surprised if he takes at least some of the return responsibilities from Parrish. The result of this battle likely hinges closely on the outcome of the wide receiver battle.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

Preseason Results

Final Record - (4-0)

Stats

Buffalo Bills Preseason Passing Stats Leaders - 2011 Season

QB Rating	RATING	Passing Yards	YDS
1. Brian Brohm	106.4	1. Brian Brohm	392
2. Colt McCoy	89.8	2. Colt McCoy	305
3. Josh Johnson	71.5	3. Josh Johnson	307
Completion Percentage	COMP%	Touchdowns	TD
1. Brian Brohm	26/42 (61%)	1. Brian Brohm	3
2. Colt McCoy	22/42 (52%)	2. Colt McCoy	3
3. Josh Johnson	20/40 (50%)	3. Josh Johnson	2
Interceptions	INT	Average Yards Per Attempt	AVGA
1. Brian Brohm	1	1. Brian Brohm	9.3
2. Colt McCoy	1	2. Josh Johnson	7.6
3. Josh Johnson	2	3. Colt McCoy	7.2

Buffalo Bills Preseason Rushing Stats Leaders - 2011 Season

Rushing Yards	YDS	Rushing Touchdowns	TD
1. Fred Jackson	195	1. Fred Jackson	1
2. CJ Spiller	134	2. Darren McFadden	1
3. Darren McFadden	107	3. CJ Spiller	0
Attempts	ATT	Average Per Carry	AVG
1. Fred Jackson	33	1. Fred Jackson	5.9
2. CJ Spiller	32	2. CJ Spiller	4.1
3. Darren McFadden	28	3. Darren McFadden	3.8

Buffalo Bills Preseason Receiving Stats Leaders - 2011 Season

Receptions	REC	Yards	YDS
1. Khamari Dansby	17	1. Khamari Dansby	505
2. Torri Bonner	12	2. Jonathan Stupar	104
3. Jonathan Stupar	7	3. Torri Bonner	90
4. Jordunn Williams	6	4. Jordunn Williams	83
5. Trip Allen	6	5. Marcus Easley	59
Average Per Reception	AVG	Touchdowns	TDS
1. Khamari Dansby	29.7	1. Khamari Dansby	5
2. Marcus Easley	19.6	2. Torri Bonner	1
3. Jonathan Stupar	14.8	3. Jonathan Stupar	1
4. Jordunn Williams	13.8	4. Jordunn Williams	1
5. Torri Bonner	7.5	5.

Buffalo Bills Preseason Defensive Stats Leaders - 2011 Season

Tackles	TACK	Tackles For Loss	TFL
1. Gary Guyton	11	1. Deontae Knight	4
2. R.T. Smiley	10	2. Paul Posluszny	3
3. Donte Whitner	10	3. Gary Guyton	3
4. Usama Young	9	4. Aaron Maybin	2
5. Paul Posluszny	9	5. Usama Young	1
Sacks	SACK	Interceptions	INT
1. Deontae Knight	4	1. Jairus Byrd	1
2. Gary Guyton	2	2. Paul Posluszny	1
3. Aaron Maybin	1	3. Usama Young	1
4. Kyle Williams	1	4. Aaron Maybin	1

Notes
- Despite how much the team likes McCoy's style of play, they've decided to name Brian Brohm as the starter to begin the season due to his impressive play in the preseason as well as good performance in spot appearances last season.

- The offense scored over 40 points in each game. Time will tell if this is an early sign of an explosive, renewed offense or merely just a result of rotating starters throughout the game, even against second and third-string defenses after the half.

- The Bills were very aggressive on defense, forcing turnovers and scoring multiple defensive touchdowns. If this trend continues into the regular season the Bills could find themselves with a top 10 ranked defense.

- Although rookie LE Deontae Knight had a stellar preseason performance, it won't be enough to unseat veteran stars Marcus Stroud, Kyle Williams, and Dwan Edwards along the defensive line.

- Rookie WR Khamari Dansby was the obvious standout of the preseason, emerging as a big play threat leading receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He is expected to start the season as the number 3 receiver out of the slot, behind veterans Lee Evans and Antonio Bryant.

- The Bills signed free agent FB Quinton Ganther and see him as being a bigger receiving threat out of the fullback position than rookie Trip Allen. They seem set to split time.

- Rookie RT Bobby Curl went down with a torn quadricep and will miss the first few weeks of the season.

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2011 Buffalo Bills

Position Battle Winners
Quarterback - Brian Brohm
Brohm simply performed the best during preseason. It will be interesting to see if Lebeau and the Bills stick by him after a poor performance or two with a pair of young talented quarterbacks waiting in the wings.

Halfback - Fred Jackson
Jackson continued to perform at a higher level like he did in 2010. The Bills still plan to utilize Spiller as a homerun threat and McFadden out of a lot of passing packages. The dynamic of this three-headed monster could very well change throughout the season, though.

Wide Receiver - (3) Khamari Dansby (4) Jordunn Williams
As noted before, Dansby was the standout player on the Bills offense, so him getting the number 3 spot should come as no surprise. I expect Williams and Parrish to still share a lot of time at 4th receiver.

Tight End - Torri Bonner
Although Jonathan Stupar arguably outperformed Bonner in the passing game, they feel Bonner offers more of a big play threat. I presume they will still use a lot of 2-TE formations to get Stupar on the field as well.

Left Tackle - Vondray Neal
Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris was impressed with how Neal adjusted to NFL play during the preseason. The Bills will likely utilize a rotation of Neal and Meredith, but ultimately they determined the best way for Neal to learn the position is to have him come up facing elite NFL players.

Middle Linebacker - Kawika Mitchell
Gary Guyton honestly stood out as the linebacker who made the most impact during preseason, but Lebeau will opt to start the battle-tested veteran. Guyton will still see plenty of time in nickel, dollar, and quarter packages, though, as they like his speed and ability to get to the ball carrier.

Cornerback - See Depth Chart

Kick/Punt Returner
Parrish and Williams are expected to split the return duties throughout the season.

Depth Chart
**Note - For rookie ratings, please see this post**

Buffalo Bills - 2011 Depth Chart - Regular Offense

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
WR	Antonio Bryant (83)	Khamari Dansby (R)	Marcus Easley (64)
TE	Torri Bonner (R)	Jonathan Stupar (73)	Shawn Nelson (74)
LT	Vondray Neal (R)	Jamon Meredith (72)	Ed Wang (70)
LG	Andy Levitre (85)	Kraig Urbik (69)
C	Justin Hartwig (81)	Geoff Hangartner (72)
RG	Eric Wood (87)	Cordaro Howard (66)
RT	Brandon Keith (81)	Bobby Curl (R)
WR	Lee Evans (84)	Jordunn Williams (R)	Roscoe Parrish (64)
QB	Brian Brohm (69)	Colt McCoy (76)	Josh Johnson (73)
FB	Trip Allen (R)	Quinton Ganther (71)
HB	Fred Jackson (84)	CJ Spiller (84)	Darren McFadden (79)

Buffalo Bills - 2011 Depth Chart - Base 3-4 Defense

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
LDE	Marcus Stroud (82)	Deontae Knight (R)
NT	Kyle Williams (81)	Torrell Troup (72)	Tony Hargrove (73)
RDE	Dwan Edwards (80)	Alex Carrington (71)
LOLB	Thomas Howard (79)	Chris Kelsay (68)
LILB	Paul Posluszny (89)	Gary Guyton (77)
RILB	Kawika Mitchell (77)	Andra Davis (76)
ROLB	Aaron Maybin (69)	Antonio Coleman (62)
CB	Leodis McKelvin (87)	Zackary Bowman (80)	R.T. Smiley (R)
SS	Donte Whitner (85)	Lawrence Wilson (R)
FS	Jairus Byrd (91)	Usama Young (71)
CB	Terrence McGee (83)	Bruce Johnson (80)

Buffalo Bills - 2011 Depth Chart - Special Teams

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
K	Mason Crosby
P	Brian Moorman
H
PR	Jordunn Williams	Roscoe Parrish
KR	Roscoe Parrish	Jordunn Williams
LS	Geoff Hangartner

OperationSports.com

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2011 Schedule

1 - - @ New England Patriots - Monday, September 12, 9:00PM

2 - - @ Philadelphia Eagles - Sunday, September 18, 4:00PM

3 - - vs Houston Texans - Sunday, September 25, 1:00PM

4 - - vs New England Patriots - Sunday, October 2, 4:15PM

5 - - vs New York Giants - Sunday, October 9, 1:00PM

6 - - @ Miami Dolphins - Sunday, October 16, 4:00PM

7 - - @ Washington Redskins - Sunday, October 23, 1:00PM

8 - BYE WEEK

9 - - @ New York Jets - Sunday, November 6, 1:00PM

10 - - vs Dallas Cowboys - Sunday, November 13, 1:00PM

11 - - vs Kansas City Chiefs - Sunday, November 20, 1:00PM

12 - - @ Cleveland Browns - Sunday, November 27, 8:30PM

13 - - @ Oakland Raiders - Sunday, December 4, 4:15PM

14 - - @ San Diego Chargers - Sunday, December 11, 4:05PM

15 - - vs New York Jets - Sunday, December 18, 8:30PM

16 - - vs Denver Broncos - Saturday, December 24, 4:00PM

17 - - vs Miami Dolphins - Sunday, January 1, 1:00PM

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Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

2011 Preview


Five things you need to know about the Bills:

1. Another year, another scheme: After yet another losing season, the Bills cleaned house and brought in a whole new coaching staff. With hopes of making the Bills a versatile team tough to gameplan against, one has to wonder if they have all the necessary pieces for that. The coaching brilliance of Lebeau, Turner, and Rivera combined should at least add a couple of victories, or so they hope.

2. Quarterback by committee: Brian Brohm has the starting job now, but after a bad game or two it's very likely we could see Colt McCoy as the starter, then Josh Johnson after a bad McCoy start. Unless one of these young, untested talents emerges as a formidable starter, this could spell a recipe for disaster. Expect all criticism to be directed towards whoever is starting at quarterback that particular week.

3. Underrated defensive unit: Last year we noted how talented their defensive backfield was. This year, it's even better with the additions of Bowman and Johnson at corner. Hopefully the defense will be better suited to stop opposing running backs this year. If there is anything to take from their preseason performance, it's that the Buffalo defense played with a visible hunger to succeed, and forced many turnovers as a result. If that carries over into the regular season they will be a force.

4. Big-play offense: From the looks of it, the Buffalo offense will have to rely on scoring the big play in order to put points on the board. With the breakout preseason by rookie receiver Khamari Dansby, CJ Spiller with another year under his belt, and the addition of Darren McFadden, the Bills look poised to exploit opposing defenses with the big play.

5. Offensive line will make or break them: Ultimately, if their quarterback (whoever it may be) can't get time in the pocket and holes aren't opened for the running back trio, too much pressure will be put on the Bills defense. They hope new tackles Vondray Neal and Brandon Keith can help keep their offense on the field but the line is still a question mark.

-- Tim Graham, ESPN.com

[Downgoesfrazier]

Re: Unfinished Business: Buffalo Bills Story (Madden 11 Franchise)

Awesome job with the build up to the season so far!

Odd to see Brohm doing so well, but it's cool to see something different. Good luck with it and let's get to some football!