Make Yourself at Home

Buffalo will have to find the ground game to beat Miami
 on Sunday.

The Buffalo Bills go into Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins with a dreadful eight straight division road losses. In order for the Bills to make a dent in the AFC East this season, they'll have to pull out a win at Sun Life Stadium.

Head coach Doug Marrone is still in search of his first divisional win, while quarterback Thad Lewis is looking for his first career win as a starter.

Since 2001, this series is all knotted up at twelve games apiece. Perhaps this is due to the fact that both teams have continually tried to find answers at the quarterback and head coaching position. 

Buffalo's QB's since 2001: Alex Van Pelt, Rob Johnson, Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman, Kelly Holcomb, Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm, E.J. Manuel and Thad Lewis.

Buffalo HC's since 2001: Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, Dick Jauron, Perry Fewell, Chan Gailey and Doug Marrone. 

Miami's QB's since 2001: Jay Fiedler, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, A.J. Feely, Sage Rosenfels, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemmon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen, Matt More and Ryan Tannehill.

Miami's HC's since 2001: Dave Wannstedt, Jim Bates, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles and Joe Philbin.  

This Sunday's matchup will be an ariel attack from former Texas A&M star Ryan Tannehill of the Miami Dolphins. Newly acquired wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson bring star power to an already strong group. Wide receiver Brian Hartline and tight end Charles Clay have led the way with a combined 48 receptions, 629 yards and 4 touchdowns. On top of a strong throwing style offense, Miami comes into Sunday with one of the most physical defenses in the NFL.

To counter Miami's strengths, Buffalo must run the ball efficiently and shut down Miami's receivers with a strong showing from their healthy secondary. Running back C.J. Spiller has been playing most of the season on a bum ankle, but was reported earlier in the week that Spiller is nearing 100% again. Wide receiver Stevie Johnson missed last week's game against Cincinnati (back), but will return to the field this week. This will help Thad Lewis in his second start with Buffalo. Look for the play-action game to be in full swing throughout the day. Don't be surprised if tight end Scott Chandler has a big day.

Matchup to watch: Mario Williams vs. Jonathan Martin and Tyson Clabo- Mario Williams has been earning his money this season. After six games, Williams has recorded 8 sacks and has manhandled almost every offensive line he's faced this year.

Both teams seem to be headed in the right direction, taking the steps that are necessary to building a successful organization. 

Master Carpenter Returning to Miami

Bills K Dan Carpenter went 4 for 4 in the 27-20 loss
to the New York Jets in week 3.

Buffalo Bills kicker Dan Carpenter has been virtually automatic this season. After rookie 6th-round pick Dustin Hopkins injured his groin (IR), the Bills turned to the veteran Carpenter. 

The former University of Montana standout signed with Buffalo after being released by the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets. History showed that Carpenter had a cannon for a leg, but wasn't always up to par in the consistency department. With a career long of 60-yards and a field goal percentage of 82.6, special teams coach Danny Crossman was happy to acquire the 27-year-old. 

Since being in Buffalo, Carpenter has gone 12 for 13 with a long of 55. He will face his former team this Sunday as the Bills take on the Dolphins in Miami. 

Carpenter may have earned his spot on the Bills' roster for many years to come. 

Ralph Wilson Turns 95

Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. celebrated his 95th birthday
 this Thursday.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. celebrated his 95th birthday today.

Wilson was one of the founding owners of the American Football league, which eventually merged with the National Football League in 1970. The Detroit, Michigan native is the oldest owner in the NFL, and is the last AFL owner to still have his franchise in its original city.

Wilson has been unable to attend a game this season, stating that, "travel continues to be a challenge for me."

The Bills organization will try to give Mr. Wilson the best gift they can give, which is a win against their long-time division rival Miami Dolphins this Sunday.

Turn Up the Heat

Bills HC Doug Marrone brought the heat to Orchard Park
during Wednesday's practice.

After rain forced Buffalo to practice indoors today, head coach Doug Marrone took advantage of what mother nature gave him. Marrone decided to turn up the temperature in the fieldhouse to prepare for Sunday's game in Miami. Although the conditions were not identical, anything will help the team get ready for the humid 88 degree forecast during gametime.

The Buffalo Bills (2-4) are seeking their first division win as they take on AFC East rival Miami Dolphins (3-2).

This is just another example of how the new regime operates in Buffalo. 

Bills Release G Colin Brown

Bills G Colin Brown will have to go job hunting
after being dumped by Buffalo on Tuesday.

Starting one day, unemployed the next. Guard Colin Brown was released this afternoon by the Buffalo Bills. After starting the first five games of the season, coach Doug Marrone didn't see enough production from Brown to keep him on the roster. Brown was battling for the starting left guard position with Doug Legursky.

Due to the release of Brown, the Buffalo Bills made numerous roster moves. Practice squad offensive lineman Mark Asper was promoted to the 53-man roster. Standing at 6-7 and 325 pounds, Asper has continued to show promise since being drafted 178th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012.

The Bills also announced the signing of Offensive lineman Bryant Browning and linebacker Jacquies Smith. While releasing defensive end Jamie Blatnick.

Look for a healthy Doug Legursky to add strength to an already proven offensive line.

Bills Acquire QB Matt Flynn

Bills sign former Raiders signal caller Matt Flynn.

As speculated Sunday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills gave former 7th-round pick a workout. Just hours later the team announced the signing of Flynn.

Matt Flynn brings valuable experience to a beaten up quarterback situation in Buffalo.

Flynn backed up Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers from 2008-2010. When Rodgers went down with a concussion, Flynn thrived. His best performance was on January 1, 2012. Flynn threw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns (both Green Bay records) against the Detroit Lions.

Flynn then landed with the Seahawks in Seattle the following season. But with the emergence of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, Seattle announced they'd start the rookie and trade Flynn.

The Oakland Raiders decided to take a chance on Flynn when they traded a 5th-round pick for the Tyler, Texas native. It was now a battle between Terrelle Pryor and Matt Flynn. Due to poor play from Flynn and the development of Pryor, Flynn was demoted from first string to third just weeks into the season. Flynn was eventually released by Oakland.

The Buffalo Bills now have a solid situation at quarterback with their new acquisition. With the strong performance of Thad Lewis on Sunday and Matt Flynn's strong presence, the team will have short term help until E.J. Manuel returns from injury (knee).

Thad Lewis is still expected to be the starter when they take on the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.

Nugent Sinks Buffalo in OT

Bengals K Mike Nugent ends Buffalo's late game heroics
with a game-winning 43-yard field goal in OT.

This week six matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals was an absolute roller coaster ride in Orchard Park, New York.

Filling the shoes of injured quarterback E.J. Manuel was not going to be elementary. With little time to adjust, quarterback Thad Lewis knew he had to go through the week confidently along with using practice time wisely. Lewis seemed to do just that. As a result, Lewis looked like a seasoned veteran against Cincinnati.

It seemed as though the Bills defense leaked one big player after another. Buffalo found themselves down two touchdowns going into the final quarter. Much of the reason being the play of Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton rifled the ball down the field consistently and efficiently, setting up opportunities for his speedy playmakers. Wide receivers A.J. Green and Marvin Jones along with running back Giovani Bernard all capitalized on Dalton passes for touchdowns.

Despite the defensive struggle, Buffalo had an opportunity to make a late comeback. Showing poise and command from beginning to end, Lewis was the man to lead the charge. A late touchdown pass to tight end Scott Chandler and a 40-yard game tying bomb to wide receiver Marquis Goodwin, erased the 14 point deficit to force overtime.

The Bengals won the overtime coin toss and intelligently elected to receive. Unable to get into scoring position, Cincinnati was forced to punt, pinning Buffalo deep inside their own territory. The game now turned into a battle of field position. Needing to get out of the shadows of their own end zone, Buffalo ran on first and second down. On the following play, Thad Lewis was unable to connect with wide receiver Chris Hogan on a third and manageable. After a quick three and out, newly acquired Bills punter Brian Moorman was set to boot the ball back to Cincinnati. Bengals return specialist Brandon Tate back peddled to his own 38-yard line to gather the Moorman punt. Tate made a cut upfield and took off along the left sideline beating most of the coverage. Tate's return resulted in a 29-yard punisher, putting the Bengals in prime position to close out Buffalo. Four plays later Cincinnati sent out kicker Mike Nugent, who scored the winning points on a 43-yard field goal.

Bengals 27 Bills 24 FINAL/OT

The Bills fall 2-4, while the Bengals kicked their way to 4-2, and first place in the AFC North.

If the loss didn't sting enough, quarterback Thad Lewis confirmed in his post game press conference that he suffered a sprained foot during the contest.

Multiple reports say Buffalo will be working out free agent quarterback Matt Flynn. Flynn spent the beginning of the season with the Oakland Raiders. After injury, Flynn lost out on the starting job to former Ohio State standout, Terrelle Pryor.

Three stars for the Bills in week six:

1. Thad Lewis- 19 of 32, 216 YDS, 2 pass TD 1 rush TD
2. Kiko Alonso- 22 TKL, 1 TFL
3. T.J. Grahm- 4 REC, 74 YDS