Rookies Making Big Impact for Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills seem to have hit the jackpot
 in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Let's face it, in past years the Buffalo Bills haven't drafted much of anything. J.P. Losman, Aaron Maybin, John McCargo and James Hardy were all first and second round picks of the Bills. What do these players have in common? They're all no longer employed by the NFL. 

But, this years draft looks very promising. Buffalo's top three picks have already become household names in the league. First round pick E.J. Manuel has shown an incredible amount of poise and leadership for a rookie quarterback. The former FSU Seminole's numbers won't make you jump out of your seat, but Manuel can get the job done with limited turnovers and smart decision making. 

Buffalo's second round pick was former USC wide receiver Robert Woods. Woods is possibly the best route runner to come out of the draft. Through the first five games, Woods has caught 16 balls for 265 yards. That's a staggering 16.6 yards per reception. Woods has been a much needed addition to an unproven receiving group. This rookie will continue to impress throughout his career. Don't be surprised if you see Robert Woods' name on the Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium after his time is up.

In the third round, the Bills decided to take a chance on the very talented Kiko Alonso. While attending the University of Oregon in 2010, Alonso was arrested on a DUI, and was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Alonso stayed clean his senior season, but his draft stock plummeted. When the Bills picked 46th, they couldn't pass on Alonso. Since then, Alonso has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL, recording 23 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 sack. Alonso earned Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for the month of September. Let's see if the legend of Kiko Alonso will continue this season as he makes a push for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

History in Favor of Buffalo

Bills WR Stevie Johnson celebrates a touchdown with his famous
"why so serious" t-shirt against the Bengals in 2010.

As we look forward to Sunday's matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, let's take a look back at the history between these two teams. 

Since 2001, the Buffalo Bills have won six of the last the seven games against the Cincinnati Bengals. In all of these previous meetings, the winning team has scored at least 22 points. I see this week being no different. 

Bengals superstar wide receiver A.J. Green has the ability to put up video-game-like numbers against almost any defense in the league. Green's ability to take the top off the defense and make leaping receptions is a scary thought for an inconsistent Bills secondary.

On the opposing sideline, the Buffalo Bills will continue to work their two-headed monster in the backfield. Running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, have undoubtedly been the best tandem in the NFL this season. Jackson and Spiller have combined for 605 yards and 5 touchdowns. This run heavy offense will be tested against the 10th best run defense in football. 

If the Bills can win the turnover battle and get the run game going, they'll have a good chance to win this one. These keys will take tremendous pressure off their new starting quarterback, Thad Lewis. Let's not forget the return of the Pro Bowl free safety Jairus Byrd and top cornerback Stephon Gilmore. These playmakers will help stop the dangerous speed of the Bengals receiving core.

Byrd Hatches in Time for Week Six

Bills FS Jairus Byrd prepping for a return this Sunday.

Bills fans will see a familiar face on the field this Sunday. Franchise free safety Jairus Byrd practiced Wednesday and is prepared to play for the first time this season. Byrd has been battling plantar fasciitis in both feet since last year's 2012-2013 campaign. 

With recent trade rumors swirling about Byrd, Bills nation has had mixed feelings about the once beloved defensive standout. But with the secondary bruised, beaten and criticized, Byrd will add comfort and productivity to a much needed position.

There has also been some speculation that second year cornerback Stephon Gilmore will be back this week. Gilmore has been sidelined since week three of the preseason (hand). With uncertainty lurking, strong safety Aaron Williams has continued to take snaps at the cornerback position.

It's been a hectic week at One Bills Drive filled with substantial changes and unanswered questions. Despite the insanity, Buffalo will be focused on getting their third win of the season as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Put Tuel Back in the Shed, Bring in Thad Lewis

Bills QB Thad Lewis showing off his mobility
 against the Detroit Lions.

With EJ Manuel sidelined for most of the preseason (knee), and Kevin Kolb being placed on IR (concussion), the Buffalo Bills traded for Thad Lewis. The former Duke Blue Devil played one game with the Bills in their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. Lewis' performance was solid, but wasn't strong enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. EJ Manuel recovered quickly and was named the starting quarterback for week one against the New England Patriots. Undrafted rookie free agent  Jeff Tuel  had the hot hand in the preseason. With the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart going down, Tuel's practice reps and game time amplified. Tuel was then named Buffalo's backup for week one by head coach Doug Marrone. Although Lewis didn't have much knowledge of the offense, his talent and production did not go unnoticed. Lewis was signed to the practice squad shortly after.

Going into Thursday Night Football, Bills nation was anxious to see what the next chapter held in the EJ Manuel project. Late in the second half, Manuel took off and ran for a first down. Tiptoeing the sideline, Manuel was exposed for a big hit. Cleveland Browns saftey, Tashaun Gipson, went low on the scrambling Manuel and knocked him out of the game. It was now 'Tuel Time' for the Bills, as Tuel came off the bench late in the third quarter. With almost no production and a late pick six, the Bills went on to lose the nationally televised game. 

This week Manuel was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and is now expected to miss 4-8 weeks. The Bills brought in Pat White and Denis Dixon this weekend for workouts. Dixon was signed to the practice squad, while White was left in the dust. All signs led to Thad Lewis to be the starting quarterback for week six, and that's exactly what will happen.

Lewis has been on the practice squad all year, but has been in the booth on gamedays. Lewis is a smart player and has the most knowledge of Nathaniel Hackett's offense. Lewis has good speed and looks natural running the read option. Combined with a decent arm, it'll be compelling to see how the Bills will do this Sunday, when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium.