By Jay Skurski<br><a href="mailto:skurskij@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Jay</a>
September 27, 2008 11:22 pm
—
Buffalo Bills podcast
Log on Monday to hear Bills beat writer Jay Skurski and group sports editor Tim Schmitt break down the game. Visit tonawanda-news.com, niagara-gazette.com and lockportjournal.com.
Buffalo’s 2008 leaders
- PASSING: Trent Edwards, 63-of-94, 733 yards, 67.0 completion percentage, 3 TDs, 1 int., 96.6 passer rating
- RUSHING: Marshawn Lynch, 60 carries, 218 yards, 3.6 yards per rush, 4 TDs
- RECEIVING: Josh Reed, 13 catches, 145 yards, 0 TDs
- TACKLES: Paul Posluszny, 23
- SACKS: Marcus Stroud, 2
- INTERCEPTIONS: Terrence McGee, 2
St. Louis’ 2008 leaders
- PASSING: Marc Bulger, 52-of-89, 519 yards, 58.4 completion percentage, 2 TDs, 2 ints., 73.2 passer rating- RUSHING: Steven Jackson, 50 carries, 159 yards, 3.2 yards per rush, 0 TDs
- RECEIVING: Jackson, 15 catches, 133 yards, O TDs
- TACKLES: Corey Chavous, 27
- SACKS: Chris Long, Will Witherspoon, Victor Adeyanju, all with 1
- INTERCEPTIONS: None
(Buffalo) What they’re saying ...
“They’re ready to give Trent (Edwards) the key to the city, but I think he’d put it away somewhere and not use it. That’s how Trent is. He’s so focused on what he has to do.”
— Bills quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, on Trent Edwards’ solid start and the town’s excitement.
(St. Louis) What they’re saying ...
“I’m going to do some kind of dance. There’s going to be a 100-percent guarantee I’m going to dance. You’ll see it (today). I’m still memorizing what dance technique or routine I’m going to do.”
— Rams rookie WR Donnie Avery, making a guarantee he’ll score a TD in today’s game.
Buffalo’s player to watch
James Hardy, wide receiver
He was drafted in the second round for a reason, and beginning today, James Hardy will really get a chance to show what he brings to the Buffalo Bills.
Hardy likely will have a bigger role in the offense after Roscoe Parrish had his right thumb surgically repaired this week. Despite just spot production thus far, Hardy says he’s ready to show what he can do.
“I’m excited,” he said. “You don’t want to see guys go down, but this is the game of football and it happens. So when guys go down, other guys have to step up. Being a part of a winning organization, you’ve got to wait your turn. We’re 3-0, we’re winning, and everybody’s happy. Now Roscoe’s down for a couple of weeks and I’ve just got to step up.”
Hardy, who has two catches for 12 yards, will likely be lined up on the outside opposite Lee Evans in Buffalo’s three-receiver set, with Josh Reed moving into the slot.
St. Louis’ player to watch
Trent Green, quarterback
Reeling after an 0-3 start, the Rams shooke things up earlier this week by going with Green at quarterback in place of Marc Bulger. Green’s last two seasons have ended early because of severe concussion, but the Rams hope the 12th-year vet — in his second stint with the team — can spark an offense that ranks 31st in the league.
“Right now I’m looking for something to spark our team. Anything. Certainly, we can use it,” Rams coach Scott Linehan said of the switch.
Bills defenders believe Green has been around the league long enough to do that.
“He can get you in the right place. He can throw the football where it needs to go and not make mistakes,” Bills safety Donte Whitner said.
Whether Green can do that against the league’s fifth-ranked defense will go a long way toward determining the Rams’ success today.
Where the advantage lies ...
Running game — ST. LOUIS: Despite running behind a woeful O-line, Jackson is still a premier back. He’s a tough test for Buffalo.
Passing game — BUFFALO: Edwards is playing like a Pro Bowler through the first three weeks, while St. Louis has benched Bulger.
Run defense — BUFFALO: Through three games, Buffalo hasn’t allowed a team to rush for 100 yards. Raise your hand if you saw that coming.
Pass defense — BUFFALO: Buffalo is ranked sixth in the league, St. Louis is 30th. Enough said. McGee and Greer have been solid.
Kicking game — BUFFALO: Kicking indoors will be a nice treat for Lindell and Moorman. Lindell’s game-winner was, of course, clutch.
Return game — BUFFALO: Losing Parrish hurts, but McKelvin is a nice second option. Rams’ Hall is one of the game’s all-time great returners.
Coaching — BUFFALO: Bills face another coach who could be on the chopping block with a loss. Definite advantage: Buffalo.
Jay Skurski’s Outlook
Rams could be dangerous today because they might be playing for Linehan’s job. Oakland showed last week that no team can be taken lightly, but Buffalo is the more-talented team.
Prediction
Buffalo 24, St. Louis 13
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
