T.O. In B-Lo: A List posted by Frederick Barry

  In an effort to stimulate debate with the critics, who seem to like to engage in a strategy known as "closing down the debate," this is a list of all the reasons Terrell Owens will fare far better in Buffalo than he has on any other team. Also, there may be a point or two regarding why his acquisition was intelligent on the part of Buffalo. Here goes (and I sure do hope I am right):

1. The most common complaint: T.O. is a cancer in the locker room.  My logical response: There is less ego in the Buffalo Bills locker room than there have been in other locker rooms he has been a part of.  The Bills' locker room has enough room for his ego and, in fact, have thus far welcomed it.  Further, Buffalo is the smallest market Owens has ever played in.  Before this, he played in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas.  These three teams are large market teams that generally draw a good deal of media attention with or without Owens.  Buffalo has been getting a lot of attention lately - but it is because Owens is there now.  Since he is playing in a smaller market and is the biggest attention draw on the team (due to personality as well as skill.  I am not willing to say he is Buffalo's only talent; the defense is stacked if healthy, Marshawn Lynch is a stud, Lee Evans is fantastic, etc.) he can bask in the attention instead of crumble under the weight.  I do not need to remind NFL fans of the infamous crying interview.

2. This point stems from the first one.  The largest reason Owens was a cancer was because he is a competitive winner.  Buffalo is cognizant of this.  They will get him the ball because they need him to have it.  If Owens has the ball, touchdowns happen.  Owens scored more touchdowns last season himself than the entire Bills offense.  They will use him more than other teams have in the past.  Need I remind everyone of the Romo to Witten disaster last season when their play-off hopes were hanging by a thread?  Instead of giving the ball to Owens, Romo threw two passes to Witten that were incredibly off the mark.  In fact, Witten did not even turn to acknowledge of the two passes from a choking Tony Romo.  Sure, Owens may not have caught the ball and, if he had, may not have done anything with it.  However, it sure as heck would've been better than passing to an obviously covered Witten (or no one).

Dream Draft posted by Randolph Charlotin

No matter how many times I re-do my mock draft, the answer is always the same. Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim falls to the Pats. I’ve just completed my third edition and for the third time Sintim is the logical 23rd pick overall.

Is that a bad thing? No. Sintim sounds like a fit. I feel more comfortable with that selection than USC’s Clay Matthews Jr.

I wouldn’t complain if the Patriots select Sintim if there isn’t a better choice by the time New England is on the clock. But the player I salivate for is Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English.

The problem is I feel English will be long gone to Washington at 13th overall. 10 slots ahead of New England!

One thing I do know is the Pats will go after a player if they want him bad enough. If English is irresistible, how does New England get in position to draft him? Since Scot Pioli wasn’t officially replaced, I’m gonna sneak into his former office and devise a plan to land the former Huskie.

With eleven picks in the draft, New England has the ammunition to make deals. So who should they call first?

Now let’s get things straight. N.E. won’t trade up too high. They aren’t interested in shelling out an exorbitant lump sum of cash to a kid who hasn’t played a down. They were willing to throw in LB Mike Vrabel with QB Matt Cassel just to save an additional four million dollars. Money is an object to the franchise, especially with the marquee Pats about to become free agents next year.

Cleveland Browns: Molding a New Team posted by Edward Stefanyak

Well, the first wave of free agency has passed, and the Browns didn't jump in. It appears to me that the Browns don't have a lot of room under the cap to sign high-priced free agents.

Leaving: Kellen Winslow, Joe Jurevicius, Jason Wright, Audra Davis. Is Braylon Edwards next? Next year is a contract year, and it appears that Braylon doesn't want to sign with the Browns again. So, why keep him around when we could get something for him this year? I know...we don't have a lot of quality WRs on the roster. But, if we rely on Braylon's potential, we might as well trade him for draft picks. And if I remember correctly, Braylon couldn't even catch a cold last season. Is Donte Stallworth leaving? After his accident, no one knows his future. Lastly, many experts believe that one of the QBs will be traded. Well, stay tuned.

Arriving: If you don't know by now, we have signed plenty of former NY Jets. One sports writer actually called our team the Cleveland Jets. For instance, we signed David Bowens, LB; Eric Barton, LB; Hank Poteat, CB; and C.J. Mosely, DE. In addition, we signed former Raven, Corey Ivy, CB; Noah Herron, RB; and Bills, Robert Royal, TE. We even bolstered our "O" line with the Bears, John St. Clair, and Seattle's Floyd Womack. Quietly, our team is coming together. Or, is it? Shaun Rogers did not show up for a mini-camp/workouts.

Who's Left: Well, there are plenty of free agents left, and we could use the help at DB, LB, and at WR. Here are some free agents who are still available: Lawyer Milloy, S; Mike Brown, S; Mike McKenzie, CB; Rosevelt Colvin, LB; Brandon Lloyd, WR; Shaun McDonald, WR; and Michael Boulware, S. I'm sure that I missed some names, but these guys caught my eye.

The Bronx is Nicer without A-Roid* & T.O. is a "Jerk-Off" posted by Colin Linneweber

The Bronx Will Be a Better Neighborhood without A-Roid*

New York Yankees parasite Alex Rodriguez had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his right hip and doctors said they found nothing during the procedure that would keep the overrated ballplayer from returning to the Bombers lineup in May.

A-Fraud, 33, who signed a 10-year contract worth $275 million with the Yankees in November 2007, will need a more extensive surgery after the season. But, much to the chagrin of genuine Yankees fans everywhere, the purple-lipped pariah should be ready for the start of spring training in 2010.

Many pundits have predicted that Rodriguez’s injury will be a fatal blow to the Yankees 2009 season.  These same analysts curiously forget that A-Roid*, a 3-time American League MVP who admitted he used steroids from 2001-2003, has never played on a team that has been ultimately successful.

In reality, it is very feasible that the Yankees will prove to be a more rounded and cohesive squad with A-Hole on the shelf and away from the Bronx.

“As hard as this may sound, it could be a blessing in disguise for him,” said former Bombers centerfielder Bernie Williams regarding Rodriguez’s injury. “I think it might be good for the Yankees, too.”

Williams, 40, a 5-time All-Star selection who helped lead New York to four championships in five years, also noted that the Yankees have plenty of talent beyond the player who wasn’t “taking Tic Tacs.”

“The Yankees have a lot of firepower to compensate for his loss.”

Owens to Buffalo: Really? posted by Joe Anello

I know. I was just as confused when you heard the news that controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens had been signed by the Buffalo Bills. For a player with a troublesome history like Owens, this might be his last chance to redeem himself and prove he can play nice with others. For a team that barely gets any national attention, Buffalo just cannon-balled into the media pool. I did not see this coming. Oakland? Yes. Al Davis loves stockpiling problem children. Then it’s always a surprise when they’re a problem and are released a year later. Buffalo? Dick Jauron is the model of calm and non-confrontational. Trent Edwards is a second year quarterback whose growth could be stunted if T.O. starts acting up early. Is this a good acquisition for the Bills? Well, to answer simply: maybe.

Let’s start with Owens. It says a lot to me that Jerry Jones, the rehabilitator of the NFL’s malcontents, gave up on T.O. Even further, he took a massive nine million dollar cap hit when he decided to release the embattled wide-out. That’s nine million dollars the Cowboys can’t use to upgrade their defense or sign DeMarcus Ware to the lofty extension he has coming. Jones just signed Owens to an impressive extension last off-season, which signaled Terrell would have a star on his helmet for the long-term. For Jones to outright cut Owens is a giant mark against the player and a huge “mea culpa” from the owner. Jerry seems to have accepted the idea that simply signing the best players no matter what character issues are on display is not the best idea in today’s NFL. Now his lop-sided trade for former Lion receiver Roy Williams has to pay dividends. Now Tony Romo can take charge of his team and hopefully lead them to a playoff victory. (Wouldn’t that be something?) After burning bridges and quarterbacks on three consecutive teams (San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas in case you blocked it from memory), Owens has next to no leeway. It’s time to put up or shut up. In Owens’ case, I can’t see him shutting up. At least he’s in Buffalo now, so we don’t have to endure the two-fold media frenzy of his antics matched up with “America’s team.” Even if Terrell goes nuts, he’s still in Buffalo. There’ll be what, six reporters to cover it?

Owens To Buffalo-REALLY?! posted by Deven Wilson

To borrow a catch phrase from the ever so popular “Weekend Update” on SNL, Buffalo signing T.O....REALLY?! They didn't prefer Laveranues Coles, no offer to Houshmanzadah, was Marvin Harrison too old? REALLY?!

When hiring an employee, is it not normal procedure to get a background check on the individual BEFORE they are hired? IF that were to be done, what would it have been like.....

Previous Employers:

1996-2003 San Francisco 49ers

Reason for Leaving: Very productive, yet quite disruptive with the other employees. Questioned head of team's sexual orientation. Was let go.

2004-2005 Philadelphia Eagles

Reason for Leaving: Sent here after refusing to be relocated to Baltimore branch. Helped the “team” to get to the final stage. Missed some time with an injury, yet fought hard and returned early, risking permanent injury. Very productive, yet quite disruptive with the other employees. Divided the team in two. Questioned the head of the team and his commitment. Was let go.

2006-2008 Dallas Cowboys

Reason for Leaving: Very productive, yet quite disruptive with the other employees. Asked the head of team never to bring his significant other to the office, claiming that she 'jinxes' the team. Seemed to accidentally overdose on vitamins, yet he stated he had 25 million reasons to stay alive. Was let go after dividing the team in two.

GM Russ Brandon, do you notice a pattern? How long before TO tears down a young impressionable Trent Edwards? It was not long ago when young Trent, against the Cleveland Browns, was SO unsure of his abilities that he wasn't even able to throw a simple halfback screen. Owens doesn't seem to accept the fact that his quarterback can't throw it past 15 yards.

The Sports Don's Sunday Musings: Volume V posted by Christian Mielcarek

OK. So I lied. In last week’s musings I apologized for a sudden lack of blogs due to an increased workload at my paid writing job and I was back, better than ever and writing incessantly. If you haven’t noticed, and I’d be disappointed if you didn’t, another seven days has gone by without a new posting. Well, now, I truly have returned. You have my word. Following this edition of The Sports Don’s Sunday Musings, make sure you tune in later in the week for a blog about the impending superstardom of the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo, a look at the post Seattle Mariner careers of Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez (at the suggestion of my buddy Taco) and whatever else my twisted sports mind can conjure. As always, thank you for your support.

To read any of my past blogs, click here.

1. The only kicker the Baltimore Ravens have ever known was released Thursday. The 41-year old Matt Stover, the lone remaining Raven from the franchise’s move from Cleveland, was informed by management it would be moving in another, and I’m assuming younger, direction. The release of Stover hasn’t left me sleepless, but it once again made it clearly evident that in the NFL’s salary cap age, very few players stay in one place for their entire career, and it’s unfortunate. I appreciate professional sports are a business, and generally, in most respectable businesses, it’s all about taking the necessary steps towards greatness and therefore making more money because of it. My gripe is that there’s something to be said about a guy who spends his entire career with the franchise you root for, makes him feel like a bigger part of your life and a permanent part of your community. He's one of you. Since the majority of my readers are supporters of the Boston sports franchises, I’ll relate this to the Patriots. As of today, ESPN lists 60 players on New England’s current roster. Of those 60, only 12 have spent their entire career with the Pats while having played more than five seasons, and there isn’t much of a guarantee all 12 will be suiting up come Week 1 of 2009. With the release of players around the NFL like Derrick Brooks (14 years with Tampa Bay), Marvin Harrison (13 with Colts) and Fred Taylor (11 with Jags) loyalty doesn’t seem to exist between management and its players without a large financial compromise by the player. I’ll admit, sometimes it is the player’s inability to realize he is not what he once were (i.e. Harrison), but my point is enjoy your favorites while they’re here, because they’ll be an expendable cap casualty before you know it.

Terrell Owens is now a Buffalo Bill posted by Richard Zowie

According to the Cowboys 2009 schedule, they won't encounter their ex-wide receiver. Terrell Owens signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills and has said he has gone from America's Team to North America's Team.

Personally, I have nothing against him. My understanding is off the field he's a very nice guy. Neighbors of his talk about how kind he is. And T.O. has no criminal record. But what I saw of him as a receiver in San Francisco and Philadephia led me to believe he wouldn't work in Dallas. It amazes me all the complaining he did about not getting the ball enough even though he had more passes thrown to him than Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.

Good luck, Buffalo. You'll need it.

To Miss Pro Bowl: 2007-08 All-Pro Team posted by Nicholas O'Malley

    I understand that football's a rough game, I played it. But damn, can anyone that's good at it stay healthy? Take a look at the players missing this year's pro bowl, it looks like the 2015-2020 Hall of Fame inductions.

Jamal Williams-DT, San Diego Chargers
Randy Moss- WR, New England Patriots
Antonio Gates- TE, San Diego Chargers
Tom Brady- QB, New England Patriots
Brett Favre- QB, Green Bay Packers
Jonathan Ogden-OT, Baltimore Ravens
Walter Jones- OT, Seattle Seahawks
Patrick Kerney-DE, Seattle Seahawks
Lance Briggs-OLB, Chicago Bears
Tommie Harris-DT, Chicago Bears
Willie Parker-RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ladainian Tomlinson-RB, San Diego Chargers
Jason Peters-OT, Buffalo Bills
Jason Taylor-OLB, Miami Dolphins
Troy Polamalu-S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bob Sanders-S, Indianapolis Colts
Sean Taylor-S, Washington Redskins

Of course, there are legitimate reasons to miss the pro bowl (See: Sean Taylor, who's questionable with a mortal bullet wound), but then there's the case of Randy Moss who wasn't even listed on the Super Bowl injury report and got outplayed by 2'5" 15 pound Wes Welker.

This list of players is basically the same thing as a team in Madden 08 with fair trades turned off. You got:

- The 2 New England Patriots that broke touchdown records in their respective categories

- The league's leading rusher and 4th leading rusher (and in all honesty, he would have gotten it if not for a leg fracture)

-Two future hall of fame tackles

Giant Upset posted by Macklen Jackson

The Super Bowl this year has many people predicting an easy Patriots win, even though there is a general acknowledgement that the Giants will bring a solid game plan and sound execution to the contest. Despite the consensus that the Giants are worthy of being in the game on Sunday after an impressive playoff run, almost every NFL fan and analyst has resigned him or herself to the fact that they are just 100% outmatched. Oh, how wrong they are.

There is legitimacy to the notion that the Patriots will win the Super Bowl: their prolific offense has set numerous records this year, they are arguably the best-coached team in the NFL, they have the most mentally prepared players with previous Super Bowl experience, and their quarterback is a sure-fire hall-of-famer who already has three championships while surrounded by arguably lesser talent. Oh, and then there’s that little part about the 18-0 record during which no team has been able to beat them (not even the Giants in week 17).

But the New York Football Giants didn’t just stumble into this game accidentally. With them, they carry the momentum of three road playoff wins and ten consecutive road victories this season (a league record). They powered their way through their schedule with an injury laden roster, a feat not many teams have been able to do. With those injuries, primarily in the secondary, they have an experienced team that now has depth by virtue back-ups being forced into starting roles. If Brandon Jacobs hadn’t gone out week 1, would we have discovered Derrick Ward’s potential? And if Ward hadn’t been injured a couple weeks later, Reuben Droughns might not have emerged as a threat. And after experimenting with all different combinations of that trio, Tom Coughlin has even devised a way to insert Ahmad Bradshaw into the running back rotation for some very productive carries. Jeremy Shockey goes out, enter Kevin Boss who is sure-handed, maybe not as dynamic a receiver, but is a better blocking tight end, which serves their run game.

TO bids farewell to Dallas on his terms (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Bills FB will be cleared of indecency charge

A misdemeanor charge against Buffalo Bills fullback Corey McIntyre will be dropped after police say a witness offered questionable statements.Prosecutors say the victim's identification of McIntyre as the suspect was questionable.McIntyre was arrested last month on accusations that he fondled himself outside a Port St. Lucie woman's home about 100 miles north of Miami. The incident occurred in March. McIntyre had been free on $10,000 bond. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Report: Riemersma eyes congressional seat

Former Michigan and Buffalo Bills tight end Jay Riemersma (REE'-muhrz-muh) has designs on Congress.The Grand Rapids Press reports Wednesday Riemersma has filed paperwork to run for U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra's (HUCK'-struhz) 2nd District seat in southwestern Michigan. Hoekstra, a Republican, has announced his candidacy for governor in 2010.Riemersma also is a Republican. He played at Zeeland High School, about 20 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Ex-Bills TE Riemersma eyes Congress seat (AP)

Former Michigan and Buffalo Bills tight end Jay Riemersma (REE'-muhrz-muh) has designs on Congress. The Grand Rapids Press reports Wednesday Riemersma has filed paperwork to run for U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra's (HUCK'-struhz) 2nd District seat in southwestern Michigan. Hoekstra, a Republican, has announced his candidacy for governor in 2010. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports