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Bills Win First Preseason Game
Practice Short: Dick Jauron took it easy on his players on the first day back to camp after Friday's game. It was a shorter practice with mostly walk throughs on offense and defense along with some special teams drills according to the Bills official website. Brad Butler and Aaron Merz returned to practice but were limited. Three players were on the sidelines, Ryan Denney, Trevor Hooper, and Josh Scobey. Denney and Hooper were banged up in the win, Hooper has a concussion and Denney has a bad bruise. Injury Page.
Hargrove Apologizes Again: In what is becoming a weekly event, Anthony Hargrove apologized after practice today. He apologized to everyone from Ralph Wilson, to the whole organization, fans, and family. He said basically the same thing he did after the nightclub incident. He said it has been a rough few weeks for him and he's trying to put it behind him so he can move forward. He has learned to be humble and has grown up in Buffalo and is facing the situations like a man. He hopes to play the rest of the preseason and will serve is suspension and hope to put it behind him. He is concerned with possibly being released but said how much he loves Western New York and thanked the Bills for trading for him and standing by him.
Releasing Hargrove An Option: Dick Jauron never ducks the press but on the subject of the suspension of Anthony Hargrove he said he couldn't comment about it because of confidentiality issues. He did talk about how the suspension effects the team on the field. He did say releasing Hargrove is in option but they aren't at that point yet. He did say they will have to adjust some of the reps Hargrove gets if they keep him since he won't be on the active roster for the first four games of the season.
Bills Back On Field: The Bills hit the field this afternoon for their first practice back at St. John Fisher College since the first preseason game against the Saints on Friday night. The team has a morning walkthrough tomorrow and a night practice tomorrow night.
Saturday August 11, 2007
Hargrove Suspended: The rough traning camp off the field for Anthony Hargrove just got a lot rougher. Hargrove has been suspended without pay by the league for four regular season games for breaking the NFL's substance abuse policy. This has nothing to do with his arrest and three misdemeanor charges for a fight last week at a Rochester nightclub. The league did not say what substance Hargrove tested positive for but since it was a four game suspension he must be a first time offender. Since the suspension doesn't start until Sept. 1st he can practice and play in the rest of the preseason games with the team. The suspension ends on Oct. 1st. The Bills would not comment on the suspension because of confidentiality agreements.
Schobel Has Strained Hamstring: As we reported yesterday Aaron Schobel was a surprise addition to the did not play list in last night's win over New Orleans. After the game, Coach Jauron said that he does have a hamstring strain that isn't serious. He did say there is something there and they decided to be cautious and not play him. The only injury of note from the game was to safety Trevor Hooper. He suffered a concussion. Injury Page.
Players That Helped Themselves: Several players helped their standing on the team in the 13-10 win over the Saints. The first preseason game is a good time for backup players to shine since they see most of the action. For the Bills, Fred Jackson stole the show at running back. He led both teams with 49 yards rushing including the 17 yard touchdown. He also caught two passes for 19 yards. Paul Posluszny also had a big game with 9 tackles and a sack. He played against mostly reserves since John DiGiorgio got the start. Jabari Greer also may have moved up the depth chart with two interceptions that was a 14 point turnaround in the game. Trent Edwards shined going 10 of 11 for only 49 yards and led the winning field goal drive along with the lone touchdown drive. Craig Nall showed some stuff going 5 of 7 for 54 yards including a nice 14 play, 62 yard drive to a game tying field goal just before halftime.
Players That Hurt Themselves: The first unit on both sides struggled but mistakes by the Saints only gave them a 3-0 lead when the starters left. The Bills re-built offensive line struggled at times as it seemed like J.P. Losman was running for his life while he was in there. Peerless Price did not catch a pass and Lee Evans only caught one as the wide receivers didn't make their presence felt.
Friday August 10, 2007
Whitner, Schobel Held Out: Donte Whitner, Aaron Schobel, and Aaron Merz did not play against the Saints. Josh Scobey and Brad Butler did not make the trip as expected. Whitner and Merz were held out to rest their injuries, no word on why Schobel did not play. The team seemed to come out of the game in pretty good shape without any known injuries. Injury Page.
Bills Beat Saints 13-10: Rian Lindell hit a 54 yard field goal with 3:23 to play to lift the Bills to a 13-10 preseason win over the Saints. New Orleans could have tried to tie it in the final minute but went for it twice on fourth down. Fred Jackson has a 17 yard touchdown run and led the way with 49 yards rushing on eight carries. Jabari Greer picked off two passes in the win. His first was in the end zone and thawrted a Saints scoring drive. His second led to the Bills only touchdown. The Saints first team offense moved the ball well but only scored three points thanks to Greer's pick and a blocked field goal by Langston Walker. Trent Edwards went 10 of 11 passing as he played most of the 2nd half. Paul Posluszny had nine tackles and a sack. Marshawn Lynch saw very limited action by design. He only carried twice for three yards.
First Battle Tonight: The Bills are in New Orleans to battle the Saints in their opening preseason game tonight at 8pm. It is the second preseason battle for the Saints and their first teamers are expected to play a bit longer then the Bills first units. Dick Jauron thinks it will be a tougher battle since New Orleans has already played a game and that is the way he likes it. It will be interesting for fans to watch some battles. Things to watch out for are the battles for the starting right guard spot, the first look at the top rookies, and a peek at the cornerback spot. What is the top thing you will be watching for? Take our poll on our homepage and let us know!
Court Apperance Postponed: Anthony Hargrove was suppose to appear in court yesterday morning for a pre trial hearing. That appearance was postponed until August 21st. The move was requested by his attorney but there was no reason given for the move. Hargrove did travel with the Bills to New Orleans yesterday for tonight's preseason game, he is expected to play.
Thursday August 9, 2007
Thomas To Start: Dick Jauron spoke further about his plans for tomorrow night's preseason game against the Saints. After last night's practice Jauron said that Anthony Thomas will start at running back and play 12-15 plays with the rest of the starters. Coach Jauron hopes to get everybody in the game.
Pads Off: The Bills practiced without pads last night. This was the first time in a night practice session that they didn't wear the pads. Dick Jauron didn't have a real reason for not wearing the pads it was just scheduled that way. Brian Moorman was back after missing a few days for personal reasons. Anthony Hargrove will be with the team for the preseason opener. Jabari Greer and Ashton Youboty battled hard as they compete for positions on the depth chart at cornerback. Roscoe Parrish and Sam Aiken made some nice plays at well in front of the packed house. The team has a closed morning walk through today and then they fly to New Orleans for tomorrow night's preseason game.
Whitner Questionable: Donte Whitner is questionable for tomorrow night's preseason opener with his injury that is being called a strained hip. He did take part in individual drills last night but not the team drills, he was pulled out of them partly because he's still sore. They will take a wait and see approach on if he'll play or not. Brad Butler and Josh Scobey will not make the trip to New Orleans. They will stay behind to get treatment on their injuries in the hopes of getting them back on the field quicker. The MRI on the ailing shoulder of Aaron Merz was negative but it is still not known if he will travel with the team today.Injury Page.
Wednesday August 8, 2007
Wright Back At Practice: Dwayne Wright was out of the hospital and back on the practice field this morning when the team held a morning run through before tonight's full practice. Wright spent 13 hours in the hospital after waking up with a swollen lip and jaw. He doesn't know exactly what brought on the allergy attack but he is allergic to avocadoes and tomatoes. He thinks there may have been a bit of tomato on the sandwich he ate on Monday night. Injury Page.
Hargrove In Court Today: Anthony Hargrove is due in court today at 11am with his brother for a pre-trial hearing. That court date was originally scheduled for tomorrow but has been moved, this will allow Hargrove to travel with the team to New Orleans tomorrow. He met with his lawyers yesterday in Buffalo about the case and missed practice as a result.
Starters To Get Normal Time: The starters will get about the usual number of plays for an opening preseason game when the Bills face the Saints on Friday night. Coach Jauron said he expects J.P. Losman to see action for about 10-15 plays. He's not sure about the rest of the QB rotation but is leaning towards going with Craig Nall second for a bit and then giving the majority of the reps to Trent Edwards. It seems the Bills are giving the rookie every opportunity to unseat Nall as the backup quarterback this year. The team takes the field tonight for a workout and have a walk through this morning. They also have a closed walk through tomorrow morning before flying to New Orleans.
Tuesday August 7, 2007
Wright Hospitalized: 4th round pick Dwayne Wright was taken to the hospital after having an allergic reaction. He is expected to be hospitalized for 10-12 hours after his face swelled up from something he ate. Also missing from today's practice was Anthony Hargrove who is back in Buffalo meeting with lawyers. The Bills are checking out the shoulder of Aaron Merz, he got an MRI today. Brian Moorman also remains absent from camp with permission for personal reasons. Josh Scobey and Donte Whitner remain sidelined with calf and stomach ailments respectively. Whitner may miss the preseason opener on Friday. Brad Butler also remains out. Injury Page.
Hargrove Apologizes: Anthony Hargrove addressed the media after last night's practice and was very apologetic for the incident early Sunday morning that led to his arrest on three misdemeanors. He apologized to the city of Rochester, the NFL, his teammates, coaches, and anyone else affected by the situation. He knows he needs to be more accountable as an NFL player but said it was a misunderstanding and that he did not hit the officer. He hopes the league will wait to see everything come out before punishing him. He said he's learned from the situation to grow up and take responsibility for himself. He called himself an "idiot kid making mistakes."
Defense Has Good Night: The defense seemed to get the better of the offense in last night's practice according to the team's website. The front seven got good pressure throughout the evening. John McCargo, Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, Angelo Crowell, and Ryan Denney all made plays. There were 2 two minute drills run and the defense came away with the advantage both times. Kiwaukee Thomas had an interception to end one drill and they went four and out on the other. John DiGiorgio returned to the lineup and was getting reps with the first team, he had an interception that would have went for a touchdown in a game.
Team Getting Healthy: Besides the return of John DiGiorgio and John McCargo, Jason Webster also returned to practice. Not practicing, as we reported yesterday, was Donte Whitner. It now appears like it could be a groin injury or a hip flexor suffered in the morning walk through. Aaron Merz was held out with a sore shoulder. It isn't expected to be serious. Injury Page.
Monday August 6, 2007
Whitner Out; Hargrove Practices: The Bills hit the practice field for tonight's practice minus one more injured player. Donte Whitner did not practice after suffering a hip flexor injury in the morning run through. That is according to a report in Chris Brown's blog for the Bills official website. Brown is also reporting that Anthony Hargrove is dressed and prepared to practice despite his arrest and hamstring injury. Injury Page.
Hargrove Pleads Not Guilty: Anthony Hargrove pleaded not guilty to several charges in court today. He is due back in court on Thursday and it is unknown if that will prevent him from traveling to New Orleans with the team for Friday's preseason opener against the Saints. The court day cost Hargrove, as he missed this morning's run through. He's due back with the team in time for tonight's practice.
McCargo, Webster Participate: John McCargo and Jason Webster took part in the morning walk through today. That means both players appear close to returning to action. Webster may be further along. Look for many of the walking wounded to be back tonight as they have had two days of rest since Saturday morning's workout. Injury Page.
Jauron On Hargrove: Dick Jauron made a brief statement after the morning run through regarding the Anthony Hargrove situation. As we reported earlier, he said he was disappointed. He also said the team doesn't have all the information yet and are in the process of gathering all the information so they can make an appropriate decision. Since they don't have all the information they can't say too much at this time. The Bills have been in touch with the league office in New York. Jauron did speak to Hargrove and he will be allowed to practice tonight because he has not been found guilty of anything at this time. Whether or not Hargrove will be able to practice may depend on his hamstring injury. Jauron will let people know what they will do when they are comfortable with haveing all the facts. He did see discipline would come from the league office.
Hargrove In Court: Anthony Hargrove is in court today and is expected to join the team on the practice field tonight. Dick Jauron called the entire situation disappointing. Hargrove was not on the field during this morning's walk through session.
Bills Return To Field Tonight: The Bills get back to work at St. John Fisher College with a night practice this evening. All tickes are distrbuted for the workout. All ears and eyes will also be waiting for an official statement by the team about the arrest of Anthony Hargrove over the weekend. He is subject to discipline by the league's new code of conduct policy. Marv Levy also will be upset since he prides himself on bringing in high character players.
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