Buffalo Bills Coach Mode Dynasty (Madden 07 PC)

[canuxrok]

So, I picked up a copy of madden 07 for pc for a dollar, and started a dynasty with the Bills, and I just find it more fun to keep track with a dynasty story. This is more for me than anything, y'all can follow it if you want, but I don't expect it to be anything that special.

Anyways, settings wise I'm going with all-pro, 9 min quarters right now, with minor tweaks to AI sliders to help passing a bit mostly. Oh, and I'm playing coach mode. I find it's fun because it's not me, it's the players making the plays, so I have less control, like a real coach. It forces me to coach more realistically, knowing I can't call that go to route and know I'll nail it with perfect timing, even with a terrible QB, and makes it more exciting. Besides, I don't think I could get the hang of playing on a keyboard.

One other thing, I've already played/simmed the first season and am on year 2 now.

BUFFALO BILLS SEASON PREVIEW 2007-2008



BILLS 06-07 Review

The Bills made it into the playoffs, a surprise to most experts, on the back of Willis McGahee’s league-high 2,000 yard rushing season and stellar defense from stars like Nate Clements, London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes, and Aaron Schobel, supported by young studs like Donte Whitner and Terrence McGee. J.P. Losman took over the starting job from Kelly Holcomb and made the most of it, with a winning season including two fourth quarter comebacks and 18 passing TDs. Unfortunately, Losman was injured in the last game of the regular season, a loss to the Ravens, and in the Wild Card round the Bills couldn’t generate any offense to counter the steady attack of the veteran Trent Green and the explosive Larry Johnson and were eliminated in a disappointing finish to an overachieving season.

OFFSEASON

Most of the core was retained intact, although veteran safety Troy Vincent called it quits in the offseason after an impressive career. Free agents Michael Turner, Kevin Johnson, and Daniel Wilcox were brought in for depth on the offensive side of the ball, while the draft bolstered the offensive line with first round pick Erik Brown expected to start this year at LT. More depth was gained at the skill positions later in the draft, as Chuck Thomas and Dontae Rivers hope to make an impact this year. On the defense, free agent acquisition Jason David looks to slot into the Nickelback position to bolster an already impressive secondary.

PRESEASON

The biggest storyline this preseason was the position battle at quarterback, where last year’s starter, J.P. Losman, struggled to regain form after the injury that ended his season early, and was beat out by consensus third stringer Craig Nall, who coach Dick Jauron has named the starter going into week one. Free agent pickup Michael Turner was injured and will be out for ten weeks, giving rookie Chuck Thomas an early opportunity to strut his stuff as the back up to pro-bowler Willis McGahee.

TEAM BREAKDOWN

Quarterback:

QBs	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	J.P.	Losman	QB	79	2	$6.60M	$1.50M	$1.54M	26
Bills	Kelly	Holcomb	QB	78	2	$6.60M	$1.08M	$1.76M	34
Bills	Craig	Nall	QB	77	2	$4.20M	$1.20M	$1.38M	28

There are major questions for the Bills here at the most important position on the field. Craig Nall has been named the starter, but how long will that last with J.P. Losman pushing to re-take his spot atop the depth chart? Does Nall have what it takes to lead this team on offense? Or will Jauron go back to his hero from last year, Losman, at the first sign of trouble?

Runningbacks:

RBs	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Willis	McGahee	HB	91	3	$16.00M	$3.51M	$4.56M	25
Bills	Michael	Turner	HB	81	3	$6.09M	$1.11M	$1.65M	25
Bills	Chuck	Thomas	HB	78	3	$5.82M	$630K	$1.69M	24
Bills	Lawrence	Vickers	FB	77	3	$2.50M	$390K	$690K	24
Bills	Blake	Cross	FB	66	1	$520K	$70K	$520K	22

Willis McGahee is expected to be just as dominant as last year, and he will need to carry this offense if the Bills are going to go anywhere this season. He does have a stronger supporting cast this time around, with speedy Michael Turner (injured) and rookie Chuck Thomas. Lawrence Vickers, signed in the offseason, will add some punch as the starting fullback.

Receivers:

WR/TEs	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Lee	Evans	WR	88	2	$8.90M	$1.50M	$2.06M	26
Bills	Dontae	Rivers	WR	79	3	$12.10M	$1.14M	$3.56M	21
Bills	Kevin	Johnson	WR	78	2	$5.00M	$700K	$2.30M	32
Bills	Peerless	Price	WR	77	3	$10.00M	$2.80M	$2.21M	30
Bills	Roscoe	Parrish	WR	77	2	$2.48M	$800K	$660K	25
Bills	Willie	Reid	WR	73	2	$3.34M	$500K	$1.53M	24
Bills	Robert	Royal	TE	80	4	$10.00M	$2.50M	$1.58M	28
Bills	Daniel	Wilcox	TE	76	3	$4.19M	$720K	$1.14M	30
Bills	Kevin	Everett	TE	71	2	$1.48M	$600K	$390K	25
Bills	Brad	Cieslak	TE	71	2	$1.81M	$0K	$910K	25

After last season’s top target, Lee Evans, there aren’t any big names in this receiving corps, but the Bills hope that depth and versatility will come through for them. Kevin Johnson, and offseason addition, will be expected to be a solid possession receiver, sorely lacking last season, and will take the #2 duties, while Bills veteran Peerless Price and draft pick Dontae Rivers will round out the top four receivers. Willie Reid was signed in the offseason to carry the returning responsibilities after Parrish fell out of favour last season due to his struggles with ball protection. Wilcox should give some support to Royal and balance out the passing attack even more.

Offensive Line:

OL	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Erik	Brown	LT	80	3	$16.59M	$810K	$5.16M	22
Bills	Matt	Morgan	LT	68	2	$2.31M	$80K	$1.13M	26
Bills	Bennie	Anderson	LG	80	1	$5.10M	$450K	$1.90M	30
Bills	Clint	Mays	LG	76	3	$5.87M	$360K	$1.80M	24
Bills	Justin	Geisinger	LG	68	1	$980K	$60K	$350K	25
Bills	Melvin	Fowler	C	82	2	$7.20M	$870K	$2.38M	28
Bills	Duke	Preston	C	75	2	$1.78M	$400K	$480K	25
Bills	Chris	Villarrial	RG	87	2	$8.28M	$1.52M	$4.15M	34
Bills	Jason	Thomas	RG	67	1	$840K	$0K	$420K	30
Bills	Jason	Peters	RT	82	5	$16.50M	$3.42M	$1.90M	25
Bills	Aaron	Gibson	RT	72	1	$2.66M	$240K	$1.41M	29

All eyes are on rookie Erik Brown to see if he can handle the NFL pass rush as a first year LT. Veteran presence Chris Villarrial will again anchor this offensive line, and hopefully mentor the younger guys along. Draft pick Clint Mays was switched from tackle to guard this preseason, and if he adjusts quickly will add some solid depth to the interior line.

Defensive Line:

DL	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Chris	Kelsay	LE	79	2	$4.75M	$570K	$1.67M	27
Bills	Ryan	Denney	LE	74	3	$7.60M	$400K	$1.83M	30
Bills	Ron	Welty	LE	68	3	$2.54M	$330K	$720K	21
Bills	Aaron	Schobel	RE	91	2	$16.50M	$3.00M	$5.46M	30
Bills	Mark	Word	RE	78	1	$1.00M	$0K	$500K	31
Bills	Larry	Tripplett	DT	85	4	$18.00M	$5.00M	$2.87M	28
Bills	Colin	Cole	DT	77	2	$4.44M	$600K	$2.04M	27
Bills	John	McCargo	DT	75	4	$6.00M	$3.50M	$1.06M	24

Aaron Schobel is still the de facto leader on this D-Line, which added a big body in the middle with Colin Cole this offseason, but otherwise looks much the same as last years. Chris Kelsay proved last year that he belongs and hopes to build on that to solidify his spot for the future. Former first round pick John McCargo is going to be pushing for some playing time and trying to live up to expectations.

Linebackers:

LBs	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Jeff	Posey	LOLB	83	1	$6.31M	$1.22M	$3.71M	32
Bills	Mario	Haggan	LOLB	75	2	$3.45M	$510K	$1.14M	27
Bills	London	Fletcher	MLB	92	3	$16.73M	$3.96M	$4.68M	32
Bills	Liam	Ezekiel	MLB	64	1	$2.24M	$0K	$1.12M	24
Bills	Takeo	Spikes	ROLB	95	2	$30.00M	$9.00M	$6.20M	30
Bills	Angelo	Crowell	ROLB	76	2	$3.72M	$660K	$1.27M	26

London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes are two leaders on this elite defensive unit. The Bills are blessed with one of the best linebacker tandems in the league, and this solid group will be counted on to bring the hurt all season long. An aging Jeff Posey is on the last year of his contract and wants to earn a big payday this offseason.

Defensive Backs:

DBs	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Nate	Clements	CB	91	2	$24.96M	$3.60M	$8.23M	27
Bills	Terrence	McGee	CB	90	4	$22.75M	$5.35M	$3.59M	26
Bills	Jason	David	CB	82	3	$9.00M	$1.32M	$2.51M	25
Bills	Ashton	Youboty	CB	78	2	$1.50M	$600K	$490K	23
Bills	Eric	King	CB	75	1	$990K	$90K	$370K	25
Bills	Rashad	Baker	FS	77	2	$3.02M	$140K	$1.46M	25
Bills	Ko	Simpson	FS	77	3	$1.60M	$400K	$350K	23
Bills	Donte	Whitner	SS	85	5	$36.00M	$12.00M	$4.45M	22
Bills	Matt	Bowen	SS	78	1	$2.00M	$300K	$1.09M	30
Bills	Coy	Wire	SS	75	2	$3.45M	$420K	$1.18M	28

Clements and McGee are a terrifying one-two punch at corner for any offensive co-ordinator. Expect these two to continue establishing their names as premier shutdown corners in the NFL. Jason David adds some skill at NB to an already dangerous secondary, and sophomore Donte Whitner is a year older and even better than last year. The only question mark in this group is sophomore Ko Simpson, taking over the starting duties at free safety. Can he fill the shoes of departed pro-bowler Troy Vincent? Dick Jauron showed his faith in the youngster by not signing a vet in free agency, and expectations are high.

Special Teams:

K/P	F.NAME	L.NAME	POS	OVR	YRL	TOT	BON	SAL	AGE
Bills	Rian	Lindell	K	86	2	$2.85M	$200K	$1.43M	30
Bills	Brian	Moorman	P	99	3	$6.00M	$350K	$920K	31

Expect more of the same this year from elite punter Brian Moorman. Kicker Rian Lindell negotiated a 2 year contract extension this pre-season, and the Bills are hoping he pays dividends with his accurate leg and clutch kicking.

PREDICTIONS



Willis McGahee's Bills will miss the playoffs, going 8-8 after overachieving last year. The loss of Troy Vincent on defense and the question marks at quarterback are too much to overlook.

　

[Aparess]

Looks good, keep it up!

[canuxrok]

Bills Surprise in Opener

The Buffalo Bills slaughtered division rival Miami in their season opener this week, with a 31-0 shutout win. The Bills vaunted defense hasn't lost a step with the loss of veteran safety Troy Vincent to retirement, and they made a statement in this one. Nate Clements and London Fletcher both played a key role with drive-stopping interceptions, while DT Larry Tripplett led what was a dominant pass rush all game with an amazing four sack effort. Aaron Schobel and Jeff Posey each added a sack as well, while rookie receiver Dontae Rivers forced a fumble on special teams. The Bills 'D' kept the Miami offense to just 115 total yards, while limiting feature back Ronnie Brown to a paltry 22 yards in a total shutdown performance.

But the defense was expected to be good, as it was the Bills bread and butter last year. On the other side of the ball, Mr.Consistency last year, Willis McGahee, lost two fumbles in key situations, a showstopper on most nights for the Bills. Tonight, however, was all about quarterback Craig Nall, a darkhorse to start this season who continues to impress. After winning the starting job from fan favourite J.P. Losman in preseason, Nall was expected to play it safe, keep it simple, and ride McGahee. After all, that's how the offense runs in Buffalo. And although McGahee ran for over a hundred yards (as always), it was Craig Nall who stepped in and stole the show, Craig Nall who protected the rock, and Craig Nall who led his troops to victory in his first start for Buffalo. Only time will tell whether this surprise game was a fluke, but for now he has solidified his starting job, no doubt, with head coach Dick Jauron and his staff.

With the game tied at 0's, Nall and McGahee led a drive down into Dolphins territory midway through the second quarter, and Rian Lindell punched home a 38 yard field goal for the first score of the Bills' season. Then, just inside the two minute warning, Nall blew the game and the Miami defense wide open with an 84 yard touchdown pass to Willis McGahee. Some tough D and a big turnover later, and Nall's offense scored again before the half, this time on a third down with 21 seconds to go, as he connected on a 21 yard strike to rookie Dontae Rivers for his first career touchdown in his first career game.

After both teams played solid shutout defense all through the third, midway through the fourth Nall put the game further out of reach, engineering a scoring drive that culminated in a 13 yard touchdown catch by Dontae Rivers, his second score of the game. Finally, after yet another defensive stop, Nall rubbed some salt in the wound of the rival Dolphins, tossing a touchdown pass to tight-end Robert Royal from 18 yards out just inside the two minute warning.

After the game, Craig Nall was questioned on the surprising performance by the offense. "I think we as a group feel we have a lot to prove this year, a lot of you media people are writing us off, and we know we're better than that. Really, tonight you saw what we can do, when we stick with the gameplan, when we execute, we can be as good as any team out there, and we can find ways to win, to score, to do our job." Asked about his relationship with Losman and winning the job from him in pre-season, Nall replied that, "it's Coach's job, who plays, we just go out there and give it our all, every practice, every game. You can't worry about stuff like that, and I think we're a close team, we all supported J.P. last year, and it's great to have him pushing me this year, and really this was a team win, it's not me making the plays out there, it Willis pounding out the yards, it's my boys on the line making the blocks, it's the kid pulling in two TDs, total team effort, we're just glad for the W and we want to keep that play up all year, one game at a time."

Free agent acquisition Kevin Johnson, who came as advertised with four key catches for forty yards, had this to say of his quarterback, "Craig's a gamer, he's really underrated, but he's pulled this group together and proven to be a leader when it counts. I think this is a great group of guys, a good mix we have, and we want to keep this going next week, just focus one game at a time."


"when we execute, we can be as good as any team out there" - Craig Nall (186 yds, 4 TD)