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 When the Buffalo Bills take the field Sunday in New England for their season finale, Michael Jasper will be on the active roster for the first time this season. It’s certainly been a long road for the 2011 seventh-rounder out of Bethel.
Drafted as a defensive tackle, the 6’4”, 375 pound giant was one of the final roster cuts by the Bills in September. Shortly later he was brought back to the practice squad and since has been converted to guard. After working for the past several months, Japser was finally promoted after Kraig Urbik and Demetrius Bell went down with injuries last week. With just six healthy offensive linemen, Jasper is now just one snap away from seeing his first NFL game action on the offensive line.
Jasper was interviewed by reporters on Wednesday. The following, courtesy of the Bills media relations department, is what he had to say:
Continue reading ‘Jasper Excited About Bills Roster Promotion’
 Up until now, most Buffalo Bills fans had an inkling as to what was going on between the organization and Stevie Johnson as his current contract expires after Sunday’s season finale at New England. It’s known the sides tried to negotiate a deal earlier this year with no success, revisited talks at some point during the season and came away far apart.
What hasn’t been known is precisely what kind of money the fourth-year pending free agent is looking for.
Thanks to some clutch reporting from Joe Buscaglia and Sal Capaccio of WGR550, we have that answer.
A WGR report Thursday cites a source claiming Johnson is asking the Bills for $7.5 million per season and looking to get a four or five year deal.
Continue reading ‘Time For Bills To Pay Stevie Johnson’
 Though they’re hardly likely to get any sympathy from the injury-riddled Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots are dealing with some wounded warriors of their own. Star guard Logan Mankins (MCL) is definitely out for Sunday’s season finale at Foxboro, and franchise quarterback Tom Brady was limited to stretching practice on Thursday because of a sore shoulder, according to multiple reports.
Don’t get overly excited for a season sweep, Bills fans—- Brady is definitely expecting to play on Sunday so don’t anticipate seeing backup Brian Hoyer early in the game.
Brady has been on fire most the season for New England, throwing for 4,897 yards and 36 touchdowns. Though his record was already eclipsed by Drew Brees last week, Dan Marino could see his former record of 5,084 yards also fall to Brady against the Bills. Brady needs 187 yards to surpass Marino for the second-highest passing yards in a single season, and if he goes wild on the Buffalo secondary could even challenge Brees.
Brady has thrown just 11 interceptions all season, but four came against the Buffalo Bills in their 34-31 upset on September 25. In that game Brady also threw for four touchdowns and 387 yards on 30-of-45 passing.
 Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey held his final Wednesday regular season press conference yesterday. While most the talk centered around their upcoming finale at New England, Gailey spent a few minutes talking about two of his better young players, Marcell Dareus and C.J. Spiller.
This is what Gailey had to say to reporters:
“It’s been a great progression for him. He’s really made progress each week. That’s been one of the impressive things is the progress that he’s made each and every week. He’s got a lot to learn yet and I think he can get better. A lot of people think maybe he’s arrived but he hasn’t. I say he’s a still a rookie, I mean if you play in your 16th game you’re not a rookie anymore. He’s still learning. I think he has a chance to be even more dominant as time goes on.” –Gailey on Marcell Dareus.
Continue reading ‘Gailey Speaks On Dareus, Spiller’
 It was a stunningly bad night in boys high school basketball for both Williamsville South and North Wednesday evening. Both lost in the semifinals of the Jolly Boys Tournament. South was shocked by Newfane, 65-62 behind 17 points from Justin Harvey. North was upended by St. Francis, 59-45 as Kyle Wagner paced St. Francis with 15 points and held North star sophomore Sterling Taplin to just five points.
In other games, Stain Wier tied a school-record 40 points for East Aurora as they defeated winless West Seneca East, 73-32.
Canisius traveled to Washington and the top ranked large school played undefeated Tampa Jesuit tough, but still lost 71-60. Adam Weir led Canisius with 19 points while Matt MacDonald added 14 points.
Continue reading ‘Williamsville South, North Stunned In H.S. Hoops’
 Temple scored with 0.3 seconds left to escape with an 87-85 win over Buffalo at the Liacouras Center on Wednesday night. It was a frustrating loss for a UB team that shot a season-best 55.2 percent from the field and held the Owls to 36.4 percent shooting.
The Bulls dominated the play inside as Javon McCrea and Mitchell Watt combined to score 50 points. McCrea finished with 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting. 24 of his points came after halftime. Watt scored a career-high 22 points and added nine rebounds and three blocked shots. The Bulls outscored the Owls in the paint, 50-32.
It was close game throughout as an early nine-point UB advantage was the largest by either team all night. Temple never held a lead larger than four points. The game was tied 13 times and there were 13 lead changes.
Continue reading ‘UB Loses OT Heartbreaker at Temple, 87-85′
 Marvin Jordan and Juan’ya Green each had 20-plus scoring outputs to help lead the Niagara Purple Eagles to a 92-75 win over the UMBC Retrievers on Wednesday.
“I thought we did what we had to do tonight,” head coach Joe Mihalich said. “We played a team that was down, but I thought we took care of business and did what we had to do. We had three days off after break (and) you’re rusty and lethargic but it was good to get back out there and get some game action.”
Niagara (5-8) had a season-high 12 steals, a season-low seven turnovers and scored its most points in a regular season non-overtime game since beating Siena 100-85 on Feb. 27, 2009 from the Gallagher Center in tonight’s win over UMBC (1-11).
Continue reading ‘Niagara Hoops Tops UMBC, 92-75′
 It was more of the same for the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday evening; another night, another loss and another significant injury. The Sabres looked as lackluster as ever in their 3-1 loss at the New Jersey Devils.
The defeat was the Sabres fifth straight on the road and overall they’ve lost four of their last five.
Perhaps more worrisome than their latest setback was the lethargic manner in which they performed. Buffalo often skated and hit like they were flat-out disinterested in playing and as a result got exactly what they deserved. Peter Sykora scored twice and Zach Parise also scored as the Devils took a commanding 3-0 lead.
Continue reading ‘Uninspired Sabres Fall At New Jersey’
 The Buffalo Bills may have been left off the AFC Pro Bowl roster entirely during last night’s unveiling on the NFL Network, but at least some players are getting much-deserved recognition based on their performance from last week’s big win over Denver.
Pro Football Focus published their All-PFF Team for Week 16 and it’s occupied by four Bills; defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, linebacker Chris Kelsay, safety Jairus Byrd and punt returner Leodis McKelvin.
Pro Football Focus is a popular website that tracks players and teams statistically unlike anything other than I’ve ever seen. They have a free section which in itself is full of stats and tidbits you won’t find anywhere else, but also have a premium section, which for number-geeks like myself is worth its weight in gold.
 Congratulations to Buffalo Bills safety George Wilson, who was named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year for the second time in his career. Wilson also won the honor in 2009.
Bills.com has a fine profile of Wilson and the many foundations he does work with, including his S.A.F.E.T.Y. foundation and “George’s Jungle” program for youths.
Wilson now becomes the Bills’ nominee for the overall Walter Payton league award. The winner gets a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice. Wilson already won $1,000 for winning the Buffalo team award.
In other news, Wilson along with the rest of his teammates were shut out of the Pro Bowl selection show last night on NFL Network. Wilson likely would have made the team had he not missed a month with a neck injury. Fred Jackson and Eric Wood both stood a strong chance to make the squad but season-ending injuries to each derailed them.
Western New York was represented by a pair of Pro Bowlers; New England tight end Rob Gronkowski and Chicago special team player Corey Graham.
 The NFL Pro Bowl rosters will be announced tonight live at 7pm on the NFL Network. When it comes to the Buffalo Bills, a rash of injuries to key players and the long seven-game losing streak may prevent anyone on the roster from making the team.
Fred Jackson led the NFL in rushing at the time of his leg injury and would’ve been a lock to make the team, but the league removed him from the ballot after he was placed on Injured Reserve. Eric Wood was doing a tremendous job of anchoring the offensive line and would have received very strong consideration at center had his season not come to a premature end with a knee injury. Kyle Williams has developed a reputation as one of the league’s best defensive linemen, but his bad foot cost him any chance of a Pro Bowl repeat early.
So will any Buffalo Bills players make the team?
Continue reading ‘Will Any Bills Make Tonight’s Pro Bowl Roster?’
 It’s a shame the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t play the Washington Capitals every night. If they did, perhaps it would be time to start planning an early summer Stanley Cup parade on Niagara Square.
Brayden McNabb’s first career NHL goal highlighted a four goal first period as Jason Pominville, Matt Ellis and Christian Ehrhoff also scored in the game’s first 14:14. From there, Ryan Miller did his part in net and the Sabres snapped a three-game losing streak with a convincing 4-2 victory at the First Niagara Center.
It was the second straight time Buffalo dominated the meeting between the clubs. The Sabres defeated Washington, 5-1 on November 26 in Buffalo and after the game Washington fired head coach Bruce Boudreau was fired and replaced with Dale Hunter.
Continue reading ‘Sabres Erupt Early, Defeat Caps 4-2′
 The Buffalo Sabres return to action tonight at the First Niagara Center against the Washington Capitals and are set to get a couple of reinforcements back into the lineup. Jochen Hecht and Brad Boyes return for Buffalo as the team tries to avoid going pointless in four straight games for the first time in almost 11 months.
At practice this morning, according to multiple reports Hecht centered Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek, who’s been bothered by an upper body injury but will play tonight. Boyes was on a wing with Derek Roy and Drew Stafford. The other two forward lines look like Cody McCormick with Paul Gaustad and Patrick Kaleta while Luke Adam is joined by Matt Ellis and Zach Kassian.
Tyler Myers (wrist) and Tyler Ennis (ankle) remain out. Derek Whitmore was returned to Rochester and Paul Szczechura is likely to be a healthy scratch tonight. Defensively, Marc-Andre Gragnani is once again likely to have in the press box tonight with Brayden McNabb remaining in the lineup.
Ryan Miller will get the start in net for the fourth consecutive game.
 It didn’t take scrolling far down my Twitter feed over the weekend to realize the majority of Buffalo Bills fans were unpleasantly surprised they knocked off the Denver Broncos Saturday in rather dominant fashion, 40-14. To a portion of fans, the win was really a loss in the sense that it will cost the organization at least a few draft slots come next April.
I mean, the Bills are already eliminated from the postseason and a win is something the draft war room may come to regret in 2012, no?
You shouldn’t feel that way.
Listen, I’m not saying a draft pick inside the top 10 wouldn’t have been nice, but to me it was far more important for this team to finally get back on the right track. After a promising seven weeks followed by a disastrous two months, the Bills were a team in dire need of feeling good about themselves. The victory over Denver accomplished just that. Buffalo faced a team that had plenty to play for, seemingly had all the momentum and intangibles to send the Bills to an eighth straight loss but to be perfectly honest, the underdog Bills smacked Tim Tebow and his teammates in the mouth repeatedly.
Continue reading ‘Bills Finally Back On Right Track: Random Smatterings’
 It’s an off day at Buffalo Sports Daily as the time will be spent with loved ones, opening presents, experiencing the joy of giving and of course, the disgust later in the evening upon going through bank and credit card receipts as reality creeps in that overspending will take several months to pay off.
Anyway, just wanted to give a huge thanks to all our readers, especially ones that have been around since this website was launched in September 2009. Through our best stories and admittedly a few regrettable ones, your continued support is appreciated more than you can ever know.
We plan on making 2012 our biggest and best year of local sports coverage ever. New talent will be added to our staff and we’re working on creative ways to make your visiting experiences more enjoyable on a daily basis.
Again, thanks and Merry Christmas to all of you!
 Fans of the Buffalo Bills, at least the ones that wanted them to break their seven-game losing streak, will enjoy Christmas Eve alot more this evening.
Tebowmania came to a screeching halt for the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow was picked off by the Bills four times, including second half touchdown returns by Jairus Byrd and Spencer Johnson as Buffalo rolled to a 40-14 victory, winning for the first time since Halloween Eve in Toronto and hurting Denver’s postseason chances in the process.
Aaron Williams and Justin Rogers also intercepted Tebow, who was frustrated by the Buffalo defense all afternoon long. Chris Kelsay had perhaps his best game in his Buffalo career with two sacks and hitting Tebow to force the interception touchdown return by Johnson. Tebow completed just 13-of-30 passes for 185 yards and was held to 34 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
Continue reading ‘Bills Derail Tebow Train’
 Tim Tebow comes to town in Western New York this Christmas Eve.
The Denver Broncos face the Buffalo Bills this afternoon at 1pm today in a contest to both teams—or at least the fans of both squads.
For Denver, the Broncos can clinch the AFC West with a win and an Oakland loss at Kansas City. Of course, the Bills would like nothing more to end their seven-game losing streak, but for most fans the number increasing to eight increases the team’s chances of a higher draft pick.
All the talk centers around Tebow, who’s unorthodox style of play has been met with league-wide criticism despite winning seven of his nine starts this season. Tebow has completed just 48.6% of his passes and has only thrown for 1,484 yards, but he’s tossed 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions and has run for 610 yards and five scores.
Continue reading ‘Happy Tim Tebow Day’
 It’s rare that Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson speaks publicly these days and when he does, you can bet money its usually with Associated Press reporter John Wawrow. Thursday was no exception as Wilson commented on several topics. While the meat-and-potatoes of Wawrow’s piece centered around Wilson’s interest in continuing the Toronto series beyond 2012, his comments about quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick seemed telling to say the least.
Like him or not, it appears set in stone Fitzpatrick will continue to be the starting quarterback beyond just this season.
Wilson blamed injuries and a lack of supporting cast around him for the quarterback’s miserable second half struggles that have seen him toss 12 interceptions during the Bills’ seven-game losing streak.
Continue reading ‘Wilson Makes Clear Fitz Is His Guy’
 The Buffalo Sabres announced the team will host a Festive Holiday Sweater Party in the Buffalo Sabres Tailgate Party Tent Presented by Labatt Blue Light before the team’s game against the Washington Capitals on Monday, Dec. 26.
Tickets to the party tent, which will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., are available to fans attending the game for $10 and include a free beer. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday-themed sweaters at the tent party and enjoy the Sabres trivia, music and Sabres prizes – including tickets, three autographed jerseys, an autographed stick and more – before heading inside First Niagara Center for the game. A current Sabres player will be on hand to interact with fans and sign autographs.
Continue reading ‘Sabres Announce Holiday Tent Party’
 The good news is that for the second straight game, the effort was there and the Buffalo Sabres are getting closer. Then again, you know what they say about being close.
The Sabres struck first in Toronto but failed to hold the lead. Nazem Kadri scored the go-ahead goal 5:52 in the final period and the Maple Leafs hung out to hand the Sabres their third consecutive road defeat, 3-2 Thursday evening.
After a scoreless first period, Jason Pominville opened the scoring on the power play for Buffalo, his 11th goal of the season from Thomas Vanek.
Continue reading ‘Sabres Drop Third Straight On The Road’
 Poor Tyler Haden. The Bishop-Timon junior guard was the lone member of the Tigers’ 14-man roster who failed to break into the scoring column Thursday evening. The rest of his team had no problem decimating an overmatched Maritime squad, 84-28 in the first round of the fourth annual Mark F. Scarcello Memorial Basketball Classic in South Buffalo.
The third-ranked large school Tigers will face Iroquois in the championship game Friday night after the Chiefs routed Tapestry, 78-59 in the first match up.
Thirteen different Timon players scored as the Tigers raced out to a 20-point lead after the first quarter, led 48-16 at halftime and had the bench completely emptied out before the third quarter was half over.
Continue reading ‘Timon Destroys Maritime In Scarcello Classic’
 If you read the reports yesterday that the Buffalo Bills still had around 24,000 tickets left for their home finale Christmas Eve against the Denver Broncos, you’ll hardly be surprised to learn the team announced today the game has been blacked out. Still, it’s one thing to not sell out in time but another to have that many tickets left unsold. I’m told ticket sales for the game hardly made a dent over the past few weeks.
I guess Western New York isn’t that into Tim Tebow afterall.
This marks the second consecutive year three Bills home games have been blacked out. Last year’s number would’ve reached four, but local businessman Russell Salvatore purchased several thousand so Bills fans could watch the finale against New England; a game the Bills were thoroughly dominated.
Over the last two years Buffalo has now had home games in Orchard Park blacked out six times in a 14-game span. Struggling team or not—that’s never good news.
Before 2010 the Bills sold out 26 consecutive home games, dating back to the season finale against New England in 2006.
 Niagara Falls is a heavy favorite to win the NFL division title in boys high school basketball and Kenmore West was hopeful of being the team that stood in their way. Based on Tuesday night, however, it looks to be easy cruising for the Wolverines.
Second-ranked large school Niagara Falls got double digits from all five of their starters as they traveled to Kenmore and decimated the eighth-ranked Blue Devils, 82-57 behind 18 points from senior guard Taijay Williams. Ramir Burton added 16 points while Canisius-college bound junior Jermaine Crumpton contributed 14 points.
It’s Niagara Falls’ second victory already this season over a WNY team ranked in the top 10. A couple of weeks ago they held on to defeat third-ranked Bishop Timon St. Jude by three.
Marcus Lobdell was the leading scorer for Kenmore West with 13 points and Quinton Campbell added 12.
Continue reading ‘Niagara Falls Thumps Ken-West In H.S. Hoops’
 The good news is Ryan Miller redeemed himself from a nightmare showing Saturday in Pittsburgh and played superbly Tuesday night if Ottawa. The bad news is very few of his teammates followed suit. It was an all-too-familiar pattern for the Buffalo Sabres once again as a lack of offensive output, key turnovers and the most untimely of penalties led to their demise; a 4-1 road loss against the Senators.
Miller made 35 saves, including multiple big ones in the first two periods as Buffalo was tied after two, 1-1. But Erik Condra put Ottawa up by a goal at 7:59 of the final period and with the Sabres down just a goal in the waning minutes, Paul Gaustad took a stupid retaliation penalty against antagonizer Chris O’Neil that led to an Erik Karlsson goal with 2:11 left to play and Condra scored into an empty net 25 seconds later to seal the victory.
Jordan Leopold scored Buffalo’s lone goal on the power in the second period, with assists to Thomas Vanek and Christian Ehrhoff.
Continue reading ‘Miller Gets Little Support In Lose To Sens’
 Buffalo State is enjoying its best start to a season in 20 years with an 8-1 overall record, and is currently ranked 24th in the latest D3Hoops.com national poll.
Buffalo State rebounded from its first loss of the season with a pair of victories last weekend to claim the Coles Classic Championship. After defeating Keuka 108-78 in the tourney’s first round, the Bengals worked overtime to down Capital, 81-78, in the title game.
Buffalo State boasts the fourth most potent offense in the nation, averaging 93.1 points-per-game. The Bengals also rank in the top-10 in the nation in steals-per-game (sixth – 13.9), blocked shots-per-game (ninth – 5.6), and turnover margin (10th – +7.2).
Continue reading ‘Buff State Slips to 24th in National Poll Despite Two More Wins’
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