11/21/24
March 07, 2009
Terrell Owens Signs with Buffalo Bills: Only two days after he was cut by the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver Terrell Owens has signed a one-year $6.5 million contract with the offense-starved Buffalo Bills, according to NFL.Com's Vic Carucci. The Bills didn't have a single 300-yard passing game last season.
At least Ralph Wilson didn't greatly overpay for TO's services.
Nevertheless, I don't think TO is what Dick Jauron signed up for.
For sure, Parcells and Sparano are going to have the Dolphins' secondary game-ready for their two Buffalo dates.
When Michael Irvin begged TO to sign with the Bills, Irvin wasn't aware that "lake effect snow" was a weather condition.
Terrell playing popcorn face on the sideline is going to look even more intelligent on a Buffalo December Sunday afternoon than it did in Dallas.
Well, TO, make the most of the opportunity and be sure to impress. Calgary and Toronto will be watching closely.
posted by beaverboard at 09:53 PM on March 07, 2009
Maybe Calgary, but I doubt Pinball Clemons, a tremendous coach who became the Argos' chief executive officer, will not let his GM even make an offer next year. Besides, who wants to deal with Drew?
posted by jjzucal at 10:41 PM on March 07, 2009
I was wondering about this, Buffalo hadn't even been mentioned in the talking heads yesterday. Well, we'll see what happens.
posted by boredom_08 at 11:22 PM on March 07, 2009
I think Dyam's comment here is interesting.
Owens reminds me of that pretty girl every guy wants a date with, but she's completely out of your league, so you badmouth her. Tell everyone how you'd turn her down even if she threw herself at you (because you know it'll never happen). Then, somehow, you find out she likes you. So you jump at the chance. Before you know what's happened she's wrecked your life, taken all your money, and dumps you for her hotter friend (obviously told for a guys perspective, and not a personal story, no, really, I swear...).
The bills suddenly had a Hall of Fame caliber receiver thrust in front of them at a reasonable price. Sure, they'll probably regret it; it'll end in tears, but hey, what if?
Should be a fun ride regardless.
posted by justgary at 03:51 AM on March 08, 2009
Thanks for linking to my comment, justgary. I kind of figured there would be another link to the signing.
Nevertheless, I don't think TO is what Dick Jauron signed up for. Jauron doesn't really have much of a choice at this point, and should be happy the team got him Owens to put on the field. It helps a team that struggled offensively (to put it mildly) in recent years to take some pressure off the running game, and if the Bills don't improve in the win column, Jauron will be out the door. There was actually quite a bit of surprise in Buffalo that he was brought back for another season.
Jerry Sullivan's column in today's Buffalo News puts this signing in fairly accurate context for Bills fans. Buffalo is a team that has had no relevance, character, or pulse the past several years, and their play on the field has been a glowing example of this. They have some talent, but actually need a T.O. caliber player to give it some attitude and swagger that has been missing. It may blow up in their faces, but Jauron, and the Bills in general, need an infusion of excitement.
posted by dyams at 09:54 AM on March 08, 2009
TO gives Buffalo a second receiving threat, which will make their offense that much harder to deal with. If any coach can handle all of the stuff that comes with TO, I think Dick Jauron is the man to do it. He's been in an uncomfortable situation in Buffalo for quite a while, and not much of it was his own doing. Just from a bottom line standpoint, this makes a lot of sense for Ralph Wilson. I would bet season ticket sales are already booming.
Gee, justgary, your ex-girlfriend told me a lot of good things about you.
posted by Howard_T at 01:00 PM on March 08, 2009
Does that mean that Trent Edwards is gay?
posted by tahoemoj at 01:59 PM on March 08, 2009
Though he is a cancer and the Dallas Cowboys are ridiculed not only for picking him up, but for all of the simplest of outbursts, yelling matches, "Throw me the ball". to the point where he split the locker room in half by saying how Romo and Witten had designed plays secretly to keep him from gettin' his to now being some sort of bargain... What is it with people?
This dude is pure toxic and he has wrecked each of the franchises that he has been to. But, somehow that it is Buffalo and not Dallas or the Raiders - how pathetic. The guy might take a year of being a good player and maybe that is the thinking, just sign him for one year. Then, next year let another team that needs an explosive receiver do the same.
I feel as though I am in some type of time-warp continuum where he keeps doing the same thing in different laundry and we all keep watching to see not if, but rather "When" he will blow up.
Why are these pages not filled wit outrage by Bills fans or other fans. Nobody can control TO, he thinks he is better than everyone else. Mariucci couldn't control him, Andy Reid, and not Parcells or the Staypuff Marshmallow man (Sorry Wade Phillips - just joking). This guy is all about himself. If it had been some other team such as the Redskins or Raiders, the venom would not have stopped until he quit playing football period.
posted by Mickster at 07:53 PM on March 08, 2009
Why are these pages not filled wit outrage by Bills fans or other fans.
Fans have lowered their standards to what is acceptable and what is not in recent years. If someone isn't in and out of prison, being looked into regarding shootings or murders, running illegal dog-fighting rings, etc., then they don't look all that bad. And, as I said earlier, the Bills and Jauron have to have a pretty good season THIS season, so a one-year deal for the guy looks like a pretty good bet.
posted by dyams at 09:16 PM on March 08, 2009
Well, they might get one good season, but remember that Parcells and the Hoodie can devise ways to keep him in check. A simple cover two at Buffalo with the whirling winds, a youthful QB, and I don't think he will even last a year this time.
It is never his fault. They don't get "him" the ball, they don't include "him" in the gameplan, etc... Well, I don't see a wealth of offensive talent to throw to and unless he decides to become a blocking receiver now (not a bad blocker) he might implode before the 9th week.
I get the one season - "This season" deal with the Bills, but how can any GM, owner or coach not cringe at the mere thought. I was bettinig that he would be blackballed and not find a team this year. Too bad I lost that bet.
posted by Mickster at 12:18 AM on March 09, 2009
Another way to look at it is, owners and GMs first priority is to put a winning product on the field. T.O. is a talented player, he can make your team better - talent wise. While some do scoff at the idea of dividing their locker room or increasing the risk of hullabaloo, most want to win first and foremost. The payoff of winning far outweighs the risk of a one-year deal. As long as he is healthy and there are 31 other teams that haven't won the most recent SB, T.O. will have a job.
But dyams has an extremely valid point, the fact that he hasn't been involved in an off-the-field shooting or rape charge or something along those lines, his only "deterrent" would be his attitude. Which, seems a very common issue and small problem regarding NFL players nowadays.
posted by BoKnows at 12:50 AM on March 09, 2009
Why are these pages not filled wit outrage by Bills fans or other fans.
Are there enough Bills fans to fill these pages? I think the lack of outrage is the small fan base, and the fact that this puts the Bills on the map. I don't even remember anything interesting that happened with the Bills last year. You can pretty much guarantee that ESPN is going to be following the Bills closely hoping for drama. There would be a different reaction to a team that is already high-profile. The fans in DC were freaking out because of the possibility that Snyder might act like Snyder and sign TO. There were in-depth conversations about the likely negative effects on Campbell's development.
Illegal behavior or not, TO is a team chemistry killer. He leaves behind him divided locker rooms and frustrated coaches. His attitude is no mere typical athlete believing they are great. They all believe they are greatest ever. It is a common (and probably necessary) part of being a professional athlete. TO has much more going on than an attitude problem. It would almost be worthwhile for a team to pay TO to play for a rival.
posted by bperk at 11:12 AM on March 09, 2009
Does that mean that Trent Edwards is gay?
Hey now, slow your roll. We at SportsFilter don't dare use a word like "gay", it's better if you say, "Does that mean that Trent Edwards is going to start wearing pink?" Better yet, "Does that mean that Trent Edwards is going to start gardening as a hobby?"
/Just couldn't resist with the absurdity
Any fan is going to hate on T.O. until the moment he signs with your team. The moment he signs with a team, the very same people that hated him, are now jumping for joy at the chance of their quarterback throwing to a future Hall of Fame wideout. People will dismiss the idea or make it an afterthought when he's on a different team but when he is signed, suddenly people are coming out of the wood works proclaiming their undying love for the guy.
Give me a break!
But dyams has an extremely valid point, the fact that he hasn't been involved in an off-the-field shooting or rape charge or something along those lines, his only "deterrent" would be his attitude
Not looking for a pat on the back or an "atta boy!" but isn't that EXACTLY what I said? T.O. has never been arrested, has never been charged with any crime whatsoever, never been pulled over for a DUI, never had the cops called in for domestic violence, gun charges, "making it rain" or any of the typical crap that comes along with NFL players but he's hated on more than any player in the NFL. I totally understand that T.O. speaks his mind and some people tend to call that an "attitude problem" just because he doesn't conform but I'll take a guy with the attitude and Hall of Fame credentials then some scrub that shouldn't even have be considered the #1 guy on a losing team (Yea, I'm talking to Roy Williams) but that's just me.
posted by BornIcon at 11:26 AM on March 09, 2009
/pats BI on the back
posted by BoKnows at 12:50 PM on March 09, 2009
Thanks BK, I feel so appreciated now.
posted by BornIcon at 01:08 PM on March 09, 2009
Hey now, slow your roll. We at SportsFilter don't dare use a word like "gay", it's better if you say, "Does that mean that Trent Edwards is going to start wearing pink?" Better yet, "Does that mean that Trent Edwards is going to start gardening as a hobby?"
I simply meant that Mr. Edwards might be thrilled (tickled pink, even) to have a true #1 receiver to throw to. Why, is there some other meaning attached to the word?
posted by tahoemoj at 07:52 PM on March 09, 2009
future Hall of Fame wideout
I know you've made this claim a few times, BI, but I just don't seem him as Hall of Fame material. I don't care how many stats you throw at me (but please feel free, I'm kinda interested to see them).
Football is a team game. And he's not a team player. Worse than that, he disrupts teams. He's bad for team chemistry and he's a clubhouse cancer (and how many different ways can I say the same thing?).
So unless he has some magical run with the Bills, which I don't see happening, the only way he ever sees the Hall is if he buys a ticket.
posted by cjets at 08:24 PM on March 09, 2009
Does that mean that Trent Edwards is gay?
I'd be happy if I were the Buffalo Bills quarterback and another veteran wide receiver was added to the offence. I can't see why he wouldn't be gay?
posted by tommybiden at 08:38 PM on March 09, 2009
I know you've made this claim a few times, BI, but I just don't seem him as Hall of Fame material
I can understand if you don't see him as a Hall of Famer...as a matter of fact, I'm sure that a lot of other people don't as well but let's be clear about one thing, Terrell Owens is in fact going into the Hall of Fame. That is unless, all of a sudden he decides to go on some sort of crime spree wacking off people left & right, which is highly doubtful but you never know.
You wanted stats, not a problem..here you go: T.O. stats
posted by BornIcon at 08:38 AM on March 10, 2009
let's be clear about one thing, Terrell Owens is in fact going into the Hall of Fame
Once again, case closed. How about giving us some context to go with those stats, especially given when it comes time to vote for the guy, everyone is going to remember him as a locker room cancer? He got to one Super Bowl and played well in spite of an injury. Up to now, he's won nothing and I don't think Buffalo's going to change that.
posted by yerfatma at 10:54 AM on March 10, 2009
I don't think you can really tell what receivers are going to make the HOF. Most of the leaders in the all-time stat categories are recent WRs. As a result, you can't compare stats of those in and out of the HOF. TO will mainly be competing with his contemporaries, Isaac Bruce, Marvin Harrison, Randy Moss. They won't all be making it, and Bruce and Harrison have rings. Moss is a few year younger than TO, so could surpass his numbers. I think it is a crap shoot at WR. Monk made it in, but Cris Carter hasn't. Obviously, stats are not what matter at WR (unless you are Jerry Rice who is the best ever).
posted by bperk at 01:07 PM on March 10, 2009
bperk,
good points. BI, if Chris Carter isn't in, then there is no way you can know for sure that T.O. is in the Hall.
posted by brainofdtrain at 01:14 PM on March 10, 2009
No, never said case closed, just giving you my honest opinion along with facts (just look at T.O's stats, they speak for themselves) and if people would just stop hating Terrell Owens for one second, they would see that regardless of all the baggage that comes with him, the guy has proven to be a Hall Of Fame wideout.
Have you ever heard of the smell test? Let me give you an example: If you smell smoke but don't see any fire, does that mean there's no fire or do you look around to see where exactly that smell is coming from?
Just by looking at T.O's career numbers, you can tell that the guy will eventually be invited in to the Hall Of Fame. Disagree all you want, which is fine but just look at the numbers and tell me that he doesn't match up with some of the greatest wide recievers to ever play the game.
good points. BI, if Chris Carter isn't in, then there is no way you can know for sure that T.O. is in the Hall.
CC belongs in the Hall Of Fame as well and he will eventually get in. T.O. might not be a first ballot HoF'er but I bet he will get in.
posted by BornIcon at 01:19 PM on March 10, 2009
Apparently, Trent Edwards is a glutton for punishment.
posted by brainofdtrain at 01:20 PM on March 10, 2009
Terrell Owens is in fact going into the Hall of Fame.
I'm still not sold (though I will admit that his stats are more impressive than I thought). Here's why:
1. Football, unlike baseball, is not a stats game. Stats can help make the case, but in his case, the stats need to overcome his bad rep. And from looking at the stats, it seems like he had only three really dominant years - 2000-2002
2. Wide Receiver stats have become hyper inflated over the last ten to fifteen years. Take a look at the career leaders in receptions. He's tied with Andre Reed, who's not in the Hall. Nor is Cris Carter (though I think he'll be accepted). Is Marvin Harrison a shoe-in? How about Tim Brown? And if they're not, why should T.O. be? Especially with his bad rep. On the other hand, look at Michael Irvin. He's 27th in career receptions but he's in the hall. Why? Because he's a winner. T.O. wouldn't know what a winner was if he looked it up in the dictionary.
3. You've made mention several times that T.O. is not a criminal. No argument here. But I don't think that helps your case. Why?
T.O.'s bad rep is directly related to his perfomance on the field. If I am judging T.O., I can't dismiss his bad behavior as non-football related. His bad behavior is completely football related and is a detriment to his teams. He's on team #4, I would bet the house that he will leave there in disgrace as well.
But even if he doesn't, his bad behavior on the Niners, Eagles and Cowboys must be taken into account when looking at his stats as well. I think that the voters remember that and keep him out.
posted by cjets at 01:23 PM on March 10, 2009
CJ, you make a great point. However, I still lean towards T.O. being voted into the HoF. The thing is, I've seen the damage that has come along with T.O. being on a team but I have also seen the success that he brought with him as well. People can make the claim that all of the problems that has occurred has been because of T.O., but I cannot agree with that assessment. All the problems that has happened in Dallas were not all T.O., it's just easier to put the blame on him because of his past blowouts.
The guy is simply a gifted athlete. To be 36 and still capable of being one of the best recievers in the league is unheard of. T.O. has at least 3 good years left in him to be a solid contributer to a team. He should no longer be the core player that a team relies on but it's not like he suddenly became a scrub. At 36, he is still better then half of the recievers in the league.
posted by BornIcon at 02:10 PM on March 10, 2009
But even if he doesn't, his bad behavior on the Niners, Eagles and Cowboys must be taken into account when looking at his stats as well. I think that the voters remember that and keep him out.
True, but to play devil's advocate, if he does clean up his act and gets a ring somewhere, whether with buffalo or someone else, then he will become a story of redemption, and no one loves those types of stories more than the mdeia. With that type of makeover then he would almost certainly be in.
So maybe we are in a position where it is best to wait and see. In my mind, he could go either way. He has to know he has got one more chance to not screw up, and either resign with the bills or with a prominent contender, and get his ring. I hope he does turn it around.
posted by brainofdtrain at 07:42 PM on March 10, 2009
With that type of makeover then he would almost certainly be in.
It hasn't worked for Cris Carter yet.
posted by bperk at 09:30 AM on March 11, 2009
Disagree all you want, which is fine but just look at the numbers and tell me that he doesn't match up with some of the greatest wide recievers to ever play the game.
That's why I'm saying context is important. cjets said it better than I have, but there are any number of baseball players with great career numbers who aren't in the HoF because they played in an era of great offense. Do I think TO's numbers are great? Of course. In the abstract, he's one of the biggest difference makers at WR in his era. Unfortunately, that's not all he is. I know the NFL HoF isn't quite the popularity content the baseball HoF is, but writers still get a vote, don't they?
posted by yerfatma at 10:34 AM on March 11, 2009
...Terrell Owens is in fact going into the Hall of Fame. That is unless, all of a sudden he decides to go on some sort of crime spree wacking off people left & right...
So, just how many "Tickled Pink" quarterbacks does TO have in the trunk of his car?
posted by Folkways at 11:07 AM on March 11, 2009
It hasn't worked for Cris Carter yet
Yet is the key word. CC will be inducted into the HoF sooner than later.
So, just how many "Tickled Pink" quarterbacks does TO have in the trunk of his car?
None yet but I'm sure that if he was to ever crossed paths with Greg Maddux, the professor will take him on as his apprecentice and teach the HoF caliber reciever on the ins & outs of a perfect and unsolvable murder spree. Maddux tried to teach a certain incarcerated HoF running back but OJ just wouldn't listen and took matters in his own hands....allegedly.
posted by BornIcon at 11:23 AM on March 11, 2009
Buffalo? Didn't see this one coming. Guess he didn't get too many offers.