(Sports Network) - The Buffalo Bills have been attempting to find the correct formula for success for what seems like an eternity. Ryan Mundy Jersey . By the looks of the teams approach to the 2011 season, it appears to be an ongoing search. There was a time when the Bills were the AFCs dynasty, but its now been nearly two decades since the glory days of Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith and four straight Super Bowl appearances. And its been 12 years since the franchise last reached the playoffs, tied with the Detroit Lions for the longest current drought in the NFL. The times have changed following Buffalos once iron-clad rule of the conference, and so has the landscape of the league. The advent of the salary cap era has been a long-standing impediment for the Bills, who have annually faced an uphill battle to attract free-agent talent due to their small-market environment and cold-weather climate. The Bills have tried just about everything to deliver a winning product during their dark period. Theyve gone through coaches and quarterbacks like Paris Hilton goes through shoes. Theyve brought in big-name stars (Terrell Owens, Drew Bledsoe, Shawne Merriman) no longer wanted by other teams because of age or injuries. Alas, the results have still been predictably the same for an organization thats endured six consecutive losing seasons and produced just one winning record since 1999. Because of their restricted situation, the Bills have been forced to take chances in their quest to restore themselves back to respectability, and theyll be rolling the dice on a number of players in 2011 in hopes of turning around a 4-12 record in head coach Chan Gaileys first season at the helm. Buffalo is banking on Ryan Fitzpatrick, a career backup cast off by two other teams, developing into a high-caliber NFL quarterback after he put together an encouraging 2010 season in his first real shot to be a starter. The Bills are gambling that Merriman, once one of the leagues most feared pass rushers before having his career derailed by a litany of injuries, can re-emerge as a pass-rushing force on a defense thats sorely in need of game- changers. And Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix will be keeping their fingers crossed that a host of unproven youngsters can step up at wide receiver after dealing away one of the offenses best weapons, Lee Evans, during the preseason. That last move underscores the dilemma the Bills find themselves in for the upcoming season. Their commitment to Fitzpatrick by passing on several prospects in a 2011 draft that was well-stocked at the quarterback position indicates Buffalo believes its indeed ready to compete now. The Evans trade, on the other hand, conveys a completely different message. Gaileys outlook is the optimistic one, with the well-traveled coach publicly declaring his faith in Fitzpatrick as the man who can lead Buffalo out of its continued funk. "I am extremely confident in Ryan Fitzpatrick. I really am," he said. "We can win a bunch of football games with a guy a like that. Ive been to the playoffs a couple of times with guys that havent performed as well as Ryan has. So, I think we can do it." Below we take a capsule look at the 2011 edition of the Buffalo Bills, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein: 2009 RECORD: 4-12 (4th, AFC East) LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 1999, lost to Tennessee in AFC Wild Card COACH (RECORD): Chan Gailey (4-12 in one season with Bills, 22-26 in three seasons overall) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Curtis Modkins (second season) DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: George Edwards (second season with Bills) OFFENSIVE STAR: Steve Johnson, WR (82 receptions, 1073 yards, 10 TD) DEFENSIVE STAR: Kyle Williams, NT (77 tackles, 5.5 sacks) 2010 OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 25th overall (18th rushing, 24th passing), 28th scoring (17.7 ppg) 2010 DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 24th overall (32nd rushing, 3rd passing), 28th scoring (26.6 ppg) KEY ADDITIONS: DE Marcell Dareus (1st Round, Alabama), ILB Nick Barnett (from Packers), QB Tyler Thigpen (from Dolphins), QB Brad Smith (from Jets), WR Buster Davis (from Chargers), WR Ruvell Martin (from Seahawks), ILB Kirk Morrison (from Jaguars), CB Aaron Williams (2nd Round, Texas) KEY DEPARTURES: WR Lee Evans (to Ravens), DE Marcus Stroud (released), ILB Paul Posluszny (to Jaguars), SS Donte Whitner (to 49ers), QB Brian Brohm (not tendered), RB Quinton Ganther (not tendered), TE Jonathan Stupar (to Ravens), NT John McCargo (to Buccaneers), ILB Akin Ayodele (not tendered), ILB Keith Ellison (not tendered), OLB Aaron Maybin (to Jets), OLB Pierre Woods (released), CB Ashton Youboty (to Buccaneers) QB: Fitzpatrick made the most of a long-awaited opportunity to start, with the seventh-year pro amassing a career-best 3,000 yards after taking over the reins of Gaileys offense in Week 3 of last season and putting up 23 touchdown passes, the most by a Bills quarterback since Bledsoe had 24 in 2002. The Harvard grad is smart and an underrated athlete as well, having rushed for 269 yards in his 13 appearances. Hell have two new backups behind him after the Bills signed former Dolphin Tyler Thigpen (435 passing yards, 2 TD, 2 INT in 2010) and versatile ex-Jet Brad Smith, a quarterback in college who previously spent his five-year pro career as a wide receiver and impact return man, in the offseason. The latter will be employed in special packages in Gaileys creative scheme to take advantages of his talents as a runner and passer. Thigpen figures to be a good fit in his new surroundings, as the 27-year-old threw for 2,608 yards and 18 touchdowns with Kansas City in 2008, when Gailey was then the Chiefs offensive coordinator. RB: Buffalo should be in good shape here, with two capable backs both returning for their second year in Gaileys system. The dependable Fred Jackson (927 rushing yards, 31 receptions, 7 TD) eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2009 and was extremely productive over the second half of last season, surpassing 100 yards three times in a five-game stretch from November and December. Hes also an accomplished receiver whos averaged 38 catches over the past three years. Speedy sophomore C.J. Spiller (283 rushing yards, 24 receptions, 1 TD) didnt have the impact the team hoped after being chosen with the ninth overall pick of the 2010 draft due to ball-security issues and a slow learning curve, but theres no denying the former Clemson stars breakaway ability. More comfortable in his second training camp, hes expected to take on more prominent role in the game plan this year. The Bills are also excited about the potential of rookie Johnny White, a fifth-round choice in Aprils draft who impressed in summer practices, though the North Carolina product will likely be eased slowly into the offense. Veteran Corey McIntyre is back at fullback, though his true value to the roster comes from his special-teams work. WR/TE: Evans departure came in part due to the breakout 2010 campaign of Steve Johnson, who supplanted the new Raven as Fitzpatricks go-to receiver and compiled superb numbers of 82 catches, 1,073 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Hes probably in line for a heavy helping of double teams this season, though the Bills do have two solid options out of the slot in shifty vet Roscoe Parrish (33 receptions, 2 TD), who was having an excellent 2010 before fracturing his wrist in November, and college free-agent find David Nelson (31 receptions, 3 TD), who provides a big target at 6-foot-5. Donald Jones (18 receptions, 1 TD) is the leading candidate to fill Evans old spot after showing flashes as a rookie last year, though the undrafted 23-year-old is a steep drop-off in terms of experience. Buffalo got next to nothing from the tight end position in Gaileys first season, as 2009 fourth-rounder Shawn Nelson has yet to pan out. Scott Chandler, a 6-foot-7 journeyman whos bounced around the league since 2007, was working as the starter in the preseason, but has just one career catch to his credit. Keep on eye on second-year receiver Marcus Easley, a raw but physical fourth-round pick in last years draft who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. OL: The most unsettled, and perhaps the greatest area of concern as well, for the Bills resides on an offensive line that was viewed as a weak link in 2010. Though all five starters are back, its possible none will be in the same position they held for the majority of last year. The units probable anchor will be 2009 first-round selection Eric Wood, who worked primary at right guard last season but has been shifted to his college position at center. Andy Levitre, a second-round pick in that same draft, started all 16 games at left guard in 2010 but is being pushed for his job by ex-Redskins washout Chad Rinehart. Levitre in turn has seen time at left tackle, where Buffalo hasnt been pleased with the progress of fourth-year project Demetrius Bell, during camp. The front-runners for the two right-side spots are both unappealing, as guard Kraig Urbik is a failed former high pick of the Steelers and tackle Erik Pears -- a one-time regular in Denver -- was out of the league for a good part of last season. Pears will have competition from rookie Chris Hairston (4th Round, Clemson), while veteran Geoff Hangartner -- a 12-game starter at center last year -- lends experienced interior depth. DL: The Bills finished dead last in the NFL in rushing defense in 2010, allowing a porous 169.6 yards per game, which prompted Nix to use the third overall pick in Aprils draft on former Alabama standout Marcell Dareus. Incredibly agile despite weighing 343 pounds, the 21-year-old will be an instant starter at strong-side end and likely an immediate upgrade as well, as hes been outstanding during the early stages of the preseason. Nose tackle Kyle Williams (77 tackles, 5.5 sacks) led Buffalo in sacks and was a Pro Bowl alternate last season, which recently earned the scrappy overachiever a well- deserved six-year, $39-million contract. With those two in place along with reliable end Dwan Edwards (57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), as well as a couple of promising young backups also on hand in tackle Torell Troup (23 tackles) and end Alex Carrington (8 tackles, 1 sack), the line could go from a weakness to a strength. LB: Buffalos pass rush was sporadic at best last season, with the teams cumulative total of 27 sacks tied for the fourth-fewest in the league, which is why the team is counting so heavily on a return to form from the brittle Merriman, acquired last November off waivers from San Diego. The 27-year-old has shown glimpses of the burst that made him a three-time All-Pro with the Chargers from 2005-07 this summer, but hes missed 30 games over the last three years with an assortment of ailments. If healthy, hell line up opposite converted end Chris Kelsay (72 tackles, 3.5 sacks) on the edges of the Bills 3-4 look. There are also medical concerns regarding the two projected inside starters, as offseason free-agent pickup Nick Barnett (24 tackles with Packers) was limited to just four games a year ago due to a wrist problem that required surgery and veteran returnee Andra Davis (41 tackles, 1 INT) made only six appearances last season before being shelved with a torn labrum. As insurance, the team signed seasoned pro Kirk Morrison (89 tackles with Jaguars), who owns 95 career starts over six seasons with Oakland and Jacksonville, midway through the preseason. Hell added needed depth along with second-year man Arthur Moats (33 tackles, 2.5 sacks), who acquitted himself well in spot duty as a rookie and can fill in at any of the four positions. DB: The secondary shapes up as one of the Bills better departments heading into the season. Cornerbacks Terrence McGee (18 tackles) and Drayton Florence (58 tackles, 3 INT, 15 PD) are both quality cover men with substantial game experience, while ball-hawking free safety Jairus Byrd (89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) has garnered 10 interceptions in two years and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2009. Fourth-year corner Leodis McKelvin (62 tackles, 2 INT, 11 PD), has plenty of ability as well, though the 2008 first-round pick has had a somewhat inconsistent career thus far, while the second-round selection of good-sized University of Texas product Aaron Williams in Aprils draft furthers the talent base, a priority considering the injury-prone McGee has missed 12 games over the past two years. Buffalo let strong safety Donte Whitner walk in free agency during the offseason, though team player rep George Wilson (35 tackles, 2 INT) is a worthwhile replacement who started 12 times there in 2009. The future at the position may be rookie DaNorris Searcy, a fourth-round draft choice out of North Carolina whos regarded as a sound run supporter. Buffalo finished 28th overall in pass efficiency defense and surrendered 28 touchdown passes in 2010, though those poor numbers were in part due to the lack of a pass rush. SPECIAL TEAMS: Spiller didnt contribute much on offense in his debut, but the highly-skilled youngster quickly made his mark in the return game, averaging an outstanding 14.6 yards on punt runbacks and 23 yards per kick return along with a touchdown in the seasons third week. Hes one of several strong options in that area, as Brad Smith (28.6 avg, 2 TD on KR), Parrish (10.9 avg. on PR), McKelvin and McGee all have previously recorded special-teams scores in their careers. Kicker Rian Lindell is coming off a subpar season in which the 11-year veteran made just 16-of-21 field goal tries and also missed an extra point, though he does possess a strong leg and has been generally trustworthy during his tenure. Punter Brian Moorman (42.4 avg.), renowned for his superior hang time on kicks, is back for his 11th season as the Bills punter and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. PROGNOSIS: The Bills werent as bad as last years record indicated, as three of the 12 losses came in overtime and the team went 4-4 over the second half after losing its first eight games. And considering the defense couldnt possibly be any worse than last years disaster, a better overall result in 2011 may very well be forthcoming. However, there are still too many question marks, particularly on the offensive line and at the skill positions, and although Gailey has a track record of getting the most of his resources on that side of the ball, theres simply not enough in place to project Buffalo to be a factor in an AFC East pack that contains two conference powerhouses in New England and the New York Jets. Jermon Bushrod Jersey . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Brock Vereen Jersey .ca. In addition to the game being aired in its entirety on CTV Two Vancouver Island and TSN.ca, TSN2 will also have coverage of Whitecaps FC immediately following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Toyota Owners 400.TSN Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie, Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger gathered for the latest installment of Insider Trading and the topics discussed were what a rising salary cap means for PK Subbans contract negotiations, the coaching situation with the New York Islanders, the Buffalo Sabres search for a new general manager, what stories emerged from Tuesdays Board of Governors meetings and Jakob Chychrun, the son of former Flyers defenceman Jeff Chychrun. Q: With the cap going over $71 million and climbing even higher, what does this mean to P.K. Subban and his contract talks? LeBrun: It could mean a lot. In many ways, he could be the poster child for young, star free agents and future negotiations. For guys like Alex Pietrangelo and Erik Karlsson, they signed long term deals because they were looking for security and didnt know where the salary cap was headed. Well, P.K. Subban and his advisors from Newport Sports know where its going and its going way up, so the debate for Subban is, do I sign an eight-year deal like a lot of people are expecting me to, but then, the salary cap might be at $100 million by the end of the eight-year deal, maybe Im better off taking a shorter term deal, three or four years. Of course, the Montreal Canadiens will be looking for some long-term security themselves, so a big decision for Subban because the cap is going way up. McKenzie: The players and agents are wondering whos going to be the guy who breaks the bank; whos going to be the guy who gets closer to the 20 per cent maximum salary thats allowed. If the salary cap is $75 million or $80 million in a couple of years, thats potentially $15-16 million a year. What player might command that kind of money? Well, lets have a look at the guys who are coming up to unrestricted free agency. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have a year left on their deals after this year. They can start negotiating in the summer. You can easily justify doubling your current $6.3 million salary if youre Toews or Kane. Steven Stamkos, a free agent in 2016, could he be the guy who breaks the bank? We saw the redefining of the goaltender market last week when Henrik Lundqvist brought the maximum goaltender salary from $7 million to $8.5 million. Agents and players believe its only a matter of time until some star player gets $12, $13 million or $14 million under this new salary cap environment. Q: Are the reeling New York Islanders going to be looking for a new head coach? Dreger: They might, but in the moment, the New York Islanders are willing to be patient, so there is no imminent coach firing. Jack Capuano has the full confidence of his general manager. What the team needs is more offence from its star players and thats aside from the top line. Garth Snow is also looking for a top-pairing defenceman. Hes taking more of the responsibility than putting it on the coaches. Q: What is the status of the Buffalo Sabres search for a new general manager? McKenzie: The list is getting longer, rather than shorter. The expectation is that the Buffalo Sabres will certainly take until the New Year and maybe beyond that, closer to the Olympics, before a general manager is named. Our sense is that there is somewhere between six and 10 names that Sabress president Pat LaFontaine is looking at and that hes probably spoken to two-thirds or three-quarters of that group, but hes continuing to look and theres one name thats popping into the mix lately. Jay Ratliff Jersey. The Buffalo Sabres have asked for permission from the Los Angeles Kings to talk to director of amateur scouting Mike Futa, but no word yet on whether or not that permission has been granted. Q: What stories emerged from Tuesdays Board of Governors meeting, including the push for the next World Cup of Hockey? Dreger: I believe Hockey Canada will reach out, if they havent already, to the Players Association. The NHL is waiting for some gesture from the Players Association on the scenarios that have been discussed over multiple meetings about the next World Cup. Hockey Canada would prefer that the next World Cup be in February 2016. Its unlikely that the owners will shut down part of the season again. Theyd prefer September of 2015. Theres still a lot of work to do, but the league is getting antsy. They want an answer in the next couple of months. LeBrun: Brendan Shanahan addressed the Board of Governors on Tuesday, talking about league discipline. One of the things he brought up was Matt Cooke and how he became a rehabilitated player in part because of the help he got from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. The message from Shanahan was look at what that coaching staff did for Matt Cooke. Hed like to see more teams around the league adopt that model when it comes to helping out their own players when it comes to league discipline issues. Dreger: This was very much a business meeting for the governors of the NHL and good news for the small market owners, as they learned that they can earn upwards of $45 million. With the cap floor going to $52 million in 2014-15, those full revenue-sharing teams will get upwards of $20 million in national rights money, theyll get $20 million in revenue sharing and, perhaps, an extra $5 million in escrow. So thats $45 million of $52 million to get to the floor. LeBrun: The story that generated the most buzz today was something that wasnt even talked about within the walls of the Board of Governors meeting - expansion, but because Gary Bettman was questioned about expansion in the media, it was really his demeanour, more than what he actually said, that generated the buzz. He openly talked about receiving interest from other markets. In the past, he would just shut that down and not even broach it. It gives us the impression that expansion is on the horizon. One governor said, nevermind the next couple of years, he believes in the next year, expansion talk will heat up seriously. Q: Whats the next step for Jakob Chychrun, son of former Philadelphia Flyer Jeff Chychrun? McKenzie: Jakob Chychrun is a 62", 195-pound, 15-year-old defenceman who plays for the Toronto Canadiens of the Greater Toronto Hockey League. What makes him special is that if he decides to go the OHL route, hes expected to be the first-overall pick. 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