ra has been a long-standing impediment for the Bills, who have a

(Sports Network) - The Buffalo Bills have been attempting to find the correct formula for success for what seems like an eternity. Keith McGill Kids 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. Derek Carr Black Jersey .4 seconds left and dribbled up court, weaving through Pitts defence.authenticraidersshop.com/Keith-Mcgill-Raiders-Jersey . Alex Gough, Sam Edney and the doubles tandem of Justin Snith and Tristan Walker combined in the new event but missed winning a medal by one-tenth of a second.PITTSBURGH -- Clint Hurdle doesnt want to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates unless Neal Huntington is his boss. Huntington doesnt want to help run the club unless Hurdle is in the dugout. The combination thats returned the franchise to respectability will remain intact for years to come. Hurdle and Huntington agreed to new deals on Saturday that will keep them in Pittsburgh through at least 2017, giving the Pirates the kind of internal stability they havent enjoyed in decades. "Theres no place Id rather be," Hurdle said. Financial terms were not disclosed. The contracts include a club option for 2018. Both Huntington and Hurdle, chosen the 2013 National League Manager of the Year after leading the Pirates to 94 wins and a playoff berth, were in the final year of their current deals. Reaching a new agreement was a mere formality after a thrilling season in which Pittsburgh qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1992 and pushed the St. Louis Cardinals to five games in the NL division series. "I think we have a very solid team in place and they deserve the recognition," owner Bob Nutting said. "I think great organizations are stable organizations. Again, never static and never on autopilot ... (but) Im proud of the culture and the tone that the current team has." Its a tone that Huntington set from the day he took over in September, 2007. Faced with restocking a decimated minor league system and constrained by playing in a small market that makes splurging on high-profile free agents nearly impossible, Huntington has painstakingly rebuilt the Pirates from the inside out while stressing that success at the major league level would be the last step. Those steps coincided with Hurdles arrival in December, 2010 and the emergence of talents like homegrown star Andrew McCutchen, the reigning NL MVP. Pittsburgh has upped its win total in each of Hurdles three seasons, from 70 in 2011 to 79 in 2012 to 94 a year ago. Derek Carr Raiders Jersey. . Hurdle stressed most of the hard work was done before he was hired to replace Jim Tracy two months after the Pirates lost a whopping 105 games in 2010.. "When I was able to come in, just finding what we had, what had gone on, I felt confident the next move that took place would be here, the renaissance," he said. One the Pirates have no plans on stopping. The 27-year-old McCutchen is signed through 2018 and 25-year-old left fielder Starling Marte signed a new contract last month that could keep him with the team through 2021. Throw in the rapid development of former top pick Gerrit Cole -- who picked up his first win of the season on Friday night -- and the impending arrival of right field prospect Gregor Polanco and the farm system that used to be bereft is now among the most promising in all of baseball. While Hurdle insisted he wasnt concerned about his contract status when the season began, McCutchen called the announcement a relief. "Weve had managers in the past, they were here and they were gone," McCutchen said. "We have someone here thats going to be here and dont have to worry about him leaving or going somewhere else. Thats the change in the team with the success that weve had the past couple years and just doing better on improving." Nutting credited the mutual respect Hurdle and Huntington have for each other as the key to their success. Being able to check their egos at the door helps too. While Hurdle praised Huntingtons vision, Huntington believes the Pirates wouldnt have finished their transformation from laughingstock to contender without Hurdle. "He really was a perfect fit to bring the knowledge the passion the leadership, not just the Xs and Os," Huntington said. "Hes helped us all grow and helped us all get better and hopefully weve returned the favour." ' ' '