West Coast teams tend to lose on East Coast
Recent history suggests the Buffalo Bills should beat the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Ralph Wilson Stadium.
West Coast teams have a hard time winning games in the Eastern time zone. This season they haven’t won any, going 0-16.
The Bills don’t put much stock in this ongoing trend even if the facts suggest they should. When asked about it this week, head coach Dick Jauron said it was merely a coincidence.
“I don’t really believe in that either,” said Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. “You just have to go out and play.”
Stroud pointed out it’s just as tough for Eastern teams traveling west, but the difference is the time change is more difficult for West Coast teams. That’s especially the case in games that start at 1 p. m. Eastern time, which is three hours ahead.
The bigger reason for this year’s winless streak is a lack of good teams out West. In the AFC and NFC West, the teams are a combined 14-30. Both divisions have one team (6-5 Denver in AFC West and 7-5 Arizona in NFC West) with a winning record.
“I can’t speak for other teams,” said coach Mike Singletary, whose 49ers bring a 3-8 record into Ralph Wilson Stadium, “but hopefully we do a little bit better.”
The weather could make things even tougher for the 49ers. The early forecast calls for snow showers and a high of only 35 degrees.
But the Bills don’t see that as an advantage either.
“We practice inside,” middle linebacker Paul Posluszny said. “So it’s something we both have to deal with.”
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Singletary was a Hall of Fame middle linebacker with the Chicago Bears, so he knows a good one when he sees him. Singletary believes 49ers star Patrick Willis is a potential great one.
“He’s one of those kids that I don’t think he has any idea how good he can be,” Singletary said of Willis, an All-Pro selection as a rookie last season. “He’s a very humble kid, loves the game and loves to work. He asks a million questions a day and has a tremendous work ethic. If every guy was like him coaches wouldn’t retire so early.”
Asked if Willis reminded him of how he played, Singletary used an automotive analogy.
“Pat’s more of a Cadillac and I was more of a Ford,” he said. “I hope he stays a Cadillac and maybe adapts some of the Ford ways. I think my style was different than his, but he can take the position to a whole other level. I’m very excited for his future, and I’m very excited for the possibilities that lie ahead for him.”
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Starting outside linebacker Keith Ellison returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out the Wednesday session with a sore ankle. Also practicing was defensive end Copeland Bryan (foot) and tight end Derek Schouman (hamstring), who was not on the injury report even though he didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Cornerback Jabari Greer (knee), defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot), tight end Robert Royal (hamstring) and linebacker Teddy Lehman (hamstring) were sidelined for the second straight day. Greer and Schobel are the least likely to play on Sunday. Coach Jauron expressed concern about Royal, but hasn’t ruled Royal out yet.
Strong safety Donte Whitner (shoulder) was limited in practice again, but it is not clear if he’ll play.
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Stroud had a chance to live the dream of every linemen when he recovered a fumble last week in Kansas City. However, Stroud was tackled before he was able to score a touchdown.
And he knows why.
“I didn’t have any blocking,” he said. “I am disappointed in the guys. I told the guys that you have to throw a block for me. No, I am just joking, but definitely I wanted to get in the end zone. I got tackled by a guy I didn’t even see. I kind of had tunnel vision. I was trying to get down to the end zone, but I got clipped up. Hopefully I get another chance and I have to work on my running skills during practice, avoid a couple linemen and get my shakes on and I think I will be ready.”
Asked to describe his running style, he said, “I like to consider myself a power back with a little shiftiness.”
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