Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - I have a few things on my mind this weekend...
The NFL has, once again, altered its kickoff rules. They had to try something, because other changes made over the years have almost completely killed kick returns.
Of course, the safety of players is of utmost importance, but the numerous rules tweaks reduced the rate of returns to 21% last season, the lowest number in league history.
While some are making fun of the NFL for stealing ideas from the XFL, now known as the UFL, I say who cares where an idea comes from? If it can make the game better, then you have an obligation to give it a try and not worry about who had that idea first.
The XFL had a return rate of 90% with their kickoff rules. The NFL is thinking/hoping to be around 80% this coming season, which would be about four times greater than the rate of returns in 2023.
The same kind of "that's too gimmicky for the NFL" talk occurred when some suggested they follow the lead of college football when it comes to overtime rules. I absolutely love the college overtime rule, and wish the NFL would have copied it.
Sure, it was another Carolina connection, but I like the Buffalo Bills' signing of Curtis Samuel to bolster the wide receiver group.
Samuel is a veteran who will bring some speed and versatility to the Buffalo offense. He will give the Bills a downfield threat they desperately need, and can line up in multiple spots, including the backfield for gadget plays.
The 27-year-old's best year in Carolina was when current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady was calling plays for the Panthers in 2020.
Over his last three seasons in Washington with the Commanders, didn't get the kind of attention he may have gotten in Carolina with just 1,296 receiving yards on 132 grabs and eight touchdowns.
By the way, this does not, and should not change the Bills' approach to the NFL Draft. Wide receiver should be priority No. 1 for general manager Brandon Beane and company.
The Bills need another explosive player at that position, even more so with Stefon Diggs coming off a down second half of last season. This also taking into account that Diggs could possibily be a cap casualty at any point after the 2024 season.
I was very happy to see the Bills were able to re-sign defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. I think he was their most important free agent this offseason.
Jones is a huge (literally and figuratively) part of their run defense, and has become a pass-rushing presence on the inside. He and Ed Oliver create lots of problems for the opposing offensive line.
Good for Tre'Davious White. The former Bills cornerback signed a deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
I hope White can return to full health and play the game the way we all know he can play. I don't know how anyone wouldn't root for this guy. He has such a positive outlook on life, and his energy and love for the game is infectious.
I wish him nothing but success (except when the Rams play the Bills).
Picking up the fifth-year option for pass rusher Greg Rousseau by the May 2 deadline is a no-brainer for the Bills.
Now on to the Buffalo Sabres. Oy vey.
This was supposed to be the season the Sabres ended the NHL's longest postseason drought ever. Instead, it has turned out to be a big disappointment, with the blue and gold headed for a 13th-straight season as spectators come playoff time.
The good news is the goaltending is set with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi being your top-two netminders.
The top-four defensemen should also be good for quite some time with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson and the newest addition, Bowen Byram. Although it would really help if Samuelsson could stay healthy.
General manager Kevyn Adams needs to add to the forward ranks, and shouldn't be worried about giving up a combination of picks and prospects to find some proven scoring.
You know why we love the NCAA basketball tournament? Because of guys like Jack Gohlke and teams like Oakland University.
I watched Oakland, a 14-seed, stun 3-seed Kentucky thanks to Gohlke. I'll bet many of you, like me, had never heard of this kid before that game, but watched in amazement as he bombed away and made 10 three-point shots.
The upset was the first tournament win ever for the Golden Grizzlies, and it came in coach Greg Kempe's 40th season in charge of their program.
Stories/moments like that are why we love sports so much.
A tip of the cap to St. Bonaventure men's basketball head coach Mark Schmidt. He guided the Bonnies to a sixth 20-win season during his tenure, and a winning record for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons.
Prior to his arrival in Olean, I was convinced you couldn't have long-term success down there, but Schmidt has proven me, and so many others wrong. His Bonnies were also the seventh seed in the Atlantic 10 tournament, and upset 2-seed Loyola in the quarterfinals.
Schmidt is the man.
Good luck to whoever gets the men's head coaching job at Canisius.
The first order of business should be trying to convince some of the players already on the roster to come back. Nine players, including the top-seven in points per-game, have entered the transfer portal.
I also hope this isn't the end for Reggie Witherspoon, as far as coaching. He's been a class act, and a great teacher and example for young men.
Finally, good news for me and my fellow Mets fans. The regular season is underway, and the Mets aren't out of playoff contention yet!
