BUFFALO, N.
Victor Moses Jersey .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone wasted little time filling a big hole on his staff by
reaching a deal with recently fired Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz as
defensive co-ordinator. Marrone also turned to Schwartzs former staff to address
another need by agreeing to hire Todd Downing to coach the young crop of
quarterbacks, led by last years rookie first-round pick, EJ Manuel. The
additions were announced Friday night, a day after defensive co-ordinator Mike
Pettine left the team after one year to take over as the Cleveland Browns head
coach. "We are excited to add a talented and accomplished co-ordinator in Jim
Schwartz to our staff," Marrone said in a statement released by the team.
"Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time
in the NFL, and we feel our defence will continue to improve under his
leadership." Schwartz was fired Dec. 30, a day after the Lions missed the
playoffs with a 7-9 record. In four seasons in Detroit, the 47-year-old Schwartz
was 29-51. That included a 10-6 finish in 2011 when the Lions reached the
playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Schwartz becomes the Bills fourth
defensive co-ordinator in four years and has big shoes to fill in taking over a
unit that emerged as the teams strength last season. Pettines departure had the
potential of under-cutting much of the progress the Bills hoped would carry over
into next season after a 6-10 finish that extended the NFLs longest active
playoff drought to 14 seasons. Though the Bills were inconsistent against the
run, they still finished 10th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed -- Buffalos
best ranking since finishing second in 2004. And they finished second in the NFL
with a franchise-record 57 sacks. Schwartz has 20 years of NFL coaching
experience, including eight seasons as the Tennessee Titans defensive
co-ordinator from 2001-08. The Titans defence three times finished among the
NFLs top 10 in fewest yards allowed. Tennessee was particularly stingy in
stopping the run, finishing sixth or better in yards rushing allowed, including
a first-place ranking in 2003. Its unclear how many positions Schwartz will have
to fill on his defensive staff because theres a chance Pettine may lure some of
his assistants to Cleveland. The Bills currently have one opening after inside
linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach was fired last week. Schwartz takes over unit
that produced four Pro Bowl selections, defensive linemen Mario Williams,
Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus and safety Jairus Byrd. Byrds status is
uncertain after he played under a one-year franchise tag last season. The
defence also includes linebacker Kiko Alonso, an NFL rookie of the year
candidate. Schwartz has a fiery personality, and an aggressive approach to
defence much like Pettine, which is being counted on to ease the transition. The
knock against Schwartz in Detroit was the Lions inconsistencies and
undisciplined style of play. In 2012, the Lions lost their last eight games
after a 4-4 start. Last season, they collapsed during a stretch in which they
blew fourth-quarter leads in losing six games during a seven-game stretch.
Downings addition filled Marrones desire to add a quarterbacks coach to his
staff after offensive co-ordinator Nathaniel Hackett doubled at the position
last year. Marrone had expressed an intention to ease Hacketts burden entering
his second season. Lack of experience and injuries didnt help the position.
Manuel missed six games because of knee injuries. Undrafted journeyman
Thad Lewis went 2-3 in five starts, while undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel struggled
in a 23-13 loss to Kansas City. Downing has 11 years of NFL coaching experience,
and spent the past three seasons at the same position in Detroit, where he
mentored Lions starter Matthew Stafford. The 33-year-old Downing is familiar
with Lewis, who spent last off-season in Detroit before the Bills acquired him
in a trade in August. And he also coached Manuel at last years Senior Bowl.
"Todd Downing is a bright and energetic coach," Marrone said. "He played a
pivotal role in the development of Detroits quarterbacks during his tenure: most
notably Matthew Stafford, the franchises all-time leading passer. Downing will
be a valuable addition to our offensive coaching staff."
Matt Miazga Jersey . Winning more at home probably should be on the list. The Flames look to avoid a fifth defeat in six
home games by winning a sixth straight meeting with the Edmonton Oilers on
Saturday night.
Ola Aina Jersey . -- During Kansas shootaround on Wednesday before the Jayhawks faced Oklahoma, coach Bill Self
told Wayne Selden Jr.SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Padres and outfielder Will
Venable have agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract that runs through
2015. Venable, the son of former big leaguer Max Venable, will make $4.25
million each of the next two seasons. Venable was San Diegos seventh-round draft
pick in the 2005 amateur draft and made his debut on Aug. 29, 2008. "It
certainly gives you confidence to go out there every day knowing that all that
other stuff is all taken care of," Venable said Tuesday. "All there is to focus
on is playing and helping this team win games." VVenable is hitting .
Cesar Azpilicueta Jersey. 273 with a career-high 20 home runs, and has 15 stolen bases. He leads NL outfielders with
a .510 slugging percentage and is second in the majors to the Angels Mike Trout
(.588). "I think hes very confident in who he is and what he does and who he is
as a player," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "All that is coming together as
a player. At times it takes guys of four years of service time, or three plus
where Will is, to really think about who they are and what they need to do to
finally establish themselves."
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