The only area of concern was Buffalos inability to stop the run

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalos notoriously long, harsh winters have their advantages as far as Jim Schwartz is concerned. The nasty weather that stretched well into April provided the Bills new defensive co-ordinator an additional excuse to stay indoors and become more familiar with his players and staff. "One of the good things about being here in Buffalo is the weather was so bad that we had plenty of time as coaches to stay together," Schwartz said with a laugh, following a voluntary minicamp practice this week. "When the snow was rolling and it was 5 degrees outside, we were holed up in the room watching all their stuff from last year." It was an invaluable experience for the defensive-minded specialist, who finds himself back in his element in Buffalo a few months after losing his job following a five-year stint as the Detroit Lions head coach. "You can spin coaching changes any way you want. The one thing I would say is the players do have a clean slate," Schwartz said. "They have to prove themselves. And Im in the same boat. Ive got to prove myself all over again. Its exciting. Thatll bring out the best in players. Itll bring out the best in coaches." Filling the vacancy after Mike Pettine left to take over the Cleveland Browns, Schwartz inherits a Bills defence that began shedding its once-porous and passive reputation by emerging as the teams strength last season. While Buffalo (6-10) struggled on offence in large part because of rookie quarterback EJ Manuels inconsistencies and injuries, the defence finished 10th in the NFL in yards allowed -- the units best ranking in nine years. The Bills also finished second in the league with 23 interceptions and a franchise-record 57 sacks. And they had four defenders earn Pro Bowl selections, including tackle Marcell Dareus, who was added as an injury replacement. The only area of concern was Buffalos inability to stop the run. The Bills gave up 150 or more yards rushing six times, and finished 28th in allowing an average 129 net yards rushing per game. Schwartz has a strong track record in devising schemes to stop the run. During his eight seasons as Tennessees defensive co-ordinator, the Titans finished sixth or better in rushing yards allowed six times from 2001-08. Its on Schwartz to build on that success with a unit that features a few new wrinkles at linebacker, where the team added Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers in free agency, and was unable to re-sign three-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd. Schwartz is Buffalos fourth defensive co-ordinator in four seasons. He doesnt anticipate a difficult transition, even though hes making the switch to a 4-3 style of defence, and his philosophy is considered less aggressive than Pettines pressure-the-passer approach. Schwartz is keeping much of the same play-calling terminology. And he said the switch to four linemen and three linebackers shouldnt be regarded as significant, because his and Pettines defences share similar elements. Veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams doesnt foresee much change in the Bills approach. "No, were not going to be read-and-react. Were going to attack guys," Williams said. "Now, if we do it with four rushers, five rushers or six, thatll have to be game-planned. But were going to be on the move. And were going to attack." Spikes liked what hes seen after two weeks of minicamp practices. "Weve still got a long way to go, but if we can take these necessary steps, I think we can be great this season and shock the world," said Spikes, who was signed in part because of his reputation as a run-stuffer during his first four seasons in New England. "I take that personally. If you can stop the run, you can make them one-dimensional," Spikes said. "I think this season therell be some eye-openers." China Jerseys Wholesale . - Bryan Price sat down in the cushy chair. Fake China Jerseys . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. https://www.chinajerseyscheap.us/ . - Suspended Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon has voluntarily checked into a treatment facility and seems to be doing well. China Jerseys Cheap . Perez, 35, posted a 1-2 record with a 3.69 earned-run average in 19 relief appearances last season. His season ended Aug. 9 due to a torn ligament in his left elbow. Perez joins infielder Andy LaRoche and catcher Mike Nickeas with minor-league agreements for 2014 that include invitations to attend spring training. Cheap Jerseys From China . - Rookie Tesho Akindele scored three goals and Fabian Castillo added two in FC Dallas 5-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.Mark Buehrle goes after his major league-leading 11th win of the season on Thursday when the Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Buehrle lost for the first time in seven decisions on Saturday to St. Louis, but it was through no fault of his own, as he was again tremendous, surrendering one run and five hits in seven innings. However, he did walk five batters and fell to 10-2, despite lowering his ERA a tick to 2.04. The 35-year-old left-handers resurgence has been a big reason why the Blue Jays sit atop the American League East standings. "We go out there and win a few games, try to win a series, thats how we have to go from here on out," said Buehrle. "Not really a scoreboard watcher or look at what other teams are doing, just go out there and try to take care of yourself. Hopefully were at first place at the end of the year, but we have a long way to go." Buehrle is a perfect 5-0 with a stingy 1.47 ERA away from home this season. One of those wins came in Baltimore back on April 13, but hes 8-8 with a 3.31 ERA in 20 career starts against the Os. Toronto will be looking to get itself right on Thursday, as it enters this series on the heels of dropping four of five after a 7-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. Jose Bautista had two hits, drove in a run and scored a run for the Blue Jays, who had won 15 of 17 before this rough patch. Toronto, though, still holds a 4 1/2-game edge on the Orioles and Yankees in the division. "I thinkk weve cooled off pretty good, pretty much top to bottom in the lineup .dddddddddddd.. but thats the way it goes," manager John Gibbons said. "The key is you cant prolong the struggles. Youve got to put an end to them. The bats will heat up again, hopefully sooner than later." Baltimore will try to make up some ground behind young righty Kevin Gausman, who is coming off the best showing of his career. The 23-year-old former first round pick earned his first win as a starter on Saturday, as he held the Oakland Athletics to a run and four hits over seven innings to even his record at 1-1, while, lowering his ERA almost seven runs to 4.91. "If he pitches next time like he pitched last time, I view him as a starter," Showalter said. Baltimore comes into this series after taking two of three from the Boston Red Sox. In Wednesdays rubber match, Chris Davis hit a two-run homer to back seven scoreless innings from Wei-Yin Chen, as Baltimore rolled, 6-0. Chen (7-2) gave up four hits while striking out a season-high seven batters for the Orioles, who bounced back from a 1-0 loss on Tuesday. Adam Jones, Nick Hundley, Jonathan Schoop and Nick Markakis each knocked in a run. "I came out here early today and worked on a few things that have really be helpful for me in the past and was able to swing the bat the way I wanted to tonight so it was definitely a good night for me," Davis said. Baltimore has split six matchups with the Blue Jays this season. ' ' '