Week 1 preseason follow-up: Dolphins at Bears

The Miami Dolphins once again spent big this offseason, signing defensive tackle Ndaukong Suh and extending quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a combined $210 million. In the team's first preseason game and the starters' short appearance, their investment seemed pretty sound.

Tannehill went 6-for-7 for 56 yards, connecting with wide receiver Jarvis Landry for a touchdown to finish off his one and only drive of the night. Suh, though quiet on the stat sheet, was doubled for a majority of his snaps and created some opportunities for his fellow line mates, while also forcing the Chicago line to jump offsides on one play.

Check out these post-game roundups for some in-depth analysis on the team's 27-10 loss:

Andrew Abramson, via Palm Beach Post

Adam Beasley, via Miami Herald

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From Bears' side, Marshall trade only about money

The recent trade that sent Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears to the New York Jets was a win-win, as Gang Green desperately needed to bolster its receiving corps with a bonafide No. 1, and the Bears valued cap room over an already crowded pass-catching corps.

A Bears source recently told Metro New York's Kristian Dyer that the move, from Chicago's perspective, was strictly about money.

It never had anything to do with character issues, or whether the 31-year-old wideout was a distraction. Writes Dyer:

“The trade was contract driven, freeing up salary cap space. He was on a big contract here,” the source tells Metro New York. “It had nothing to do with him being this locker room issue or this villain. In fact, there were no issues like that that drove him out of here. It was all about the cap hit.”

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Gronk vs. Bears a favorable matchup for Patriots

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The way things are trending, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could have a big day Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Chicago is ranked 30th in the NFL against tight ends, according to Football Outsiders, giving up 69.9 yards and just under eight receptions a game to opponents at that position.

Gronkowski is heating up of late, having accumulated 18 catches for 262 yards and a touchdown over his last three games. He has four touchdowns this season since returning from injury.

Wilson to approach match with Holmes like any other

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Cornerback Kyle Wilson has spent time in practice opposite Santonio Holmes when the pair were teammates from 2010-13.

The next time they face off, it will be for real. Wilson will be lining up opposite Holmes Monday night when the New York Jets host the Chicago Bears.

"I’ve got a little familiarity with him, but still it’s not going to change anything," Wilson said, via NewYorkJets.com. "I’m going to play what I see. I’m definitely familiar with him and I’m going to go out there and play my technique and make a lot of plays."

Fred Jackson: 'I'm old but I can still play'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills thought 33-year-old running back Fred Jackson still had plenty left in his tank when they signed him to yet another contract extension this summer.

Jackson confirmed the team's suspicions Sunday afternoon, ripping off a 38-yard scamper in overtime--with a powerful stiff arm, to boot--to help seal the Bills' season-opening 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears.

"I'm old but I can still play," Jackson said after the game, via ESPN.com.

Week 1 picks: Bills at Bears

BY EDITOR

Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior writer Sean Donovan pick the Buffalo Bills' road contest with the Chicago Bears.

Dan's take
Buffalo's offense has a lot to prove in Chicago Week 1, as the unit tries to erase an absolutely dreadful preseason showing from its collective memory. It may get a break, however, from a Bears defense still trying to claw its way back into the conversation. Jay Cutler's offensive unit is no small task for the stout-looking Bills defense, and this one may come down to which team's running back corps can outshine the other.
Prediction: Bears 27, Bills 17

Sean's take
After a poor 2013, the Bears' defense remains a question mark. It'll take time to make judgments on the wholesale changes they made, but lining up against overwhelmed Bills quarterback Manuel will allow the unit to put up a solid performance in front of its home fans. From there, a healthy Cutler and his bevy of talented-pass catchers engineer a rout.
Prediction: Bears 34, Bills 6

Matchup Mashup: Your Bills-Bears primer

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Week 1: Buffalo Bills (0-0) at Chicago Bears (0-0), 1 p.m.
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.
Weather: Low 70s at kickoff, no precipitation expected (accuweather)

The skinny: Buffalo heads into Chicago with high expectations this season, as sophomore quarterback E.J. Manuel looks to prove he can make the leap from rookie to reliable franchise quarterback. With a stout defensive crew running on all cylinders behind new coordinator Jim Schwartz, all eyes will be on how Manuel can operate with an improved wide receiver corps at his disposal. On the other side, a humbled Bears defense is looking regroup from a season they'd like to quickly forget, while Jay Cutler and the offensive group may just be the strongest and deepest unit in the NFC North.

Rounding up last few days of AFC East happenings

BY NICK ST. DENIS

We've had a busy couple days in our non-blogging lives, so here's a roundup of stories and links regarding the AFC East to get you caught up on what we couldn't get to.

Matt Barkley is the latest soon-to-be rookie signal-caller to work out for Bills. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Cornerback Mike Jenkins, most-recently of the Cowboys, is slated to visit Orchard Park.

Running back Tashard Choice says he's returning to Buffalo.

Joe Philbin won't put up with players showing up to activities "sloppy fat and out of shape like last year."

Bills reportedly eying former Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb.

The Jets' former starting guard not named Brandon Moore signed elsewhere.

Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty reportedly had shoulder surgery.

Week 11 guide to Bills', Jets' rooting interests

With the New York Jets (5-5) and Buffalo Bills (5-4) trailing the New England Patriots (6-3) and likely fighting for a Wildcard playoff spot for the remainder of the season, here are the teams Jets and Bills fans should be rooting for in Week 11: