Kelsay retires, won't 'dwell on' lack of playoff action

BY NICK ST. DENIS

One of Chris Kelsay's goals as a professional football player was to end his career with the Buffalo Bills, the team that drafted him in 2003. He completed that goal.

Wednesday, the 10-year veteran defensive end announced his retirement, calling it quits after a decade's worth of work that saw him make 32.5 sacks and 440 tackles in 147 games. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)

But despite playing for double-digits worth of years for the same franchise, Kelsay was unable to make a single playoff appearance, something he regrets but won't "dwell on."

Bills' D-line prepping for Kelsay-less late-season run

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills' heated-up defensive line looks to build on its recent success without a key piece of its front -- defensive end Chris Kelsay.

Kelsay re-aggravated a neck injury last weekend that he first initially acquired a month ago in practice. After trying to play through the ailment that kept him out for two weeks, the Bills were forced to place the 10-year pro on the Injured Reserve list to help bolster needs elsewhere. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)

“I want what’s best for the team,” Kelsay told buffalobills.com. “I’ve always approached it that way so I understand and respect their decision. Having never had to go through this situation before it’s frustrating, but I’ll move forward.

"We’ve been playing great defense the last few weeks. To be standing on the sidelines and watching it from afar it’s disappointing.”

Bills' pass rush regains depth, options with Kelsay

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

With the return of defensive end Chris Kelsay to the field, the Buffalo Bills' pass rushing squad regained more than a veteran presence: It now has some much-needed flexibility.

Kelsay practiced individually Monday for the first time since a ligament tear in his neck put him on the sidelines nearly two weeks ago. The 10-year vet was upbeat about his progress, telling reporters he was optimistic about returning for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I am feeling a lot better,” Kelsay said. “The weekend and this past week I have seen significant progress. Looking forward to getting back out there.”

Kelsay, a warrior throughout his career in Buffalo, injured his neck pushing the practice sled during team workouts. He's only missed eight games during his decade-long tenure with the Bills, and he was confident that he would be able to fully practice Wednesday to prepare for the weekend.

Bills to use bye to assess 'Jekyll and Hyde' defense

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

It took seven weeks, but frustrations surrounding the production of the Buffalo Bills' “new and improved” defense have finally spilled out of the locker room.

While coach Chan Gailey called the defensive effort a “Jekyll and Hyde situation” in an appearance on WGR 550 radio on Monday, defensive end Chris Kelsay leaned more toward the Jekyll side, calling out the group and claiming some were just straight slacking.

“You watch the film and not everybody was playing hard every snap and that’s unacceptable,” Kelsay told reporters Monday after the team's debilitating loss to the Titans. “Maybe as leaders some of us have let some things slide and we can’t do that. We’re not going to allow it.”

Starting with the 385-yard, 48-point egg the Bills' defense laid against the Jets on opening day (partial thanks to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the special teams), the group has been bad. Buffalo is currently last in the league in rushing defense and third-down defense. It is next-to-last in points allowed (32). It has by far given up the most 20-plus yard plays, and it is currently allowing teams a 76 percent success rate in the red zone.

Kelsay unwilling to cede No. 90, 'Mario understood'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mario Williams has a bigger contract than any defensive player in NFL history, but none of that money will go toward buying his old jersey number, at least from Chris Kelsay.

Kelsay, the Bills' second-longest tenured player, told the Buffalo News he's "not really interested" in dealing his jersey number (90) to newly-aqcuired fellow defensive end Williams, who wore No. 90 during his tenure with the Texans.

"People who have never played don't realize how attached you can actually get to a number," Kelsay said. "Having played with it my whole career, it was something I don't really want to part with and he completely understood. That was basically it."

Bills look to prevent a Patriots tight end clinic

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

In case you hadn’t noticed, the Patriots' tight ends are pretty good.

The Bills head into their final game this year well aware of that fact as they look to sweep New England to finish off the season.

Dolphins' O-line vs. Bills' rush not marquee matchup

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

On paper, the matchup between the Buffalo Bills' pass rush and the Miami Dolphins' pass protection looks like a wash. And that's no compliment to either squad.