Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 12/30

Source: Stevie Johnson's Asking Price To Bills: $7.5 Mill - WGR 550
"A source close to the situation told WGR's Joe Buscaglia that Stevie Johnson's asking price placed in to the Buffalo Bills during negotiations was an annual salary of $7.5 million. The source indicates that there have been no contract offers issued to Johnson from the Bills over the course of the past month."

CAPACCIO: What Is Stevie Johnson's Value? - WGR 550
According to these numbers, Stevie Johnson's asking price of about $7.5M a year would be 15th or so among receivers in the NFL.

Stevie Vs WR's - WGR 550
Howard Simon compares Stevie Johnson's numbers to those of players around the NFL.

Bills rookie Dareus' presence felt on defense - BuffaloBills.com
"That's been one of the impressive things is the progress he's made each week,'' coach Chan Gailey said. "A lot of people think he's arrived, but he hasn't yet. ... He's still learning. I think he has a chance to be even more dominant as time goes on.''

Bills-Patriots Preview - BuffaloBills.com
"After the then-undefeated Buffalo Bills shocked the New England Patriots in Week 3, the season-ending rematch in Foxborough looked like it could be a showdown for the AFC East title. Instead, New England has had the division wrapped up for weeks and the Bills have been out of contention even longer."

Marcell Dareus on Patriots, rookie season - BuffaloBills.com
Dareus is sore - and he's not afraid to let you know that's not stopping him.

Bills Focus: Going for the Sweep - BuffaloBills.com
It's been a long time since the Bills swept the Patriots. Can it happen this season?

Spiller on Patriots and running inside - BuffaloBills.com
With Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo in the middle of the Patriots defense, things could be tough between the tackles.

Inside The Bills | Spiller has Belichick impressed
"He’s been very impressive," said Belichick. "He’s pretty dynamic. Handing the ball to Spiller, however they get it to him – screens, passes, inside runs, outside runs, draw plays, he’s been productive on all of them. He’s really done a good job."

Inside The Bills | Not looking good for Smith
"It looks like he’s not going to make it," said Gailey. "We’re holding out hope, but I just don’t see how he can (play). He’s got a hamstring that just won’t go away."

Z's remain dormant in Bills' offense - The Buffalo News
"Buffalo's flanker position has produced 47 catches for 459 yards and two touchdowns. The catch total isn't bad. But the Bills' yards-per-catch total -- 9.7 -- is the lowest in the league from the Z position."

Brad Smith out; Chan on Brady - The Buffalo News
"Well, he must be sick," Gailey said sympathetically, in reference to Brady's absence Wednesday.

This Day in Buffalo Sports History: The Bills' best quote - The Buffalo News
"December 30, 1996 -- The end of a professional sports career is often a difficult time for all concerned, especially the good ones. In the case of Bills' center Kent Hull, the media might have taken it harder than anyone."

Patriots tame foes with dynamic tight ends | Democrat and Chronicle
'The Patriots do everything better than the Bills, and nowhere is that more obvious than at the tight end position. The Patriots have Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Bills have, well ... let's not even get into that."

Ryan Fitzpatrick missing the deep ball - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"According to ESPN Stats and Information, Fitzpatrick is connecting on only 27.1 percent (13 of 48) of his passes of 21 yards or more, which is 29th in the NFL. Fitzpatrick has a passer rating of 53.4 and with two touchdowns and three interceptions when throwing deep this season."

NFL Videos: Sound FX: Marcell Dareus
"Check out the sights and sounds from Bills DT Marcell Dareus when Buffalo hosted the Denver Broncos in Week 16 of NFL action."

Spiller gives Bills something to ponder - CBSSports.com
"RB C.J. Spiller, the team's first-round pick out of Clemson in 2010, has given the front office something to think about regarding handing veteran Fred Jackson a rich contract extension. Spiller, who has been starting since Jackson was lost for the year with a broken leg, has been very good the past two games, including recording his first 100-yard game against Denver (111 on 16 carries)."

ProFootballWeekly.com - Patriots-Bills matchup of the day: Wednesday
"Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Bills safeties George Wilson and Jairus Byrd"