By Tim Graham
Honey, I'm home!
After a year of not covering sports as my primary job -- the only time I've done that in my career -- I'm back on the NFL beat for The Buffalo News, starting today.
While I've written several sports-related news stories for the front page and have co-hosted Jerry Sullivan's video chats since I returned to the paper, the sports department is my home again for the first time since the Buffalo Sabres opened the 2007-08 season.
Buffalo News Executive Sports Editor Lisa Wilson decided it was time to revamp our Buffalo Bills coverage, and I couldn't say "Yes" fast enough.
Joining Mark Gaughan and Jay Skurski will be an honor. They're the beat guys; I'm the add-on. Gaughan, the Football Writers Association of America president, will remain our Bills authority in the newspaper. Skurski has been no stranger to Bills coverage, and his already-notable presence certainly will grow.
Gaughan and Skurski still will contribute to the blog (and my byline will appear in print editions), but my main role on the team will be maintaining this space.
"Press Coverage" is our new-look blog that I hope becomes your go-to source for Bills information, an emporium that offers news updates you can't find anywhere else, unique insights, timely statistical and trends analysis along with a clearinghouse of links to what's being written and said about the Bills.
Multimedia will be emphasized. You can expect regular chats, podcasts and video segments on "Press Coverage." You'll also see pictures from Buffalo News staff photographers, the Associated Press and Getty Images.
You can bet my background as AFC East blogger for ESPN.com and Miami Dolphins beat writer for the Palm Beach Post will influence what you see on "Press Coverage."
I'm a strong believer that what happens around the division provides the best context for how the Bills are doing. So if there's a trend developing with the New England Patriots or New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says something worthwhile, then why not come here to discuss it?
And that brings me to perhaps the most important element of "Press Coverage," in my mind: interaction.
"Press Coverage," at its best, should be a place where fans gather to exchange thoughts and ideas about the Bills.
A healthy blog should feature interaction in its comment sections. I realize those have been dead zones around here because many folks don't want to go through The Buffalo News' registration process. But please take two minutes now to create an account so you can join in the conversation.
Trash talk people you don't agree with. Declare your wacky predictions. Lodge your complaints. Leave suggestions. Share your favorite casserole recipes. Whatever you want.
A variety of opinions are wanted, and there should be no shortage. The Bills haven't been this interesting in years.
So welcome to "Press Coverage." We hope we give you reasons to keep coming back -- just like The Buffalo News sports department did for me.
