Thursday, September 16, 2010

Bills Lynch Could Be Headed to Green Bay If Rodgers Has His Way

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch can't escape talk that he's on the trading block.
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Shortly after Lynch informed reporters Thursday he didn't have any thoughts regarding his status, cornerback Drayton Florence popped by his teammate's locker with what he jokingly referred to as breaking news.
``Hey, you know you're getting traded, right?'' Florence said with a big smile. ``It just went across the bottom of the screen. Me and you, package deal, baby.''
Lynch could only shake his head and laugh.
``So we're out of this thing, huh?'' Lynch said, before noting that Florence had spoiled the flow of the interview taking place.
It's been that type of week for Lynch, who realizes he can't control his future beyond attempting to find a niche in a crowded backfield as the Bills prepare to play at Green Bay on Sunday.
``All I know is I'm taking handoffs from Fitz or Trent or Brohm,'' Lynch said, referring to the team's three quarterbacks. ``That's pretty much all I've got to say about that.''
Others, meanwhile, are doing the talking for Lynch.
Speculation of Lynch being traded was raised a day earlier when Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he'd urge the team to acquire Lynch. The two played together at California, and the Packers are in need of a running back after losing Ryan Grant to a season-ending ankle injury.
``Bring him on,'' Rodgers said when asked what he'd tell the team's front office about Lynch. ``I think when you give a guy a change of scenery, and a guy like that who might feel like he has something to prove ... I think that can only help him feel comfortable and see a lot of production.''
Packers general manager Ted Thompson isn't known for making splashy moves out of desperation and doesn't like to part with future draft picks. Without Grant, the Packers are left with Brandon Jackson, the only other halfback currently on their roster, and fullback John Kuhn.
The Bills have maintained they have no intention of trading Lynch, even after the player skipped the team's first 12 voluntary minicamp practices this past spring.
Bills coach Chan Gailey on Wednesday insisted he's comfortable with the team's three-back rotation, rounded out by first-round pick C.J. Spiller and former starter Fred Jackson.
``I know everybody's got opinions on what's right, and we feel like having the three we've got right now is a very good situation for us,'' Gailey said. ``I know that Green Bay wishes they had one more than they had.''
Lynch lost his starting job to Jackson last season, and now ranks third on the depth chart. Though he was open to being traded this offseason, Lynch is in no position to speculate while knowing that decision is out of his hands.
``If they say you've got to go, what am I going to do, tell them no?'' Lynch said. ``If they say I'm not going anywhere, then come on, let's continue to build on this thing and let's get better.''
The Bills' running attack produced a dud, managing just 50 yards on a mere 17 carries in a 15-10 loss to Miami on Sunday. Lynch had the longest run, a 13-yarder, while Spiller was bottled up for 6 yards on seven carries.
That's not the production anticipated from a running back trio that was supposed to be the offense's strength.
Gailey was disappointed and added he's re-emphasizing the team's running attack entering this weekend.
``We've got to block better and run north and south, and not have negative plays,'' Gailey said.
Lynch was disappointed in how all three running backs failed to get into a groove due to a lack of carries.
``I'm not saying what we should've done or what could've been done to be better,'' Lynch said. ``All I know, is we just have to do something to get it back on track.''
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