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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone wasted little time filling a big hole on his staff by reaching a deal with recently fired Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz as defensive co-ordinator. Marrone also turned to Schwartzs former staff to address another need by agreeing to hire Todd Downing to coach the young crop of quarterbacks, led by last years rookie first-round pick, EJ Manuel. The additions were announced Friday night, a day after defensive co-ordinator Mike Pettine left the team after one year to take over as the Cleveland Browns head coach. "We are excited to add a talented and accomplished co-ordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff," Marrone said in a statement released by the team. "Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time in the NFL, and we feel our defence will continue to improve under his leadership." Schwartz was fired Dec. 30, a day after the Lions missed the playoffs with a 7-9 record. In four seasons in Detroit, the 47-year-old Schwartz was 29-51. That included a 10-6 finish in 2011 when the Lions reached the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Schwartz becomes the Bills fourth defensive co-ordinator in four years and has big shoes to fill in taking over a unit that emerged as the teams strength last season. Pettines departure had the potential of under-cutting much of the progress the Bills hoped would carry over into next season after a 6-10 finish that extended the NFLs longest active playoff drought to 14 seasons. Though the Bills were inconsistent against the run, they still finished 10th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed -- Buffalos best ranking since finishing second in 2004. And they finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks. Schwartz has 20 years of NFL coaching experience, including eight seasons as the Tennessee Titans defensive co-ordinator from 2001-08. The Titans defence three times finished among the NFLs top 10 in fewest yards allowed. Tennessee was particularly stingy in stopping the run, finishing sixth or better in yards rushing allowed, including a first-place ranking in 2003. Its unclear how many positions Schwartz will have to fill on his defensive staff because theres a chance Pettine may lure some of his assistants to Cleveland. The Bills currently have one opening after inside linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach was fired last week. Schwartz takes over unit that produced four Pro Bowl selections, defensive linemen Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus and safety Jairus Byrd. Byrds status is uncertain after he played under a one-year franchise tag last season. The defence also includes linebacker Kiko Alonso, an NFL rookie of the year candidate. Schwartz has a fiery personality, and an aggressive approach to defence much like Pettine, which is being counted on to ease the transition. The knock against Schwartz in Detroit was the Lions inconsistencies and undisciplined style of play. In 2012, the Lions lost their last eight games after a 4-4 start. Last season, they collapsed during a stretch in which they blew fourth-quarter leads in losing six games during a seven-game stretch. Downings addition filled Marrones desire to add a quarterbacks coach to his staff after offensive co-ordinator Nathaniel Hackett doubled at the position last year. Marrone had expressed an intention to ease Hacketts burden entering his second season. Lack of experience and injuries didnt help the position. Manuel missed six games because of knee injuries. Undrafted journeyman Thad Lewis went 2-3 in five starts, while undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel struggled in a 23-13 loss to Kansas City. Downing has 11 years of NFL coaching experience, and spent the past three seasons at the same position in Detroit, where he mentored Lions starter Matthew Stafford. The 33-year-old Downing is familiar with Lewis, who spent last off-season in Detroit before the Bills acquired him in a trade in August. And he also coached Manuel at last years Senior Bowl. "Todd Downing is a bright and energetic coach," Marrone said. "He played a pivotal role in the development of Detroits quarterbacks during his tenure: most notably Matthew Stafford, the franchises all-time leading passer. Downing will be a valuable addition to our offensive coaching staff." Juuse Saros Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Filip Forsberg Predators Jersey . TSNs coverage of the Third Round gets underway Sunday with Game 1: Los Angeles at Chicago at 3pm et/Noon pt. TSNs broadcast schedule for the Third Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs is as follows: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings• Game 1: Los Angeles at Chicago – Sunday, May 18 at 3pm et/Noon pt• Game 2: Los Angeles at Chicago – Wednesday, May 21 at 8pm et/5pm pt• Game 4: Chicago at Los Angeles – Monday, May 26 at 9pm et/6pm pt Featured in the broadcast booth for TSN are play-by-play announcer Chris Cuthbert and game analyst Ray Ferraro, with Farhan Lalji contributing reports from rinkside. http://www.authenticpredatorspro.com/Dante-fabbro-predators-jersey/ . Louis Blues have returned to the top spot in the TSN. Ryan Johansen Jersey . A player confirmed to TSN on the condition of anonymity that he received his ballot yesterday. Another confirms hes been told to expect his shortly. "The unions executive committee insists a strike vote does not mean were pushing away from the table," the player said. "But we want the league to know were serious about our position. Ryan Ellis Predators Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays wont have their usual closer available for the start of the regular season. Casey Janssen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to a strain in his left abdominal area and lower back. Fellow right-hander Sergio Santos will take over the closers role while Janssen is out of the lineup. Janssen, 4-1 with 34 saves and a 2.56 earned-run average last year, was limited at spring training because of shoulder soreness. But on Friday, he felt some minor discomfort in his lower back while warming up during a pre-season game against the New York Mets in Montreal. An MRI exam revealed a mild strain, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Sunday on a conference call. "We dont expect him to be out too long," Anthopoulos said. "There was a scenario where we could have just waited maybe five or six days and try to get him back going. But we want to just have this thing resolved and not nag at him." The move was retroactive to Saturday. Janssen, 32, allowed one earned run and four hits in three innings over three pre-season appearances. Hes expected to thrrow on flat ground to keep his arm in shape before trying to pitch from a mound.dddddddddddd The Blue Jays also recalled catcher Erik Kratz from triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, a day ahead of Torontos season opener at Tampa Bay. Kratz hit .400 in spring training and had been sent to minor-league camp earlier in the week after losing the backup job to Josh Thole. Santos, 30, made 29 appearances for the Blue Jays last season. He was 1-1 with one save and a 1.75 ERA. Also Sunday, former reliever Dustin McGowan pitched a simulated game and Anthopoulos said it appears hell be ready to start Friday against the New York Yankees. "Hes done so well," Anthopoulos said. "We dont expect any changes at all. So far, so good. He felt good, felt strong, and we expect him to be good to go for Opening Day in Toronto." McGowan, 32, was named to the starting rotation earlier in the week. The right-hander made his debut with the Blue Jays in 2005 but has battled injuries throughout his career. McGowan had a 2.45 ERA in 25 appearances last season and did not record a decision or a save. ' ' '