Gridiron Pontificator

Yes, but there's only one Bill Parcells. This is more the exception than the norm. Besides, even if Parcells was available, Ralph would never pay for him nor even get along with him.

This is no news flash. It's just sad that his decisions have been so short term in vision. Purely short term financial decisions, no long term vision: the cheapest coaches (Kay Stephenson just crossed my mind), limited commitment to free agency and no regard for a quality GM since Bill Polian (who by the way was not a result of Mr. Wilson's good judgement, but rather an accident). What's interesting is Ralph Wilson has a long history with professional football. He could have had one of the most profound owner legacies in the NFL, had there been a vision over the decades. But the knee jerk decisions and low budget approach earned him just what he should have received. So now what? Refresh the coaching staff? That's what everyone wants. Can't blame them, especially with the play call that took the Bills win away today in the Meadowlands. But who will replace him? Tearing apart the Bills and putting them back together again will accomplish what? A 3 years process MIGHT result in a playoff team? What does that do to Trent Edwards? Or do we restart with the QB position as well and make this a 5 year run to the playoffs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy with Jauron either. However, I don't want to gut the team and take 3 to 5 years just to have a shot a going 9-7. I'm of the belief that Trent can be developed. Take a look at Peyton Manning's first year stats or many of the early careers of successful quarterbacks (including his brother). Trent has shown us enough to be worthy of the time and attention required for development. A realistic answer here might be to promote Bobby April. He coaches with passion. His players play for him. And it's possible he could be lured away if the Bills do not promote him. He's already the Assistant Head Coach. It's possible that he could preserve the good elements and small momentum in key areas and still change and improve the direction of team.

What is wrong with Buffalo sports? Well, there is definitely talent and ownership issues with the Bills and to some extent, the Sabres. But what sinks Buffalo to a bitter low is the media faces of Mike Schopp and Jerry Sullivan. They both, in their own way, contribute to the bad taste of Buffalo sports. Sullivan completely lacks objectivity in his approach. He thrives on whipping his readers into a pitiful, emotional frenzy. Either he is a serious Bills fan and is so bitter over the playoff drought that it pervades the content of his articles, or he completely lacks talent. Sound familiar? I would be impressed if he wrote something non-emotional and intelligent just once out of every 4 articles. Mike Schopp: It's too bad because he has some great radio attributes, including excellent voice quality and contributes competency and overall football intelligence. The problem is that he is incredibly arrogant and condescending. As much as he probably doesn't want to admit it, his line of work involved regular communication with "Joe from Depew" (not referring to anyone in particular, but rather the typical caller to his show). "Joe" might now always sound as composed nor is he as well spoken as Mike, however, that does not mean he is any less intelligent or lacks a meaningful opinion. I have personally never called into "Schopp and the Bulldog", however, I rarely listen to the show any longer. What's interesting is that Bulldog treats the callers with much more respect and, by virtue of that, his words carry more weight as he earns more respect. This business has just as much to do with age old people skills, sensibility and objectivity. Add some of that to Buffalo sports and the people of Buffalo would perhaps be a little less bitter.

Winning this game doesn't necessarily secure Jauron's future. He needs 9-7 to remain

Why the Bills will Squish Fish up North There is tremendous pressure on the Bills as an organization to win this game. This pressure come from the front office and cascades throughout the organization. From a business/marketing standpoint, the game is considered a must win as it is the first real game in this new market. It's likely that Turk Schonert has saved his "money" plays for this game. Look for the Bills to play a conservative, balanced game, yet make the right calls in the Red Zone. Economics is the driver of the league. Most of all, this game has great meaning for Ralph Wilson, economically and personally. While the fans have less passion for the Miami rivalry, it's very much alive with Mr. Wilson. The Next Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills? Bobby April. He's highly respected, already an assistant HC and could easily replace Jauron without dramatic changes to the organization and system in place. Look for this to happen at the end of the season should Jauron finish .500 or less.