Never NEVER Give-up

Apples & Oranges. To 'go after' a DB with a bad leg by throwing in his direction is fine, in fact, prudent. But to 'go after' the same DB by diving at his bad leg is beneath bush league. To 'go after' a player with a head injury, by hitting him in the head is also beneath bush league. That said, after the NFL and a SF reporter looked at all the film, they concluded there were no discernable efforts to hit Kyle Williams in the head

Wrong Keith Ellison. The Congressman is 49 yrs old. The 'game' LB is much younger.

From The Senator: While it looks like we finally have a decent TE in Scott Chandler, I coveted Vernon Davis in the 2006 draft. I think Donahoe might have drafted him too, had the 49ers not taken him 2 picks before we drafted Whitner. Totally agree. Davis was the one I thought the Bills should draft. When he went to SF, I had no other player targeted as a must have, so I was ambivalent about Whitner. In the end, it wasn't a geat pick for us. George Wilson is proving himself a better Safety.

As Jerry Seinfeld would say, "That's a shame."

Bills Post-draft grade: B Summary: Leading up to the draft, there were many questions about whether the Bills would take a quarterback. After all, Ryan Fitzpatrick had no real security, and, if Cam Newton had fallen to Buffalo at No. 3, I suspected Buddy Nix would pull the trigger. Newton didn't fall; the Bills went for defense; and I wrote then that Fitzpatrick should "feel good about this draft" because he was "clearly the preferred starter." Fitzpatrick got off to a good start, and the Bills doubled down in giving him a contract extension. As for the picks, I'd say Buffalo confirmed the grade. Great value, so-so on need. Marcell Dareus gave them 15 starts and looks every bit like a versatile, disruptive defensive lineman who could be productive in almost any system. I'm not yet ready to say he's a Pro Bowl lock, but the ceiling is there, no question. I said third-round pick Kelvin Sheppard should be ready to help early, and he played in every game, giving the Bills nine starts. Second-rounder Aaron Williams has some growing to do, but he should start in 2012. Da'Norris Searcy has a chance to develop after a switch to safety. Chris Hairston also gave Buffalo some starts as an injury replacement. This grade rises if Dareus reaches a Pro Bowl level. New grade: B+ +++++++++++++++++++ Dolphins Post-draft grade: B- Summary: You can't get less sexy on draft day than taking an interior offensive lineman at No. 15 overall, but the Dolphins were clearly targeting their run game. They got Mike Pouncey, then went for running back Daniel Thomas in Round 2. Even without scaring a lot of defenders away from the line of scrimmage with the passing game, the draft paid dividends. Reggie Bush was a key component, but Pouncey helped the run game immensely, and the Dolphins went from 22nd in rushing yards per game in 2010 to 11th in 2011. Fullback Charles Clay, a steal in the sixth round, was also part of that. Clyde Gates (formerly Edmond) still has a ways to go, but, overall, you have to say Miami did OK given the first-year production. It wasn't a great value draft, but the dividends were tangible and -- I'll harp on this again -- it looks better given that this team was far closer to a .500-plus record than many realize. New grade: B ++++++++++++++++++ Patriots Post-draft grade: C+ Patriots Summary: After the draft, I called this a mixed bag because, although the Patriots acquired more picks and were able to get some decent value in at least one spot with Ryan Mallett, I also thought they might have been outsmarting themselves by not getting any useful defensive help outside of Ras-I Dowling. At the time, I wondered, "Where is the pass-rush help? Why not try to maximize this window of brilliance from Tom Brady and get better now?" Well, Dowling went into the draft with injury concerns, and those have continued. All in all, I see a draft in which I saw outside linebacker, wide receiver and defensive end as big needs and the Patriots got nothing to speak of in any of those spots. The pass rush hasn't been a disaster this season, but the Patriots really could have used some young talent there. And although Stevan Ridley came on, I'm not sure his presence on the team changed anything for 2011. After all, Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (both undrafted) were doing a decent job. In April, I gave the Patriots a C for needs and a B-minus for value because I can see value as they continued to stock picks. Nate Solder is a keeper, and Belichick's work to keep that offensive line in good shape has been outstanding, but I still wonder whether the Patriots could have done more on defense. Again, there's always future help to consider, but this is what we know now. New grade: C+ ++++++++++++ Jets: Post-draft grade: B Summary: I called Muhammad Wilkerson one of the best values in Round 1 after the Jets got him at No. 30. If he had stayed another year at Temple, I think we'd be talking about him as a likely top-10 pick for 2012. And although he got 16 starts, he's still developing for a defense that took a step back in 2011. Given the jump in competition from Temple's slate to the AFC East, I'd say Wilkerson held up pretty well, but is he a star in the making? Not sure. After that, Kenrick Ellis and Bilal Powell saw at least some of the field, but we can't draw any conclusions on those two yet. Jeremy Kerley got a lot of reps, caught 29 passes and looks as if he has a future in the slot. Not bad, but it's too early to say there might be a star in here. The Jets got some utility but had few picks and look a little light on ceiling for this draft unless Wilkerson jumps. New grade: C+

He assisted Wanny at St John Fischer at camp last July. He was part of that Minority Coaches that come in and work with the NFL coaches. Gailey said they were impressed with him. Now he will assist Bob Sanders with the DL - a great spot for him and gives Bob a "runner" - "Go get me a towel", "Go get me some Gatorade", etc . . .

That was a Defensive Clinic!!!! Let's sign some Tide players - Upshaw, Hightower and on on . . . I am not a fan of either team. I hate Saban (I hate the Dolphins, but even they didn't deserve him!!) But that defense was incredible. To think many felt the Tide shouldn't have been in this game because they missed 4 FG's in their last meeting (1 in OT). They out played & lost to LSU in Oct and dominated tonight - they are clearly the Champs. Even their Offense controlled the tempo of the game, hogged the ball and moved the chains. LSU was never in the game. Congrats to Dareus!! His boys are Champs again!!

Sanders & Catavolos are damn good coaches!! They s/b retained. So many seem to be on Catavolos. The DB's aren't the problem. Covering receivers for 5 minutes is. There is no pass rush - take care of that and the DBs/Catavolos will look like all-pros / a genius.

Right on!

Make the effort to re-sign Stevie and put in clauses where he will be heavily fined for Celebration Penalties. That's it - end of discussion! When the Bills have good-to-great players they cannot let them walk away. This is what they have done in the past and our yearly records speak for themselves. Figuring we have 22 starters (11 offense, 11 defense) - how many "holes" do we need to fill? Add 1 more to that if Stevie walks Adding 3, losing 2. Losing 2, adding 1. . . . when you do that you get what we got - a middle of the road team. It's time to get smart and keep the good football players - they need to look at a guy and ask themselves - Does he make us better? No one can answer NO to that question about Stevie. He's a keeper. Then they need to look at each current player and prospective FA and Draft Choice and ask the same question - you upgrade EVERY position when you have the chance (you just don't get the chance to do that at each position each year - so when the opportunity arises (keeping players, FA's, the Draft) - you need to make the right decisions).

Bill Polian - yes, if we knew he would be on the job for a while (3+ years). But the fact remains he was in semi-retirement and Chris was making the decisions the last few years. So some say he approved Chris' decisions? The same way Ralph does today - he listens to everyone's reasoning and says, "Sounds good to me!" That's not what we want - we could all do that ourselves. The Polian who built the Championship Bills was on the ground, working with scouts and meeting / working out prospects - that guy has retired and wants what every Dad would want - his son to run the show. And if it takes his presence, he'll join up, but make no mistake, his son would run the show. NO THANKS. (But THANKS for the late-80's & early-90's Bills!!!) I can't blame Irsay in the least and Ralph deserves a pardon for a lot of the venom spewed his way regarding Polian's ouster way back when. Ready Sully's column (if you can), he makes some valid points and reveals some unkown info (to me)- example: John Butler had grown tired of Polian (I believe Sully said Butler found him unbearable in the end).

Generally agree on your opinion of Chan. He's a class act and a stand-up guy. He does what he says he's gonna do. However, Stevie was benched after his TD (14-0). On our next possession, CJ scored to make it 21-0. It was then the walls came tumbling down. The Pats scored. Chandler got hurt. We still managed to move the ball but missed a FG. The Pats scored again. Then Fitz threw a pic. We never recovered. We seemed to panic a little, and later on, a lot. We went from agressive play to timid play - it was palpable and as many have said, a microcosm of our season. However this was just the offense. The Defense was doing well, but then they yielded to Brady countless times and allowed a bunch of scores.

I'm in the camp that Polian had to go, because Chris had to go. Some of these guys get so powerful, they think they own the business and try to employ their families. Bill is a great GM, Chris hasn't proven himself in any way. Chris would do well to join a team as a scout and work his way up - THAT is how Bill did it. If we had hired Marty Schottenheimer, would we have wanted Brian as the OC? Based on the NYJ experience, I'd say no. If we had hired Shanny, would we want Kyle shoved down our throats - no. Expertise is not transferable via DNA, except maybe in the case of Archie, Peyton & Eli. (LOL) These guys would have been wiser to call in a favor and get them some job within the NFL and let them earn their own stripes. If any of them were to pan out (show expertise), Dad could always ask them to join him wherever he is. But to start and be give a role of critical importance is a lot of pressure to bear for the offspring.

If the Bills do not see "their guy" at 10, they will pick best available - any position. I don't see them going OTackle, saying they like their guys and expect them to not get hurt and play well next year. If Blackmon is there, they may take him, if not, Defense, Defense, Defense. Pass Rusher, LB's and DB's (in that order). I also don't see them taking a TE with any of their first 3 picks - we just don't pick Tackles & TE's since Mike Williams. I also don't see this as as great a need as the defensive side of the ball. If the defense can keep us in games, Fitz will not try to do too much, allowing the offense to establish a rythym. Playing catch-up is where we've been killed. We need a defense that will keep the game to 1 score (if we're behind).

If we're hell-bent on staying young and with no-names, go get TO who would love to prove the world wrong about his ability to play. He could carry us over for 1-2 years while the youngsters develop. And if Chan-Fitz are gonna sling it 40+ times a game, there would be plenty of touches for TO & everyone else!!

OMG! The Jills are the NFL's Best Cheerleaders? Based on what - Makeup? David Nelson's Cowboy-Cheerleader-girlfriend makes the lot of them look like ugly stepsisters. On a related note: I remember when I attended the '92 Super Bowl against the Cowboys - the one in Pasadena that we lost 52-17 (by the way despite getting trounced, I would go again if I had the chance, it was an experience of a lifetime!! Honestly!) - back to Pasedena - the Jills Cheerleaders came out looking a little timid and disorganized. It looked like there were only 20 of them - truly dwarfed by the magnitude of the event. They looked like the HS Freshman Cheerleading Squad. Then the Cowboy Cheerleaders came out . . . strutting and organized (and gorgeous) - the Rose Bowl went crazy! They formed a line from the 30 yd line to the other 30 yd line and did a Rockette-style leg kicking routine! It looked like there was 100 of them! Very impressive (from a cheerleading team perspective). I was more embarrassed for the Jills that day the the Bills. The Jills were truly outclassed. The Bills turned the ball over 7 times - leading directly to 35 Cowboy points - the exact margin of defeat. If we held on to the ball, the game would have been a tight one IMO.

Speaking out the way he did (respectfully, intelligently, matter-of-factly) shows some brass. A good thing in a QB. Someone above mentioned he came from a winning program ('Bama) which enabled hime to recognize BS when he sees it - totally agree. If the Jets are smart they give the kid a legitimate shot because they may not get much more mileage out of the Sanchise (LOL). If they are morons and cut the kid because he spoke out - I can only say, I hope we sign him!!

He was a stud at Pitt, but 2 knee injuries derailed his pro career. If healthy, this would be a big help.

Hysterical - - Thanks for the tip!!!

Sad to say, I agree. Bill was stepping back and Chris was taking over and Irsay wanted the proven guy - not his kid. It was a package deal. I don't think this happens if Bill were alone as the GM. Chris is learning, but Irsay doesn't want it on his dime and coupled with the questionable drafts of the last few years . . . New Direction.

No he wasn't. He was put there once DJ figured he couldn't add weight and play every down.

Yeah - let's do this every year until we get it right!!!!

Look, any fan can tell Maybin is NOT a legit LB. He's benefitting in Rex's system, where offenses are more worried about Bart Scott, Jim Leonard and Calvin Pace on throwing down's. One positive Maybin has is his motor - he doesn't give up, which is why he caused the fumbles he did - he chased down QB's or was able to get to them when they were driven into his path by the rest of the Jet pass rush. He was drafted to be THE guy - he never will be THAT guy. So the Bills cut him. End of story. No regrets!!

Regarding our DB's - they'd look a whole lot better if we had a pass rush. They are not nearly as bad as stated throughout this thread. It was only 2 yrs ago we were considered to have one of the best secondaries in the league. What's happened / changed? Whitner is gone - we all know that hasn't hurt us. The problem has been McGee's injuries. If he can't stay healthy - let him go even though he's our best DB. At the current rate, he'll be 45 before he's healthy enough to play. The others we have are good enough and the Bills should draft at least one DB every year - heck they are 40-50% of your defensive personnel every single play - you'd be crazy not to. Williams and Rogers are improving weekly, but opposing QB's have WAY too much time to throw. Our biggest defensive need is a player who can rush the passer (DE or LB) - I'll let Wanny thell us which. . . .

Did anyone else hear this . . . One of the announcers said one new rule is you cannot hit the QB on change-of-possession plays (fumbles & INT's). I was not aware of this and can't believe it's true. Anyone . . . .???