Punch

The Saints are still working on Carmichael?

There's some interesting information about Marrone's relationship to Hackett in regards to running the offense at Syracuse, here: http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2013/01/flexibility-the-key-to-bills-coordinator-search/

No one's bashing him--- but he's incredibly young and inexperienced. It's seemingly the first wrong step so far for this "new era".

Aah, sorry--- even though I quoted it directly, somehow it didn't "compute".

Tim Graham says Hackett will be "the Bills' next offensive coordinator"., not just on the staff

There were articles out of NY a year or two ago quoting Jerome Bettis that Cowher wants the NYG job. I wonder if he's waiting out Coughlin. Planinng on doing something "again, some time" is kind of like what I say when I think about clearing out the attic. It's hardly definitive, but it's the closest he's come to affirming his interest in returning.

Perhaps it's splitting hairs, but "thorough NFL experience" was in reference to the defense--- when speaking specifically about the offense, he only added "Offensively, we want people with NFL experience. For our coordinators, we want to make sure they've been in this league". Maybe I'm just anxious and reading too much into it, but "having been in this league" is pretty much the best that can be said for Hackett. I can see the headlines now when he's canned in a year or two like George Edwards: "Hackett can't Hack it".

I'm afraid that may be correct, but 4 years in the NFL as an Offensive Quality Control coach isn't much of anything. Editing game film and punching holes in the playbook sheets are typical duties for the position. He acquitted himself fairly well as OC in Syracuse, but it is the Big East. Calling plays in the NFL I'm afraid he'd be Not Ready For Prime-Time.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter Asked at CBS event promoting Super Bowl XLVIII whether he plans to coach again at some time, Bill Cowher told Newsday's @sportswatch, "yes."

The Quality Control Coach talk is coming from his still existent profile on the Bills website from when he held that position for 2 seasons in the past. The QB Coach talk is speculative because it would make more sense... and be more palatable and reassuring to most of us.

Still unconfirmed: Jeff Russo ‏@JeffRussoWKBW No confirmation at this point.. but Hackett described to me as... Very Smart.. a guy Marrone strongly believes in.. #Bills

That's what I'd like to see. I hope the report of an offer is accurate, but connecting Hackett to the OC position is just an assumption.

I don't think so. Didn't Buddy mention they were approached last season? It can be a fascinating show to watch, but I don't want the Bills anywhere near it, and I'd have to believe Russ, Doug, Doug and Buddy are on the same page.

Brent Axe ‏@BrentAxeMedia @tysim19 pro style, hurry-up. Think New Orleans. But will mix in running game. Would have a lot of fun with Spiller. Brent Axe ‏@BrentAxeMedia Keep in mind, nothing is confirmed right now. But I did hear today that Hackett got the offer to go to Buffalo. Can Gross counter-move? Brent Axe ‏@BrentAxeMedia Hackett is definitely a rising star in the football world. Have had several NFL people the past couple years tell me they love the guy.

The twitter account is connected to the Post Standard and Syracuse.com, so it's not a bogus twitterer (?), but that doesn't necessarily mean it's true. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the idea.

The Caldwell/Roman combo that so many wanted in Buffalo is very much a possibility in Jacksonville: Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora Jags very likely to announce they are parting way with coach Mike Mularkey this week, with the GM search over. Still hear Greg Roman

http://youtu.be/D7KSkZxt_zo

Was Te'o in on the fix?

I do think the Parcells rules have met their expiration date, FWIW, due to the natire of the game changing. Someone posted this link in one of the recent "football analytics" threads, and it summarizes a fairly accurate formula (roughly 70%), although it's dated from 2011: http://www.fantasyfootballmetrics.com/Player_News/Content/QB_College-QB-Vers1.0_2-17-2011.htm

Just Jack, thank so you much for that. I'm assuming my googling skills are temporarily suspended due to my current emotional and temporarily inebriated state This gesture on Ralph's part has always gotten to me. The cynical Bills fan could suggest The Bills were merely trying to expand their marketing reach, but that would fly in the face of the open admission in the first article you posted that they could never convert lifelong Browns fans. Thanks again. :beer: EDIT: It's also pretty interesting that in that last bit you posted verifying the 2nd "annual" Dawg Pound Game at Rich Stadium, there's a note about the incident where Harbaugh punched Jimbo for ciriticizing him when he was working as a TV analyst. It honestly seems like yesterday--- half my lifetime ago! The 1995 A Football Life is particularly affecting during the segment where they portray the final Browns game in Cleveland Municipal Stadium--- especially the part where Steve Everitt, Earnest Byner and others run over to the Dawg Pound at the end of the game to say "goodbye". FFS, it was Niagara Falls. The emotion was still so raw for these guys, and Byner's reaction is really what put it over the top. The 2nd half of the episode focuses even more on Belichick and his descendants, so it loses a bit of it's heart. Although, it's still interesting to speculate on what might have been in Cleveland. You're absolutely right about the "specter". That's exactly what makes it so ever present in my mind. Hopefully, we never need to experience that, but if we do, perhaps Cleveland will return the favor.

Hopefully they sign him as a free agent after the Rams elect to pursue other options.

Does anyone recall the specific game where Ralph's tribute to the Browns took place? For those that don't know, sometime after the Browns left for Baltimore, Ralph Wilson bussed in numerous Browns' fans and created a one-time "Dawg Pound" at Rich Stadium--- complete with that big dude in the #98 jersey, although this time it was Buffalo Bills red, white & blue. I'm watching the A Football Life about the 1995 Cleveland Browns--- not ashamed to admit I started crying like a baby at parts--- and couldn't recall the specific details. After attempting a google search, I read on a Browns' message board that Mr. Wilson continued bussing Browns' fans to Rich Stadium for 3 years until the team returned to Cleveland, paying for it himself (can anyone corroborate this?? I only recall it being one game). It's also worth noting that only 2 owners voted against the move: Mr. Rooney & Mr. Wilson, with Al Davis abstaining. I've often had difficulty giving Ralph a hard time over the years for his various faults due to moments like this--- a Browns' fan I know is still grateful. Let me get back to my beer--- but if you're up late with a drink in your hand, consider tipping one to Ralph and the Dawg Pound. They're our brothers & sisters in misery along Lake Erie, after all.

Did he say that during his interview with John Murphy tonight? I haven't listened to the whole thing yet. I wonder how many players were being targeted for scouting purposes?

A fun thread could be the Bills All-Time Mangled Phrases Team. Royal is the TE, but who's the HC: Mularkey and his "sails from our wind" or Wade's "Puntchatcher"? Perhaps during the dregs of the offseason.

Fresh breadth, indeed.