Nightcrawler

Great comments by many on Trent Edwards. He still has some seasoning to do, but I like his late game composure. Yes, he isn't a deep field thrower (think Chad Pennington, Rich Gannon), but we can still cater to his strengths. That is why Buffalo needs a TE that acts like a #2 or #3 receiver. He should be the second option besides Evans on almost every pass play. The answer is found in Rounds 2-3 (Pettigrew, Coffman, or Gresham). Question: If you had the choice of any one of these TE prospects and knowing that they were available at the Bills slot in the second round, which one would you take and why? Keep in mind the Bills offensive philosophy, etc. Nightcrawler

Getting another quarterback in the draft only makes sense if a quarterback in rounds 5-7 has the potential of being a capable NFL backup and/or is a serious upgrade over Hamdan's experience and knowledge of Buffalo's offensive scheme. Running a spread offense is a popular concept right now, but Buffalo doesn't have enough playmakers for this Arizona QB to fit our offense. Bills should sign a quality veteran as a backup. If this Arizona kid falls into rounds 5-7, then go for it. Otherwise, the only reason to go after a QB in the draft is to hope Sam Bradford falls to Buffalo in round #1 and Edwards then becomes our backup. That would be awesome but highly unlikely.

I'll keep a look out for Sidbury. After all, Buffalo needs at least two (2) defensive lineman through the draft and/or free agency. It is time to let Chris Kelsay go. He is paid quality starter money for nothing more than journeyman performance. Schobel is fading, but he is still easily our best defensive end. I would keep Denney. He is an above average backup who makes nice for a rotational end. Buffalo has five (5) major holes to fill with either a 1st/2nd round pick or in free agency. Sadly, Buffalo doesn't have the money, the organizational commitment, or the intrigue for a big name free agent to want to sign with Buffalo. 1. Offensive Lineman 2. Tight End 3. Defensive End 4. Wide Receiver 5. Linebacker Like you, I like Michael Johnson or George Selvie. I think they would make nice 2nd round picks, but I don't think they are a top 15 player in the draft. Let's hope Buffalo picks up a Michael Johnson type player in round #2 and finds a gem in rounds 5-7 or through free agency. Here's to wishing...

No...it isn't wrong to hope for Peters' demise, but it doesn't help as you mentioned his "trade value" in the offseason. Peters is a locker room cancer for the Bills. Unfortunately, even though he isn't a legitimate Pro Bowl player, he still is the best player on the offensive line. He is also young and still has a lot of potential despite his rightfully questionable work ethic. You just can't replace LT's very easily in the NFL. Peters reminds me of Willis McGahee and Travis Henry. All three are talented but all three have a lot of baggage. McGahee is flourishing with the Ravens. It shows what happens when a player goes to a franchise committed to winning with an above average offensive line. I would only trade Peters for a proven veteran that will start for the Bills and a 3rd or 4th round draft pick. The only other acceptable value in a trade would be a first round draft pick. If that happens though, expect the Bills O-line to be even more shaky than it currently is. Hope that the Bills trade him. Hope that he plays well but that he doesn't appear on our roster next year.

We can look at the Bills situation in a continual negative vantage point, or we can take the higher road and realize there are some positive things in the Bills future. 1. We don't have to put in J.P. Losman in any game for us next year! Losman is an even uglier prom date than Edwards. Edwards may have kitty zits and no moves on the dance floor, but he at least has a "nice personality." Losman on the other hand is that girl at the dance that has cottage cheese thunder thighs and wears a bare midriff because she thinks guys like seeing more skin. Losman is a lot like that girl. 2. We don't have to debate over our draft pick for 2009 anymore. It has to be on offense. Managing at total of 6 points combined against the 49ers and Dolphins is... _________________________________. Take your pick. We can either choose a offensive center, guard, tackle, quarterback, or wide receiver. I don't care. Just pick someone. 3. We don't have to accept Donte Whitner as a prophet or any prognosticator of the future. Donte, leave the future to people like Nostradamus and Moses, etc. 4. We have only four more "home" games in a country outside of the United States of America. I'm beginning to think that a CFL championship may be as good as a SuperBowl ring. 5. Because Jason Peters has claimed he has earned his contract and has played up to last year's potential, allegedly, we can pay him a contract to match Langston Walker and Derrick Dockery. At least, we can say that we are bringing back the same offensive line in 2009 as this year. How many teams can say that? 6. Now that the Bills are out of the playoffs we can find out who James Hardy and what's his name? Ellis, I think. They can get some playing time. Depending on how you look at it, our first string is either worse than expected or our second string is better than expected, so, technically speaking, the Bills have a lot more depth at all positions. 7. Buffalo has the best record as a cellar dweller in their division. 8. All of our wins this year were against teams that won't make the playoffs. At least we beat the teams that we should've this year. 9. Dick Jauron's extension will keep Buffalo playing at a level we are accustomed to. Bytheway, what is the record for the most consecutive season without making the playoffs? We have at least three more with Jauron. Don't fight it...friends. Let's enjoy mediocrity together. 10. With no meaningful game left for our team to play this year, we can spend more time with our families and friends. The holiday shopping and festivities can get done or begin sooner. And, we don't have to spend as much time as I just have pondering/praying/pontificating/speculating/advising/GM'ing on how to improve the Buffalo Bills. They are doing great and have a secure future...depending on how we choose to look at it. --nightcrawler

Hasselbeck is an upgrade, and he runs a much more sophisticated offense than Buffalo's obvious game plan. Unfortunately, Hasselbeck has had even less than Buffalo has had this year to run an offense. I would take either Hasselbeck or McNabb on a high salary but heavily-incentive laden two-year deal. This gives Edwards two more years to figure things out and allows Buffalo to pick up another quarterback in rounds 1-3 in the 2010 draft. Anyone besides Hasselbeck or McNabb is a step below Edwards.

Unfortunately, it's simple answer why Marshawn has so many troubles. #1. The offensive line does not give Lynch many opportunities. Run-offense is terrible. #2. Buffalo has a very predictable run-game. A defense can stack the box and plug the small holes the offensive line creates. For this reason, Lynch constantly has runs between 1-4 yards about 95% of the time. #3. Lynch is not a game-breaker. He dances too much. Part of the reason is that he is trying to survive with his poor line. The other part is that Lynch hasn't probably had his running style corrected because of his natural talent. He had a strong offensive line at Cal, and let's be honest...other than USC and occasionally Oregon, the PAC-10 isn't known for strong defenses. The PAC-10 produces great offenses, so Lynch probably isn't use to tough defenses. Lynch is a talented running back, but he isn't or won't be a top 20 running back of all-time. Expect Lynch to play 8-10 seasons. He'll have two-four 1,000 yard seasons. The rest he'll have between 600-999 yards. Expect him to finish somewhere between 7,500-10,000 yards. Really good running back, but he won't be great. That's the difference between Lynch and Peterson. Peterson has game-breaker potential; Lynch doesn't. Peterson has a better 0-line as well. Nightcrawler

Yep. The only other position worth looking at in the 1st Round is OC. Both Fowler and Preston are free agents, and Fowler needs to go. Preston is a a subpar but hardworking backup. Yes...DE in round #1 unless the top 3-4 DE are taken before we draft in the round. If so, DE in round #2.

True...hindsight is 20-20 of course. The Bills O-line is not a strong unit because of lack of talent, lack of drafting, inconsistency, and even weight issues. I did think Dockery was a good pick-up, but the Bills panicked and signed Dockery at the the height of the value of an inside guard. Buffalo saw the cost of Steve Hutchinson's 7 million contract, and they jumped on Dockery hoping that he was or would turn into a top 5 LG in the league. The truth is Dockery is good, but he's paid the same as Hutchinson; he is just two notches below an all-pro/perennial pro bowl player. The Mike Williams pick really made the Bills front office gun shy on offensive lineman. Here is what Buffalo needs to do for 2009 Offseason 1. Replace Melvin Fowler with Alex Mack of California, the top-rated center in the 2009 draft in Round #1. Preston backup 2. Sign a mid-level guard with some quickness to replace Butler in starting lineup and to replace Whittle 3. Resign Kirk Chambers to be a backup tackle. Give Demetrius Bell some reps as a backup 4. Draft another offensive lineman in round #4 or #5 for depth

Why did Buffalo lose today? It is simple. Buffalo has poor line play on both sides of the ball. A few obvious statistics should jump out to us. #1. 5-0 The number of sacks the Jets had versus the Bills entire defense. The Jets almost had 6 sacks, but this near sack led to a poor throw by Edwards under pressure. The result--92 yard interception return. #2. 1.8 & 2.1 the average yards per carry by both Lynch and Jackson. Buffalo has two talented backs, but the offensive run play ability is atrocious. The Jets knew when Buffalo was going to run. The offensive scheme is predictable on run plays, and the Bills don't have either the quality or depth to create a run game. Even worse, the run game isn't going to get any better running 16-17 run plays a game. A good running game needs 25-30 rushes. How would this problem best be solved? 1st round pick should be OC Alex Mack from California 2nd round pick should be the top DE available in the second round. It is not wasted money to get a DE if our Defensive Line can't produce regardless of numbers and salaries 3rd round pick OLB who can cover the middle of the field. Favre had lots of room there today in the middle Lastly, go after a free agent this offseason to replace and/or add depth. Trust me, Buffalo's poor line play is not going to change just with practice and conditioning. This is the achilles heal. It is for this reason that Buffalo once again goes 9-7 or 10-6 as I already predicted. Nightcrawler

Why did Buffalo lose today? It is simple. Buffalo has poor line play on both sides of the ball. A few obvious statistics should jump out to us. #1. 5-0 The number of sacks the Jets had versus the Bills entire defense. The Jets almost had 6 sacks, but this near sack led to a poor throw by Edwards under pressure. The result--92 yard interception return. #2. 1.8 & 2.1 the average yards per carry by both Lynch and Jackson. Buffalo has two talented backs, but the offensive run play ability is atrocious. The Jets knew when Buffalo was going to run. The offensive scheme is predictable on run plays, and the Bills don't have either the quality or depth to create a run game. Even worse, the run game isn't going to get any better running 16-17 run plays a game. A good running game needs 25-30 rushes. How would this problem best be solved? 1st round pick should be OC Alex Mack from California 2nd round pick should be the top DE available in the second round. It is not wasted money to get a DE if our Defensive Line can't produce regardless of numbers and salaries 3rd round pick OLB who can cover the middle of the field. Favre had lots of room there today in the middle Lastly, go after a free agent this offseason to replace and/or add depth. Trust me, Buffalo's poor line play is not going to change just with practice and conditioning. This is the achilles heal. It is for this reason that Buffalo once again goes 9-7 or 10-6 as I already predicted. Nightcrawler

Yes...Lee Evans is a legitimate #1 receiver in the NFL. My definition of a #1 receiver is the person has to be unquestionably a top 15 receiver in the league. There is no question that Evans fits that bill (pun intended). No he's not a top 5 receiver in the league, but it can be argued he falls somewhere between 6-15 in the league. Unfortunately, the Bills haven't had a legitimate #2 receiver since the Eric Moulds/Peerless Price (1st time around) combo about 5-6 years ago. Before that, the last time we had a legit 1-2 combo was the Reed/Lofton era. The Bills have the following receiving corp: #1. Evans #2 (None) #3 (Reed) #4 (Parrish) Unknown: Hardy, Jenkins & Johnson. Note: I personally believe Johnson could become a talented and dependable #3 in this league. I hate saying it...but Hardy doesn't have #1 or #2 written on him. He is a 3-4 at his best. Jenkins is at best a #5 and stud special teams player.

I still agree with all of those who said to give this guy a try. He's been in the league nine years and has played at a high level. He isn't going to cost much, and he is definitely worth giving a look for half a year. The worst case scenario is the Bills find out he won't be much help and isn't worth resigning at the end of this year. The best case scenario is we got a rotating DE who, at least at this point, could be an upgrade over Ellis, Bryan, and Denney. You can never have too much DE end depth, especially with our poor pash rush and a nagging injury to Schobel and many in the defensive front seven. Nightcrawler

Miami is better than most people thought. Buffalo is not as good as we hoped. The difference between Miami and Buffalo the last three or four games comes down to two simple concepts: consistency and high quality offensive and defensive play selection. Buffalo is still talented, but the AFC East just got that much harder. Besides the NFC East, this is now the toughest division. Nightcrawler

Both Lynch and the O-line are to blame. The truth is the offensive line's inconsistency hurts the overall run game. Lynch is an extremely talented athlete, but he dances too much before going to the hole. Sure, he works hard and fights for those tough yards, but Lynch needs to do more north to south running to help out the line. His talent occasionally surpasses his running style. This is why you'll see Lynch in a game have four or five bad running plays and then burst for an incredible play. The offensive line and Lynch both have some Jekyl and Hyde in them. Nightcrawler

The success of a young corner and a young wide receiver is almost always dependent upon the success of an offensive and defensive line. Don't expect to find out how talented Hardy is or what McKelvin could be until we get a real pass rush and establish even a mediocre overall run game. Nightcrawler

Actually, this loss proves several things. First, as much as I hate New England, Buffalo just loss the division title today. Trust me, Buffalo is playing for a wild card spot now. Buffalo has struggled the last several years against division opponents, and if Buffalo even ties New England for the division, Buffalo has to have a better division record. This loss also proves that Buffalo needs desperate help on their offensive and defensive line. First round pick and second round pick should be spent on a center and a solid pass rusher. And, Buffalo should go out and pick up another DE to replace either Denney or Bryan for depth. The third thing this loss proves is that Buffalo is a good but not upper echleon team yet. Like many Bills fans, I got too excited. Buffalo is still a 9-7 or 10-6 team with a legit shot at the wild card but nothing more.

When does a team become "real?" Well, I answered that before the game. The Bills answered that question for themselves after getting taken to the woodshed by the Miami Dolphins. A "real" team doesn't give up the last 18 points of a game to the Miami Dolphins. A "real" team doesn't blow a 9 point lead on the road in a crucial game to maintain division control A "real" team has a defensive line that puts enough pressure on the quarterback and draws a sack from the front seven. Buffalo only had one sack--Bryan Scott, a safety with the only sack. A "real" team doesn't fumble three times. A "real" team has a legitimate second receiver option. The Bills have three (3) decent receivers behind Lee, but none of them (Hardy, Reed, or Parrish) will be a legit #2. A "real" team doesn't have its center tackled in the end zone. A "real" team wins this game. This game just proves that Buffalo is young and has talent, but they are still a playmaker and a defensive and offensive lineman away from contending to be a "real" team. Nightcrawler

The Bills will become a "Real" contender and taken seriously when they have a run of 3+years of consistently performing at a high level [2nd round or better for three+ years]. A team becomes real when they do the following: 1. Win there home games 2. Win road games they should win 3. Don't lose to teams they should beat 4. Consistently play good offense or good defense almost always week-in and week-out.

Yeah, We already had a bad loss this season. It was a "beat-down behind the woodshed" in Arizona! Looking at the remaining games on the Bills schedule, Buffalo should only lose one more game by 10pts or more. Buffalo @ Miami (Buffalo Win) Jets @ Buffalo (Buffalo Win) Buffalo @ New England (Buffalo loss. I dislike New England but it's a road game, and the Bills 3rd straight division game) Cleveland @ Buffalo (Buffalo Win) Buffalo @ Kansas City (Buffalo Win) San Francisco @ Buffalo (Buffalo Loss, This is a trap game. Buffalo will be tired after an easy win over K.C. and a long trip back home. San Francisco will get an upset win but it will be close) Miami @ Buffalo (Buffalo Win) Buffalo @ Jets (Buffalo Loss...for some reason I think Buffalo loses by 10 points or more. Brett Favre has a big day, and the offense doesn't click) Buffalo @ Denver (Buffalo Win...Close game because of Denver's capability of strong offense and Denver's poor defense) New England @ Buffalo (Buffalo Win) Buffalo finishes the season 12-4 or 11-5.

Anyone know about the injury that occurred to DiGorgio? We'll get a report I'm sure from Jauron in the next day or so. Peters and Butler finished the game, but they both got a little nicked up as well. Our offensive line depth will really be tested if we lost Peters or Butler. Updates on Ko Simpson's health? Keep me posted.

Absolutely true! Preston did hold his own today. Is he a top 15 center is the league? No. But, he proved that he is equal to if not better than Fowler. Might as well keep him in next week for line continuity. And, since Fowler is a free agent after this season, we might as well test Preston out to see if he is worth resigning next year. I say keep Preston. Let Fowler go. Draft an additional offensive lineman in rounds 1-4 to only increase the depth. Great game today by all Bills units!

Excellent thoughts! I always appreciate well-thought opinions. Totally agree. I'm probably undervaluing special teams, which is our best of the Bills three units. Totally agree as well that offensive and defensive line should be our first two priorities in the draft. I'd like to see Buffalo resign Crowell, but I think he wrote himself off of the team with his unusual "end of season" injury a few days before the first game. Regarding the quarterback situation, I only listed it first as I think most consider it the most important position on a team, but you are right, it is not Buffalo's number 1 priority whether through free agency or the draft. I still think Buffalo needs to get a backup quarterback through free agency. A late round draft pick or Gibran Hamdan is not really going to step-in and lead Buffalo toward an AFC East crown or make a playoff push should Edwards go down. Again, great thoughts. Thanks!

Just a thought...but I think other people that have posted have got it right. McKelvin is probably not yet a better CB than Corner, but he is more versatile with his PR and KR abilities. Additionally, it sounds an overused phrase, but the coaching staff probably believes McKelvin has "more upside." And, if you are going to spend millions of dollars on a 1st round pick, here is Buffalo's chance to find out quickly if McKelvin can turn into a 1st round pro. Keep in mind that Buffalo is probably a little wary of young defensive first round picks. The failed McCargo deal/experiment is probably another reason why Buffalo is so insistent on playing McKelvin to prove to ownership and fans that Buffalo made the right choice. --Nightcrawler

All great teams have depth. The Giants' depth was so good on defense last year that the team countered the retirement of Strahan and the loss of Osi, an up-and-coming defensive star. This team still remains a top 5 team in the league even after trading Jeremy Shockey and the loss of Plaxico Burress for a game due to suspension. It is all about depth. The same can be said for all good teams in all sports. The Jordan-led Chicago Bulls come to mind. So do the early 2000 Lakers teams. The same could be said for any dominating franchise, including the great Bills era between 1989-1994. Buffalo will make the playoffs this year barring significant injury, but the team still has depth issues that need to be overcome if a championship is a possibility in the next 3-5 years. Obviously, free agency and the draft is the best way to build depth, so what positions need more depth on the Bills roster? In my opinion, Buffalo has 12 dispensable players on their active roster of 53 players. I do think the organization will keep or resign some of these players, but replacing these 12 players with better talent and/or youth in the draft and free agency will launch Buffalo into the upper echelon of the AFC. Here is my ranking of the 12 most dispensable players on the current roster: Note: Rankings go from 12-1. 12 is the first guy to go and 1 would be my last guy to let go. Lastly, I know it is cruel to say these are the 12 most dispensable players. After all, they are in the NFL and have more talent than you or me. Still, any good organization (football or whatever business) needs to keep stockpiling depth. 12. Corey McIntyre (FB) Buffalo doesn't use or need a fullback. And, if the Club wants one...draft one in round 6-7 11. Copeland Bryan (DE) He is just warming a spot for Ellis. Nice hustle...but a fringe player 10. Jason Whittle (OG) Blue-collar worker...he's either injured or not in game. also near end of career 9. Ryan Neill (LS/DE) One roster spot for a long snapper? Preston is the backup...teach him & Neill doesn't play DE 8. Justin Jenkins (WR) Admire his effort and ST play but he won't move into the top 4 in the next 2-3 years 7. Jon Corto (LB/S) Effort guy but he is our #6 LB and probably our #6 safety. A 2009 OLB in round 1-3 will replace him 6. John Wendling (SS) Special teamers dream but how often does the 3rd string SS get in the game. Him or Scott will go 5. Duke Preston (OG/OC) If you can't beat out Fowler, you must be bad. But, he does have long snapping capabilities 4. Melvin Fowler (OC) You can't let Fowler and Preston go, so keep one. Draft Mack or Luigs in round 1-2..future starter 3. John McCargo (DT) Yes...he is a 1st round bust...but he's 26. Just keep in perspective he is 3-5 DT on your team. 2. Derek Schouman (TE) I like Derek. It's just Royal, Schouman and Fine are not true starters. Bills need to find one 1. Ryan Denney (DE) A career backup player. I let Bryan and Neill go first but Denney is not a long-term help So, with these thoughts...What should Buffalo look for this offseason and in free agency? 1. A veteran backup quarterback (think: Ferrotte, Warner, Garcia, etc.) 2. Offensive Lineman (Select Mack or Luigs at OC, resign Fowler or Preston to be a backup, find a veteran backup OG) 3. Defensive End (Draft DE in Round 1-2, let Bryan and Neill go (Preston can long-snap), Ellis more playing time) 4. OLB (Draft an OLB round 1-3, this will push Corto out and give the Bills Bowen, Ellison, and Digorgio as backups) 5. TE (Draft a TE to pressure Schouman and Fine...competition brings out depth) 6. WR (Find a true #2 wide receiver. If necessary trade a 1st round draft pick to get one) 7. Depth-Depth-Depth I welcome other thoughts...you are a GM, what realistic strategy do you take to take a potential 9-7/10-6 Buffalo team and help them move to the 11-13 win team via free agency and the 2009 draft? --Nightcrawler