Gerry

No more excuses-this game raises serious questions about Marrone and Manuel.

Just like last week, this is another golden opportunity for the Bills to make a statement that they are an up and coming team. Play agressive on both sides of the ball, blitz Glennon and turn EJ and the passing game loose. Warm weather, team healthy, he should be able to throw for 250-300 yards and they should get 100+ yards out of Spiller each of the next two games . Take chances, play to win and not "not to lose," and the perception of the Bills being pushovers will fade.

I think Rubes is spot on, but let's suppose that TC is right. There is no guarantee that the Bills will not continue losing games by "idiotic mistakes and strange events" next year. We don't know whether Marrone will be able to instill the discipline in his players that is needed to win the close games, and whether he and his staff will improve game management and play calling to help turn some of those "L's" into "W's." We also don't know if he will improve his use of talent; Bills fans hate Belichick, but no NFL coach uses players better than he does. This is Marrone's honeymoon year, so a losing record with hope for the future is acceptable, just as it was for the last 2 coaches. We will have a much clearer picture next year after 12 games.

The Bills CAN and SHOULD win ths game, if they play agressively to win and do not play "not to lose." Playing agressively means blitzing Glennon and opening things up for EJ, who should be able to throw for 250-300 in each of the FL games; fair weather, everyone healthy and he has 8 starts under his belt. If it doesn't work, what have they got to lose-another game? I want to see Marrone/Hackett mix it up and use all of the offensive weapons that they ave available, but I don't expect it to happen.

Look at some of the words used in this piece-SHOULD, COULD, IF, COULD'VE. The Bills are 4-8, and there is no indication that any progress has been made to date from the Jauron and Gailey regimes. They have an opportunity to make a statement in the last 4 games; why not do it and prove that the future is bright? How about EJ going back to FL in the next two weeks and throwing for 250-300 yards each game in warm weather? Everyone is healthy, why shouldn't he be able to do it? No reason for Marrone/Hackett not to turn him loose, he has already started 8 games and playoffs are a pipe dream. Chandler said they should be not only be winning, but dominating teams. How about showing this by blowing out the two FL teams and then Miami at home?

Great opportunity for EJ in the next 2 weeks to show his stuff; everyone healthy, warm weather, why doesn't he just go out and throw for 250-300 in each game?

What if Fred or CJ go down again during the last 4 games? Wouldn't Choice be the best option if they really want to win, or are the Bills packing it in and want to get a look at Wingo? This one caught everyone offguard, including the News beat writers. Never know what the braintrust is thinking.

Bills are a terrible road team; both teams coming off of a loss; Glennon can sling it, I look for him to outplay EJ; Bucs 30 Bills 24.

Geno is horrible; has regressed in the second half of the season. After 8 starts, there are more questions than answers with EJ; he needs to step it up in the last 4 games, make some plays, show some consistency and prove that he is the guy.

Even with the Packers missing Rodgers, let's see how the Falcons play in Green Bay this weekend, their only cold weather game this year.

Let's assume he is in decline. To date, he has won 91% (21/23) of games vs. the Bills as starting QB, with a constantly changing cast of offensive characters. Let's say with the decline, that can be reduced to 75%; if he starts 4 more games, the Bills can win 1 and if he starts 8 more, they can win 2. This is something to look forward to.

This is a game that the Bills should win with almost everyone healthy, but the Falcons should not be taken lightly. They have their problems but played pretty good last night and are a dome team playing the Bills at a neutral site dome. Both teams coming off of an extended break; should not be a factor.

Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Lng Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Rate QBR Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD AV 2013 23 BUF QB 3 7 7 3-4-0 127 217 58.5 1385 8 3.7 4 1.8 45 6.4 6.3 10.9 197.9 82.1 44.84 17 97 5.50 5.42 7.3 1 1 Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Lng Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Rate QBR Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD AV 2013 24 TAM QB 8 7 7 2-5-0 154 248 62.1 1535 11 4.4 4 1.6 59 6.2 6.4 10.0 219.3 87.7 45.49 17 139 5.27 5.42 6.4 1 1 Here is the comparison, each has played 7 games. It will be an interesting matchup when the Bills go to Tampa.

One of the main reasons why EJ played so well last week vs. Pitt and earlier games is that the offensive play calling was much improved against the Jets. Use of the reverse, QB sneak, thorwing over the middle to Chandler, etc. helped keep the Jets D guessing and opened things up for the shots taken downfield. I am encouraged because it shows that Marrone/Hackett are learning with play calling and how to use their weapons, and EJ is able to execute the plays. Lots of weapons to be used, especially at WR. Hopefully this trend continues for the last five games when almost everyone will be healthy.

This idea is spot-on. Chan was overmatched as a head coach but could call plays. A year ago at this time CJ was considered one of the emerging stars in the NFL and was on the radar of every DC. He should be healthy for the last 5 games and Marrone/Hackett need to use the break to figure out how to better utilize his skills.

No doubt, he looked good today, but the play calling was improved which shows that Marrone/Hackett are learning. QB sneaks, giving to fullback on goal line, end around to keep D honest, and taking shots downfield, especially with Goodwin, who is really blossoming. EJ made the throws and looked composed out there, let's hope he keeps it up for the rest of the season.

EJ had an opportunity to make a statement against a declining Steelers team last week, and he fell flat on his face with the rest of the team. He has another opportunity today against the Jets at home-will he take advantage of it? He needs to step up his performance for the rest of the season starting today. Let's see what he does.

I seem to recall that the Bills did something similar in Seattle when Mularkey took them out for a walk and cheeseburgers the night before the game. They killed the Seahawks, I think it was 38-10.

Many coaches, including Ryan this week, have commented how a bye week in the middle of the season helps injuries heal and gives other players and coaches a needed break. However, what I find ironic about the Bills situation this year is that the Commissioner in a WNY guy, who supposedly has a soft spot in his heart for the Bills. Making out the NFL schedule has its share of complications, but it is not akin to rocket science or serious surgery. Was there no one in Goodell's office who could have reviewed the schedule for reasonableness regarding the extended break games before it was released? If the NFL was transparent about this, they should be willing to have someone explain the process and how the schedule is developed week-by-week.

I think it is a very legitimate question. When you have 3 talented, experienced backs (I include Choice) and a rookie QB who seems to be on a tight leash, this has to be a bread and butter play for the offense. Here's what I think, and I know people get sick of hearing this: Marrone and Hackett are rookies learning on the job, and they just don't know how to make the best use of the talent that they have to work with. Think about this: how many times from 2000-2012 when he played for the Pats, did you see them use the screen to Kevin Faulk on 3rd or 4th down and almost always pick up the 1st? 10? 15? Maybe 20? It was even successful when you could predict that it was coming. Belichick knows that you go to your clutch players in crucial situations with low risk plays to keep drives going; that is how games are won. Marrone and Hackett haven't learned this yet.

Unless EJ really picks it up the rest of the season, you know what will happen next summer-he will be competing with Lewis for the starting job. Lewis did inject some life into the offense before he was injured, is more mobile than EJ, and seems to have an equal if not better arm. Even more impressive is that he played without having the benefit of being in camp and was only with the team for a week or two before starting. The Bills will not draft a QB early as it would mean the new regime admitting that they were wrong on EJ.

To me, this game is trouble, for the following reasons: 1) Jets D, especially the front 7, is outstanding. 2) They are coming off of a bye with a short trip game. 3) Ryan is an exerienced coach going up against a rookie coach. 4) Smith has developed faster than Manuel due to lack of injury and playing time. 5) The Jets are fighting for a playoff spot. I hope I am wrong like last week when I picked the Steelers but I have to go with the Jets. I am beginning to wonder if the Bills will be able to recover from the KC debacle.

It's not an excuse, it is a reason. As for Harbaugh, not all rookie HC's are created equal, some are great, some horrible and some so-so. Remember, the Bills approached Harbaugh and he refused to interview for the job. I'm not suggesting that Marrone was the wrong hire; a year from now we will have a much better idea.

Isn't it funny how last year the complaint was that he wasn't being used ENOUGH??? Chan was a poor HC and an OC at heart, but he did a much better job at of utilizing Fred and CJ and calling the right plays for them to be productive. Last year at this time he was one of the most feared backs in the league.

The reason is that both Marrone and Hackett are rookies, learning on the job. They just do not have the experience to get the most out of the talent that they have to work with by having the right players on the field and calling the right plays. This is becoming more and more evident as the season wears on.