rpcolosi

Like it or not, trading veterans on the downside of their career is the Patriot Way. Now, if we had been winning more, lee might have fetched more than a 4th. But look at what bellicheck has done to build his team (not to mention, he just outright cut, CUT Lawyer Milloy who at that point was a hell of a lot more consistent than lee). You guys can't have your cake and eat it to. Either you get a FO that starts acting like a real FO and trades players trending downward for draft picks while there is value, or you continue the model of riding them out through their contract and getting nothing. Ya'll can say Nix and Whaley have lost it, but they've done EXACTLY what the Pats would do and have done: trade AWAY - 2010 Moss and a 7th for a 3rd (want to argue Lee is worth more than that? it's the same as a 4th). http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5653186 trade FOR - 2011 CO 5th and 6th (again want to argue Lee is better than CO? look at the numbers), http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/6813469/cincinnati-bengals-deal-chad-ochocinco-new-england-patriots-source-says trade FOR/AWAY - 2010 Deion branch 4th round pick (this is about what Lee is worth) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deion_Branch *** to be noted - they originally sent him for a 1st because 1.) he came from a winning team (always inflates value) 2.) was younger. and this is just the WRs.... This hasn't even touched on the other trades like laurence maroney (under achieving 1st rounder they at least got some value for in getting back a 4th - again coming from a winning team, value always inflated with draft picks). Bottom line - you guys can't have a competent front office and NOT have moves like this. Grow up and shut up. Nix is following a winning model, whether you like it or not. Just look at what winning franchises do long term - trade the vet talent once down hill and let the young guys build up and start rocking out. Love the move = GO BILLLLLS!!!!

Lee for a 4th and conditional 6th (just bank on it). it is what it is. he hasn't been overly productive the past 3 years and roscoe was on pace to have a better season that him anyways last year. here's what we know: Gailey/Nix like big and fast receivers. Lee has lost a step. So where does that leave us after he's dealt? Outside - Stevie (obviously) and donald jones (6'0 208 4.45 40time http://nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89116&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR'>http://nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89116&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR) Slot - Roscoe (obviously) and david nelson (6'5 221 4.45 40 at UF pro day) --> also expect a lot of Brad Smith/CJ Spiller lined up in the formations too. X-factors - Easley (6'3 210 4.39 40time http://nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89116&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR) Naaman - great hands, not fast, we are all familiar with him and his limitations. I'm doubting buster davis makes the team, but would be quite happy with those 6 guys + Brad smith. Donald Jones really came on last year, and if Easley can stay healthy he has eric moulds size/speed. Just a matter of his hands and route running.

totally agree. trent, unlike losman, wasn't a cocky SOB out in town just trying to mac girls at the Steer. He was a much more humble, genuine and down to earth guy. Just never should've suited up for that Arizona game...

heard you out. but you are crazy if you think roscoe gets cut. he was on pace for an 800 yd season if im not mistaken. lee is interesting. it be nice to see him win, for his sake, ala Eric Moulds. At the same time, we have no other burner on this roster to play outside. the likely scenario is Brad Smith eats into Roscoe, Nelso and Jones' playing time, though teh majority of snaps will probably bet at QB and ST for him. moving Lee might not be the best thing, esp if stevie starts struggling this year. also - stevie isn't resigned yet, and losing lee gives his agent a ton more leverage in negotiations. I think thats highly unlikely to happen.

nice post. like the analogy. very similar players indeed. gannon through a bette rball though, fitz might be a better scrambler.

great post... only disagreement I'd have is on how well you say Thigpen throws the ball. Granted you are at camp and I am not, but from watching highlights on BB.com he's thrown a ton of wobbly ducks. Obviously your sample size is a lot greater being there, but from what's aired on the camp high lights, his deep balls all open up too much (i will say his short/intermediate throws look crisp and tight). keep up the great posts, love reading this all the way from japan where we just survived another awesome typhoon!

we finally have a #1 QB and bills fans go into "QB controversy" withdrawl. I'll blame ralph and wade phillips on this. The idea of having an entrenched #1 is foreign to any bills fan 18 and under. translation - you young kids (yes I'm old at30) - get behind fitz-magic.

1.) Can someone at camp report update if he is still playing at ILB? 2.) Why did gailey say " at 6ft he isn't protypical OLB" when in fact he is 6'2 260?? 3.) How does he look size wise compared to Meriman? How about to Maybin? I love gailey and nix, and I realize they were in a bind at ILB and also that Moats probably can't cover much in the flat as an OLB, but c'mon. This rationale sounds flawed, unless they really see him as a Ray Lewis type on the inside. I just don't see that kind of lateral speed in him. Cut Maybin, move Moats back to OLB along with Coleman and put Batten back inside.

I predicted pretty early on that we'd end up going with edwards as a DC. I think people really need to give the guy a little break. He's here to turn a VERY small and undersized tampa 2 4-3 into a pittsburgh style 3-4? This isn't mike nolan with some actual pieces in place. This is a much different transition. With the pieces in place you will notice a difference this year. Also - everyone gets hung up on the Stache being a 4-3 guy. Listen, scheme is one part of defense but tackling, hitting, shedding blockers, its all the same. He will make them better in this area and contribute with some scheme stuff for our hybrid moments. George Edwards is a very good coach. Anyone asked to run the defense of the premiere SEC team (at the time UF was), it's a pretty dang high honor. give it more than 16 games.

why aren't we trying maybin out at TE? I mean seriously. He's undersized even there, but if he's so fast, maybe he can catch. why bother putting him at OLB? If your one 'highlight' is getting past a 5th round OT and you've been in the league 3 years, you have issues....

he'll end up in seattle

for all buddy's success' I'd say this guy was a bust. nagging groin for a WR is as bad as it is for a Goalie. just ask Hasek. I'll take david nelson please.

what a dumb post. not even worth a reply. anyone who says Poz went for market value knows little about the NFL.

a lot of people on this board say how 'bad' stroud was. the guy was very solid. He isn't a 3-4 DE. But he played very well when back at his 3 tech position. The guy is good. He's getting old, but he would be an excellent 1st and 2nd down player in a 4-3. I expect him with DJ in Cleveland, or maybe a backup/mentor to Fairley/Suh. I personally am a big fan of stroud and henderson. they were a nasty duo for a long, long time in Jax.

it's likely they think moats is one of their smartest players and can lead a defense from the ILB position. It is possible to rush the QB from there, especially if he has some coverage skills (which this team is lacking). Once maybin is gone, it will open up more room at OLB. But they have Coleman (who can DEFINNITELY rush the qb, look at college career) and Batten (can def rush the qb) on the outside right now. As much as they won't admit it, it's a numbers game. They want Moats on the field, but they obviously like kelsay more right now at OLB and think Coleman has more upside potential (bonus points if you get that refernece)

more important that getting harris... they have howard mudd, the best and most under-rated OL coach in the league (also an alum of my college).

Personally, I think Gailey was trying to bluff there. They needed another body inside and probably are giving Maybin his last chance with reps on the outside. I'd expect to see Moats back to OLB soon enough... be patient young ones.

does anyone not see that very little of it is guaranteed money or am i the only rationale person who saw this signing as short term and basically an extension of his current deal with very little raise?

Just the facts.. Scouts inc take - Poz - 82 (great hitter, works through traffic) and Barnett 76 (has some pop, gets through traffic, great in coverage) Age: Poz will be 27 this season, Barnett 30. Both will be 33 at the end of their contracts, so we'd get poz at the same age as we have Barnett. Personally I'll take a guy with a better injury history, a SB ring, and the ability to cover a TE and RB. Size: Poz 6'1 238 Barnett 6'2 236.... failing to see where Poz is so much bigger Best seasons the past 4 years: Poz 2009 - (in just 12 games, very impressive) 12 110tck 87solo 23asst 1.0sack 3ff 0 0 3int Poz 2010 - (in just 14 games, very impressive) 14 151tck 103solo 48asst 2.0sack 0ff 0 0 0int Barnett 2007 (16 games) - 16 131tck 102solo 29asst 3.5sack 0 1fr 0 2int Barnett 2009 (16 games) - 16 105tck 82solo 23asst 4.0sack 0ff 0fr 0 0int *** Football Outsides commented on the bills assigning tackles at a higher rate than other teams. Last year, the Bills game trackers gave out an average of 1.5 tackles per eligible tackle play (i.e., plays that could be credited with a tackle, such as completed passes, rushing plays, etc.). That total was third-highest in the league and is in complete contrast with the 1.3 tackles per play credited to the Jaguars defenders (tied for the lowest total in the league). That is about a 13 percent difference in tackle volume between the teams, but even if we factor Posluszny's numbers at the Jaguars rate, he would still end up with around 131 tackles, a total that would still have been a top-10 figure. and the most important one... Injuries: Last 4 years total games played --> Poz 45 (1 recurrent injury, broken arm) --> Barnett 45 ( 2 unrelated injuries, ACL and wrist) We got better losing Poz and gaining Barnett. Avoid the analysts opinions and look at the numbers and injury history. LBs can play quite well from 30 on (just ask Fletcher, Spikes, Ray Lewis,Brian Urlacher).

exactly. they are dang good football players first. I'd argue their character stems from their faith, and frankly, I think a bunch of self-motivated, humble, team first guys can go a long, long ways towards developing a winning culture and good environment.

Now this might be a little controversial, but I believe this change actually began the season before Nixley took over. Yep, back under Brandon. Other than the huge error of picking Maybin over Clay Matthews (it still rankles me), they picked Levitre and Wood -- those two alone would have made that a good draft. But they also added Jairus Byrd, Shawn Nelson and Demetrius Bell. I know Nelson hasn't worked out quite like they hoped, but he was a great choice at the time, and still might blossom into a great TE if his health permits. And Bell has been getting better and better and will, I think, have a very good season this year. Not the greatest draft in Bills history, but a good one, especially coming after years of Donohue and Levy, and their incomprehensible "strategy." basically it's similar to what i just posted. It should be noted, though, Nix was in the war-room in 2009 and his fingerprints are all over the Wood/Levitre/Byrd picks. Maybin doesn't smell like this, but them other guys, oh definitely... plus, why would I ever give Modrak or Jauron credit for those?? :-D the plan is draft high character players who produced consistently in college and develop them. Add veterans who can help and, if possible, come from winning teams. Increase the emphasis on scouting and develop a hierarchy within the FO (Done EXTREMELY well by him, not just re-naming guys' titles as was the norm the past few years), and finally, utilize coaches who have been in the league awhile and have won. DJ/Mulark/G-Will all had fairly young staff, minus Lebeau and April. I'd argue we have the most NFL experienced staff in Buffalo in quite awhile. This is quite different, but you have to be over 21 to understand the changes from 2001 until now....

Alright so I am going to get bashed for this, but I've been noticing a theme lately, and Nick Barnett confirmed it: ..."you know, they pray after every practice, and I love that..." Gailey is a man of faith, not unlike Tony Dungy, Dan Reeves, Love Smith, etc.. Naturally this board has gotten pissed about bringing up such obvious things, but hear me out. Marv/DJ always talked about character guys, yet drafted a few schmucks like Whitner (bar fight), ko simpson (i'm ko simpson biatch!) and lynch (lets not go there), but 'stressed' high character. Perhaps his actions just didn't match his heart, who knows. However, you don't hear Nix/Gailey mention it quite as much, but its writing is everywhere, whether it has a God-based theme or not. I'm not saying its a formula for winning, but I am saying it develops a family atmosphere, exactly what Barnett touched on. Don't disregard this as mumbo-jumbo. These are things players like and look for. Ray Lews has developed a family nature of sorts in Baltimore, Rex Ryan has definitely developed that in NY in short order, and like the approach or not, Gailey is doing the exact same thing here Yes, winning helps foster that atmosphere but not always (look at the bickering bills). To finish up my point just look at the kinds of things FA and draftees have said in the news, and tell me there isn't a pattern. Whether it translates to winning, no one can say, but it does develop a sense of family and for a team that was sorely lacking that under DJ, Mulark and Williams, I for one appreciate it. It is the start to having an identity again. (Thanks http://www.buffalorumblings.com/ for the twitter quotes) Shep after signing: "Finally just got the call I been patiently waiting for!! All I can say is God works in sooooo many different ways!!!! Can't wait to drive over and make it official then hitting the interstate and off to go join the rest of my #bills fam and get to work!!!!" aaron williams: "I wanna thank my lord and savior #JesusChrist as he has answer another prayer," tweeted the cornerback. "Contract complete time to head to training camp!" da'norris searcy: " #blessed to be able to start my journey wit #BILLS" in regards to spiller after referencing a tim tebow quote in college : The former Heisman winner (Tebow) was a player Spiller always admired from a distance, a devout Christian like himself. michael jasper (from generation waterfowl video, which is awesome and shows he is hands down the Bill I want to meet and chill with, 400lbs and blasts trap and skeet???): "I'm just gonna stay myself, stay in the church... stay who I am, don't let anything go to your head... Let people know it's not me, it's God who gave me this... Be a positive influence with what I've got... To touch other people..." and who can forget stevie johnson last year. Anyways, I just wanted to point out my observations, I'm sure others have noticed, but I wanted to point it out since i think it's worth noting.

solid pick up. low guaranteed money. if we get 1-2 good seasons out of him its a win-win. Andra Davis has 1 more year, so expect Barnett to move to his slot and Shep to step up next season. I like the move. he's probably a step below where he was a few years ago, but he has far more success in the league than Poz has. He has been a playmaker... The most important thing - We have another guy on our team with a SB Ring. Do NOT undervalue that. It is huge. Having grizzled vets who have not just been to the playoffs, but have won, that is a big deal. Nice to have another big name on Defense. Let's hope he is healthy. Frankly, a wrist injury doesn't freak me out as much as a knee (his ACL was a few years back). Shoot, Poz broke the same arm.. twice! i do wish I could have seen Poz and michael Jasper shoot trap and skeet together though. oh well.

thank you for explaining why again we are so awful.... nothing like trading up for just horrible, horrible players.

you're argument was that size equated to sucking in cold weather. I successfully debunked that argument, regardless of generation, weather or location. now if you want to discuss the ideal size of a 3-4ILB that is up for debate. 235 is a little 'smallish' but certainly isn't a deal breaker like you said.... just look at the most successful 3-4 in the NFL Pittsburgh ILBs: James farrior, 242 lawrence timmons, 234 larry foote, 239 am I saying being over 245 doesn't mater? no. Ray lewis, david harris, all those guys are. What I am saying is arguing that a guys' weight is the reason he will suck or will be good isn't a great leg to stand on. the bills could benefit from a guy like Barnett from more than on the field - he has won a SB, which we have few of, he has some gas in the tank, he can teach rookies how to practice, etc. We need a few quality vets who ahve done something (ie not cornell green or kelsay). Barnett gives us that. I also don't think Crowder is a great ILB anymore, but he is better than torbor...