offde-fence

When I think about the Bills, I always come back to the belief that this year is all or nothing for them. They don't have to make the Super Bowl, but they certainly have to make a good run into the playoffs. They have to be a solid team that shows promise for dominance. Consistency and talent is a need, as well as good play calling and sound coaching. The coaches will not be let off the hook for another losing season, so what remains to ponder is the talent that lines up on Sundays. As fans, we know we are pretty stocked at reciever, running back, and defensive back positions. We are close on linebacker and both lines, and, hopefully, our QB will show his Promise. There might even be a few fortunate surpises in the mix with our depth, i.e., Bell, on the O-line. So, with the obvious needs at D-line, O-line, TE, and LB, how real is it to suppose that we can fix those positions through the draft, and after - via free agency - to put together a formidable squad. And we need the squad to be formidable, not just good. Our division, I believe, is now the toughest in the NFL, due to coaching moves and certain other player recoveries. With our alloted picks, and undrafted free agents, and possible veteran pick-ups, not to mention the seeming certainty that Peters will not be back (at least a man that will actually want to be here and try to perform up to his potential), can the Bills fill the holes they have this off-season to make it happen? I look at the college players available this year, and I have that glimmer of hope that we fans share, and think there are some intruiging possible situations where we can pick up starters in the first four rounds. It'd have to be a combination of: DE, TE, LB, and OL. Four holes, four picks...... including veterans still available. How would you have it pan out? And, of course, the sleepers.

I like your assessment. Given a different QB, one with a quick and confident release, our protection would have been sufficient. On running downs it is suspect early, seeming to gain momentum later. Still, it has not been dominant, which is a concern. A fan would like its team to have the type of line that can gain a yard when it needs to, no questions. My guess is that the problem with the passing is more to do with the recievers and coordinators. Either the recievers aren't getting separation, or, the routes aren't appropriate to the defence (i.e. predictable play calling), or, the calls are forced to Evans, regardless of coverage.

I agree that one should evaluate players more on the basis of their game play than on their combine and or measurables... in the case of E. Brown, the Bills have a similar defence as Indy, and I'd say would like to emulate that defence, so, I'd think if he were there they'd take him. They need to win this year. A WR isn't necessary when both lines are still not entirely solid. One would have to think the Bills would pick Pettigrew, even, before Crabtree, on account of his blocking skills. And, Raji would be a solid pick up, too. It is very unlikely he'd be there at eleven, though. So, I'd guess E. Brown at eleven if he's there, or a trade down if he isn't to pick up Pettigrew near twenty. All of that taking place assuming Peters is a Bill this year. If they trade him, then they have to go O-line as soon as the Best one is available.

He is cut. The Bills should look to the future, not the past. There are plenty of talented young linemen in this years crop to fill our needs. Bell shouldn't be overlooked, either. He's got high marks from the first team defense on this team, and, we did see Peters before anyone else took note of the possibility. Bell sounds like he'll be pretty good. With the draft....go young when you can.

The potential is exciting. If Owens is anything close to form, and the offense is entirely healthy, then this is a group that many an offensive coordinator could have lots of fun with. We'll have to wait and see what they actually do, though. They had Lynch and Jackson last year, and Evans, and there were times when it seemed (for about three games straight) that Edwards was terrified, absolutely unwilling to throw the ball further than five yards. One member pointed out that it was because he was called upon to always throw to Evans, and Evans was always double or triple covered. That seems very possible, but, the O-line needs to improve a bunch in order for there to be a really successful offense here. I mean, with those two stud running backs, there should be all the ground yards we need; and then, when we have to throw it, there should be multiple people open. A lot of "shoulds"... I think our line needs to be above average for us to have a good offense. A really good line, and a good tight end, and our offense should be great. And, with that, our defense can take some risks, and be fresh. Hell, they should put in some no huddle. With the right pieces in place, they could have a lot of fun and success this year.

How about Everette Brown? He seems like a really balanced and talented pass rusher.

Having read that reply about the cold weather, and them not practicing outside in it - man, that is really obvious these past few years! This team used to win those cold weather games, and look forward to them, because it was a huge advantage for them. As a coach, I would think he'd definitely want to bring back that advantage. They seem, of late, to be as disadvantaged from the snow or more so than the opposing team (Remember the Cleveland Game?).

This is a pivotal year for me as a fan. It is Juaron's last year - pretty much formally - and he needs to win to keep the job. It is Wilson's HOF year, and the Bill's 50th anniversary year. Wow! And the fans - the Fans! - who've made it all possible, and who've suffered Four Straight Super Bowl Losses, and then this slow decline into dismal football, now have a decent core of players, young, and enough talent at the right positions to be good - and all they need is a few extra pieces. We know what they need, playmaker-wise. They can get it through F.A. and the draft. I believe, albeit it is a desperate way, that the front office knows the strengths and weaknesses of this team as opposed other really good teams, and can move to get the talent we need. What is preventing that? Money? Bottom line: they need to win this year, or it'll be rebuilding all over again. And, maybe the team moves, to boot. Shouldn't all that combined be enough motivation for them to try everything and anything to put the right team on the field this year? I believe it is. If they don't put that team on the field this year, with enough talent to compete with the best of them, then it just goes to show it is a business - all about the money - and, I for one, am saying, That is not what I'm interested in. I don't want to watch a soap opera every Sunday, the winners and losers indeterminate to the goal: selling tickets and a hundred million boobs sitting around watching their televisions all Sunday. What I'm saying is, if the goal isn't To Win A Super Bowl, and to be the very best team possible, then what is the point? I don't care if we make the playoffs on some wild-card and lose in the first or second round. Hearing some of these players B word about the difference in millions on their salaries, while the people who support them get by on one hundrenth of that or less, is rediculous. I believe that we as fans became fans because we wanted to see some magic. We wanted to see a team decide by their hearts and their wills that they were going to do whatever it took to go out and win, even against unbeatable odds. And if I saw my team approach this attitude, this desire to just win, to be a team, to dominate, to the great, and fall short a little (the early 90's was an approximation), then I'd keep up. But, to see them put together a team and a staff that doesn't come close to being competitive or passionate enough to do great things - even only some of the time - but, rather, accept mediocrity as a part of the turning door that has become Dominance in the NFL, and to say, "next year we'll regroup and try to make the playoffs; that is our goal" Ahhhhh! What ever happened to guys saying, "We want to be great. We want to be the best ever. We're going to Win!" I can't find all the right words to express what I mean, but I feel like other fans will know what I'm trying to say. The NFL, with these bloated salaries - and I'd understand if there were the equivalent desire and passion - is becoming a sucker sport, which I feel is ridiculing the hundred or so million men and young men, and even women, who watch it. We're not looking for daytime drama or for passive entertainment. We want to feel something for our teams, and its becoming less possible with every passing year for me. This year, I really want to see a team that is passionate and devoted to trying to be the best. That would be enough.

Thanks for the feedback... I already thought, when I posted, that the Defensive system was basically Tampa 2, but disfunctional, lacking the right few playmakers - a good enough run stuffer in the middle, for instance, or an exceptional pass rusher off the edge... something to give the opposing QB fits enough to go early into a turnover. The offense was more of a mystery to me. It seemed absolutely predictable, and at times not even NFL level. There was certainly talent at the receiver and running backs, and a young QB - I don't know how Peters got into the Pro Bowl again - the line was miserable. With those two backs and decent receivers, we shouldn't have had such difficulties...which is why I think we should bolster our O-line; adding center Hangartner was good, but if we get rid of Peters we'll need two more, and a playmaker on the D-line, and then maybe a TE, and and OLB. Special Teams, as always of late, was lights out. I think whatever that coach does to make players so effective should be copied by the other coordinators. Bobby April is a special coach, I mean, how many years now has he had unbelievable rankings on his Special Teams? Ha - my nine year old son is up playing Madden (It's a weekend) and he just commented when I told him I was writing about the Bill's coach: "Isn't he the guy who kept calling the same play over and over last year?" Kids.

When Dick Juaron first came to Buffalo, I liked the move, contrary to how people said it was a cheap out, and thought his intelligence would be a good thing for us. Now, I look at this team and, especially after last year, I noticed a bunch of the players took on his attitude - which is to say, they made plenty of excuses after losses, and said, "we still have to get better" line after wins. The team was without much passion, I thought, and it reflects Dick's attitude. I wonder, what kind of system does he run? Does his offense have a real style? Is it, "This is how it's going to be. We are going to assert ourselves upon the opposition." I just don't see that kind of mentality with him. Miami, N.E., and now the Jets have coaches who are nasty and tough and their teams relflect who they are (N.E. is more intelligent, I'd say, but successfully so). Does anybody know what we are trying to be, as a team? I'd love to hear him say, for once, "We are going to go out there and win, we're going to beat them, again and again, until the game is over and until they have lost." Instead, it's "you never know...a play or two different and we could've..."

I agree that the Bills have some options still, and are certainly looking to bring in that K.C. lineman, if possible. I see them handing over a 2nd rounder or a 3rd, if K.C. is looking to pick up someone at either of those spots. A whole lot depends on the Peters contract. If we can't sign him before the draft, I'd expect to see him traded. How about Waters and Gonz, for Peters? Or, a first round pick? In that case, we'd be looking to fill two vacant O-line spots. I believe, too, that the F.O. has some faith in Bell, who is supposed to be a raw physical specimen, something akin to what Peters was before the hype. However it unfolds, I hope the Bills brass bring resolution to the line questions before the draft. It's a lot to leave to rookies, and there is certainly no doubt we need a consistent line this year for anything to happen. My fear: that the Bills as an organization are working within a certain spending limit, looking at maximizing revenue - i.e., as a business, and that signing T.O. will be enough to sell tickets this year. If the upper tier really wants to win, and that is my hope, that with the Wilson induction and the 50th anniversary, that they'll spend, if need be, to put together a capable squad. If they don't, then they'll be planning the next coaching staff next year, and eventually moving the Bills elsewhere. Is that a big leap? Well, they are close to having quality players at every position this year, and to do what they have to to secure the missing pieces, which they can do via trade, F.A., and the draft, would be a way of giving Juaron a legitimate chance. If they shy away from spending, and make due, then it implies either they're more concerned with profit, or they are looking to exit the Juaron era for an entruiging candidate (a number of whom will be there) next year. Still - why keep him this year if they aren't willing to give him a legitimate squad? They know they have to play the Pat's twice, and the Dolphins aren't pushovers, and the Jets have a pretty scary new coach in Ryan.

I've looked at a bunch of mock drafts over the last month or so and although this years crop of players have depth where the Bills have a lack thereof; namely DE, TE, OLB, and OG, there are a few teams that have similar needs... surely every team needs better players, but, when I look at the mock drafts I see a few teams that could get us into trouble if we try to wait it out on these positions... like Atlanta picking up Pettigrew at the end of Rd 1 if we don't snag him... It'll be interesting to see how our Front Office deals with this years draft. Personally, I think everything is there for them to fill this teams needs now - it's just a matter of whether or not they have the brass to pull off whatever it takes to get those four starting caliber players.

I'd like to note that the Patriots year in and out these days it seems have plenty of draft picks. I'm a Bills fan, but that franchise knows how to keep the elements in place (we'll see if they draft d-line in preparation for next year). Bell is supposed to be decent, so if we keep Peters and add another good O-lineman, we should be o.k. If Peters is gone, we need two solid starters there. It seems obvious defenses are going to go after Edwards as the quickest way to undermine our offense.

Ha, ha. There are some certainties to the Bills winning or losing this year. Any defensinve coordinator would much likely go after the QB in our offense than to try and cover all the possible receivers. Our O-line has to be solid. I remember last year there were a few games Trent looked as if he couldn't throw more than five yards, he was so shell shocked. And you could tell the coordinator was reluctant to call much. There definately has to be a solid line this year. I would shore up both lines as a priority this year, for Trent, and because we all got a glimpse at what it takes to beat N.E. when Brady is in the game.

I'm pretty new to this TBD chat room, so forgive me if I'm suggesting something already written about - I noticed some of the members seem to get pretty mad if people aren't familiar with all the topics being discussed. Anyway, I don't have a lot of Bills fans for friends so this is the only place I can go to exchange Bills ideas. Here it is: I think the draft this year is really deep at areas where te Bills are particularly weak at; namely DL, OL, and TE. Why not get as many picks as possible in the first two rounds - depending on how the players are falling, and secure a couple top tier defensive linemen and offensive linemen. Maybe two each. Then, a tight end - there's three that are sure to be upgrades for us in the mold of a fast, sure handed receiver. So, along this train of thought, the Bills stock up on both lines and can still get their TE. As an aside, if I were a GM, I'd have a few really competent scouts looking for those great athletes that are unknowns, and pick up a bunch of those as undrafted FA's. Basically, get into the first three rounds and go after the studs on the lines that might help us now, with a TE when the position favors it.

I see our defence greatly needing an uprgrade in the pass rush, and another solid linebacker, and then I'd be satisfied, talet wise, with the group. I think they'd be good enough to place in top ten...after all, they were fourteen last season. On offense, I think Tight end is first priority, and then line all the way. This draft seems deep enough in the D-line, Tight end, and O-line catagories for us to arguably be able to pick up real play makers at all those positions. I'm so pleased with our secondary depth, our running backs, our recievers, that I'd trade away a bunch of later picks to move up so that if we walked away from round three with a great TE, DE, and OL, maybe two OL or DL men, then I think having four of those highly ranked players would solidify us. We need a freak at the DE position, and a good outside linebacker, and a really good TE will be available in round three, even. Somehow trade back into round one to get one of the best DE's and OL's, snatch the best remaining in DL in the second, and aim for a TE in round three. Anyone else intruiged by the idea of trading back up in the early rounds just to walk away from this draft with three or four sure starters?

I've wondered why we don't go after him, too. He would bring a stronger combo to the middle than Pat and Sam, I believe. Plus a healthy Schoebel, and a drafted end....theres the makings for a good line - and, there's another lineman out there that could fortify us in a great way, too. And - I say use him as both tackle and end, depending on situation - Ekuban guy from Denver! That sounds solid to me... reminiscent of the Giants line in the super bowl...

I get tired of hearing about how much of a thug our running back is. He has made some mistakes, no doubt. But, he's not a gangster type guy, not a guy with intentions of hurting people or doing people wrong. He's simply made some poor decisions. Any of the thousands of Bills fans would look much the worse if there were media discussing and magnifying all the mistakes we make in the day to day life. Normal people get into trouble, and more times than not no one finds out about it, and after awhile we forgive ourselves and go on thinking we're above that - above making poor decisions and doing bad things once in a while. I just like the way he is regarded by the people that know him. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt - again. He doesn't glorify himself. I'm glad he's our running back. I don't think there is a back out there I'd rather have right now. As for the gun charges - I'm certain that gun wasn't in his possession to rob someone, or to go off and take someone out. He's a rich guy who wants to have a gun. I hear countless men on radio talk shows all the time talking about how it is the right of the American to have fire arms - Constitutionally - and, although it appears it wasn't registered, I'm thinking there are many thousands of Americans who are nobodies who have unregistered guns and don't plan on using them in any way criminal. That's just my take on it.

I am a loyal Bills fan, but it seems that since Parcells and Bellicheck took over for New England, they have been ahead of everyone. They constantly lose coordinators, and yet they don't miss a beat - sometimes getting even better. They have quality depth at just about every position, and areas that are their weakest are better than other teams even still. Who is going to out coach them? Who will outscore them with a healthy Brady? Their defense is good and with the addition of Peppers, is nasty to think about. And they have four picks in the first two rounds! As a Bills fan, I'm sick of seeing and hearing the excitement about Terrell Owens, when we still need to improve our linebackers, defensive line, offensive line, and tight end. They are better than us in - arguably - D-line, linebackers, O-line, Quarterback, and the reciever position seems about even. We have better running backs, better secondary, and better special teams. Why get excited about the 2009 season if we can't beat them? And, to the point, how can we go about improving to the point where we stand a chance to beat them? What players can we get in the Draft and in free agency, still, that will give us a fighting chance? Anyone have an answer to this?

I'm glad to hear someone mention the apparent deficiencies with the Tampa 2. This is a copy cat league, and I hate that the Bills copied that defense. It worked when it was new, but teams have certainly had an easy going against us since its arrival here. I remember so fondly the defences of the late nineties when they alone were good enough to almost get us to the super bowl. Why set goals that aren't elite? They should be trying to be the best defense, period. And, to do that, they need real good solid players...like Raji.

Once again, I think the Bills buckling and signing Peters to a huge money deal will only send the message to players that holding out and coming in unprepared, and not giving full effort, are behaviors that lead to a reward. That is absurd, especially given the economic circumstances. He doesn't deserve a raise, and what's more, he should honor a contract he signed freely. The Bills should ship him and pick up a replacement. There are options at LT in FA and draft. They should be stocking up on both lines, since everyone knows that builds championship teams. The Bills will be only average if they don't commit to having great lines, and great lines are consistent. Peters is inconsistent to the point where it cost the Bills a few games last year. That is not deserving of the money. Trade him for the best draft picks availabe. Hell, even send him to Kansas City for Shields and Gonzalez. Get the most for him and move on.

I totally agree with the belief that a player whose only leverage is hurting his team, or, by not playing to his calaber, because he isn't satisfied with the contract he signed willingly, isn't the kind of teammate the bills need. The offensive line needs to be above average for a team to be successful, but the price of not knowing or being able to rely on a guy who the Bills gave a chance to coming out of college when no one else did, and then by helping him reach new levels of potential, because he seems to play hard and good when he wants to, isn't worth it. I'd rather have a consistently good guy in there. Ideally, you want that quality talent; but, this could go so far as to be not worth it. What kind of a signal does that send other players in the league if the Bills buckle and pay up? It tells every other guy who isn't satisfied with a contract he willingly signed that to come into games or to the regular season out of shape and not ready is the way to get what you want. Can the Bills stop paying a guy when they become disappointed? Or, pay less on a week to week basis upon the quality of play?

I doubt he'll be seeing T.O. for a while, let alone Lee. He'll be sitting in the office with Turk and lifting weights alone for a little while still, I think.

I noticed it, too. He's not suited for football coverage.

I absolutely agree! Not a lot of fans on these message boards - I'm new to 'em - seem to be thinking or mentioning the O-line, but that has gotta be our new #1 priority. A solid O-line will let the recievers get open and give Trent time, as well as paving the way for our running backs. BUT, a lousy line and every opponents strategy at stopping T.O. and Evans will simply be lighting up Edwards before he has the time to throw the ball.