[Fred Jackson]

This is a tough situation for a few reasons: T.O. has a reputation of disrupting team chemistry, and for being selfish. Now, consider what Kelly said about last year's locker room on a Monday - that he couldn't tell whether they won or lost. Some fans here are saying they welcome T.O.'s vocal tendencies, in that he will fire up a team recently lacking in passion. Well, it seems almost anything he says during the season, if spoken with an intention of firing up the players, or simply because he's fired up, could be taken out of context, or could be considered the same old stuff he's been accused of for years. He'll have to really choose his words carefully for that not to be the case, especially by the media. Secondly, it is obvious that he's playing this year for another contract, and that he'll no doubt be on his best behavior, and will do everything he can to appear a team oriented player, or at least capable of that. His reputation being what it is, it seems like he hasn't had to do anything to begin making noise, as it were. Jackson's words, being public, could incite a little resentment in T.O., because thus far he hasn't done anything but be here and try to learn the system. Nevertheless, he's got an ego, and when a man as young and relatively unaccomplished as Jackson begins saying that he'll confront T.O., it's easy to see how things could start off, in small ways - especially if Jackson's words are thoughts shared by other teammates - as seeds of disruption. I just think the players should wipe the slate clean with T.O., and try not to make references to his past. Let him help the team in any way he can, and if the time comes when he needs to be confronted, then that time would be much more appropriate than a hypothetical now. The team could use more passion, no doubt, but it needs to be a team first, before any intense emotions could be benefitial.

[Bills down by 7..]

We would, I think, be surprised if Jauron didn't let loose this year and be much more aggresive on both sides. Not because he finally has too much talent to be ultra conservative, and not because it is in his nature to be daring, but because he's used up all his excuses when it comes to mediocrity and losing. If he doesn't win, and at the very least appear to try everything in his power and the team's to accomplish that, there'd be no justification and no fan support - any way to cut it - in keeping him around. It's his last time around; he'll be more aggressive this year. I wonder, though, how much offensively, it is up to him, or if it'll be up to T.S. to decide on the style, level of aggression?

[Point of attack choices...]

I think our defense will be better if it stays healthy, with another year of knowledge, and a few additions. Byrd, if he turns into a playmaking safety, will radically improve the other guys in the secondary, which are pretty good, IMO. The D-line being able to stop the run will be the crucial point for this defense, I think. But, if you look at Fewell's record with blitzes, he's aggresive. If our defense can be anything like Indy's a few years ago, it'll hold it's own. As for our offense, I think the O-line will be good enough in pass protection, and above average in run blocking. Considering our weapons at reciever and RB, our QB will be the big question mark that determines how well our offense plays, and how many points we put up. And, it'll be up to our coaches to know and see, on a week to week basis, what the strengths are, with each unit, and put together game plans that will let their strengths shine - because, our team has talent, and there will be facets of each unit that will, if the play calling allows, excell.

I expect it will take a third of the season or so for this team to find it's identity, and with our tough schedule, we probably will be pushing for a wild-card. But, if we stay healthy, by season's end, we could be capable of playing with anyone.

As for Jauron, I hope he lets his coordinators loose.

[Will our o-line be better in the long term thanks to the Peters trade?]

If Walker can hold his own, then the rest of the line looks to have improved, man by man. What remains to be seen is whether or not time together will play a critical factor with them. I don't really know if they can perform to the level necessary to give Edwards time to throw consistently, but I suspect they'll be a much better running line from the get go. There were recently a few articles about the line, and about Edwards - particularly how he handled getting hit last year. The F.O. is riding on this year, so I have to believe, until they show otherwise, that they have a good plan to, perhaps keep it simple, and let their strengths shine.

[Peppers is off the block.....]

I know it's not even a question of possibility, but, imagine how nice our D-line would look like with a Peppers on one side, and a Schoebel on the other - 16 million would change the look of our Defense and how we were viewed by about ten spots on the ranking list, I'd say. Still, I can't imagine any owner wanting to fork over that much money for a player; except, maybe if their fortune was going to be worthless to them in a few short years...

[AFC East predictions]

I surely considered our defense, but in light of the other teams defenses. The Jets are going to be Defense this year, no doubt. They'll be a Ravens in green and white defense. Miami has a solid unit that has weaknesses, but is consistent, and the fact that Buffalo, in this four way rating, has fared poorly against 3-4 teams, doesn't set the tone for optimism. I think N.E. will have a decent defense - somewhere between 7-12 in the league. I think the Jets will be in the top 5. Miami should hover around 9-12. That leaves the Bills, who, on the bright side could break the top ten and throw that prediction out...but, we're depending on Maybin, on a healthy Schobel, on a resolved OLB, on Poz stepping it up, and on Byrd being a big game changer, not to mention our CB's performing excellently. There are a lot of if's with the Bills D - which could translate into a ton of improvement, or a relative stay at the middle of the pack. I chose the realistic approach to predicting, thinking that our major improvements would be offensive, and that we might slowly, over the year, creep into the top ten on defense. But, factoring schedules, and who teams play when, it seemed to me that things would pan out that way.

Again, I hope I'm wrong on us missing the wildcard.

[AFC East predictions]

This is my first year following TBD, so I don't know if there are annual predictions, and if there are times that are generally reserved for it. If I'm jumping the gun, my apologies. It's a slow time of year, and there isn't much news that we haven't chewed and spit out several times, so...

When I look at our schedules for the AFC east, I see things playing out this way, as of now, without considering injuries. I'll throw in overall win/loss, and then the offense and defense rankings as they'll play out in the division. I'll admit I hope I'm wrong on this, but the schedule is very tough... so here it goes:

 

Buffalo - 9-7 overall record, 2nd offense, 4th defense

 

N.E. - 12-4 overall record, 1st offense, 2nd defense

 

Jets - 5-11 overall record, 4th offense, 1st defense

 

Miami - 7-9 overall record, 3rd offense, 3rd defense

 

 

I could be way off here, I just looked at each teams schedules and considered, without factoring in potential injuries (let's face it, if Brady gets hurt early, N.E. could dive hard, for example), based on each teams perceived strengths and weaknesses, how it will play out. We've got a tough schedule, as a division, and then we've got the 2 division games per team.

I would like nothing less than for the Bills to come out and just dominate everyone, but, following the league, and considering our coaching staff, and it's history, and talent, etc., this is how I see it unfolding. As it goes, the Bills miss the playoffs by a game, but behind a couple teams for the wild-card. I hope I'm off on that part of it.

[What do we do with Lynch]

Despite the commish being a Bills area native, I highly doubt he'll do anything out of the ordinary in regards Lynch's suspension. My guess is a reduction to 2 games, if that, and with a stern warning regarding future infractions costing more, on account of being given the chance. I think we're looking at missing Lynch the first two games. Given that, I still don't see the Bills doing anything other than rotating the RB's in the preseason. They've got five games, and three quality starters. I'll bet you see Lynch and Jackson heavy in the first quarters, and then Rhodes getting the majority of the carries the rest of the time, to acclimate himself. By the last game, we'll not see much of any of them after the second quarter, maybe Rhodes getting a few extra reps. I'm not too worried about Rhodes and Jackson being our starters VS NE. If all the other parts are working as they should be, those two should be able to accomplish enough to effectively execute our gameplan. Last season Jackson was better, at times, than Lynch. So, Lynch misses a few games, but should be that much more rested for the rest of the season. In theory that is fine. In reality, though, Lynch could get hurt his first game back, as easily as the rest, so we can't "plan" on any benefit or downfall from his suspension. Lets hope all goes good for us and he's that much more healthy in the late season and postseason.

[Michael Johnson very impressive]

All said, there were more than a few other DE's the Bills could've taken. There were a lot of other needs, also. Byrd, if he turns into a stud safety, will have been worth it, too. I think the Bills were looking at Indy's and the Steelers, and the Raven's at that position, and seeing how important it is. So, if Byrd turns into that, none of us will complain. My opinion, though, is that the Giants, in the SB, provided a really good blueprint for dealing with the Patriots, when Brady is under helm. Seeing the Bills face them twice a year, why not try and get a few more guys that could get to him? There is a balance, I know - but there were potentially a few DE's, we could have gotten later in rounds - that could have turned into real steals - and, I think exceptionally so this year.

[Rumor...Favre signs with the Vikings]

If he signs with the Vikings it could only be good for the Bills. We don't play them this year, but two or three teams that we could be potentially fighting with for a wild card do, so, if he signs with them and makes them better, then that's o.k. with me. IMO, he would be an upgrade there, and coupled with AP, might be enough for them to make it to the SB, but, they still are lacking in the receiving corps, and the Eagles and Giants are going to be real tough this year. Either way, doesn't matter to the Bills.

[Michael Johnson very impressive]

I was more than surprised the Bills didn't go for another DE when the potentially good ones - Johnson, and especially Brown - were still available much later than I thought. Gotta hope Maybin works out for us, and we have to wait and see what happens there, but on the subject of the Bengals, I think they've added a ton of talent to their squad over the last two years, and if they were middle of the pack last year, then I'm thinking, if they don't have a lot of injury problems, that they'll be the dark horse of the division, moving up in defensive ranking to top ten. Add to that a return of Palmer, Coles, Ocho, and that other receiver that was getting into a lot of trouble, and they have the makings of a solid team. Everyone talks about our division being tough, but Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cinci are tough teams, too. This season should be really fun to watch as division leaders of old will have to fight off the up and coming teams - our division, we hope, we have a shot at; as I said, Pittsburgh will have some tough games, Indy will also have a tough time staying on top...as I see it, the only team that should be a lock to continue as division leader is San Diego.

[Playing NE 1st game gives us best shot of beating them]

I'd say there are definately advantages for both teams, although I think the Bills have more in this one.

Other than home field, and being considered better, the rest goes to Buffalo. I think the Bills will be more fired up, because I see them wanting more than anything to be considered top notch, and what better chance than N.E., game one, nationally televised? Secondly, I think, offensively, the Bills will go right at the Pats with the running game, right up the middle, where they have been very unsuccessful in the past - and if it works early, it should free up a few big passing plays - quick strikes down field. Of course, if it doesn't work, it could be disheartening, as Jauron hasn't been too good at switching game plans. I also think Brady will have much more trouble in his first few games - if he gets hit and pressured consistently. Again, if we can't get the pressure, I could see him carving us up. But, knowing how he responded against the Giants in the S.B., and considering the injury, I can't see us not coming at him hard and often early. So, we've got more of a new look offense for them to contend with, I'd say more to prove, more desire, and Brady could be a weak spot for them. All specualation, and all could go either way, but I'm feeling better about us playing them first than a few weeks into the season - they're the best team in the NFL at preparation. And - another thing - they've got new coordinators again. That could slow them down some, too.

Of course, on the flip side, I'd also have to say that Bellicheck is looking at this year, with all the contracts coming due next year, and the age of their team, as his best chance in the next few years to take it all - and they must be pretty pissed about blowing that perfect season.

It'll be a hell of a game to watch.

[Maybin coming along slowly?]

Wow! I got ripped on this one. What I meant when I put up that post was that we're looking for all the signs of improvement and potential success this year - as in, we'll make the playoffs and be contenders. That being said, if the F.O. planned on his addition changing the line from pretty poor to playoff caliber, then there are questions about that type of planning. However, after reading these responses, and him training with Ray Lewis, along with the news that Fewell might use him as linebacker, makes his impact this year more hopeful. I'd love to see him tear it up this year, I was just putting out there an intuition - reading behind the lines, as it were - that he might not do a lot this year, and that I hope the Defense isn't counting on a lot from him. Your suggestions about a 3-6 sack year sound realistic. I guess I just thought that with the entire coaching staff hinging on success this year, their first rounder was supposed to be impacting things this year regularly. I did mention that as a project for a few years, he makes perfect sense, as opposed immediately.

[Nine Bills Who Could Have A "Breakout" Season]

I wrote a post maybe a week or two ago about predicting wins/losses, defense/offense rankings - maybe four catagories, but what led me to think about it was that we who post here follow football pretty closely, and it'd be neat to see how accurate we diagnose teams improvements, etc. I think if you follow all the reporters, many ex coaches and players, on the major networks, you'll get as many variations of opinions as you'd get here. Some are much closer to the reality of how things pan out than others, but overall - and especially on win/loss, they're not much better than most the guys I talk football with.

[Do you care if Bills players smoke marijuana?]

This country needs to become more sensible about things like that - and more tolerant, IMO. Nevertheless, these guys get so much money for what they do, if they were asked to serve in the military in the off-season, it shouldn't be a problem. For what they are getting paid, they should do what they need to to be good teammates.

[Maybin coming along slowly?]

Once again, I have to question the lack of positive news in regards Maybin during OTA's, and, at the same time, the all around positive buzz coming from One Bills Drive in regards their entire program thus far: I read a question and answer on NFL.com with Gil about the Buffalo D - and he said that it was a good pick at 11 with Maybin, but that he was thus far nothing spectacular. We at TBD follow the Bills pretty closely, but most of the news we get is not entirely objective. I questioned the pick at 11, thinking they'd go E. Brown or Orakpo; but, knowing this kid is young and has a lot of room to improve makes sense in picking him, if he is considered to be better developed in a few years than the others. I'm just wondering how much of an impact this kid will have this year. A lot of fans are thinking he's going to change the landscape of the D-line immediately, and as far as the quotes I've read of his, he seems to think he's doing good, and that the pro game isn't a whole lot different than the college game. That is the one point that bothers me. If he's thinking he's doing fine, and going to continue being a dominant player, while many other people see him as being a non factor, or that he's catching on slowly... we'll not know until the season starts, but it could be he's a project for a year or two, and we won't see a lot of production out of him this year.

[Who are the building Blocks of this team?]

I didn't want Jauron fired after last season because I thought we were too close to what he'd been building, to just tear it down and start over, probably starting worse, and getting good over a three year period, as most rebuilding goes. I thought, if we're going to rebuild, then lets first see what Jauron can do with a full team as he wants it, and starting off healthy. This year we'll see what he can do. My guess is if he doesn't make the playoffs he's done. If he gets replaced, I'd like to see, as would we all, a very tough, no nonsense, proven coach. Like a Cowher. I'd love to see a few of the Good Ones over Jauron, unless he can get real close to winning the Super Bowl and show no reason to think he couldn't finish it off with one more year.

But, as for building blocks, we've got a good core of recievers, with different skills and sizes, a good group of running backs, a good, young interior line (we hope), as well as (hopefully) a good young QB. TE is up in the air, still. Our ST's are great. Our secondary is great. With Maybin, and Poz, a new coach would only have to bring in a couple good DE's, a DT, and a couple LB's, not to mention a LT. So, that's six players to really round it out, maybe three big names, three journeymen. With an offseason and a draft, a new coach should be able to put the pieces together for a solid team, a contender right off the bat. So, that should be enticing for whoever that might be. And, the majority of our club is young, and there's a lot of cap space to work with. I'd say a lot of positives for a coach who'd like to come in and win quickly, while having players he can keep around for 3-4 years.

[Being a realistic GM]

I was looking at a site that listed all of the free agents that haven't signed yet - unrestricted, unsigned - and here are a bunch that looked like they'd find a welcome home in Buffalo: (Mark Tauscher, T) (Jason Babin, LB) (Rocky Boiman, LB)

(Napoleon Harris, LB) (Rosevelt Colvin, LB) (Jerome McDougle, DE) (Orpheus Roye, DE.) (Jon Runyan, T.) (La'Roi Glover, DT) (Kevin Carter, DE) - none of them have the franchise tag, according to the article. That doesn't even list the players that aren't currently on a roster.

[Fantasy Nerds]

McNabb might be putting up some incredible numbers this year. I'd say McNabb, Brees, Brady, and Payton are still the top four QB's. AP, Turner, and, I think these three running backs will be near the top this year - Mendenhal, Larry Johnson, Gore. I haven't played fantasy football in a few years - family, work, etc. - I couldn't keep up with it. But, when I was playing, there were a few years where my Defense scored way more points than any other position, so, I always look out for the defenses that have the potential for ST scores and int, fumbles, sacks... like maybe the Giants, or the Bears...

[Can we win with our number two QB?]

Number one you can't go by what was seen in OTA's as a guide to anything. More reasonable is to look at game films from last year of actual games. For issues like backup QB I'm glad the Bills mgt. doesn't consider Murphy's ideas. Ryan is about the best type of backup QB the Bills are likely to get. You don't want someone looking over Trent's shoulders to start, for one thing. Look what that did to Losman when he was the starter. A so called "proven" QB is likely to want to have a chance to start and we don't need that.

 

Those were my thoughts, too, when they signed him. The last thing they wanted was a QB controversy. I just didn't know anything about Fitz. I thought he was a capable, level headed, consistent QB with average talent. That'd be fine for a backup, and he might have more than that to him. Just after reading someone who actually saw the practices and said the backups looked terrible - that made me reconsider my original thoughts. I guess we'll know by the middle to end of training camp how he really looks. If they both look bad, though, then I hope they can find someone to bring in with some potential. Isn't it almost a necessity to have two dependable QB's on a team, unless the O-line is top notch? Again, we'll see. All our questions will be answered this year - with a team with so many question marks, the first few games will certainly show how good a job our F.O. has done this year, and if they were correct in their evaluation of players, or if they were trying to get more out of guys than they have to offer. Is it an average team being marketed as more, or are the players good enough to take us to the playoffs?

[Can we win with our number two QB?]

I just read an article on PFT, about how if we have to rely on our backup quarterback this year for any length of time, we're in trouble. I don't recall reading much on this site covering our QB's, and there's been a rosy kind of optimism surrounding most of articles covering practices - so, to have someone who's been to the practices and say that the backups are looking terrible, considering he's also saying our WR's look great, that is troubling. I've never been impressed with Hamden, and I know nothing of Fitz...I don't know why I haven't thought more about what our team would look like without Edwards, but that is a totally different view - the playoffs don't look too likely with someone like either of our backups as a starter. So, is there anyone left worth the investment, and capable? No Vick, please.

[You get a phone today, Ralph has hired you as the Bills new GM]

Agreed......at this point you pretty much have your team that you are going into the season with.......with the exception of possibly Derrick Brooks at OLB for veteran insurance.......

 

You keep a close eye on the situation at LT.......I did the bills did absolutely the right thing in trading Peters as I fully believe he would have held out, then took forever rounding into "playing shape"

 

BUT

 

Langston Walker was a fine RT who is being forced into duty at LT.......our new/old scout picked up from the Chargers should be put in charge of looking over the other NFL teams for a young promising LT type and you pull the trigger on a trade for either draft picks or a veteran player.....

 

If Langston shows the inability to control the speed edge rushers even with a back or TE to help on a consistant basis then we MUST make a move.......If Edwards goes down I think our offensive goose is pretty well cooked for this year.

 

Other then that.......we have our team. Now NEXT offseason is when I would start making real changes.

 

 

Excellent post. I fully agree, especially with Bud Nix being put in charge of scouting out a possible replacement for Walker. If we could land a good LT - which is not to exclude Bell from being a possibility - then having Walker at RT would give us a very nice looking line. Also, I agree that we will pursue someone next month if Walker doesn't show the ability to handle our own DE's. Regardless, I think we need another proven talent at LT, because the odds are good that Walker will go down sooner or later for at least a game, and, again, I agree that if Trent goes down our season is probably over.

[What Could Have Been]

Until the season is played it is all a question mark. What we can realistically hope for is: the guys on the line this year will be meaner, tougher, more aggressive and hungrier. What does that mean? - that they'll be a better run blocking unit, that they'll handle the big nose tackles better. They wanted to get bigger and tougher. To me, that means running, and that means being better on the interior against the 3-4. I think they know they'll have to use TE's and even schemes like the no huddle in order to offset the step back they might have taken in passing situations. Granted, Peters gave up like 11 sacks last year, so Walker will have to do poorly to match that. Given that, the Bills are surely concerned with pass protection. So, I see our line being better as a running unit, hopefully putting our running game in the top five of the league. If they are medium as a pass blocking unit, then I'm guessing the F.O. will be satisfied with that and use schemes to try and offset it. I've been thinking all offseason that the Bills will be a run oriented team, much more than people expect, because of the arrival of T.O.. And, if they can run really good, teams will loosen up on blitzing and our recievers will be open more for opportune passes, quick drops and play action passes. That's what I expect, and I'd love to see us be able to run when we want to for a change. Think about it - it's third and two: in previous years, we'd be cringing because they'd go out and pass it, often times with terrible results. This year, it's third and two, and we go out and run it right up their gut, despite them knowing it is coming. Next year, if Walker doesn't bloom in his new role, they'll pick up a LT. Or, if Walker is terrible in training camp, with the pads on, they'll go out and get someone. Of course, Bell might end up being a diamond...

[The latest on the issue of...]

I was too young to remember much about the off seasons when the Bills were in their glory days of the early 90's; all I can remember is watching them win games, and many of them in the snow. Now that I'm older, and follow football all year round, I have much more vivid memories of our Bills in this last decade - and, they've not been as good in the snow. In fact, the last few years, it seems like the opposing team has the advantage in it. Again, I can't say what type of conditions are happening at RWS on the field, so I don't have specific suggestions for what to do to improve that. As a fan, though, I would like to see our team have the advantage in cold weather and in the snow. Being located in the north east, where cold, ice, snow, wind, etc., are common factors in some three or four games a year, it would seem that being able to play better in those conditions would give us an added advantage. So, whatever the coaches can do to acclimate the players to those conditions, I say go for it. Especially Trent Edwards, who seems incapable of playing good in bad conditions. Indoor practices are fine in the early going, but, if it takes going out in the cold and crap weather for a few hours a day to get acclimated, then so be it. How many players on our team are from warm weather towns or cities? My guess is seventy percent or so. Some of them haven't seen snow until they get to Buffalo. It takes exposure to those conditions to get the blood to thicken, and to get some familiarity with how the hands feel when trying to catch a ball, to how the body feels when it's being hammered in zero degree weather. Yeah, I'd say practice outside as much as necessary in the late fall and early winter to get back that home field advantage. Coming to the Ralph in December should be a loss for any team.

[Love the trash talking]

The Pat's have owned us. We're playing them week one, so, we'll find out then how that might change or not. I'd like nothing more than the Bills to take it to them, and when they're healthy. That isn't the point of what I was saying. If all the teams in the division were to all of a sudden start talking like they were going to go out and go crazy against each other, bringing the heat and the hurtin', more so than normal, like it's personal, then, one would assume, they'd be expending a ton of energy and risk injury on these games, as opposed the rest of the schedule. To me, that is absurd. It's a 16 game season. A marathon, if you will. Like the rabbit and the turtle. If these teams in our division end up losing sight of the end goal, and it hurts them in doing so, more to gain for Buffalo. It's a sport of advantages, and taking advantage of weaknesses. The no huddle offense is designed to try to catch defenses off guard. Is that a loser mentality? Should we not do it so the other team can bring in their change up? Come on! These teams are too close, across the board, not to want to take every advantage, legitimately, as we can.