CSBill

ahhh? Best scenario for making the play-offs = Win Games!

As Mark Twain said: "There are lies, damn lies, and statistics." Sometimes you need to trust your eyes over the stats sheet. And what we have seen in the last two weeks is all the evidence I need: When the game was on the line in two straight games, the kick coverage units 1) did cost us a game last week, and 2) almost did it again this week. Moreover, throw in the Cleveland game for exhibit "B." A case could be made for pinning a lose on the kick coverage teams for two games, and almost a 3rd . . . and we've only played 7.

This 2.0

Depends, if it is something that just needs rest/time, certainly. However, it may be something that is just not going to get better, in that case, get 10-15 plays out of him a game, keeping the threat of him still in the opposing defense's mind--as long as it is not going to cause permanent damage (which certainly the brass and medical staff has considered--right?).

if he goes 5-0, it allows EJ time to fully heal . . . but when he is totally healthy, he's the starter

Oh, one thing Bill didn't mentioned: While no Pro Bowler, Thad Lewis is proving he has grit and the ability to lead this team in EJ's absence. He gets hit a lot, but jumps right back up and is determined to go. His play has been more than respectable. A nice find by the management. He deserves props for his gutty performance again today.

Bill, for whatever reason your dislike for Darius clouds your view of him. Was he dominant? No! Bad? No! The teams has bigger problems than his play. As for Marrone, I agree with you at one level, whether it's him or Hackett, the game situation awareness and management has been poor, very poor, at times. And I totally agree with you that this happened again at the end of the half. Even if you just run the clock out, or way down, and go in with a 10 point lead, while maybe conservative, it is on the road and 10 points is pretty good at the half. As for overall, you cannot deny that he has had the team prepared and ready to play every week. And all that with a rash of injuries at key positions, and not the least being QB. Overall, I would say better than Chan, but with some serious lessons to learn about game management.

fixed

regardless, still time to get rid of him . . . and I would bet Marrone is just covering for him

Great win, especially in Miami! Danny Crossman should be gone by the next time we play. With Hackett, it's the mental, game management side that is so frustrating. I blame the Fins score at the end of the 1st half on him. We get the ball with 1:47 to go, at the least, run the clock down so they don't have a chance to score, three bad plays, boom, they get ball and march down for a score. That was just bad clock management all the way around, whether it by the OC or Head Coach. And what is most problematic, it's not the first time it has happened this year. They all have to get better at this aspect of the game. Nonetheless, the team have been competitive every game .... and is certainly getting better.

me too, but a good recovery by a long time BIlls fan, rare poster . . . it's hard to disagree

I said this last week, and I'm so mad this week I even took the time to learn his name. It's time to let Danny Crossman go. Last week a stupid decision cost us a game, and it almost happened again. The words, "Over Coaching" come to mind here, just kick it through the end zone make them have to earn every inch. I realize there is another thread that has an ancillary connection to this, but this issue is so huge it deserves it's own attention. Marrone, you've had the b@%#$ to dump your Punter, your starting Left Guard, now it's time to show your truly a leader and hold your coaching staff just as accountable. And if you won't do it, time for Whaley to step in and take charge. And by the way, would love to hear one of the team reporters ask about this.

Mario was a stud when we needed him the most today.

All you need to know about Fred Jackson, that 3rd down run in the game winning drive today! Incredible competitor, and Leader in every way you can define a leader.

Yeah, and Thad Lewis had a pretty good game last week, I sure hope the front office shopped him around this week.

my sincere apologies

this

how do you apply?

Preaching to the choir here, no doubt in my mind, for all around effort and contribution (running for key yards, breaking off a few long ones more than expected, receiving, blocking, and the intangible but extremely important leadership qualities), Fred Jackson is one of the best players in the NFL. Under-appreciated? Probably not by his teammates. I think the highest compliment he receives every year is from Bill Belichick. He alway effuses praise on Jackson.

This!

Great read! and the comments are even better

Every team will have key injuries accumulating at this time of the year. The key is, who has better depth and team balance (by that I mean: a good Offense, a good Defense, and good Special Teams)? Being solid in all phases of the game--O, D, and ST--helps to guard against injuries to key personnel. That is "depth" as I see it. As for our team, while we have some solid players, we're still building, and thus, still lacking in decent depth. Exhibit A = The shuffling of the offensive line personnel this week.

Well, the recent Bills teams have had a very hard time playing well, let alone, winning in Miami. I've been their for two of them, and as my wife said, "we had to do the walk of shame" down the main street exiting the stadium, flanked on both sides by celebrating Dolphins fans. It's not fun. Anyhow, I do think we have a legitimate chance this weekend, and, we won't be there to jinx them.