Wizard

In my cartoon world (and many other Bills fans), the Bills would get Haloti Ngata and put him alongside Kyle Williams in a 4-3 front. Realistically though, a top 3 DT like Ngata isn't coming to Bufffalo. However, Chad Greenway (Minnesota Vikings) is the type of quality linebacker that could really help the front 7 and the Bills organization ought to take a look at him in free agency. Greenway is young and consistent. He is an above-average player without a lot of press. He plays in Minnesota's 4-3; however, his versatility allows him to blitz and drop into coverage. Obviously, he benefits from his usally strong defensive line. Still, he has more talent than any current linebacker on our roster. Because the Vikings had such a poor year and he is a free agent, the Bills ought to take a long look at this guy. Adding Greenway to the front 7 will only be more valuable if the Bills add one of those DT's or DE's that are constantly mentioned in the top 10 picks of the draft. Greenway has the skill-set to fit "hybrid/multiple front" looks Chan Gailey mentioned about the future defense. Also, he is talented enough to be a good upgrade without breaking the bank and would be a high quality under-the-radar signing for the team's poor defense.

Did you really say a pick or two? McGee is a good corner, but at his age and recent injury history, Buffalo would be thrilled to get a 6th round pick for him. If you meant two picks, did you mean two 7th round picks? McGee isn't fetching anything higher than a 6th.

Exactly...Dareus is an attacking 3-4 end and Quinn is considered a true rush linebacker with size and speed. If I'm picking for the Bills and Luck isn't available or doesn't want to come to Buffalo, I'm trading down and/or taking these guys.

The defense is nothing short of a dumpster fire, especially the front seven. So, as crappy as the offense is...this defense is offensive. Fire the DC and start over with the front seven. Here are four (4) reasons why the defense is that bad: The Bills have the worst run defense (more than 170+yards a game) and gave up more than 200 to Jacksonville. The Bills have the second worst percentage of stops on 3rd down. Teams convert more than 50% of the time on this defense. The Bills have only one interception as a team. This is tied for last in the NFL. The Bills are in the bottom five teams in sacks. Buffalo averages 1 sack a game. The D-Line I love Kyle Williams grit and his willingness to try hard...but trade him to a 4-3 team since he isn't going to cut it as a NT in a 3-4. Stroud and Edwards are past their prime and obviously don't generate a pass rush of any kind. Carrington and Troup don't see the field much, and considering how bad our defense is and the fact that these guys were 2nd and 3rd round picks, you would hope for a little bit more playing time/production out of them. Our former 1st round pick, McCargo doesn't even get activated...yikes! Linebackers Marcedes Lewis clowned our outside linebackers today with two touchdowns. He helped move the chains all day long, especially the 2nd half. It is bound to happen when there isn't one linebacker on this roster that can cover anyone other than Kevin "Paperweight" Ellison. Unfortunately, we are stuck with Kelsay....Davis and Poz are serviceable...otherwise we have high picks (Maybin and Ellis doing nothing for the team) and a bunch of fringe special teamers. I'm changing my tune. As much as I would like to have the pipedream of getting Andrew Luck, a solid LT in the 2nd round and striking gold with a 7th round receiver like Marques Colston, it is time to fix what this team calls a "defense." Use the first three round picks of 2011 to get the a pash rushing DE/OLB, a OLB that knows how to cover, and a run stuffing DE. Trade any player not fitting the defensive scheme for a player that can replace Maybin, Kelsay, or any of the OLB's. It can't be that hard...just find a corpse... ( a backup on a team that has a top 10 defense) will work!

Although the Bills and 49er's have the same record, I'd take the 49er's in a heartbeat. The 49er's are better overall in terms of current talent, especially at positions the Bills are really weak in (TE and LB). Staring QB (Push) Fitzpatrick and Smith both aren't what we would call starting QB's...so I'll call it a push... But hey, both of them scored high on the Wonderlic! Starting RB (Gore) Gore is a better running back than Jackson or Spiller. Although I think we have more depth Starting TE (Davis) Davis is one of the better TE's in this league. Who plays TE for Buffalo again? Top WR (Evans by an inch) Evans is better than Crabtree right now, but I'd take Crabtree over the next five years OL (49er's) The 49er's line isn't that good, but it is better than the Bills sorry O-line. LB ( Willis) Willis is a top 5 linebacker in this league. Other than Poz (who is good but not great), the Bills don't have a top 30 LB in this league Secondary (Bills) The Bills have more depth and overall talent in the secondary, but Nate Clements is still better than any of our current CB's...yes...even more so than McGee, McKelvin, etc. Coaching (Push) Gailey hasn't done anything yet... Singletary hasn't done anything yet...but I'd probably give the slightest edge to the the 49er's...at least Singletary won something as a player! History (49er's) Championships, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young (Bills have a great history too but there is something to be said about the # of rings) ***And a critical factor in determining whether the Bills are better than the 49er's....weather. Granted, both teams suck this year, but at least California has great weather year round. I predict the Bills will finish 2-14 (beat Chicago in Toronto and beat Cleveland) I predict the 49er's go 3-13 . The team tries hard as was evident against the Eagles by almost coming back and winning the game in the 2nd half.

The Patriots love draft picks! They already have two 1st's, two 2nd's, two 3rd's, and two 4th's in next year's draft. We might as well give them a product they love and fill some of the Bills needs. Patriots Receive The Bills 3rd Round Pick in 2011 Patriots receive Drayton Florence or Terrence McGee (Patriots have weak corners) Patriots receive Marcus Stroud (Patriots have weak DE's and Stroud cost a lot of money, a salary dump) Bills Receive Logan Mankins Tully Banta-Cain (an upgrade at outside linebacker over Moats, Maybin, or Kelsay as our LB crew is horrific) The Bills still then have their 1st, 2nd, and two fourth round picks (Lynch trade) all while filling two needs and giving the Patriots another draft pick and filling two of their team needs.

Exactly...common sense...somehow some people get so caught up in being "Homers" (and there is nothing wrong with being passionate about your team), but I'm amazed at irrationality and a lack of honesty in the facts about this team. Many replies seem to support that thought. Until then, I will keep being a fan, but I will accept the Bills as a JV football team in the NFL.

I generally appreciated your well-thought comments, but I can't agree with this one statement, "He is a solid contributor and losing him is just creating more holes we must fill in the draft and FA." As far as I'm concerned, DE is a top 4 need on this team. Paying someone $6 million a year for four years is a waste of money. Kelsay isn't a difference maker, so he isn't a true contributor to the solution of bettering the Bills defense. I will give you that Kelsay is better at stopping the run than in pass defense, but if Buffalo is last in run defense (they were last year), then obviously, Kelsay can't be that much of a difference in stopping or helping stop the run from one side. Granted, I will give you he is solid in his work ethic, character, and he would make for a fine backup DE, but I would rather lose Kelsay to free agency knowing that Kelsay is being paid quality starter money for quality backup level performance and truly isn't a current or future difference maker for the Bills.

It all started with the "can't wait to see Brian Brohm threads" and "Fitzpatrick just might be the answer at QB comments." I would love to have a day where a true and intelligent discussion can take place that honestly presents one's opinion in harmony with what skill/ability level the Bills currently have in players on their roster. I'll go first. True Statement: The Bills are a QB, LT, C, RT, TE, 2 WR's, a legitimate NT, a DE, and 2 LB's (one inside and one outside) from being an elite level football team. Now...let's have true statements about the positions of need QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick has more guts than Edwards. Brian Brohm may be capable of starting a few games in Fitzpatrick's place for the Bills this year. Otherwise, both are career backups (nothing more than that..period) WR: It was a huge mistake to sign Lee Evans to a long-term deal. He is fast and has good hands; otherwise, he has been a huge disappointment the last five years. Roscoe Parrish is fun to watch but will never be more than a #3. The other WR's are feel good stories, but there is less than a 10% chance that any of the receivers (including the beloved Steve Johnson) are going to be legitimate #1 or #2 starters in this league. LT: It is nice that Bell is related to Karl Malone, and we all wish he had his dad's talent, but Bell is not Peters (so as much as it hurts) we won't catch lightning in a bottle twice and have a TE become converted to a solid LT. We have no viable LT or LT prospect on our roster. And, for those that say Wang is a legitimate LT, I reply, "how many LT's have been drafted in the NFL from China in the 5th round?" Be honest...Wang, Meredith, Bell, and the other guys are not real LT's. C: Hangartner was a starter in Carolina (when the team was a little better). He really isn't a starter but the o-line is so bad that he occasionally looks serviceable. The truth is he is nothing more than a backup. It's like holding onto a girlfriend that is a "6" hoping she'll become a "7" but the truth is...she doesn't have it in her...and you know (deep down inside that you honestly haven't had anything better than a "6" and won't...so you are stuck with her. RT: Cornell Green sucks...He's old and useless, but he probably is the Bills second or third best tackle on the team. TE: The Bills haven't had a legitimate TE in about 10-12 years. Nelson is fast but he'll never be a good blocker (a desperate need with a terrible o-line), and Stupar and other TE's are just waiver-wire guys that good franchises didn't have room for. NT: We love Kyle Williams because he is a hardworking, overachieving, white guy who is a blue collar player. He was picked in the latter rounds, and his motor is consistent. He's gritty. He's a solid rotational guy, but he isn't ever going to be a solid NT. He's much better as a DE in a 4-3. DE: Edwards and Stroud are solid backups but they aren't particularly good at anything anymore (other than leadership or nice guy personalities) LB's: Some people are still delusional thinking Kelsay is worthwhile. Note: If you think Kelsay is a good player (you should be banned from this board for the season). Again, we like him because he has "stuck with the team, is a captain, a nice guy, and is "gritty." Poz is okay but is nothing more than what he is...an injury prone reach LB that we all hoped was Shane Conlan 2.0. Davis was a nice pickup because we can't get anyone. The rest of the LB's really are nothing more than backups. Maybin is what he is...Yes...he is fast...but we hate to admit it inside, but he is....__________________ (something with the words bust...useless....one dimensional are appropriate) So deep down....keep in mind that the Bills really are what you know they are rather than what you hope they are.... So, if that is true (and it is), please stop with the Brian Brohm or Ryan Fitzpatrick chants...And, yes...Chan Gailey is an upgrade over Jauron and Nix is an upgrade over (whoever that marketing guy pretending to know football guy is). But again, the Bills are a girl rated as a "4". She's chunky, some stretch marks, some staining on her teeth, etc. but you've been with her for years and she occasionally shows flashes of excitement. The same is true for the Bills offense, defense, and for the franchise. While I commend everyone for their "faithfulness, fidelity, integrity, and loyalty" to your "4", let's talk about the Bills players as they really are.

I know names like Locker, Luck, Mallett, and Ponder have been thrown out there knowing that, barring some miracle, Buffalo has a top 5 pick in next year's draft. And, yes, my pipe dream is the Bills trade out of the top 5, land Luck or Mallett and somehow get a 1st round LT that becomes a stud. Sorry for the digression. Looking at teams with quarterback position deficiences like the Bills and/or teams that will need a new starting QB soon (i.e. the Vikings with Favre's age and history), is there a starting quarterback worse than Trent Edwards? Would you rather have Trent Edwards over any of the following players? Jason Campbell-Raiders Bruce Gradowski-Raiders Jake Delhomme-Browns Alex Smith-49ers Brett Favre-Vikings (mainly cuz the guy is 40+ and Jackson and Rosenfels are the guys in line of succession) Derek Anderson-Cardinals Matt Hasselbeck (getting up in age and has had injury history recently) Matt Moore (keep in mind that Jimmy Clausen is his current backup) I would take any of these guys over Trent Edwards this year and next year if I had a choice between Edwards and any of these guys. The team most likely to be in the market for a starting QB would be the Vikings considering that Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson don't scream a successor at QB much like our Fitzpatrick/Brohm backup plan. Is there anyone worse than Trent Edwards as a starting QB or a well-known backup in this league?

I'd have to agree that getting in that first hit or taking that first hit is a good way getting into the game. I'll always enjoyed if a running play or passing play called me into action as a CB in the first few plays of the game. It builds some excitement and confidence in you, and for me, involvement early on got me into the game and took out those natural jitters most people have before a game.

The future starting Tight End for the Bills is not on the roster. This is Gailey's year to truly see where the team's strengths and gaping holes are, and TE is one of the biggest. He needs a real blocker, with smarts, and some hands.

I'm an optimist this year I've decided. While I believe Trent Edwards has the capacity to match either mark, I don't believe his offensive line, the scheme, the lack of receiving talent around him, or his health will allow him to achieve both marks; therefore, this is a sucker bet. Mark me down for 1,874 yards and 11 tds with Edwards starting or surviving 12 games this year. I'm throwing one game out for injury, two games for Fitzpatrick to have a shot at starting, and one game when the season is over for the Bills to find out what Brohm has before drafting a quarterback next year. And, Fred Jackson or Brian Moorman will be the third leading passer on the Bills this year!

I admire your optimism but unfortunately can't completely agree. I do like the interior offensive line's future. I do believe Levitre, Woods, and Urbik all have the potential to be above average or solid players on this team's offensive line. IThese guys are some great building blocks. Hangartner is a quality backup who currently has to start because of the line's current struggles. While I'll give Jamon Meredith an outside shot of becoming an average RT on this team and in the league, the Bills do not have a starting tackle at either position on this current roster. Green won't be in Buffalo very long, and Bell, Wang, and Howard are all projects with ceilings, in all honesty, as career backups/journeyman. If we are asked to be honest and not just fans, this is likely the case. Depending on the quality of tackles available in free agency and in next year's draft , the Bills could honestly use a quality veteran and two of their first four picks next year on tackles. If two of those three potential pickups become capable starters or more, then I think my the starting offensive lineman and line depth would lead to both realistic and hopeful optimism. Wizard

I constantly admire optimism, but it would be almost impossible for the Bills to get a 2nd rounder for Lynch. It is not like the guy is high character and/or coming off an impressive all-pro type season. The Bills would jump at the chance to trade Lynch and a 6th or 7th next year for a 3rd if a team is really needing a running back.

Yes...I'm not a huge Fitzpatrick fan...but the guy has more experience and got the most crucial snaps in the backup position over Brohm. Fitzpatrick sealed his roster spot tonight as well as David Nelson, Reggie Corner, and Ellis Lankster. That leaves Brohm out of the equation.

Is Jairus Byrd officially out all year? My only changes to your 53 Man Roster WR...I see the Bills keeping 6 WR's, but I think Roosevelt get a practice squad invite. I think Hardy is given this year to prove himself under Gailey. TE...Boy this is a week position, but I see Stupar, Nelson, and Foschi. Schouman is hurt too often and is too light (220+) is too small for a TE in Gailey's system. LB...I think they keep Mitchell for his general versatility and the fact that you can't have too many LB's in a 3-4. He takes the open roster spot by having only three tight ends. DB...I see the Bills keeping Lankster. He has a nose for the ball and plays bigger than his size. Also, he would contribute on special teams. The Bills would then have: QB (3) RB (5) WR (6) TE (3) OL (9) DL (7) LB (8) DB (9) Special Teams (3) 53 Total: Practice Squad Invites: 1. Chad Simpson (RB) 2. Naaman Roosevelt (WR) 3. Antonio Coleman (LB) 4. Danney Batten (LB...Injured Reserve?)/Marcus Easley (WR...Injured Reserve?) 5. Lonnie Harvey (DT) 6. Cary Harris (DB) 7....Some offensive lineman currently on roster or cut from other squad. If the Bills get a veteran player, then I think OL (Howard) takes this practice squad spot.

You know, I hate seeing guys get hurt, but I'm not a Schouman supporter anymore. He was part of and play a huge role in the sickest college game in history (Boise State versus Oklahoma), but he is constantly injured, has been inconsistent, and he weighs like 220lbs for a TE. I think he gets cut. We already have a light tight end in Nelson, and I think Stupar and Matthews beat him out for the two backup spots.

Nope...and this isn't a Tebow discussion board!

Yes...it is preseason...and yes....there are some guys out there still hoping to catch a ride on this sunken ship, but it is truly sad times when the Redskins dominate your team in every facet for 60 minutes and coast to a 25 point victory. After Friday's beat down, Chan Gailey should start cheating (the Patriots do it, so why not us) and should deploy scouts with cash to let Locker, Luck, and every legitimate LT prospect in the college ranks know how desperate this team is for talent. Time to cut or trade all the crummy vets for a bag of chips or a 7th round pick if possible(Chambers, Corner, Ellison, Edwards, Fitzpatrick, Kelsay etc.) and let all rookies and those still with developmental potential play every snap possible. When it is all said and done what is the difference between a 2-14 team and this team? Answer: 3-13. Time to blow up this ship and rebuild. Stockpile as many draft picks as possible and get a real QB, LT, Pass rusher, and outside linebacker.

Nope...My first impression of the Bucs was the Steve Young and orange creamsicle outfits they wore. However, I was happy to see the Bucs win. Their defense was perfectly built for about 3 years. As for the Saints, I was rooting for them because of the underdog mentality and in support of the Hurricane Katrina areas needing love and support. The Saints picking up Brees changed that organization in a positive direction entirely. Now...if the Bills could get a QB...hope again.

I know that many topics come up on this board about "let's go get player X" via free agency or because "player X" was cut, the Bills should sign him. This is one of the few times where I think McCray fits the "Bill" for Buffalo's defense. He's 28, 6'6 and 260 lbs. He primarily is a rushing defensive end. Also, as several media outlets (including ESPN) have reported that he started all the Saints playoff games. The Bills need a rushing defensive end to make the 3-4 work. I'm not counting on Kelsay or Schobel (to get out of his retirement talks), and Carrington is just a rookie. A starter on a high quality team with playoff experience that happens to be a reasonably young DE with measurables that Gailey looks for...let's bring this guy in for a look.

I know..I know. Some people have weighed in on McNeil being unhappy with his contract and that the Bills should get him. That's a different post altogether. I do have three general questions that I would like some feedback on. #1 Other than the fact that McNeil is a LT and Vincent Jackson (WR) (obvious offensive needs for Buffalo), how well would their playing styles fit into what you believe Gailey and the front office is trying to do now and in the near future? In other words, does either player seem like a good fit beyond the position that they play? #2. While it is obvious that both McNeil and Jackson want to be paid more money/longer contract, what do we know about their character/work ethic with the Chargers organization? I think most on the board are in agreeance that we don't mind a little bit of drama from players but we generally hope Bills players don't have too many run-in's with the law (Lynch), poor work ethic (apparently Gaither), or hate the idea of being on the Bills (McGahee), or never stop complaining (Peters). What do we know about these guys beyond the stats on the field? #3. While we all have pipe dreams that McNeil and Jackson both want to play for the Bills, what team can you see either player with since it seems that their Charger days are done? As for me, I see the Cowboys pushing for McNeil. I could see a team like Atlanta going after Jackson to pair with Roddy White to form a 1-2 punch with Tony Gonzalez.

Congrats! A top 10 dumb post of the offseason!

Thanks for the stat. If the Bills led or were tied in 14/16 games, then there are a few obvious reasons why the Bills couldn't hold-on or close out games. #1. Lack of Conditioning (cardio and weight room strength tells you a lot about a team's staff and the players on the roster according to performance in the fourth quarter #2. Jauron's "Play Not to Lose" Philosophy (this is honestly why Buffalo lost so many in the 4th quarter. Hopefully Gailey believes in calculated gambling also known as "play to win." #3. No Finishers- This is a combination of players and coaches that don't have the talent to "close" a game. In basketball, Michael Jordan knew how and Kobe Bryant knows how to finish. In football, Joe Montana and John Elway knew how to finish. Buffalo failed because there isn't a go-to-finisher. Hopefully Gailey's new style will get Spiller that 80 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter and get the defense to make 3 and out stops in the 4th quarter. #4. Execution/Adjustments-Once a team learns "how you're playing" great teams know how to still execute despite the opposing team knowing what is going on or make 2nd half adjustments. This speaks to a lack of coaching skill and player ability to adapt to in-game situations. John Wooden was a master at these traits. And, these were the traits that got the Saints the Super Bowl last year (execution/adjustments, having finishers (Brees), play to win (onside kick), and conditioning (cardio and weight room training must be at least above average). This is why The Bills were tied or led in the 4th quarter 14 games out of 16 and only were able to pull off six (6) wins.