Wizard

Solid summation of today's game (poor attempt at looking anything like a competent team). The bottom line is this...last year the stars aligned and deservedly so for Bills fans. The only Super Bowl/playoff level quality of any team for the last 17 years or so was the respected fandom and passion that fans have for the Bills. Josh Allen, Edmunds, and the cap room and draft picks are the things to hold onto. Although a horrific game in every facet, at least the blinders were removed concerning Peterman, the lack of talent, the O-line, a lack of QB pressure, and a fairly thin roster in talent as well as depth. Probably won't get much for some players, but Hughes and McCoy have value. Take your few draft picks, cut as many losses as possible, and use the year to evaluate the coaching staff, the scheme, the younger players, and the practice squad. 3-13 or 4-12 this year. Not pretty...but it is what we have, so let's do the best with what we've got.

O-Line, O-Line, O-Line, Only Michael Vick in his Atlanta Days or Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl could make something happen with this line. Long season

Well....I think today only reemphasizes that the Bills do not have an offensive line. No line...a talented but experienced quarterback who is not close to ready. Maybe the idea of trading players like Benjamin, Hughes, and Clay who will be underutilized, have high salaries, and won't be with the team in 2 years for draft picks 2 years (even if they are 5th-7th rounders) is not a bad idea. Maybe...this will free up more money, allow for more long-term acquisitions of talent, more picks to build an offensive line and start finding the long-term replacements at WR, RB, and DE. Play the rookies...minus Josh Allen (till about maybe week 6-8) after the season is out of reach. Lose a lot of games but learn a lot as the staff puts together the long-term Process of success.

Kelvin Benjamin is going to cost too much for the Bills to retain. Wide receiver salaries for #2 receivers masking as #1 receivers are way too high, and by the time Allen becomes an above average starter or the Bills get a go-to quarterback, Benjamin will no longer be worth his salary. Jerry Hughes and Charles Clay also can bring decent value, but they either will under-perform because of the lack of talent around them (currently) to generate sacks in Hughes' case or move the chains when the Bills have a porous offensive line. Although the Bills will be competitive because of quality coaching and a team first approach, the Bills would be best off selling of Benjamin, Hughes, and Clay and getting some much needed draft capital to add to the extra picks they have next year (4th and 7th, I believe) along with their own. The Bills would be wise to sell these guys off...see what we have with backups this year (Lawson, Fede, O'Leary, Lee, and the jumbalaya of WR's on the roster), and then use several extra picks to make a long-term line for Allen and get some cheap but young talent in areas woefully lacking in both quality and in depth (linebacker, wide receiver, and a running back) as Shady will likely either get a minimal suspension and/or his legs fall off in the next two years any way.

Call it whatever you want as far as priority, but I would be happy with the following draft. Rounds 1-7 DL LB OL Sure, I'd like a top flight QB, TE, another WR, more depth at CB, etc... but it is all about having a lot of talent and a lot of depth on both sides of the line. The only player in my opinion worth drafting that isn't on a line or near it is AJ Green. If the Bills are sold on him, then take him. Otherwise, I would be fine hearing nothing by DL, LB's, and OL taken to create a stronger running game, passing game, and to actually look like the Bills have some "interest in stopping the run."

Really...Corto got resigned... From all accounts he has a strong work ethic, seems likeable, and he contributes on Special Teams, but the Bills need to seriously get away from having a current roster with 5 legitimate starters on their team, 20backups, and 20+ "blue collar special teams guys."

Rodgers is worth a look. He is a true 3-4 NT 6'4 and 350lbs (on a light day) with 10 years of playing experience. Name one other Bills player that fits that criteria. The Bills still don't know what they have with Troupe. Williams is going to need a breather as well. And, if Buffalo truly is going to run a hybrid defense, then it never hurts to have more depth. Worst case scenario is probably that Rodgers is out-of-shape and doesn't have a big impact but serve as DL depth for two years on a low-risk contract. Best case scenario is probably Rodgers maybe being an effective two-year stop gap while Troupe is developing and providing some flashes of run support. Considering the run defense and lack of DL depth, experience, and talent, Rodgers is a viable option.

I live in Nevada and am a student at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kaepernick is worth a 3rd or 4th round pick if evaluators feel that Kapaernick's throwing motion can be worked on and if he has a mind for a pro-style offense. I can personally tell you he is very quick, tall, a strong character guy by all accounts at the university, and he can do a lot of things with the football outside of the pocket or when a play breaks down. He is a poor man's version of Cam Newton with more playing experience and probably more maturity than Newton but less upside and a lot less competitive conference schedule. He had one of the best running games in the country the past three (3) years (including himself). He didn't have to rely on the passing game that much as Nevada never had an elite receiver while he played at Nevada and the pistol offense he ran doesn't call for a lot of deep receiving routes. 3rd or 4th sounds much more reasonable.

Amen...I would only add (take a CB with a 5th, 6th, or 7th round pick) for increased depth in the secondary. Otherwise, the secondary has a good core with or without Donte.

I'd b happy if we got one of these guys. Any of them would be upgrades. Unfortunately, Buffalo's recent free agency track record, free agent spending habits (too much or non existent), poor weather, lack of winning, and Ralph Wilson probably are five (5) reasons why these guys aren't clamoring to their agents saying, "get me to Buffalo." Hopefully an upcoming winning culture will open up free agency just like running the football opens up passing plays from the playbook.

I can agree that Evans, Parrish, and McGee all are overvalued now because of their salary, performance, or injury history. I would probably keep them though just because Parrish and McGee wouldn't bring a draft pick in a trade, and cutting Evans would just be a salary dump (he's owed about $9 million), and I doubt he would get anything higher than a 4th round pick. Simply stated, Evans, Parrish, and McGee are worth more to the Bills' (many holes on offense and defense) for one more season than trading or releasing them until suitable rookies or free agents can fill their spots.

The ones I would keep/resign are bolded. Every one else either needs to be cut or traded 2001: Moorman 2003: Lindell, Kelsay, McGee 2004: Wilson, Evans 2005: Parrish 2006: Jackson, Whitner, McCargo, Youboty, Williams, Ellison 2007: Scott, Corto, Huggins, Posluszny 2008: Stroud, Spencer Johnson, Stupar, McIntyre, McKelvin, Corner, Stevie Johnson, Bell 2009: Brohm, Watkins, Sanborn, Florence, Hangartner, Fitzpatrick, Maybin, Wood, Levitre, Byrd, Shawn Nelson I would maybe keep Sanborn just because I don't know about the longsnapper market. I understand snapping is an important part of plays, but I just think having a longsnapping only guy is a wasted roster spot. If Evans can be traded for an early 4th (sorry, these Evans for a 2nd round pick posts arenot probable), I would do so; otherwise, he has one year left on his contract. The other guys are either overpaid, underperforming, injury prone, or aren't even viable backups.

Wow! Thanks...it seems like trading down worked in the past...let's do it again

Question: When was the last time Buffalo traded down in the first round of a draft? Let me know. As far as I'm concerned, this is the year for Buffalo to trade down in the 1st round to stockpile more picks. A lot of teams need quarterbacks and the Bills will probably be the first team to have a true need for a quarterback. I'm not a huge Fitz supporter but I'd rather have him, a 1st round pick, and two potential extra picks than having Fitz and a Mallett/Newton/Locker/etc. The Panthers, Broncos, and Browns who draft right around us all selected quarterbacks last year (Clausen, Tebow, and McCoy), sot he chances of them taking the first rated quarterback (with Luck being out of the draft now) is really good. Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee, and Washington all pick in the top 10 and have just as bad of quarterback needs as Buffalo does long-term. THIS IS THE YEAR TO TRADE DOWN!

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.