Wizard

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.

Thanks, Big Cat. That's exactly what I was looking for. I usually don't miss too many articles on Rumblings, but I now have a better grasp of how the 3-4 will primarily work in Buffalo. After reading the article, I think OLB will be the third biggest need behind LT and QB in next year's draft. Sounds like you can't have too many linebackers.

I do know that OLB are supposed to be quicker than ILB and should be better pass coverage guys as well in a 3-4, but what are some strategies Buffalo can use to help/protect their OLB's weaknesses and/or maximize their strengths? Chris Kelsay wasn't a strong pass rusher in a 4-3. He is slow, and as a 3-4 he'll be further away from the ball. He won't be able to guard a running back, fullback, or tight end. How is Kawika Mitchell in the areas of pass rushing and coverage ability? Of course, I've read a lot of comments about hoping Maybin adjusts well to a 3-4; however, Maybin and Batten's lack of pro experience seems like a scary prospect for our other two OLB candidates. Between two unprovens and two players with suspect pass rushing and coverage ability (in my opinion), I just don't see how the Bills defense has improved. It seems like we are taking two steps back to move step-by-step forward in the future. I'm okay with that. I'm just wondering how the OLB's fit in a 3-4 considering the team personnel. Please explain OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

Look at the weight programs, the skill level and the teams that these guys play for. If height and weight were the only measurables, then we may have pro bowl linebackers.

Yes...thank you for explaining that basic (junior high school English) rule to people. Although, the spelling of basic words kills me more from people on this board.

Not too many guys today who I would be willing to wear their name and jersey. I would choose the following from history or today: Packers (Hornung, did I spell his name right?) Jets (Namath) Bills (Bruce Smith or Steve Tasker) Colts (Peyton Manning) Titans (Julius or Gary's # from the movie, Remember the Titans) Raiders (Bo Jackson or Howie Long) Broncos (Elway) Chiefs (Derrick Thomas) 49er's (Rice or Montana) Ravens (Ray Lewis) Browns (Jim Brown) Bengals (Ickey Woods...if I got to shuffle with it on) Falcons (Deion Sanders) Lions (Barry Sanders) Bears (Payton or Singletary)

Amen...40 times are worthless except for special team players. And even then, the 40 time only matters if the guy can make the tackle. Yes, there are guys who have incredible 40 times who are hall of fame players, but the 40 time is not the primary indicator. 5-15 yards is where it is at.

Finally, Lawrence Taylor has contributed to something more digusting than ripping off Joe's leg. What a waste of talent and life. Likely the most physically gifted LB in NFL history, and he also has to be in the top 10 useless human beings to ever play in the league.

We are paying Evans $9 million a year because we can't get players like Moss, Boldin, Fitzgerald, Welker, or Marshall. And, no he isn't robbing us blind, he is happy to be a #1 receiver on this team collecting a big paycheck right in front of our eyes. It is not his fault that management screwed this up.