BigBuff423

The way I see it, when you take a contract and agree to a job, the understanding is that you will complete that contract. If, in the graciousness of the employer, you are allowed to seek employment elsewhere, that's magnanimous on the part of the employer, if not then the employer is merely holding you to the original agreement....no harm there. If you want to work somewhere else and take a promotion, keep working hard and do an incredible job and all the more you will see doors open for you in the future. I don't think its that difficult. As men, we make decisions that impact our future with some uncertainty and it is up to us to see our obligations through. Upon completion if we've done well, there is usually a reward waiting at the end. O'Neil just needs to accept his obligations and go to work, if the BILLS deny his request, and demonstrate how valuable he is...because in the end, no one knows how Schwartz will do either. I HOPE Schwartz proves to be a Defensive genius, but if he doesn't..do you really think O'Neil would deny a chance at a DC position with the BILLS in the future if it came to that? And if he keeps working hard and shows his talent and ability, then the opportunity may just come sooner, rather than later. JMO...

Yeah, and I'm not sure I understand that. Now, I read the article and didn't really see much of it on t.v., but in the quotes and in the way he categorized improvements and type of team and culture he wants to create, it sounded very good to me. But, what do I know...

Never heard Pettine address the media before yesterday, and based on what I heard and read - I have to say I was impressed. I think he will end up being exactly what the Browns need, even if it wasn't what they wanted. I'm not a Browns fan obviously, but I wish Pettine well - except when they play B-LO and hope he can turn that team and franchise around.

If in fact Byrd demands that kind of money, I would prefer the BILLS tag him and trade him. I'm sorry, but regardless of your talent given the needs of this team no one and yes that includes Super Mario despite his contract - should be paid with top FA money. I like Byrd, he did a good job while on the field, but if he continues to demand top two or three money, then tag him and trade him. And with a Draft selection, take a Safety that will provide similar if not equal production but cost the team less. Teams like the Patriots have done well over an extended period of time by letting guys exactly like Byrd walk or traded them for value because they put the money in positions that demand extremely high levels of production and consistency, ala QB, Offensive Line, Defensive Line...positions like RB and WR have been cycle in and out and let the next guy play. The BILLS need to spend the money on Offensive Line, Defensive line and LBs at this point. Draft a Safety, WR and BPA and go from there...

Maybe the difference between a well-run organization and uh...ah, never mind

No thanks to Wade, IMO and no thanks to anyone on the Staff right now, especially Henderson. What I would like (not that the BILLS are asking me, just to make that clear so no one jumps down my throat) is for them to find that "forward thinking" DC that Brandon said the organization would become when he took over last January. I want that creative, ravenous, and determined to be a winner at all costs DC that will bend every rule, break every opponent, leave no stone unturned, foaming and seething DC that would LOVE to send Brady into retirement, love to take every RB out of the game from hard hits and dominate every...single...play WITH the talent already ON the team and without excuses. Excitement and focus with an ability to command respect and leadership from the Defensive guys....too much to ask?? Maybe...but, gotta shoot high right?

I vote for Pepper Johnson. He has the Defensive chops for the Coordinator job and comes from a proven program, ala Patsies, knows our nemesis maybe better than anyone else out there and from what the Pats fans are saying, it's a big loss for the team and the players loved the guy. That's my vote...if not him...then I just hope BILLS are original and "forward thinking" the way Brandon said they would be when he took over...

+1

Sad part about all of this, other than losing Pettine, is that due to his presumed departure - the BILLS Defense is finally getting the recognition it earned this season. Pettine leaving has highlighted the BILLS Defensive accomplishments that would have gone largely unnoticed if it were not for Pettine's status with the Browns...ironic isn't it??

Not to be a jerk...but "sociopaths" have no emotions, they're devoid of feelings...therefore, cannot "love the feeling" of anything...just an observation...moving along now.

First let's address your issue with his Drafts. The first Draft, in 2010, we need to put something in perspective. Nix inherited the scouting department and by the time he came on board as the GM, I know he was with the BILLS already, he was dependent on a group of men he fired following that same Draft, except one. So most of the information compiled for that Draft was done by men (and women?) he didn't trust enough to keep beyond THAT Draft and he did that because he had no choice. 2011 was HIS first Draft for the BILLS: Dareus, A. Williams, Sheppard (which of course turns into Hughes), and Justin Rogers in the 7th round as regular to good contributors. And Dareus had an off year last year, but as info has come out - he did not deal with the family tragedy well and it sidetracked him. Also, he drafted Hairston, who if and that's a big IF he can stay healthy seems like he can be a solid contributor on the Offensive line. The other picks, not so good. And don't forget about Searcy who is coming along very nicely and had a strong year in 2013. In 2012 he drafted Gilmore and Glenn which again have proven to be effective overall to maybe even really good at times. Bradham and Brooks are also good contributors on STs and Defense. Yes TJ Graham was a mistake, but show me a GM that doesn't make any mistakes, and I'll show you an illusion. Dont' forget he also orchestrated getting Super Mario here when no FA wanted to come to B-LO, then bringing in Branch and Lawson proved to be important for this year. So, the Drafts have been relatively "decent" although not outstanding. As for getting a QB: what good would it do if Buddy Drafted a blue chip QB and Gailey refused to play him? Gailey was all over Fitz being his guy and no one was going to change that. Tannenbaum tried that in NY when he brought in Tebow and Rex said, "Sit the pine. Mark's my guy". And the fans here would be saying, "Well, Gailey knows best. If he's not playing, Fitz must be better. So what does that say about Buddy drafting a QB??!!" and then crucify Buddy for drafting a QB in the 1st round the BILLS don't play...as for George Edwards, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Coach get to decide who is on his staff?? The HC says, I want this guy and so the GM and money men make him an offer...that's it. Gailey decided on Edwards and then Wanny, not Nix. Put the blame where it belongs. Oh, and to go back to the Draft for a second, I remember many on this board and in the media that called the Glenn pick a "steal of the Draft" since many were projecting to go to the BILLS....in the 1st Round! But Nix waited...and got a value pick in the 2nd. He may not be the best public speaker, but the man knows his talent in football. Coaches, he tried to give Gailey some time and I think Nix wanted a proven guy who could bring stability. Gailey lies at Nix's feet...but what Gailey did with the talent Nix acquired, is all on Gailey's shoulders.

Fair question, and I'm certainly not saying I know all the logistics involved. But I would think that the BILLS could approach Pepper Johnson (which I know is being discussed in another thread so I'll make it my last about him) by saying something to the effect they recognize his accomplishments and that they feel they "need" him on their team to improve the current Defense and that as Pettine is garnering a great deal of interest, it's more a matter of when not if he leaves for a HC position and at such time the BILLS organization and Coach Marrone would very strongly consider promoting PJ to the DC position at the time it becomes available given his experience and of course dependent on how well he does upon joining the BILLS...furthermore, I don't know what other DC positions are available to him at this point given the lateness of all these developments relative to the "Off-Season" for both college and NFL....??

As of last night I was convinced that Pettine would be leaving the Buffalo area for the Brown-stains, but now...I'm not so sure. If the brass really, truly wanted Pettine, they would have made the offer last night, and consumated the deal with a press conference today. Given the overall discussion about Quinn and Atlanta OC being in the mix, it seems they may "like" Pettine and consider him a viable alternative, but their true intent is for someone else...like most have said, Quinn. Just a guess, have NO inside information it's an absolute shot in the dark at trying to read their behavior for indications of intent...don't think we're going to find out before Sunday though...wish that weren't the case, but ....on it goes. Meanwhile, Pepper Johnson is still lingering out there and would love the BILLS to go get him!

On the plus side...this means Quinn would be available for the BILLS next year when rebuild 17.0 starts..."too early?" "yeah, too soon"

If Pettine goes, I'd rather the BILLS give Pepper Johnson his shot at DC, which it seems is what he wanted.

If indeed he left due to a failure to be recognized and denied an opportunity to advance, with a new BILLS regime and structure in place it seems doubtful that he would move here. However, if he did and he saw opportunity as a legitimate drawing point to Buffalo, I would love to see this hire. That said, I won't get my hopes up despite the fact that the BILLS are looking for this same Coach to fill a position...would be nice, but doubtful. Hope I'm wrong...

Easley, Bradham, and Williams ok - for a variety of reasons. Leonhard and Hogan are using spots that could be for other viable options at their respective positions. In other words, there are better Safeties and WRs than Leonhard and Hogan that could not only play a role on STs if necessary, but actually contribute to the Defense and Offense when called upon. IMO of course....

The BILLS, ala Whaley, are too smart to take a TE that high....they know good value at TE can be found and is usually far more productive at rounds 3 and 4. Not to mention with Gragg just starting to make a slight impact at the end of the year and Moekai who can be a good TE when healthy, it just doesn't make sense to draft a TE at 9...or in the 1st or 2nd round at all (unless in the second they have multiple picks, as in more than 2)

+1

Not that I'm bursting your bubble here Bud, but there's no chance the BILLS are using a high or mid-round Draft pick on a QB...they'll probably take a flyer on an UDFA and bring in a Vet to help make sure the BILLS don't have a repeat of this year, but EJ is their man for at least one more year.

It's a good discussion, but to me the key is defining what a top 5 QB would be...is it winning championships, because if so Marino is out...is it passing yards / TDs? Is it all of the above?? So much more difficult if you think in terms of *how* you would define it. Again, if it's championships, Peyton is out b/c ONE does not make you top 5, IMO.... then again, it would seem that production should be a fairly good measure as defined by yards and TDs, but then not winning the big game or multiple big games shortens the list however, should a QB be responsible for poor Defense? Or should a winning QB with a great Defense be in the same category as a QB who may "lose" a game but put up incredible numbers??

Agree. Well stated.

The problem with your analogy is that you own / operate a private business where you provide goods or services to the public and the public's demand for those goods or services will let you know if you're doing well or if changes need to be made so that when they are, the public is only concerned about the service or goods you're providing, not how it's getting done. But with an NFL team, the fans and the media are all part in parcel of the same general community which is the venue for which the NFL team serves. Furthermore, the NFL can fine a player for NOT talking to the media, let alone a coach, thereby implying that meeting and discussing the team issues or business is part of what the NFL requires. Moreover, I'm not doing anything other than taking to task what Marrone's own words were. I'm asking him to maintain integrity by doing what he said he would do...and maybe in his opinion he has...I disagree when it comes to Crossman, a true liability, and that means his credibility with me has taken a hit. Now, I appreciate his accountability speeches a bit more with the firing of Hilliard and Dreisbach, but Crossman was the clear cut answer to accountability on a team that went from top ten to almost the very last place in the NFL, players or not - coaching played a big role. And if Marrone truly believes it all or mostly falls on the players, that's fine...but I don't think he can make a strong and prolonged argument for that if, not saying he should have to, just IF he was forced to answer direct questions about how the STs unit performed. Not just overall as in "obviously, we need to get better" kind of stuff. Just IMO And if Marrone truly believes it all or mostly falls on the players, that's fine...but I don't think he can make a strong and prolonged argument for that if, not saying he should have to, just IF he was forced to answer direct questions about how the STs unit performed. Not just overall as in "obviously, we need to get better" kind of stuff. Just IMO Again, I'm not saying I don't like Marrone or that every little thing he says should be made public. However, it is hard to buy-in to his credibility and therefore truly get behind him and by default the team when he makes statements he doesn't fully uphold by his actions....again, IMO. That to me is why he needs to maintain public integrity, to continue to have us as the fans and even the media and those covering his pressers, to actually believe what he is saying or call him on it. Even if it's something to the effect, "Hey, guys, I can't get into how we're going to handle this, but I will say it will get taken care of". I may not like his answer, but I would just otherwise remain silent....but please don't stand at the podium and say you're going to do something, and then not do it. Dreisbach's firing is another step toward credibility but the STs issue isn't going away, UNTIL they get better which they can't do until next season...so we're back to where we started. Again, I'm not saying I don't like Marrone or that every little thing he says should be made public. However, it is hard to buy-in to his credibility and therefore truly get behind him and by default the team when he makes statements he doesn't fully uphold by his actions....again, IMO. That to me is why he needs to maintain public integrity, to continue to have us as the fans and even the media and those covering his pressers, to actually believe what he is saying or call him on it. Even if it's something to the effect, "Hey, guys, I can't get into how we're going to handle this, but I will say it will get taken care of". I may not like his answer, but I would just otherwise remain silent....but please don't stand at the podium and say you're going to do something, and then not do it. Dreisbach's firing is another step toward credibility but the STs issue isn't going away, UNTIL they get better which they can't do until next season...so we're back to where we started.

But the issue was the Run Defense, which I don't know for certain and don't claim to be an expert - seemed like there were quite a few missed assignments and issues with LBs staying in their gaps. But, who knows...

Then Marrone, in order to maintain public inegrity, would need to say something along those lines. It wouldn't have to be a public flogging of Crossman or excoriating his efforts to the media. It could simply be: "We've reviewed all of the film and spoken to our Coordinators and coaches and there are a few key areas that need to improve and I believe with this Off-Season we will. First, on STs we gave up too many return yards, missed too many blocks, didn't stay in our assigned lanes, and it cost us a few games and some key field position. But working with Danny, I know with another year and continued coaching this will turn around. We all know what's at stake." Boom...done....doesn't need to do more than recognize what every other fan in Buffalo sees: a statistically significant regression in the ST's performance and then indicate what will be done to remedy that fact. And in case you're about to argue that he doesn't "owe" us an explanation, again it was Marrone's words that said he knows how important the BILLS are to Western NY and its fans. If so...provide some idea as to how "accountability" is defined and how it relates directly to STs.