BigBuff423

A few people owe the OP an apology....he/she didn't say the BILLS would sign Mario, just that he was coming to town for dinner...and boy did the bandwagon get full of people saying all kinds of sh*t...truthfully, I didn't know how to take it, so I did what the old proverb said to do: Better to keep your mouth shut and people to think you're a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it....so, I stayed silent. To the OP, well done kind sir and hope vindication is sweet.

Ok...I try to respect every person's opinion and realize we all have different perspectives and beliefs regarding our favorite team....but WHY in God's name would you choose to place any stock in networks "predicting" who the BILLS will sign?? I realize we all love to hear the BILLS name thrown around about who they might sign, but to assume anyone other than the BILLS know what their plans are, is ludicrous....although it was a horrible signing, NO ONE had the BILLS signing T.O. to a contract that year and then you see the ESPN presser....so, while I'm not necessarily one for the Super Mario or VJax sweepstakes, I'll reserve judgment until a week from now before I make any assumptions about the BILLS plan for the next few days....now, I will not crucify Nix for NOT signing a guy at 4:01 p.m. today, but if a couple days go by and we don't have some valuable players, as much of a defender of Nix and Gailey as I have been, I'll be happy to roast them along with everyone else....but let's just take the wait and see approach for now

Well, when you throw the word "waste" into the title it kind of assumes a negative connotation, which IMO is not accurate...I can understand signing Bell for depth as a back-up and to compete for a spot, but he's shown me nothing to convince me he should be penciled in as the starter, let alone given top FA money....as for Brown, I don't have a problem signing him either, but if he were that valuable a player, he would not be slipping into the FA pool...and, given our history of O-line problems, I would PREFER to draft OT in the 10 spot for several reasons: there are viable options for DE in 2nd and 3rd round, there are viable options for DE in FA, there are good WRs in this year's FA class and good LBs as well and given the cap space, we should be able to add all three starting positions without breaking the bank and I for one am NOT in the Super Mario and VJax camp, so they could all be done at reasonable salaries, again IMO....that being said, I would prefer the WR, DE, and LB positions addressed in FA and then Left OT in round 1, DE in round 2, and CB in round 3, and first pick of round 4, then DT with second pick of round 4, then best OL, CB, LB in that order....but that's just me

The logic in this trade baffles me....to give up so much for an unproven player at the NFL level is just not even remotely close to a good decision. I understand giving up an additional 1st or two 2nds, but three 1sts and a 2nd is ludicrous!!! However, for those who believe the BILLS should be more like the Foreskins, then you will herald this move as "See, this is what the BILLS should be doing!! WTF??!!"....and all I can say is, thank God we have people in administration that possess more patience and poise than the Snyder's of the NFL....

Just Levitre and Byrd IMO; love me some Freddie J but he's on the downslope of his career, and giving him a new contract at this point would not benefit the Franchise in the long-run....but Levitre and Byrd need a deal done, but I for one trust Nix to get it done in due time whenever that might be, b/c whatever the debate on this board about Nix getting good FA, one thing he's prove thus far is that he's willing to pay their own

Sooooo......we're back to the Ralph is cheap argument?? Great....well, now at least I know where your mind-set is...thanks for clarification and despite our difference of opinion, I'm gald there are other BILLS fans out there passionate about the team in one way or another....one poster previously stated they felt better about this 6-10 team than any of the other 7-9 teams of the past, say what you will, but I'm in the same boat....and just clarify my perspective as well.... I moved around a lot as a child, between Florida, Georgia, New York and Virginia....my life finally settled in upstate New York when I was 14 years old, 1990, just when the BILLS were on the cusp of greatness, and great they were just not worthy of a title known as "greatness", and my fan-dom was born at the height of the franchise, not because of their winning but because upstate New York was the first place that truly felt like home...and even though the Giants and Jets were New York teams, they didn't feel like they were apart of me and me apart of them; they lived and played in a world detached from my reality, so I loved the BILLS nearly from the beginning....to watch this team devolve over the last decade and a half or so has been hard and full of disappointment...and while we're all fans and we love the sports aspect of the game, the brutal hits, the incredible physical feats, we are still "emotional" about our team...watch us throw a remote, scream at an inanimate object known as the televsion, dress our pets in BILLS gear, etc...and I have that connection to the BILLS regardless of their record, the only thing that would change that is their location b/c as mentioned earlier I'm connected to them based upon their geographic location....as for their success and failure, it is painful...it hurts the mind and heart, and I've been extremely frustrated on a number of occasions but that doesn't change my objectivity and I truly do believe this team is under better management and is going in the right direction....that doesn't excuse this upcoming year or give them a pass should another sub-par year ensue, it simply means I put recent history in "perspective", as that was something I mentioned earlier....again, you're entitled to your opinion, and in no way have I disparaged you personally, and I wouldn't as we are all passionate about this team, but we will simply agree to have a divergence of opinion and I for one, am optimistic about what this next year brings....sorry not to be pissing in the cornflakes with you, instead I'll just pour me another bowl and grab my New York cowed milk from the fridge and be ready to consume when FA begins and hungry for another bowl when the Draft starts....

Really??? Wow...that seems like revisionist history to me...Dockery?? Drafting Whitner at 8? Getting back into the 1st Round for McCargo? Losman was a carry over, but not getting a good QB should fall on their shoulders just as much as failing to draft good talent....as for FA, Dockery and Walker jump to mind, Melvin Fowler would be another....letting Greer walk, drafting Lynch with McGahee already playing....and yes, you can say the same about Spiller, the difference is FJ is getting older, not drafting for the provision of his age would be foolish....so they hit on Wood, Levitre, Byrd, and KW, but I'm not saying they didn't draft ANYONE worthwhile, I'm saying overall there were far more misses than hits and some very poor FA signings along with overall bad drafting for years....Maybin?.....if you don't see the difference, this whole conversation is moot.....as for it being a flashy toy, the only flashy toy I can remember was T.O who was brought in under, ummmmm, Jauron and T.O had his best games with Fitz, who Fewell put in to start, so where does that leave this debate??? Point being, I'm not "satisfied" with where we are....I'm "satisfied" with where the BILLS appear to be heading, their overall positive change and development as a team...you can say the record this or that, but the record out of context is like anything else out of context: meaningless.....so, we shall agree to disagree

I think Nix said it best when he stated Bell was a good player, "when healthy", but if Bell is looking to get top FA money, he should be wished well and shown the door. I think Bell is a good player, but I don't think he should be given a great deal of cash until he can prove he can stay healthy for an entire season and that he continually produces at a top tier level throughout the season. If we can keep him at an appropriate amount given his history, I'm all for it, but if he wants to push the limits or try to command more than he's proven he's worth thus far...No thanks.

Not to much to say to disagree with except to qualify my statement about Nix and Gailey wanting to win...yes, everyone in the NFL wants to win, but we've seen many times in the NFL coaches and owners willing to keep their "favorites" despite a failure to produce, with this new regime we've seen they don't have any loyalty except to a winner and more importantly to the Team as a whole, willing to release anyone at anytime.....as for the losing record: have you forgotten the state of this franchise when Nix and Gailey took over?? Or that EVERYONE on this board was complaining about the total lack of talent before Nix and Gailey got here? Comparing Nix and Gailey to Jauron's time when 7-9 was the total expectation each year when this organization has undergone a virtually complete overhaul is asanine IMO...there was an Offensive shift in philosophy, a Defensive shift in philosophy and players who were either cut or traded....go through the list of players who were in the roster at the time Nix and Gaiely took over and then look at the roster now....yes, there were players playing then that are playing now, I would friggen hope so, but look at all the players who are no longer here and except for Lynch and maybe Whitner, no one else is tearing it up elsewhere....and don't say Maybin, that would only be a revelation of how little thought would go into that statement instead of bolstering your point.....but to each his own, choose to believe/think what you like - that's the beauty of our great nation - but I for one will reserve judgment....what I DO agree with you on, is that this year SHOULD be a year when they take a big leap forward

I sound like a broken record, but I love how sometimes we (all of us at one time or another) forget to put facts into perspective. There is so much history to review I just don't have the patience to go through it all but let's recap for just a moment: Nix came in just a few months prior to the draft, and yes he was scouting and one cog in the wheel of evaluating the players but also relied on a number of other scout and information provided by people who in his second season were fired for their lack of capability, and then in his second year was prevented from moving too hard in any direction in the area of FA due to a work stoppage and pending negotiations between the players and owners but had a solid Draft since he took over the responsibilities and oversight....administrative overhaul took place under Nix and let's face it, therein lied the most substantial issues: football evaluation and management dysfunction, which he's addressed. And for those who believe Nix didn't have any experience in the Draft or administration on football operations, go to some other sites who document Nix's career and several, including the Chargers themselves, who give Nix a great deal of credit for the Chargers' drafts who landed the likes of Brees and Rivers, LT and Castillo, Merriman and VJax just to name a few...is he perfect? Absolutely not...does he have all the answers, NO b/c no one ever will....will mistakes be made?? YES!! All administrations make mistakes, in evaluations in choosing coaches or players but one thing you CANNOT fault Nix or Gailey is that they are willing to make any change to accomplish the goal of winning a Super Bowl....if you can't play no matter where you're drafted you get cut...if you can't coach no matter where your roots may have been, you get fired....they've sent a clear message: they want to WIN!! Hiring Edwards to run the Defense was a mistake....that's a given, but don't forget Edwards was ALREADY hired by the Florida Gators, post National Title, to run their Defense and the BILLS brought him in to do the same thing, so he was on the upswing when they got him....THEN after a miserable year of failure Dave W. was brought in to bring balance and I believe a little mentoring for Edwards in addition to being a "back-up" plan if the failure continued....a way of allowing the players to get to know him a bit and for him to get a feeling of the Defense's strengths and weaknesses so that in the event Edwards continued to fail, during this time of year when they're evaluating talent and needs, Wanny would have good insight and he wouldn't be playing catch-up... To the talent that was already here: Stevie was a good draft by the Jauron/Levy/Brandon committee....but he never saw the field...so what good was drafting him if he didn't play?? It was Gailey who saw the potential and gave him the chance to play, he deserves that credit...Fitzpatrick was here, and it was Perry Fewell who first gave Fitz the opportunity to start at QB, but when Nix got here, they didn't see Trent for themselves and as Nix said (and I've reposted ad nauseum) they wanted to evaluate ALL the players for themselves before letting them walk just to see them play somewhere else...in the end, they figured to evaluate and be patient and allow the team to develop under their guidance without rushing anything...that's where this adminstration is far and away better than most of us fans: they're patient and know they're making the right decisions, but it will take time.... As to one of the responder's questions about "how does it take three years to find a pass rusher?"...well, in the first year, Maybin was still on the roster and they were still evaluating talent for themselves - as mentioned just a moment ago, then the second year there was a work stoppage preventing Nix from being "aggressive" - that is not to say they would have been but coulda, woulda, shoulda...all scenarios you can't even begin to speculate due to the circumstances of the leauge, and now this year, they have a Defensive Coordinator who has years of experience and knows exactly what he needs and with two years of evaluation the BILLS themselves know what they do/don't have so NOW is the time....and, yes the BILLS initially thought the switch to 3-4 would be best, and they were wrong....so if you want to take the proverbial Buffalo out back and shoot it, then do so....in the meantime, maybe we can all take a breath and be happy about where this team is heading instead of lamenting about where it "could" have been if this, or if that had happened.... Nix is not off the hook by any means, nor is Gailey, but to say we're in the same position we were 3 years ago, despite a worse win/loss record, is delusional IMO; this team had all the makings for a playoff push had it not been for a substantial injury bug and we ALL KNEW going INTO the season the BILLS lacked depth and that we depended on good health to be competitive for the year, well good health didn't happen and lo and behold we failed....shocker!! And as for what Gailey did in his first year: you can't spout off about how Nix and Gaiely "inherited" all of Jauron and Levy's talent in one breath and how Nix didn't do anything good and then not realize just how far more productive Gailey was with that same talent in his first season....how quickly we forget just how miserable that Offense was under Jauron, and somewhat with Fewell and with virtually the same players how much MORE productive that Offense was under Gailey!! The Defense was terrible, but with the same Offensive players there was far more production against some very good teams, ala Pittsburgh with Stevie's drop, Baltimore with a fumble at the end, and others..... Nix and Gailey still have yet to prove they can form a talented and competitive team, I don't think anyone is satisfied if the team were to stop progressing today, but Nix has said (and seems to be proving his words to be true, most recently especially) they will be "aggressive" in FA and they will continue to build a team to contend for a Super Bowl title, so this year is THE year where we see exactly what this team will do in order to achieve that end and IF, a BIG IF, the talent will translate into a Super Bowl title....okay, I'm officially over the debate of Nix vs. previous regime....if a good fan can't see the difference between what Nix and Gailey, and Whaley, are doing vs those who were in charge prior to their arrival - I seriously question if they're paying attention to what is ACTUALLY transpiring at OBD or if they're so bitter from past year's failure and ineptitude that they have given up hope and determined themselves to be bitter for disappointment's sake....

On my favorites list are the following players, not necessarily exclusive but would include these of the top 50: 1. Brandon Carr 2. Broderick Bunkley 3. Pierre Garcon 4. Ben Grubbs 5. John Carlson 6. Terrell Thomas Those are all guys who I think could significantly provide a boost to this team in various areas and would immediately make an impact through depth of talent and experience. I'm not on the VJax or Super Mario bandwagon mainly due to their overall cost and the potential disruption to the locker room as "super stars", nothing against them or their attitudes, it's just when you bring in "high profile" guys like them, it concerns me that the potential to detract from the team first mentality could get muddled, and one thing Gailey has done very well is deeply ingrain the notion of team first. Wouldn't be too upset with Red Bryant and Jeremy Mincey either....and NO, I don't think we'll get all those guys, I'm just providing a short list of players I would like to see on this team in addition to having another solid Draft

I am not, nor have I ever been, one to think Mario Williams is worth the money or potential disruption to team chemistry...I know we need a good DE to bring our Defense to another level but I think a complimentary WR and LB are somewhere near the top of the list as well, and I also think another TE who can block and catch is necessary in addition to the aforementioned positions of need. I know we need a good DE, but I don't think Mario is the guy to fit into this team, wish him luck in landing wherever he goes, but I don't believe his place "should" be on the BILLS....I would like guys like Colston and Lawson here in Buffalo and find a DE who can produce but is in his prime or younger years, and again all due respect to Abram I prefer a younger DE....also for the record, I'd be good with Carlson coming to Buffalo as well....

I'd be fine with a CB Free Agent IF, and it's a big IF, the other important areas get addressed in FA, i.e. another WR and DE...moreover, CB happens to be, along with OT, one of the few draft picks worthy of the 10th spot so if necessary I'd rather they get the WR and DE and maybe OLB in FA and spend the 10th pick, if they don't trade down, on either a LT or CB depending on which value is greater....but as I said, if they get a CB along with the other two needs in FA, I'd be good with that, mildly surprised but happy about it

Thank you and will do.... And for the record to the persistent complainers, I too am frustrated by what I've seen over the last 10 years but I also know you can't continually strike the same chord and expect to hear a different sound....Ralph or Brandon realized a true football GM was necessary, as the rest of us already knew that, and they hired one....yes he was/is older, but isn't that exactly what you want when you're trying to make the wide sweeping changes necessary? Someone who has years of experience and has had that experience on a team/organization whom many on this board prior to his arrival have heralded as one who has done well? With Merriman, VJax, Brees, Rivers, Castillo, LT, etc added to a team that turned into a perennial playoff contender (albeit in the AFC West) I believed from Day One I just needed to hit my re-set button and take a deep breath and realize we're FINALLY moving in the right direction and be patient....I know it's hard, I honestly do...I've had the thought of jumping off the bandwagon a few times over the last six years in particular (not the last two) but....it's the BILLS....unless they move, my heart and fan-dom is loyal to the Red, White, and Blue Buffalo....hard to swallow sometimes, but true nonetheless. So, while I'm sympathetic, let's remember all we could have asked for two years ago was progress, and we've made that...Now, it's time to take the next step which I HOPE is the playoffs, but at a minimum it should be a winning record and as one previous poster said, relevancy in the final weeks of the season - and not about how this team "fell off" at some point but rather how other teams fear to come to Buffalo to play for their playoff lives....

So, what you're saying is that if you were a Redskins fan you would have been waving your Snyder banner when they overpaid for Albert Haynesworth? Or continually trading 1st round picks for NFL players? Or spending to the Cap each year and getting, um...nowhere?? I'm not ready to crown Nix a Polian-esque genius, but I do think he deserves credit for making copper out of excrement...read my earlier post, that's my opinion, no need for redundancy...but I don't think the BILLS going nuts in FA prior to this year when there was so much disarray on this team when he got here doesn't make sense either....realize you're not really complaining but you also didn't exactly provide a ringing endorsement as to what is transpiring at OBD; figured I'd make the attempt to balance out the slight tweak of synicism with a bit of realistic optimism as well...

I agree with it's the results that matter....but, um....this is what a GM is SUPPOSED to do during the Off-Season, so maybe you could simply be content with doing job #1 on the list?? And for the record, what seems to be forgotten is in his Buddy's first season he had the old regime's scouts and front office personnel with just a couple months to prepare for FA and then the Draft; and they kept many of the players from the previous roster, ala Trent Edwards, because in his words he didn't want to let players go and watch them produce on another team b/c he said he's seen the NFL littered with previous BILLS players starting on other rosters. Then in his second season there was a work stoppage and a subsequent change in FA rules precluding him from being too aggressive......furthermore, do we forget just how far this team was from a contender?? The complete dearth of talent on this roster at the time he took over?? Why go pay a guy $10 mil per year at one position when there are so many other needs, he'd be two years into his contract at this point and we're just starting to come out of the proverbial "re-building" mode and NOW is the time to get those good to great players to put us over the edge and make us relevant in the playoff discussion.....I'm NOT saying Nix is done or that he's solidified his place in BILLS lore, but he has done a very good job given the circumstances he's faced from Day 1....so, maybe relax and little and realize we all knew this was going to be a long road to hoe as the previous decade was filled with Romper Room and Three Stooges antics..... I for one would have preferred Nix to apply the Tag to SJ, just for maturity issues, but this deal is fair for both sides so I can't really be too critical...now he needs to get a difference maker on Defense and a complimentary WR....then the Draft, this time next year (the 3 year berth given to demonstrate a GM's worth) we'll know more about Nix and his ability to assemble a contender....However, let's also see that Nix doesn't play and he doesn't coach, he can only give the coaches the talent, which....it seems he's doing

With Stevie signed....it would be nice, but unlikely...of course most of us would love to see this happen, I just don't think the BILLS commit that much money to the WR position in one year....although I would have much preferred the BILLS to utilize the Tag on SJ for one season so he could prove his maturity has come of age, but this deal is good for both sides so I can't really complain...however, I think the next money spent should be on a DE and then a WR, VJax would be nice, but honestly I would be happier with a great DE and another solid WR, not necessarily Pro Bowl Star WR, just a very good complimentary, team-oriented WR who is unselfish and team first mentality with good hands and speed....yeah, I know...keep wishing

The lack of elite talent at the top of the Draft is exactly the reason why I think if it's possible, IF, then the BILLS should do their best to trade that pick and move back gaining late 1st Round and 2nd Round talent, value and depth is what this Draft is about....IMO

I agree with everyting Nix said in the interview from Draft to FA, and damn glad to hear it!! All of it!! The evluation of talent and some explanation of how the last couple drafts have gone along with their approach in FA this year. It's almost as if they've been waiting for a year to be "aggressive" as if they knew it was going to take a couple of years to get the team in place where they felt they were just a few key pieces away from being legitmate contenders and this shows me they believe the BILLS are now "there"; the place in rebuilding mode where they are within striking distance of being taken seriously....a couple good FAs and another solid Draft and this team becomes a team not only fun to watch but "worth" tracking through the year...

To keep it short: I like both guys too. I want to see Troup stay healthy for a season, but will be happy to see Carrington get back to his natural 4-3 DE position although I disagree with shedding the bulk b/c he was put in the OLB spot and did "ok" but obviously couldn't keep up with the TE or WR, but will do well as a 3 down DE able to help in the running game to set the edge and quick enough to apply some pressure....not talking 14 sacks or anything, but productive.

For two Super Bowls against the Patsies the Giants have shown the league how to beat them: apply pressure with your front 4....this is no secret and yet Defenses continue to struggle to actually DO THAT!! So, I fully agree with Wanny, but the key is getting it done! As for Brockers, hey, I believe in Nix, Whaley, and the people they've brought in to assess talent at the Pro level and from the college ranks, so let's just hope another full Off season permits this FO and Ralph to continue to build a winner and all the coaches and players are on the same page...

Nix has the right approach. Chandler is a TE that works in this Offensive system, but wasn't exactly making MVP type of plays for other teams, he had a solid year here and hope he can return. But to demand a large payday after one year of productivity is asinine and for Nix would be bad business, and while some people haven't liked Nix, I've enjoyed what he's done thus far - given the time he had to do it in regarding his first season and then the shortened FA period last year due to the work stoppage, and I believe he's a guy who wants to put winners on this team but not at the expense of over paying them due to a single year or bringing guys in who we will not work as a cohesive unit which is why I think many "top tier" FA are overlooked by him, the belief that bringing in that "star" player is counter-productive to the team as a whole...either way, Chandler is good for this football team but he's not worth big money...and I too would love to see the BILLS go after a guy like Fred Davis or even Martellus Bennett, with or without Chandler

Man, really?? You've got to make this personal? Could you possibly cut the guy a damn break?? For Jesus Friggen Christ, let man do his job to the best of his ability and allow those who supervise his work do THEIR job! Just comment on the BILLS and what's happening and leave the personal **** out of it! Mr. Wawrow, sorry for all the flack you get for posting here. I respect Tim Graham's reasons for no longer coming to this forum as he was poorly treated and verbally abused by those who couldn't spell journalism let alone know what it means to questions a journalist's integrity...appreciate it. As to the original reason for the post: I've been saying since the off-season started, the BILLS SHOULD Tag Stevie for a couple reasons - 1) because SJ needs to demonstrate on field maturity during a game to EARN the long-term contract and 2) to demonstrate he will continue to play at the level which demands a significant contract.... Someone posted earlier that SJ is asking for less than the Tag amount it would cost the BILLS this year and why not get a deal done...to me it's simple: let SJ prove he's a man of his word and exhibit the type of leadership behavior a Coach and GM would require of a Franchise WR based upon actual actions during and after a game. I like SJ, I really do and I sincerely hope the BILLS keep him in one way or another, but I believe the Tag is their best option this year. If he proves he can play, and NOT cost his team frivolous penalties, THEN pay him via a long-term deal and show how a team rewards productivity on the field along with a mature professional attitude during the game. He's earned respect based upon 2 good years of playing, but now he needs to earn the respect of a true leader and that comes with doing the "right" thing which I believe he wants to do, but now he needs to actually do it....

Ever since Trent left, I've thought he is best suited for a West Coast style of Offense, wish the kid the best and if he's got any talent and productivity left, Andy Reid will see it, whether he remains a back-up or is ever elevated to a starter, the West Coast style Offense is what will work best for him...and the team he's playing for.....good luck Trent

I believe Nix is telling the truth....he's said getting a DE in FA and a WR in FA are his FA priorities, personally I believe Nix and that he goes DE and WR in FA while hoping to land a guy like Upshaw to bolster their LB core who can also put his hand on the ground, but hey who knows...