BigBuff423

I like CJ, a hell of a lot more than I liked Byrd, at least the way he conducted his business...but I'll say this about the RB *position* the same way I advocated for not over-investing in Byrd based on *position* - pay CJ a fair market value, but do NOT over-pay him based on his time with the team and / or projected production. RBs as others have mentioned have gone the way of a "dime-a-dozen" type of player and while I really do like CJ as a person and as a member of the Buffalo BILLS, given what the team will need to do over the next few years and most likely will need to do next year in FA, committing too much money to a *position* that does not hold its value is money spent poorly....I sincerely hope the BILLS and CJ can come to a fair and reasonable contract that pays him well, but also based on market value.

ClevelandRocks: regarding EJ Manuel and the BILLS and their fans "lucky to have him", those are fightin' words for some people on this board! Haha! In all seriousness though, I appreciate an outsiders perspective and despite no love for Cleveland as a team, I truly do feel empathy for Cleveland Browns' fans...they have toiled through some rough sh*t regarding their team, and if I were a fan, I too would have been disappointed with their selection of Manziel...now, only time will tell, and maybe he's destined for greatness, but to me, a Rookie QB is to eating, breathing, sleeping all things NFL and Offense related...now, maybe JM knows he won't be starting at QB and therefore, lost some of his fire and drive, maybe not...I don't know...but partying in Vegas just a few weeks after you're Drafted to be the "answer" at QB for a Franchise that is starving for there to *be* a Face of the Franchise, tells me you're more concerned with enjoying the benefits of the NFL life than achieving the presumed status of "star" or aforementioned Face of a team....kudos to you for being balanced and seeing your team with some critique and not just eating up all the hype and taking a somewhat skeptical approach....best of luck to the Browns, until and unless they face the BILLS, otherwise, hope all goes well...for the fans' sake, not for any other reason.

I'll say this: if it was EJ that was in Vegas pulling these stunts - in his first year as a Rookie before camp started - BILLS Nation would have lit him up like a Christmas tree on Twitter, Facebook and this forum. I don't think Manziel will have a lasting QB legacy, and will be continued distraction to his team (although, this part is not his fault about the media's romance with his actions) and unless he develops some better skills more traditional to the NFL, he'll be another QB wonder in the college ranks that doesn't quite do it in the NFL...I think he will see the field, make some great plays but be inconsistent and not Favre inconsistent, just poor play inconsistent....

Overall, I agree with your sentiment. I too believe the times have passed us by about being a home field advantage as far as outdoor cold weather....home field these days is about crowd noise and crowd noise control, not to mention sleeping in your bed and being at home in their own facility, with family, etc....and to the larger point about what a dome would mean, I also agree that a dome would provide for a far better fan experience and also, let's be honest, we're doing our best to bridge the generation gap for BILLS fans, and younger BILLS fans just have a different perspective on what a game experience *should* be, and therefore, there's a better chance of getting a 10 year old to a game in November and December when it's not freeze your b*lls off cold not to mention, it's more enjoyable overall in those two months...but even in late October, if the wind is right, woof!!! Cold, just isn't the word...

I don't always, or I should say rarely, buy the stuff from PFF, but they made some good points for Bradham...that said, it would be spectacular if they are correct but will assume that he remains a role player on a Defense that keeps getting better....wouldn't it be great, if Bradham emerges as PFF predicted (and to a lesser extent DW last season) and you could have Bradham, Kiko, Spikes and then maybe Preston Brown, depending on how he does?? That could be a very physically imposing LB core...

Aaaaaaand yet you clicked and checked in, just to contribute your well thought out response...nicely done. Anyways, I already stated my vote and reason, but to answer the erudite and intellectually magnificent response, I'll say this: while none of those QBs are realistic to the BILLS for a variety of reasons, I think it's interesting to see the "type" of QB various posters would like to see behind Center for the BILLS. In that, none of those guys will likely play for the BILLS but they can be prototypical representatives of a QB the BILLS get, either in the reality of EJ Manuel or if he busts another QB to lead the charge once EJ bottoms out - which I am REALLLLLLLLY hoping doesn't happen...so, to the OP, I can appreciate the fun this poll provides and a little bit of insight in to who we, as fans, value as the type of QB we would like to see in a BILLS Uni for the future. Plus, between now and Training Camp, there ain't much else...to state the obvious in such a wonderfully eloquent fashion.

Andrew Luck by a country mile in my mind....not only is a great pocket passer, but he's young and has all the tangibles and intangibles necessary to be great....put him in New Orleans, and he's the League MVP. He needs a better support staff, Wayne is aging and T.Y. Hilton is a one trick pony - even though I like what he brings, Luck is far and away in my mind the best "long-term" QB given his age...JMO but, he's head and shoulders above the rest.

Well, that's where we diverge on opinion although I believe you are merely reading too much into what I said, when I stated, "...being concerned about a human being, and not just treating him (Henderson) as a piece of property or employee, yes, I would be concerned about his addiction regardless of his playing status"...as in, the welfare of all people "concerns" me, in that I don't want to see anyone journey down a path of self-destruction...not to say that marijuana use / abuse would necessarily lead to that, but in Henderson's case, depending on how the NFL mitigates the positive drug screens in the future, would in fact be a demise of his professional capability....you're taking this too far when it comes to "my concern", not that I'm entitled to know or have any influence on another person's choices, unless they impact me directly, but that I have a larger "concern" about all mankind and the people we share the world with....in other words, right now, I'm concerned about the people of the Ukraine and how that impacts global politics, I'm concerned about the girls being sold into slavery in Nigeria, I'm concerned about the countless homes that have been lost to wildfires...not because it's any of "my concern" but because I think that as a human being, I simply want all people to live peacefully, among each other without war, violence, constant suppression of justice and human rights....so, by extension, specifically Mr. Henderson, I would be concerned about his overall well-being...not that I'm "owed" any explanation...does that make sense? Have I clarified it enough? I hope so, because by your last statement you seem to have taken an antagonistic tone to this discussion, when my intent is the antithesis to that: genuine concern for the man, the person of Mr. Henderson, and not just the player and not because it is of "my concern", but because I would hate to see anyone lose their livelihood for something entirely avoidable if he gets help for it....that's it, that's all...if you take umbrage with my statements, then all I can say is, I have nothing but sympathy for you, as a man or person...

First, the issue with Henderson is that it isn't his first marijuana related issue while in college, so it's a continuation of a persistent problem. Second, yes, I work in a field that has seen an "addiction" to marijuana, although less frequent than the other more potent drugs, it is possible, regardless of what popular media may tell you. Lastly, I also went on to provide a clinical sense of the definition of "addiciton" and not necessarily the biological one, in that an inability to remain sober despite potentially serious consequences is a strong indicator of an addiction or substance abuse issue. The type of definition is used in treatment centers accross New York State, as for other states I don't know with certainty so I can't speak with any authority on their diagnoses parameters. And, to the extent of being concerned about a human being, and not just treating him as a piece of property or employee, yes, I would be concerned about this addiciton regardless of his playing status, and the test indicates the level of his use. The nanogram level can point to frequent, occassional, or long-term abuse....so the test is necessary and is an assessment tool related to needed treatment.

Re: Henderson, I'm all in favor of giving this kid a chance and hoping that working with some NFL Vets and a good coaching staff will help him turn things around and that he can really help the BILLS dominate the line of scrimmage at some point in his career. However, for me it's not really that he used marijuana that concerns me, it's that he used marijuana despite issues with it in the past and knowing the Combine is coming up and testing is standard, this is closer to being an addict. Not in the negative sense of the word, but in the clinical sense of the word. When someone uses a drug knowing there are potentially negative ramifications and carelessly or recklessly use the drug, whatever that drug may be, that demonstrates an inability to abstain. This, fits the generally accepted notion of an addict, continuing with addictive behavior in light of potential consequences. Now, a change of scenery and having a different set of influences around him may, and I hope, make all the difference, but the larger issue - he just needs some help to deal with any addiction related concerns. All of this is what concerns me at Josh Gordon, it's not the marijuana, it's that he's unable to remain sober despite so much at stake for himself and the team.

And by that reasoning, gay people should be forced to stare at "hot girls" or something of that nature...it's either equal for all, or ban avatar's altogether. Again, I find it mildly disturbing that instead of realizing your social intolerance and insensitivity toward sexual orientation given the world we live in today, you double down by saying, "having to look at something that most people find uncomfortable"....so you're able to be the mind and mouth of "most people"?? Maybe it's just you that finds it uncomfortable? If so, that's ok, go with God Brother...but to state someone needs to change their avatar based on your personal beliefs, is hurbis at best, bigoted at worst. +1....and that's essentially my point. I'm not gay but I have some friends that are, both lesbians and gay men, mostly through my wife and despite many years of being against "gay rights", I've slowly learned that the world is too harsh, violent, and cruel with so many injustices to worry about someone else's sexuality....if they're decent people, work and pay taxes, and do their best to be a relatively contributing member of society in some respect - than I don't give a rat's a*s who they prefer to share their bed or love with....I just want to live in peace with everyone...

Boom....truth. There are some fans, that no matter what Buffalo does, will always *find* a way to be pessimistic..."Sure Buffalo won a Super Bowl, but man, did you see that Post-Game Interview??WTF was Doug Marrone thinking??!! And yeah, OK EJ got Super Bowl MVP, but I mean, who wouldn't with a set of WRs like the BILLS have???!!".....yup, sadly, the reality of such pessimism is greater than the reality of the BILLS winning the Super Bowl, and NOT because I don't think the *can*, just that envisioning the two, the latter is so much easier than the former...sad, just said.

Thank you for your well thought out and cogent response. Thank you for your service in law enforcement and for your continued work as a consultant and thank you for being honest about your undecided position. Also, thank you for adding that last statement. Because I frequent these boards quite a bit and post, and recently in the shoutbox gave my location, I will refrain from stating my job / career / profession, but will say I have quite a bit of contact with those involved in the marijuana / narcotics trade and use and say that for the most part, I agree with nearly everything you said...including the undecided portion of your statement. Either way, it is refreshing to read someone put some real thought into their post and take the time to provide a back-drop for their reasoning. Sincerely, it's a dangerous job fraught with many personal sacrifices and while you did (and to some extent still do) get paid to do the job, it is never even remotely close in appropriate relation to the risks involved. Well done, and please, when you can, post more often. Take care.

Of those you mentioned, Bradford, Smith and an outside chance of Dalton would be my picks based on potential and based on the fact that except for Dalton, both Smith and Bradford would merely be holding a spot for the next Franchise QB....allllll of that said and out of the way, based on the BILLS trading their 2015 1st Round pick, I too believe the BILLS are all in on EJ for at least the 2014 & 2015 season, if he stays reasonably healthy. If he gets seriously injured or he is abysmal in his games this year, then maybe the BILLS do something like what you posted, otherwise, I don't see anyone of worth or value donning the BILLS QB position until 2016, but here's to seriously hoping that NEVER becomes an issue, until EJ's HOF career is over with so...13 more years?? To your second statement, I can't say that I'm a super champion of gay rights or anything of that nature, but in today's modern society, I'm pretty much your statement has no place given that many posters on this board have pictures of women, sometimes visually appealing women, in their avatar. So, why even make a statement such as that? It's his avatar, let it be...you don't like it? Don't pay attention to it and leave it alone. You have every right to NOT like it, but I'm pretty sure you have no right to insist someone else change their avatar based on your personal beliefs, politics, religion, etc. Just a thought for social tolerance.

Well, unfortunately, I don't think it *IS* that simple. But we shall agree to disagree, and as for "religion is more harmful than pot ever could be" again opens up and enormous can of worms....so, let's just say there are many opinions that set the world on fire, and interjecting drug use into the discussion of religion is adding gasoline to that nepalm explosion, so I will choose to walk away without stating my opinions or thoughts, which are complex.

You and facts....Jesus...it's a love affair that just won't end. Please, it's an f'ing conspiracy! Can't you see it??!!! the little people with tin foil hats will NOT allow the BILLS to be successful, RB is a plant from another NFL team, intending on destroying the BILLS!!! Damn man, get it together...

It was more just a matter of being a smart-ass, although it did steal a pair of my best friends....nah, he and his wife got a phenomenal job offer and they relocated, don't blame them a bit. Very happy for them, selfishly, I was sad b/c they're such great people and both me and my wife got along with them and really had a tight bond with them and it just sucked losing them....good for them, bad for us...but, they're doing great! And yes, you said "performance on the field", but all of those players were Rookies at one point, so the new Rookies are just as much on the hook for RB's determined success as last year's and the year's before, by your logic...so, instead of giving them a brand new, fresh start, by your statements and reasoning, they're all ready screwed b/c RB doesn't know what the hell he's doing and is ruining this team....it sound proposterous, it's supposed to...that's my point.

How is that a stretch?? You blamed RB for the state of the Franchise...and considering one of your major b*tches was to blame RB for players who left Buffalo, who were Drafted by Buffalo, and that Buffalo hasn't been winning in quite some time, I'd say it was YOUR overgeneralized approach to how much RB sucks that introduces anything and everything related to the BILLS that leads directly back to RB, especially when it was one of your overgeneralized points specifically: "5- Performance on the field, grade: D-."....I would say since players are Drafted and the players play the game, it is directly related. Not my fault you weren't more specific as to what aspects of 'performance on the field' you were alluding to....

By your initial post you stated that Russ is to blame for the state of the Franchise, thereby those who Drafted the Rookies and thereby, the team is in shambles because of RB's inability to effectively run the BILLS organization....so as the Rookies arrive, it's pessimism and negativity they are embraced with, rather than understanding things truly started turning in 2011 when Nix had his first real Draft and RB started having the final word on all things BILLS related in January 2013, so since that time, the BILLS are building something good to great, maybe even special, and see that future and paint that picture for the Rookies rather than RB is an inept executive who will ruin your career and this team....

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

And they don't have some of the players at the positions correctly, ala DW Rivers is the SLB and Lawson is a DE...

Well, now I know why you live in Texas...thank you for taking what should be a week of perpetual hope and sh*tting all over it...nicely done. Now, IMHO, you are grossly inaccurate with your conclusions and factually inaccurate in some cases...but thanks for coming to the "Welcome to the Buffalo BILLS Rookies" party......I'm sure they all feel welcomed by your warm and kind gesture of confidence and enthusiasm.

And I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but legalizing something is by definition a means to justifying it, regardless of how we perceive the subject...and for me, while I understand people make personal choices about drugs or alcohol, for me, I couldn't just idly sit by allowing a full-on embrace of all forms of drugs, because by your statements I could extrapolate that the U.S. and states shouldn't criminalize cocaine, heroin, bath salts, or even prescription pill abuse which has a high rate of addiction and can lead to a heroin addiction....and unless you've worked some of those struggling with a serious addiction, it's hard to quantify in words the perils of such an addiction...but I've seen too many lives destroyed by prescription pill abuse, heroin, cocaine and others....and yes, I've seen fraud, forgery, various forms of larcenies and some other minor crimes committed for marijuana, and it wasn't for using it, it was for affording it....so even if / when it's legal everywhere, having the money to spend on it, will still be a systemic issue and its regulation will still cause legal consequences, i.e. prescription pill use, from those who choose to abuse it, such as alcohol....again, I'm not trying to have a debate about drug use / legalization, but as it pertains to NFL players, I am more concerned about how such use would effect their play on the field, and to a lesser extent how it may effect their personal lives, not that it's my business, just that I would hate to see anyone fail at achieving their dreams for something so trivial....and for guys like Henderson and Gordon, to me, it's not about the marijuana, which appears to be their drug of choice, it's more about - what is the deeper issue? And there MUST be one, b/c no one who is of sound mind and psychological health risks everythign in their life, knowing the consequences, and still continues to relapse with marijuana....so handling the inner person issues, is the most salient issue to their drug use....b/c if it were truly just a recreational thing, then at first detection and certainly by the second instant with consequence, the recreational user would just walk away from it, but when that person *can't*, there is a deeper rooted cause....and that effects the locker room and by extension, how the team plays on Sundays.

To your first question: my perception about alcohol is that it is frequently abused, even to those that aren't "alcoholics" and in our county, CNY, DWI arrests and convictions are through the roof!! So, in those cases, it was abused and then those people made poor decisions, potentially very harmful ones, and so I'm not "ok" with alcohol abuse but I am fine with its use...such as I stated in my post, I'm "ok" with marijuana use, but I didn't specify abuse, and I should have. "Addicting" has a wide variety of definitions, from clinical to substance abuse definitions to laymen's terms to a real-life scenario in the form of addiction, so that would be a much longer conversation, and not anything we could hash out (haha, I made a pun) on this board...as for "more harmful", again that to me seems to over-simplifying the statement and information that is used over and over again without context, so let's just assume that "more harmful" also has multiple implications...what I WILL say, is that legalizing it is just a matter of time everywhere and I'm less concerned about its use than its regulation....Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin along with Hydrocodone pills are all legal, but their abuse is significant and is one of the fastest growing forms of drug addiction in our country, specifically in the younger demographic, i.e. high school and college age young people, and those pills are regulated and we have laws that impose legal consequences for their illegal use and distribution and that doesn't seem to be stemming the tide of addiction...so, just because marijuana is in some places and most likely will be in all places, legal for consumption and controlled sale, doesn't wipe the issue away entirely, it merely opens an entirely different set of problems and issues...overall, not just in the NFL

Yeah, agreed that the ancillary consequences will certainly be the tale of the tape as to what the FOs decide to do with the player, but part of my point is that if you are St. Louis who just spent the 2nd overall pick on Robinson and he's given essentially the green light to use marijuana, and the above mentioned statement comes true a couple years later, wouldn't that frustrate you as a fan?? To know the team was so bad it had a 2nd overall pick (which in this case was actually the Redskins' pick but you get my point) only to have that player struggle with being in game shape and staying focused and motivated during the season to play at that truly elite level necessary to win in the NFL?? And I'm just asking...I'm not trying to be the morals police here, I'm just asking how a typical fan would react in that case....can you see my point? ---without taking offense?