I_want_2_BILL_Lieve

I read here that some people want a FA QB and keep our picks. I'm of the opposite opinion. I'd trade picks (within reason of course) and draft a quality QB. The money saved on a FA QB, could be used to bring in quality FAs across the board. $20-25 mill for Cousins, think how many quality FAs we could bring in with that money. And these would be known, NFL quality players, not untested rookies. I'd rather be set at the QB position for 10-15 years. That means drafting our guy. And yes, I know, drafting QBs is inherently risky. But we're set up pretty well to do it this year.

I get that. But I guess what I'm asking is what specifically does McBeane see in the guy? What was it that made him the Choice that we had to get that guy? Saying two future hall of fame guys groomed him is good enough for me, but is it good enough for McBeane? I don't think so. Two weeks ago I doubt most here knew he existed. So was it that magical second quarter of adjustments in the Championship game? I'm in no way knocking the decision. Again, I just want to be a fly on the wall when this all went down. What were the points of discussion?

I'm curious. Was this the only guy interviewed? Who interviewed him? I'm just wondering about the timeline. This is clearly their guy, but I'm curious about the 'process' that went from, " we need to think about the OC, to 'here's our guy'." I'm always interested in the thought process of this kind of decision. What is it that so enamored him to OBD?

almost certainly it was. But do you think the OC had game planned for that? If he did, that's great coaching for contingencies. If he didn't, that's great coaching on the fly, knowing what works for this skill set of players.

Forty-one pages in.... Being a Bills fan every hire is important. When you're in the middle of a playoff drought, new hires and drafts are all we had to hang our hat on. The part of the "process" that I am hanging my hat on is consistency. We've gone through head coach after head coach (not to mention OCs and DCs), changing back and forth between 3-4s, and 4-3s, Power run schemes vs WCO. We're never stable. We draft players that don't fit in 2 years. I hope the current regime is successful enough to stick around to build upon success. I'm encouraged by the hire. He seems to be well regarded by coaches I respect and yet loath. So I'll go with that. I want successful stability. Someone mentioned up thread that Alabama fans are glad to see him go. Really? One loss in the toughest division in college football, a national championship and they are ready to kick him to the curb? One thing I'll be looking for: in game adjustments. The Bills absolutely sucked in the second half. Going with the Freshman QB in the 2nd half of a Championship game was ballsy. Too much to ask for?

Sometimes I'd watch a game I had no interest in just to listen to him call it.

I gotta tell you. I don't know what a catch is anymore. I sit here watching the game on my big HD screen, going over the replay in slow motion, and my option winds up being different from the NY office. It's just too inconsistent. More importantly, if the league office can't make a call in about a minute, the play should stand as called. A few weeks ago in the Buff-NE game the Benjamin catch was overturned after what seemed to be at least 5 minutes of review. That's too long. It leads me to believe that the league is LOOKING to overturn a call on the field. That's should not what it was designed for.

This is reasonable. How much for who's there. If McBean is convinced X is our guy, and he's still there. Then yeah. I'm OK with #4. But the QB position is always over-drafted. But you have to until you find your guy.

You're right. They wont trade out of #1. But I think Cleveland's #4 overall is in play. By trading with the Bills (our 2 #1 plus change if necessary), they really get to address other areas of need twice.

We also had a TE be our leading receiver with just over 500 yards. A QB that throws with anticipation lowers the sack total. I think that those are on the QB. And by the way, I like TT. But you and I disagree on how to build a team.

Every roster has holes. Injuries and free agency see to that. I don't think anyone is interested in "selling all your picks." But if the Bills were sold on a guy being a career top 10 QB, then yeah I'm OK with trading 2 #1s and possibly a #2 for that guy. QB is that only position I'd do that for. By the way, we're not devoid of talent. Nine wins was far more than most thought we'd get. Just our 2 #1s give us just around 1500 points in the Draft Trade Chart.That gets us into around the 7th pick. See who's there, and who wants to deal. and Use 'em. We've been wandering the desert since Kelly left. It's time for a real franchise QB to lead us for a good 10 -15 years.

I think it was pretty much common knowledge that this years draft was QB deep. Was it THE plan or was it one of many potential outcomes? I don't know. I do know the organizations was not sold on TT, and most experts had us at 4-6 wins. I think we were planning ahead and going for a qb this year.

This is where I am. I love TT as a person, but he's not the guy. I wish he was. In the coming draft, if the Bills believe X is the guy, get THE guy. We have the ammo to move up. Trading back in last years draft was specifically for the purpose of moving up this year. So was the Darby trade for a 2nd rounder. Now is the time to move up. As mentioned above, we can trade up for a QB and still have a decent amount of picks left to fill out the roster. I expect such a move to cost both #1s. If I have to toss in an additional #2 OR a #3, then I'm OK with that too. I am not in the "we're close, so sign a veteran free agent qb and fill our other needs in the draft" camp. In any case, the free agency period will be very telling this year.

He's a big dude alright. I don't regard a 4.53 time as fast. At his size, he'll be slow off the line, but he's long strider, so his straight ahead speed will build. Also, being that big, I doubt he's a shifty route runner. Still, I think he'll be a great addition. 'you know what i'm sayin'

How do people feel about bundling our 2 first round picks (and possibly a 2nd rounder) for a top tier QB? I think most people thought this was a given at the start of the season. Or do you prefer to take a second level QB with one of our first round picks and groom him behind TT hoping he pans out?

I'd move HB to the end of this list, making it a 3rd or 4th round pick, but yeah. LB needs to be on this list too.

I'm not exactly sure what more I could expect from the Pegulas. First of all the both the Sabres and Bills are here. Both teams were were in limbo for a while. No one is worried about the Bills moving in the near future. The Pagulas have spent lots of money helping to upgrade the city of Buffalo. The green space at the waterfront is beautiful. They seem to have a philosophy of giving each organization what it needs to succeed. From this mornings BN: "The Sabres are using the two-rink pad at HarborCenter to their advantage. They are skating for 45 minutes on the auxiliary rink before immediately moving to the main rink for another 45 minutes. "It's an advantage that we have over other teams," Housley said. "We get to utilize our resources here at the HarborCenter. I just like it. The execution's much better. The puck sits flatter. Guys look faster, and they are faster because of the fresh ice. We're going to utilize that a lot this year. " Finally, they are not afraid to admit their mistakes and move on. How many guys are getting paid NOT to work for the Pegulas? Murray, Bylsma, Whaley, Ryan.

As always, great stuff Astro! Welcome back.

The one thing that bothered me was that our receivers had 0 YAC. TE and RBs on short passes did OK. But reviewers ran either come back routes or down and outs close to the sideline. In either case, no chance for a big play from guys who are supposed to make big plays.

Noooooooooo! You've become the first link I open in the morning. Love your reports. Enjoy the family! <wondering what I'll do now in the AM>

I seem to recall he was challenged to a swim race by one of the younger Bills and smoked 'em.

I would agree with this.

Astro, you are on my must read list. I look forward to your posts after every practice. Thank you! F5....F5....F5...

Ice is a respected Packers fan. I'll bite. Right now i would predict being swept by the pack. Us sweeping the Bears A split with the Vikings and I'm not sure of the Lions. Let's say a split there too.

This has to be the earliest all of the picks have been signed. What no drama? No acrimonious holdouts? This is not the Bills I know.