hondo in seattle

Franchises win Super Bowls without football czar advisers. So please provide a compelling reason why the Bills should try to win a SB with a different formula? In military organizations, there's a concept called "unity of command." You want a clear chain of command. There can be no confusion about who's in charge. If you bring in a czar, it might muddy the waters. Who's in charge? The Pegulas? The Czar? Russ Brandon? DW? Rex? Right now, things are clean. Russ runs the business. DW handles personnel. And Rex coaches. If the Pegulas don't trust these guys to do their jobs, they shouldn't retain them. Incidentally, in 1980 Operation Eagle Claw to rescue the hostages in Iran failed partly because of 'unity of command' issues. Good folks died, no one was rescued, and America was humiliated partially because it wasn't clear who was in charge. Effing with unity of command is a recipe for disaster.

Steve O is a fan who appreciates the trenches! Fina is probably underrated. A good/great player largely forgotten now. Ruben Brown has a resume like a Hall of Famer - 9 Pro Bowl selections, 4 time All Pro. He was good, just not that good.

Gotta love the Buffalo homerism but 'best restaurants ever'??? I think you might change your opinion if you spend time exploring the restaurant scenes in San Fran, LA, Chicago or NYC. JB is from the NY Metro area; he has access to better ethnic restaurants there than he can find in Buffalo. I would recommend Buffalo landmarks instead like wings at the Anchor Bar or Duffs. For things to do, my recommendations would follow a similar line of thought with places that are uniquely Buffalo: Niagara Falls for natural beauty. The Pierce Arrow museum if you like historic cars. The Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House if you're into architecture. (The Ellicott Square Bldg is also good for architecture fans). The Wilcox House (where Teddy Roosevelt was sworn in as POTUS) if you like presidential history. The Albright-Know Art Gallery if you're into modern art. There's a pretty good gift shop at the Ralph for all your Bills gear. If you're into upscale restaurants, Buffalo's selection isn't great but prices are often cheaper than you'd find in bigger cities.

It's not necessarily a valid comparison for a few reasons. * Maybe the talent we had was better suited for a Schwartz 4-3 Wide 9 scheme than for a Rex scheme. * Rex's D had more injuries. * Maybe it takes Rex longer to install his more complicated defense but once it gets going, it outperforms Schwartz's defense. Rex failed last year. But history says Rex is the better defensive guru nonetheless.

I posted this on the Carucci/Rex thread but it fits here too... Clearly Rex effed up last year. But before we go too far down the Schwartz-is-a-genius-and-Rex-is-a-buffoon road with Vic, let's think about a few facts... One year doesn't define a coach. In 2006, when Schwartz was the DC of Tennesee, his defense was ranked #32. The same year, Rex's Baltimore D was ranked #1. I guess in that season, Rex was the genius and Schwartz the buffoon. So why did we hire Schwartz in 2014? Both Rex and Schwartz had the opportunity to run defenses as both HC and DC. Rex has the far better record. Schwartz's best year was his last year with the Bills. Rex's worst year was last year with the Bills. In 8 years with Tenn, 5 years with the Lions, and one year here, Schwartz's defenses earned an average rank of #18. About every other season, he finishes in the bottom half of the league. In 4 years as DC of Baltimore, 6 years with the Jests and 1 with us, Rex's defenses averaged #6. Almost every season, he's in the top 10. When both were HC/DC in the NFL at the same time, Rex led the better defense 8 of 10 seasons. It'll be interesting to see if Schwartz can recapture his Buffalo magic in Philly. His overall resume suggests maybe not.

The Rex versus Schwartz records I posted earlier were based on total yards allowed.

Kevin Kiley, the sports talk radio host who called the hiring of a female coach "absurd," is out of a job. He cited his "principles" as leading to his resignation. He told radio fans, "You shouldn't accept censorship ever." Apparently we should accept misogyny. We should accept sexism and idiocy. We should accept a man who denigrates a woman he doesn't even know. But we shouldn't accept the outcry of rightly offended people who drove him out of his job? http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/02/kevin_kiley_sports_talk_radio_host.html

Clearly Rex effed up last year. But before we go too far down the Schwartz-is-a-genius-and-Rex-is-a-buffoon road with Vic, let's think about a few facts... One year doesn't define a coach. In 2006, when Schwartz was the DC of Tennesee, his defense was ranked #32. The same year, Rex's Baltimore D was ranked #1. I guess in that season, Rex was the genius and Schwartz the buffoon. So why did we hire Schwartz in 2014? Both Rex and Schwartz had the opportunity to run defenses as both HC and DC. Rex has the far better record. Schwartz's best year was his last year with the Bills. Rex's worst year was last year with the Bills. In 8 years with Tenn, 5 years with the Lions, and one year here, Schwartz's defenses earned an average rank of #18. About every other season, he finishes in the bottom half of the league. In 4 years as DC of Baltimore, 6 years with the Jests and 1 with us, Rex's defenses averaged #6. Almost every season, he's in the top 10. When both were HC/DC in the NFL at the same time, Rex led the better defense 8 of 10 seasons.

In retrospect, we all understand that Rex should have swallowed his ego and let Roman run the offense and Schwartz run defense. But as soon as Rex was hired, many knew Schwartz would be gone, despite what someone from OBD may have been tweeting to the BN. It was hard to imagine two men with such differing defensive philosophies working together. Vic did write a good article but he's guilty of a little sensationalizing too. His main source for the different defensive philosophies is a disgruntled ex defensive assistant who was fired. And I thought this line was a little funny: "Finally, on Jan. 13, 2015, Ryan and Schwartz had their first conversation." Rex was only hired on Jan 12. Vic is implying Rex ignored Schwartz too long after he was hired. Not true.

It's crap journalism with unneeded ad hominem attacks... and yet he makes some good points.

A company I was once interviewing with made me take the Wonderlic which I thought was really odd. They seemed excited that I scored a 43, but then didn't offer me the job. Maybe I forgot to wear deodorant that day??? And maybe in the end they decided Wonderlic scores weren't actually a good predictor of success. You'd think somebody could invent a test that measures - at least crudely - football IQ.

Mel is nearly perfect in his current role. He can say a lot of intelligent things about an awful lot of players. He has a good memory with a basic understanding of what actual scouts are looking for. In other words, Mel is like Matt Millen and would perform about as well if ever given the chance to be a GM.

Butch was a star in his time. Underrated now because he's been largely forgotten, but not underrated in the 60s. I was just a kid back then,learning to play football on the neighborhood streets. My little friends and I would say we were Butch Byrd after picking off a pass. I do agree with Beebe a little. Wasn't a great route runner. Dropped too many balls. Wouldn't be remembered hardly at all if he hadn't played on great teams.

The guy was raised in Boston, went to college in Boston, makes his living in Boston, and has many friends & family in Boston. I agree with MGK, you can't blame the guy for having some love for Boston. But he was good (i.e. Pro Bowl) Bill and still loves the team. That makes him a good guy in my book.

GKG, a bit wordy but good analysis.

Good observation!

Yep. Fred once said: "Bud Carpenter helped a guy with one brain cell walk around for three years. Hank should be a protected species. How many people can talk, breathe and eat with one brain cell? He was a subhuman, but Bud kept him functional." http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/03/14/fred-smerlas-calls-defend-bills-trainer-bud-carpenter-guy-helps/

Given the victims were off duty, I don't see an argument for aggravated assault unless the DA is going to assert that Shady 'showed extreme indifference to the value of human life' which is not what the videos seem to show. Or maybe reddogblitz is right and they were undercover??? This seems more like simple assault which is a misdemeanor rather than a felony. By the way, isn't it comforting to know that if a bunch of football players beat the crap out of most of us, it's only a misdemeanor case of simple assault? But if they beat up a gym teacher, bus driver, or cop, it's felonious aggravated assault. Happy to know my health and well-being isn't worth much.

Not so sure about him hating the Bills, PTR. This is what Fred once said to Tim Graham on the phone... "I am a Buffalo Bill. I love the Buffalo Bills. People say, 'You're a Patriot.' I'm good friends with the Krafts, good friends with Tom Brady, good friends with Bill Belichick. But I bleed Buffalo Bills." http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/03/14/fred-smerlas-gives-fair-warning-brandon-spikes-questions-character-commitment/

For the old timers out there... "Former Bills defensive playmakers Fred Smerlas, Jim Haslett and Shane Nelson, otherwise known as the "Bermuda Triangle" are reuniting for the first time in over 30 years this weekend at the Buffalo Auto Show. The trio is coming back to Western New York to spread awareness for the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation's "Cure the Blue" initiative." For the youngsters... "During their time with the Bills, the “Bermuda Triangle” wreaked havoc on Buffalo's competition. Smerlas, Haslett and Nelson earned their lasting nickname due to their physical style of play, which quickly gobbled up running backs—diminishing the most capable rushing attacks. The group is recognized for helping propel Buffalo to the top of the defensive rankings in 1980, after finishing 14th just one season before." http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-trio-the-Bermuda-Triangle-reunites-for-the-first-time-in-30-years/80fe23b9-96da-4810-b33a-34b06e321dd0

Curious because the reports out of Philly are that "aggravated assault" charges are coming. Not sure about the credibility of the sources. Sal Maiorana says that aggravated assault means a suspension of at least 6 games: "If the DA’s office charges McCoy with aggravated assault, the personal conduct policy calls for a minimum six-game suspension without pay." I'm not sure this is accurate either. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2016/02/12/charges-against-bills-rb-lesean-mccoy-expected-next-week/80282988/

I agree with a lot of this but the question is: now what? Do we keep Mario because he has the potential to better than he was in 2015? I don't think so. Obviously there's something wrong between Rex and Mario. Whether it's relationship, scheme, or something else, it just wasn't working. Even good coaches don't always connect with each and every player. Shame on Rex for not figuring out how to bring the best out of Mario but now it's time to move on.

Why does one of the off-duty police officers need a defense attorney? "Additionally, one of the off-duty officers involved hired top local defense attorney Fred Perri, most notable for defending rapper Beanie Sigel." http://www.crossingbroad.com/2016/02/new-mccoy-updates.html

Suspect #1 is Tamarcus Porter. Suspect #2 is Curtis Brinkley Suspect #3 is our very own Shady McCoy. Suspect #4 is Christopher Henderson According to the Philadelphia Inquirer: "'If prosecutors agree, McCoy and three friends will be charged with aggravated assault and other crimes,' a police official said Tuesday night." In other words, the police want charges to be filed and they're just waiting for the DA's office to agree with them and move forward. Philly.com seems to have video of McCoy throwing a punch. http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160210_

This sounds bad for Shady... On Sunday, February 7, 2016, at approximately 2:45am, the Complainants were inside a Nightclub located at 1XX S. 2nd Street. An argument ensued as to the ownership of a bottle of Champaign, which led to pushing and shoving. At this point all below Suspects, engaged in a physical altercation with Complainant#1 who was then punched and knocked to the ground. While on the ground he was punched, kicked and stomped about his body and head multiple times by all four Suspects. Complainant#2 and security guards intervened and broke up the attack and all parties were ejected from the club. Complainant#1 transported himself to the Hospital where he was treated for a laceration to his right eye, broken nose, broken ribs, and a sprained thumb. Complainant#2, was admitted to the Hospital where he received eight stitches over his left eye and is currently receiving treatment for a possible skull fracture. The four suspects were subsequently identified through photographs by the complainants and by the security guards. Video surveillance was recovered from the outside of the club which shows both parties being ejected from the club; however, the incident itself wasn't captured on video. The investigation is active and ongoing; all updates will be sent upon availability. Complainant #1: 40yrs old B/M off Duty Philadelphia Police Officer Complainant #2: 40yrs old B/M, off duty Philadelphia Police Officer. Suspect #1: 27yrs old B/M Suspect #2: 30yrs old B/M Suspect #3: 27yrs old B/M Suspect #4: 26yrs old B/M The complainants in this incident were off duty Philadelphia Police Officers and the Suspect are reported to be members of the National Football League.