hondo in seattle
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Posts posted by hondo in seattle
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Mr. Ralph certainly does not do his own scouting. However, he does do his own decision-making and there is simply no way one can reasonably give him a pass as having THE primary responsibility for the pathetic record of the team this past decade plus.
The buck stops with the owner.
Even beyond this Mr. Ralph was clearly intrinsically involved in some of the most demonstrably poor decisions made during the past decade plus. These include:
1. ONLY Mr. Ralph could make a handshake deal with Jimbo to reward him in his next FA contract when Jimbo demanded he be extended in the year before his contract expired. I am an outsider with no where near the level of knowledge the team and its owner had, but even I could see Jimbo was done a season before he retired. Mr. Ralph did do his own scouting when he promised to pay Jimbo in his next contract and Mr. Ralph proved to be WRONG WRONG WRONG in this football assessment because there was no next contract,
2. Mr. Ralph does reasonably escape direct blame for a plethora of QB miscues (maybe Butler first identified and was high on Billy Joe Hobert), however, in the end it is Mr. Ralph who makes the hiring and firing decisions and if anyone has major complaints about Modrak, Guy, Marv or whomever, its a major complaint about Mr. Ralph. In addition, like it or not its tough to blame Jauron for a majority of the decade+ playoff less streak, it is unreasonable to blame Marv for the vast majority of this failure etc. This was all on Mr. Ralph's watch. In addition to the buck stopping with him even if he did not make the decision because he hired the decision-maker, there is also the fact that if he was handsoff on stupid decisions like giving RJ a guarantee in the form of the bonus he should have been and it was malfeasance if he was completely hands off on a lot of these financial decisions.
3. Mr. Ralph clearly had a toxic relationship with his GM Bill Polian whom by all reports he personally fired (for what are alleged to be non-football reasons) and he and only he gets direct blame/credit for employee management of any if his GMs.
4. John Butler screwed us with how he left and played Mr. Ralph to string him along (who knows if he chose Eric Flowers to tank the draft so this is not my accusation, but clearly Mr. Ralph gets at least his half of the blame for this toxic relationship.
5. The war with Wade Phillips where Wade kicked his butt completely as Mr. Ralph attempted to welch on his contractual obligation is all on Mr. Ralph personally.
6. He had the right to fire TD if he screwed the pooch but the fact he fired him after he hired him in an under duress effort to deal with the fall out of his toxic relationship with Butler again points to Mr. Ralph. Add to that having a toxic relationship with one GM (Polian) is an incident. However, then having another toxic relationship with a GM )Butler) may simply be a coincident. However, he then followed this up by having a toxic relationship with his next GM (he fired TD).
Third time is a trend and the fact the Bills had to operate the next season with no GM really says it all.
I agree that Mr. Ralph deserves tons of credits for keeping the Bills here. No one should ignore nor can they take away the winning glory of the team Mr. Ralph hired Polian to build. He deserves props for this, it was real.
However the last decade plus was real too.
The man who deserve the blame for ALL of this?
Mr. Ralph.
Clearly the owner owns the results of any franchise. And Ralph does seem to have a pattern, for whatever reason, of driving good personnel people out while letting poor personnel people linger. This helps explain why the Bills have won less than half their games since their inception. So I really don't disagree much with anything you say. I just think Modrak deserves a lion's share of blame for our woeful drafts during his tenure. RW is not the reason Modrak failed. RW failed by keeping Modrak around so long. I'm hoping Nix proves as adept as Polian but sticks around longer.
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I know we all like to blame RW but Modrak's draft record has been abysmal. I was surprised Nix retained him but it would have been tumultuous to fire Modrak at first and Nix probably wanted time to evaluate his work and the work of the whole scouting department, not knowing how much might be blamed on Wilson and Jauron. Now with a year-plus of evaluation, it's time to say goodbye. It would have been too disruptive to terminate Modrak before the draft though I suspect the decision was made weeks, if not months, ago.
I doubt if RW does his own scouting. If he did indeed make bad draft day decision (and I've never been convinced he was all that involved), it was because Modrak system of evaluating talent and presenting those evaluations to RW (and Jauron) was flawed. This isn't a popular sentiment but I don't think Jauron's win-loss record was that bad considering what Modrak and Brandon gave him to work with.
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Only about 50% of 1st round QBs become solid starters in the NFL. I would guess that this year the odds are longer. None of these guys seems like a sure-fire hit. Do we really want to spend #3 on a 3 to 1 long shot? And then spend 3-4 years fooling around with the guy because we want to give him every chance in the world because he's a #3?
I realize most franchise QBs are picked early but this is not the year to go QB at #3.
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Kaepernick is a major project with upside. Reaching for him in the 1st round would terrible. He's 2 years away minimum from being able to produce in the NFL imo.
Why do you say he's two years away? Poor footwork? Bad mechanics? Can't read defenses? Immature?
Unless you defend your opinion, it's meaningless.
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accuracy and brains. shocking
Obviously any coach - or fan - wants accuracy and good decision making. I think the news here is that Chan did not say anything about mobility.
Some coaches are thinking the Vick model is the wave of the future. Chan's apparently not on that bandwagon - if we can believe what he's currently saying and this isn't just part of the Bills deception plan.
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Just a little fun
On April One
Should have disguised it better
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I think there have been some interesting hints from Nix-Gailey regards draft philosophy.
First of all, they talk about “risk-reward.” Obviously someone like Cam Newton offers a big reward but at a big risk. Unfortunately, there are no “can’t-miss” QBs in this draft. As Nix says, this might be his only chance to draft as high as Number 3. I don’t think he’s going to gamble on a QB when there are some “can’t miss” defensive linemen available.
Nix-Gailey also talk about evaluating how much the draft pick would be an upgrade over the current starter. We know that Gailey thinks Fitz is a serviceable QB. Our defensive line is abysmal. Again, it seems that they would lean toward a defensive pick at #3 because we'd achieve greater upgrade there.
I think the Bills will take a QB in this draft, but in the later rounds. And I have a preference.
A little-heralded kid named Brady Thomas who didn’t put up amazing numbers but has a lot of upside I think. As a late rounder, he’s low risk. Here’s the scouting report:
Positives: Good height to see the field. Very poised and composed. Smart and alert. Can read coverages. Good accuracy and touch. Produces in big spots and in big games. Has some Brian Griese in him and is a gamer. Generally plays within himself. Team leader.
Negatives: Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended the season weighing 195 pounds and still looks like a rail at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Can get pushed down more easily than you'd like. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can't drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral. System-type player who can get exposed if he must ad-lib and do things on his own.
Summary: Is not what you're looking for in terms of physical stature, strength, arm strength and mobility, but he has the intangibles and production and showed great Griese-like improvement as a senior. Could make it in the right system but will not be for everyone.
The negatives sound a little worrisome but nothing a year in the weight room as a back-up wouldn’t cure. I’ve seen the guy play and would love him in a Bills uniform.
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Three out of four simulations have us taking K.J. Wright in the 3rd.
Two out of four have us nabbing Mallet in the 2nd.
My grandmother's maiden name was McElroy. Wonder if I'm related to the "smart, midround QB" in simulation #2. ????
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Von Miller put his name on the anti-trust litigation officially making him persona non grata. why would anyone draft this malcontent. all of the talent in the world will not make up for this slap in the owners face.
So you wouldn't want Brady or Manning as our QB? They signed the filing. Just asking.
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5.4 is inebriated 3-legged hippo slow. Not only do I wonder about his ability to escape the rush, but how hard he prepared for the combine. If he just jogged three times per week, he'd be faster than 5.4. What kind of work ethic does he have???
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Buddy Nix in a recent interview listed DE, CB, ILB,QB, and OT as najor needs. OLB is not listed as he said he is happy with Merriman, Moats and maybe Maybin. So here's what the bills draft might look like, he said he doe'nt like to trade down either.
1. Patrick Peterson, LSU S/CB. Best Player in the draft, listed as need by Nix. This pick is assuming that Newton was selected by Carolina.
2. Akeem Ayers, UCLA ILB. One of the best ILB in the draft.
3. Andy Dalton TCU, QB. career stats Project QB to back up Fitz. Risng up the charts and Galley knows him.
4a. Lance Kendricks TE Wisconsin. Bills get lucky and this guys slips to 4th round.
4b. Marcus Gilbert Florida OT, can challege foe starter and adds depth.
5. Lawrence Guy Arizona St DE. Depth at position. has good size 6'5" 300.
6. Josh Bynes Auburn ILB. More LB Depth.
7. Graig Cooper Miami RB. Best Player on Board. Depth behind Spiller and Jackson.
It's not my favorite draft, but the Bills never draft what I want or expect.
I'm sure I couldn't come up with a projected draft as probable as this one. Yet, I can't help but comment that I think it's unlikely that the Bills will wait until the 5th Round to draft a defensive lineman. This is a good year for DEs and there will be good options available in Rds 2-4. Considering the Bills poor run defense and lack of pass rush, I got to imagine they'll take a DE earlier than Rd 5.
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Hard to consider Cousineau a draft bust when we traded him and ended up with Kelly.
And Terry Miller wasn't a traditional draft bust. We didn't do a poor job evaluating this guy's pro potential. He was a beast in college and looked like he'd become a star in the NFL when he rushed for 1000+ yards at 4.5 ypc his rookie year with the Bills. But as I recall, he then developed some wierd disease and lost his peripheral vision. Still a great athlete, he couldn't see his way around the field and his career was pretty much done.
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So Dareus and Quinn aren't elite
? We have been drafting skill players all decade its time to address the line.I'm not sad to see Brohm go. But I do think it's curious we once cut Brown and kept Brohm. Now we cut Brohm and keep Brown. What changed?
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is this about Paea or Austin?
If Paea is there in the second he would be a steal, has first round talent and dominated opponents but has been dinged up so maybe he falls to us.
How'd the boxing go?
I guess better than football. He's 12-0, winning most by KO/TKO - though he's never fought anyone any good. All but one of his opponents have losing records.
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Remember Leif Larsen?
He was a bench press beast, but unfortunately he couldn't play football.
As I recall, Larsen did 45 reps at the combine and maybe 50/51 once in college... Then became a boxer after failing with the Bills.
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Lol... this is "logical"? What if my Defense overpowers your Offense? Now where is your arguement?
Um... I was joking about the logic...
It's just silly to argue that Defense wins games and not see the game holistically. A good Offense makes a Defense look bad and vice-versa. If you have a bad Offense, every opposing Defense will be good (comparatively) and you'll lose a lot of games.
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I've never bought the old saw that Defense wins games.
Let's make it into a logical argument:
Defense wins games.
My Offense will overpower your Defense so your defense won't win the game.
Therefore Offense wins games.
It's best to see a game as three battles: Our O against their D. Our D against their O. Our ST versus their ST. Ideally we need to win all three contests. If we win but two, we probably win the game.
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According to STATS Inc's "New York Life Protection Index," the Bills are the 20th best at protecting the QB.
This is a new stat so we can't compare our showing to last year but clearly an improvement.
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If we had a good O Line, Trent would be my choice at QB. He's accurate and plays well when he has time and can get into a rhythm.
But we all know our line sucks. Given this, Fitz may indeed be the better option.
But he's no savior. Dree Brees would have trouble producing many points behind this line.
The only thing that can save this season is the O Line starting to mature and gel.
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Please delete if a repost
Go Bills!
I realize that Donte isn't as good as we would hope from his draft position. But he plays hard and is loyal to the Bills organization. This guy isn't just a Bills player, he's a Bills fan. And I'm glad he's confident and willing to show it. If Donte came in as an undrafted FA, I think he'd more popular here.
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I can't take how lame and negative some of these hack articles are that come from the Buffalo News. I was literally laughing out loud by myself at this latest article by Mike Harrington that talks about how Miami is just another team and there is no rivalry anymore, and that "The Bills are completely irrelevant so they can't even have a rival"
At first he starts with this line, taken from the Jerry Sullivan School of Gloom: "It's Miami Week. Squish the Fish, right? Are you pumped? Didn't think so."
Oh you didn't think so? Why because YOU'RE not pumped for the home opener against Miami you lame-o? Wanna ask my kids or my friends that have been talking about this Sunday for months? I personally cannot wait for this game to start and its killing me that it's only Wednesday right now.
You're not pumped to watch our new guys play their first real home game in Buffalo. Not pumped to see Spiller and the new plays Gailey has in store for Miami that nobody has even seen yet? You shouldn't have a job in sports if you aren't Christmas-morning excited for this game.
So speak for yourself Harrington, maybe next time just say that you're not pumped, but don't speak for me or the sold out stadium thank you.
I swear I would take the top ten posters on this board over every one of these hack writers (except Wilson).
Here's the kicker: he goes on to write: "Fans can't hate the Dolphins anymore. Who's the quarterback? Who's the coach? You barely know."
Really? I barely know? Wait you mean YOU barely know. I follow the AFC East because I'm a Bills fan, you obviously don't. I watched them go from 1-15 in 2007 to division champs at 11-5 the following year. Didn't you? Sorry dude but not only are you stretching a weak point, why don't you bring up game-relevant stuff like this:
Dolphins left tackle Jake Long has hurt knee and linebacker Channing Crowder are both serious Miami contributors that are hurt right now.
Cornerback Vontae Davis also has a hurt ankle, Will Allen got placed on IR for the SEASON. So that means CB jason Allen is going to start against Buffalo. I wonder how that might affect the gameplan for us? What about Ronnie Brown is he 100% from that surgery? That would be nice to know.
Stop writing weak off season 6th grade articles five days before the home opener please and use your locker room badge to dig a little deeper.
I've said this before here, but Warren Buffet has said that he would close down the Buffalo News because it's not profitable, but that he's keeping it alive simply because he thinks it's a valuable community asset. I disagree.
The STADIUM WALL is an asset baby! Warren send us some cash for a TaILgaTe PaRtY !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Webster, I'm with you brother 100%! Couldn't be more pumped. New offensive scheme. New defensive scheme. New coaches (love Chan so far). A new TE??? I'm super excited. Go Bills! Squish the fish!
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I think 9 or 10 wins are possible if the stars all align, but I'm predicting 7.
I do think the Bills will be much better than last year. But the schedule works against a much better record.
I'm also especially worried about the O Line. The starting 5 aren't impressive, I expect Gailey to scheme and play-call in a way to hide some of their deficiencies. O Line injuries, however, could put us in world of hurt.
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oh, since i'm off the hook then, 0-16.
jw
John, I will grant you "expert" status IF you change this to, say, 11-5.
(I want to someone, anyone, from the media to show the Bills some love).
Whaley promoted
in The Stadium Wall Archives
Posted
A year ago, the Bills took some flak for hiring an old guy like Nix to be the General Manager instead of an up-and-coming personnel superstar. For example, one NFL insider said this immediately after Nix's hiring was announced.
“The Buffalo hire is a joke and a slap in the face to all hard working people in the NFL... Bills fans can rest assured that, a year from now, two years from now, and three and four years from now, the team will still be in last place in the AFC East. The Jets, Patriots, and Dolphins continue to make moves to get better while the Bills just tread water. There are good people who were very interested in that job, like Dave Gettelman, Scott Studwell and Doug Whaley that never got a chance. All those guys could have helped that team."
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/01/bills-decision-to-hire-nix-draws-criticism/?related=1
I can't find it but I think SI's Peter King once voiced a similar opinion that the Bills should have considered Whaley for the GM position.
Yet the Bills ended up with the best of both worlds, the experience and subtle wisdom of an old-timer (Nix) and the vigor and keen intellect of youth (Whaley). I'm looking for Nix to continue grooming Whaley for a couple years before completely handing over the reins to him. Already Whaley's new job description makes it sound like he's already the GM.