Top Sheff

@kelsiReich

He played some LT in college. The knock on him is that his arms are too short to play LT in the NFL.

Where does Smith fit in? Slot?

I live in Philly area and I get teased a lot about the Bills. Two of my Buddies just called me laughing that Fitz was our QB. They said that we should get Vince Young. I told them that Fitz is the guy for this team at this time. If our D can at least be average and our O-line improves, the Bills will be a decent team this year. The last thing we need is a headcase like VY to set us back further.

Great update JWolf! I was listening in my car and you captured everything. Fitz is the right guy for this time at this time!quote name='jwolf02' timestamp='1306263995' post='2168986'] I tried to type along as I listened so sorry if I missed anything... "Here is one of our favorites, one of our guys, Ryan Fitzpatrick..." You're busy right now being a leader, organizing the workout, it's gotta be tough getting the guys together to Buffalo, how have you done that? Well, yeah, Buffalo puts us at a disadvantage because down south- GA, FL, TX everyone is already close to their workout. Great turnout though, close to 40 guys here. Everyone wants to get out here with our teammates. Shows the dedication and our excitement. Ryan, do you think you could have done this last year, aka, you weren't a leader last offseason. Now you are, you're that guy. Yeah, I think I've come a long way, natural progression for me- from STL, getting comfortable with the QB position in the NFL, then to Cincinnati, and now in Buffalo being a team leader, it's something I'm very comfortable with. Most of all I love the guys I'm playing with, and that doesn't win a championship, but it definitely helps. What are you trying to accomplish in the workouts? Team periods, individual periods, 7 on 7, etc? No, no 7 on 7, no team stuff. For me and the WRs, taking advantage of getting timing down, how we run routes, things to improve on. Staying away from competitive 7 on 7, because of injury stuff, being away from team facility. So now it's individual work with WRs and RBs. Saw a quote from Chan that he wants Lee more involved, over the middle, etc. How does Lee take the next step? Well it was great to see him today, he was injured last year and he is 100% healthy, leading everyone, setting the tone. He is that guy for us with the young WRs. Statistically last year was disappointing for him, but, you know what you get from him, his best. And he's still one of the best deep threats in the game, and we'll do better with higher percentage throws to him this year. Chan seemed to be reluctant to use CJ last year in passing situations, what's your sense of CJ, is he coming along, and the lockout has to hurt the second year guys like CJ a lot? Yeah, right on, this lockout hurts CJ, looking to build off his first year, especially at a skill position. In the preseason he was so good, we all expected a TD everytime he touched the ball. Learning process for everyone on how to utilize his skill set. Has the ability to go all the way everytime he touches it. But you have to take three yards sometimes instead of losing yards. We'll do a better job to use him in the right way this year. Does he need to work on pass protection? Chan eluded to that. Well, no one outside of Buffalo knows him, but we have Fred Jackson, one of the most complete backs, everydown player, great third down guy, great hands, great blocking, reading protections, chipping. A year of CJ watching Fred will really help. CJ didn't have to protect in college so he's learning. You all picked up steam in the second half, 4-12 not what you wanted, but looking ahead, tough division, what do you need to do to be in contention in the AFC East? Tough division. Toughest in football we think. We want to beat the best, and they're in our division, and we have to win division games to get where you want to be. Main focus to win those games, starting with NE/NYJ. Did you sweat the draft? Did you think they would take a QB? For the record, we both didn't think they would. Well, I wish you guys would have called me to tell me that before the draft... there was some uncertainty. Chan was upfront about picking a 10-12 year starter if available from day one... but you're our guy in 2011. I was hoping they didnt take one and we got a great guy in Dareus... but yeah, I was watching with interest. You had issues offensively, but defense was rough... you have to feel good about the draft. Yeah, we want to win right away. Not a 3-4 year rebuild, and all the players see that. We're all excited and anxious for the season to start. Stevie Johnson came out of nowhere for a lot of people, did he for you? Nope, I talked about Stevie to anyone who would listen. So much talent. Not a guy who sticks out at the combine, but on the field, he was my favorite guy to go to on scout team, and I'm glad it converted to the games. Helps our team that he is a go to guy, and he provides an example to the young guys to work hard in practice. You played behind Carson, are you surprised by the situation? Tough topic for me, don't want to step on his toes, very personal for him. All I can say is, I know he's a guy that when he says something he says it for a reason. So is Mr. Brown. Both guys strong willed. Chan knows how to maximize QB's, how has he helped you? I had heard that, people were excited when he came to Buffalo... when I started playing I realized how QB friendly he is. Main thing, there is a trust with a QB and the guy calling the plays. He has a great feel for what works with QBs. Great playcaller. Great timing on play calls. We have a great relationship, he understands the QB position and he understands me. You made the Bills competitive last year. What are you working on to get better this offseason? I think two things: decision making- being 100% with the decisions I make. Not that I won't throw another INT, but being better, closer to 100% than 75/80%. Also accuracy, taking shorter throws when I have to, get the chains moving. Sometimes I get carried away and want to go downfield all the time. How do you get past your reputation? Journeyman, backup, etc. People still see you as a journeyman. How do you become Fitz, entrenched starter? On the field. Wins. You win, you become a guy who people around the league respect. What are your plans for the next few weeks to keep ready for the season? We got together this week, just for a week, but good to get together to see everyone. All working out for eachother, for ourselves, to get better. To go forward, we'll have the renewed spirit, I think this was to see where we're at, make sure we're all in shape. I'll have guys out to Arizona again, skill guys, work on timing, it's real important. Should the Bills be on Hard KNocks? Everyone is passing it up, but we're not sexy enough, they wouldn't want us. Would you want to be? You'd have to grow the beard again! No, we're a bunch of blue collar hard working guys, so it would be too boring. Great update JWolf! I was listening in my car and you captured everything. Fitz is the right guy for this time at this time!

One of the most common compliants that I have heard is that the visitors locker room is too small.