White Linen

There's no doubt we weren't a 3-4 team totally last year, but it was the beginning of the transformation. I think the trend will continue this year. The reason I think that is our GM keeps saying it.

I doubt the pronouncement by Nix that the team is committed to the 3-4 defense is a diversion tactic. That's why I believe the "stopping the run and drafting a defensive lineman" opinion could be where we as fans are the ones not admitting. I think the FO most certainly likes several of the D-Line players coming out of the draft, but I don't think they are sharing the same thoughts most fans have, when we say "they will be abandoning our biggest need if they don't draft one" and go with say a Peterson. Say the Bills do draft a guy like Dareus and they are committed to the 3-4. So the lineup would be Carrington, Williams, and Dareus right? Or at least eventually that would be the starting lineup plan. Then when does Troup play? If you believe (and I do), that we will see the 4-3 being used, doesn't that mean that's where Kelsay enters the lineup? Which would mean either Troup or Dareus doesn't play in the 4-3 and Troup wouldn't play in the 3-4. Certainly the rookie and Troup aren't going to be designated as situational players long term. That's why I think the FO may not be going D-Line much to the fans dismay.

I wouldn't compare him to McKelvin in any way. He's taller, 35lbs heavier, and quicker. I don't think he's a shut down corner either, but he's going to be very good in press coverage, and can play safety. He can also shift down and play LB in certain situations. The problem is at 184lbs McKelvin should be quick enough to be a shut down corner, but don't take that out on Peterson. I would compare Peterson to Cromartie, but a willing tackler, if he plays corner. Or I could see him in an Ed Reed type of role, if he plays safety.

I really respect your opinion, but I've got to say picks like Peterson don't damage franchises. I'm not even saying I want him, but the guy is a freak talent. I also get the stopping the run thing, obviously, but there are rounds 2-7. What damages franchises is when guys like Troup, Carrington, Moats, Batten, McCargo, Maybin, etc don't develop. These are the guys we should be counting on to stop the run, among many other things.

How would you know?

I wasn't threatening you in the PM, I would actually like to meet you. And I thought you might change your mind about me being a bigot, once you saw I was black. You're the person I was hoping to meet. You even thinking I was threatening you in the PM only solidifies you're the perfect person for me to meet. I'm a 36 year old black man, whose back in college for the first time in 15 years. I'm doing a case study on why racism in this country is so slow to change. I don't believe it's because of the actual white and black racist. I don't think people even listen to them anymore. I think it's the people in the middle. I think there's a large group of white and black people that actually want to talk about sensitive issues, but fear it. I think it's people like you that promote the fear by using words like bigot. You quoted me a couple of times, but never quoted when I said "I honestly am not posting this to incite hateful debate, but honest debate." I find that extremely interesting. I think you were honestly trying to defend black people, and you feel good about coming to our or their rescue, but are counter productive in your efforts. I don't think you're a bad person for doing it, I think it probably came from a good place. But I think you need to understand that there are people that have thoughts based on how they grew up, and have stereotypes in their mind, but aren't promoting racism. I think I picked a perfect topic for this discussion. And I hope no one thinks I wasted their time. I think this was such a worthwhile discussion. Zulu, would you be interested in furthering this study with me either in person or via some email questions? Oh and sorry for the coward comment, I did that for a reason that I can explain if we talk.

What if I am black?

I'm hardly a bigot and I can prove it. It's people like you that are the reason we don't progress in the area of race. The accusations you've made of me are the reason this topic can't EVER be talked about, because people like you stop the conversations with your hate for anyone who wants to have dialogue. You don't know me Sir or Madame, and you've more than once called me out. Well know it's your turn. Instead of shutting down conversation with your dialect and hateful rhetoric why don't you offer your opinion on the matter you coward.

What "huge need" does Dareus fill?

I think he's going to be the best pro out of this years crop.

It's not that easy to "address QB next year". Sometimes you have to take the opportunity of having your pick of any QB in the nation and do it. That scenario doesn't come often. Trust me the Panthers are thinking the same thing. Go hard after Luck next year? How would you go hard after him if someone that needs a QB is drafting before you? Unless your willing to really dig a hole for yourself. Lastly how do you suggest we build our OL and DL with the 3rd pick in the first round? Yeah you can't, it's just one pick. If we draft a QB for the one millionth time, that doesn't mean we are turning our back on other needs, and there's rounds 2-7 and free agency.

Bingo!

I think the Bills could pick Peterson or Green. Not saying that would be a surprise in regards to those players being worthy of going that high, but rather a surprise that the Bills would actually do it, considering their desperate needs in other areas. But I think it is entirely possible.

I'm not sore at all. I just think he's lazy. I also admitted the mistake. What else would you have me do? The point was made and he was too lazy to see that his redundancy was as lazy as my mistake.

Your not going to wade through 4 pages and your questioning my effort?

Yeah dude your like the 10th person to note that error, so you're not exactly original. I must have made an error in reading the wiki answer. Could you ever forgive me? But I think you get the point, don't you. There's an overwhelming minority and majority. If you're that worried about it, go count up the players. Jeesh. Coo Coo.

Tiger Blood !!!

I'm hardly skirting. But what I will say is, I think black people in general are more athletic than any other people. It's just a gift. You're right I didn't say white athletes are more intelligent, but not because I'm skirting, but because I don't think it's true. I think that white athletes get smarter in areas like QB play as an opportunity to gain an edge, because they often times can't physically compete with the black athletes. I don't give a crap how smart you are, if you aren't as gifted at a position like wide receiver or tailback you have no chance. But at QB there are so many opportunities to work on non physical things, that white athletes gravitate towards that opportunity to be competitive. I don't think black athletes can't do it, I just think they are less interested in that, and gravitate towards the physical. Which is a natural thing. "I'm good at this, I'll keep getting better at this." I think black athletes are enjoying the studying side more and more and that's why your seeing more black QB's. And if the light comes on in the film room with a guy like Newton, it's going to be crazy.

That's a cop out. I'm not saying it should be, but it is. I think there is a concern about black QB's love of the film room and I think that's why white athletes tend to excel at the QB position in the NFL. Again I don't mean that in a condescending way. There's a huge disparity in the amount of black vs white athletes in the NFL, except at the QB - punting - and kicking positions. My theory is that black athletes don't like to punt and kick from an enjoying stand point, and a possible reason for the QB situation is the amount of film room required. Could it be that the black athlete just doesn't enjoy that as much and the white athlete takes advantage of that and uses it to get into the NFL?

Probably, but what's your opinion on the posed questions?

that white players are better Quarterbacks in the NFL? According to Wiki Answers there are 3,867 white athletes vs 11,978 black athletes in the NFL. It's obvious that it's a difficult thing for a white player to compete with black players in the NFL. And it's not just at skill positions. It appears that they only excel at QB play, Kicking, and Punting. No one knows why that is and you could debate that topic all day long. Could it be that white athletes gravitate towards the QB position based on they might enjoy the studying part of the position more than the black athlete? And the white athlete recognizes that as an edge or a way to compete with their more athletic black counterparts. Is that a racist thing to say? I don't think so. Why can't we just talk about the "elephant in the room"? If anyone saw Cam Newton in his under armour at the combine, and you don't think he's the most physically gifted QB in the draft you're crazy. But the questions about him are centered around does he have the mind of an NFL QB. Can he lead a group of Men. Is he as fierce in the film room as he is in the weight room. Does he ENJOY that part of the position? I honestly am not posting this to incite hateful debate, but honest debate.

See how the smoke screen is working?

Man I hate to pile on the poster, but cmon did you really think you were the only one in the history of the NFL draft to think of doing this?

Here's my take in response to the poster. Cam Newton most certainly has handlers that are coaching him for his media time. In my opinion there's one of two things happening. And let me start by saying Cam Newton is self indulged. 1) The advice that he's getting is bad. He and his family may have surrounded themselves with people that think like them. And that the entire camp doesn't get it. Then when it comes time to present, he comes off as arrogant, they get support from certain people and it further entrenches their beliefs. 2) He's getting advice to not come off as arrogant and when it comes time to present, he reverts to his own thoughts and he butchers the media time. Because he's a self promoter and humbleness doesn't come very easy to him. Did you ever meet someone that even when they are trying to be nice, they are an a hole? This is how I view Newton. Even when he tries to smile and act contrite, he sounds like an arrogant person. The guy is not a natural leader and the more he tries the more his self indulgence gets exposed. The question is, is he so good that the leadership isn't needed and play on the field is enough for people to follow him. I am of the thinking that that is not enough in the NFL. I just don't see men like Levitre and Wood following and believing in a guy like Newton. But I believe he would get close to guys like a Desean Jackson type, that want to be "boys" with their QB. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but that I believe that's what a player like Newton is at his core. He's an incredible athlete and a physical specimen. He relies on that coupled with his arrogance as his form of leadership.

Why would you suggest we defer? Run away from a tough decision, I don't think that is the answer. And rarely does one first round draft pick effect a team for 10 years, unless it's a good one, and it benefits a team for 10 years. Which is also just as rare unless its a QB, because often times a player chooses another destination once his talent is realized.