mjt328

A lot depends on whether we lose out. We might not have to trade up. If we finish the season 5-11, I expect us to draft around #5-7. If we finish 6-10 or 7-9, we are probably looking at #15-20. After the Colts take Luck, we could have a legitimate shot at Matt Barkely, RGIII or even Landry Jones. The Vikings and Rams will draft before us, but will not be taking a quarterback. Neither will Philadelphia, Tampa Bay or Carolina. And I still have my doubts about Jacksonville going for a first round quarterback two years in a row. That means we are competing with Miami (4-9), Cleveland (4-9), Washington (4-9) and Kansas City (5-8) over the three remaining QBs.

This is what makes me mad when fans comment about Steve Johnson (or Lee Evans for that matter). What makes a receiver a #1 or a #2? Some receivers are fast. Some are big and tall. Some are good route runners. Some are small and shifty. Why do we try to determine a receiver's worth based on some arbitrary number that doesn't mean anything? Why can't we just recognize that a player has talent - and if we let that talent leave without replacing him with someone better - we are getting WORSE as a team. A lot of Bills fans determined that Lee Evans wasn't a #1 receiver, because he was one dimensional as a deep threat. Never mind that he was one of the best deep threats in the game. Evans was the same kind of receiver as someone like Mike Wallace, Desean Jackson or Greg Jennings. He wasn't the kind of guy that put up 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns every season. But he still had value by stretching defenses and opening up passing lanes underneath. And... as it turns out, our offense has really missed having a deep threat on the field. Now, for Steve Johnson. We all know that he's not in the talent level of someone like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald. But he is one of the best route runners in the game, and has been the only receiver in the NFL this year to get the best of Darrelle Revis (who we happen to play twice a year). Johnson is only in his second year as a starter and there is every reason to believe that he will get better (especially if the Bills can add a more accurate QB). If we let him go, that leaves us four options: 1) Replace him with someone currently on the roster like David Nelson or Naaman Roosevelt. This would make our offense significantly worse. 2) Replace him with a top free agent receiver like Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston. These guys will probably cost more than Johnson, so why not just keep Stevie? 3) Replace him with a lower free agent receiver like Robert Meachem or Pierre Garcon. This also would make our offense significantly worse. 4) Replace him with a draft pick. A rookie (even someone like Justin Blackmon) would probably take 2-3 years to develop, assuming he doesn't completely bust. That is just in time for them to hit free agency too and keep the endless cycle turning.

I don't see him as much of an upgrade. Our number one priority should be upgrading the quarterback position. That will make all the receivers better. Second, we need to re-sign Steve Johnson. Third, we should go after an elite option on the other side. Possibly someone like Dwayne Bowe in free agency (assuming KC lets him go).

I figured that Steve Johnson was gone after the Jets fiasco. After that game, Buffalo's front office guys had all their excuses lined up on why he wasn't worth a big contract. He drops passes. He doesn't have his head in the game. Etc, etc.... I'm fully expecting the Bills to publicly announce after the season that they "tried" to give Johnson a fair offer, then let him test free agency - where he will promptly sign with someone else. Smart fans will realize that we just let one of the league's top 15-20 receivers walk. There will also be morons who will support the Bills every move, saying idiotic crap like "he's not a #1 receiver" and "he doesn't have high character." Our starting receivers next year will then be David Nelson and Donald Jones.

Dareus is the only one who looks like he could be special. The rest of these guys look average/mediocre. Which unfortunately, does make it our best draft class in about 10 years.

Exactly. I've always been a big person on "SUPPORTING" the team no matter what. Lately, I've come to realize that I'm supporting nothing more than the name BUFFALO BILLS. > Am I supporting the ownership? They could care less about the fans and people of Buffalo. Their concern is the bottom line, not fielding a winner. Ralph Wilson has been laughing all the way to the bank for 50 years and we continue to show up a the stadium for his pathetic product. > Am I supporting the NFL? They don't care about the fans and hate that a team is still in Buffalo. Most of these billionaire owners would approve a move in 2 seconds flat if it meant adding more money to their pockets. > Am I supporting the players? Again, these players are all about the money too. They don't care about the Buffalo community. When free agency hits, most of these guys promise to be on the first bus out of town (unless of course we pay them a massive contract). Every year I buy NFL Sunday Ticket to watch the Bills games. I buy merchandise and occasionally fly to Buffalo to see a home game. So basically, all this SUPPORT is going to people that are taking advantage of me for my money.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've finally come to that point. If we can't put together a front office committed to winning, I would rather the team just move and get it over with. I've been watching this team for over 30 years. I'm tired of holding out the slim hope that someday we win a Super Bowl, knowing in the back of my mind that it will never happen. I'm tired of watching other "small market" teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers dominate year in and year out, while our front office makes excuses for not aggressively assembling a winner. I'm tired of worrying whether the team will move, knowing that most of the NFL hates Buffalo (including Wilson), coaches don't want to come here, free agents don't want to sign here and our own players don't want to stay. I'm tired of the reaction I get every time someone finds out I'm a Bills fan (I've lived in Philadelphia and St. Louis most of my life). I'm tired of getting absolutely NO enjoyment out of my Sunday afternoon. Even early in the season, I couldn't completely enjoy it...because I knew the collapse was coming. I'm tired of the bad draft picks, the ridiculous ways this team finds to lose games, the terrible coaching decisions, etc.

What star wide receivers will be free agents?

It's hard to say, since we don't know which coaches will be fired when the season is over. Jeff Fisher is still on the unemployment line. He is a great defensive coach, but would probably be looking for a head coaching job first - and I would expect someone to give it to him. Jack Del Rio was recently fired by Jacksonville. He was a crappy head coach, but a lot of guys are better when they only have to focus on one side of the ball. He was pretty successful as a coordinator for the Panthers, and the Jags have always had a pretty good defense. Assuming Steve Spagnulo is fired as head coach of the St. Louis Rams (not a stretch), he could be the hottest name on the list of potential defensive coordinators. He spent several years as an assistant to Jim Johnson in Philadelphia, before taking over as the DC for the New York Giants. During those times, his teams had some of the NFL's strongest defenses.

I don't think people have unrealistic expectations. The problem is that after almost 2 years, they are seeing NO progress in the team. People keep saying things like "he's building the team the right way" by focusing on the draft and basically ignoring free agency. The "right way" is bringing in talent that can help us win. Who has Nix added to make us a better team? The best players on our team were already here when he arrived (Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, Wood, Levitre, Kyle Williams, George Wilson, Jairus Byrd). The players he drafted are making absolutely no impact. Most can't get on the field for an injury-prone team that finished 4-12 last year and is 5-7 this year.

Great question. I've often looked back over the last 15 years and thought the same thing. Donahoe was VERY AGRESSIVE. I think he made a lot of great decisions, but when his big moves didn't work out - it really set back the franchise. >> The Drew Bledsoe trade should have been a great move. TD cannot be blamed for it not working out. Unfortunately, when Bledsoe started to regress, it took down the whole team. It also gave our rivals in New England a jump on us in the division. >> The offensive line was a huge problem during his tenure here. Part of that was Bledsoe holding the ball. Another part was that TD picks like OT Mike Williams didn't work out. Again, how could he know that a 350 lb+ Top 5 lineman would bust? >> TD built a great defense through free agency (Spikes, Fletcher, Adams, Vincent, Milloy) and through the draft (Clements, Schobel, Crowell). For some reason though, this defense could NEVER get off the field on third down. >> He had two chances and never got it right on hiring the right head coach. Again, Greg Williams was one of the top prospects when TD nabbed him. He just didn't work out. Donahoe's decisions got worse the longer he was here too, which built up the ammunition to finally get rid of him. - Drafting Willis McGahee when there were bigger needs everywhere - Hiring a no-name like Mike Mularky - Letting Winfield and Pat Williams walk in free agency - Drafting JP Losman

I usually record the game, then re-watch it and pay special attention to the things I missed during live action (line play for one). With that said, I think Marcel Dareus has played fairly well throughout the season. Early in the season, when we had Kyle Williams playing next to him, there was a very strong push coming from up the middle and most of it was coming from Dareus. Since KW went out, Dareus is getting the majority of double teams and it's clear that he's overwhelmed. Not surprising for a rookie. The problem is, the rest of the Bills defense is too weak to take advantage of strong play by the tackles. There were many times that I saw Dareus blow his blocker into the backfield, only to watch the running back take an outside angle and find Shawn Merriman or Alex Carrington shoved too far inside to make a play. We need better linebackers.

To be honest, he really doesn't impress me either. I'm no NFL scout, but I like to think that I can spot talent when I see it. Last year, I really liked Dareus, Fairly and Von Miller, and thought all would be good picks for us. I don't think Upshaw looks to be in the same ballpark as any of those guys.

It could be close. The Colts have all but locked up the #1 pick. They are taking Andrew Luck or trading the pick to someone who will. That leaves Matt Barkley, Landry Jones and possibly Robert Griffin (although I've heard a lot of talk of him going back to school another year). Teams with worse/same records than us that won't be taking a quarterback: Minnesota, 2-10: Just drafted Christian Ponder in the first last year St. Louis, 2-10: Just drafted Sam Bradford two years ago Jacksonville, 3-8: Just drafted Blaine Gabbert last year. Carolina, 4-8: Cam Newton San Diego, 4-7: Philip Rivers Philadelphia, 4-8: Michael Vick Tampa Bay, 4-8: Josh Freeman Arizona, 5-7: Kevin Kolb Teams with worse/same records that could take a QB: Miami, 4-8 Cleveland, 4-8 Washington, 4-8 Kansas City, 5-7 Seattle, 5-7

Are you serious? Fitzpatrick played for two other teams (St. Louis and Cincinnati) and this is his third coach on the Buffalo Bills (Dick Jauron and Perry Fewell being the others), not to mention several offensive coordinators during those periods. This is Chandler's fourth NFL team. Jackson, Wood, Levitre, Bell and Johnson have all been Bills for their NFL careers. But like I said, that was under three different coaches and several coordinators. Fitzpatrick's best year: 2010 or 2011 Jackson: 2011 Johnson: 2010 Wood, Levitre and Bell: 2011 Chandler: 2011

Look at it this way. EVERY SINGLE offensive player on the Bills has played better and had more production in the last 2 years under Chan Gailey, than under any other offensive coordinator or head coach in their entire career. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, Scott Chandler, Eric Wood, Andy Levitre, Demetrius Bell, etc.. Every single one. Also consider that most of the players on offense were either drafted in the 7th round or undrafted free agents. And at times this year, the offense has looked explosive and dominant. This tells me that Gailey is getting the ABSOLUTE MOST out of his players on offense. However... It is also painfully clear that Gailey knows NOTHING about the defensive side of the ball (other than how to attack it). The defense under Gailey/George Edwards has been one of the worst Buffalo has ever put on the football field. They can't rush the passer. They can't stop the run. They can't cover recivers. They let up tons of points and tons of yards. And that is despite getting the majority of help from the draft and free agency. Over the last 2 years, Kyle Williams has become a star, but he was already heading in that direction. Meanwhile, guys like Paul Posluszny, Jairus Byrd and Marcus Stroud have seen their production get worse. Promising rookies have failed to develop. It's becoming very clear that Gailey simply needs a TOP DEFENSIVE MIND to handle the other side of the ball. Plenty of successful teams are run that way. Mike McCarthy has Dom Capers. Sean Payton has Greg Williams. Jason Garrett has Rob Ryan. Gary Kubiak now has Wade Phillips (a move that has greatly improved the Texans by the way).

The way the AFC is shaping up, a 5-0 finish might not be enough to make the playoffs. And if we aren't going to make the playoffs (AGAIN), then why not hope for a higher draft pick? We are 3 games behind New England for the division lead. If we win out, the Patriots would still have to lose three more games for us to take the division - including another one against us in Foxboro. New England's remaining schedule is one of the easiest in the NFL (Indianapois, Washington, Denver, Miami, Buffalo). The chances of the Patriots losing the AFC East are slim and none. Which means that we have to focus on getting a wildcard. Also not good odds... Pittsburgh and Baltimore are both 8-3. Cincinnati is 7-4 and holds the tiebreaker over us. That means all three teams are 3 games ahead of us, with only 5 remaining.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-21/matt-moore-making-case-to-be-dolphins-quarterback-of-future This is what the rest of the NFL sees with us and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Not being a Miami homer, I laugh at the idea that the Dolphins would pass an the opportunity this offseason to add a top rookie quarterback (if not Luck, they could have a shot at Barkley, Jones, Griffin, etc). Instead, they might decide to stick with a flawed veteran backup that happens to be on a hot streak right now. We have been waiting since Jim Kelly retired for a decent replacement. They have been waiting since Dan Marino retired.

I like Matt Barkley, Landry Jones and Robert Griffin a lot. If any of them are available, you have to pull the trigger. We can't keep passing on this kind of potential at the quarterback position, even with the big contract we just handed Fitz. This team could also use a massive upgrade at offensive tackle, even though our group has performed a lot better than I expected. Chris Hairston can move to right tackle. Bell and Pears can be depth. The top tackles available are Matt Kalil and Jonathan Martin. The Bills also need an elite talent across the field from Steve Johnson, especially somebody that can stretch the field. You can't get better than Justin Blackmon. He's the total package. A lot of people also like Alshon Jeffery, but he's more of a big red zone target instead of a deep threat. Unfortunately, the 2012 draft class is more loaded on the offensive side of the ball (the opposite of last year). The Bills REALLY need somebody to upgrade the pass rush. They obviously need help at cornerback. A lot of what the Bills do here might depend on whether they fire George Edwards (which they need to do) and revert back to the 4-3 defense (which they also need to do). If they stick with the 3-4, they really need some outside linebackers with speed. If they go back to the 4-3...which better fits the personnel...they would probably look more for a defensive end.

Bills fans always get upset that Ralph is willing to accept losing. But they have NO problem throwing their support behind mediocre quarterbacks...crossing their fingers that we can get by with average talent at the MOST IMPORTANT POSITION in the league. Sure, I believe we can make the playoffs someday with Fitz as quarterback. But it's going to require drafting several more talented offensive linemen and some elite threats at wide reciever (I'm talking Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson caliber). We would also need to field a Top 10 defense that could regularly hold the top teams under 15-20 points. If we managed to draft an elite quarterback, our fortunes would change immediately.

You honestly believe that Ryan Fitzpatrick is almost as good as Aaron Rodgers?????!!!!!!????? Wow... Sometimes I wonder if Bills fans have never seen a football game outside of the 16 played each year by Buffalo. Fitzpatrick is around the "average to above average range" when it comes to starting NFL quarterbacks. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of things to like about Fitzpatrick. But the truth is, he is EXTREMELY inaccurate on throws over about 8-10 yards. That limits his effectiveness to slants, curls and screen passes. And it is exactly the reason that teams have managed to shutdown our offensive production. Watch any Green Bay game and tell me if Rodgers has trouble throwing downfield. Give Fitzpatrick Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley... and he would still have accuracy problems downfield. When it comes to the offensive line, Green Bay isn't known for having the best protection in the world either. But Rodgers is great at rolling out of the pocket, avoiding pressure and still picking apart a defense. Yes, Fitzpatrick also has lots of mobility in the pocket. But it's clear that he struggles finding open receivers when he can't make the quick 1-2 second throws. Watch what happens when Fitz gets pressured. That is when he throws picks and terrible passes into coverage. Fitz isn't even in the same ballpark as Rodgers.

I agree. 9-7 isn't going to cut it. We need to finish at least 10-6. That means finishing 5-2 against: Miami, Jets, Tennessee, San Diego, Miami, Denver and New England

The problem is not running the ball. The problem is that we can't complete a downfield pass to save our lives. This offense is DESIGNED for Fitzpatrick to make quick decisions on short routes. We haven't been FORCED into it by the blitz. What has changed is that teams are jamming our receivers and crowding the line of scrimmage - taking away the run, short slants and screens. The way to combat this is to make some big passes downfield and force the defense to back up. Chan and Fitz KNOW this already, and it's clear by the playcalling that they are trying to make more big pass plays. Unfortunately: 1. Our receivers can't beat 1-on-1 coverage downfield 2. Fitzpatrick is inaccurate on long throws 3. Our offensive line can't hold the pass rush long enough for deep throws to develop

Ralph wants to have a winning team. Unfortunately, there are a few things that he wants more: 1. He wants the team to be as profitable as possible, so that he can pass a large inheritance down to his family when he dies. That's why a guy in his 90's is acting without a sense of urgency in making the team a winner. 2. He wants to remain in complete control of the business he started 50 years ago. This is why he refuses to step back and allow a football guy run the team without interference. Ralph is also a very proud man that cares very deeply about his legacy as an AFL founder and an NFL owner. He wants to be THE GUY who kept a team in Buffalo for 50 years, despite the odds. There is no way he could ever turn over or sell the team during his lifetime, because if the team won without him, it would taint that legacy.

The Bills don't have the talent to significantly change what they are doing on offense. If defenses are keying on the run and trying to stop the short passing game - then you try to beat them downfield. Buffalo has TRIED to do this. The receivers aren't getting open. Fitzpatrick can't hit them. The offensive line can't block long enough.