MarlinTheMagician

Reaching at straws is called being a fan -- fanatic. Don't really need Fish to beat Pats, but it would be good. If Steelers beat Pats they have two cupcake games left. Pats may play starters because technically still alive, but they will know they are cooked.

Even on that calculator, 20% increase!

Big boost to our playoff chances!

Didn't see another thread on this so I wanted to give a shoutout to Deonte Thompson. A catch I won't soon forget!!

Steelers beat Pats next week and sew up home field. Pats have nothing to play for and we beat Fish 2x. We go 10-6 and break the drought.

Two things: 1. Milano (and Tre White's) performance is even more impressive because he is past the number of games typically played at BC. It may be because he was used sparingly early in the season (smart by staff), but no sign of hitting a "rookie wall" - kid is mentally tough; and 2. One of the earlier posts says "I just wish we had some LBs that could rush the passer" -- anyone who happened to watch Milano at BC knows he is an extremely talented pass rusher. It is one of the very best parts of his game. He had 6.5 sacks each of his last two years at BC. He is REALLY fast around the edge and instinctive rushing through tackle-guard gap. Bills have not used him much as a blitzer yet, probably because they are so desparate for his speed in coverage. I really like Lorax and Humber, both gamers, but they are not good in the passing game. Do not get enough depth in their drops while Milano does. Would like to see him blitz more next year, a secret weapon and I believe he would impress.

I hear you my friend. If the vision materializes we may not be able to keep them all - but a high-class problem, no? Can't be better for us if they are all highly mediocre but retainable. For all the "easy big fella, pump the brakes" - relax. No one is saying this is going to happen, just having fun - it could, they have all flashed meaningful potential. They could also all regress or have the injury bug. But it is nice to have a draft where you feel it could, possibly, be really, really good. I have not felt that in years, and the new regime guys started out a bit behind with picks. Future is bright.

Imagine if Peterman became a solid NFL starter. What a draft, if it reaches its potential. Here is what it COULD look like 2-3 years from now: 1. Tre White - perennial all pro; 2. Zay Jones - high quality starter; 3. Dawkins - high quality starter; 5. Milano - high quality starter; 5 Peterman - high quality starter; 6. Vallejo - ? While this is a long way off yet it could be a draft class for the ages. I think White, Jones, Dawkins and Milano could all see pro bowls someday, maybe. Not saying they will, but it would not shock me. If that could be said of Peterman a couple years from now it could be one of our best drafts ever. I liked TD Mike, but who would trade Milano for him? Not me.

In my humble opinion Milano needs to start. Humber looked terrible to me vs. Saints - could not get off any blocks. Milano brings speed, energy, youth and a nose for the ball. I think he could help a lot.

Don't want to prematurely end his time in Buffalo, but I am thankful to Tyrod for all he put into this team. Class act all the way and helped stabilize the position. I have been a defender, but even I cannot criticize this move. TT seems chronically unable to get the ball out. I was screaming in the NO game "throw an interception if you have to for chrissakes - just throw it!" Exciting, positive, hard-working player. Thankful for the thrills and the effort.

In the words of our President, "Yuge"

No, he's not.

Here is Sean Payton's review, who says he worked "closely" with Cadet for three years. Emphasizes repeated pass catching skills and intelligence. Sounds like a good pick-up, and consistent with the guys McBeane go after. Funny, the reason says he couldn't keep Cadet is there was no room after they signed Spiller: “Number one, he’s a real smart player,” Payton told reporters of the 26-year-old Cadet. “He’s exceptional as a receiver. His ability to run routes other than just from the running back route tree, he is someone that can jump in the receiver line and run out-routes and run comebacks and actually has experience doing that.” The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Cadet accumulated 41 games of experience for New Orleans, factoring in as a gunner and returner on kickoffs, as well as into the offense a pass-catching option. “When he came to us as a free agent in ’12, he came the first week or two and he was in receiver meetings and receiver drills,” Payton said of the Appalachian State, Pearl River Community College and Toledo product. He was seldom featured for pass protection – something Payton estimates No. 39 participated in about a dozen times per season – but Cadet caught 45 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns during his Saints career. He had 38 catches for 291 yards and one score last season. “He’s exceptionally smart. He’s a great teammate. He’s someone we would have wanted to have back if were we not able to sign C.J. Spiller,” Payton said of the once-restricted free agent. “But I would say his hands and his football IQ are exceptional.”

Kind of feel we need Milano Magic out there. Let the kid play!

TT well above average now, on his way to "franchise" then - drumroll, harps playing - elite. We should draft nine OL players next year. All 5'9" and under but perfectly square.

They will respond very well, I have little doubt. McDermott is the real deal which is why it is "different this year." Everybody exonerating Rico because the line was horrible - that does not make sense to me. When the line is getting beat you spread them out. When the pocket is being immediately collapsed via Vlad the Imploder you get the QB out from under center. And when the have 8 and even 9 in the box you don't keep slamming it up the gut with Shady and Tolbert. Needed to pass them out of that defense and he didn't trust TT to do it when he should have. Especially egregious because TT was on fire in the 1st half. Spread them out and make them get smaller to cover. Not saying "fire him" (what do any of us fans know), but it is clear Rico had an off night.

Even Romo said on perhaps the critical third down of the game "C'mon Tyrod, you have to stand in the pocket and deliver this for a first down." He did exactly that, stood in and threw a first down strike to O'Leary. Just bad luck they didn't touch him - he then gets up and is stripped. That was an awesome pass, over the middle, at the most critical time.

Tyrod's supposed flaws did not make OC run McCoy and Tolbert into the middle of a stacked box - repeatedly. That's a football concept. If I was Shady I would have filed a protest.

Exactly.

I disagree on the must win both. I think we must split or better. I think we win them both.

Ducasse was repeatedly tossed at TT by Wilkerson like a hand grenade. Not trying to be a TT apologist, but no way that game is on him.

Don't see how you can put that game on Taylor. Agreed ball could have come out earlier - sometimes. Sometimes he did it perfectly and I recall Romo praising "that is high level quarterback play" at one point. His progress is obvious, and while he could have done some things better there is no way that is on Taylor. O-line and OC had bad nights (not to mention to fumbled receptions where TT was on target). Er, "two"

The O-line did him no favors and the play calling was a stake in the heart. I think they should have trusted TT to go up-tempo earlier. Had to spread them out and beat them with the pass. TT looked up to the task, but they kept plowing Shady and Tolbert head first into the brick wall. I know nothing about Dennison (really) and certainly have no view on whether he should be fired. Having said that - if TT is your guy this year (and I hope longer) Dennison needs to trust him to open it up when that is what the game demands. He didn't last night and should have. TT threw well and stood to have a much better result with a little help from his OC - despite the OL.

Sad to hear about Taiwan. Zay was going for the house but for the trip. My initial reaction was "that was so dirty" - but on reflection, it is exactly what I would have done. He didn't know it would make the other leg land awkwardly. DB just trying to not give up the touch. Just a bad luck night all-around (and stupid) -- two bad dice rolls on one play (i) no touchdown, (ii) Zay hurt. Three inches and both would have been different.

Hope he is okay. He looked excellent.