eball

What you're suggesting is basically the equivalent of insider trading or corporate espionage. I just don't think it would be swept under the rug.

True, but Rivera is still there.

This all makes sense. But if it is true why would the Panthers and Bills still be "friendly?" Beane arguably helped the Bills draft at the expense of his (then) current employer.

Well, sure, of course they need to mesh, but the guys they signed did perform reasonably well with their previous teams so I don't think it's realistic to think they'll suddenly get worse.

I see more designed runs, but fewer "oh schitt" runs because the OL let through a jailbreak and we had Kelvin Benjamin and Charles "my knees hurt" Clay loafing around the place.

It's really a shame his first name isn't Todd.

The blowouts last year were the result of an offense featuring Peterman, raw Josh, and DA -- with Benjamin as the #1 WR. The game vs. Chicago at home (Peterman's last start) was the first Bills game I made no effort to watch live in as long as I can remember. Absent some pretty crazy stuff happening I just can't see that sort of ineptitude returning.

I'm intrigued by Daryl Johnson at DE. If he can't beat out Love to make the roster I feel like he's a prime PS candidate. Raw but great size and measurables for the position, if I recall. If memory serves, he couldn't last a full game either.

Nah. Opinions are one thing. Belittling those who don't agree with one's opinions is another.

I'll give you credit for one thing. You've managed to shift the conversation so that if the Bills are successful you'll now be able to point to this post and say "see, I told you so. Any team given these advantages should have done it." Well done.

What happens in your world if the Bills have a winning record/make the playoffs this season, and become a perennial contender for the next ten years? At that point do you give McD and Beane a "pass?" Or are you absolutely convinced that has no chance of happening? Just curious as to how your mind works...

I flipped by the channel for this and saw that charlatan Osteen praising Jesus and immediately vomited, then changed the channel.

Nah, even I don't believe that. Scott's a fan, just a disgruntled and skeptical one.

Jesus, this almost smells like optimism.

This is a solid post. It's the old nature vs. nurture argument -- how much of what and who we become is a result of our environment (parents, etc.) vs. our own genetics? Sometimes fakked up kids come from "great" environments and sometimes incredible kids come from ***** ones. There's probably some level of predictability but it's certainly not an exact science. In any event, what this radio host did is in extremely poor taste.

Like this, perhaps?

I thought Sammy was injured vs. the Steelers in a preseason game...and then Saint Doug kept him out there.

@SoTier I have one simple question (and follow up) for you: What, in particular, are you trying to get Bills fans to admit? And why?

So did we have a good draft or not?

DL is a shambles? Hughes is a stud, Star is solid (despite what others say), Phillips is a rising sophomore with lots of potential, and Oliver could be a game-changer. Murphy is one year removed from an ACL and supposedly in great shape. Shaq had a decent season last year and is playing for a contract. Jordan Phillips is a quality rotational DT. Hardly a "shambles." Nothing to help OL? Drafted Dawkins and Ford in 2nd round. Drafted Teller last year. Did McD anticipate Wood's injury and Incognito's meltdown? Gee, I guess not, shame on him. The reason you don't post these "other similarities" is because they don't exist. The "McD is another Jauron" theme is a lazy one espoused by those who don't know what they're talking about.

I think that's a silly question. The concern would be if McD didn't recognize mistakes. Everybody has to learn on the job.

I didn't say you hope they fail. I said you have the attitude that you're expecting it. There's a huge difference. I know you're a fan.

You "believe" he has a similar mindset? Has McD really proven to be a conservative coach? You can cherry pick a play or two all day but it certainly wasn't "conservative" to bench Tyrod for Peterman. Let's see how McD's gameday management changes as he has more confidence in his offense. The challenge thing is overblown. I think a lot of times, particularly when you know you're out-manned, you may challenge a close call in the hope it gives your team a break. Again, once McD has confidence in his offense I'd like to see how much he utilizes the challenge system. I agree that McD needs to improve on things like clock management. I don't see a Jauron clone. Not for a second.

Whether you're seeing it or not, the Bills' offense made considerable strides forward as the season progressed. Daboll deserves credit for that, working with a rookie QB and terrible OL. There is literally no comparison between the 1st and 2nd half of last season on that side of the ball. I tend to not get bogged down in what coaches did early in their careers unless there is some blatantly obvious pattern. Daboll is still a relatively young guy and has gotten a lot of experience around super head coaches (BB, Saban). I was encouraged by his willingness to adapt last season, and it looks like he seriously considers what his QB and players do well (and enjoy) in crafting strategy for games. I guess the difference between you and me is that I'm excited and looking forward to what Daboll can do with the new tools he has been given, while you're just holding your breath waiting for (and expecting) failure.

"Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way." Please explain what about the coaching history and tendencies of Jauron and McD fit this definition.