Rocky Landing

Even if he would be a slight upgrade, it would be better to continue to develop Wallace, IMO. If Norman is still elite, he’s on his way down, and Wallace— and the two Johnson’s, for that matter— are on their way up. There’s a lot to be said for consistency. We’re building our D backfield on last season’s foundation, and will continue to build into next year. Norman would be a one-year stopgap, where no stopgap is needed.

Ignoring, for the moment, how each of these WRs improved by the end of last season (they both certainly did), which of the two would you consider the most versatile?

Who's Reid Ferguson married to?

On some days, my favorite player is Reid Ferguson. I mean, seriously, what a nice life!

I think this thread does not have long to live.

Again? Yeah, I know I'm being kind of a downer...

I don't see it as cheap at all. I see no reason why we, as fans, should not feel free to critique any element of the team-- be it coaching, personnel decisions, or what have you. But, especially the way the QB situation was handled last season. It was far more than simply cutting AJ. Many fans were screaming about the decision to start Peterman as it was happening. Several fans (I believe Kirby was one of them?) predicted how opposing teams would game plan for him, and it happened with startling accuracy. I get what Shaw66 is selling, and I agree with it. But, the QB management last season is the one thing that gives me pause. Because, it wasn't one mistake. It was a series of mistakes that started in TC, and stretched into midseason. That isn't a cheap observation, IMO.

If nothing else, as a new player to the team, it's a pretty bad look. And it more, or less, substantiates the negative impressions that OBJ has made for himself.

I was actually thinking about this: If Cogs goes out in some blaze of craziness, it will become some A&E, made-for-TV movie.

Raiders win the tank??? No way!... well, maybe... (better them than the Dolphins...)

In case anyone is still following this sordid affair. https://sports.theonion.com/robert-kraft-agrees-to-take-voluntary-leave-of-absence-1835123086

I can only speak for myself, but I don't agree with this. By this time, I don't think anyone gives a damn about where Zay was drafted. I think that Zay is a lock because he has improved from year one, to year two (and from all accounts, to year three), and has turned into the WR that he was sold as in the draft-- which is to say, that he is a solid #2, with a complete route tree, who can get separation, has reliable hands, and is utterly consistent. I don't think he has reached his ceiling, yet, but I also don't think his ceiling is as a true #1. I don't think he has yet shown the ability to bring down the contested ball, and I don't think he has an enormous catch radius. But, he is a reliable receiver who can make a play on any spot on the field. He might be our most versatile WR. I put Zay above Foster (which is, essentially what makes him a lock). I see Foster as a dynamic talent, but limited in his role on offense. I think that a lot of Bills fans have built him up in their minds to be greater than the sum of his parts. He had some great plays towards the end of last season, and they're easy to find, but he also had some really poor routes, as well. At the very least, he showed a difficulty in tracking the ball in his earlier games. That's a pretty big deal when your biggest asset is as a sideline receiver with the speed to get separation from the corners downfield. To be clear, I assume that they're both going to make the team. I also think that Foster is a much more exciting receiver for the fanbase. But, I think that Zay is the more valuable commodity, especially with the acquisition of Smokey Brown.

That's a pretty good point. I was all on board for Barkley to start the following game based on his performance vs. the Jets. In hindsight, I'm very glad they didn't. But, given the circumstances, they're damned lucky their decision panned out. And, man... one of the things I am most thankful for this season is: no quarterback competition. I can't even remember the last time that happened.

That would be a huge mistake to dump a proven backup based upon the preseason performance of a UDFA rookie. They dropped AJ based on Late Nate Peterman's preseason performance, and look what happened. I would lose an enormous amount of confidence in McD, and Beanie if they failed to learn from that error.

What are your thoughts on Duke and Nsekhe?

I think it would be enough. I believe that Roberts' return ability is the primary reason they acquired him. He may barely see the field on offense. I agree Zay to black. I certainly wouldn't put him above Foster on the depth chart.

Really? Is Kroft all that? I didn’t know much about him before he was signed, but it seems like he has had one good season, and a few mediocre ones. Now, with a recurrent foot injury, is he really above average? TJ Yeldon? Please ‘splain?

Absolutely. A lot of the players who were active on special teams last year don't seem to get projected to make the final roster this year. Pitts, and Neal come to mind. Between D. Williams, and Sills, Duke seems more like a ST fit to me-- strong runner, and a good blocking WR. Sills looks lanky to me.

I don't know. But, he laid down some hard hits on defenders in the CFL!

I hope he gets his shot-- one of my favorite off-season stories. But, it sounds like he has been struggling in OTAs. Although, obviously, too early to read into such things...

Is it a given that Duke Williams can't play special teams? He's big, strong, and physical, and highly motivated. I would think he would be a natural for ST.

I believe he was ranked second in the NFL in returns last season.

I think they will keep four DEs. I would think Murphy, and Lawson both make the 53, but are rotated quite a bit. I think Yarbrough would be the most likely fourth DE.

Feliciano was the Raider's primary backup at center, also. I think Bodine is outside looking in. As far as the starting five goes, I think the only lock at any given position is Morse at center. Everything else is TBD.

We seem quite stacked at guard (Dawkins can even play guard, as well). Waddle seems like a bit of an unknown quantity. We could do a lot worse than Dawkins/Nsekhe/Ford at tackles, even if Ford is initially put at guard. But, Waddle has to better than Sirles!