The Dean

Interesting question. I have another: How low does someone's IQ have to be to assume being academically ineligible anywhere can only be due to low IQ? I think in some instances, a player would rather be an UDFA than a 7th round pick. Many of these UDFA guys already have established relationships with NFL teams (through coaches and other contacts). I think for some, having the option to go to a team where they know they'd be valued---and fit the system, have a chance to make the team, etc--is better than getting drafted to some random team. Great post. And I think there are even more reasons someone might not make it academically. I mean I know some people who are very good people, and bright and gifted in certain areas---but they just hate school. In this particular case, I think having a guy like Beals available in the supplemental draft, gives teams a bit more time to focus on really vetting the player properly. Certainly high draft picks get thoroughly vetted, but as the rounds go up, the vetting naturally goes down, a bit. As I've stated many times here, I think Wonderlic scores are nearly entirely stupid, and useless. But I know they get used more for players taken later in the draft. They supply another piece to a puzzle that doesn't have many pieces. And in Beal's case, I imagine they might be low---which could have hurt him a bit in the draft (for some teams). Now that the teams one (or a very few) player to thoroughly vet, they can really try to get to the bottom of what went on with Beals at WMU. I've read nothing to suggest he has a character issue (unless you think academic ineligibility is necessarily a character issue) but I'd still want to know a couple things: 1. What was behind the ineligibility? (Skipping class, learning disability, didn't give a damn, etc). 2. Why did he find out so late about the ineligibility? (Screw up in the system? Is Beal a big delusional--can't see the facts in front of his face? Lied to by Admin?) Of course there are many more things I'd want to know about his football intelligence, work ethic, personality, etc. But if the Bills decide he passes their test, I'd be very happy with using a 4th (or even 3rd, if they are really convinced).

Again, I think Tim is a pretty decent reporter, when he wants to be. But "gifted raconteur" how I'd describe him. Wawrow is more the "raconteur" type, even if he can't really show it in his daily writing. Maybe just a matter of personal taste. I should have brought this up earlier. The OP of this thread has exactly 2 posts, including starting this thread. IMO that makes this an advertisement, disguised as content. Horrible practice, IMO. Honestly, had I noticed that earlier, I wouldn't supported the thread with any content. We should be better educated, more scrupulous consumers.

Great post. When I read someone suggest "you expect to get something for nothing", I think that's mostly nonsense. Our entire lives are being constantly monetized. If a site collects my email address, and uses cookies, I assume they are probably using that info in some way, to make money. If they have advertising, then I'm certain of it. I've never had any bad in-person experiences with Tim. But he got unreasonably nasty in a forum reply a couple times, I recall. And I've seen that side of him many times, on this very forum.

I have to say, I mostly agree with your summary. But I met Tim a time or two, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I can't say that means I don't think his tweets are his "real self", but I get what you are saying. That seems to be his unfiltered, knee-jerk self. I have a knee-jerk side, too. I used to demonstrate it here, from time to time. It's one of the reasons I don't post too often, anymore. Because that's not really me. It is, in a way. And to those that know me, it's my "Mr Cruel" side. Honestly, it's mostly for humor, but it can come off as pretty brutal, to those who don't really know me. That's also one of the reasons (but a small one) I don't have a Twitter account----or a gun. My basic knee-jerk self can be a bit of an !@#$. No need for me to add fuel to the fire.

Thanks.

Apparently every idiot deserves a podcast.

If I was basing my opinion of Graham on his Twitter posts, I'd really think TG was a complete idiot. I don't know what comes over otherwise seemingly reasonable people when they post on social media--particularly Twitter. I can never figure out why they post those impulsive and petty comments. It doesn't reflect well on them, IMO. With that said, in his early days of covering the Bills, I thought TG was fairly interesting, even if I didn't agree with him on all occasions. I try very hard to make sure agreeing with someone isn't the sole, or even major reason, I like/respect a particular reporter. But when he joined the BN, I thought his whole attitude/style changed. Sure he has some nice long form pieces, and I really appreciate that. But he has become very snippy toward any sort of criticism. That last attack against Harrington (who I have no knowledge of, whatsoever) was totally repugnant, IMO. Everyone seems to believe that was a private message he reposted, and I have to say I agree with those who think it is completely repellent, if that is indeed the case. So at least for the time being I don't think I will be supporting Athletic. There are far too many competitive outlets, which are free (with advertising) to consume. Is the Athletic advertising free? That might make a small difference. But for the time being, I'll refrain, unless I read pieces that seem worth the expense. There is always a way to sample for free, and I'll find a way. I have no objection to paying a bit, if it's worth it. But in this age of the Internet, I am not happy about a both paid and advertising supported, site. If I pay I should be free of all advertising. I know that's an old idea, but I'm an old-school media guy, and that's the way I like it.

Agreed. But I'd like to think "liking to watch football" should be part of the requirement for a Bills beat reporter. Too many seem like they really don't like the sport they're covering. Lori would be a perfect choice, except she is way overqualified, for this particular gig.

About time. Well done.

Don't pay her! (Sorry for the delay. I saw this earlier on my tablet, but didn't have my sign-in creds. After a couple cocktails, I remembered and stopped by. Nobody should have to wait that long when they toss up a big fat softball of a setup line like that.) How do you make Bengay?

RIP Dwight. Just read an article in SI about him, the 49ers and Eddie DeBartolo. Good read, IMO. Here 'tis: https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/05/03/dwight-clark-als-49ers-reunion-eddie-debartolo

Great news for readers of the Snooze and Bills' fans. I was a bit suprised Jerry said this: While one might agree with some of Jerry's opinions, he was neither "fair", nor "objective". I thought that was the point of being a columnist and not a reporter. Now, I admit I haven't read his stuff in a few years. But based on my recollection from years of reading his columns, I don't recall him discussing the various sides/potential causes and reasons/etc. of a particular issue. That's as close as you can get to a requirement of "objective and fair", no? But putting aside that most recent absurdity, I never blamed Sully for writing his opinions, even if they were almost all written from a negative point of view. What bothered me is, his seeming lack of knowledge of football. I think my mother understood the game better than Jerry. You'd think, working in a football town like Buffalo, he would have taken the time to learn the nuances of the game---on and off the field. But honestly, I don't think he even liked football--at least not the NFL variety. Reminded me a little of an old writer for the LA Times, TJ Simers. He was their lead NFL guy, and I swear he hated football. And while I know this isn't really on topic, I'd say it reminds me a bit of Mike Florio, from ProFootballTalk. Great site, if you are looking for breaking news and rumors. But don't confuse Florio's "reporting" as objective. Even though I often agree with his opinion, he demonstrates a serious lack of journalistic objectivity (he's almost always writing like a lawyer on one side of an issue/report). And he seems to think he's an expert on football, as well what any particular player should do/be paid/etc. But his solutions are always very simplistic.

Thanks you for this. I had not seen it (believe it or not). Someone should make it a point to play this to the Bills top brass, every week or so, if things start getting dicey with AJ.

He isn't a RB. 30 is around the time many QBs start hitting their prime. Foles doesn't have that much mileage on him.

You could very well be right. But they are entertaining offers, from what I hear. The Bills have the draft capital to spend, now, without hurting them too much in this year's draft. I'd hope the Bills are putting together a compelling offer.

I'd trade for Foles and draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd.

I love that someone labeled this Kizer as "Kizer Soso". It cracked me up a bit.

Well, one poster certainly would.

Agreed. I never understood the appeal. He seems to have talent, but from what I've seen, it doesn't reveal itself on the field. He has athletic potential, but I don't think of him as any more than a long-term project. 3rd string.

Terrific read. Class act.

Bad at math? Or just a defeatist?

I can't swear this is 100% accurate, but it looks right, after a quick analysis: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/12/18/16792052/every-scenario-for-the-buffalo-bills-to-make-the-playoffs-2017-longest-playoff-drought

Good to hear. That's one place I use, on occasion, as a pre/post airport stop---if I have a lot of time to kill and/or am meeting The Senator (it's not too far from his parents' house). Not sure if I ever had the food there, but have always been curious. It just seems like they probably have good BBQ. I thought the BBQ (and fried chicken) would be better, here in North Florida---but it's just OK, for the most part. There are a couple very good spots, though. Maybe it just that I'm not crazy about the style some of them use. The best thought of places down here have tough ribs, IMO. Fortunately I've found a couple places with great BBQ. One restaurant and one roadside BBQ pit (in front of the guy's house) that only operates on Saturday afternoon. That mofo knows his Q.

That is a bit pricey (especially for Buffalo). But I'd gladly pay an extra couple bucks for quality. I haven't had Bocce is years, so I'm not sure if I think it's worth it. But if you think it's worth it, it's worth it.

I guess Richie is still too stupid to realize just how freakin stupid he is. Incognito has done a pretty nice job on the field, since returning to the Bills---despite his horribly timed penalties. But you'd think this Neanderthal would realize good things rarely happen when he opens his mouth. Shut Up, you idiot! Now to possibly defend RI's statement. When did Richie utter these words? From what I've heard recently, most of the Bills comments about payback were made some time ago. All of what I've heard from them this week, is the "winning the game is the best payback" type of statement. Yet I keep hearing about the brewing retribution on sports TV and radio. It sounds like the Bills have let this go, but not the sports' media. So if Richie made this comment in the aftermath of the hit, I can let it go. But if he said it this week, it's just plain stupid, IMO.