The Dean

While I hate the corporate/marketing nicknames, FredEx was brilliant. It WASN'T FedEx, but a play on it. T-Mobile is exactly a company name. Still, I think, as usual, his teammates will be the ones giving him a nickname. You can choose not to use it, of course.

I'm very upset that Freddie was cut. But if you believe this was solely Whaley's doing, and that Rex and Roman weren't on board, I think you need to get your head examined. I believe this was even discussed with the Pegula's before it was done. I can't understand how the Brown trade plays ANY part in this decision. That he is on the team, and can contribute, may play a part. You've been sipping way too much of the goofy juice, I think.

Do you honestly believe this claptrap?

Are you assuming Rex made the decision to start TT over the objections (or without the endorsement) of Roman? If so, I don't think you are correct. And I sure as hell hope you aren't correct. I'm pretty sure, by the time the decision was made, TT was Roman's choice as well.

I would love for him to go to the Steelers, as they are my #2 NFL team. But I don't think that is too likely.

You can't know. But you might suspect it, as his fellow backs have credited him with being a positive influence on them and their games. And this comes from a varied group of talented teammates. But you are right, you can't know. Why? Do you think he likely would be a poor coach?

There is a big difference between pulling a guy if he just isn't effective (assuming the rest of the team is playing well) and giving up on him completely. I think we all need to see TT play well against #1 defenses, game planning to face him. And I believe he can handle that. But if shows he is lost, or not ready, then I think they pull the plug on him, just as teams do with most any QB in that situation. How many games does he get? I think it depends on how good he plays when he is good, and how bad he plays, or lost he looks, if/when he struggles and whether his play can be seen as "losing" games that were otherwise very winnable. But even if that happens to TT, you don't give up on him, and assume he'll NEVER be a good QB because of what you saw in those few games. That was what was done (by many) to EJ, and quite frankly is the treatment many young QBs get in the NFL (particularly those playing on otherwise bad offenses). I can say I won't be surprised if TT gets dinged up, though. He seems to be pretty good at avoiding the big hits, but all it takes is one big blindside blast. The more often he exposes himself, the greater the odds of that happening. Obviously hope it does not. But I hope the Bills have someone like EJ ready in case they need a starter---as that isn't the role for Cassel on this team, IMO. As much as I can't get behind Shake's rants here, I do understand not quite trusting Rex, especially with offensive decisions. I really hope this was a team decision and that Roman was fully on-board. As a HC I haven't held Rex in very high esteem. And as an offensive mind--well, I don't think he has one. But so far, the team is looking better under his watch, so I am beginning to trust him a bit more. Hopefully, before long, I'll be a "Rex guy" like so many here. I would so love to be wrong about him. Where are these hordes of EJ fanatics you are worried about. I count maybe three?

He was nowhere near the worst QB in the league.

You are making this WAY too personal, IMO. Not starting a player isn't dissing him. If anything Rex went out of his way to say it was a very close competition and all three played well. I also don't think EJ will be a distraction in any way. The guy has always been professional and a team guy all the way. Hopefully, if he gets his opportunity this year, he will make the most of it.

He sure can Sprint.

T-squared

Or "Goat". Naw, I think Darby will be OK.

I think, at least I hope, you are misreading the situation. He might not really be "at the end of the bench" as far as being a starter. But Cassel might be more suited to mop-up duty if thrown into a game. I think Heel's makes a good point.

OK, Koko!

Well, if TT proves to be ineffective, or suffers injury (I hope not, but always a possibility), EJ should get his chance--if he is still on the team. I hope he earned at least that much during preseason. This.

I thought they dropped that a couple years ago. Did they bring it back?

Now that's funny.

Again, can not? One drive he did not. All the others went for big plays. I'm pretty sure he CAN as he did at the end of the Brown's game.

Then it is legit, IMO. But I'm really not crazy about marketing tie-ins. Just my bias.

He can't? Or he didn't last year, with terrible offensive line play and a horrible playbook?

Well, you never know with these guys. They might have been trying to evaluate if EJ was worth keeping on the roster and wanted to give him an actual look with the starting OL. I'm also wondering if they wanted to keep the competition ramped up. Starting EJ put a bit of pressure on TT and MC.

I hear a lot of people around here bitching about their coverage God no. I'm with you. But he'll get one and I don't think it will come from the fans. It should come from the locker room.

Truthfully, while I'd rather see EJ in that situation, it is difficult spot for any backup QB. Having a guy who has been around enough to be prepared with limited practice time during the week, is probably better than having a less-experienced, but more talented guy, in that situation. Frank Reich wasn't the most talented QB and he managed to lead a few comebacks in his day. Yes, assuming that. I certainly hope he does as we are going with a bit of an unknown with TT (and a guy who may expose himself to a lot of hits) and Cassel who has some limited ability to throw the ball downfield--or so it seems. I can't see the Bills getting any offers to make trading EJ worth their while (especially at what he's getting paid). But it could happen.

I think we are on the same page here. Cassel is #2 for gameday only (in my thinking). Should TT get injured, EJ becomes the starter the following week. But the possibility with that plan is, should TT go down in a game, and Cassel comes in and manages the game to a win, there is a chance they stay with him for the following week. But if the Bills are winning, I'm cool with whatever they decide. Yes, if it goes the way I see it, that is true---as long as TT and Cassel are healthy.

Makes perfect sense if they are keeping three QBs---or if they plan on moving EJ (which I hope they aren't). With three QBs, i suspect Cassel is your gameday choice for #2, as he can probably operate with less prep time during the week.