The Dean

Great D, New owner. Team went 9-7 with some inept offensive coaching. OL problem is mostly a guard issue, so it shouldn't be hard to fix in the offseason. This looks like a GREAT job now, IMO.

Actually it does no such thing.

Very surprised. Love to read the details when they finally come out. While I wanted continuity, this is an opportunity to upgrade. The Bills job looks a WHOLE LOT BETTER now than it did when Doug signed. I'm all in with The Chin.

Credit where it is due. But the OP was pretty general, so just about anything could have counted. With that said, I'm pretty shocked. Good luck to Marrone and let's fine someone better. Cowher anyone?

While we may have slightly differing opinions of the possibility of EJ becoming a legit starter in the NFL, I agree with t his 100%. Well, maybe not 100% as I don't think the Bills NEED to pick a QB with their 2nd rounder and the reason they don't is EJ. But otherwise, yes, proceed as if you are looking for your QB. Great analysis. I know next to nothing about some of these guys, so this is quite interesting. I think a key to finding a quality QB in the mid-later rounds is identifying a guy with solid mechanics and footwork, good football IQ, pocket awareness---whatever, but who just hasn't quite matured physically (arm strength, overall build, etc) and perhaps needs some challenges to make him better. Sounds pretty basic, I know. But when there are discussions of rebuilding a throwing motion (for example) or doubts about the guy's pocket presence, I get really nervous. I know just about anything can be taught, but some things seem a bit more innate than others. And expecting a guy to change the way he delivers the ball, after doing it this way for years, just seems like taking on a project that is almost doomed to fail.

Yes, if you play him some Grateful Dead.

I agree it's tough to look good in the Bills offense: System and OL issues. But Hackett isn't responsible for poor throws or the QB taking sacks instead of throwing the ball away (especially when they are in FG range). One would think a better QB would look better in the Bills offense--unless he is a complete statue.

Great story, KtD. I hear players love Buffalo once they get here, all the time. The ones that don't seem to like it are those who are really into the club scene.

I was in a newer restaurant in St Augustine today. They had "Freedom Fries" on their menu. Haven't' we passed that stage? Aren't we allowed to refer to them as "French Fries" anymore? But the upside is Freedom Fries aren't on the "don't eat" list.

Bingo. A fairly safe #2/spot starter IF he still has anything left. I haven't seen him play in awhile.

Very complete overview. I know not to put too much stock in any one analysis. But I think PFF did a good job with this one.

Noticed the same thing. I believe I read this article earlier this year, or late last year. Garbage research, poorly understood by a sports writer. Who, BTW, wears a douchey winter hat.

Maybe it happened and we missed it.

I even cringe when I see them wearing those douchey hats outdoors. What's with those things? How did that become a "style"?

Why is it some people have to stick their moronic political beliefs into unrelated sports threads? Apparently they just can't help themselves. And, for the record, it's spelled "liberals".

The only NY Resolution i can remember making---and certainly the only one I ever kept--was "Drink More and Better Champagne". That was a fabulous year

Yes, that can happen here, from time-to-time.

I understand. But I think he's ready for his shot at the OC helm. It might be McCoy's offense, but the HC has a lot of responsibilities. I think Frank must contribute in more than a trivial way. I believe Frank was calling the plays at some point this year. Did McCoy take it back over at some point? I'd prefer someone with a really strong OC track record (of course most of the guys available come with some baggage), but I wouldn't complain if they brought Frank back into the fold---with a strong OL and RB coach.

He's OC-ready. But like many coordinators that doesn't translate to HC-ready. I'm not saying Frank won't be a good HC one day, I just don't know. He was a terrific #2 QB/spot starter. But he wasn't a quality #1 QB. Same thing might be true with coaching.

Johnny Dollar Store.

Again, I don't put too much stock in the Marrone/Whaley feud or power struggle. But I agree, if I had to choose between the two, I'd take Whaley all day long. I hope the possibility of Polian joining the Bills in some capacity doesn't tip the scales the other way. And if Marrone simply refused to make some changes, then I agree it has to be buh-bye to him. That's why I proposed a deal where he gets a small extension and/or raise, but agrees to make the necessary coaching changes. With that said, I've never been a big fan of HCs who fire their coordinators to keep their jobs, but sometimes the situation warrants it. Marrone and Hackett got jobs they have never held in the NFL. You have to be willing to admit one or two of your choices didn't work out. So in this case, I wouldn't view Marrone dismissing Hackett as selling out his OC.

I will be shocked (again) if Tuel makes the team next year. Maybe the practice squad again (if eligible) because he "knows the system". The Bills are going into next year with EJ the only remaining QB from the regular roster. I have no problem with keeping EJ around, and have expressed my preference for him to WIN the starting QB job. But even if they are committed to EJ taking the reins next year, they still need to pick up 2-4 bodies for whatever competition they have in mind. This will be interesting as they now have to restock the QB position. I just hope they bring in some guys with decent experience and some with good potential. If one of these guys has an upside, and is available in the middle rounds, I hope they can pull the trigger before he is gone. It would be great to find a quality #2 in this draft.

Great post, zona.

I wonder if any of these professional scouting services get that special access.

I actually like wearing hats. But I get terrible hat-head. My hair just isn't hat friendly. So I usually refrain from them. But if I have one on, it ain't coming off in public.