The Dean

If they aren't firing anyone today, hiring anyone today, cutting anyone today or signing anyone today, what's to say? There really is no reason to have this press conference today, expect it is what it is expected from them. Quick dog and pony show and it's cocktail time. They say nothing because, there is nothing to say at this time, that they want to (or should be expected to) share outside of the organization (and maybe even within it). Of course, reporters get to parse the minutia of what they said, didn't say, tone of voice, etc. But that's a bunch of bulls#it. They do it because THEY are expected to write something about this non-event.

It's near impossible to decipher intent in situations like this. I do, however, suspect Suh knew he was stepping on something other than the ground, and made no reflexive move to pull his foot away. That's what I would expect someone to do if they were stepping on someone.

Fair enough, Dave. They certainly didn't have full faith in him last year, as he was never intended to start his rookie season. This year he was handed the job with no real competition. Plus the entire offense fell apart. He wasn't ready to turn that tide, Perhaps he never will be. But it's far too early to write the guy off completely, as many here have already done.

That's a good point, Dave. But "smart" means a lot of different things depending on who you ask, and what kind of intelligence matters for the task at hand. IQ type measurements miss many types of intelligence, but place a premium on others. I don't know if EJ is adept at high level calculus, nor do I think it matters. I can only go on the reports I hear, and the way he carries himself when their is a reporter, or camera, in front of him. Was Jim Kelly smart? I never gave the guy much credit in the brains dept, but he could read defenses and call plays at the lines. Then again, as his skills declined, he didn't seem to be able to use his brains to adjust the way he played (as Peyton seems to be doing fairly successfully). EJ seems smart enough to stay out of the partying spotlight that gets so many players in trouble. He seems smart enough to say the right things after a loss, and after his benching. He certainly seems smart enough to understand it matters how you act on the sidelines even when you aren't playing. (The guy seems to be paying close attention during the game, to his credit.) But does he understand the playbook well and quickly? Can he read and break down a defense? I can't tell you and I don't think he's been given a real opportunity to show those skills. But again, the coaches and fellow players seem to think so. If he gets another chance (and again, I'm rooting for him) I hope the OL is a bit better. But mostly I hope he is forced to EARN the job, and play with the full package. No more coddling. It's year three. It isn't as if he has 3-years playing experience, but he has had three years with the playbook and with the team. He should get the opportunity to use all of his skills. Make it or fail based on that. Perfectly put. He was a career journeyman. A solid veteran #2. Had he been much better than that, he wouldn't have been available. He'd have been starting somewhere. I thought he was actually a bit better in the skill set, than I thought he would be. But he disappointed me with some of his decisions. I thought a guy with his experience would be able to get rid of the ball on many of the sacks he took. I've come to the conclusion that was his real downfall in the NFL (if you can call a solid journeyman career a "downfall"). But he helped right the ship. I think the Bills were a bit lost--not just at the QB position--and bringing in a stable vet helped get them back on track, a bit. But once they leveled off from their downward spiral, he had given pretty much what he had. That was the level of success you get with a guy like that (with a line like that, and with offensive play calling like that). In fact, they exceeded what I would expect from that combination.

I really don't know if EJ will be the guy, but he has some things going for him. He's smart, athletic, humble and has a great work ethic. He has a good arm and seems to be pretty even-tempered when things aren't going well. That's a pretty potent combination. I wouldn't bet against a guy with all that on his side.

I get your point. And in the twitter world we are so used to instant reactions. But I don't think Pegula is going to be that kind of guy. Other than squashing rumors, there really isn't any reason to rush the process. I don't believe Terry has made those decisions yet. He wants to fire Adam Sandler? Oh, I meant Adam Sander.

Or, as many HCs have in the recent past, have a hand shake deal in place while the team goes through the Rooney motions. I hate the way some teams get around the spirit of the Rooney rule. But even when it's flaunted, it still serves a positive purpose, IMO. Gives interviews to guys who may otherwise never be given that opportunity. Interviews give interviewing experience and exposure. Win/win really, for both sides. BTW, the top 30 or so NCAA head coaching jobs are pretty much in line, salary wise, with the NFL http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/

Word is Marrone makes 3.5 mil. 2nd to the lowest in the league. Not sure about the accuracy of this chart, but I think it's close: http://coacheshotseat.com/NFLCoachesSalaries.htm I don't think Marrone was paid so little just because Ralph was cheap, but because Marron'e experience didn't warrant paying him more at the time. He doubt he was making a buttload of money at Cuse. Someone like Shanny or Cowher would clearly have been offered more, had they been wiling to negotiate with the Bills, at the time. Can't imagine a scenario where he could---officially that is. But it's no secret back door deals and offers are made all the time in the NFL.

This year,. BO, this year. Did he go 20-12 THIS YEAR? And before you start with the QBs he had, Marrone had EJ and Orton. Just saying. Marrone's record this year was as respectable as Chip's given the talent and expectations of those teams. You can poo poo it,. Maybe you like Rex too and think he's a really good HC, as many here seem to think. It seems as though the posters on this forum judge our own FAR more harshly than they judge others.

Plenty of talk about Bradford on the forum.

Excellent post. Reasonable speculation.

I can't imagine that had anything to do with "caring". When he's in that mess, he is reacting, not thinking or caring. I'll tell you what though: When he turned and looked back I thought "This is what drives me up the wall about Orton." He has too much experience to make these kinds of mistakes---but he makes them. He was never more talented then a solid #2, but he could have made the most of his talent by using his experience to avoid mistakes--particularly sacks and fumbles. Rumor had it Whaley was pursing Orton most of the offseason, so it's hard to believe he was against it. The wild speculation about what the dust-up on the sidelines results to part of a conversation, overheard by reporters. The constant referral to that dispute when something goes wrong is humorous to me.

Well, since they don't have Orton, and his money, to worry about, they can keep EJ around if they want, I think. Obviously they have to find a veteran somewhere---it's obvious now if it wasn't before. And having a real QB competition in training camp and preseason certainly isn't the worst thing for a team without a known entity for a starter. I guess we'll find out soon enough, what direction they plan to take.

While I have no idea whether EJ is in the Bills' plans, I think him not starting yesterday says absolutely nothing. There was nothing to be gained from starting a "meaningless" game, against the Pats* at Foxboro, when he hasn't played in weeks. There really is no upside to it whatsoever for him. And it tells you nothing. Had he played well, would EJ detractors give him any credit for the performance? Would it change the coaches opinion of him? OTOH, not going to EJ a few weeks ago, with a few games left, suggests something, I think.

I know you idiot. You post the same thing in every thread. You are a one-note guy who can't even make that note interesting. You have always contributed NOTHING to the forum. But at least you are consistent. And it's Pegula, not Pagula you simpleton.

I actually posted it earlier. Kidding. Good to read. Hope it means something.

Based solely on this year, I might take Marrone over Kelly. What exactly did Chip do this year to impress you so, other than getting some decent play from Sanchez? The Eagles managed just one more win than the Bills. What were the pre-season predictions for these teams? The Eagles were almost universally picked to win their division, if I remember correctly. But I guess them missing the playoffs isn't a dent in Kelly's reputation. You don't like Marrone? I never would have known. You keep that into pretty private, it seems.

Good to hear. And you are right, when my life is full and busy, I'm here less often. When it gets duller (and during football season) I hang around here too much

No doubt.

Who said he didn't want these players back? Whaley? Marrone? Where? When?

Ditka and Koresh did a video together? Cool!

That is a horrible comment, IMO. He isn't a good pass protector, that is true. It is something he never had to do in college and something that doesn't come naturally to him. He has gotten better at it over the years. I believe he has worked on it and tries. He will never be Fredex at pass protection, no question. A coward, though? Please.

Is Ditka their Koresh?

That's too bad. Agree or disagree with him, Bills is a good guy. I understand completely if life got in the way of paying careful attention to a Bills game. I know he has posted recently so I trust whatever it is it isn't too bad. At least I hope it isn't. Bill, give us a shout and let us know you are OK.

It mattered. They all matter. The Bills wouldn't have made the playoffs had they beaten the Raiders, but it still mattered. Just like today's game mattered to the Pats*. Think it didn't? Why start Brady? Why play him for the entire 1st half against one of the NFL's best defensive lines? For the experience? For fun? Winning is a culture. Accepting losing, whether or not anything is on the line other than the game, is unacceptable. Do you think Belicheat was happy at halftime today? Was he handing out high-fives and chatting up the boys. (OK I admit there is probably never a time Belicheat does that.) Why did NE challenge Jackson's fumble in the 4th quarter when he clearly was down? I'll tell you why, because they wanted to win. BTW, I heard two different recaps on the radio today. One stated Brady played "for about a quarter". The other suggested NE rested many of their starters. Sure, they may have decided to make a few questionable players inactive, but those who were active played. But let's not pretend this was treated as a preseason game by the Pats*. That is rubbish.