BetterNextYearRight?

Think he is showing the promise we were told he had, lots of physical potential but inconsistent and needs reps. He shows flashes at being a franchise QB but as other posters have pointed out he needs more weapons and better protection AND better playcalling. I think Hackett has gotten better as the season has progressed, but still see some moronic calls from him. A QB develops with a good playcaller and protection, EJ may be able to overcome lack of receivers but OLine and playcalling is fundamental to his development. Once again it looks like the majority of the board here is ready to cut ties simply because he isn't RG3/Luck, but seeming like a big Ben minus the tools around him. Understand that with the new rookie salary cap that you CAN draft another QB until you find one, but for every QB you draft you waste the chance of finding a franchise player at other positions and should not be something you do lately. If the Bills draft another QB round 1 they are giving up on Manuel whether you think otherwise or not.

Brandon Browner and Brent Grimes would be great vet additions to the secondary, which we've lacked since D-Flo. If Branden Albert hits FA I'd go hard after him if I'm Whaley, big guard who can play most spots in the line and supersize that interior compared to Legursky. Dennis Pitta is also worth a flyer though im not sure how serious that hip injury in the beginning of the season was.......It really depends on the Bills plans in the draft, if anything pretty sure they'd be eyeing up a veteran CB/S regardless of whether they sign Byrd or not and probably a veteran for RT or the guard positions. It'll be a exciting offseason this year they can go in many different directions and got some options available to them with the current roster. Also even though most people on the board hate him, Brandon Spikes would be a monster next to Kiko and Linval Joseph can play 3-4 NT can't he?

Once again with the mentality on the board after a loss, it's like we are the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anyone who knows football knows sacks come in bunches, I didn't happen to catch the 1st half of the game today but with D-Line it IS much more then stats. Take into account double teams, plays to the other side, quick releases and the pocket sense of any given QB pass rushers can look different from week to week. Mario doesn't take games off, he is played differently each game and he still is high in the league with sacks. For the money we gave him he IS producing. You think D-coordinators aren't thinking about him when it comes to the Bills D? Stats are ALWAYS half the story, watching the game is the other and boy do people react on stats. TOP is absolutely destroying this defense and anyone who has watched a game or two can tell that. Statistically this defense hasn't improved but their play certainly has.

Aren't we all kind of jumping to the mental health conclusion? This could just as easily be a case of a quitter, things get a little rough he gets teased too much and is paid millions already so what matters more? Jonathan Martin or the Dolphins?. Not all of these guys have great attitudes and thick skin some just wanna go home relax and be rich at the end of the day. If I'm Miami I'd be much more concerned about the type of message that action sends to the locker room, your rookies and what it says about the coaching staff. On the other hand does the AFC East seriously have another circus going already? Sit back pop some popcorn and watch the explosion!

Normally I agree with Bill and appreciate his thoughts but I have to disagree about Gilmore, PFF had him graded as one of the best CB's last year didn't they? Plus the guy has a cast on one arm and run support is gonna suffer big time not to mention the downtime with the injury. If I'm cincy going into the game today I plan on running the ball right into Gilmore's chest. Funny how a loss on this board causes this much stress especially when most people's expectations are 4-12ish, they are on pace for more wins then 4 and its a big step up from last year. Thad Lewis was no messiah but I think I'm pleased with what I saw, with some more experience coming to him he looks like he can be good back-up material, big arm doesn't make boneheaded decisions too often and kept us in the game. If anything little concerned about the ball security as bill said, holds the ball really funny wonder if the coaching staff will try and correct that this week. Hopefully Gilmore gets that cast off and we have SJ back next week and the team shows some more fire. Down the stretch last year it looked like the players gave up and I don't see that happening this year, more competent team overall and that's what we should be looking for this year. Defense had a bad game but if you take away the stats and just watch them play it is SO much more improved then last year, I've been saying since the season opener the no-huddle is KILLING this team, cant win with such lopsided ToP.

So a guy who has no injury history besides for one incident (a broken bone no less) and is smaller in stature is a glass joe? Tough crowd. Posluszny's Arm of Glass says hi!

EJ has done excellent, if we could somehow go back in time and show the board what EJ has done since being drafted we'd be lit on fire and called liars. Exceeded draft time expectations and really shown that he is not that much of a project........Thank you once again Bill for your posts I read them every week almost religiously well organized opinions from a poster who knows what to look for......Marrone is driving me bat crazy with the no huddle, I understand this is how the team is but when a win AND team morale is hanging in the balance you do what it takes to win and keep the lead. The decision to not at least run the clock out before the second half was a perfect example. As a coach with NFL experience he should already know when you have a 7 point lead going into the half AND your getting the ball back you slow it down and run that clock out. With a team that is among the youngest and with a new offensive system is it even wise to run a no-huddle right out of the gate? Why not take the future into account and just take a year for everyone to learn plays, develop chemistry and settle in before making them do everything 5x faster. With so many rookies as well those quick 3 and outs kill confidence. The no-huddle should be meant for a team that is already dominant not a team aspiring to be and I just can not stop ranting about it.....

I thought EJ looked great, when he was drafted as every one and their mother knows he was considered a project that might take a year or two like Kaep. Instead he has shown everything mentally you want in your QB and his issues have been footwork, his production so far is right on track for where we want it. He threw 2 INT's yesterday, one can be put on SJ for deflecting it and the other was him not setting his feet and throwing it deep, no matter how strong his arm is unless he sets his accuracy is gonna be garbage. He needs more reps and practice time but everything is indicating that he will learn, the only thing I worry about is the Bills FO getting him some more support next year. We need some interior O-line and another good TE like Colt Lyerla or Sefarian-Jenkins and a big bruiser for those 3rd & 1's would really help EJ yet.

I think the problem here is looking to much at what Philly did as opposed to what Washington didn't do. RG3 was horrible, honestly would have preferred Rex Grossman in that game. Really does seem like the injury has mentally effected him, maybe we might see the short career some people predicted. Can't really tell if C.Kelly's offensive scheme is better then the Bills after one game, A REAL offense can impose it's will even if the defense knows exactly whats coming. Lets give it until week 10 to really make judgement. Also gotta remember Desean Jackson, Vick, McCoy and Brett Celek are veteran pieces that so far are much more polished then EJ, 2 rookie WR's, a one trick vet in Stevie and Chandler. Plus the Eagles OL has much more talent and played a wonderful game.

What are you supposed to expect with a regime change? Teams that fill holes in 1 year often don't get it right and get more screwed over for doing it then taking their time and getting the right players. For having a new GM and coach this team isn't half bad as far as what holes we have. It's so funny how the attitude on this board goes flying down after a bad preseason game. Barnett and Wilson leaving was addition by subtraction, if I remember didn't Barnett have a terrible season and isn't even on a team at the moment? And Wilson is a backup with the Titans? C'mon man this team is younger talent that is gonna grow together. Mini locker room purge.

Looking back at it I remember being so aggravated when the Spiller pick was announced. Like a poster before me had said it was just a poor indication of team building, don't get me wrong I agree with the "Best over Need" approach when it comes to the draft but at times you need to write a position off and that year it seemed RB should have been the least of our worries. Hopefully Carrington can put up a good season and prove his supporters right. Having him perform up to his potential could have a big impact on our defense and depth never ever hurts. Troup seems to be on his last chance, but haven't reports from camp been saying that he's impressing? Haven't seen much from him in preseason so far but we don't know how much weight the new staff places in these games over camp. The later picks in the draft were just so bad though. Batten and Wang were horrible, even for later round picks. Gotta find a back-up or utility player in there somewhere. There was some pretty decent depth in that draft looking back at it. I remember being so high on Tony Pike and Earl Thomas. Pike I was so wrong with......

I didn't have a problem with the Swearinger hit. In a game as fast as football you can't expect a perform form tackle everytime. He didn't go high he did what most DB's do against TE's and bigger offensive players and hit low. Hits just like that one happen all the time it's just that Keller got injured. I didn't see any intent to injure it looked like just another football play between a safety and a tight end. Byrd will be back and I doubt he's thinking about that happening to him.

I don't post much if at all really but really Damond thanks for all the stories and being a member whose posts were always worth reading. I enjoyed reading your threads and posts in the summer and always found you to be insightful. Unfortunately a lot of people on this site really can't just chill out and enjoy being a Bills fan which should be what this is all about. Wish you the best of luck going your own way and can definitely say I will keep on reading your stories in the future. Go Bills!

Why would I feel guilty for smoking some weed? Try not to judge so much, 80% of the people i know smoke and they are far from losers, a few make much more in a month then you probably do in a year. And no it's not because they deal. Technically alcohol is worse for you and i dont think any of us feel guilty for downing some once we get home. On the op's note, I've driven while high and with people who have been stoned out of their mind and never so much as heard or seen an accident out of them. Drunk is another thing but IMO it just depends on your tolerance, first time smokers cant handle too much at all.

Only QB i don't have an opinion on is Tyler Wilson just haven't watched him play. Not suprised about Barkley, everytime I watch the guy play i see a guy who can make all the throws and will compete untill the end. How can you say after watching 2-3 press conferences that this kid absolutely isn't a leader? If we wanna judge like that, I've seen 2-3 from Geno Smith that are horrible. Only people who will know about the leadership abilities are NFL scouts And about the whole USC thing. All these kids are different who cares? Bray IMO has the most tools out of anyone in this draft class. Idk why people consider him a headcase but if he is sitting there in the 3rd-4th round I pick him up immediatly. Huge arm, nice and tall in the pocket. Doesnt make very good reads but to me it seems like he just trusts his arm too often. I'd be happy with Barkley, Wilson and Bray. Think they all have the potential to be elite NFL QB's. Smith I'm very borderline on. He doesnt handle pressure well. People talk like he has RG3's athletic ability but it's not even close. He can make all the throws but he comes from a spread system. Nassib and Glennon at least in the 1st round would kill me. why can't this be 2014? Bridgewater FTW.

I wouldn't touch Nassib any higher then the 3rd round. honestly dont see anything that says good qb about him. About average in every category, decent arm strength, accuracy is okay has a funky throwing motion IMO but looks like it can be corrected. He can play in the cold and has the desire but nothing stands out. Doesn't that sound like a back-up? Taking a look at the other draft prospects Tyler Bray- Excellent physical attributes. 6ft 5 a great arm, playing in the SEC who can make every throw. Makes questionable decisions definitely trusts his arm way too much, seen a few INTS that he tried fitting through double/triple coverage. Leadership is a question mark but I'm sure we'll know whats teams think of that once interviews start happening. Mike Glennon- Another big guy with a strong arm who makes some brilliant throws. Good throwing motion, can throw on the run but makes Peyton Manning look like Usain Bolt. Knows how to use his space in the pocket. Bad bad bowl game haven't watched it yet but intend to. Geno Smith- Has the size and arm to play QB and can run. Started the season on fire, but when teams brought the pressure Geno panics. WVU offense made him look pretty IMO. Have not watched him as much as others. dont think it matters he'll be gone before the Bills pick. He isn't RG3, not even close. Huge gamble i think. Matt Barkley- USC Qb, whoop de doo he's from USC so he can't be good right? So I guess Maybin (PSU) was the better pick over Orakpo (texas). I watched alot of him earlier in his career but have not watched more then a half of football from him this year. Has the body of work and the physical potential. A little short but is 6ft 1 that far outta range? Zach Dysert- Never watched him play but supposedly another prototype QB. Biggest knock seems to be played in a small school. All of those guys have certain qualities that stick out. Tell me how Nassib measures up against all of them? To me he is a 3rd rounder with a much much lower ceiling then guys like Bray/Glennon/Barkley. Being a gamer with average measureables wont get you too far in the NFL, ask Cincy fans how they feel about Dalton. I think the hype is just a case of SU fever. Might the Bills pick him? Good chance yes but idk how anyone would be happy with him in the 1st. For some reason i feel like Barkley will be the pick, weird dream or something.... My choice would be Glennon/Bray. Big time potential guys who just need some work on the mental side. They both arent too far off, if this staff can coach they can make these guys into top 5 QBs. Not to seem like a good armchair gm but have only been wrong about 3 qb's in the last decade so hopefully my luck keeps going lol. Go Bills!

Never been too big on Bowe and with the Chan connection gone i don't see them going in that direction. Do think this team needs to sign a FA or make a trade for a veteran WR. SJ13 and Graham are probably the only two safe (Graham because of only being picked last year, IMO he has the talent to be the best burner in the league). Looking off the KFFL list of FA's a few names intrigue me that might be available at bargain prices. WR Johnny Knox- (posted some great numbers in chicago, speedy had a back issue this year and was PUP) Mohammed Massaquoi- (posted a great 1st season as a WR, steadily declined but Cleveland's been a mess at QB) TE Dustin Keller- Bills fans know him=P Delanie Walker- Love this guy, decent blocking can go out and catch passes. Plus comes from a winning organization which is always a plus Dallas Clark- I thought he was done but put together a good season in TB. OL Kevin Boothe-NYG vet G/C Antoine Caldwell- Liked him at Alabama, can backup at G and play C. Good depth player from Houston Louis Vasquez- Nasty guard, played in SD past few years. LB Dannell Ellerbe- Gaining some steam lately with the media as he would replace Ray Lewis if the Ravens sign him. Love the way he plays can blitz and get nasty Shaun Phillips- getting up there in age but still putting up sacks and stays decently healthy. Not sure what kind of price he'd command. Erik Walden- Has bounced around a bit, had a good season this year with 2 INT's and 3 sacks. Have not focused on him while watching GB but noticed him might make a good plug-in. Paul Kruger- IMO ravens keep either him or Ellerbe. I'd take either one for the Bills. DB's Glover Quin- Have liked what I've seen of him in houston, has lined up at safety. 6ft 210lbs good in run support. Could start with Gilmore unless Brooks lights it up. Kerry Rhodes- He's listed as a UFA, puts up some pretty stats. If Byrd leaves I'm knocking on Rhodes front door. William Moore- Loved him coming out of college, puts up a few INT's every year. SS that could be valued high if he leaves ATL. Chris Houston Brett Grimes Not saying the Bills would pursue half of those guys, but those are some guys I'd watch. My plan would be to resign Levitre, franchise byrd and then sign Ellerbe, Glover Quin and throw some money at Delanie Walker. Bills would have 2 physical corners starting who can both blitz, more depth in the interior OL and a starting TE until Chandler is back. I read somewhere that this offense will utilize 2 TE's at times. Chandler and Walker would be a great combination. Then go into the draft with QB, OLB in the first three rounds and interior OL/WR/SS in the later rounds.

what PTR is saying is RIGHT NOW, THIS YEAR Fitz is the QB. we won't be getting another QB mid-season. Realistically 2013 Draft is when the Bills pick a QB, not a Brett Favre, not a Drew Brees. Franchise Qb's dont grow and trees and getting them to come from other teams is like trying to get Bill Clinton to keep his pants on. realistically Fitz may not take us to the SB. There is no reason to hate the guy though, if he gets us to the playoffs that will satisfy everyone here. We know he is not the future, but he is a easy to root for guy who can win us some games and help this team progress until the future at his position can get here. If he gets us to the playoffs that will satisfy everyone here Not because our terrible little team finally did it but because we'll finally see some progress and push our hopes and expectations to the next step. Gives us a reason to hope our small-market fan-crazy team can be what we all want them to be. And BuffaloBillsSD, so if we make the playoffs and lose in one of the rounds, you would be a realistic fan and not defend the progress they've made? And please why start with PTR? Guy is an excellent poster, a smart football fan, a generally nice dude and he is part of what makes this wall correct me if i misunderstood

Nelson is basically our #2. Nice slot guy who i think will be a fixture here for quite awhile especially if Fitz is still here. Drafting a WR next year might not be in the plan. To be honest if Nix has confidence in Graham to fulfill his potential you have SJ-Graham-Nelson with Chandler as a nice receiving TE and Spiller spliting out at times. So is there room and playing time for another WR? I guess you could draft one to play #4th and wait until we let someone go but Nix wants to win now and using a 1st or 2nd isnt gonna help. plus D.Jones complicates the position here. Anyways. Love Nelson, liked watching that Florida team a few years back and i like his attitude. What i would want in a 3 or 4 WR solid hand and a winner's attitude

how was it a launch? watch his feet leave the ground after initial contact, the same time of the defenders feet. That's happens alot because of the force of impact, the head was not lead with. was it directly in front of the body? no, maybe ever so slightly.

It was really clean, anyone who played football knows you gotta watch out for blockers, you never lock in just the ballcarrier that's how you get taken out. The block was textbook, it wasnt a spear you are taught from day one of football that the best way to block is to get low and use your hips and full body and jack up thereby knocking down a defender who is too high. A spear is LEADING with your hea,d you can see him roll his hips and jack up. Looks slightly the same but very different Sean Lee was running straight up, that's another no no. That is just not being football aware we hear it alot but it is for a reason. KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL. A football play to block for a QB. Plus you have to square up with somebody to properly throw a block. Hitting with your shoulder is a CHIP, and defenders are taught to slide right off of those

Someone brought up this a while ago, but is anyone concerned that Levitre isn't Nix's type of OLmen? LIttle smaller, more of a technician then a mauler, not exactly what Nix has been bringing in for Linemen. IF Levitre asks for a little more then his fair market price I can see Nix letting him go. Big mistake imo, hope im far from right. OL looks a lot better then it has in a looooonnnggg time, since I joined Bills fandom actually (2005-2006 I'm only 19). Urbik being a RFA is safe, i think wood is due for a deal year after next so looks like as long as Andy is here we should be solid. And remember Glenn and Hairston should only go up, a above average RT and a pro bowl LT are what a young QB needs. I hate to call it too soon but we are on the fast track to creating a winning culture.. Know its a little early but i think for this Offensive Line to be complete we need a interior swing guy who can fill in at center competently just in case Wood goes down again. Even if you have to overpay i think it is worth it. When wood has gone down our line turns into a slinky.

yeah guess he gets half credit but it was the preseason, dont really think Orakpo or Allen trying to hard. Still massive props to the big guy.

there was a pretty decent split on TSW on whether Glenn was a LT or G. I was banging the LT drum, constantly heard quick feet but he is slow. Doesnt make much sense to me, he showed he was athletic, his power was unquestioned he has versatility. He was a surefire 1st rounder in my book, recently i've been pretty good at judging who will have success in the NFL, still not quite a fan of Gilmore there but if we didnt have Gilmore our secondary would be useless. Will admit I always thought Newton looked bust-bound lol that looks silly now. Very happy with Cordy's success, but would love to see how he tests out versus some top pass rushers. It's nice to finally be able to hope someday fitz will throw a nice long ball. Upcoming battles for him will be Calais Campbell, Justin Smith(i think?), Chandler Jones (on fire for the Pats), the texans terror, and someone for Tenn. who i cant seem to remember.

Richardson is looking like a beast? hasnt he been a utter fail so far? first week he averaged like 2yrds a carry. I'm not too worried Weeden has been iffy too. With how strong SF is though i dont see it as winnable, that defense is rough as it comes. The patriots arent a far fly away from here. We will fight them and it will be a tough game but i have confidence in a split with them this year. Key to winning on the road is score first and no three and outs. The Cards dont match up well against us, patchwork OL, subpar QB, Average D. The only thing on that team i like is the pass rushers.