Jkgobills

Does he at all remind anyone else a little bit of Andre Reed? Tough, Fearless, great hands, great route runner

It's been a long off season waiting for your weekly thoughts Bill...thank you for your post! 1) Brandon Spikes is the kind of nasty that this team needed in the middle. That guy hits with anger! 2) Corey Graham was fantastic out there today. It will be a great thing to have Graham, Gilmore and McKelvin all healthy at the sametime. However, it's likely that at times someone will be hurt and it appears we have good depth at the position. 3) the rotational use of the RBs worked well today. They seemed to have fresh legs (and in the case of Freddy a fresh arm) to finish off the game 4) Robert Woods played great today and played fearlessly. He could have gotten his head taken off on that leaping catch, but went up and make a key play 5) like many here I keep "hoping" EJ can be the guy to takes us to the playoffs. In the first half today, he showed that he can be. 6) the tone of the organization, the team, the coaches, and the players seems different. In a good way. So what if Marrone, Whaley, and Brandon get into a shouting match? At least they seem to are as much as we do, and just like in this board sometimes differences of opinions can turn into shouting matches. Especially when people are passionate about the subject. Great Win! The Pats are in the basement of the AFC East! Go Bills!!

It doesn't seem to be an agenda, more of a recounting of large scale civic projects (completed, or considered and not undertaken) in the Buffalo area over the past several years. He is placing the possibility of a new stadium in the framework of how these other projects worked out. Kirby Jackson has done (yet again) a very nice job of illuminating how a new stadium could be funded through an array of hotel, jock taxes, etc. Thank you for your continued insightful comments. Given the ways of funding the stadium, should it be built? Can the regionalization of the franchise over the past 10-15 years entice enough people to pay up for a PSL? Rochester, Batavia, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Niagara Falls have all experienced economic decline for longer than the Bills playoff drought. As a fan who left the region in 1997, and who has been to games in Baltimore, NJ, Charlotte and Buffalo during that time, it would be difficult to imagine spending the money for a seat license in Buffalo. However, it would be a strong consideration in the other cities. I love going to games in Buffalo. The tailgating, the passionate fans, the "non corporate" atmosphere. BUT, I wouldn't pay for a seat license. Mainly because of the fact that what I love about going to games there is no longer in step with our society at large. Admittedly, watching drunks make fools of themselves, people urinating in bathroom sinks, fights outside the stadium and inside the stadium are all part of the experience of a game in Buffalo. While driving in from Rochester on game days, my Dad (Buffalo born and raised) used to tell me "don't tell your mother what you hear or see here today, or I won't be able to take you to another game). It was, and is my "normal" of what to expect from fans when I go to a game in Buffalo, even these decades later. Frankly it's a great departure from what has become an overly sanitized world. Makes for a great Sunday of Football. I have no complaints about the atmosphere, but it is one my wife (a Philadelphia fan) doesn't enjoy, and is not one that I would bring my daughters to. A new stadium, with new amenities may bring out some more of the "corporate types" that bring a more "civilized" game day experience. I don't imagine that this would significantly change the culture of game days. For that reason, I wouldn't invest in a PSL, even if I lived in town. Watching Sabres fans at hockey games here in Raleigh, NC assures me that you can take the fan out of Buffalo, but you can't take the behavior they consider "normal" away from them. Heavy drinking and rowdy behavior is their normal. It's why they have to have an elevated police presence at the arena here every time the Sabres are in town. I have explained to people here in Raleigh since the Sabres/ Hurricanes playoff series in 2006, that what they see as depraved, drunken, obnoxious behavior from Sabres fans is in fact normal behavior at sporting events in Buffalo. Their reaction is shock, and then ultimately the community of Hurricanes fans choose to avoid the Sabres games here in town, so as not to deal with the obnoxious behavior. If Buffalo builds a new stadium, that would be great! I would enjoy it for the few games I am able to get up there for. If not, no problem I will keep going to the Ralph. Neither scenario makes me think the fan atmosphere will change significantly enough to bring the whole family. Neither scenario would make me pay up for a PSL. Either one will still be a great time!

Prayers to Jim and Family.

Done

That is a good point. Admittedly, after 14 years of no playoffs I was looking at what types of QBs can make it to the play offs and the big game. Actually getting there and winning it can happen with a variety of signal callers. Our HOF QB lost to Jeff Hostetler, Mark Rypien, and Troy Ailkman (twice). Only Troy is in HOF. Its better to have a HOF QB (obviously), but in case we don't have one on the roster we can still get there and potentially win it.

Lol... Yes like Fitzpatrick...solid Vet, durable, and smart enough to come in and operate the offense when called upon. Also, a know commodity and not a threat to create a QB controversy given his performance history. I will never quite comprehend letting him go and replacing him with Kolb. His time as a starter had certainly come to its' end, but he would pretty much be the kind of guy we need to back up a young QB like EJ.

Not sure about Warner, only because I don't pretend to know what lurks in the minds of the people who vote. I never thought it would take Andre Reed this long to get in I saw this logical point posted in another thread somewhere, and it made a lot of sense to me. We could potentially stunt the growth of two QBs simultaneously. A veteran who doesn't need the reps, but could step in and play (where is The Rich Gannon type guy?) would be a great addition.

Lol...I remain a loyal Bills Fan having left the state 17 years ago...how sane do you really think I am?! I lost a bet on Losman....I was convinced that he would make it as a professional QB some day, and that we needed to build the line in front of him..... I thought I might be able to reclaim the lost wager when he showed up in the "XFL". Technically, it was professional football. He, and the league, didn't make it there either.

With the NFL season officially over (for us Bills Fans it has been over since the conclusion of week 17), I needed some sort of football fix this morning. Some quick research created a list of Super Bowl Starting QBs since 2001 (the beginning of our hideous playoff drought). Super Bowl Starting QBs 2001: Trent Dilfer Kerry Collins 2002: Tom Brady Kurt Warner 2003: Brad Johnson Rich Gannon 2004: Tom Brady Jake Delhomme 2005: Tom Brady Donovan McNabb 2006: Ben Roethlisberger Matt Hasselbeck 2007: Peyton Manning Rex Grossman 2008: Eli Manning Tom Brady 2009: Ben Roethlisberger Kurt Warner 2010: Drew Brees Peyton Manning 2011: Aaron Rodgers Ben Roethlisberger 2012: Eli Manning Tom Brady 2013: Joe Flacco Colin Kaepernick 2014: Russell Wilson Peyton Manning There has been much, much discussion on this board about the importance of the QB, is EJ Manuel the right guy, should we draft another QB in the first round, and can we win with EJ. Looking at this list, there are some pretty average QBs mixed in there. The point of the post is not to create another thread regarding EJ's talents or lack thereof (however it very may do that anyway). Rather, to give some historical perspective of success during our prolonged period of struggle. Granted, the sure fire way to get to the most Superbowls during these past 14 seasons was to draft a future HOF QB in the seventh round. That is a rare draft gem indeed, and regardless of what EJ may become it is not likely he will have the career that Brady has had, simply because it is unlikely for anyone to have the success he has had. The guy drives me nuts, but damn he is good. Looking at the rest of the list there a few other future HOF players: Peyton, Brees, likely Rodgers, and maybe Roethlisberger, and not sure about Warner. The careers of Wilson and Kaepernick are too early to judge. Thie other players on this list (and the absolute dominance of the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning by the Seahwks during this year's Superbowl) have opened my eyes to what we could build regardless of how EJ turns out in comparison to the HOF guys. There are guys on this list that give me hope that a team built around defense, running the football, and good QB play can make it to the Big Game. Personally, I have always felt that the ultimate upside of EJ Manuel (IF he achieves it) would put him at the same level as "Big Ben". Same kind of build, same kind of rarm, and same kind of mobility (Ben was a lot more mobile in his early days before injuries mounted). If we look at that list, "Big Ben" has been to three SB's during this time, tied with Peyton and second only to Brady. In conclusion: 1. I am off the " draft another QB early this year" wagon. 2. I hope we start to look like those Steelers teams...crushing defense, good running game and a solid player at QB. 3. Go Bills!!

Nick Tahous...a small market product, that is loved by the locals.....and is best consumed after having several beers.

The playoff teams that look a lot different then the Bills: 1. New England 2. Denver 3. Green Bay 4. New Orleans These teams all have elite QBs. There aren't many to be had, and usually not more than 5 or so in the league at any one time. Playoff teams the Bills could try to emulate without an "elite" QB (not trying to knock EJ here, even if he is very good that does not mean elite) 1. Seattle 2. SF 3. Carolina It would be great if we could turn into Seattle, and upgrades on O line, LB, and keeping Byrd would be essential to make this happen. However, it seems we are most similar to is Carolina at this point. We have some work to do to play as consistently as they do, but it is a playoff team that we played well against AND beat this year. We are a few pieces away from Carolina, a few more pieces away from Seattle.

A previous poster did an excellent job providing information regarding cartilage, ligaments and blood supply, and the consequences of injuries to these tissues. The most concerning part of EJ's knee injuries for me was how 2 of the three happened. The direct hit to the knee during the Cleveland game would have caused injury to any human. Frankly, EJ was fortunate the foot was not fully planted at the time of the hit. It could have been catastrophic. The other two injuries occurred on plays that largely were unremarkable. I am not even certain what play he got hurt on in the pre season game. As hard as I looked, I couldn't find the play that he got hurt during in the week 15 game. Rehabilitation and conditioning can build tissues around the knees and help protect them from injury. However, there is concern for how easily his knees have been injured, and how long they have taken to recover.

I was at the Raiders game. Remember all of the hilarious moments tailgating. Beers froze at the neck of the bottle in 8 minutes (so we drank them in 7). Trying to "cook" chile. Keeping things in the cooler, in the car that you didn't want to freeze. The funniest thing I remember was standing next to another guy while we were taking a whiz. He suddenly says "s@&t". I said "what's wrong?". He said "I am wearing 6 inches of clothes and I only have 5 inches of dick".

The play involving the FB was just a hat on hat in the hole type of play and block. Excellent play design, Kiko took on the block (as he is supposed to do), no one else home to make a play. The other play of note was the one where Mankins got to Kiko and they both fell to the ground. Blount ran by on way to long TD. Kiko was a bright spot on this team all year, and he looks like he will be a great player for years to come. Good points throughout the post regarding the other LB positions and how Kiko does/ does not fit. Agree with you on all counts. I remember that game involving Lewis as well, but admittedly I never would have remembered the O linemans name.

We hire a QB coach.....EJ sprains his knee stepping off the curb while walking over to meet him.

To answer your question, it was not good. This was the first time I saw a team so successfully target Kiko and take him out of plays. Excellent points. I think Kiko's being worn down was visible in his arms, neck and torso size by end of season.

As the WLB would his role in covering the TE change? When we drafted him it seemed like he was the prototype to cover Gronkowski, Henandez (pre jail), and other TEs.

First and foremost, Kiko was an excellent addition to the Bills this year who played great football for a first year MLB, and good football throughout the year. He will be an important and vital piece of this team as it finds future success. After re-watching the Bills v Pats game from week 17, it became clear that the Pats had a great game plan to neutralize Alonso and had several large running plays right at him. The pats consistently were able to get an O lineman onto Alonso and seal him away from making the tackle. Kiko had great difficulty separating from these blocks. Kiko was also the target of their FB on several plays. One in particular went for a big gain by L Blount. IF Kiko is going to be our MLB, he is going to need to add some bulk. He looks about 10-15 pounds lighter now, than he did prior to the pre season. This already on a thin frame. Hopefully, gaining some weight will help him deal with all of the attention he will be getting from the opposing teams O Line. IF Kiko is going to be our MLB, we may want to consider changing one of our DTs for a "space eater" type rather than a penetration type player. This may help to keep Kiko clean, and allow him to make plays with his incredible athleticism and instincts. This in no way is meant to be construed as a "get rid of Dareus" statement. Another option would be to move him to a WLB position. The game tape is there in how to stop Kiko, the Bills need to figure out the counter punch. My apologies if this belongs in another thread. The other Kiko thread was a lot of fun, but I thought this may generate a separate discussion.

Merry Christmas Bills Nation! May your season be bright. If you are tired of sappy Christmas songs give this video by the Dropkick Murphy's a view:

Yes, for the past few weeks I have been thinking the same thing. Not that I think he is the right answer long term at QB either, but this season would have been better.

First, Thanks to the OP. This topic has generated some excellent thought and analysis. Second, thanks to the quoted poster. I married into an Eagles family, and now I have some "analytics" at my disposal come Christmas Day. Third, It looks like our coaching staff has done a good job when we look at the measurable factors. There is plenty to acknowledge as going well. There is also room to be driven crazy as fans at times by game planning and play calling on offense. However, we are in better hands in regards to coaching than we were a year ago. For the first offseason in many years there seems to be a genuine reason for excitement in Bills Land. The front office has made lots of good decisions in the past 18 months: 1. Mario Williams 2. Trading Kelvin Sheppard for Jerry Hughes 3. Signing Manny Lawson 4. Re signing Leodis 5. Bringing back J Leohnard 6. A Branch 7. Signing Robey 8. Drafting Alonso 9. Drafting Woods 10. Bringing in Thad Lewis from Detroit practice squad 11. Drafting Cordy Glenn 12. Landing Pettine as our DC A few Dumb moves: 1. Letting Levitre and Reinhold leave WITHOUT a plan to replace them suitably 2. Not signing Byrd to a longer deal when Levitre was allowed to walk. Needed one or the other, we can't fill both holes at once this upcoming off season. The Question: 1. Is EJ the answer? If he is, we look a lot like the 1987 Buffalo Bills (credit goes to another poster for that analogy). If he is not, we are still "rebuilding". However, it seems that we may have the right coaching and front office in place that they can actually be trusted to make the right decision regarding the QB. If they think he can be the guy, then I already can't wait for next year. If they don't think he is, then take another shot at a QB early in the draft. Watching this defense play with a two score lead yesterday was fun. They are among league leaders in sacks, despite playing without leads and the other team in "obvious" passing situations for large parts if games. Watching the defense dismantle the Dolphins yesterday gives me great hope for next year!

That's the guy! Thanks! Make Brady cry like Scut Farkas. That would be a great Christmas present!

Well said!

Wouldn't trade either guy for what they would realistically bring. We will need all the offensive weapons we have and more next year if we are to I prove our record.