RCOHEN13

we are coming inches away from a sack strip fumble a few times... hopefully we can get to him in a sitiuation like that next time and not need Gilmore to make a play like that. More often than not, Brady hits those plays... We are hitting him, but not bringing him down with a bunch of very good chances.

actually you are right.. I completely forgot about that, thanks for pointing it out!

The chiefs game has HUGE playoff implications even if we lose tonight, but i think there is 2 weeks notice to changes for the flex game which would rule that out. Personally, i;d rather play Chiefs at normal time. Arrowhead is a tough enough place to play, having them in prime time would make it even tougher especially with how well they have been playing. This week is huge game, but not a "must" win... Next week is a MUST win vs team that right behind us and the winner of the game wll hold the tie breaker for WC spot. Chiefs are really hot right now and may even have shot at that division if denver doesnt clean up their act. They were a 2 point conversion away from OT vs Bears with no Forte and no Jeffery and Bennett was knicked up.

any other games come to mind??? Depending on records, maybe week 17 vs Jets??? Imagine if its Rex vs old squad this time at home, with playoff spot on the line???? now THAT would be intense! (hopefully we are in by then) but that would make front page news everywhere!

Any chance you guys think any of our remaining games get flexed to primetime game?? If we somehow can beat the Pats, and houston wins next week, i could see bills at home getting flexed to SNF with both teams in the hunt, especially with Houston still in the hunt for their own division as well as a WC. That would be fun to see, i love the Bills in primetime especially at home! I'll never forget flying up to see that MNF game vs Cowboys where it was our 1st MNF home game in years, and picking Romo off like 4-5 times and also getting a fumble off him then blowing game at end with them recovering onside pick then nailing 50+ yard fg to beat us.. now i feel sick from that memory!

the whole planet knows what he's worth.... On open market he will get Watt/ Suh money . With moves we just made to shed alot of cap, just give the guy the what he wants... He's the key to this D and also very young. More important to have him signed long term that rest of D

LOL.. i agree, ANYTHING but Cassel. Tyrod opens up different dimension to offense. I can easily see him producing similarly to Russell Wilson's rookie yr. Improvingas yr progresses and can be HUGE help for those 3rd down conversions. Instead of forcing a low percentage pass, he can scramble to pick it up. I'll miss fred, but outside of"legacy" element, he made the most sense to cut of the RB's. Shady is gonna be bell cow. Dixon is the grinder for few carries a game and Bryce has played 2nd fiddle to shaddy in Philly and was very producitve when he had the carries. And Karlos Williams is the young guy with great upside and him and Dixon will both be big contributors on special teams which team values alot. This is 1st yr that we will actually CUT "real" NFL level talent... its a good problem to have.. PS.. i think the cut of Freddy also means the RB preseason injuries are no big deal and all will be fully ready to go. If Shaddy was in doubt week 1, i doubt Freddy gets cut in 1st round of cuts. God bless Freddy, the ultimate team guy. Just pray not to see him in a uniform of team we play... would feel just too weird! hoping he goes to NFC to a team that can make use of him like possibly Panthers. I could see him being a good fit there and would be feel free to cheer him on!

i got Shaddy at last pick of 2nd round of my yahoo pay league draft. It's 250 entrance ran by yahoo so id assume they must be stronger players and was aboslutely shocked to get Shady at 20 overall and used my #1 on AP even though in think Lacy will be the top guy this yr.

I 110% agree.... It's pre-season, Ej has done well enough to get a chance to play with 1st team (especially their OL) cuz he had ppl in his face even against back ups with how bad our OL was. He missed some plays but showed poise in both games by not getting down and getting worse, he lead TD drives and made some plays. At least Rex is a man of his word... He said it would be a 3 horse race, and by letting EJ get a crack with 1st team O, that shows what he said from the start. Good move.. its only preseason, it he stinks up the joint, it will surely be alot easier to say they gave him his shot even though he was behind in the QB competition and if he plays well (which hopefully they ALL do) i have a feeling we will need at least 2 QB's play meaningful snaps this yr. The better they all play, the more confidence the staff will have turning to the guy if QB1 goes down or is ineffective. Especially if Tyrod gets the nod, with way he plays, i cant see him making it through a full season if he's gonna run so much. Especially in our division.

the entire 2nd team OL!

UPDATE! Cassel is NOT even playing tonight per rotowire. They commented saying Bills brass are hopeful that Taylor can take the 1st half and win starting job! Probably gonna see EJ for whole 2nd half

thx for the update. It would make NO SENSE to do the 70% run thing... There is sooooo much left to evaluate QB's. and even if they have to use Felton and Conner as pass blocking back, so be it... Let me know we are passing, and see who can make plays! I couldnt care what the score is as long as we see progress at QB. Our D is a known entity. Last yr, who knew... new scheme? new DC? maybe we just over achieved yr b4? We are now coming off 2 wonderful seasons on D with PROVEN play makers and several up and comers. Hope they play 2 maybe 3 series max... no need to risk an injury with Rex in charge and the talent we have. Rather have a Wynn go to IR then Mario! As they did with Darby last week.... Throw the QB's to the wolves... Show them u are throwing and see who (if any can step up). If ANY of them did, it would be HUGE for their confidence and for us frustrated fans. It would be really nice for tonite for a QB to really step up so he can handle first team reps through practice here on out and the #2 can work with 2's and rapports can be built. Keeping my fingers crossed! so happy this game is on national TV and dont have to listen to the AWFUL pre-season commentators. I;d rather listen to my dog bark! I was in early 20's and now i'm semi reitred at 35! lol too much risk??? we will have 3 QB's splitting the game. Maybe 4 if Simms gets mop up time... this isnt MLB with pitchers coming off tommy john surgery and limiting his ptich count. We have 3 QB's which means we have no QB!!! throw them to wolves! use a FB in backfield as pass protector instead of RB with 3 days in camp if need be.. groud and pound will do practically knowing for staff in evaluating team. Trying to figure out who your 6th RB is? even if the OL creates holes, these guys dont matter. Would u truly care if any of these joes rushed for 120 yards and 2 td's??????? The problem we need solved is a QB. This will either keep us in mediocre land, and lead us to playoffs...

the 1 thing that Tyrod brings to the O that would really make a huge difference is with an O that will run the ball alot in reg season, we will see alot more 3rd and 4's and 3rd and 3's etc.. by having a good running game, good TE and good WR's, if play isdefended well, Taylor has shown he can easily make the play with his feet and moves the sticks. I'm so tired of watching the Bills with 3 and out's which we all too common and missing out on 3rd and mid ranges last yr and in yr's past, that having a mobile QB can really be crucial in moving the chains. Last preseason was series after series of 3 and outs. It was beautiful to see our O in 1st half moving the ball drive after drive. Cassel's didnt result in points but led to a FG attempt that im sure if Carp was there would have been dead center thru uprights and also that AWFUL PI penalty on Mulligan that nulified a beautiful 14-15 yard catch and run to Sammy. Both Qb's looked solid last week. i'll be fully on board with whomever Rex decides as our QB. i just foresee too many nail bitter games with Cassel and relying too heavily on the D. You cant win every game 20-17. We r bound to let a few games slip away. This is the best chance in more than a decade to win the division. I really hope Tyrod shows some poise in the pocket, hits the plays he should hit and makes something out of nothing when a play breaks down. Cuz in a yr where we are "all in" u need the guy with the highest upside to start. having Cassel as the #2 would be more comforting knowing that at worst , our backup can keep us in games if Tyrod falters

If Percy comes back healthy and Sammy is 100% by regular season, i think Thompson or Davis could unseat either Hogan or Goodwin. Truth is, if offensive skill postion players stay healthy, i cant see this O using many 4 WR sets anyway with Shaddy or another RB on field in all situations and finally having a true pass catching TE in Clay who i really think will have a key role this yr moving the sticks.

You are expecting, but would'nt u WANT to see that so we can see what these guys can do??

i was not suggesting abandon the run completely. Just use it to complement the pass, instead of vice versa. Also, the line is looking pretty much set, dont think they will play too long regardless. And nothing wrong with useing a couple of screens as "semi running" plays cuz that at least incorporates the QB as well. This is the week to the Qb's most importantly.

Thx. They need to sling it. The point someone tried make it is go with the "gameplan" (ground and pound) but firstly, as Rex even stated b4 the last game, there is no true game plan. This is about evaluations and seeing can step up. NONE of the 3 RB's sutiing up tonight have a chance to make roster (unless a few of our RB's has major setback with their injury). The pecking order is pretty set at RB. Shady is by far and away the #1. Freddy will get a few shots plus will probably see some time as 3rd down guy. Boobie, Karlos and Bryce were trying much duking it out with each other to mkae roster. The trio we will be seeing, is there to take the lumps of the pre season for us and they all are using it for NFL game tape for FUTURE employers.... All we should care about are the guys that are gonna be on our team. Finding the RIGHT QB is by far and away the most critical decision this franchise has. For the 1st time in what feels like forever, the D is top 5 (if not better), the skill positions are loaded with talent and guys we could ultimately cut, could probably find work on other teams as more than a guy that makes a team but doesnt dress. If a guy like Thompson or any of our top 5 RB's gets cut, i could easily see them being snagged right away and possibly have role of some other team. WE MUST FIND A QB!!!! They should let them throw throw and throw.. Even if its not working, who cares, let them sink or swim. See who stands tall and let the best man win! I'm 35 and have never cheered for any other team other than the Bills. I still remember those Levy, Kelly, Reed, Thomas yrs even tho i was young teen! This truly the 1st realistic chance to be relevant again. In order to do so, we need a darn QB!!! its pre season, no game plan! play it like its madden.... throw throw and throw some more!

Considering none of the RB's that will be dressing tonight for Browns game even have a chance to make team, I for one, REALLY hope they let the QB's air it out and really try and showcase themselves to better evaluate who will be starting QB. It's a pre-season game where all our RB's are out, and probably our top 3 WR's may miss as well. Which could actually make it a bit easier for coaching staff to evaluate being that guys like Hogan, Goodwin, Thompson, Lewis and A. Davis may all see action with both Tyrod and Cassel cuz our 2nd team WR's will also be our starting WR's. I kinda feel bad for Tyrod, being this has to be the biggest game of his football career so far and even though he's "starting" he will be lining up against opponents 1's on D, and not having any of his starters at the skill positions with the exception of Clay. Obviously having the 1st team OL should help, but "starting the game" without the real starters, Shady, Sammy, Woods/ Percy will surely not make it a "true" start... I'm hoping Tyrod can show patience in the pocket and complete some nice intermediate and deeper throws and not turn ball over. Also really hoping Cassel plays well with possibly the same offensive unit as Tyrod (minus the 1st team OL) but has big edge that he will be going up against Browns 2nd team D with virtually the same skill set weapons at his disposal. As for EJ, at this point i dont even know what to think of him anymore. He has shown glimpes of being able to make some great plays like that pin point pass to Thompson for TD last week, but misses way too many of the simple plays which kills too many drives. Hopefully Roman lets the QB's throw and not ground and pound with the QB's in desperate need of every extra oppurtunity to show what they can do and just mix in some runs here and there. If they do this, it may be a blessing in disguise that Shady, Freddy, Bobbie, Brown and Williams arent out there cuz there really is next to nothing to truly be evaluating in regards to the RB's. Only chance ANY of the 3 RB's playing tonight have chance at roster is via practice squad anyway. Here's to hoping for 50+ passing attempts tonight so we can all dissect every single drop back!! RC

Great post, very insightful. Seems like Tyrod has the ball in his court to WIN the starting job. If he continues to play well , he certainly adds a very intriguing element to the offense that neither EJ nor Cassel bring and by teams having to be wary of the run and use a "spy" at times, thats 1 less defender down field which leaves our play makers more 1 on 1 matchup. I'm very eager to see how Tyrod plays next game when he is in there with the 1's and also playing against the opponents 1's. The has got to be the biggest oppurtunity of his pro career. I hope he can rise to the occasion cuz with our D and our RB's, we have a chance to be in every game. If a guy like Tyrod is our QB, and has shown to throw a solid deep ball and he is definitely not afraid to take shots down the field which will open up alot more for the running game. His legs could get us 30-50 yards per game and can be a key factor to a drive not stalling on a 3rd and 3 when we can either run, pass or then have the presense of a QB who can easily take off and pick good yardage if there is nothing there rather than force a ball into coverage.

Steven Ridley must be the worst RB in NFL then! the guy constantly got benched for fumbling (under inflated footballs!) Either way, can't change the past, hopefully with Brady missing 1st quarter of yr including game 2 vs us, we can get a division title! Which IMO, seemed doable regardless! Go Bills!

What you stated is true for pretty much all positions except QB's. QB's tend to be peaking in early 30's. Great example is as someone else mentioned, Rich Gannon. Gannon didn't have a "cannon" arm, he was VERY smart, had right talent around him with Raiders and even got them to a Superbowl. The key to our QB play this year is being SMART with the football. We will probably be in the top 5 in rushing attempts and we already had a top 5 D. One of the big things EJ struggled with was making right reads (as well as accuracy). However, all we truly had last yr as options in passing game was prob the slowest TE in the league, an extremely highly touted 1st round WR (who played hurt nearly all season) and Woods who is an ok #2 but more of a 2B WR who will be more of a weapon now with guys like Percy being around to draw attention, a huge upgrade in talent at TE with Clay and Sammy hopefully being "healthy" and in 2nd yr and should be more consistent. With all these new toys, as well as Shaddy as great check down option, decision making will be crucial. We have alot of guys that have the talent to get open. EJ settled too much for his primary option and half the time didnt even scan the field. If Cassel sees that primary option having the right coverage on him, we have alot more guys that can beat coverage. Cassel as a vet may not be the perfect QB, but if he can make right reads, we have guys who can make plays.

I got RIPPED for starting a thread about re-signing Hughes potentially hurting chances of extending Dareus next yr! With Clay contract its gonna be even harder. My point was, re-signing Hughes was not a mistake. BUT... considering the style of D Rex will employ, Hughes be will on field less than last yr and is typically a position for a LB who can rush the passer yet still be effective in coverage, which Lawson was solid in Pettine's (Rex D) 2 yrs ago. They split times depending on situation. With looking at how Bills offseason was going, it was blatant they will continue spending money and at time, i didnt think Harvin would be a target but hes only on 1 yr rental deal anyway. Clay's contract is huge, and i dont think we are done. I have a feeling we will sign another vet OL either via a later team cut, or someone who's still out there. We do have alot of space for "other" positions cuz Whaley is very correct is saying its easiest to spend when u dont have like 20 mil tied up in a QB, AND as others have pointed out in other threads, our #1 WR is just in his 2nd yr and wont require huge contract for few yrs... With FO's these days, and ours seems to not be a minor league one anymore and cap going up every yr, Dareus will surely get Suh type money and we MUST not even considering letting him go. He's more key to this DL than anyone, even Mario...

What about Pistol Pete Metzelaars??? He had some nice seasons and was a better version of the "big" TE Chandler was supposed to be.

It truly is a era! this off season at least shows Pegula's mean business and WANT to win and r willing to open check book to do so. Playing in Buffalo is no longer getting shipped to "Siberia"!

Agreed. Still has chance to start or at worst be the primary back up at both guard spots and center so still has "value" and the cap savings were needed and he was making too much anyway and probably was told, if he doesnt take pay cut, he would be released and probably felt his best chance to start may still be in Buffalo where he's now been for a few years. Still, Rare to see a player willing to do that for the team (unless its situation like Peyton Manning where he's beyond wealthy already and his cap savings could help team land a upgrade to roster.) Nice to see Urbik being "realistic" about his abilities and showing he's happy being a Buffalo Bill!