JoeF

Bad Drew Bledsoe Good Drew Bledsoe Mediocre Drew Bledsoe How about just-- community role model Drew Bledsoe who is trying hard to remake himself into serviceable QB Drew Bledsoe....

I really enjoyed it. So many stories that will bring back memories for folks who grew up in WNY in the early part of the book and then reading about Tim's post college years and Big Russ's influence on them was quite good. I read it on the outgoing and return flights of an east coast to west coast trip. I honestly couldn't put it down and had all the emotions from belly laughs to tears welling up in my eyes a couple of times. It's a great gift. If my dad were still alive it would have been my choice this year.

3rd TD. I’m going to get crucified for this but this is the truth. Spikes should have been called for pass interference on that play. He blatantly pushed Johnson to the ground while the ball was in the air. The zebra’s totally missed that one. Not true bossman--play was behind the line of scrimmage.....here is the citation from the NFL Rule Book. 4. It is pass interference by either team when any player movement beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders the progress of an eligible player of such player’s opportunity to catch the ball. Offensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is snapped until the ball is touched. Defensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is thrown until the ball is touched. It was a great play--similar to the one TKO made against Miami. Every game is going to be different--we moved the ball extremely well against the Seahawks, Rams and Dolphins---Defense and Special Teams were the keys to victory against the Bengals and Browns--the sign of a good team is to get contributions from all phases of the game to win....We are a good team...not one that is winning by smoke and mirrors. As to whether we will make the playoffs--well we need help--but who would have thought after week 5 (at 0-4) or week 10 (at 3-6) that in week 16 and 17 we would have a shot....this is a real triumph...

Yep, I saw Becht on the list but thought Franks and Jones were better targets.

I say "what is Art?"

I hope the knee is ready to go--about 4 PM on Sunday.....Lets buy his kids Twister for Christmas.....

I know we are in the thick of the 2004 playoff race--but I was just taking a little peak ahead to see what was available in the unrestricted free agent market at what may be need positions. Here are some highlights of players in their 4th to 8th years who at which it may be worth taking a look...all are on teams that are up against the cap... Obviously our priorities are to keep some of our own (Jennings, Price and Williams) and extend guys like McGee and Clements if possible--we will need some help from Moulds to make this happen---but despite Moulds comments earlier in the year--I think he will oblige. So--my thoughts on need positions: OG (our situation is Pucillo is a restricted FA who will probably become a street FA--if you catch my drift) Joe Andruzzi UFA Patriots (8 year vet-last five as a starter-a Chris Villarrial clone) Casey Rabach UFA Ravens (4 year vet--first year as a starter) Roberto Garza UFA Falcons (4 year vet-first year as a full time starter) Rick DeMulling UFA Colts (4 year vet, 3 year full time starter) Tupe Peko UFA Colts (3 year vet-part-time fill in injury starter this year) OT (our situation is Jennings and Price are UFA's)--most of these are RT so Williams would have to flip...more of a possibility now...other option would be move Teague to LT, Tucker to C and then sign a G Kareem McKenzie Jets (4 year vet, 3 year starter) Jets have to resign both Abraham and Ellis Oliver Ross, Steelers (7 year vet, 2 year starter) Victor Riley, Saints (7 year vet, 7 year starter) Walter Jones- probably out of price range with what we have invested in OL already Orlando Pace-See Jones comment TE (need insurance for Campbell, Euhus Injuries) Bubba Franks, UFA Green Bay, 5 year vet, 5 year starter--not as productive as one would assume but absolutely huge (6-6, 265) best year was 54 catches for 442 yards. Lots of touchdowns though Freddie Jones, Cardinals, 8 year player-8 year starter DT (Pat Williams, UFA) Marcus Bell - Lions - 3 rd tackle--having a good year - would compete with Anderson for #2 spot with Edwards moving to Starting line-up if we lose Williams Monsanto Pope-Broncos-Stater and 3 year vet. Same situation as above Jason Ferguson, Jets- 8 year vet-quick off snap Pipe Dreams-- Shaun Rogers Corey Simon Kicker is an iffy position--if we decide to upgrade-drafting Mike "Ted" Nugent from Ohio State may be an option--the kid is a phenom...and may be off the board by our pick--the 64th pick (do the math)....

Belated Congrats LA, Mrs. LA and JP. Wonderful news!

I love the take away arguments. Take away the last ten games and we are 0-4. Take away all the water on earth and we are Pluto. Take away Jerry Sullivan's and Mark Weiler's brains and you still have Jerry Sullivan and Mark Weiler. Take away Jerry Sullivan's and Mark Weiler's egos and you have Mother Theresa.....

Say what you want about Drew -- I just don't see him trying to tounge Moulds, Evans or Reed through their face mask no matter what the situation.

With two games left, its time to start thinking about the 2004 Two Bills Drive/Stadium Wall team awards. Let's start with the team MVP.... My choice, Takeo Spikes....he has been a monster during this win streak...his stats the last five games courtesy of Leo Roth--- 28 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 9 passes defended. His plays have turned around 2 games--Miami and Cincy...He has earned his big paycheck. Coach of the Year-Bobby April--the guy is amazing--we went from worst to first in special teams. Front office persons of the year-- Doug Majeski Coordinator of College Scouting Marc Ross National College Scout Brad Forsyth College Scout Joe Haering College Scout Shawn Heinlen College Scout David Hinson BLESTO Scout Dave W. Smith College Scout Terry Wooden College Scout Tom Roth College Scouting Administrator Nobody really took notice when Modrak recruited Ross and Roth from the Eagles last year....but I would judge this group not just on the draft but also on Greer, Baker, Shaud Williams and Jason Peters....that's an A+ job in the UDFA market. Plus in the draft--Evans, Fast Freddie and Euhus are players...Anderson/Losman/McFarland are works in progress with good to great potential.

Ken Dorsey is a God. That's my story for this week. A game that requires 7 hour flight to the west coast on Christmas day and then playing the next day is worrisome. However, I know that this Bills team will focus and get it done because of the situation and the niners just may be the worst team in the league.......If anything this is a great chance to put some things on film that the Steelers will have to plan for during the next week. We have moved way beyond this being a trap game. Let's fire up the Cheeseburgers, take the walk around Fisherman's Wharf and kick some tail. By the way--I ran past forty niner headquarters in Santa Clara 3 mornings last week and put my grandmother's evil eye curse on them....I asked for the effective date and time to be about 1 PM PST on December 26. Grandma has never let me down. Final note, I also saw Dennis Erickson in the lobby of the Westin Santa Clara with two older gentlemen--who I assume were from Old Miss---what does that say to your team--when you are interviewing for a college job during a pro season....yeeeshh....

The question is did Coach Ditka get a stiffie while writing this about the Bills...and has it gone away yet or is it time to call the doctor about unwanted side effects.....

What's wrong with being hopelessly mediocre -- Hey wait-- I resemble that remark....

13 of 32 teams have winning records in the NFL right now--the majority of just about everyone's schedule is against .500 or worse record teams...

Folks--these are all anti-depressants....if you think we are done with two games left to play--please call your MD in the AM or visit one of the drug sites tonight and order some...yes there is some logic in saying that things may not fall our way these last two weeks---but we were 0-4 10 weeks ago, 3-6 5 weeks ago...we have come from the depths to a team that is now feared--and we will only get better. Sure, we all hope we make the playoffs--and its disappointing when every game doesn't turn out the way we need it to--but if we win next week--odds are we go into the last week with a shot--that's all that's important right now. Tommy Jackson just said it best "Next year we won't be talking about the Bills in terms of if they are going to make the playoffs--we will be talking about where they will be playing..." Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Blessed belated Hanukkah...enjoy having a real football team again....

April in his post game press conference. When Jason Peters was on the practice squad they lined him up in practice over the snapper and the Bills punt coverage team couldn't block him. They knew they were going to send him on punt block if he was ever activated. Peters, Greer, Baker, Williams have all made plays this year-and all were UFA--amazing...this is how depth is built...

Go Packers as well...need to get Jax out of the way. We need to keep this up in the second half.....let's start out with about a 7 minute drive with a TD at the end of it. Ride Shaud Williams to victory...

These are two up and coming teams with two young head coaches who are garnering great respect league wide. The Bills will be integrating a new QB into the mix in the next two years and the Bengals still have some work to do on D, but along with the Steelers and Chargers, these two teams are young, loaded with talent and going to be contenders for the next 4 or 5 years. Names like Chad Johnson, Carson Palmer, McGahee, Evans, McGee and a decent mix of veteran talent---I just have a feeling that this is the first of many "playoff implication" and playoff match-ups between these two teams. The Bills need to establish that they will "own" this match-up...just like we owned the Raiders, Steelers, Dolphins, Oilers in the early 90's--its another step. Today's a good start.

Western Pennsyltucky--where the men are men and the sheep are nervous...

I heard you laughing through your keyboard...... :lol:

Who were the ESPN anchor and the boxer who did that really funny ESPN spot with the anchor ended up hiding under a desk to escape the boxer??--maybe TKO could do something like that...

TKO to Steve Levy: "I am going to come see you in Bristol" Too funny...

I am in San Jose this week--heard on local radio this AM that Harris grew up in South San Fran and coached with Stanford's AD at Pacific.

Not sure Clements would leave Buffalo for the Pitt Panthers. The Bills are starting to look like a team that could be putting together a run of great seasons. His odds of getting a pro head coaching job would be pretty good if that happens. I think ND had a very special appeal to him--Pitt may not. As for Wanny--I think its a great fit.