[REDSKINS!!!! Open to Trading Cousins]

There's no way Washington gives him up for less than a 2nd - and they'd probably wish for a 1st, to recoup picks spent on Griffin. Not to mention, Griffin gets hurt often - at least, he seems fragile. So, having Cousins is not the same as having a QB just wasting away on the bench. He gets use, and he knows the system. I really doubt they give him up unless they're getting really good value for him.

[Manuel appears on WKBW]

If I were the team GM, I'd have another QB in here - either through FA or the draft - that could challenge EJ as the starter. That's because I don't assume he'll be a great QB based on what we've seen. However, I believe we'll know more certainly a year from now (barring a season ending injury) whether or not he'll be our guy. All the speculation until then is just that - speculation. The difference between me and what I assume the Bills would do, is that I wouldn't sacrifice another entire season on a QB prospect who hasn't shown, convincingly, that he CAN improve on those things which lend to good/great QB's. There's a debate as to whether those things are coachable or not.

 

My main argument for bringing in another QB in the draft is that at least we'll have a fall back option, and although you cannot magically make a QB appear, you'll always be able to get good value for a good QB - if you have 2.

[Would the Bills trade up to get Watkins?]

I don't think the Bills should consider moving up - where they're at in the draft will ENSURE they'll get their shot at either: Barr / Mack, Evans / Watkins, or Lewan / Mathews, not to mention possibly Manziel / Bortles, and certainly Ebron / Seferian-Jenkins. Instead of sacrificing picks, they sit to be able to get a tackle, WR, OLB, or TE that will definitely boost their overall competitiveness. I'd target a QB in RD 2 - someone like Boyd - and then spend the rest of the draft solidifying the LB corps and O-line. My point - the Bills are in a great spot at 9.

[What's the plan for next year?]

Where to start? We need a viable alternative at QB if Manuel doesn't show dramatic improvement - whether as a high round QB in the draft, or a FA acquisition. We need to upgrade at the Guard spot on the O-line, and add another quality O-lineman to the mix (2 additions there - both QUALITY) - because, although we had one of the better rushing teams in the NFL, much of that came because of Spillers 2 or 3 long runs a game, or Jackson's 4 or 5 extra yards after contact - NOT because the O-line was great at run blocking, and IT CERTAINLY WASN'T GREAT AT PROTECTING THE PASSER!!!

We need a legitimate #1 WR - draft or FA, and he needs to be BIG. We need a stud TE.

We need a new ST coach, and a legitimate QB coach.

We need a star LB to compliment Alonzo.

If we keep Byrd, we don't need to worry about S.

 

So, that's:

1 QB

2 O-linemen

1 WR

1 TE

1 LB

and 2 coaching additions.

 

Now, lets see what we end up with...

[Is Your Opinion Of EJ Tainted By The Fact That He Was A Round 1 Pick?]

What makes me frustrated with the pick is we've had an undrafted street FA play as good or better than a 1st round pick. The good things Manuel has done have been far out-weighed by the negative things he's shown us. You might as well ask if we'd be satisfied with Thaddeus Lewis as our 1st round pick. Of course we wouldn't be. There's argument as to whether or not Lewis is good enough to be a full time 2nd string QB. Yet, arguably the worse of the two QB's has a large percentage of people saying he'll end up being a quality starting NFL QB - or, to just give him time. I don't understand it. Given the Bills past, their current situation - I don't know about the rest of the Bills fan base, but it's getting harder and harder to continually see this team fall short - I'd say it should be Bills policy to CONTINUE TO DRAFT QB's UNTIL THEY GET ONE THAT IS PROVEN TO BE STAR MATERIAL. Which means, if I were running the show, I'd throw another 1st or 2nd round pick at one of the next batch of QB's, giving myself and my team at least a fallback option. I just don't see why we'd sacrifice another few years on a QB we don't have any reason to believe is good enough - and what if he only ends up being like a middle of the road NFL QB, are we going to be happy then? I want a top QB on this team, and I think we need to continue bringing guys in until we find a star - and if we end up with 2 or 3 QB's who are capable of starting, then you can begin to regain draft picks via trades. Heck - New England has a second string QB that is probably capable of being a top 12 QB in Mallet, and they have Brady, and I bet they go for another top rated QB in the next draft or two. You don't sit pat at that position!!!! (I wrote this all in one paragraph because this site, for some reason, makes it almost impossible to type if I hit enter - I have to peck out each letter, and half the time they don't register - it is something with this website, because not long ago I couldn't even hit enter and have the cursor move to another line!)

[Woods & Goodwin Top 2 Bills Wr's next year?]

I'd be happier, personally, if we drafted a big, definite #1 WR to go with Woods and Goodwin, and also a legitimate star TE. If we went that route in rounds 1 and 2, and waited on a Guard/LB till rounds 3 and 4, I'd be fine with that.

I just don't see us acquiring top talent at QB or TE via trade, though, so if we wanted more talent at either of those positions, I'd recommend drafting them early. You still see good WR and O-Linemen in FA to make the types of additions we're looking for.

Anyway, I'll not be grading the Bills on draft alone, but on how well they coordinate the draft and FA.

[What's the magic answer?]

Look at the Eagles, or Arizona, or San Diego, Philly,or even Jacksonville. You see the difference between these teams - a common factor is (except for Arizona) new, first time Head Coaches, and teams coming off losing records. Philly, especially, will be compared to Buffalo because of the college connection. I say the big difference between the success of Arizona and Philly, and relatively speaking even San Diego, is the QB play. Had Buffalo had CONSISTENT QB play, we'd be 10-5 right now, I'd bet.

So, although we need a bigger, more prototypical #1 WR, and a better TE, and perhaps another stud LB, our success or failure next year will come down to QB play.

I understand the "give Manuel time" argument, but I would protect this franchise by securing another high rated QB in this upcoming draft, so that we don't have to use this QB play as an excuse for another wasted coaching hire.

[Mack: mock draft]

This is a post that makes quick sense of the situation! If you don't know whether you've got a franchise QB you keep drafting until you do. That doesn't mean you trade up to get one, or even pick one with your 1st pick - there might be capable QB's in the second round, or you might trade back up into the 1st, or from the 3rd back into the 2nd, for one. My point - we still need to add talent to that position, since we don't know if what we have now is capable taking us to the playoffs. I'm thinking a guy like Boyd would be a nice pick up. Of course, if for some reason we had a shot at one of the top 3 QB's in the first round, I'd surely consider going that route, too. After all, QB is usually the only position you cannot upgrade through F.A. - every other position you can pay to get proven talent at.

[Top Three Draft Picks next year]

In the nickel and dime the Bills only use one LB off of the LOS. The Bills play A LOT of nickel and dime and that is Kiko's job.

 

Manny is more of an edge setting, line of scrimmage guy. Mack might fit better in the middle than Lawson, but still, that wouldn't be an ideal fit for him either.

 

Then the question is what do you do with Jerry Hughes? You certainly don't draft Mack that high to play 2 downs and then let Hughes come in on 3rd down.

 

Not saying Mario, Manny or Hughes won't get hurt and open up a spot but it's not an area of weakness by any means.

I agree - with all of it, especially your previous sentiment about QB's: if you're not sure you've got a franchise caliber QB, you keep drafting until you're sure. Worst case scenario - you end up with 2 capable, young, QB's. In the Bills case, since Manuel has done nothing to establish his hold on the job, and since we have just as much of a chance at winning with an undrafted QB in there in Lewis as we do with Manuel, I'd say that is a good indication that we need an upgrade at QB. I think Big WR, QB, and LG are the most important positions of need for this team. You have a good offense - and seriously, a good QB with an upgraded O-line, and with a big WR talent to add to our other WR's and our RB's, and our defense is going to be light years improved if they're not on the field all game long. Our offense has been a big part of why this defense isn't statistically much better.

[Does anybody care about the rest of the season.]

I'll be watching but strictly to see if EJ can use these games to make a place for himself on next year's roster or if he's a bust in the making a la Schaub, Freeman, et al.

The season has and will be about Manuel, as far as I'm concerned. Sure, Hackett needs to show some more, too. But Marrone and Pettine have already proved their worth, as far as I'm concerned. If I were in charge, this would be all about seeing if Manuel has enough promise to pass on the chance to upgrade on QB in this next draft. As far as I'm concerned, having TWO franchise caliber QB's - IN CASE ONE OF THEM DOESN'T PAN OUT - is not a crazy idea, and is far better than having one QB who proves not capable, when in retrospect we passed on one or more QB's who prove very good. However, from what I've been reading out of Buffalo lately, it seems like Hackett and Marrone are very happy with Manuel, and already believe he's their man of the future.

[Is Byrd Replaceable?]

A big - BIG - part of all this is the Bills F.O. actually knowing what they want to do, and having a plan! Half the time it seems like these contract situations take them by surprise. If they want Byrd, then they better either be willing to pay him what he will ultimately demand, or they better have a final number they won't go beyond; and, if that is the case, they better have a second plan in place to TRADE him, to get some value out of letting this guy walk. It seems, ultimately, pretty simple to me. If Byrd is absolutely set on taking the highest bid, and he knows what other teams are willing to pay him, and the Bills know they won't exceed a certain number, then it is up to them to have a sound option - trading - ready. Because, IMO, franchising him again is only going to screw the Bills. He has already shown he can be an impact player in any defensive system he's asked to play in. He could hold out (in the 2nd Franchise year) and not play till week 10, then show up with his "foot" injury, which is really hard to prove fake - and not play the whole year, collect his total 8 million or so, and every team in the NFL would sympathize with Byrd, because they'd all be telling themselves, "we would've paid the man". So - pay him, or trade him. Do not franchise him with the intent of trying to force him to play another year.

[Falcons forum]

I've traveled to the South quite a bit (was in Mississippi) last week and find the people there to be much nicer than up North. Sure, you have the few, "what are you doing down here" types, but they are the minority. Overall, it seems the Falcon's fans have the same feeling about the game most Bills fans do: (our D should destroy them, and is EJ good, bad, somewhere in the middle, etc.). I'm seeing a TON of sacks from our D, and a lot of running for Freddie, CJ, and a couple nice passes from EJ (about 15).

Until I see some real quality consistency from EJ, and this offense, I'll not even begin to predict wins - even against the likes of Atlanta, Jacksonville, or Tampa. We should have destroyed the Steelers - it was a "good matchup" for us, and we got smoked. Now, I believe our team has quality talent across the board, and is good enough, and in some areas exceptional, that IF EJ plays a good game, then I think we can play with anyone. Its just that EJ has to stop his Jeckyll and Hyde routine.

[Official Playoff Possibilities Thread]

The Bills have 4 winnable games coming up. If they take care of business they are 8-7 going into week 17 against Pats and probably with some playoff possibilities left.

 

Of those 4, I think TB is the game they are most likely to lose. Though this team has shown us Jekyll and Hyde even in the last 2 games so it wouldn't shock me if they lose 2 or more of these "winnable" games. Hope the Jets win was enough for this team to pull together and go on a run. It begins and ends with EJ. Unfortunately, there is no margin for error for him to be inconsistent, whicj a rookie typically needs.

Yeah - one good thing, this schedule, and our still being alive, however small the chances, will give us a good look at EJ, so long as he stays healthy. If he does, we'll have seen him play some good defenses, play with a wide cast of players, and shoulder the pressure of playoff hopes now that he's had half a season to get accustomed to playing in the NFL. That, to me, is the most important aspect of this season, that EJ is fairly evaluated, because there'll probably be starting caliber QB's to be had in the 2nd, and possibly 3rd round this coming draft.

[Official Playoff Possibilities Thread]

I'd like to just leave it at - The Bills NEED to win out. Every game must be played like the Jets game. If they come out flat for one game (heck, look at Tampa lately - and Jacksonville - no teams should be dismissed), they are toast. So - as if it shouldn't have been so already - every game is a playoff game here out. No excuses, either, as far as I'm concerned. We've shown we have the talent to play with ANYONE. If we lose out on this playoff shot its because we aren't ready, as a team. I only hope we are. I know the defense looks to be ready.

[Will Pettine be a Buffalo Bill next season?]

I Agree. He's got a great gig right now. If he can keep alot of this year's team intact and add some more Secondary and LB help. I see us doing great things!

Not to mention, the Buffalo Gig is already almost a success for him. Things could fall apart and the Bills could go nowhere, and he'd still have seemed to come in here and turned it around for this defense. So, its a No Pressure type situation, or a little to lose, much to gain type situation here for him.

[Will Pettine be a Buffalo Bill next season?]

Bills need to win some playoff games and have a top five D for Pettine to get serious attention.

Yeah - you know, Rex's NY Defense has improved, I think - at least, in some areas - since Pettine's departure. I'm not taking anything away from Pettine - I DO think this is a top 10 defense, when healthy, and certainly will be by year's end - but, I'm saying I think the professional arc he was looking at was a 3-4 year stint creating a championship caliber defense, and then he gets his shot (unless the Bills somehow go that far in 2 years). Ultimately, I think he's looking to both have accomplished that 3rd turnaround (Ravens, Jets, and now Bills), and to have that great defense be HIS, before he sets his sight higher.

[The offense may be in trouble - remainder of 2013 and 2014]

EJ has shown only "flashes" of Good NFL caliber play. The question that needs to be answered THIS SEASON, IMO, is whether he can be that good on a consistent basis - because this coming draft will have solutions at the QB position for a handful of teams. Otherwise, if we had a good QB, I think our offense is only lacking a better TE and a true top WR to become very good - top 6 or so. That could be addressed in one offseason, I think. The bigger problem is the ability of this franchise to evaluate players, to assess needs on a timely basis, and to go get it done when needed. All these questions are left hanging in the air with this "New" Bills team. I am, however, happier with this staff and the team as a whole than I've been with a Bills team in a long time. So, only time will tell, but I think we'll be okay.

[Red Flags]

Man the Bills got exposed today. Inept play and unimaginative, gutless coaching. This game raised more red flags than a tailgate in Tuscaloosa. Some things Im concerned about:

 

1. EJ was Blaine Gabbert brutal today, this against a Steeler team that is not great against the pass. He combined the inaccuracy of JP and the cant wait to check it down of Edwards. Footwork, reading a defense, touch, lack of the long ball, this wasnt progressing and growing. This was turning a turnover by Byrd into a FG and a garbage time TD. I dont know if you take a QB next year early, its a good topic to debate though. With the rookie salary cap, EJ is probably making about the same as Fitz is making per year as a backup in Tennessee so if you took another one its not like you're tied by the salary cap. If you can defend drafting RBs that are the best available player on your board when you have good talent there already, how can you not do the same for a QB? Would it hurt EJs confidence or does every position benefit from competition? Oh and to the people saying Wilson didnt do much if his first 6 or so games last year, guess what, now you get to compare Wilson's progression in the second half of last season to EJs. Hes going to have to pick it up, big time.

 

2. And now on to Hackett, son of Hackett. Color me unimpressed by the resume and results. 2003-4 offensive/coordinators assistant coach at Stanford. 2006-09 offensive quality control coach Bucs-Bills, what exactly does that guy do, get the Krispy Kremes and scout the other team? 2010-12, Qb and TE coach and offensive coordinator of the mighty orange men of the big least. But dont you know we scored at least 20 points in X amount of games? Interesting but if I count defensive touchdowns(which Nate has nothing to do with), the Jets giving up near all-time record penalty yards and the Panthers giving up a stupid pass interference penalty on a pass that was never going to be completed and subsequent TD , we wouldnt even be talking about this meaningless stat. One thing we dont talk about his how many teams havent scored 30 points---ONCE. How many teams havent had a 300 yard passer ONCE in 10 games in a pass happy league. In fact we have thrown for more than 250 yards---ONE time. And Nate had done this with one of the best 1-2-3 runningback stables in the league, rbs that can catch the ball, too. Chan did more with Stevie and the street FAs and got CJ to have a monster year. Chans screens and slants are a distant memory. If he cant figure out how to attack a 3-4 then maybe he should look for another line of work.

 

3. TJ Graham is a turd. Lets admit a mistake and move on, it happens. Goodwin has shown more in a short time with backup QBs than Graham has. Goodwin is the small fast guy, what we dont have is big and fast. Easley has been pretty good on STs which is fine for a 5th-6th wr. We made a mistake trading up for this never will be, Graham. His speed doesnt seem to hit the field and he plays small with no physicality. This guy produces street FA numbers, thats a fact.

 

4 Im not sure what decent(not great) games will prove against the likes of Jacksonville, Tampa and a Miami squad in turmoil. What does it say, that we not that bad? We're not worst in the league bad? Like we should wear that as a badge of honor? I dont think so. That's not progess its groundhog day status quo.

 

5. Pettine is better than Wanny but that like saying your kid is smarter than the dumbest kid in the class. We let a bad rushing team gouge us pretty good and for having a ton of high draft choices in the secondary and a lot invested in our front 4 we are among the worst in the league against the pass. Rex does more with less than Pettine. Pettine is better than Wanny but he sure as **** isnt as good as Rex.

 

6. Lasty if I'm Marrone, I realize I have a 3 season window. If people on my staff are not cutting it, then new people should be brought in. I wouldnt be loyal for loyalty sake, this the big leagues, you either produce or you dont, but Im not going down because of a subordinate's incompetance. The ST coach is in over his head, as I mentioned Hackett is no offensive genius. If he has 3 years, thats 48 games and 10 games have come and gone and we are 3-7. that leaves 38 games. Oh and Doug, if that 3rd year starts bad, you will quickly lose the team and the fans. The lame duck label will be on you faster than you think.

 

Im so done with pain and patience, Im done with excuses. This team today was pretty healthy compared to other teams and laid an absolute dud. Lead, follow or get out of the way.

Well Said!!! I've thought many of the same things about Hackett and the QB position - if you can rationalize drafting Spiller when you've got Jackson and Lynch, you darn sure better be able to draft a potentially great QB when you don't even have one good one, yet! That's my worst fear - that we pass on a really elite QB talent next year, only to have Manuel remain average, at best.

[I just don't know what this team is anymore]

The way I see it - in today's NFL, winning long term starts with the Coach, and then the QB. If we have a chance to draft a QB who shows real potential to be great, then AS LONG AS WE DON'T HAVE A GREAT QB, THAT IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO!!! We need to keep drafting QB's until we get a great one - not a kid who "might" be good in a few years. A different team, one that hasn't sucked for 15 years, might be able to take that mindset, but the Bills need urgency in that regard. Also, they need a big-time WR, and a playmaking TE. And, of course, their offensive line could improve a bit. Still - it starts with the QB, and the coaching, and you build around that. I'm just worried this staff passes on a legit QB next spring and we waste another year on this guy, without providing ANY insurance against his potential failure. Worst case scenario, if we draft another high QB - we have two good QB's! You can always get value for a good QB!

[Now we get to see what we have for 7 games]

This is he NFL, not the PGA tour. There will always be injuries and often they will be to key players. Injuries are never a valid excuse in this league.

I believe injuries shouldn't be a continuous excuse - however, starting a new coaching staff, with new systems, and losing most of the entire starting secondary IS A VALID reason for play to decline. After all, Rogers LOST US THE GAME vs the Jets. Losing Manuel AND Kolb, leaving us with our 3rd and 4th choices for QB DOES make a REAL difference. I believe those are much more substantial injuries than most teams could overcome for more than a game or two. I happen to think we would be 6-3 right now had Manuel not been injured. However - I also believe, since we are a young team and we will continue to improve for the next few years, that those injuries have shown the team how resilient they are, how good their backups are, and will only strengthen us - it was a sort of a tempering, annealing process. I'm looking very much forward to seeing how this team, as a whole, responds to having their backs against the wall, with no more room for error. They can make the playoffs is they win out - it is still in their hands, and now they're healthy, and their schedule is favorable. This is a real good chance to see what type of team we have NOW (BTW - I'd use more paragraphs, but my return/enter button doesn't work on this site anymore for some reason!!!!)

[Any update on Woods Injury]

Looks unlikely that he will play from what I read on bb.com.

 

Sounds like it could be Easley outside and Hogan in the slot (for Graham). All the Easley fanatics will finally get to see him in action.

Good - it killed me that Easley finally got his chance against KC and he dropped the pass! I say give him a few more chances, so we'll finally know what he's made of - after all, he's playing his heart out on ST's.

[Why Does Everyone Love Pettine So Much?]

Pettine's had a whole lot of injuries to deal with, specifically in the secondary.

Not to mention - and this, I believe, MUST be considered when criticizing Pettine's unit - the Offense is ALWAYS going on and then off the field in one or two set of downs!!! The Defense is out there ALL GAME LONG!!! Imagine how good this defense could be, WITH THE PLAYERS THEY HAVE NOW, if they were healthy, and if the offense were to stay on the field and score a few more points a game. Even, I'd say, just staying on the field more would add a few more wins to our column, and improve the defenses stats. I like what Pettine has done. I believe we need to add a NT type that can stuff the middle up and stop the inside runs, but otherwise, I like his scheme. I suspect we'll see additions to the LB corps and probably another CB next year, too - so it should only get better. The defense is not, and has not been, the problem - save for when the ENTIRE starting secondary was injured, and Rogers singlehandedly lost us the Jets game.

[Should the Bills Lock in Thad Lewis?]

I thought he looked better, at times, than EJ. Sure, EJ is developing, and will only keep getting better - but, I don't think Lewis's positives (he's got a good deep ball, he makes quick decisions, and he can run) are going to disappear. What do you need out of a backup? You need a guy who can win you some games. He, I think, can do that. Who knows how Flynn will look, once he's settled in. To me, the bigger question is not at backup QB, but at starter QB. We went all in on a first round QB in the one year, collegiately, that was sandwiched between two seemingly great QB years. How is EJ going to compare, in the next 3-5 years, with the top QB's from last year and next year? That, to me, is a more pressing question than the backup situation. Heck, Lewis looked better, at times, than EJ did.

[Is Kyle Williams the problem with the run defense?]

From what I've seen thus far, the Bills have been VERY STOUT against the run - when they've been able to make that their top priority. However, it's been often that the Bills have had to play stretched out to help the secondary. And, the offense going three and out, or getting off the field so quickly has also hurt this defense, statistically, a lot. Many people have been saying the defense is better this year, despite the ranking, because its playing well - under the circumstances, or in context. If the offense were staying on the field more, and if the defense weren't so banged up, they'd probably be a top 10 unit. And THATS WITH A TEAM THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BOTTOM OF THE LEAGUE IN TALENT AS OF LAST YEAR! Sure, a big NT type would probably be better against the run than Kyle Williams - heck, even Branch seems better against the run. But, he's certainly one of the better DT's in the league, all things considered. Better help at secondary, better offensive T.O.P., and maybe another stud ILB would help the run game MUCH more than a different DT.

 

My view is that when Alan Branch is on the field, either subbing for Marcel Dareus or when Marcel Dareus moves to the end, our run D performs better. Our run D has a tough time when Kyle and Darues are in the middle.

I think they sometimes overpursue - or go too heavy towards the QB, and the Guards can let them go to one side and open a hole on the opposite side. They just need to play better contain, or stay in their lanes, or the plays need to be better called. I think the personnel, especially with Branch, is good enough.

[What are the 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS for building a championship team]

I'd say you have to have, in order of importance: Great coaching - that sets the stage for high performance units. At least one of the offense or defense has to be great; a great offense, or a great defense, can get a team to a championship. Whichever unit isn't great must be good at something (running or passing on offense, or pass pressure/run stopping on defense). Basically, if I were a coach I'd look at my team and build around whichever unit has special talent, to the point that it is exceptional -and I'd be sure the coach of said unit was equally able to take advantage of that talent. Then, I'd make sure the other unit was good at at least one phase of its game.