ctk232

http://www.wbtv.com/story/28178745/deangelo-williams-ive-been-released-by-the-carolina-panthers He seems to think that he's gone - team hasn't announced anything yet

I would love to see us grab DeMarco Murray of all people. We would have the most dynamic run attack in the league. Add Boling or another FA OG, or through the draft. All of a sudden, Manuel seems a more acceptable option at QB (still would like to see addressed but not blaring anymore).

I would love for all of this to happen...well, maybe not entirely as much for Hoyer/Sanchez, but it's still an option there. Honestly, even if all of this were to happen and I would, consequentially, be the happiest I've been in the past 15 years, I would still have a nagging doubt about our QB position. Best case scenario, we have lupati and cognito w/ potential line depth from the draft, to protect an unproven QB with decent to top receiver talent, and a strong run game at his disposal. Instead of addressing the need directly (which I understand we may not/cannot potentially do this offseason), we would instead be focused on padding the problem as much as possible so at least when it leaks it only leaks a little. But that padding can only hold together for so long before the problem becomes too much to handle. To put it simply, we still need to address the QB decision . . . do we need a Brady, Manning, Rodgers? Not really; would be nice though. Do we need better than unproven EJ, Hoyer, or Sanchez? Debatable but imo, yes.

Would've, should've, could've . . . sadly, it's about time to let this go. It also had nothing to do with Norwood's missed field goal, or any other plays during the course of the game. We made it to four superbowls in a row - we didn't get there that many times because Polian and Levy were failures. Please, let's stay in the present and focus on winning now? You can't change the past

I'd much rather see an offense that converts on 3rd down and scores more than 3 points in the redzone than an aggressive 4th down strategy. Invariably, there will be 4th down situations, sure, and we will go for it on some. But we'll be more aggressive overall, that much was evident from the presser. Time will tell.

Can't believe this is a serious proposition. Sure Fred is aging, and Bryce is unproven thus far. But let's keep in mind that this is all in an offense with no OL to create holes and running lanes, in an offensive scheme formulated by a premature OC stifled by an HC meddling in concepts beyond his reasoning. I doubt any RB in the league this year would have succeeded in our offense with our line. And have you forgotten we still have Boobie Dixon? A two/three down back (like Ingram), in an offense with an OC he knows VERY WELL, for cheap money. In addition, we have Spiller returning (possibly) with Bryce Brown. We don't need to make any RB moves this offseason, just OL. OL for dayzzz.

This is a fantastic analysis. It's really a shame it isn't the only positional issue that needs to be addressed, but I agree wholly that too much blame has been placed on Orton and Hackett than our OL. I'm not defending Orton or Hackett by saying this, but we would have seen much greater production from this offense with a proper OL. Granted, we have a lot of unproven rookie linemen that may/may not pan out next year or in the years to come. The Williams move in the offseason left everyone wondering exactly what our front office saw in him and our doubts were realized early on. I appreciate this analysis most since it paints our OL's issues in the context of our entire offense - every aspect of the team suffers with a weak OL. If we can focus on signing 2-3 OL in free agency, at least two guards and maybe another tackle depending on how we use Pears and Henderson. Hopefully we get lucky in this draft and a solid OL talent drops to the 2nd round, but I'm not sure how deep the field is this year. I'd love to see this team go after amplifying our OL first and foremost. Resign the necessary defensive/offensive talent (Hughes, Spikes, Searcy, Wynn, Hogan, Bryant, Thigpen - in no particular order) and then address our QB failings. With a better OL we would see a lot of "issues" from this season alleviated. Not necessarily cured, but manageable to allow consistent wins.

one thing we can be sure of then is there will be at least two franchise qb's in this class

I agree with this assessment with the exception of your two gripes. Frankly, it is near impossible to truly evaluate Sammy's worth in a fragmented offense with no clear strategy of making the most of our weapons, and without a capable QB to captain and implement the scheme. Given this information, I would actually rate Sammy higher considering the failures of our OC and QB position throughout the season, in addition to the fact he has been playing hurt nearly the entire season - addressing your durability and drop questions. Durability is there, and the drop issues are all with the QB. Orton is severely inaccurate when targetting Sammy over 10 yards. Not to say he hasn't connected on some deep passes, but the majority of drops to Sammy come from throws that were mistimed, underthrown, overthrown, or simply horrendous often causing him to play defense rather that make plays. I've seen a few that were honestly his mistakes, but not enough to ding him as a rookie in one of the leagues' most iffy offenses with little guidance and direction. Diagnosis: Agree with your 8 - plenty of potential to grow and become the player we all hope he is. You can see the ability now. You CANNOT expect immediate star quality production with our current OC/QB situation - FACT. That being said, new OL, OC, QB . . . and potentially HC but I'll defer that one for now.

The refs weren't the reason we lost yesterday, but it was certainly a contributing factor. Yea, not so sure the fist-bump is what the larger issue is for yesterday's game. I think the larger issues are the ghost call on Graham, albeit likely a wrong number call but still unsure exactly where the penalty occurred. And foremost, the pass interference call on Gilmore. One ref told Gilmore his hit was clean and the other ref simply said it wasn't because he was "too early." Looking back at the tape, the ball has clearly arrived/passed the receiver's catch zone and is eligible for a licking courtesy of Gilmore. He handled the call well which was nice, but I am absolutely done with the flagging of any physical play. The ref threw the flag after seeing the hit and scrambled for an excuse of reason. Poor officiating is one thing, but when the abhorrent performance by the officials leads to critical momentum shifts and loss of critical plays, it begins to affect the outcome of the game. Plain and simple, the ref's job is to officiate and keep the game within boundaries - not actively shape the outcome.

28-24 . . . I believe they'll pull off the upset. But our defense will have to play the best game I've ever seen to make up for our failure to score on offense. I honestly don't know how our offense will score more than twice on Denver's D. If our defense doesn't tire out and show's up with 1000% effort for 100% of the game - I think we get this one. And although it's on another thread, regarding Mark effing Schlereth, he knows next to nothing but I love when people doubt the Bills and give them little to no respect - only fuels the fire and helps them perform.

This... I'd also call into question the statistical analysis breakdown in the article. And just to add - pending defensive consistency and retaining player talent - this team is starving for a starter at QB which cannot be addressed in the upcoming draft IMO. But just as important is our lackluster OL. Now I would be the last person to use the Cowboys as an example of anything other than the perfect team to cheer against, but the way they re-built their OL with consistent mediocre records the past three years is something to at least consider. Rebuilding our OL opens up opportunities and provides greater cushion to other offensive weapons. It also helps when our OC recognizes our strengths and weaknesses in personnel, especially in the context of our OPP. I am baffled by our offensive strategy on a weekly basis. If only we could pull a broncos and bring in a Peyton Manning-esque QB to round out this team and give us some substantial hope for a change...

Wholeheartedly agree. It doesn't matter if you've won your division, IMO. Frankly, if you cannot produce at least a .500 record in the NFL, you have no business in the playoffs over a Wild Card team with a winning record.

This thread is ridiculous . . . is Marrone a great coach? Still too early to be seen. Is he the only coach on the staff coaching off. and def play calling? Nope. Is he the problem? Sure as hell not. The issue, as so wonderfully stated by C.Biscuit97, is our RedZone offense and QB play. We saw production during consistent QB play from Orton. But there's a reason he has never been a starter in the NFL - plain and simple, he isn't reliable and can't make crucial throws. The same goes for the Sammy hate - I'm done hearing it. Most of Orton's throws to Sammy are off-target, behind him, and inaccurate. The argument could be made that Sammy has actually played more defense than offense under Orton. Granted they have connected for big plays, but the consistency that the WR, of any caliber, needs from his QB just isn't there. We need an effin' QB who can manage the game, make consistent throws, be mobile to avoid rushes, quick decision making - and for god's sake SCORE. An improved OL couldn't hurt this cause either. Largest weaknesses on this team: 1. QB, 2. OL, 3. Secondary (sorry but it's true)

wtf? absolutely not. I don't like to quote previous posts of mine, but awhile back I posted a statistical analysis painting Cutler as an identical QB to Fitz. The similarities in physical ability coupled with throw accuracy and point production are uncanny. What this team needs more than anything is an everyday QB - an Aaron Rodgers would be ideal for this team (with a re-vamped OL as well, of course). Cutler wouldn't be an upgrade for this team, but only a lateral move that will postpone and hinder their progression further - we can't afford that, or him for that matter

I've been eyeing this game on the schedule for some time now and I'm slightly worried about the phish game, on a short week, in a featured game, in Miami. I find solace in the Bills performance on the road so far this year, and honestly, a winning/formidable road record is a crucial factor in making it to the playoffs IMO. However, this game still gives me reason for concern given the nature of the shortweek, with FJax out, and a weak OL. We handled them in Week 2 in Buffalo, but this will be an entirely different game and the pivotal moment in the season so far for the Bills (again, opinion, but a seminal benchmark nonetheless). I'd appreciate any dispelling of my concern, but discussion isn't discouraged either. GO BILLS!!!

He has the Jets going 7-9 this year...I'm sorry but I find that impossible to believe. Now that isn't to say these games won't be a challenge for us, especially having them off a bye week. But I believe we will go at least 1-1 with them if not 2-0

It's always great to keep options open...but honestly people, just b/c our front office and coaching staff are inept at seeing depth within the roster and playing the right personnel, we imagine the only solution to lie outside the walls of the facility. Brown and Dixon are still a formidable duo. Dixon is a solid, power, no-nonsense runner. He is great for x and short situations as well as in the red zone. He's always good for a few yards. Brown is a more dynamic runner. He can find holes, bounce outside, and even venture between the tackles for a few yards gain. IMO - should Hackett actually learn what game he's coordinating in terms of run offense and using personnel, and Marrone to open his eyes to what he has right in front of him - Brown will far exceed Spiller's performance these last two years. Our two starters should have always been FJax and Brown, and now with Freddy getting older, I'm happy to see we still have a young, strong duo in Dixon and Brown. Cool your jets people and save it for when we actually cool the jets this weekend.

There are ways around this offensively to protect Henderson, i.e. wide sets w/ TE to help on the edge, quickly-timed throws, well-orchestrated runs from Freddy and crew, etc. Not to discredit Wake or his performance last week, as he certainly proved that he either has already, or will shortly, returned to full performance. Yet, I feel as though he drew the energy for that performance from the home crowd and adrenaline of opening day. It'll be interesting to see how he draws that energy on the road during the season and if he can be consistent. I wish we had the fish later in the season when the colder weather could play more of a factor, but we definitely have momentum from last week to build on and take with us into the home opener to combat the monster that is Wake.

I'm glad we added a lineman as per our dire need to improve our offensive trench. However, I really wish this pick had been Moses. Kouandjio has good size and potential, but I watched highlights from his VTech game this past season and while it was only one game, it gives you a pretty good insight into his play. I only saw a handful of really great tackle plays and mostly holding penalties that went uncalled in college but won't be in the flag-happy NFL; especially from such a visible position as tackle. He tends to over-commit to DL initial moves and leaves himself open for fakes. Has good speed but once fatigue sets in is greatly prone to grabs and holds. Love to have someone disagree with me here but I really can't be so optimistic with this addition. Wish it could have been more impactful.

quite frankly, i wouldn't want an owner who calls Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Robert Kraft "buddies"

I posted the link in a new thread but might as well spread the wealth http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Mary-Wilson-becomes-controlling-owner-of-the-Buffalo-Bills/7627d029-46a4-416e-af98-b83b955dfec1?campaign=fb_buf_article

Blatant sexism aside, I agree

The least we can do

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10597325/2014-nfl-free-agency-aqib-talib-contract-early-deals-make-no-sense Along with the Talib and D'Qwell Jackson deals, coming in at number five is the Chris Williams signing. It is an insider article so I'm sorry if anyone cannot read but I'll post the Chris Williams portion for easy-perusal. It is only an opinion and slightly mine as well, but I'm also open to seeing him try and develop. It's just difficult to argue hopeful development with his established resume of statistics. Not sure if anyone else felt as though the Bills overreached in this regard, but I would like to be convinced otherwise if possible! "Chris Williams, OL, Buffalo Bills Four years, $13.5 million, $5 million guaranteed This move can only be explained as a team not actually getting around to watching the tape of the guy it is signing. I'm not just talking about his 2013 tape either; you could throw in pretty much any tape of Williams since coming into the league, and you would come away convinced that there is a better option available. Williams is a former first-round pick, however, and has name recognition, which apparently is worth enough to outweigh the 41 total pressures he surrendered last season playing guard for the Rams, a figure that was seventh-worst in the league among guards. Only one of those players surrendered pressure at a worse rate per snap in pass protection than Williams. Somehow, the Bills thought that Williams was worth signing to a four-year contract." -Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus