Prickly Pete

Playing games with Indy when you need to get a QB ready would be stupid. I really don't think that is a factor at this point, I doubt the Bills would be able to keep it secret, and considering how many games are played with both teams knowing who the QB will be, it seems like people way overthink that aspect. I think the Bills are trying to figure out what they have in each guy, and that's it.

So will it be "one series then out"? I think it's cool that he is getting a shot. I will be looking at the how the rest of the offense plays for him. I think that might be the most revealing aspect of any of this.

I haven't really discerned any consensus from the players about ANY of the QB's, so what makes you think EJM doesn't have significant support (he may not, but I don't know where you have heard that)? I really doubt the WHOLE team is getting pumped to have Cassel at QB. If I go by the energy I see from players on the field, I think Tyrod is their guy.

Remember all those Chicago Bear teams that had some really good defenses, and tried to play it safe with guys like Steve Walsh? That is the fate I see with Cassel.

Mr. Consistent

Astro is the best.

Thanks for great informative posts!

I think Roman prefers Cassel because he feels he can "out coach" the opposing DC with a safe, consistent QB. It could be considered a coach's conceit. It will probably work for a bit, but the bag of tricks better be deep. A guy like Tyrod can take the game away from an OC. He's not. He said he believes the coaches are. He prefers Tyrod.

That's the kind of goofball move that I really hope Ryan doesn't resort to. He knows better (I think). Let's not play games with the QB's and try to get cute (in week 2 no less). If they don't even have enough confidence in him, to stand behind him after one week, just start Tyrod from the beginning. It makes the coaching staff look indecisive, and unsure...bad message to send the players (and fans), and a terrible way to start your career in a new town.

"Dumbass quarterback" And here's the "wily old vet".... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bHE0BVaroU This one cracks me up....Matt Cassel's version of a "hail mary" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E7EnBP3ruc Matt Cassel in the playoffs... "Matt Cassel Leads the Ravens to Victory" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrJTHMI9P9g I could post more, but it's overkill. Suffice to say, they are all comedy gold! Look for "Cassel Must Go!"..."Gannon blames Cassel"....or simply "Matt Cassel Sucks". Please keep this clown off the field.

If they go 0-3 (against 3 teams that are expected to compete for playoffs spots, 2 of which are division rivals), the run to the playoffs could derail pretty quick.

That's the other angle I didn't mention. Having an inspiring QB pushes the defense too, because they feel they can comeback. Beyond basic competence, the leadership is the most important aspect. I'm hoping for Tyrod at this point, because EJM seems out of the race. I just don't think Tyrod can make it through a complete season without injury, and want to see EJM as the #2.

Ha, now when a QB completes a pass, it's the OC? I certainly understand why the coaches would want the most consistent QB...it's safe. The thing is, the safe, consistent guy, often isn't the guy that can inspire their teammates, and create a belief that they can comeback from a 2 score deficit, or 2-minute drives... pressure situations. Cassel better be the most consistent, because they will be inching down the field against a stacked box, and will need to convert on 3rd down more often. It's going to take lots of good game management decisions from the coaching staff to keep things going if they dink and dunk...not a Rex Ryan strength (Roman will be running the offense, but the HC gets involved). I'm not going to claim that EJM or TT are great inspirational leaders, but I think they are growing. Cassel's established track record is, well....meh. I dread watching them try to come back from a two score deficit. Cassel just doesn't have the the firepower to do that "consistently".

I have to believe that the some of the team leaders will some influence on the decision. On the field, I get the feeling that Tyrod gives the guys a boost.

I don't think they have played that well. They have been alright. I don't give much weight to preseason...so I'm not gonna step back and say "wow, I'm just coming to grips with the talent we have at QB".

Great. My point is, I think that people are so set on being "right" about EJM not being a "franchise QB", and pointing out his flaws, that they aren't grasping that Matt Cassel is likely going to be the QB. Cassel was HATED in Kansas City.

It's true, EJ isn't great. But the real question is "Is EJ better than Cassel and Tyrod?" I have noticed that most anti-EJ guys, just rant against EJ, but they don't seem to realize what the Bills are going to trot out there to replace him. Matt Cassel is Kelly Holcomb II.... he sucks. Tyrod is at least as risky a choice as Manuel. None of these guys are very good, it's about the lesser evil.

I'm okay with Tyrod, it's just that I expect him to either tear an ACL, or separate a shoulder by week 5, and want EJ to get his shot at that point.

The thing is, none of the QB;s are very good. It's fine to say EJM has these flaws, but do you really stand behind Cassel or Taylor? Please, wax poetic about Cassel for us....

Nope. You thought I wasn't a diehard long ago. Kelly, stick to biting my posts to present as your own thoughts, and stop trifling with me.

Ha, hardly. The funny thing is, there are people like you that think because I couldn't care less if the Patriots cheated, that I'm not a diehard Bills fan. It's so ridiculous that I dismiss it. I don't care what the Patriots have done, because I don't believe the Bills were in any way ready to compete for a title, so those were lost years anyway. I'm way more interested in what the Bills are going to do to WIN, than what other organizations get up to.

If he is the opening day starter, I'm thinking of just picking a college team to follow. I can't watch this talent-laden team, play castrated football. I have already suffered a heart attack, and the stress that kind of football brings to me... I'm afraid my health will suffer. I'm serious.

Maybe you don't realize how crappy Matt Cassel is yet? It's likely going to become apparent to you at some point this season. Get ready.

Matt Cassel is the guy for people who clip coupons, drive the speed limit, and make their bed every day. The hand wringers who are just going to be happy with the idea of making the playoffs. To me, that approach would be wasting a defense that will probably be in it's prime THIS season. I am less concerned with consistency, than Points Per Possession. I know that might put more pressure on our defense, but better on them than on the offense (because the defense is the strength of the team). If one guy gets 7 points out of 3 possessions, while the other guy gets 2 field goals out of those 3 possessions, I prefer the first guy. Cassel may be more consistent, but if he is only getting field goals, and can't get the ball downfield during the last 5 minutes of a game, there will be lots of games that slip away. The defense that holds down the opponents for most of the game, wears down, has to play Prevent-style for the last drive against a good QB, and the game slips away. 10-9, 14-10 type losses. This has haunted the Bills for an eternity. I can't sit through another Kelly Holcomb style offense. EJM has probably been at his best in 2-minute situations. I also think the running game will be better with EJM than Cassel, because EJM can actually get the ball downfield.