Buftex

Can't open the link...but it says it is Kipers "All-Rookie Team"...so, he has to have a QB to make a team...his only real choices are Smith, Glennon and Manuel...not a big pool.

Probably a combination of both. I like Kiper, but you have to take him for what he is. As I recall, he wasn't crazy about the Manuel pick in the first round, though he liked the player okay...so, when these guys spend months doing one mock draft after another, and a team, like the Bills in this case, make them look foolish, they will over-criticize the pick, particularly if, like EJ, he doesn't play way above their grade for him, coming into the draft. Pretty much all the big-name draftniks, as I recall, had Geno Smith ranked as the #1 QB prospect. I would contend, EJ never had the dazzling highs that Smith had, but he rarely had as many lows as Geno. So, Geno gives them more highlight material. Smith may prove to be the better QB of the two, when it all shakes out, but it is still too early to tell. I must admit, I think I only saw Glennon play twice all year, and he didn't blow me away either...but he also wasn't a first round draft pick. So, does where the guy was drafted matter almost as much as how he actually performs? I think for guys in Kipers' line of work, it does. If EJ was a second round pick, and had the same year, he would likely be graded higher. Remember, pretty much all the national guys had the Bills taking Nassib with their first round pick. That cracks me up...the Bills took grief for taking Manuel, but everyone would have said Nassib was a great pick for them...of course, we don't know how Nassib would have been as a rookie starter, but few seem impressed with what they have seen of him in the NFL.

Interesting. The time has come, maybe, where the exclusive rights deal the NFL has with DirecTV might be what is best for the NFL, and DirecTV. Or...maybe not. Would the NFL make more money if Sunday Ticket was available to everyone...or would they lose money as CBS & FOX are sure to demand much lower rates from the NFL, as their outlets in local markets would be very watered down. This really could be the first step toward the NFL being a cable/pay per view product.

The Newsroom is one of the few HBO series that I would absolutely not recommend to anybody. Not sure of your politics (I lean left), but it is the most pretentious, laughable bit of drivel on tv. The dialogue is over the top ridiculous, and there isn't a a single character on the show I wouldn't want to punch in the face if I knew them in real life. It is painfully bad...I can't overstate it enough...and I am its' target audience. Don't be tempted... HBO is looking the other way on raitings, because they are kissing Aaron Sorkins ass.

Yeah...the "fun" of TBD for 2013 ended about a month ago...we are in full-on "long off-season" mode...

What question, in regards to the 14 years of not making the playoffs should they have asked? I am pretty sure Brandon, as well as Marrone and Whaley realize that the team hasn't been to the playoffs for 14 years. I am pretty sure they are all disappointed that they didn't make the playoffs. I am fairly certain that they realize that fans are disappointed that they haven't been to the playoffs in 14 years. What question, in regards to this, are you looking to have answered? What is the "legitimate question" that should have been asked?

Questions about Crossman and the Toronto series were asked...you can go to the Bills website and listen for yourself. In brief, on Crossman "we will review all aspects of the franchise, players, coaches, etc etc" On Toronto series: "This is under reveiw" Maybe people should just listen to the damn PC before assuming all these questions weren't asked?

Not sure who referenced it, I can't remember, maybe Paul Hamilton, or Chris Brown...seems as though Hilliard and Marrone were at odds at various times during the season. Not sure over what...but it sounds if there was some tension there. Marrone said that EJ is the starting QB going into next season....but neither he or Whaley ruled out the notion of bringing in another QB.

He was asked about Crossman during the PC earlier today, I would be surprised if anybody got any different answer. They will review everything in the coming weeks and make decisions...they have not reviewed things yet. That was pretty much Marrones pat answer for every question...

What did you want them to ask today, that they didn't ask? These kind of threads always amuse me. When a local media person blasts the team (Sullivan, Schoop) there are threads devoted to what a-holes they are. Now, we are complaining that they don't ask enough questions? Or the questions we want answered? I listened to the press conference today, and I thought they asked the appropriate questions. They asked about the special teams coach, about Dareus, about Stevie Johnsons status for next season, if the Bills would consider drafting another QB next season... It seems though, people are upset that they didn't get the answers they wanted...Marrone, Whaley and Brandon are pretty adept at dancing around things....that isn't really on the media. Are they only doing their job if Marrone, Whaley or Brandon loses their cool and blows up at them?

Not to be a downer, but it is only going to get worse... have even heard guys who make their careers off the NFL teet agreeing, this season there was a very big drop off in the quality of play...it has been happening slowly, but I think people are finally recognizing it. It will only get worse (or the standard for what is good vs bad football will change), as the rules change, and the awareness of head injuries become front burner topics. NFLers coming out and saying they wouldn't let their kids play the game...the NFL, as we know it, is going to change a lot. Another 10-12 years from now, as this new approach toward the game hits all levels, we will really start to see the results. Aaron Williams is a perfect example of fans' being way too impatient... more guys, than not, take time to make the jump from college to the pros.

I don't think Coughlin will be fired. He is on the record as saying he wants to coach next season, and will not step down. I think the Mara's will give him another season to turn it back around...honestly, two Super Bowls in 7 years gives him a little more leash than another coach coming off a nightmare season like the Giants had this year. Hopefully Pettine doesn't leave Buffalo for one of these jobs.

About 3 years ago, I swore, to my gf, I would never watch a Matthew McConaughey flick again...she loves him, and I felt like I had wasted way too many hours in my life, watching his garbage movies, to appease her...but then, starting with "Killer Joe", he started focusing on doing real movies...or at least the kinds of movies I wouldn't mind seeing. So, another reason to hate him...he is making me go back on my word. "True Detective" looks like it will be real good. I plan on watching....I am rarely disappointed with HBO series in general. Not sure when "Veep" season three starts...but that is a great one. Probably March. Also, can't recommend "Rectify" enough to folks. It only had one, six episode season, early last season, on the Sundance channel. Great acting, great writing...from some of the creative people behind "Breaking Bad". Not as action driven as BB, but very compelling...for folks who like nuances, adult type shows... some amazing dialogue. I know it was renewed for a second, 10 episode season, but can't seem to find a premiere date for it.

Care to explain? Are the Dolphins in the playoffs? Were they last year? Or, just typing without thinking? Using your logic, EJ is 2-1 vs "playoff teams".

OC,, I am agreeing with you on EJ. And, I think you are spot on about Thad too. He doesn't make all the reads, he knows where the ball is going (or where he wants it to go)...the problem is, EJ is much the same. Where I give Thad a slight edge, he will throw that ball no matter what, whereas EJ still hesitates a bit, to make sure the guy is open. Thad is also a bit more decisive when he chooses to pull it down and run the ball. Call me crazy, but I still feel like EJ has a big chance to improve...I don't think he has come close to meeting his potential. I like Lewis as a back-up..no denying that he adds a sort of frenetic energy to the offense...his teammates seem to respond well to him. There are times when I think Thad gets a little "too excited", which contributes to some of his accuracy issues.

Honestly, as someone who is still taking a "wait and see" approach to assessing EJ Manuel, and without knowing how serious his injury is, I almost feel like EJ is resting so there is no chance of us heading into the off-season with one of his not so good performances in our craw... just listening to Marrone, it sounds a bit, to me, that he is being a little too over-protective of Manuel. I find it hard to believe, if this was a meaningful game for the Bills (as in "win and we are in" type game) that Manuel wouldn't be starting this Sunday. If he was able to practice all week, and is saying he really wants to play, but Marrone is saying "his lateral movement isn't what I would like it to be, from where I am standing", then ir seems this is an upper-management/coach decision. I have no doubt that the Bills are committed to Manuel being their #1 guy next season (they are not taking a QB in the first 2 rds of the 2014 draft!), but perhaps they feel there is more risk in putting him out there and playing horribly, than there is the chance that he goes out and plays well, and beats the Pats. EDIT: just saw post above....exactly what I think the Bills are trying to stop

Many here seem unclear of the concept of what the Bills Wall of Fame is...but carry on.

For better or worse, Brown is the closest thing to a "!@#$" that we have. He is paid by the Bills, and he chooses his words very carefully...he has intimated things in the past that have come to pass, if you listen close enough. He seemed pretty definitive that something was going to happen... I don't think he would say anything like that, unless he knew something we don't... btw, if anybody had listened to Chris Brown, and only Chris Brown prior to the most recent draft, you would have known that EJ Manuel was going to be their first round pick...he was saying that long before anybody even entertained the notion.

Yes...absolutely. Even if he never carries the ball again for the Bills. People who are saying "no" seem to be confusing the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame, with the NFL Hall of Fame. The Wall of Fame is a place where the organization can honor players, coaches and administrators who exemplify the best in the franchise, those who represent the Bills, the Buffalo fans and the city well. This is, basically, Ralph Wilson's (or whoever is acting on his behalf at this point) chance to recognize his favorite employees, not necessarily the most successful people involved with the franchise. Those who got bent out of shape when Phil Hansen was put on the wall fail to seem to understand this. Fred Jackson belongs there, should Ralph Wilson (or whoever is acting on his behalf), or Phil Hansen, or whoever, they want to put there would absolutely belong there, as much as Cookie Gilchrist and Lou Saban do not. OJ Simpson is a different case... nobody would have argued that he didn't belong on the Wall of Fame when he was put up there, and nobody could really argue if his name was now taken down. However, Mr Wilson, just at the the curators of the NFL Hall of Fame have chosen not to retroactively re-consider his inclusion. That is his right, as it is his honor to give out. The fact that there are two men, now deceased (Saban and Gilchrist) who were amongst the most successful in their roles in franchise history, but who are not included, should tell you something about the nature of this honor. The wall is an honor bestowed on individuals for the content of their character, as much as it is for their individual achievements as members of the Buffalo BIlls. Fred Jackson has had great success (though modest by HOF standards) as a Buffalo Bill during a really difficult spell in franchise history, has always represented the team well, been a team first player...can't really think of any legit reason to argue against him as a WOF'er.

Yeah, I heard the Brown comments, so I have been waiting for something to happen. As I recall, Brown was saying it (whatever the surprise move is) could happen before the season was over...At the time, I immeidately thought it would be Steve Johnson...and possibly, traiding Spiller in the off-season. I am not advocating either move, but, Stevie has had a rough season...and then reading, a few weeks back, that he and Marrone had to have a "air clearing" sit-down kind of gave me the sense that, no matter what they say in public, the fact is "air" needed to be cleared, which is indicitive of some friction, uncertainty, or displeasure on at least one side of the situation. Then, I believe, I heard, that is was the second such meting this season between the two. So, I was kind of waiting for the othe shoe to fall, so to speak. But then, wither it is the holidays, or the death of Steves' mother, who knows? As for Spiller: personally, I love the kid. I realize he has had a somewhat disappointing season (I beleive the NFLN talking heads named as the most disppointing player of the season, in realtion to all the pre-season buzz on him), but i really think that is as much a function of nagging injuries, and, frankly, poor use by the new coaching staff. Marrone, on a few occaisions this season, in his mid-week press conferences, has sounded mildly frustrated with Spiller. I know he is a good kid, good team-mate, so it isn't a personality issue. Just sounds like Marrone seems to feel that Spiller has some poor tendancies...would hate to see the Bills give up on Spiller, but I guess I wouldn't be shocked. Even with a "diappointing" season like this one, I can't help but feel he is the most electrifying offensive player the Bills have had in many, many years. However, given his age, "potential" and contract situation, I can't help but wonder if they would consider shopping

While I tend to agree that the Pats seem to get an awful lot of things go their way, at crucial times, over the years...they have actually had a number of pretty bad calls, or no-calls, that contributed to them losing a few games this year...the most recent Jets loss, and the Panthers games come to mind.

I agree...to a degree. There are teams like the Bills, who played hard, all year, and then had that one stinging loss against the Falcons, which, effectively, dashed their hopes for the playoffs...what happned? They came out and played their worst game of the season (Bucs), in all phases of the game...as if the entire team, as one unit, had the collective realization that their season was, alas, over. They got back on the horse for the Jags and Dolphins...they have been living with the spectre of "meaningless games" for about 3 weeks now...not saying they can't possibly beat the Pats on Sunday, but I think it is more likely that they get rolled over. And, I don't think that will necessarily mean they have regressed, or Marrone can't get them ready for games, etc etc...you know, all those cliches. It is just human nature..professionals or not. The Pats are professionals too, and they will have much more motivation to try to troucne a weaker oppenant, when having a bye-week is on the line. We see it every year, some team starts out 1-8, or 2-9, and then gets their **** together and wins 4 or their last 5, or something like that...it is just a cycle that most teams go through every year. Success breeds more success...failure...well you know what that does....

I don't think they will win this game, particularly if the Pats have a reason to win...being the second seed in the conference will do it. I don't necessarily think the Pats are that superior, any more....but, on the road, likely lousy weather...the Bills "gift" to the loyal fans came last Sunday...and if they lose, I don't think it means a whole hell of a lot...nobody will "need to go', or anything like that. It is just the way the sport goes...now, if the Pats rest Brady, I might feel different, but we already know, BB won't do that...

By the same token, you can't hold the current team responsible for the transgressions of the previous 13 teams. If you do, you will never get anywhere...look at the Raiders.

I say this as someone who thinks EJ can still be a good QB for the Bills...you are so wrong here. Kelly was much better in his rookie season, from week one on...sure, he got better, but I don't think anyone had any doubt, even for a moment, during his rookie year, that Kelly was not a franchise QB. No way the Bills will draft a QB in the first two rounds...but I would be surprised if they didn't pick somebody in the 4th or 5th round, maybe the 3rd. As for Thaddeus Lewis, I like him. I would have zero problem with him being our #2 guy next year... he is a gamer, and I think his teammates respond to him. I like the energy he brings to the offense. I am also not sure that some of his inaccuracy is not caused by nerves. He makes plays...