Dan

As of this time yesterday, I would have agreed. I've sat here, somewhat quietly, on the HC bashing because I had a quite confidence that Ralph would do what we all know so obviously needs to be done - replace the head coach. I was truly hopeful that Russ could convince him that rather than spend $10mill on a single player, let's spend that money on a new HC, but that was sheer hope. But, that's all vanished into the ether of a cold night. So what are we to conclude? Ralph just doesn't care anymore. Honestly, can anyone even suggest that he's watched this team this year and thinks the coaching staff is on the right track? So, short of a 1-15 year next year, why should any of us believe Ralph will suddenly know its time to cut the HC loose? And even if he does, we're just expected to waste a year verifying what seems so apparent? I really, really want to be wrong and have Jauron and the team succeed next year. But, for the first time as a Bills fan, I truly feel hopeless. So this is what we're left with? Hoping the coach hears the negative fan reaction and decides to do the right thing and admit he's in over his head. I can't. Hope is truly lost for this one fan. I'll still sit here and watch this team, but hoping for nothing. Just watching in bewilderment. Yes, there will be a next year.. but so what.

This is an interesting point. If we can assume that the posters on this board are a fair representation of the larger fan base, then Wilson has done what no player has done since Kelly - unite the fan base. The only problem? Everyone is united in their complete and bitter hatred of the head coach. I'm not sure that's the unity you want. Also, I think we can assume that the shock and awe of this extension will diminish as the off season progresses. However, there's a very real possibility that a significant portion of the fan base will remain completely disheartened and bitter. The result? No sell outs and a lot of booing at the first hint of a bad decision. Can you imagine week 1, 2009, and a time out being called in the first quarter? At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see the fans rush the field with pitchforks. It certainly brings up an interesting scenario. Jauron and the players have, for the most part, had the loyal support of the fan base. One has to wonder how they'll handle the pressure of constant boos and the rejection of the fan base. If they handle it like they have most pressure games, I expect the majority will be on IR before training camp.

Excellent article. There was an idea to get a Billboard, I'd say take out a 1 page add in several newspapers and run this article.

What I find most depressing about this non-move is the lack of hope that it leaves us with. You're right the record doesn't really matter... 2-14 or 9-7... what's the difference? We're not making the playoffs, we're not trying to make the playoffs, we're just going through the motions. Honestly, I had held out hope all season that Jauron could turn things around, that the players could turn things around. But that last game was abysmal. We didn't belong on the same field as the Pats* and not because out players sucked, but because we were so woefully under prepared and out coached. If Jauron had shown any ability whatsoever to improve, I might feel differently. But, he hasn't. He just hasn't. So what are we left with? Not much.

Thanks. I really need a reason to laugh. Although I didn't really laugh, it did make me consider it.

No... I really don't think we can. Hope is useless.

Thank you. It all sucks. We know. We ALL agree. But, there's limits to any amount of sucktitude and wishing the death of anyone is just .. wrong.

Very good point. I must say... if I had $20 mill in my pocket, no way I'm working next year. But, it'll almost certainly be his choice. He's perhaps one of the more respected coaches in the league, even talked about as being HOF caliber. He can literally have his pick of jobs. My brother in law is Broncos fan. For years all he's clung to is trust in Shanny. I haven't called him, but I imagine he'll feel about like I do right now.

The only way Shanny doesn't have a HC job tomorrow is he's still mulling over the offers.

There's so much wrong with those comments I don't even know where to start. Basically, our coach sucks, we all know it, but what the hey... who cares.

Ya know... I was thinking this during some of those press conferences. Kinda like Dick knew his job was safe, so he took the heat for his staff in some grand gesture. In the end, .. oh who the hell cares....

i'm officially depressed

Skooby, you should feel proud. You'll live in TSW lore for years to come.

I don't doubt that at all. But, according to some googling the attendance was 75,141. Pretty good, I'd say - about 17,000 more than at the SD/KC wildcard game. So, I'd say we should give Bills' fans some credit for showing up, despite the non-sellout.

You really should get rid of your life and spend more time around here.

Was the lack of a sellout in '93 due to a lack of interest by fans or an inability to sell to 80,000 fans? As I seem to remember the Bills routinely were among the league leaders in attendance, but quite often didn't sellout due to the size of Rich Stadium. Just curious.

friggin great.

I just want to know what kinda car you drive. How am I supposed to get any sort of gauge as to the credibility of your report otherwise?

Something we can both agree on.

I thought the "Bills" referred to all the bills Ralph pays or doesn't. Hence, the power being shut off this season.

You do realize that if they added 2 more teams this season that means the Pats* and Jets get in, in the AFC. In the NFC, Tampa and Dallas were 7 and 8, respectively. So, how exactly is that helping smaller markets? It makes the regular season games less important because you can, potentially, lose more games and still get in. By keeping the number of teams in the playoffs to 6, it's imperative to win every game.

You sayin he got a Colbert bump?

Ralph never said the Bengals have more talent. Just because at one point in his life he said the word "talent" doesn't mean you can add it to the end of any sentence and attribute those words to him. Oterwise we could play all sorts of games... in the words of Ralph Wilson all posters on TSW have no "talent".