Dan

I'm saying that our present talent is underperforming based on the coaching staff and design of the offense. So, yes, there is a lot of potential talent on the offensive side of the ball, to that I agree with you. But, I contend that with our current offensive philospohy and coaching each individual's talent is not going to be fully realized. The debate on this board seems to take two sides... 1) coaching is fine, we need a franchise QB, 2 Guards, and TE. And (2) coaching is not fine, we need that more than new players players. I'm in the later group. I honestly don't think it matters which players we sign this off season, with the current OC and design of our offense, they're going to struggle and underperform against the better teams in the league.

That's pretty much how I see it. You gotta spend the money somewhere. We don't have a QB to throw big money at. We have a couple years before we have to dump big money at an OT. Our WRs are cheap for several years. LBs are young. So if you don't spend the money to keep this line together, where are you spending it? Pay the man.

Bills' fans are cheap.

But couldn't you make many of those same arguements about the defense just a short time ago? A. Williams was no good as a corner. McKelvin was a bust. Marcel was underperforming and a distraction. M.Williams needed to be traded. Then what happened? We got good defensive coaching, along with a few good player acquisitions. Now.... we have this uber talented defense. It's hard to have one without the other. Talented players make the coaches look good, but good coaches bring out the talent in the players. We have good players on offense. They're just consistently being put in difficult positions due to the scheme. When I see the formation and know the RB is getting the ball and hitting the A gap, I'm sure the defense does as well. So, where does the problem lie? With the line for not blocking? The RB for not breaking the tackles? Or the coach for asking his players to perform under such a circumstance?

Is Marv shivering from the cold or something to marble his own catch phrase?

I completely and emphatically agree with everything you've observed, as well. The one thing holding this team back is the offense, that much is clear. And, yes, we can stand to improve the QB, TE, and Guard positons. But, the offense as a whole is underperforming based on the overall talent and resouces that have been put into it. IMO, largely because of situational playcalling and the overall design and "adaptability" of our offense. The coaches are responsible for those aspects of the game, not the players. Let me be clear, I like many of the things Marrone has done and am by no means saying he should be fired. However, the offensive disfunction is squarely on the shoulders of the Offensive Coordinator who has had 2 years to figure it out. How many more years do you allow him to figure out how to do his job? I think Marrone has the toughest decision of his tenure upcoming, and it likely will seal his fate and ours for the next several years.

You never want to hear of anyone going through something like this. Talley was one of my heros, easily the most over looked player on those teams. My prayers go out to him and his family. I've often thought that if there really is a curse on this team, it stems from the unceremonious dumping of so many of our greatest players after they gave so much of themselves to the City and the team. I know the NFL is a business and you can't keep players forever but those teams and many of those players were special. Their retirement from the Bills should have been given special comsideration. Maybe the team will right one more wrong and give Talley the support he needs and deserves.

me think someone doth troll too much

Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you. But, the Bills just got a new owner. So it's expected some changes could occur. Actually, I think this team is in better place than its been for quite some time, regarding bringing in top flight coaches. I suspect in recent years Ralph was willing to pay top dollar (if you believe the rumors at the time Shanny was shopping), but his age and lack of public transition plan made it unlikely anyone would come here, because there was a perceived lack of long term stability. Now, we have new owners, guaranteed staying in Buffalo, deep pockets, new stadium talks, loaded roster (albeit a few holes, i.e. QB), rabid fan base. The only real knock is the small market. But, I fail to see how anyone could look at coaching in Buffalo and not think it's a good spot to be, at this point in time.

Quite honestly, I came into this season just hoping for an 8-8 or 9-7 season. It's been a decade since we've had that! Yeah, a playoff spot is what we all want, but when you've been a losing franchise for as long as we have, you have to crawl before you can walk. It seems like the Bills are slowly crawling out of their losing ways. Yes, I know a playoff spot was in their grasp this season. But, when I think back to July, this is about where I thought the team would be. So, I try to temper my despair with the notion that this team is finally playing hard and looking more and more like a team that wants to compete each week. I give a lot of credit to Marrone and Whaley for that. I'm not nearly as certain as some are that Pegula should clean house. With that said, our biggest weakness is the Offensive Coordinator position. Marrone and company have to see that and make a change. Yes, we have QB and line issues. But a good OC can scheme around alot of that and at least make them look respectable. All too often our offense has looked high schoolish. And that's not on the players, it's on the scheme that's been implemented by our OC. IMO, this team is really close. Make one big change (OC) and a few smaller ones, and we're a team that should be seen as a post season contender. (Oh yeah... do whatever it takes to keep this defense together.. Hughes and Dareus need to be re-signed!)

Win your division and you're in... even if your division sucks. I have zero problems with that. If the league feels having teams with losing records in the playoffs, then change the divisions not the format.

Excellent article! It's amazing how what may seem like the worst of times can bring out the very best in people. Everyone in Buffalo, including the Ford Family and Lions staff, are the very best of people. It makes me proud, it makes me wish I was there to help too, it makes me wanna Shout. Go Bills... Go Buffalo!

The game is being played on Monday night, due to the weather this past week. Hence, it kinda is appropriate to call it a monday night game. What is really bad is that it took an act of God to get the Bills to "host" a Monday Night game again!

Or could it be the team that prevents the other from scoring more will win? Pretty much sums up our offense philosophy. Thanks. I wonder sometimes if I should keep compiling the information into a pre-game thread, with 26CB's excellent game preparation thread already in existence. Nice to know some find it a worthwhile endeavor.

Week 12: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills Monday, November 24, 2014 at 7:00pm (at Ford Field, Detroit) TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots and Steve Tasker DirecTV: 706 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 102 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Before attempting to dig their playoff hopes out of a deep hole, the Buffalo Bills will first need to dig themselves out of snow-covered Buffalo. The New York Jets have been digging for answers all season. After more than five feet of snow blanketed Buffalo and buried Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Bills will travel to Detroit to play their "home" game against the Jets on Monday night. Buffalo has won three of the past four meetings with New York, and Orton tossed four TDs -- including a 61-yarder to Sammy Watkins -- in a 43-23 road victory in Week 8. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler Alert: Week 12 JetNation Preview NFL.com Preview: Jets at Bills NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Jets Total Yds/Game.... 321.6 319.4 Total Rush............. 95.6 140.9 Total Pass............. 226.0 178.5 Points/Game.......... 20.0 17.4 Time of Poss.......... 29.2 30.5 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 321.6 323.7 Rush Yards........... 99.0 83.2 Pass Yards........... 222.6 240.5 Points Allowed........ 20.4 26.5 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 25th; Jets - 26th Overall Defense: Bills - 6th; Jets - 7th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brooks, Ron CB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Carpenter, Dan K Right Groin LP FP FP Probable Goodwin, Marquise WR Ankle FP FP FP Probable Hogan, Chris WR Hip FP FP FP Probable Jackson, Fred RB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Lawson, Manny DE Ankle LP FP FP Probable Orton, Kyle QB Toe LP FP FP Probable Summers, Frank FB Neck FP FP FP Probable Urbik, Kraig G Shoulder LP FP FP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Groin FP FP FP Probable Wynn, Jarius DE Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Source: BuffaloBills.com New York Jets NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Aboushi, Oday OL Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Barnes, Antwan LB Knee FP FP FP Probable Colon, Willie G Knee FP FP FP Probable Graham, T.J. WR Neck FP FP FP Probable Harris, David LB Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Ivory, Chris RB Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Jarrett, Jaiquawn S Calf LP FP FP Probable Johnson, Chris RB Knee FP FP FP Probable Mangold, Nick C Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Reilly, Trevor OLB Knee FP FP FP Probable Salas, Greg WR Wrist FP FP FP Probable Smith, Geno QB Rt. Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Walls, Darrin CB Calf FP FP FP Probable Source: NewYorkJets.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bills -2.5 Over/Under: 41.5 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: As if the season couldn’t seem to be going much worse, now mother nature steals a home game from us. I hope all my friends and family in Buffalo are doing well! Regarding the game.. well, we get two bad teams facing each other in a neutral site. This has all the makings of a dog of a game. The Bills think they’re still fighting for a playoff spot, while the Jets are just trying to hang on to some dignity. What I expect: 1. The Defense will come out strong and play a good solid game. 2. The Offense will look listless and predictably conservative at all the wrong times. 3. The team that makes the least mistakes will win. Yay. Go Bills!

I think he's more of an example of too many fan's unrealistic expectations of every position being filled with HOF players that never make a bad play, let alone have a bad game.

This. Our offense has been on a steady march to the bottom of every significant measure since Marrone and Hackett took the helm. You can see the players regressing with each game. I contend the coaching staff is doing everything in their power to put the players in a position to fail and practically daring them to succeed. The problem with their boring, predictable, basic and simplified game plan is that it forces the players to be perfect. So, when a decent player drops a ball on 3rd and 8, everyone says... the coach didn't drop the ball. No, perhaps not. But, the coach is the one who put the players in continual 3rd and longs all game long and amplifyied the likelihood of the drop. Not to mention when your game plan is overly simplistic and predictable, you're asking your players to succeed when the opposing team knows exactly what's coming. To put that another way, we all know the Patriots cheated and stole signals. And we all know that gave them an unfair advantage because they knew exactly what the opposing team was about to do. Marrone and Hackett are essentially giving every team they face that advantage by saying here's our offense, everyone knows what it is, we're not disguising anything. And then they expect our 5 linemen to block 7 defenders on each run and blame "execution" when they can't?

awesome... thanks!

I agree about the D. I expect they'll show up ans play tough. They always seem to; plus its prime time, I'm sure they're going to be ready to impress the nation. The offense, on the other hand, who knows. But, that's how every game is looking to me. We have an excellent Defense that's more than doing it's part and an offense that's woefully lacking. It's almost as if we get lucky on a few plays here and there... no consistency, no identity, no ability to control a game in any fashion.

In Key West, hoping its on the local channel. If not, finding a bar somewhere.

Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 8:25pm TV Network: NFL Network (TV Map) Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, and Tracy Wolfson DirecTV: 212 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 93 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins realize they have little room for error in their quest to reach the postseason. With both looking to bounce back from frustrating defeats, the visiting Bills try for a fourth straight victory over the Dolphins on Thursday night. Buffalo and Miami are both 5-4 and tied for second in the AFC East, two games behind New England. However, nine of the 11 AFC teams with winning records are ahead of the Bills and Dolphins. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bills at Dolphins NFL.com Preview Bills Focus: Dolphins-Bills Preview Bills Vs. Dolphins NFL Week 11 Odds, Predictions NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 331.0 350.4 Total Rush............. 100.2 127.6 Total Pass............. 230.8 222.9 Points/Game.......... 21.2 25.2 Time of Poss.......... 29.4 30.1 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 320.7 309.8 Rush Yards........... 96.1 99.0 Pass Yards........... 224.6 210.8 Points Allowed........ 20.2 19.0 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 23rd; Dolphins - 14th Overall Defense: Bills - 6th; Dolphins - 4th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills 24, 10, 12, NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brooks, Ron CB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Easley, Marcus WR Knee LP LP LP Questionable Goodwin, Marquise WR Ribs LP LP LP Questionable Jackson, Fred RB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Watkins, Sammy WR Groin FP FP FP Probable Wynn, Jarius DE Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Source: BuffaloBills.com Miami Dolphins NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Clay, Charles TE Knee LP - - - Colledge, Daryn G Back FP - - - McCain, Chris LB Foot FP - - - Miller, Lamar RB Shoulder LP - - - Misi, Koa LB Ankle LP - - - Pouncey, Mike C Hip LP - - - Sims, Dion TE Toe DNP - - - Wilson, Jimmy S Hamstring LP - - - Source: MiamiDolphins.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Dolphons -5.5 Over/Under: 42 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: We finally get to our prime time game, and I’m looking for one thing and one thing only. Can we score once we get into the red zone? When it’s all said and done, there’s only one stat that matters.. score more than your opponent. And our offense has been pretty pathetic at putting the ball in the end zone, especially the closer we get. So, does it really matter who wins their match ups all over the field? Does it really matter if the refs screw us? Does it really matter if Marrone sleeps at home? Nope. They just need to score with some level of competency, ideally more than their opponent. Go Bills!!

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots DirecTV: 707 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 93 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Orton is taking his success in stride as Buffalo looks to win three straight for the first time since beginning the 2011 season 3-0. It also is thinking playoffs, which it hasn't experienced since 1999. The Chiefs (5-3) are riding a hot streak of their own, winning three straight after defeating the Jets 24-10 last week. Jamaal Charles, who rushed for 90 yards in a 23-13 win over the Bills last season, had another solid effort with 78 yards and a touchdown to give him four during the winning streak. Buffalo's defense seems up to the challenge. Its massive front line has helped it rank eighth in allowing 326.0 yards per game and 92.3 against the rush. Alex Smith will go up against the Bills' 13th-ranked pass defense. None of his 11 touchdown passes have gone to wide receivers. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chiefs at Bills NFL.com Preview Chiefs Vs. Bills: Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For AFC Showdown Kansas City vs. Buffalo Preview NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Chiefs Total Yds/Game.... 326.9 338.0 Total Rush............. 98.9 136.9 Total Pass............. 2228.0 201.1 Points/Game.......... 22.2 25.0 Time of Poss.......... 29.3 31.9 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 326.0 315.5 Rush Yards........... 92.2 116.1 Pass Yards........... 233.8 199.4 Points Allowed........ 20.6 17.2 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 24th; Chiefs - 21st Overall Defense: Bills - 8th; Chiefs - 5th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills 24, 10, 12, NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brooks, Ron CB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Easley, Marcus WR Knee LP LP LP Probable Goodwin, Marquise WR Hamstring LP LP LP Probable Jackson, Fred RB Groin LP LP LP Questionable Powell, Ty LB Ankle LP LP LP Probable Richardson, Cyril G Not Injury Related DNP DNP DNP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Groin LP DNP DNP Questionable Woods, Robert WR Back FP FP FP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Kansas City Chiefs NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Jamell Fleming CB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Jerry Franklin LB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Josh Martin LB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Questionable Tamba Hali LB Knee LP LP LP Probable Donnie Avery WR Groin LP LP DNP Out Christopher Owens CB Knee —- FP FP Questionable Eric Berry S Ankle FP FP FP Probable Phillip Gaines CB Ankle FP FP FP Questionable Cyrus Gray RB Hand FP FP FP Probable Junior Hemingway WR Hamstring FP FP FP Probable Travis Kelce TE Ribs FP FP FP Probable Sean Smith CB Groin DNP DNP DNP Probable Frank Zombo LB Not Injury Related —- LP —- —- Source: KCChiefs.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Chiefs -1.5 Over/Under: 42 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: Let the second half begin! What looked like the easiest stretch of the schedule at one point in time has become a critical stretch against some good teams. First up.. the Chiefs. The Chiefs started 0-2, in contrast to our 2-0 start. Yet, here we both sit at 5-3. And for two teams desperate for playoff action, its not completely unfounded to say the second half of our season hinges in the balance. Make no mistake the Chiefs will play tough. They've been putting up some pretty good numbers over the last month and have several statistical edges. Coming off the bye, the Bills should have an advantage of their own, however. But, often times, the team that's been playing and in their rhythm overcomes that advantage with ease. It'll be interesting to see how Marrone gets the team up for the game. Generally, the Bills have played tough for him. This week they need to get back in the groove quick. With all that said, what are the keys to today's game? Here's what I'm watching for: 1. Freddie and Sammy. I think we have decent depth at both position, but there's little doubt these are two of our best offensive weapons. It would be a huge lift to see Jackson start. However, Marrone has to weigh the entire season against rushing either on the field too soon. In this instance, I'm sure he'll make the right decision. 2. The right side of our O line. The Chiefs have a sack machine in Houston snd he's currently on pace to break the single season sack record. How will Henderson hold up? Will Hacket run/throw away from him? Hopefully, they learned from the JJ Watt game that when one of the best in the game is on the field... you don't test him too often. Get Henderson some help! 3. Our LBs on Kelce. Admittedly, I don't know much about this kid, but he's all the talk of the pundits for the last week or so. And we know the Bills always struggle against good TEs. Hopefully, they can contain him and take away the middle of the field. 4. Our run game. Can we run the ball with any effectiveness? Our run average has been steadily declining each week. It'll be interesting to see what Hacket has come up with over the bye week in an effort to jump start the run game. Are they going to actually do something different? Or will they just plug Kouandjio in at RG and keep plodding along with the same predictability? 5. The spirit of the team. They say they have the playoffs in their sights. At 5-3, they have their destiny in their hands. At the Ralph, they'll have the home crowd on their feet. It'd be nice to see the team come out, be the more physical team, and put the league on notice that the Bills aren't going to go quietly into December afternoons any more! Go Bills!!

me too

and Marrone does?

I hope you're wrong. Because, if not, we're screwed!