TPS

I'm not so sure you blame the WRs or Fitz. I've seen several quotes about Gailey's passing scheme, short n quick, which requires the QB and WRs to be NSync. That's why Fitz had them at his place during the lock out. Once you start throwing in new guys, it takes time and practice for them to get comfortable. I think this is the main reason for the O's decline--all of the injuries to WRs and Chandler, AND FJ. I think it also takes time and experience for Fitz to gain confidence in any new WR. So, I'd disagree, it's not bad coaching, it's the injuries and not being in sync.

Good questions. I went back to see what I predicted to answer this one. I predicted the Bills as a possible turnaround team based on a better offense, increasing average ppg, and same on defense, lowering ppg. I thought there would be a swing of 7-10 points. The O increased by 5.6 ppg, but the D was worse by 0.5 ppg. So... On O, I predicted the interior of the line would be stout and help the running game, and I think that was correct. I also said I thought Chandler would be a pleasant surprise--also correct. The Offense met my expectations for the most part. I think the O would've been significantly better if they didn't lose all but 2 WRs, and Freddie/Chandler near the end. Almost all of my Disappointments were on D: 1. My expected improvement in D was based upon Merriman staying healthy, and he didn't. That was my biggest disappointment. 2. Then KW went down, and the D was toast. 3. I said Carrington would be a starter by the bye week, and maybe he was, but his play wasn't all that. He was mediocre. 4. I expexted more from MOats. 5. I said there would be more turnovers because of a better pass rush, but with #s 1 and 2, that went out the window early. 6. Finally, I said the first Jets game would be the Litmus Test, and it certainly was--only I thought it would work out for the Bills. Overall, if the O stays somewhat healthy next year, the average ppg will be > this year's 23.3 PPG (I'm guessing 25-27). Next year, once again, hinges on the D. I am hopeful that Wanny will make improvements, and they will draft a pass rusher (or two). I would be shocked if they don't get the D's ppg down to 21-22. Combine these two outcomes with their weakest schedule in years, and guess what? The makings for a play off team baby in 2012!!! Go Bills!

Sorry, I think that's an idiotic mistake. Chan has proven he can score points. The Bills need to reduce what they give up on D. The Bills' O averaged 23.3 ppg this year vs. 17.7 last year. The D averaged 27.1 this year vs. 26.6 last year. If the D improves similarly to the O (giving up 5.6 less ppg or 21 ppg), this would've been a playoff team. FIX THE DEFENSE.

I assume the topic was your golf game??? Sorry I missed it!

Ok, WGR link says Miami and Carolina tied in SOS so a coin flip decides. Win this one Fins!

Is Miami drafting 8th or 9th? I know the SOS was close between Miami and Carolina, and given that Carolina played NO, did that give Miami the weakest SOS? I'm hoping they draft 8th, so the Bills jump ahead of them in rounds 2 and 3.

Since it was an iTPS post (inebriated), I'll pay for my inebriation by letting the first 5 takers in...burp! Thanks for the tip! Will do. 1. papazoid

Ok, who hacked my account last night? Buurrrrpppp!!!!

Anyone who says no is an idiot or a plant from another board. It's obvious the Bills are on the right track. Yes, there are some issues, but this is a team on the upswing, and they will fight for a playoff spot next year. I'm willing to bet a good bottle of red wine ($20) with any naysayer on this. 9 wins as the cut off next year. Less than 9 wins I'll buy; more than 9 wins you buy; 9 wins is a push. Post it here. Money sent to a TBD moderator held in trust.

Ucla cheerleaders are a good start...

So you're saying I should stop voting for alternative party candidates?

I guess you don't know that corporations are (always) good. It's disturbing on many levels--making farmers seed-dependent, destruction of the seed diversity, creation of a monopoly (what happened to anti-trust?), etc.

He was a very late round pick mainly because of his size, and the knock on him was that he would have trouble against big receivers in the NFL. His positives were described as very quick in short and intermediate area, and excellent read and react. When I read up on him after the draft, this was one of my thoughts--sounds like a guy who could eventually match up with Welker. We'll see.

Hopefully J-Rogers will be lining up against Welker this Sunday. Rogers' skills are a good match for Welker, though I expect Welker's experience will school the kid in this first match up. Next year though...

This game is rigged! Since the world will end on 12/21/12, you won't need to pay off a winner...

Reading the negatives from that post, he sounds like one A.Maybin...

While the Bills did not land any Pro Bowlers, there are a few that made this list, one on offense will surprise! My link

Regarding this quote from the Oleans Times piece off the front page: Maybe this has been one of their problems all season? Sometimes you need to keep it simple stupid. Of course, that would be an indictment of Edwards as well. The defense has one of their better games when you simply let them play...

A little support for this view in this article: My link What caught my interest though is another comment, about something I've been wondering--the defense simplified things and only ran a few different sets. Given the switching between 3-4/4-3, I've been wondering if the complexity has taken a toll? I was thinking the defense probably needs to do exactly that, simplify, and allow them to play without thinking so much. A little late now though...

I had them as a possible turn around team at 10-6, but I provided the caveat that Merriman and Bell stay healthy. The Bills also didn't have enough experienced depth to recover from some other key injuries--Williams (and his backup Troup); and I think Fitz is the kind of QB that needs familiarity with his WRs--losing Parrish, Easley, and Jones hurt a lot.

I finally decided to pick against them in Pick'em this week, but solely to provide good luck. I picked the Bills in all games since the Jets game, so I am also responsible for the previous 3 losses...

Who I was alluding to as well.

Thanks, I appreciate the summary. I'm throwing things out there based on stats, and was waiting for those who have some analysis of game.

Glad to see this big win by the Bills. Despite all the hopefulness of a great draft position, the player the Bills should draft will be there at 12-15, one of the top OLB pass rushers.

Btw, Kelsey stood up for Edwards in the paper, and his stats make it look like he had a great game, so that's one of the reasons that makes me raise the ??