TPS

For some reason the game was blacked out live on the NFL preseason package, so I listened to it from 97 rock and read commentary from The Rumblings site, then played it after the fact. My take was slightly different. Listening and reading, my impression was the O-line sucked and the D-line was unstoppable. The truth was in between. I agree, the O-line looked better than I expected, and you could see the potential. There was that terrible Urbik play. On D, the sacks came after Cutler left, and it appeared their QB held it too long--the coverage was just as much responsible. That said, the push was much quicker than in the past. Without MD (a nickname in there somewhere), there would've been a little more time to allow the QB to find his second or third option. On the negative side, Barnett didn't look so hot. ILB could be the weakness of this defense. Hopefully Shep will provide help at some point.

Now that was funny!

Yep, I'm on that Optimistic bandwagon.

Just saw this. Good stuff. I have made similar points. 1. Evans doesn't fit Chan's scheme. 2. I don't think he and Fitz ever clicked. Yes, Evans makes the safeties shade his way. However, the Bills have the talent at WR (especially in the 3 WR set) that one of them will be open. Parrish and Johnson will take the attention, which will open up playmaking for the 3rd WR be it Jones, Roosevelt, Buster, or ??? I don't think this move affects the W-L bottom line, and I will extend a wager on the over for Vegas' 5.5.

Turning into a dog fight. Furyk and Scott are lurking. I have this feeling that Senden in due....

Anyone who says this was purely about one thing will obviously defend that one thing point of view. I'm also starting to wonder if Fitz had anything to do with it? He and Evans never clicked...?

Good point. I think you have to add that thinking to Gailey's comments about Evans needing to do more in the middle of the field, not just a one-dimensional threat. I don't think Evans fits what Gailey wants.

I agree with most of your morning musings BBB. About Evans, maybe we should've seen this coming earlier as Chan mentioned in the spring that he had to improve on a few things (something about going over the middle). Maybe Evans doesn't fit the Gailey mold? He also is one of the few holdovers from the losing mentality of the past--not that he has that mentality. The more I think about it, the more I agree with it. On Carrington, I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do. Sounds like he's ready to take the next step.

Not unlike what Belichek does--trade a vet just as he hits the tipping point. Only he gets a first rounder typically...

Buster's audition must have gone well. If Evans goes, you need a couple of deep threats, so it's Buster and Easely as the deep threats, Parrish and Nelson as the slot guys, and Stevie and Namaan as the possession guys. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts philosophy. Maybe it's also a break with the past loser mentality too...?

Yes, there is always a silver lining... I think the two Nix drafts have laid the foundation for "bad things" man. Both sides of the ball will be fun to watch for once.

There will be entitlement reform. This panel will be the scapegoat for the parties. Those affected most don't donate enough money nor do they vote in significant numbers to threaten the status quo.

We're talking two major parties and a panel made up of elected pols, and you are surprised by the selections?

I thought the 2010 draft class was one of the best in years. Unfortunately Batten and Easely were injured, so their development was set back a bit. This year's success will be highly dependent on some of those players--Spiller, Troup, Carrington, and Moats. If Easely, Batten and Wang contribute, all the better. Spiller would be my #3 key. If he has a breakout year, lookout! On defense, they now have the bodies to stop the run. We'll see if they have the teamwork. A front three of Dareus, Williams, and Carrington will be imposing. Yes, I am an optimist, and glad for it. However, based on the changes that I see, I thinkt there will be a swing of 7-10 points per game for the Bills. The D ppg should fall from last year's 27, to about 20-21. The O's should rise from 18 to 20-22, which will translate into more wins. There will be unexpected losses and wins. I've got them losing to SD, Philly, and Jets and Pats twice. It's quite possible they sneak a win or two from those six, to offset the probalbe unexpected losses. Obviously the Bills will need some luck this year, and I've always believed that the more optimistic you are, the luckier you tend to be. 10 and 6 baby! Back to the playoffs!

Looking at the schedule, I think the Bills have 5 games that will be difficult to win, and the remainder are in play. Four of the five are the 2 each vs. Jets and Pats, and then I'd throw in the Eagles. However, I won't be surprised if the Bills steal a game from either the Jets or Pats, or both. I think 10-6 is very doable. Primary keys: 1. RT. Bell stays healthy. I think the interior 3 will be very strong, and Pears will be serviceable. It won't surprise me (or anyone) to see the Bills pick up another tackle before the season starts. As is, with a healthy Bell, the line is better than last year. 2. Pass rush. Merriman stays healthy. While I think the defense will be siginificantly better this year, a healthy Merriman could make it lethal. The addition of Dareus, along with improvements from Troup and Carrington, solidifies the line, which will free up the LBs more. Other musings: Offense: - The running game should be significantly better based on a stronger interior line and improvement from Spiller. - Thigpen gives the Bills a true backup if Fitz goes down. - Chandler should be a pleasant surprise at TE. - The offense will be entertaining to say the least. Defense: - The safety play will be better with Wilson and a more experienced Byrd. - With a better pass rush, there will be more turnovers. - I think Carrington will move into a starting role by the bye. How to get 10 wins? I think the Bills can go 4-2 into the bye. Wins: KC, Oak, Cinc, and Giants (toughest). Losses: Pats and Philly. Remainder of games: Wash W Jets L Dallas W Fins W Jets L Tenn W SD L Fins W Denver W Pats L The real test for me is the first Jets game at home. Can a bigger, stronger Bills team now go toe-to-toe with the Jets? I think the Bills can make the playoffs if they win ONE of the four games vs Jets and Pats, and go 3-3 in the division, and 11-5 overall! That's my prediction. (Which is dependent on Bell and Merriman staying healthy.) Obviously, a run of injuries like last year would spoil this as well. Go Bills! (Optimistic) TPS

In the preseason, but I believe that Jasper will out-weigh him for the roster spot...

First Niagara announced they bought all 195 HSBC branches in WNY. First Niagara They are a growing regional power and just moved into their new corporate HQs in a refurbished building in what's known as the larkin district, out past chef's restaurant. HSBC will retain a presence in WNY, but it's uncertain to what extent. They are expanding the HSBC atrium building near the arena, but their lease is up on the tower in 2013, and they'll probably vacate.

I've lived in the Elmwood Village since moving to Buffalo from California a little over 20 years ago. It's a great neighborhood, with great bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. The first Buffalo bar I was taken to was Coles, a Buffalo institution. You can check out the EV Association web site for events and apartments at EVA A great site to keep up with what's happening in Buffalo from many different aspects is Buffalo Rising As a 30-something, the area that Dareustein suggested is optimal. Also easy walking distance to my 2 favorite restaurants--Left Bank and Bistro Europa. Good luck.

A 6-man front of Carrington, Dareus, Jasper, Troup, Williams, and Edwards. That would be fun to see...

nm

The line of Bell, Levitre, Wood, Urbik, and Pears will be better than last year's line. The interior should be stout. Wood and Urbik are maulers. Bell will be better and stronger. Having Pears at RT for the entire season is also better than the musical chairs of last year. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 excellent and 1 horrible, I'd say last year they were a 2, and they'll move up to a 3 easily. Quite possibly a 4 if Bell takes it to another level.

It's not much different than what Ron Paul suggested, eliminating the debt held by the FED. Here's a good discussion of the issues. Modern Monetary Theory The underlying argument relates to something I've always said: as long as there are excess labor and capital resources, you can create more claims (money) on those resources without iginiting inflation. If there is high unemployment and low capital utilization, then government can/should dificit spend to push the economy toward full employment. This idea is what economist Abba Lerner called funtional finance. The real problem, and the reason that the FED can't directly finance the Treasury, is that politicians have to be constrained. The power of the printing press is easily abused...

see B-News blog. Kawika guesses he's coming our way.

What happened to some of thsoe regulars? Bob Lamb, AKC, Kultarr, et al? Lenny in Sloan and his many incarnations was hilarious.

Looks impressive in highlights... Great recognition, and a good tackler.