TPS

Not if they're picking at 4. The likely scenario is there will be the #1 WR, CB, OT, DT (and more) available, and the differences in measuring who is the BPA won't be significant enough to offset "need" at that point. Drafting 8-10 usually someone slides down that wasn't expected. At least that's MHO. Personally, best case is to get the #3 and trade down if available.

And here's another study for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: My link In particular, see the section on "how much speculation is excessive" on p. 8

This is a good piece on the impact from indexed commodity futures--a congressional testimony by an investment manager. Masters testimony With respect to the OECD study, the authors use exchange traded data only, so they miss all of the OTC market, which may be bigger.

It seems the only one taking an extreme view is you. Who said anything about Evans dictating to Belicheck? Who said Evans would've single-handedly changed that game? It's obvious that the Bills offense misses evans--that's the obvious point. Whether it's Evans or someone else, the Bills need an outside speed threat for the "obvious" reason. That person could be Easely, but I wouldn't count on it next year. I'd rather keep Evans and the rest of the WR crew.

I think most of the critics are missing the main point, having multiple threats makes it easier for the offense to dictate to the defense and spread them out. This is what Gailey said about trying to defend the Pats O. I think Parish was a big loss too. While Evans' stats don't live up to his salary, he helps spread the D out with his speed more than any other WR. If the Bills can add a TE threat, they will have all the skill tools on O to compete next year with: RBs--FJ and CJ; WRs--Evans, Parrish, SJ, and the rest (hoping Easely is in the mix as well). Yes, I think Fitz can be the man.

I would also add Parrish. Against average teams, you can get away with the no-names, not against the Pats. The Bills need as many weapons as they can get to compete with the Pats, especially a TE.

Hmmm...the head coach "has very little to do with game planning on defense"? Why is he called the head coach then? If I were to make a guess, I'd say ALL of the coaches meet during a strategy session to set the overall game plan. If I were a D coordinator I'd want my O-coordinator providing input for my plam/strategy.

The Bills will be drafting in the top 8, and they will pick a playmaker for the D's front 7. With Fitz at qb, they are a Steve Johnson drop away from being in the top 10 in points scored. The offense will continue to get better, and will be in the top 10 next year. The #1 pick has to be a playmaker for the D. My preference is an OLB who can rush the passer and cover TEs.

Good points. Soliai dominated the middle in that game. He would be a great addition, however, as you state, this it Troup's first year. Soliai barely cracked the lineup until his 3rd year in the league! People expect miracles from draft picks in their first year, and that's rare. I've said on several occasions that Troup, Carrington and Moats are gamers and will be the foundation for this D in years to come. Moats is ahead of the curve. With the experience he's getting this year, Troup could have a break out next year. I also completely agree about the D line--we have the bodies and the talent; it's the LBs that need upgrading. We need a stud who can cover TEs.

He seems like a really well-rounded individual, as does Nelson. Both very articulate individuals.

Sure, easy to jump on the bus now; how about back in July! Moats

Half empty=4-10 Half full=4-2 since starting 0-8. Count me in the latter.

I think you're reading too much into it. Brown is saying that Fitzpatrick isn't one of those guys who throws his superior intellectual abilities in your face. Much like his demeanor on the field, it shows in his quiet confidence. I think Brown's point is more about a personality trait than any other issue. I am sure we have all met people in all walks of life who we would describe as arrogant a$$holes. Good that Fitz isn't in that category. Btw, did you catch Gailey's PC yesterday? Funny response when asked, Does Fitz let's you know how smart he is? Gailey: "Not in public."

Don't know much about the new OL guys they picked up, but they are big, and at least one has RT written all over him. While I agree that they should draft a tackle at some point, I'd prefer 3 out of the first 4 picks focus on the front 7 of the D. I think the combination of Oline coaching, Gailey's scheme, and Fitz at QB make OL a lower draft priority now.

Good post.

While there are still unanswered questions regarding the O-line, it seems the combination of Fitz at QB and Gailey's schemes have made the Oline less a draft priority than most of us originally thought. The only games where they seemed physically out-matched were the Jets and Vikes, but the latter is somewhat excusable given the injuries. Also, it seems they've performed significantly better since Green got injured/released. And now they've added a couple more monsters for depth. As they've shown, Nix-Gailey are constantly looking for upgrades. The draft/FA should provide a window into their views on the OL and its priority level.

For those who missed this, the first "What's the Word" with George Wilson focused on Arthur Moats. The kid has some talent... What's the word

I would add, and maybe one of the most important traits, confidence that he can lead them on a game-winning drive. Had it not been for drops and fumbles, we'd have 3 more wins (that I can recall). At any rate, I can't remember who the last Bills QB was that made me believe he/they would march down the field and either win or tie a game on the last drive.

I was just thinking about this myself. No predictions, but interested to see the outcome; especially against very good Ds the next 3 weeks.

I think both Brohm and Brown (hmmm Brohwn?) have potential. It's just funny how quickly things can change.

All this QB talk. It's interesting about 16 weeks ago the place was populated with the word Brohm. Whatever happened to that guy...

As i said in my post after the game last night, it looked about 40% full, and with a capacity of 73K, that would put it close to 30,000.

I'll go back to Gailey's quote, "It's a tough game for tough people." I think this is the mentality that he and Nix have, and they are creating that identity on this team--the Bills are becoming a tough, physical team (despite the fluke in Minnesota). Good riddance to smaller and quicker!

I've never said he was a bad player, so I'm not trying to be right about anything. That's what I thought I saw on the play. Maybe I looked too late. I'd rather be wrong about that. Two of you say the same thing, so I must not have caught him quick enough, and I must therefore be wrong. No skin off my nose.

Not so sure I agree overall. Delhomme stank. McKelvin was several yards behind the WR when Delhomme threw that floater that he picked off--he just had to wait for it. I don't know if they Bills win that game with a decent QB for KC.