Last Guy on the Bench
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Posts posted by Last Guy on the Bench
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I wasn't crazy about the Andy Benoit piece… even though it's clear he watched the Bills first two games, I didn't agree with several points he made.
I did enjoy the Clark Judge piece:
"They didn't draft a quarterback. They didn't trade for a quarterback. And they didn't sign a veteran free-agent quarterback to replace the guy they already had. Nope, they stood by Ryan Fitzpatrick, figuring that if they can improve the team around him he would improve, too.
Two games into the season, they look like geniuses."
Thanks for posting.
I really liked the Benoit article. He actually points out nuances that most sports writers (and most fans, including me) have no clue about: i.e., Brady's strength in squaring up even under pressure, or Stevie J's ability to get open late in routes. A value-added piece for me.
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We are the 'mizfits'
Sick of Brady killing us
let's go 3 and 0
Shouldn't it be the 'misfitz'? I love it as a team nickname.
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I actually ran right through a sliding screen door when Kelly scored.
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I don't know about letting McGee go though the injuries are getting frustrating. The same and more actually could be said about Roscoe. I remember McGee as the one player we have had over the last 5 or 6 years that Belichik was actually afraid
of. When McGee was returning kicks, he was an absolute terror. After a few good returns against the PATs one year, Belichik switched to squibb kicks whenever McGee was back there and did so every game after that. For my money, he is
the best returner we have ever had. I would be inclined to give him the benefit of every doubt.
I agree. I know we don't use him that way anymore, but I think he might be the best KO returner I've ever seen period, not just on the Bills. Others may have been faster or more juke-tacular, but he was so smooth and efficient - always seemed to make the right little cut or weight shift and would zip through the smallest gaps. He made it look effortless. If he wasn't the best KO returner in terms of athletic ability or production, he was certainly the most natural one I've ever seen. I like him as a CB too, but I would never have stopped using him on kickoffs.
Also, he is only 30 (DBs can be good well past that), and he has played 14, 11, and 9 games the past three years. (Before that he was good for 15-16). If that's a trend because of aging, well, that sucks. But I think it's too early on the career arc to say that.
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I looked up the RBs you mentioned. They all had comparable or better career averages than Jackson's 4.5 yards a carry--but with a few exceptions.
Matt Forte has averaged 4.0 yards per carry over the course of his career, which has been spent with the Bears.
During the 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons, LaDanian Tomlinson: averaged 3.8, 3.3, and 4.2 yards per carry.
Rashard Mendenhall has compiled a 4.2 yards per carry career average while playing for the Steelers.
While I don't agree that Forte, Mendenhall, or an aging Tomlinson are the equals of Fred Jackson, it's hard to dispute most of the other players on your list. However, a few other players on the list have compiled averages similar to Fred Jackson's career average of 4.5 yards a carry. For example, Steven Jackson's career average is 4.3 yards per carry, Jonathan Stewart's career average is 4.7 yards per carry, and Michael Turner's average is also 4.7 yards a carry. Turner has spent his career with the Chargers and the Falcons--both of which would seem to offer a better situation for a RB than the Bills.
Your list made me realize there's more RB talent in the NFL than I'd previously believed. After having looked more closely at that RB talent, I have concluded that while Fred Jackson isn't necessarily a top-10 RB, he's probably in the neighborhood of 12 - 13.
There are a bunch of good backs now. But it's not all about the YPC. Freddy gets all of those little yards that don't seem to be there. He is a very good blocker and a decent receiver. He is not as explosive as many of those guys, but he just feels so solid all around. I can't argue he's better than many of those guys, but in terms of who I would want starting for the Bills right now, there are probably only 3-5 guys I would take over him. Some of the others might make my pro bowl ballet ahead of Freddy, but Freddy makes my lineup sheet ahead of them.
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Again, I'm going to have to disagree. The mental mistakes are the hardest to overcome. Most of these players coming to play the in the NFL are physical specimens. They are the best of the best as far as physically gifted athletes. In most cases, it's the mental part of the game(dropping balls, missing assignments, reading defenses/offenses) that contributes to then failing.
That's true for guys that have been around a little bit, I agree, but not for rookies just learning a system (especially without minicamps). Most guys take a while to make the mental adjustment to the NFL in general and to their new team's scheme in particular.
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I was less worried by all of his errant passes than by his body language. He had that kind of hang-dog, confused, frustrated, but not angry-enough-to-do-something-about-it look all night. Doesn't mean much maybe, but I feel like I've seen that look on QBs before, and never on a good one.
I know he has only been around this offense for a handful of weeks, but he looks physically, intellectually, and emotionally bewildered out there to me.
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It may be fair, but it is just so lazy. CNN/SI takes the trouble to send someone all the way to camp, and all he brings up are the usual tropes. Shawn Merriman. New guy from the Jets. Stevie Johnson now number 1. CJ Spiller needs to be better. Etc.
If all you want to do is let people in other markets know a few generic things about the Bills then fine. But why go to camp then? You could write this piece by watching Sports Center and a few post-practice videos of Chan Gailey on buffalobills.com.
I want someone like this to dig a little. Talk to people. Observe something that everyone else hasn't already observed a thousand times.
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They do.....
Also, if it works the same as Game Pass (the int'l package - I'm in South Africa and just got it - it's amazing), there is a toggle in the upper right hand corner of the small screen to turn scores off. If you do that, you don't even see the big play markers in the small screen. (Not positive that it's the same for Rewind, but I don't know why they wouldn't be using the same interface.)
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Big thanks for doing this (and to Fitzbeardy too!). Absolutely my favorite thing about TSW is reading notes from people who break things down beyond the ****ty media coverage ("Merriman was great!" Yeah, he was, but people in Peru can see that.) either by taking the time to review the game play-by-play as you did or by paying attention to aspects of the game that many of us may not the see first time around (e.g., Simon, Bill in NYC, etc.). Love this stuff and my appreciation for and understanding of the game goes way up because of the many (well, handful of) wallers who actually know what they are talking about - or who at least see things from a non-predigested perspective.
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as someone who lives outta town, i truly appreciate you taking the time to update what happens out there!,again.. thank you!
+1 !
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If you've ever had to go through 5 layers of clothing just to get to your wiener for a piss, you just might be a Bills fan.
I was at the Ralph a few years ago in December. Standing at the troughs at halftime, the bathroom packed as usual, and this big fat guy next to me, after rooting around through the crotch layers for a couple of minutes, says, "I know it was there when I left the house this morning."
The whole bathroom cracked up.
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All ten things don't have to happen. I still don't see how this team is any worse than last years.
PTR
I'm with you. I'm not exactly raging with optimism, but this team has won 7, 7, 7, and 6 games the last four years, and it's hard for me to see why this year they would be any worse than the scrappy semi-losers we've come to "love." The last few years they've been devastated by injuries, had questionable coaching, etc., and still have managed to win almost half their games. I doubt they'll make the playoffs, but I don't get all of these 2-4 win predictions. What amazing players did we lose?
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Obviously I didn't watch the ENG/SLO game but I wonder if the Slovenians put it on cruise control when it looked like the USA was not going to win? They would have advanced with a USA tie. Well too bad for them.
PTR
I had both games on (thank you CBC streaming). Slovenia tried the whole game. They knew that they were in a fragile position. The kept coming and had some decent chances, but overall, England were clearly the better team. Could have been 3 or 4 nil.
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So is SK that good or Greece that bad?
If the refs hadn't taken away two solid chances from SK in the 1st half that game could have been ugly on the scoreboard.
I think South Korea is that good. They play a precise, compact passing game. They've got some good finishers. They're surprisingly tough physically (given that they are not too large, and play more of a skilled game). And they have a world-class player in Park Ji-Sung.
I doubt they'll beat Argentina, but they could. Should be an interesting game with lots of sweet passing.
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It's not even close. NFL Network was excellent. Tons of insight.
I've actually enjoyed ESPN over the years, but I found it painful to watch this year. Borderline unwatchable. Too many guys, low energy, lots of stumbling, no one seemed that well informed, and Steve Young almost single-handedly kills it - he is such a boor (loves to hear himself talk, interrupts, doesn't listen to anyone, offers nothing new - just godawful).
I was really impressed with the NFL Network coverage.
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The Sporting News said that he really came on the second part of the year as he adapted to the coaching. They seem to think a light switch went on and that he's going to keep developing into a pro style QB rapidly. TSN can be way off, but they do their own homework, and you have to admire the way they call 'em as they seem 'em, no matter what the other rags/mocks say. They think Crompton is a better bet in this draft than any QB but Bradford.
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I've been thinking about Graham too. I would be way on on board with that pick. Especially if Schobel retires.
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The Clipper had club seats for 10 years, and couldn't wait to get rid of them.
Here is what the club seats promise:
1) Heated/cooled clubhouse to relax in
2) Wider, heated seats
3) Dozens of televisions to keep up with other NFL action
4) Gourmet food selections
5) Full bar service throughout game
6) Tables to sit and relax at
7) In seat waitress service
8) Luxury bathrooms
9) Seats under cover
10) Fan friendly experience
Here is what you get:
1) While it is nice to warm up in December for the 4 minutes you are inside taking a pee break, you really don't have to worry about a scorcher in Buffalo
2) The heated seats went to crap season #2. Yes, they are wider, but the cupholders placed at knee level in front of you take away any advantage
3) Whoever the retard is that is in charge of the televisions has no clue. I really enjoy 4 of 9 screens being on the Browns/Rams game while Eagles/Cowboys is nowhere to be found.
4) The food is better....that is if you can get any in your hands. The Bills let a different charity run the stands every week....which is fine when you have 3 menu selections....not 20. Nothing like a 70 year old trying to figure out an automatic register with 5 minutes of training. When I say "I'll have a Canadian" after waiting for 2 series of downs....I don't mean Wayne Gretzky
5) Bar is a nice touch....especially if you enjoy putting a $6 shot of Baily's into a $3 Hot Chocolate
6) Here's an idea....we'll put 50 tables that can seat 200 people right in the middle of prime traffic area that is meant for 1500. This way, not only does nobody get to sit down, but those that are can prevent the other 85% from getting to the bathroom or getting to the line for good Rev. Moses to take 5 minutes to figure out how to salt a pretzel.
7) There's nothing I enjoy more than waiting 20 minutes for a $9 beer, only for it to be passed down by 17 people, including the 6 year old of some M&T exec. who I assume happens to have extreme early onset Parkinsons given the actual amount of beer remaining in my cup when I receive it
8) Bathrooms......No complaints....other than beware a group of people that can afford $2000 season tickets in Buffalo, congregating in a men's room. Good money says 1 in 10 enjoys the company of men or children
9) Someone didn't get the memo about the 35mph winds' effect on precipitation when determining who is/is not under cover....but that is child's play. You can always escape to the clubhouse and give those 200 people sitting at the tables whiplash as you try to squeeze that svelte, Buffalo behind, close enough to watch the Browns/Rams game
10) Let's put it this way......the Rockpile section is like sex with a 20 year old hooker on coke. The club seats are like the twice annual handcranker you get from your wife of 30 years
Add the fact that you are paying $1100 for 7 games in addition to the $65 for each ticket....and I think it's a $220 per game well spent.
Think about it.....$220......that's about $4.50 for every Buffalo Bills offensive play.
Trent Edwards 2 yard checkdown to caucasion tight end....BOOM!....four fiddy
Joey Porter coming around on Javon Merrideth and Christian Gaddis for a 9 yard sack....BOOM!...four fiddy
Ryan Fitzpatrick, gently bouncing a ball 15 feet short of his intended receiver.....BOOM!....four fiddy
Really.......what is there to not be excited about?
Do what the Clipper did and move your seats back with the unwashed masses. Sure, there is a chance you will sit next to somebody that will invite you to their trailer in Waterport...but it's all good.
You need to post more. Post of the year.
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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
Good one. A great movie.
I'd add Angel Heart and Sleuth (only saw the original, not the new one) to the list. Fun, not-great movies with good twist endings.
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You know what is amazing: it seems that everyone JUST focuses on winning the Super Bowl. Look it is VERY VERY hard to even get to a Super Bowl, yet win it.
But you know what I miss most of all?
Going to see the Bills in person, going to a bar, watching the game at home, and have a GENUINE joy and intensity to watch the Bills, thinking to yourself that you actually BELIEVE they might have a chance to win it all.
THAT is what I miss the most.
And to me that is one of the best things about being a sports fan. Id rather take my chances and lose the Super Bowl over and over then finish 5-11, be irrelevant, and have ZERO juice for the Bills.
Great, great post.
Super Bowl obsession is simple-minded. ("You either win everything or you are a loser.") Honestly, I'd love for the Bills to win the big one, but it's way down on my list of Bills' goals.
I like watching football. I love watching football when the Bills are interesting and competitive week in and week out. Sure the Super Bowl losses stung. But my life doesn't change based in one game. It does change, however, based on the overall experience of watching the team every week.
When I think about the 90s Bills, I think about how MANY amazing, fun games there were. Every season there were tons of great moments: gritty victories, comebacks, upsets, playoff wins - all mixed in with the occasional crusher that kept life interesting.
This has been a generally boring effing team for the last decade. Tell me the Bills will be interesting and exciting and win more than their share of games, and I say you can stuff your Super Bowl.
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Its hard to disagree with that, but with TO in the game and a different game plan (or a game plan at all) I think TE probably fairs a little better, even against the Superbowl champs. I hope so anyway because we will be finding out shortly and it probably isn't getting any easier.
I agree. I've seen enough good things out of Trent (and TO for that matter) to remain marginally hopeful. But then again, I'm an idiot.
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If you timed the difference given to the QB's and compared the two O-lines, you would see Big Ben's lineman gave him ample time and a pocket where as TE was having his own lineman literally shoved right into his face right from the very get go.
TE played poorly, but the O-line contributed greatly to the problem, at least in my opinion.
We all know Big Ben can improvise, he just won a SB doing it, he's one tough ass QB to go up against and seems impossible sometimes to bring down.
One bright point of the evening though, Maybin looked really good at times.
I gotta agree with Murra on this. I still hold out some hope for Trent, and I hate to judge anyone on preseason, but that hope is weakening a little.
I thought our DL looked pretty good tonight. They actually got quite a bit of pressure on Ben, but watching him slip that pressure, or get rid of the ball just in time, rifling it into a covered receiver time after time, reminded me what a real. winning QB looks like.
I don't expect Trent to be Big Ben (who I think is just a fantastic QB - criminally underrated, because he doesn't sling the 300 yard games like Manning/Brady/Rivers/Brees). But the good QBs can work well with and even take advantage of moderate pressure. (No QB looks good in a jail break, but that's not what we mostly saw tonight.)
I'm not saying our OL was great, but they were adequate given the defense they were facing, and I thought Trent had enough time to do much more than he did. Even throwing the ball away with authority if he felt the pressure too much would have been an improvement over those desperate, tentative, tardy passes.
Must see TV Wednesday night - Fitz mic'd up
in The Stadium Wall Archives
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Mostly he was emitting these feral, soprano shrieks of joy. I love that guy.
(Of course, I tend to love almost anyone who is mic-ed up. There is something refreshing about seeing behind the curtain. I am even starting to have a grudging appreciation for Belichick after watching the first part of "A Football Life" (though I have an even bigger appreciation for Derrick Mason - cackling and trash talking BB during the Ravens game). And after the Jets' Hard Knocks last year I love Rex Ryan. He's amusing as hell, and despite his bluster, he seems to be a very generous, open-hearted guy. He was very entertaining in the around the league mic-ed up thing the NFL Network did last night.)