Last Guy on the Bench

I believe that was Kelsay's 3rd year, not his 2nd. He was drafted in the 2nd round, after Willis, in 2003. So let's hope it was a Junior slump.

How about "Eli Pole"?

I think you're wrong about what the Bills need (not a fan of the Military General type) - but even if you're right I can almost guarantee that Marv Levy is not going to be attracted to "a real SOB." I wouldn't hold out much hope for that if I were you.

I confess I don't know much about the guy, so I've been looking for info. Here's an older one (2003) that talks about his history, family, and general take on the world: http://www.jsonline.com/packer/news/sep03/167321.asp

Yeah, he's so innacurate and inconsistent that he was third in the country in passing efficiency (QB rating) and completed 65% of his passes. I don't get these comparisons with Vick (who BTW I think is way above average as a pro in terms of his overall impact on his team's ability to win - though he's being mismanaged right now). Vick has a stronger arm, is much smaller, is quicker, etc. - he plays a different game. Young has much greater accuracy than Vick, he's got the ability to glide around and keep seeing what's going on around him and downfield, he's ridiculous under pressure and in big games. I can't really think of a QB he reminds me of. Just the way he moves alone - that rangy shiftiness that is deceptively fast - is unlike any QB I've seen. None of this means he'll definitely be a good pro, but I think many of you are way underestimating his chances.

Looked like he could throw to me. Just throws weird. Didn't he lead the nation in passing efficiency? Anyway, guess we'll see in a few years.

I disagree. What impressed me most was his ability to stay calm and take in the way each play was unfolding. He made a LOT of good decisions last night (and of course a few bad ones, but not many). With a head like that plus a "comeback" temperament, I'd be surprised if he didn't figure out a way to adapt himself to the pro game. His style of play might change somewhat, of course, and he won't be racking up 500 yard games, but I bet he's gonna be a fine and interesting player to watch for a long time. Keep him out of the AFC East.

I couldn't be more impressed with Young. His physical gifts are obvious, but it was his mental approach that really stood out. He is one cool and collected MFer. I would be stunned if he didn't turn out to be a highly successful pro, just based on his attitude and his calm in the pocket. The one thing I'd worry about is not his throwing motion (seems to work) but the fact that he runs that O out of the shotgun. BTW, I think Pete Carroll was absolutely right to go for it on fourth down. You just had the feeling that if they gave the ball back to Young he was gonna score, whether he had to go 50 yards or 80. USC's best chance at the end was to pick up that 4th with White - game over. I think Carroll's call was ballsy and correct. It just didn't work out. It wasn't arrogance; it was an entirely appropriate fear of Young. What a game.

Not really. Watch someone like Freeney for a while. There are tons of plays where he doesn't seem to be much of a factor (though, in reality, he is a factor because the offense has to focus on him) and then WHAM, he makes a big play. I'm not saying Schobel is as good as Freeney. (I don't think he is.) But I agree with Kelly. He's much closer to being a topnotch DE this year than previously. There aren't too many guys in the league I would trade him for - maybe 6 or 7.

I think he and Herm just had different philosophies, so they never really put together a coherent defense. It's taken him a little time with the Vikes, but he's got that D playing really well now. Of course there's no way to know if he'll be a good HC. (By the same token it's pretty silly to be so sure that he "simply isn't head coach material.") But players like him, he makes good in-game adjustments, and he develops young players very well. I think he's got a great shot to be an excellent HC. We'll see.

I'd be happy for him. San Fran screwed up when they chose Erickson over him, even though they really liked TC. (For that matter, we screwed up too.) http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278255

Why is he a POS?

BTW, if anyone wants the NYT article on Leach, PM me and I'll email it to you. One of the most interesting football articles I've read in a long time. Leach's offensive approach is radical, his training methods are interesting, and his (current) obsession with Pirates is hilarious. The article is a pdf so it's 5mb. Make sure your email provider can handle it.

Yeah, I think he'd be an amazing choice, but I agree that he's the least likely to want to come here (or anywhere in the NFL). I think he's a UMD alum too. You never know, though. Maybe he's getting bored and wants a new challenge. It would cost a lot of money. I think Leach is a lot more innovative than Spurrier and also less of a dick. He's rethinking the nature of the game. Spurrier had great players. Leach definitely does not. The NYT article quoted one NFL team official as saying, "I'm not sure that his offensive approach would work in the NFL. But I'm not sure that it wouldn't." (Or words to that effect.) Big gamble, but man would it be interesting. What's the deal with TC and Ralph? I don't remember any problems there. TD did interview him after all, though it may have just been a courtesy interview. I think he would come back if Ralph made him an offer.

Ralph Friedgen - Maryland Pro coordinator experience (OC for Bobby Ross's SB team) and a fabulous job turning Mayland around almost instantaneously. http://umterps.collegesports.com/sports/m-...en_ralph00.html Mike Leach - Texas Tech Offensive and possibly motivational genius - absolutely fascinating story on him in the New York Times Magazine (Dec. 4th) by Michael Lewis. Get your hands on it if you can. Teddy Cottrell Didn't see eye to eye with Herm, but that may have just been a philosophy conflict. Tactically sound, great at developing young players, good motivator, guys are always prepared. Seems to be bringing things around in Minny. I don't know if either college guy is interested in jumping to the pros. Cottrell would jump at a job offer for sure. I think the Fridge is a can't miss guy. No way he busts, though you never know if he'll be great. Leach is a complete crapshoot with a great upside. Very strange guy. I'm sure some will make the June Jones run and shoot comparisons. But I think he's different - much more innovative. Could be a huge failure, but could also revolutionize the NFL. Ted is somwhere in between to me. He knows the league, is starting to get out of Wade's shadow (don't think Tice is responsible for that D). I haven't seen tons of Vikings games this year, though, so those of you who have might have a more up to date opinion on him. I would be excited about any of these three. Thoughts?

Not to quibble, but isn't this only McGee's third season (meaning he's played 2+ not 3+)? Right now, he's my favorite player on the team (not saying he's the best - though he's getting closer).

I'm in Montreal and I'll surely be at Champs tomorrow. "Marc in Montreal" also lives here (obviously) and he's always at Champs as well unless the game is on one of the broadcast channels (unusual, unless we're playing the Pats). There are usually a few other Bills fans at Champs on any given Sunday, though no one else that frequents the Stadium Wall as far as I know. Cheers.

Bump. Anyone?

Help me out. The Bills training camp program(D&C production I think) and the official depth chart (not worth much right now) list Stamer as the strong side backup (Posey's position), Crowell as the weak side backup, and Haggan as the MLB backup. I've seen three practices and some video and I could swear that when I've been paying attention I've always seen Haggan on the TE side, Stamer on the weak side, and Crowell in the middle. Am I crazy? I watched the scrimmage last night, but forgot to look at where they were all playing. The reason this matters a lot right now, is that Stamer is playing out of his shorts and Crowell has looked pretty good too. I'd much rather see Stamer pushing Posey (who is a real weak link in my mind - whenever I focus on him, he looks bad - and he never makes big plays). Stamer will never get any real time behind Spikes, barring injury. I'd also like to see Crowell backing up Spikes, as he's got some good speed, and Haggan in the middle where he can be pushed by Ezekial for a key backup/future starter spot. I like Haggan as a special teamer and a give-your-starter a breather guy. But I don't think he plays fast enough to start. Maybe he'd be a decent SAM, but Stamer looks a lot better at this point. Anyway, where the heck are they playing right now? Is the official info right (making me an idiot)? I hope so, because I would love to see Stamer take over that SAM spot by opening day.

Look, I'm no trekkie, and I have only seen a handful of the modern episodes. But . . . this poll is ridiculous. It's like asking who's a better football player, Bruce Smith or Aaron Schobel. We're talking about Captain James T. Effing Kirk, for God's sake. The man could handle klingons, green chicks, goofy sound effects, shaking cameras, and polyester-clad, overacting crew members all at the same time without breaking a sweat. There are only a handful of television characters that even come close to the Kirk level of pure, nut swinging cool. In fact, I can't think of one right now. And seriously, I don't even like Star Trek all that much.

I am serious, though possibly stupid. Thanks for the link. I hadn't seen it. Probably because the idea of going to New Orleans just popped into my head, so I hadn't been paying attention to threads of people who were already going. Just assumed they had tix already. Not sure if our plans would work out quickly enough to order with that group, but thanks again for the pointer.

I head back from Montreal to Buffalo once a year to join my Dad for a game at the Ralph, but this year I was thinking it might be fun to meet him somewhere for a road game. I've never been to New Orleans, but it's one of his favorite cities. Anyone know how hard it is to get tickets - or for that matter what the best way to get them is? Thanks in advance for any advice.

They were high school athletes, for what it's worth. And I agree it doesn't mean he'll be a good QB. But it does mean that he is pretty different from your average young star athlete. He's an interesting character, like him or not.

Wasn't that in the official press conference? That's what starts playing when you click the link, but if you click on audio and on the 3/4 link, you get the radio station interview, which is much looser. It's pretty idiotic as well, but in a more entertaining way.

That's what Mularkey said, I think. But Donahoe was much more effusive, and made several comments. Don't have the exact quotes, but you didn't have to read deep between the lines to see that Matthews was their first choice, but that he was still pondering family issues.