yungmack

Spiller is an elite talent and with a couple of breaks going his way, he may very well wind up in the Hall and I love that he's on the Bills team. That said, I get those people who say he was a luxury pick. At that time, Lynch and Jackson were on the roster, and there were some huge holes that I think should have been filled ahead of another RB. As to Nix's drafting record, if you're going to be fair you need to put other teams under the microscope as well. You also need to give credit for changing how the Bills were viewed around the league. If you remember, just over three short years ago they couldn't even get a top candidate to come in for the head coaching opening. When Chan was let go, over 20 people called for interviews in the first 24 hours if news reports from last winter are to be believed. And every candidate the Bills wanted to talk with actually met with them. That's a huge turnaround. I'm sure that the team has been able to resign its own players and some better free agents because the perception of the franchise improved greatly under Nix. BTW, McBride's post is very enlightening.

The 9-7 Giants.

Only top players would be worth hiding on the IR. Marginal players would not likely be in danger of being picked up by another team. So ask yourself, why would a top player want to take a year off with an "injury" when he could play for another team, build up his rep, and reap the benefits in a future contract?

Let's see: 35 Olympians is way less than two years of draft & free agent signings for a single team. And out of that you get 9 All-Pros & FOUR Hall of Famers. I don't know about you guys but I'd be over the moon with those results. Seems like Olympians make up one of the best pools of talent.

If you're the Bills and you keep 6 receivers (which I think is the upper limit they'll carry) and you've already got SJ, Woods, Graham and Goodwin, that leaves at the most room for two more. You will pick from a group that includes Brad Smith, Hogan, Kaufman, Rogers, Sampson and Easley. Keeping in mind that these guys will have to contribute on special teams as well, how do you rate these 6 receivers? If you genuinely think Rogers is in the top two, then keep him. If not, cut him, and if you think he has potential, try to sign him to PS. But at this point, to take him over, say, Hogan or Easley, you'd be choosing based on potential. You want to gamble on him possibly living up to that? Or do you keep one of the guys who've been reliable as all hell throughout the off season, training camp and exhibition games? I would choose to go with who can play right now and let some other team gamble on potential. FWIW, I think every single receiver we cut is going to be grabbed by another team. This is an amazingly talented group this year. So I'm preparing myself for how I'll feel when I see them helping another team. But we can't keep 'em all.

Did you watch him against the Vikes in mop up time? Looked like Trent Edwards days with the "hurry up." Confused, slow to get the play off...Let's hope Kolb doesn't "stink it up" because Tuel looked like hell.

Well, it wasn't "spectacular." It was workman-like, NFL-quality which is why I loved it. But spectacular? No.

Good insight. I also think that once the players the coaches know are going to make the roster have shown they've "got it" as far as the new scheme goes, & have shown they're ready to go, then there's little sense in keeping turn on the field. As you say, it's the guys you don't really know who have to be the focus.

Still think we should cut Kolb?

Just for the hell of it, can you name 3 teams that currently rely on the "vertical game?" It's as passe as leather helmets. Running the hurry-up offense, teams are much more reliant on quick,short passes that hit the receiver in stride. It's YAC that counts. Additionally, the quick count, quick short pass means the Oline doesn't have to protect nearly as long as they would have to with the 7 step drop that's usually needed for "the bomb." That said, I think we will see the long ball several times a game because it loosens up the D & makes them indecisive. Because both EJ & Tuel can throw it deep & accurately, & because so many of the receivers are fast as hell, the D will be forced to defend the whole field pretty much all the time. This should have the added benefit of thinning out the box for the running game & the RB passing game. Now add to that EJ's ability to scoot at anytime & this offense has the potential to drive defenses nuts.

They can, I believe, pull a claimed player off waivers. But then they would have to cut another player.

They are also a 3-4 defense. And game 3 is generally the most "serious" of preseason, so all in all, a good test for EJ.

Very good article. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

Another out of touch "sports journalist." He finds it "surprising" the Bills didn't bring in a TE in the off season, then later on notes Gragg was drafted. He seems to think Smith is the top TE. He then gives his opinion that Chandler is "an emerging threat." As if he discovered him lurking on the roster.

Marrone may not become a legendary coach but he will top Kelly, who's only hiding out in the NFL until the NCAA stuff becomes history.

No, it's the scum who are the exception.

It seems like a lot of drunks have clustered around this trade nonsense. Skoal boys!

Nickell playing the Nickel in the Nickel City? How could he not.

Holy Mother of God, another one's escaped from the Pod!

Ah, guys, it's from The Onion...

Woo hoo, 'Bot, another fine report. Glad you're feeling better. Any personal opinions on who's on their way out and who's moving up?

There were also groups who brought kegs and had them in the aisle.

Remember when Joique Bell was "winning" the RB competition? Remember when he looked like the second coming of Thurman in preseason? Then do you remember that he was running against second, third and camp-fodder stringers? Same deal here.

Very pleased with Sunday's results but I think I will wait a teensy while longer before joining the "cut Kolb," or "make Tuel the starter" parade.