Rochesterfan

Yep - I remember those days also - it is not they these guys did not at one time write half way decent columns, but since the success of the early 90s they have just been bitter and getting worse. I see it with several of the Rochester guys also - they have taken the low road for so long that they do not realize they are no longer “fair or objective, but just being sarcastic and mean because that is who they have become.

Not sure that Tomlin fits in that group - last year they attempted 8 4th down plays about half of what the Bills attempted with a significantly better offense. Tomlin also does not strike me as a good game manager - He has by far one of the most talented and balanced teams, but seems to find many ways to lose because of how he handles the game. He is always making poor in game decisions and has routinely been criticized for going conservative when they get a lead against teams like NE and that costing them the game. Sean Payton and Arians are offense guys the same thing you see with McCarthy in GB and the entire staff in Philadelphia- those guys are aggressive and are offensive minded with strong offensive teams. Ron Rivera was giving the moniker Riverboat because of how aggressive he was a few years ago when he had the correct mix of offense and defense. So I am not sure that he isn’t more along the line of the coach you are looking for McDermott to become. Many of the more aggressive teams are lead by offensive guys and that makes a difference. I expect him him to get better at some things like Timeouts and challenges, but I expect little change in the defensive minded HC view on going for it versus punting because their strength is defense And defending the length of the field.

Agreed. He was never going to be overly aggressive as a defensive minded HC with a weak passing offense and a more stable and talented defense. People that want him to be more aggressive are going to be in for major disappointment. I do not expect this year to be to much different unless the defense is even better and/or Daboll instills confidence with the offense and a QB that can make the plays when needed. Once we get that - then he can afford to be more aggressive. Last year they were a miserable 2 of 15 on 4th downs, but people want them to go for it more? Being aggressive is great when you have the right team built up - for the Bills last year - I think being conservative won them more games than if they had tried to be more aggressive. That is not to say that he can not get better in many decisions, but each team and coaching style is different and you are going to see offensive minded coaches be more aggressive on offensive chances and defensive coaches be more conservative.

I think this is right and what I see as hilarious is that this is the exact opposite of TT as Bills QB. We will see what the future holds. I just find it funny that guys that defended TT had a ton of positive stats to point to and very few negative stats. He had a good completion percentage and TD to Int rate, but there were times watching him you could just tell he was not going to get it done. Now we have the exact opposite situation- Josh puts up very pedestrian numbers, but when you watch him you can see something special. Now many posters that were all aboard the numbers of TT are now having to switch to defending Josh Allen based on what you can see and feel, while guys that killed TT because of how he looked are now trying to kill Josh Allen based upon stats. The fan base has done a total 180 and we still have no idea if either model - stats or eye test is better.

I think we got a better prospect in a better QB year - from a better pro style system. I did not think Mahomes was going to be great before last years draft and his handling of the system in his lone start was not very impressive. Now they are throwing more at him and he is struggling. Good Luck - I think KC will miss Smith more than Alex will miss KC.

All over the league. The new owner of the Panthers had to sell his minority share of the Steelers. Haslam - Browns owner was also a minority owner of the Steelers before buying the Browns. The Mara family in NYG was a majority owner with other owners - Tisch family I believe. The Dolphins have had numerous celebrity minority owners including a group led by Gloria Estefan. The list goes on and on. Look up NFL Ownership: There are at least 12 teams owned by ownership groups with 1 person acting as the designated owner. see below for just a small bit of rules. Ownership restrictionsEdit The NFL forbids religious groups, governments, and non-profit organizations owning a team. The NFL forbids ownership groups of over 24 people or any publicly traded corporations from purchasing NFL teams; one team, the Green Bay Packers, is exempt from this under a grandfather clause and is owned by shareholders. The Houston Texans are also grandfathered in for their home county–the Harris County, Texas government–which owns 5% of the team, as the rule forbidding governments from owning a team became effective in 2007. The NFL's constitution also forbids its owners from owning any other professional football teams, except for Arena Football League teams located in the NFL team's home market. In addition, the controlling owners of NFL teams are only permitted to own major league baseball, basketball and hockey teams if they are in the NFL team's home market, or are not located in other NFL cities.[2] (Stan Kroenke, who owned hockey and basketball teams in Denver, was nonetheless unanimously allowed to buy the then-St. Louis Rams in 2010 and hold on to his Denver assets until 2015, and even then the Denver assets were transferred to his wife Ann.)[3]Soccer has been exempt from these restrictions since 1982, when the league lost a lawsuit challenging them filed by the original NASL stemming from the investments of Kansas City Chiefsowner Lamar Hunt and Elizabeth Robbie, the wife of Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie in NASL teams;[4] as a result, NFL owners have owned teams in MLS in other NFL markets.

Nice write up - the one thing missing in it is the new gambling regulations. I think if NYS allows some form of gambling and casino activity - that plays a big part in a downtown decision. I think that makes it much more likely they build a stadium with additional features downtown and attach restaurants, casino, convention center, and hotels to the property. There is already a casino down there, but being able to build and draw downtown makes so much sense and if the city, state, and county can get funds from whatever gambling they add - that makes more likely to get done. Especially if they add a small sin tax - to alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and eventually leagalized marijuana. The state has some new options coming up to get additional revenue it just depends upon how quickly the jump on board. Overall - I really do not think there is any true decision to be made - a new stadium makes to much sense over renovation and a downtown location with all that is going on drives everything. It will be a major change to tailgating, but offers a lot of attractive pluses for people both in and out of the area.

Could be, but I would not bet anything on it. This pattern of behavior has been occurring since his high school days and he has been treated for mental illness in the past. Typically drugs used to balance brain chemistry are pretty tough to keep in a good balance and they are especially vulnerable to other drug interactions like alcohol abuse - which he also has a history off. I would guess we are seeing the effects of him either no longer taking his meds properly or him needing an adjustment and that has lead to erratic behavior since the end of last season. Now or if you want to say some of the hits to the head and maybe even a hit late last year exacerbated the issues - I could live with that, but this is not a strictly CTE reaction since this has been occurring since his teens. I do not feel bad about watching it. I know a number of ex players that are living an excellent life after football. There are some/many bad cases, but there are just as many or more that are living a great life, but we just do not hear or care to talk about them. Many ex players have allowed their kids to go on and play the sport and it is a love affair they have with the game - the more vocal minority say I would never let my kid play and that gets the headlines. I feel horrible for the ex players that go through things like this, but I also feel both the league and especially the new generation of players need to do a better job of helping the older generations out and being honest with themselves and their doctors.

No - that is incorrect. Lots of teams have multiple owners - majority and minority stakes.

I believe he was given a small percentage when Ralph passed, but that would have been bought up by the Pegulas when they bought the team. Ralph gave small stakes to a few of his cronies that had been with the team to ensure they wanted to get the most for it as that was money for them also.

I would wholeheartedly disagree. He he started showing signs of issues in the post season with whatever transpired with Jacksonville and the name calling. I think the Bills investigation made them more reluctant to keep him and they decided he was not worth what they were paying him. I don’t believe the pay cut was the issue - more was going on before that and that was just a small part of the overall drama Cogs had going on.

Not necessaryily - if Foles had said yes - Cleveland would have been acceptable - maybe Philly still counters and asks for more, but since Foles said nope - it was done.

Not surprising - the Eagles made it clear the deal needed to work for both parties. My guess is they asked Foles before countering because I don’t believe that pick was enough for the Eagles. When Foles said No thanks - both teams moved on.

Actully the Bills are in pretty good shape compared to many teams. This is very wrong. Additionally as we have a lot of Cap space next year - we could be a team to offer him a nice signing bonus over 2-3 years and back load some money if he wants years. There is no reason to assume he could not come to Buffalo - the question is does the FO see him as a player they want to go after.

We we will see - I think that is a bit much for a cut player at this time of year. The Bills actually have quite a bit of room compared to other teams and that would be close to the max they will spend. It will all depend upon what he is looking for - a 1 year deal to get a shot at FA - I think 5 million or so will get it done, but if he wants an extended deal with some signing bonus - you might get 2 year 14 million with a larger bonus that can be split over 2 years and less salary.

I agree - potential good fit at the right price. Would be interesting to see what the Bills FO is thinking.

Agreed - the whole situation just reeks. This front office has a vision of what each position and player in that position is worth. They did not go out and overspend on a QB and got a better fit at a lower cost. Guard is no different- they had a price they were willing to spend on Cogs and worked with him and his agent - got an agreement and a signed deal. It is not the Bills fault that then Cogs goes insane rant and fires everyone - complains about his severe liver and kidney disease and decides to retire. All of that is just part of the package and why his pay has not been in line with his talent for years. This is his second time walking away from the Bills - the first was a personal disaster for Cogs and I do not think this time will be better.

Totall disagree - how you sit and your boy language means a lot. Body language gives an entire vibe to a team - it has been part of why Jay Cutler never lived up to his physical ability. You want the best guy with the best projection because that is the guy others will follow. If you leader and face of the franchise looks pissed about interviews and meetings that will come across in how others treat and respect him.

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I don’t think so. The Colts wanted Nelson and beyond 6 was not sure to get him - I think they moved back as far as they wanted and got huge value. I think the Jets could of got away with less, but they got a guy they wanted it was smart. Good trade for both - Jets paid a huge premium, but essentially got the guy they probably would have taken if they had moved to 1. I think they wanted and planned for Mayfield because they did not see the Browns taking him at 1. I agree - just never impressed me as a coach and I think with everything they have going on - they are going to bust hard for a few years.

I think this this is the best/correct part - yes there is that 0.01% on the farthest part of the female athletic spectrum that would match up with the a mid to lower level NFL player at certain positions. You are spot on and as you stated the issue is that elite level female athlete will most likely not be trying out for the NFL because the opportunity is not really there - she will be playing in a more female focused league like the WNBA where she can be elite. The issue with everyone saying something can not be done is because it has not been done. There are definitely limitations to how a female could fit on a football field, but if they are talented enough to play in High School and they can get a college scholarship then take it as far as you can. As barriers break then others that are closer to the 0.01% may try and you may one day see the barrier broken.

But it doesn’t and it need not create a Christian environment. It allows a place for people of any faith and no faith to come together and talk. It allows those of strong faith to form bonds off the field both individually and with families. Mostly it it gives a place for those that want or need it support and comfort. It is not a requirement and not everyone partakes, but if you watch the NFL and listen post game - you hear a lot of praise to God/Jesus and you see large groups of players from both teams gathering and kneeling and saying a prayer - same thing if a guy has a serious injury. These guys play an incredibly violent game and sometimes groups of them look for something more, but as the Chaplain even says in the article that talked about his hiring - he is not there to force anything - he is there if needed to provide whatever guidance that individual needs. At no point has McDermott put stated anything that puts faith over talent. He has definitely stated he wants team over individuals, but I think faith is his driving guide not the team. McDermott has stated that he wants to know each player as an individual so he can find what motivates them - I think the team appreciates that. Many coaches are highly religious and gives thanks to God/Jesus/Mary - some are even over the top - look at Tony Dungy - yet they still reach the team and are successful. I truly think this is a non-issue that people want to use as motivation for why a guy like Rosen was not the pick and I think it is wrong.

He does - just as many chaplains do - Hospitals, schools, even the US Govt has chaplains that serve all faiths in their guidance. Again this is not unique to the Bills and it was not new to McDermott. Faith is important, but I think people want to believe it drove decisions that they disagree with - even though the evidence is contrary to that. Rosen was the most ready, yet 3 teams passed on him not because of faith, but upside and coachability. The team that drafted him - twice tried to move up to take Allen first - this is not a McDermott thing - this was a player thing.

I believe the Bills have had multiple team Chaplins in the past. Yes McDermott hired him along with a bunch of new positions as they moved out the old guard. There are several articles talking about how every major sports franchise has a chaplain. This is not a faith or McDermott decision - Len has been chaplain for many other teams not just the Bills.

I will disagree with your first 2 parts completely. They traded for TT first, but they have had the number 1 pick locked up since near the middle of the season - so it is not like they won the lottery and now had to ID their QB. They had been scouting these guys for over 1 year by this point. Having TT is not a bad plan, but much like Buffalo - put it out there - we want the best man for the job. I agree that TT may win some games, but I do not think he will give the OC any kind of read on the players or the system. That is exactly what happened in Buffalo and Haley is much less flexible in Cleveland than Dennison was here. Just look at his treatment of Ben in Pittsburgh- no audibles - things like that where Ben got little input. How is TT going to react when Haley wants him to throw a short crossing route an a three step drop to Landry and the guy is open, but TT holds the ball and scrambles or is sacked. This is what Sal talked about all year and why Dennison was frustrated with TT - the offensive was designed for a lot of quick throws off from breaks, but if you QB holds the ball the route combos are destroyed and now you are looking for a new spot to throw. I think this gets amplified in Cleveland because Mayfield can do that type of throw and will show that in the preseason. The last part is spot on training camp and preseason games are nothing like a regular season game, but where will he learn more - on the bench or in the game. You know at some point he will be starting - just state we are having a competition and may the best QB win. More than likely it should be TT, but if Mayfield looks good - his era starts now.