Success

Man, I have never seen the hype for a team at this level. Not that they haven't earned it, but it's over-saturation.

This team was right on the cusp when Marrone left. It's hard to overstate how negatively Rex's incompetence affected things. Lack of discipline, late subs, confusion. 10 guys on the field for the most important play last season. Such a mess. I think people are underestimating how good this team can be if McD is as good as we all hope he'll be. In the AFC, I think we have as good a shot at the playoffs as any team not named patriots.

Oh, yeah - you were spot on. You knew right away. I was snowed because he took Sanchez to 2 afccg's, but those look incredibly flukey now. I just remember Darby as a rookie, and I don't think that was flukey. Really consistent, aggressive play. I feel like the whole secondary took a step back last year. That is one area I feel pretty confident McD can get back on track.

I still think Darby is great - Rex made just about everything that was good look bad. The additions of White and Hyde really help. We'll have to see how it goes, but that unit might be better than expected.

I don't think a lot of fans realize what the odds are that Brady sustains this level of play at 40 and beyond. Goodall did he and the Pats a huge favor last year. We've all learned to not bet against TB, but let's see him get through a full season at 40.

Honestly, Williams has the potential to be better and more versatile, and to carry a full load if Shady misses time. He was great in college. The Bills have had all kinds of issues over the years, but developing RB's isn't one of them.

Nothing happens unless Brady is there. Not only does the defense stay inspired because they have seen Brady come back so many times, but it's in the head of opposing teams also. If Atlanta was playing anyone else, they probably win that game going away. And it all supports the point: signing MG doesn't all of a sudden change the kind of player MG was and is. He's a decent back. We shouldn't have even a 2nd thought about losing a guy like that. Unless you think that no good team should ever lose a decent player, which is ludicrous.

They have great cb's now, but their pass rush isn't great. Their D is a great example of having the best coach and qb. When has BB ever fielded a bad defense? And having Brady has always helped that unit enormously. He keeps opposing offenses off the field, and makes them one dimensional by building leads.

I wish we would stop talking about the pats like everything they do is pure gold. They win because they have the greatest qb and HC in history. It tends to make everything look good They had Troy Brown playing CB and still made a deep playoff run. They made Hogan a star.

Why are fans still wringing their hands over MG? "Dime a dozen" is used too much for backs, but he truly is a dime a dozen kind of guy. Love his burst, but he's really not some sort of special player. We have the cap. They could have made him one of the higher paid #2's, but they didn't. And so what? Williams was a beast in college and would have been a high rounder if not for his injury. I doubt we miss a beat in the running game.

A lot of talent on both sides there.

Fans there really overhyped that signing. He's a good back, but there are a ton of good backs in the league.

After the first 3 points, this list falls apart.

I don't see the genius here. No teams have been interested.

Wasn't Mularkey coach for awhile? I've blocked a lot of it out. Therapy is helping.

What's exciting about this season is that we have no idea how good McD is. I mean, for all we know, he could be the league's next great coach. After learning just how disorganized things were under Rex, even a decent coach might be all this team needs.

A bit hyperbolic.

Do you think White and Zay aren't good players? As for Dawkins, he's an upgrade - where we desperately needed an upgrade. And he may turn out to be really good, as well.

Basically consensus opinion. Obviously a draft can't really be evaluated for years, but at this stage you couldn't ask for much more. 3 probable starters and good depth, as well as an extra first rounder next year.

If Jimmy busts and they go back to the cellar, it would be unequivocally the sweetest. Oh, shoot - did Kraft get the trademark approval on that already? Can I get fined or something?

That's actually not clear, at all. Great draft, pretty active in free agency - I see a team that wants to win this year.

Like some here, I think we may have finally found our qb. I was kind of shocked he dropped to the 5th. Smart, poised and pretty accurate - the reason he slid was arm strength, and that is something that can actually improve, unlike accuracy. Love his attitude, too. I saw a few pundits use the word moxie for him, and that's what you want in a qb.

They still have a great cap situation - it wouldn't surprise me to see them tag jimmy and get 2 more years out of Brady. I don't care - I just want Brady gone. Fans there think they'll continue to dominate with JG, but they're dreaming if they think he'll be close to Brady. He looked good for a half a game last season - but let's see him after dc's get a read on his weaknesses. Let's see him when he's down a few scores, or has to come up big at the end of a game. His durability is also a big question mark. Bring on the Garropolo era.

I think this could be our most competitive team in years. We were close to contending before Rex ruined the defense. If McD cans get that unit back on track and Taylor can play more consistently at the level we've seen in games like Seattle and Miami last year, the Bills can make the playoffs.

You know a thread is pure whine when it low balls the # of candidates from 4 to 3. I was wondering what the theme of the naysayers would be.