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DRAFT by a mile. If you hit on a QB drafted you get a nice period where they are paid far below market value which you can use to build quickly a strong roster. Second a young QB is far more moldable then a guy who has seasoning already.

The stadium had 60k there, I would know I was there and they probably only had a 4-5k in tickets not sold total. Second the NFL gets and makes its money from the TV deals and sponsors now not ticket sales.

Obviously the Bills have done a spectacular job at creating their own barriers so they have missed the playoffs for 17 straight years pushing 18 now. That said I wanted to lay out some factors that are not the Bills fault that have helped to impede the Bills making the playoffs during this time: NFL's shift to making the league a QB driven league to a potentially unhealthy point: One of my majors gripes as a football fan in general is how the game has drastically changed where QB's are the focus to a point the team doesn't matter. The rule changes in 03, 04, 07, & 10 gave QB's a significant advantage that still hasn't been accounted for. Back before the rule changes it was possible to have a team was a decent defense and running game make the playoffs and win a round even if the QB was dog crap. QB play still determined the outcome for Super Bowls and you generally need a top QB to win a SB unless your defense is DEN or SEA like, but the league use to emphasize the rest of the team far more. These days if you hit a QB a split second late high its a penalty, low its a penalty, intentional grounding is almost never called anymore, and WRs are protected by the rules more making it easier for QBs to either get them the ball or draw a penalty. You could draw back some of these rules a bit where player safety is still prioritized first but the defense has a better shot. Additionally if QB's are getting the ball out faster even just to throw it away start enforcing intentional grounding more. It's kind of insane the current rules that if you throw the ball remotely near a player when chased it isn't even questioned as illegal. New England Patriots: Fair or not the Bills have been stuck with the best dynasty run potentially ever. Swing a game or two here in just a few seasons and the Bills probably sneak in at 9-7 or 10-6. The record vs NE is incredible and its gotten to the point of almost always being a guaranteed loss. If your routinely starting the season 0-2 that is a hard place to come from. Number of NFL Teams: When the NFL expanded the playoffs to add the 6th WC spot they did so because the percentage of teams that make the playoffs was in the low 30% range. When they added the 6th spot they did so because it made it where around 44% of the league made the playoffs increasing competition and giving everyone a better chance. Since the 90s expansion though that number has reverted back down to 37.5%. Had another spot been open the odds favor that one of the seasons the Bills were 9-7 or potentially couldve gone 9-7 they sneak in. Not the best situation for BUF to make the playoffs but it would've killed the drought. Additionally with more NFL teams there is less high end talent and good QB's available for teams to have making it even more difficult to find and field a strong roster. NFL Rules: During the drought the Bills have caught the poor side of some officiating that has blown back in our face. None looms larger then the home opener loss to the Jaguars in 04 where we knocked the Jags TE out of bounds and were penalized at the time because we impeded his ability to catch the ball. TD Jags and loss BUF. What sucks is that rule no longer exists and had the Bills won they would've made the playoffs. Continuing the them of QB's and the Patriots, the Bills got the brunt of the rule changes that enhanced QB play with Brady. The best way to beat him is to hit him a lot and jam his WR's. Well guess what the NFL alters that and makes both far harder. Bad luck despite 5-1 or 5-2 starts: Statistically if you start 5-1 or 5-2 you have about a 73% chance of making the playoffs. If your 5-1 you don't even need to be above .500 just go 5-5 and your most likely making it. The Bills 3 separate times have defied odds drastically in their favor to a maddening level. In the end this does fall back on them, but fans have gotten to the point we are more terrified at 5-1 or 5-2 then excited. That's insane haha

I understand fan unrest on this, but I would ask fans to really step back big picture wise. The NFL at that point was exploding money wise and if Ralph had died any point pre-2010 this team moved straight up. I think perhaps the team was too heavy handed with the Toronto thing especially moving regular season games there, but I also think Ralph was doing what he had to do so had he passed away the Bills looked stronger as a regional team $ wise and perhaps because of the Toronto affiliation the team could stay in Buffalo. Had the Bills been in the playoffs I don't think the blowback would've been as fierce, but adding Toronto into an already bleak situation did not help. Like I said I never liked the Toronto games and felt they should've just done 1 pre season game a year there instead, but I think if fans heard in owners meetings the back channel discussions on how the Bills were viewed and their viability in Buffalo during the 2000s we would at least be slightly more understanding. Respectfully my .02

Polians firing was bad but in context both men at the time were highly competitive and neither were the type to let their ego lose to another (both said as much and in retrospect wish they handled it differently). At the same point John Butler was responsible for the drafting of a pretty solid defense that deserved a better offense. To me Ralph certainly holds a decent amount of responsibility for the drought but to his credit he also owned up to the fact he made mistakes and apologized. I remember I believe it was 2005 he straight up held himself accountable for the team being a disaster. Not saying it helps but I think he at least had a pulse of the fans that I don't believe Terry and Kim have at least yet. To me Ralph's greatest detriment to the Bills was the time from 1999-2007. The NFL was changing very very quickly in terms of paying players, big contracts, TV deals, and how the league was going to be marketed. He 100% understood the business side and owners even credited him for seeing the Owners screwed themselves on the one CBA mid 2000s. BUT he was awful at seeing how player wise things were changing and the amount of money that was being asked. The list of players from basically 2000-2007 that walked out who we drafted and failed to even resign solely for money reasons really sucks. If Pegula was owner with Jason Peters he would still be our starting LT. Nate Clements and McKelvin were basically drafted because Ralph failed to pay up for Antoine Winfield who ended up being better then both and worth the money. There is a laundry list of examples like that. He did the right thing to try and have a czar like Donahoe, but after that refused to let others have a say until Buddy Nix. But after Donahoe he was very cheap with coaches and settled with a lot of retreads. The Marv Levy period may have been the worst drafting in the last 30 years also. Overall he got in the way far too much from 1999-2007. After that he started trying to pay for players, the summer of 08 I think they spent like 90 million on the offensive line for Derrick Dockery & I forgot the other guy but the team wasn't getting the impact guys needed and by that point Buffalo had a poor reputation league wide by players. Mix in the fact he was very controlling GM wise and it was just a mess. After 2008 though he started backing off as his health started going down so I can't really blame the guy much because it was more Brandon. So I would say the first half of the drought is on Ralph, after that between health, Brandon, and the bigger issue of the teams long term future I don't blame him because he was not nearly as involved and had switched how things were being done anyway. Overall as the owner of the Bills the end was disappointing and maybe lost a little luster for him team mgmt wise, but overall for the league he was truly one of the founders and locally always had the best interests in keeping the team viable/in Buffalo.

This a 100%. Sal C from WGR550 says people are now more inclined to go because the team is safe but I whole heartily disagree for the reason you mentioned. Once again its another December where you need to figure out the formula to fly to the Bermuda Triangle in order for the Bills to make it in. People are not fooled anymore and the incentive to go because they may leave is non existent so yea Ill stay home and watch.

So I gave up my seasons and my wife and I instead did the 3 games (Saints, Raiders, & Colts). I wouldn't have done the Colts but she loves Luck and we got them when it was expected he was playing. Now we are going to go and have fun, but it was a bummer to see the price drop so much when we paid $140 for row 8 sec 141. I gave up our seasons because of the time commitment mostly. I will say though that for me to get seasons again it will be a prove it situation. I will still go to games 3-4 plus 1 out of town if possible (I am planning on going to MIN to see them next year), watch on TV, and support them hard. BUT the seasons thing is a commitment and with how the games become so cheap in the bad seasons which we have had many of, its easier to just wait for the price to drop then renew. Coming from Rochester only makes it harder also.

My wife is a diehard Bills fan like me but her favorite QB is Luck. SOOO of course bought tickets row 8 141 sec for $150 back in summer which are now wayyy cheaper and Luckless haha

I remember the crown as a kid. My dad made a big point of that and how it really was a factor throwing the ball. Not sure it is anymore with the field turf and stuff

It's fitting the last game there would be a tie between these two teams

Haha this story is awesome and the ending is a 100% predictable. Only difference is if it was me with my kid my wife would've been pissed she didn't get to go which is a plus I think.

My first game was like a Bills Pats game early mid 90s when Kelly, Thomas, Reed, & Smith were still on the roster. I think he took me so I at least attended the good days and my only real memory is being in the 300s opponent sideline in like early Nov. BUT my first true memory would be the Bills Bears in 2000 I was 11 we sat 300s. Flutie started the game, for some reason in the 3rd quarter Johnson was put in though. He proceeded to get injured which the crowd cheer as he went off and Flutie back on (Not our finest day Bills fans). Any way Bills were up only by a few and then we got a defensive TD to ice the game. It was really fun and I still have the gloves my dad got me from a vendor on Abbott.

Your missing my point it is potential talent not actual execution. Spiller in an offense that highlighted his skills to run and catch getting the appropriate amount of carries could've been special. For center's you get linked with how good your QB is or isn't. Kent Hull would not have gotten the same adoration if he had Jeff George as his QB. I know fans don't like to hear it but circumstance, coach, and team matter a lot on how players are defined. As I said it was overall potential not what their career translated into also, I viewed it as What If when looking at their skill and position.

Well Darnold, Rosen, & at least Jackson all have been graded higher then Mahomes/Trubisky/Waston entering the draft not accounting Watsons amazing stretch for the sake of keeping just focused on leaving college for the draft. I have zero clue if any of them or someone like Allen or Mayfield will be better then the 2016 QB's, Goff, or Wentz, but those analyzing this draft/NFL personnel love the potential and traits shown thus far from this class compared to the previous 2 years. That said I still think the Browns kinda blew it not taking a guy in either of the previous 2 years. This is the sole reason I would've kept Rex Ryan for one more season especially if you were bringing back Tyrod. If you were going to do that again then give Rex one more year with his guys and draft picks to try and make it work. If it would've failed then scorch the earth on everything to start fresh. And for the record I was not and am not a Ryan fan in the least, but you gotta let a coach have enough time to make his mark. 3 years at least gives him 2 years of his draft and players and time to get his system in for better or worse.

Completely agree. Just saying had he picked Wentz and even if the team went say 2-14 last year and 4-12 or 5-11 this year he would've got a longer leash just because it feels like progress is being made. That unfortunately is what I think sunk him especially with the team really on the verge of 0-16.

BUT in the end W/L are what matters. They could've taken a QB in the past 2 seasons AND still had the majority of those picks. I don't disagree he probably got canned too early and should've been allowed his choice, but he also missed by not taking a QB when they reallyy really needed one and didn't pull the trigger.

I wouldn't say their defense is stellar YET. They have some really good pieces on the front 7 but the secondary needs work and we won't really no where that D stands until their offense stops playing at a D3 level.

If were going actual production and not just talent/potential I would go in this order: 1. London Fletcher (Dude might make the HOF) 2. LeSean McCoy (Recent but dear god is he good) 3. Kyle Williams (Enough said) 4. Fred Jackson (Enough said) I understand those who would say Marshawn Lynch but he really made his mark more in Seattle. NOW If we going off of talent regardless of if they actually hit their full potential my list looks like this: 1. CJ Spiller (He had one season where we saw what he really could do and before and after that season Chan couldn't out how to use him enough. I really believe had he had the proper coach and injuries didn't effect him the guy could've been an all time great. Different team and offense and I believe his story is far different) 2. Kyle Williams (If he wasn't in Buffalo aon a team that makes the playoffs a lot he might be in the discussion for the HOF some day. His numbers were always good and his play had almost zero drop off for a decade) 3. Eric Wood (When an offense is good and the QB play is good the line gets credit fair or not. Wood has always played at a pretty high level and with a better QB I think it would've enhanced his career) 4. Antoine Winfield (BUF completely botched this thinking Nate Clements was the better player and not wanting to pay him money to stay here. Clements was decent, but Winfield turned into a Pro Bowl CB and had a far longer more productive career. If the Bills had kept Winfield they don't end up drafting McKelvin because Clements leaving after 06 forced that draft pick and wasn't worth the money he wanted, Winfield was.)

I think this is fair and I would say the Bills are 7-5 not 6-6. However Taylor in the ATL/DEN game did some plays to stay in the pocket that McCown just isn't doing because he doesn't have the mobility. So I think the Bills probably win CIN/NYJ but flip ATL back which means their AFC conference record is even better. The fun thing with McCown is the Bills actually wanted him first over Taylor in 2015 and he chose CLE lol. It is very possible the drought mayyyy have ended sooner with McCown in 15 or 16 just because he can pass decently and move the ball pretty well.

1-1. Won in 2015 in Red lost in 2016.

This is a look at where the Bills are at in regards to their 2018 depth chart not including any additions FA/Draft. I will highlight the needs and grade each spot, but not say Sam Darnold for sure will be the new starting QB etc... QB: Nathan Peterman Grade: D- Draft Need: Round 1 or 2 at latest. The only reason I didn't put this as an F is Peterman is still young and raw so there is a small chance he could be a serviceable backup. Tyrod will be let go because of his cap hit which will give the Bills some more space. The Bills need to draft a QB in either round 1 or 2, a stop gap solution like a Josh McCown will be viewed by fans as an utter failure. RB/FB: McCoy, DiMarco Grade: B- Draft Need: Rounds 4-7 somewhere in there and perhaps a guy in FA also. McCoy himself is an A+, but they have nothing after him in depth and DiMarco has been average at best. Lately you can find pretty serviceable RB in the later rounds as Kareem Hunt and other recent rookies have shown. Given the Bills needs they would be wise to address this later in the draft. WR: Benjamin, Z. Jones, Andre Holmes, Brandon Riley Grade: C+ but partially incomplete Draft Need: Rounds 3-6 or FA. The WR position has been a weakness this year but you could also say its hard to judge because the QB play has been so weak. Assuming Benjamin can stay healthy and Zay keeps developing that isn't a bad starting point, but they could use a WR like Torrey Smith-esq in the draft or FA to add another dimension on offense. TE: Clay, RFA's Thomas & O'Leary Grade: B- Draft Need: Rounds 5-7 or FA This position has actually been an area of strength IMO this year for the Bills. Clay has been quite good all season, Thomas has made some good plays, and even O'leary has grown a bit into a competent player. I really don't see the Bills doing much here unless there is a guy in the draft during the late rounds they really want. Given their needs elsewhere this isn't as large. Offensive Line: Wood, Incognito, Groy, Miller, Ducasse, Glenn, Mills, Dawkins Grade: C+ Draft Need: Rounds 2-6 and FA The offensive line is like a tale of two cities. Wood & Incognito are pretty good and dependable, but Mills Glenn Ducasse & Miller are all major weak links or injured to the point their value isn't there. Even with Dion Dawkins looking like a good find for the Tackle spot the Bills desperately need another guard and tackle in the draft and free agency for depth. I don't think they far away from being a Top 10 unit again but they need to fix some areas badly and probably trade or cut Glenn if they can for cap reasons. Defensive Line: Hughes, Lawson, Davis, Washington Grade: D- Draft Need: Rounds 1-3 and FA It's crazy to think that as recently as the 2015 season the Bills had one of the most feared D lines in football but that sadly has evaporated quickly. With Marcell Dareus traded and Kyle Williams most likely retiring after this year and slowing down with age this year the Bills are incredibly weak at DT. Jerry Hughes is an enigma at DE who is talented and makes some plays but also needs good running mates to really hit his stride. After that Adolphus Washington is very average and Shaq Lawson is looking more and more like a player who won't hit his potential. Realistically the Bills need to draft a DT with one of their 1st or 2nd round picks who can start and sign a guy for example like Dontai Poe to give the DT position some real teeth again. DE they can try and add some depth in FA and maybe they could draft a guy in rnds 3-5, but Hughes and Lawson are serviceable enough for another year. Linebacker: Lorenzo Alexander, Matt Milano, Tanner Vallejo, Nordly Capi, & Deon Lacey Grade: C- Draft Need: Rounds 1-3 and FA I was going to put this as a D also but Milano has looked very promising to the point that they mayyy have one spot filled if he keeps playing the way he has and if the coaching finally just lets him start. Alexander is not a bad guy for pass rushing and I think would be serviceable as a depth guy. BUT they desperately need a LB with speed that can cover potentially even more then they need a DT. They will need to not only draft a LB in rnd 1-2 but also add a guy in FA who can be solid starter. I hated that they didn't resign Zach Brown or someone talented like him this offseason because he was a far more solid option then what they currently are running. CB: White Grade: Incomplete (White B+ though) Draft Need: Rounds 2-5 and FA Tre White already looks like a bonefied star and 10 year starter at CB so that helps tremendously building the rest of the CB group. I listed this grade as incomplete because EJ Gaines and Leonard Johnson are FA's. With both in the lineup when they are healthy I would say the CB group grades out at a solid B to B+ range. But I don't see the Bills signing Gaines after a certain dollar amount and he may get more money on the open market. Johnson is more a 4th CB spot then nickel so we will see how the Bills value him. IF the Bills let both walk they will need a new CB2 and NCB plus depth. If that is the situation they need to draft a guy and add a solid veteran in FA. Safety: Poyer, Hyde Grade: A- Draft Need: Rounds 5-7 or FA The Bills hit home runs this off season with the signing of Hyde & Poyer. I don't think anyone could have predicted how good each would end up playing and at least Hyde deserves a Pro Bowl bid if not Poyer also. They do need to draft a guy or more likely add a veteran so if an injury hits they have a capable backup something they did not have on roster this year when Poyer was out. Overall the Bills have more holes then they probably can fill in one draft and they will need to add another impact player or two in FA to help truly strengthen the roster. One issue I see arising is the Bills moving a decent amount of capital to grab the QB they want. If the Bills give up a 2nd and a 3rd to jump and grab their guy at QB, that only leaves them with a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to fill needs at LB, DT, OL, & CB. And that is making the assumption that the guys you draft in rounds 1,2, and possibly 3 all can start. I don't think the Bills are in the worst situation either, shrewd drafting and FA can certainly help to build on the areas of strength they have. But the room for error will be quite low for this draft.

He's on pace for 1100 yds rushing 400-500 yds receiving and is a major focal point of the offense. Assuming the Bills draft a new QB why would they dump an incredible asset that takes pressure off of the kid when he has shown zero signs of slowing down cap space be damned. If you are the GM wouldn't you rather your rookie QB has Benjamin, Jones, McCoy, & Clay as his weapons to start?

Hard for me not to feel as though the plan is set to try and stay at 6 wins for draft reasons. I expect to hear that Peterman is starting the rest of the season because Taylor is out and not "completely" healthy.

Pretty simple because of the number of years we have been irrelevant we are not a big ratings team. It isn't a surprise that when Rex came here we got a game each year because he attracts media. Additionally the NFL no longer has it mandatory that every team plays a night game due to ratings falling. I would expect more of the same 12-14 teams next year as they fight the ratings. Game quality frankly doesn't matter its market/relevance, the NFL could care less how many entertaining games we have had. AND it is well known the Bills very much prefer 1pm games at home which is why even for TNF we are on the road more then home. Because of the distance fans drive from all over they do try to accommodate for that. I know the team in general prefers having 5 of their home games in Sept-Oct because of weather and travel. Add in fan behavior being at nights game at home also and you have your answer of why it is so infrequent. Personally I hate playing at 1 pm every Sunday and wish we had a 4-5 4 pm games along with 2 night games a year but I don't run any of that. Oh yea thats a big thing too. The stadium is an absolute b*tch for night games to setup, networks hate it and that is a major factor also.

The luster loses it shine when you realize how close we were to breaking the drought in a year with a weak AFC and schedule that offered that chance assuming they don't make it in. I agree progress has been made but it is also very possible that we actually have a worse record next year despite a better roster.