Richard Noggin

Strong thread. That is all.

I suspected and, admittedly, feared Beane's sincere interest in Allen for a long time. Who remembers, or better yet, knows the source for this off-the-record Beane quote from sometime last season? "We hoped the kid from Wyoming would fly under the radar but it doesn't look like it's happening now." Reported unofficially on WGR at some point, if I recall correctly.

I guess I can sum this up easily: I strongly disagree with your post. Every point of it. Maybe Ducasse goes. Maybe. The rest seem like iron clad locks to me.

The primary piece of Bellichick's coaching that I admire (and it pains me to admire him) is his willingness to IMMEDIATELY make in-game adjustments. Sometimes it seems like the first couple drives are diagnostic in nature, and once he and his staff accurately assess the opponent's plan, they set about countering that plan. Obviously that's not always necessary, or at least major adjustments aren't always called for (based on well-scouted gameplans and/or superior players/execution), but I've seen countless clips of him meeting with coaches and position groups on the sideline, detailing changes in approach and with specific techniques. Halftime is a great opportunity to lay out more comprehensive plans for the final 30 minutes, but I don't think waiting to tweak or adjust or even scrap certain gameplans makes any sense.

Yup. And I think he can still play, too.

You know what "carpetbagger" means, right? Now, I haven't seen his domicile to say whether or not he's unpacked or planning another job-hop in the near future, but the post you've quoted has nothing to do with ability or experience...

A pitch count is fair and smart for a man of his age playing a collision position.

I see a lot of people down on Alexander. I get it: he's old and doesn't have the best change of direction and therefore not good in zone drops. But he made impact plays throughout the season (forced fumbles and run stops), and was an absolute BEAST in the playoff game. I think he offers a lot to this team with his versatility and leadership.

^^^Reasonable take. I'll miss Brandon's business, personally. Had some amazing experiences serving major Bills celebrations over the last six years; McD and B are much less public about their affairs...

Maybe, but they had a non-relationship when it came to roster building. I directly overhead Whaley laugh (to a few select scouts/personnel guys) about signing Jarius Wynn (remember him?) despite Coach's assessment that he "can't play." Whaley, that first year at least, was actually right about Wynn.

Then again, morally bankrupt leadership (however effective: i.e. Russ securing a continuing stadium lease that was/is VERY costly to break) is no longer sustainable in an era of information transparency. Charming A-holes are on the ropes.

Are you surprised?

That's funny.

Brandon's wife was never/rarely in attendance for team dinners (although he did usually pack up food to-go for her). McDermott treats public ocassions like dinners differently. His wife is with him whenever appropriate.

Very generous in general to the public and those in working/service class fields; but boastful and chauvinistic with his peers. Bit of a salesman's ugly chip on the shoulder. Truly a throwback to a time before social media and #metoo. Majority of his interactions are quite respectful. Likable on one level, but an obvious snake on another.

It was just "reported" by me in my post. I was there. These kinds of anecdotes are not uncommon.

At LEAST one WR spot, maybe two, get allocated instead to S, CB, and/or DL. 7 WRs is a non-starter.

The time he "privately" boasted to other male community business leaders at a cocktail function...maybe Buffalo Club members, or some other such affluent network...about his recent visit to a Japanese brothel. Essentially it boiled to him being revered as some very "large" American man for whom their prophylactics were too small. Rich stuff, especially if you've stood next to him.

Hear Hear

The kicker is, it's totally different management. Except for Russ. He was in the room, Hey, can we blame Russ?!

How dare you, sir.

Is the "hmm" insinuating something?

So then, apply that perspective to your own line of thinking...and voila!

Ooh...let's hear more about this juicy Brees gossip.

Definitely Lincoln Station. That place is awesome. You'll feel immediately at home.