BillnutinHouston

How dare you underestimate Marv's cognitive powers?

Good post. OK, I see some points here. Believe it or not, I really WAS looking to be persuaded, and I feel a bit better.

Exactly. This country is becoming a nation of fatties - a huffin' and a puffin' all the way to the fridge (or the upper deck).

We're down 6-0 with about 30 seconds left in the half. A Bills TD or even a FG can turn the momentum since the Ravens offense hasn't done much so far. We have the ball 4th and 11 at the 40. DJ calls a timeout to think over his options, then, much to my dismay, he elects to punt! Our punt coverage squad bumbles again and they go over the goal line while covering the kick - for a mere 20 yard net change of field position. There's a whole 27 seconds left on the clock at that point. The Ravens, with their unexplosive offense, sit on the ball to end the half (probably laughing to themselves). Why not take a chance there on 4th and 11 with a long pass into the endzone - with the hope of either a pass interference penalty or a catch? If it's picked off, it's most likely as good (in this case, as it turned out, better) than a punt. If it's incomplete, the Ravens have the ball on their 40 with 27 seconds left, a 6-0 lead and an unexplosive offense. I really did not like the "tentative" vibes I got from that decision to punt. Yes we were playing a better team yesterday, but if you don't take your shots when you can, how do you ever expect to win? At that point, the Ravens were pounding the ball on the ground, had twice the time of possession we had, so while it was only 6-0 at that point, how could DJ reasonably expect his undersized D to keep the score so close the rest of the way? OK, I know we probably would not have won anyway, but was anyone else bothered by this decision?

I agree 100%. And, asking if Whitner was an "impact" player is neither unfair nor inflammatory. I could care less if Whitner was "sold" as a non-impact player. How a GM "sells" (or markets, or spins - take your pick of words) is IRRELEVANT to how a guy is judged, particularly at the #8 draft position. Show me production and game-changing ability from #8. Whitner is solid. But not an impact player.

This projection ignores Ralph's thinking - he loves Fletcher and hates to spend exorbitant sums on bonuses (Clements).

I'm not holding my breath on McCargo. I didn't see much before he was hurt, and in fact I specifically recall he was being called out by the coaches for dogging it in camp.

Run support? Are you complaining about our DB's or our OL?

That's where I'm coming from, too. I think we could have done better at #8.

that he was really worth it at number 8. After a full year, I just don't see an impact player. He's good but not any great shakes. Has he shut down any TE this year? He was schooled by Heap today (I know Heap's a Pro Bowler but come on, make ONE play). Has he had any big hits? And don't tell me his hit on the TE today (either it was Heap or the Polish kid) counts - the guy bounced off, and wasn't wrapped up by DW)? I know we have planty of Marv lovers here, so someone please convince me how a nondescript safety and John McCargo were good, solid "impact" picks in the first round?

O picks: JP, Lindell, Peters, Evans, Reed D picks: Fletcher, Schobel, Kelsay OK but occasionally annoying: Moorman, McGahee, McGee, Parrish Disappointments: Royal, Everett, McCargo (before he got hurt)

Not sure how you are looking at this, but I disagree with your statement. Cap money has a lot todo with profit - like any business, reduced payroll (assuming revenues stay the same) = more profit.

Yes, I've had NFL Sunday Ticket for 3-4 years now and it's really a no brainer. Seeing the Bills every Sunday is just a given (of course I live way outside of the blackout area).

Question: Why would Marv renegotiate with Lindell now yet tell NC that they won't discuss his contract until after the season? Answer: They have already decided to let Nate walk.

Why are you wedded to cable? NFL Sunday Ticket on DirecTV is the only way to go.

Exactly! What is this about giving the guys some rest? Rest for what? Offseason golf? This team needs to jell. An extra game to help them do that will help next year a lot more than "rest".

I think he would agree with you. Remember, he's in his first year as an OC this year. And he is doing well with JP. He'll be fine.

Finally, some sanity. Life isn't black and white, and neither should people's assessement of TD be. It's undeniable that his picks ARE panning out, and will form the core of this team's future.

He's a fine young man but if he taps his feet there, we win. He had something like a full yard after he caught the ball, yet he takes a big old gorilla step rather than tapping his feet. Hasn't he been coached?

Agreed.

They won't let him see the field.

But with so many good DB's out there ????

DJ is a lot of things, but he's NO gambler...