Bob in STL

Why do you say that?

AAFC - you got me there. My memories go back to 63 - 64. I would think most centers played MLB as well? I recall that EJ Holub of the Chiefs played both in the early to mid 60's.

Happy with our OLBs? That is our weakest area? I hope this is not true. I also hope the Kelsey OLB experiment is over.

Yes - Ralph has messed up some things as you state. I could add even more but lets look at everything, lets look at his entiree career. Ralph did some exceptional things for the AFL and the NFL from 1960 to 1975. He financially bailed out the Raiders and the Pats* in the 60's to keep the AFL afloat. He help negotiate a big TV agreement for the AFL that put them on par with the NFL in terms of TV revenue. He also was a huge advocate for small markets from 1985 to present time. He was considered the conscience of the NFL for a long time, trying to keep ticket prices reasonable for the "average fan" rather than selling out to corporations. For as much money he made in Buffalo he could have bailed and made lots more (see Irsay, Bidwell and Modell). Had the "young gun" owners listened to Ralph a few years ago we might not be looking at this new CBA and possible work stoppage that we are today. Knox's was a very good coach indeed, but his Hall of Fame resume pales in comparision to Ralph's ... which is why he is not in.

So if this is a "Ralph is cheap" post we know that he has, at numerous times in Bills history, made blunders when it comes to paying people -- or paying the right people. That has been covered in detail. If it is a "biggest bust" post then I say Patulski and Miller don't make the list. At least Patulski played, and started, for a few years. As did Miller who had one 1,000 yard season and then flamed out. Perry Tuttle, Booker Moore, Phil Dokes, and John McCargo --- these guys could even get on the field as backups. As for Cooz - he regrets his Pro career and he has gone public on the negotiations. The Bills were probably as dysfunctional as he desribes but Cooz had a bad attitude from the start. When he signed with the CFL he said Montreal had "better looking women". He quickly turned the negotiations into an ultimatum. He wanted to be a super star before he ever played a game.

Well said JohnC.

Both parties need more people like Kemp. The polarization between the parties has never been greater than it is now, at least in my lifetime. I cannot support either extreme.

Nice diversion from CBA, the draft and free agency? This man was great for more than just football. My link

This topic is a triple wallbash. There.

buddy and Chan have alliuded to this as well. As long as wood can handle center, one of the five will be the RG. they even looked at Wang at RG. We really need a RT.

I tend to agree. I would like to get Whitner back as a reasonable price.

Welcome aboard. I agree that there are risks with Cam, just like most players, and that we really neeed to pay attenttion to that awful front 7 that we have. You could have just said. I am with the Jerry Sullivan school of "losing on purpose" so we can get the lowest draft picks possible club.

I do not consider Fitz to be a franchise QB either but some of what you say applies to all QB. What happens if you take away the two best games from any QB's in a season? All good QBs feast on garbage time. I think you are correct when stating that Fitz's guts and leadership are his best attributes. You can see that the other players play for him. That was very evident when Fewell became the interim HC.

Thank you for the info and the second link. I sure looks like Tim Graham took a few liberties with Buddy's quotes. Relative to trading down Buddy stated (in quotes): "I wouldn't ever say we wouldn't do that," Nix said. "But I never have been one to do a lot of that. I don't like giving up a player, especially if you're sold on one." That means if his guy is there they don't trade down and hope to get him later. It does not mean the does not ever believe in trading down, which was implied. Well, I feel better about that clarification.

There are lots of links referenced in the article and your post doesn't clarify anything. I guess you are saying I should believe your interpretation instead of what Tim Graham actually wrote? I am not too concerned about this issue anyway. If the guy they "covet" at #3 is there then they are taking him (I assume that person is Newton). Otherwise the have two other choices: (1) take the next best player on their board; or (2) trade down. We shall see.

Read the link that the OP provided. Here is some text from it: On the first point, Nix seemed to shoot down that possibility when saying the Bills wouldn't be interested in trading the third pick unless the player they covet is gone once the Bills are on the clock. Nix noted he doesn't believe in moving down. That indicates the Bills will not shop the pick.

The Walker deal is not what I was talking aboiut. Johnson traded down often. The Pats* acquire picks from any position and in way possible. They understand the odds and their draft board evaluation has put Buffalo's to shame for over ten years and counting. For Nix to say he "does not believe in trading down" is just a little bit strange but typical of Buddy.

1973 was not all because of Joe D but you have a great point. How did I forget him?

Good news. Poz is the only decent ILB we have. Chandler - at least he can block as a TE. Whitner --- We simply need to stop replacing our draft choices. Lets come to grips with the fact that Whitner is good, not great, and hopefully he signs for a reasonable amount. I am tired of filling the same holes in the draft. I want to see us draft DL, LB and OL. Not more DBs. Please.

We should say goodbye to all of them.

Good move signing Wilson. Whitner was also tendered.

Some of that talk is Buddy being Buddy. The part of Nix's statement that is most puzzling is why would a guy that is at least 8 starters away from a contender in the AFCE (upgrades are needed to RT, TE, QB, C, DE, DT, OLB, ILB and now S) not want more picks? The player they covet at #3 is going to fill exactly 1 hole. In the case of Spiller last year they did not even accomplish that. Jimmy johnson built the Cowboys by trading for more picks. The pats* are always acquiring extra picks. Not saying Buddy should trade the #3 pick, just saying his tendancy to make blanket statements makes him sound a bit silly. Then again, he told us from the very beginning that he has never been the smartest guy in the room.

True ... and Nix added who to help the defense?

Burnett versus Cribbs - very close. Season Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 1966 Buffalo Bills 14 -- 187 766 4.1 -- 4 34 419 12.3 -- 4 -- -- Bobby Burnett 1980 Buffalo Bills 16 -- 306 1,185 3.9 48 11 52 415 8.0 21 1 -- -- Joe Cribbs Burnett won AFL Rookie off he Year and AFL All Star team. Cribbs won consensus UPI AFC Rookie of the Year honors and a spot in the Pro Bowl, the only rookie chosen as a starter that year. I have to vote for Joe. More carries, more yards and more TDs. Very close. (Sorry the editor does maintain the columns I set up.)