jahnyc

Interesting to read about and see the poor production from P. Price the last couple of years. It seems that many of our free agents that have left over the recent years have not been particularly productive with their new teams. P. Price, M. Wiley, T. Smith and S. Cowart are prime examples. There are exceptions. A. Winfield had a good year, Ted Washington (he was waived) played well for a couple of years, as did A. Smith. I wonder if our experience is consistent with that of other teams. It seems that many of the free agents that we have acquired, such at Fletcher, Spikes and Sam Adams, have met or exceeded expectations. Teague, Villarail and Posey have come close to meeting expectations. Overall, not too many recent real "dud" free agent acquisitions by the Bills.

Who are you? The Who.

I agree with Kasper13 that the Steelers game was incredibly important to TD both personally and professionally and may be the most significant reason for DB's current situation. I have not heard today's interview, but I have a strong suspicion that TD does not want DB back. The public nature of the need to restructure, the lack of support by both TD and the players and the short time frame lead me to this conclusion.

It is on the front page of their internet edition. The website is profootballweekly.com. Not much new, other than another source stating that Jennings may want to return to Georgia.

I would not be comfortable with Teague at LT. He is four years older and removed from playing that position in Denver. Williams has improved at RT, but can he be a quality LT (can he handle speed rushers)? I have my doubts. Price is a free agent and is a very good back-up, but probably not a starter. The bottom line is that we need to improve the line, not lose players and then patch it with the players that are left. I also think Jennings will do well in free agency. He can play any of the line positions, is young and o-lineman are making big money now.

I agree with you. I would sign Jones, Thomas or Pace rather than re-sign Jennings. I know that it will cost more, but that incremental difference may be worth it for superior play.

After watching Jennings play the last few years, I still can't figure out how good of a player he is. He is clearly not a pro-bowl player, but seems solid. Has had some injury problems. Seems to do well in pass protection, but the Bills do not run as much to his side. Is this a reflection of his run blocking or the inconsistent play of the LG? Thoughts on how Jennings stacks up?

I worry about our o-line. I think that the key to our improvement on offense is improving the o-line. McNally can only do so much. It appears that Jennings will leave. LG was a problem all year. We have significant investments in Teague, Villarail and Williams, so they are likely to return and start. Spend the necessary money on a LT and draft a LG. We have the players at the skill positions, and they will all benefit from a stronger o-line. If you look at the current team, where else would we spend money on free agents? We are reasonably set at saftey, cb, linebacker, defensive end, running back, and wide receiver. If we sign Pat, we are probably okay at DT. That leaves TE and the o-line as the greatest needs, particularly if Jennings leaves. Of course we need depth at many positions, but I would propose the fastest way to mprove the team is to improve the o-line.

Do we then sign a high-profile free agent to replace Jennings or Pat Williams. I know many of us would like to see Walter Jones in a Buffalo uniform, but what about Tra Thomas? I think Thomas is a free agent and is around the same age as Jones. On defense, if Pat leaves, how about Corey Simon? Whether we turn to JP or DB continues as the starter, we need to upgrade our o-line. Getting a top LT would money well spent and if we draft a LG, we will be much improved on offense.

Thanks.

How much is Drew scheduled to make in base salary for 2005? Is he due a roster bonus during this year and when does his contract expire? What would be the cap hit and savings for 2005 if cut after March 1 but before June? Every situation is different when a team asks a player to restructure or be cut, but what do the Bills really want here? I am assuming that they must expect Drew will not agree to restucture. Too much pride and the Bills went pubilc with the ultimatum.

Yaz (know as Yazoo in the UK)- Upstairs at Erics.

How about: Derek and the Dominoes Blind Faith (only made one album) Dire Straits

Little Wing-- Derek and the Dominoes (Clapton).

I know that TD and MM are reviewing the team and evaluating the players now that the season has ended,but think TD also needs to reflect and review his staff (scouts and player personnel types) to make sure that our drafts and free agent acquisitions are as strong as possible. I am not going to list the positives and negatives of TD's performance as GM over the last four years (it is very mixed), but one area that can be improved is our drafting. Yes, McGahee and Evans appear to be excellent picks at this time, but some of our late round drafting has been disappointing. McGee seems to be the only player drafted in the fourth round or lower over the last four years that is making a significant contribution. Because of this, we have no depth at some key positions, such as offensive line and defensive tackle. I believe that we have some players that may surprise us with their upside, such as Crowell (actually, a third rounder) and Haggans, but overall we need more "hits" in the lower rounds to, at a minimum, improve our overall depth. In fairness, I must note that we may have acquired some decent undrafted players this year (Peters, Baker and Greer). I also think we can do better with identifying "bargain" type veteran free agent acquisitions that have potential. For example, B. Berry and Coleman (Falcons) were reasonably priced free agents that could have been acquired.

I don't think we have great options at LT (assuming Jennings departs) or LG. I am not comfortable with Teague or M. Williams at LT, or Tucker or Peters at RT. I think that would be a recipe for disaster.

Whether it is Bledose or Losman, we need to improve our o-line. Most of the successful teams over the recent years have had very good o-lines (i.e., Pittsburgh, KC, Philadelphia, Indy, etc.) If we lose Jennings, we will need a LG and LT (unless Teague is moved to LT, then we will need a center). Should we be comfortable with Teague at LT? I am not sure. In addition, we have no depth and Price is a free agent. McNally did wonders for the overall play of the line, but I think Tucker should be a reserve and not a starter and Pucillo should be cut. We need help, free agents and draft picks.

I think the only certainties are Villarail at RG and Williams at RT. If we lose Jennings, I hope TD improves the LT position with a free agent signing. I believe we need to upgrade the LG spot either through the draft or free agency. I am assuming that Teague will continue at center unless he is needed (and shows he can still play) at LT. Clearly, we need depth, particularly since I think Price is also a free agent. I don't think Pucillo will make the team next year if we bring in some draft picks and/or free agents.

A couple of more things that I noted from other posts: 1. A pass rushing defensive end to complement Schobel. Maybe Kelsay is the guy, maybe not, but we need more pass rush from that end position. I don't think TD will do anything here because he drafted Kelsay, Schobel and Denny. 2. Could use a pass catching tight end. Maybe Euhus is the answer, probably not.

Some random thoughts: 1. Whether it is DB or JP, we need to upgrade our o-line. With Teague, Villarail and Williams signed for at least next year, this leaves us with the LT and LG positions. I still can't figure out if Jennings is solid or lacking in some ways, but I am assuming he won't be back. Going in to this season with nothing at LG was a big mistake, although it is clear that our o-line coach made a difference in the overall play of the o-line. We also need depth, particularly since I think Price is a free agent. 2. Whether DB or JP starts next year, we will still struggle on offense. We can't expect DB to suddenly improve. Teams have figured out how to play him (with a rush up the middle) and he will always be immobile. Losman may have some skills, but he will struggle if he is the starter next year (first and second year qbs generally do). He did not get enough game experience this year for it to matter next year. 3. I think MM did a great job keeping the team together during a very rough stretch, but he will need to show next year that he can coach in big games against good teams. I am a little worried about our performance against the good teams this year. Too many penalties, mental mistakes and wasted opportunities. 4. I am very impressed with our special teams play this year. April did a great job and improved the play significantly. Based on their play on special teams, I think that Crowell, Stamer and Haggans have excellent potential at linebacker and that is why I have some confidence in our depth at that position. 5. Jerry Gray surpassed my expectations this year. I had wondered how much of our defensive performance over the last couple of years was the result of involvement by LeBeau and G. Williams. I think Gray answered these questions. 6. Spikes, Fletcher, Adams, Milloy, McGee, Evans and McGahee were all fun to watch this year. 7. We should sign a stud free agent left tackle (if one is available) (see point one above). 8. I can't figure out if we need help at DT, particularly if P. Williams leaves via free agency. Is Ron Edwards a free agent? Can Edwards, Bannon and Anderson step-up next year? What happened to Anderson this year? This is going to be an area of need. 9. I assume Moulds will be back since he is under contract, but is there any chance that he will want out?

There was a special last night on VH1 on the "birth" of Velvet Revolver. Interesting to see that Slash and the other former members of GNR have cleaned up. I know that Weiland is trying to get clean, but he seems very fragile and diminished. I think "Go to Pieces" is a great song. Seems like the band is sincere in trying to help Weiland through this and I hope they make it.

What a great group of rookie wrs. It usually takes a couple of years for a wide receiver to become effective. I wonder if there has ever been this kind of overall production from a group of first year wrs. I doubt it. I really wanted the Bills to draft R. Williams and thought that M. Clayton was going to be a bust. Glad that the Bills selected Evans.

No comp if we lose J. Gray as a result of him becoming a head coach.

I also was at the 1980 Miami game. It really was wild and fun. I have fond memories of watching Jerry Butler play. Of course his career ended prematurely, but he was a great player during his short career. I also remember the excitement that Terri Miller (first or second round pick) generated in his first game as a Bill (I think it was his first game) when he returned a kick-off for a touchdown. Everyone at the stadium was yellling "Miller Time." Unfortunately, he turned out to be a bust. I also liked watching the Bermuda triangle. Smerlas was dominating at times.

I am feeling much more optimistic about the team for the rest of this year and next year. I am also enjoying our offensive play; it is no longer a boring mess! Our special teams have been amazing (I think five returns for TDs) and our defense has been, for the most part, pretty solid. I am trying to hard to focus on the present and enjoy our remaining games. I am no longer spending time worrying about next year, not having a number one, or wondering if TD and MM are up to their respective jobs. It is all about strongly supporting the Bills, including Drew, for the rest of what has become a very interesting season.