ChasBB

Yes, he whiffed on the block that forced Fitz out of the pocket, but luckily that worked out well since Fitz took it in for the TD on the scramble. Nice to see a mistake have good results.

Also, if you look carefully, the grass next to #24 is not quite right. It's clear that Byrd WAS next to McGee when the photo was taken. He had to be in that row based on his sitting position and the pixels are all messed up next to #24.

I said in the beginning of the year that if Jauron got off to a bad start that a change in HC needed to happen EARLY (week 4 or 5) in order to save the season and not to wait for the bye week (or later). But nooo, Ralphie had to go and let Jauron ruin any hope for a playoff appearance before switching HC -- always the way with this team.

+1 It is just foolish to only focus on a big name. Every great coach started out as an unknown at some point.

Good point. Kelly would also take a few sacks here and there, but could still deliver on the next play. Fitz seems to have that type of mentality to not let a sack or a pick ruin his outing. A very good quality.

Seriously, you've got to give the guy some credit for getting this group to put forth an effort like they did today with so many starters out of the lineup. It is a good problem to have. I personally have no hang up on needing a big name coach to come in. Just because Jauron, Mularkey, and Williams were mistakes does not mean only a big name coach can succeed here. It just means that the FO has swung and missed -- doesn't mean you have to stop swinging. Fewell might just be the guy. Here's a thought -- wouldn't it just SUCK if we brought in Shanahan and he didn't do so well, but Fewell went on to take ANOTHER team to the playoffs? Yes, that would suck big time. It's too early to pass judgment. Let's see how he finishes the season out, but so far I like what I see. I hope his success continues and that he becomes a legitimate contender to take over permanently.

Urban Meyer is big reason for success of this team plus a defense that returned all starters from last season's championship team. Tebow is good, but you hit it on the head -- he's just not going to step into the NFL and be an instant success. I could be wrong, but I see him as more like a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

I have to agree with you. Getting in people's faces and demanding accountability is half the battle. Yes, I know of the old argument that the HC should not HAVE to motivate professionals, but it sure as hell helps IMO. Lou Saban was a motivator. Vince Lombardi was a motivator. Most of the great coaches are also great motivators in addition to knowing their X's and O's. A coach demanding accountability and calling people out is OK by me.

What I don't get is since when is 6'2" good size for an NFL quarterback? With the size of today's linemen, I really think you need a QB who is at least 6'4". Yes, I'm well aware that there are many successful NFL quarterbacks who are not 6'4", but a couple of extra inches really helps.

Tim, what is your take on Hamden being unceremoniously dumped? I always thought that he showed potential during his few preseason opportunities of the past. He certainly has the ideal size and strength for a QB. What gives? Why have the Bills just given up on him?

The guy does not want to play in Buffalo -- this is a stupid question -- it's irrelevant.

LOL

Agree. A big name alone is not the answer. It might be the answer, but it is not a given. All successful proven coaches were at one point in their young careers unproven and unknown. Just because Bills FO blew it on last several non-big name coaches does NOT mean that the next non-big name coach to come along won't be the next Belichick. You just don't know. Nobody knows for sure. You have to conduct an extremely thorough search and talk to as many candidates as possible -- both big names and not-so-big names and then choose.

I totally agree. I don't know if Fewell can be the long-term answer or not, but at least he gets 7 games to audition. It sure as hell beats having Dick finish out the season -- how depressing. At least this initiates hope again. A big name coach may be what is needed, but if Fewell can produce at least 5 wins, then you have to give him some serious consideration to take over permanently as HC.

Perfect. He'll fit right into the Buffalo system.

Winning cures all. Buffalo got loads of good press during the Super Bowl years. Everyone loves a winner and that's just how it is.

I'd have no problem with JJ as HC.

um, 2 pick-sixes -- that's not on the defense.

Just amazing that not practicing in pads. Here's another thing I'm looking forward to when Buffalo wins the coin toss -- Fewell TAKING THE BALL FIRST.

You beat me to it with that remark! Let's see what Hamden can do. If he can't help, then at least we'll know for sure. At this point, I'd bench anyone who is not expected to be around next year and develop the youth and give guys a chance who otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to play. That's the only good that can come out of a season like this.

Nothing against Tebow. I like the guy. However, Florida is successful largely because of their lights-out defense and because of their running game. Yes, Tebow can throw the ball, but he likes to run when he can. Also, I don't think he is particularly fast when he runs -- he kind of lumbers along -- which is fine at the college level, but isn't going to serve him well at the NFL level. He is serviceable as a passer, but I got to believe there are better arms out there than his in next year's draft.

Fixed

Excellent point! He just wants to stay under the radar and not be held accountable for decisions while at the same time playing a large role in the decision-making process. Basically, he wants to have his cake and eat it, too. If he can't step up then he needs to step out completely or be removed.

I'm 100% for natural grass. True, it is expensive to maintain, but it's also pretty damned expensive to pay half of your starting lineup to watch from the sidelines with their injuries. It's stuff like this that shows Ralph is short-sighted. Football is meant to be played on natural grass. It's not easy to maintain in a northern climate like Buffalo's and it's not cheap to maintain, but it is still the best thing going. It's the best investment in maintaining the health of your starting lineup.

Agree -- even those dismal 2-14 teams of yesteryear made some big plays (albeit usually nullified by a bonehead penalty), but this team seems almost incapable of the big play.