rpmfla

I think the only reason they would keep Thigpen over Brown is because Brown is young and untested, and they want a mature, experienced QB backing up Fitz. Skillwise, I'd definitely give the nod to Levi. I think when they acquired Thigpen he was instantly given the backup job and there was no real competition. I don't like how that works but hoped Thigpen would be a good backup. Unfortunately he has look really weak. I'd prefer they keep Levi since he has a much better arm and they also have Smith who is just as good a thrower as Thigpen and adds the running dimension. Thigpen's only positive is his experience in the league (and he has incriminating photos of Gailey).

Going off of the "Billieve" I thought a more appropriate one would be "Rebillding".

Just going from last season... 09/14 @ New England Patriots L 24 - 25 One play away from winning (1-0) 09/20 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS W 33 - 20 Dominant performance against rebuilding Bucs (2-0) 09/27 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS L 7 - 27 Bad loss to a very good team (2-1) 10/04 @ Miami Dolphins L 10 - 38 2nd bad loss in a row (2-2) 10/11 CLEVELAND BROWNS L 3 - 6 One play away again (3-2) 10/18 @ New York Jets W (OT) 16 - 13 Played very well (4-2) 10/25 @ Carolina Panthers W 20 - 9 Played well again (5-2) 11/01 HOUSTON TEXANS L 10 - 31 What happened here? (5-3) 11/08 BYE 11/15 @ Tennessee Titans L 41 - 17 See last entry (5-4) 11/22 @ Jacksonville Jaguars L 18 - 15 One play away from winning (6-4) 11/29 MIAMI DOLPHINS W 31 - 14 Always fun to beat Miami (7-4) 12/03 NEW YORK JETS (Toronto) L 13 - 19 Again, one play away, hard fought game (8-4) 12/13 @ Kansas City Chiefs W 16 - 10 Who said we can't win in KC? (9-4) 12/20 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS L 10 - 17 Defense stepped up, offense didn't (10-4) 12/27 @ Atlanta Falcons L 3 - 31 Gave up for the season? (10-5) 01/03 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS W 30 - 7 Playing for jobs next season against sleeping colts (11-5) Even with all the injuries, a very young OL, and all the other issues, that team was in several of the losses and one play here or there made the difference. I just don't think they are as far away from winning as some people state here on the board, but I will say that any chance of success will necessitate not suffering as many injuries as last year.

"The game was basically wrapped up, almost hard to believe that they could even lose." You are talking about the Bills right? I tell ya its the Curse.

The play called was fine. With 6 seconds left before the two minute warning, a run to eat up clock time was not required. It is a relatively safe pass play that most competent QBs would know how to handle...if you get pressed, get rid of it out of bounds. The QB in question is not most QBs, and has a particular problem not knowing when to get rid of the ball when in trouble. I guess the coaches should have realized this particular QB has a history of this type of problem so with that in mind mayb they should have run, but I think putting faith in a young QB is essential to their growth. Basically, when pass plays work the coach or OC are lauded as risk takers and thinking outside the box, but if they fail they are inevitably criticized for taking too many risks. Personally, I have no problem with the play call. It was not the safest call but a QB should be able to handle that situation. What I have the most problem with is the unbelievable run of poor luck the Bills have had over quite a few years now. I have just now begun to come to terms with it and jokingly refer to it as the "Simpson Curse". The numerous ways the Bills have found failure, along with the many sordid injuries over the years (not to mention 4 SB losses in a row) have all lead to my assertion of metaphysical causes.

Two of the articles seemed especially inspiring today! (links from TBD main page) It looks like Schobel will pass Cornilius Bennet and may even catch Phil Hanson this season for career sacks! He likely will not get close to Bruce Smith's Bills record, but it is impressive for a guy that somewhat flies under the radar. Reading the Ellison article got me excited about the youth on this team. It appears the Bills scouts did a good job this draft. Now if that talent can mature along with the experience they will gain this year, they look good for the near future. Of course, a lot of things have to go right for the Bills to win soon. JP has to mature, the rookies will have to continue to improve, the offensive line needs to stay together and healthy, and our veterans (like Shobel) must lead. I think that JP mixes well with this group and will grow as a person and as a football player this year. Funny...we have a very old owner, an old GM, and an experienced coach, all nurturing a number of youngsters. It just might work! In any event, this will be an interesting season. I am more optimistic about their future than I have been in years!

I didn't see the game so all I'm going on are stats and what I've read, but why is everyone claiming Holcomb should be demoted to third on the depth chart or released? He only threw the ball 4 times! Yes he threw an interception, but come on, give the guy a break. Four passes against one of the best D's in the league, with little help from the O line and running game, and he is vilified? McGahee had 5 yards on 3 attempts but no one is suggesting he be released. I'm not saying he should start. I'm not saying he's better than JP. All I'm saying is we shouldn't judge anyone on 4 plays.

I don't remember the year eactly, but I grew up in central NY and started following the Bills because of OJ. Then I gradually grew to really appreciate Joe Ferguson. I thought he was a very good QB. I didn't care much about wins and losses then due the fact that they were not perenial contenders like they became in the K-Gun era, expectations were not too high then. The main focus was OJ piling up the yards with support from very good players around him. A piece of my memories from childhood definitely was severly damaged when OJ became famous for something else other than being one of the greatest RBs ever.

Thanks!

I saw this animated avatar here that had a PC window with the X (to close it) and a guy came along and poked the X until it eventually fell on his head. I thought it was cool and meant to download it but never got around to it. Sorry for the way off topic post here but I am pretty sure this is where I saw it. Could whoever had it please let me know where I can find it?

I think the team that Gruden took to the SB was mostly built by Tony Dungy. I felt bad for Tony, as he is a class guy. He drafted well, brought in some quality players, and the year it was all coming together he was kicked out the door. Gruden may be an excellent coach too, but I think he got his SB ring in Tampa because he was in the right place at the right time.