bills_fan

Now, I've been one of the biggest TD bashers around, and couldn't be happier that he's gone. But his draft record is actually above average relative to other GMs. It is my understanding that one Asst GM handles college scouting (Modrak) and the other handles pro personnel evaluation (Guy). I understand the duties of Guy to be evaluating players on other NFL rosters and recommending we sign them. Well if this is the case, we may be worse off at this position than just about any team in football. You or I could have made the call to sign TKO, Adams, Milloy etc. Its not that difficult. The real meat and potatoes of this position should be identifying and signing guys who are undervalued and who will excel in your system. Not the high-priced guys, but the value guys. We used to be able to do this very well. We signed nobodies who became stars (Tasker) and decent players who became superstars (Paup). Who has Guy signed at this level? Posey, Teague, Bennie Anderson, Villarial, Shelton, Gandy, Moorman/Lindell...and thats about it. Thats a sorry group of players with the exception of Shelton and the kickers. I admit I never heard of many of these guys when we signed them, but was always hoping that the team knew what they were doing and these guys would make an impact in our system. Now, I think thats the Pats competitive advantage over everyone else. They sign a value player and he becomes an excellent player to almost a star, for the most part. We do it and get spare parts. In this respect, I think Guy has failed miserably at the pro personnel side and should be the next to go.

Depends where your job is. The West Islip area has a very good train (LIRR) that runs many express trains into Penn Station. Of course, how long it takes you to get from your house to the station is a factor. From the station to Penn is approx 45 min on the xpress. From Penn Station, you then have to factor in how long it takes you to get to work. For me, working downtown, it would be another 20-30 min, grand total 1.5 hours one way. Which is something I won't do, hence, the reason I live in Brooklyn. To drive into the city, leaves much to chance with traffic, as well as parking (which is 40-50 bucks a day in midtown). Also, the schools in WEST Islip are excellent, Islip is shaky. If you are looking on lirealtor, limit your search to West Islip/ Suffolk County. You can use a map to determine the train line (LIRR) you'd take on the LIRR's website. Also, keep in mind the cost of the LIRR (plus MetroCard if you need subway service from Penn) and whether or not the station has free parking for town residents (not sure about West Islip).

McJeff I am originally from Buff, living here in NYC for 5+ years now. I live in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge, and have a 30 min commute, door to door. I own a 2 bed apt with a great view. Its fine right now for myself, wife, baby and dog. NYC is a LOT of fun to live in, party in, go out in. You will NEVER eat in better restaurants, enjoy better shows, or always find something to do. Thing is, it all cost big money. So you pick and choose. A friend of mine always said NYC is the greatest city in the world to visit, but a tough place to live. Which segways into my next point, the things I HATE. The two things I absolutely hate living here is the traffic and the cost of housing. Commute...Be careful when you speak of commutes, the farther out you go, the cheaper the housing, but the more possibilities of something going wrong on a daily basis. For example, driving from my apt to my in-laws (Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to West Islip, Long Island) is about 50 miles. This trip can take anywhere from 65-70 minutes (w/o traffic) to 2.5-3 hours. You never can tell. If you will take mass transit, well as you saw from the strike, the whole city depends on it. Cost of housing...The price of housing in NYC and the surrounding burbs, already high to begin with, has literally doubled since 2002 (no exaggeration). The average salary has not. Take a look at lirealtor.com (You can search for homes in Queens, Nassau or Suffolk county, Long Island) or brooklynmls.com for Brooklyn. I would suggest moving here (assuming you get the job and want to do it) renting an apt as close to your job as practical (post the cross streets and we can help) and not buying right away. I would spend weekends checking out different areas and seeing what you like and what is right for you and your family. Good luck, and any questions, please post or PM.

Interesting. I never saw him play. Perhaps this would be a good use of FA $$. I can't see D'Brick falling to us. What we could is sign Backus, who would be a great addition to play LT. We could sign Bentley if the team decides Preston is not the answer. That would leave us looking for a LG in the 2nd round (I don't think we'd take one at #8). We could go for Ngata at 8 and a LG in Round 2. Perhaps, this Kemoeatu from Baltimore is worth a shot, perhaps Grady Jackson could be worth a flier. I could see a DT signed, tho not for big bucks. Either way, I say both Moulds and Adams stay in Buffalo. Moulds agrees to a re-structured contract now that Marv is here. MW is gone.

I can't believe that Gabe Watson fell to the 3rd in that mock.

Actually, our game plan in the 4th one was brilliant. Seriously. If Thurman doesn't fumble going in for the TD and we take a 20-6 lead, instead of it being tied at 13, I think we win that one.

Ahhh, and there be the rub. That will be the move yet-to-be-announced. I think Guy is gone and we will hire a young, rising star type from another organization. That man, who I'm very confident that Polian will recommend as a favor to Marv, will be the person who does the real work here, on the pro side. He'll present Marv with a list of candiates for say LG. Marv will evaluate them, meet with them and make a decision, with input from this-yet-to-be-named pro personnel director, Modrak, Wilson etc. Ultimately, I think its Levy's call, but he'll build a consensus. He'll get everyone on the same page, do it with class and dignity, two things sorely lacking at OBD if Nick in England's description of Pats weekend was accurate, and we'll move forward. This move will work out fabulously for the Bills. Marv knows his limitations and will work within them. He will build a vision for the team, a way of doing things that was missing with TD. The Bills are onm the rise and I really couldn't be happier about this move.

I think he's the best football writer going, national or local. Most times when I read his columns, I actually learn something.

Ronald Reagan said it best during the 1984 Presidential debate with Mondale..... "Some will make age an issue in this campaign, but I will refrain from exploiting for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience." Like a fine wine, Marv just gets better!!

It wasn't Hermdinger, it was Whisenhut (sp) who is Pitts current OC.

Never as OC, but man, he'd be a helluva mentor for JP. Let Wyche be the OC and Jim be the QB coach. I expect many of the "Good Ol Boys" to be in Rochester this summer. In fact, I don't think its so outrageous to consider Talley as LB coach or Thurman as RB coach. Think Thurman could teach Willis how to pick up a blitz!!! I do. I think OC/DC/OL coach/ST coach shouldn't be the former players, but you telling me that Kent Hull couldn't work with Preston and teach him how to play C in the NFL? What about Bruce teaching the DEs some pass rushing moves at minicamp? Who would you listen to if you were a young DE, the all-time best sacker or some coach who knows nothing? I think if the Good Old Boys come around some it will only benefit the team, both in their football knowledge and in showing the players how to win and play with heart and pride.

Kevin Gilbride & Buddy Ryan

The best player in the country, Reggie Bush, was not on the field for the 3rd down play OR the 4th down play. I would have made sure he touched the ball on one of the two plays. Ahhh, fug it, I would have punted and made Texas go the length of the field. Carroll cost his team a National title.

Overall lack of leadership and direction. Tries to fool opponent with playcalling rather than impose our will on them. Can't get along with veteran players. Has turned from a straight shooter into a "spineless jellyfish" at press conferences and any time he deals with the public. Doesn't seem smart enough to match wits and win with the likes of Saban and Belichik four times a year. I hope I'm wrong and without TD looking over his shoulder, he can become a good coach. But I really don't think so. I'd have a lot more faith in Dick Jauron or Kirk Ferentz coaching this team.

John I completely agree with you regarding Marv. But, what has given you evidence that MM can do the job? I'd like to believe he can, but his offense has always been about gimmicks and trying to fool the opponent, as opposed to the Cowher/Parcells try to overpower the opponent, which I think is the right philosophy for a team in Buffalo.

Yeah, because this "very good football man" had the worst record in the AFC over the past 5 years. At 87 years old, I think Ralph sounded great.

Replace Haslett with Capers and I'm with you!! Actually, I really think the next HC will be Dick Jauron.

The strawberries!!

I agree completely. Three cheers for Ralph!!

I expected much more. But, hey, he doesn't have to be embarassed to be a part of the community any more. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Captain Queeg.

He's not negotiating because he doesn't have to. They talk it over and the deal is done.

and involved in scouting.

I love you Ralph!!

Marv Levy once said "If I start listening to the fans, I might as well go sit with them."

What is the obsession with age? Being older does not mean that you can't do the job. Warren Buffet is 76 and makes billions. Jack McKeon is also 76 and won a World Series only a couple years back. Marv is 77 (born in 1928). I don't think that fact alone should disqualify him from any discussions. Anyone?