bills_fan

See Flutie, Doug, Buffalo Bills. 1998 Season. Not saying a raw rookie like JP will take us to the playoffs, but just some spark and a respectable finish to build on for next year would help a lot.

Being at the game, and not having to wait for TV footage, I have to say.....WOW!!

Agreed, but we have a #2 and a #3. An xtra #3, and we could take a shot on two tackles. Jennings was not a 1st or 2nd rounder (3rd I believe). We could find someone to play the spot, adequately. I'm just leery of using any cap space to sign a LT, when resigning Clements is such a huge priority.

Well, yesterday was my b-day and my wife and I decided to drive from NYC to Baltimore to root on the Bills. We woke up early and were on the road by 8 AM. The drive was about 3 hours and cost about 17 bucks in tolls and 25 in gas, but we were excited, cause the Bills were gonna win today. We pulled into the stadium, found a great parking spot for 25 bucks, and proceeded to locate our friendly neighborhood scalper. We bought great seats (Section 152, 21 rows from the field, on the 35, Bills side) and only paid 13 bucks over face. So 180 bucks lighter we proceeded to the entrance early, met a guy from Lancaster who came to chat with us because we were decked out in Bills gear. He was in Ravens gear, and worked for the team. Long and short is he gave us passes to a free tent party, which we went to and had a few cold ones before the game. After heading into a beautiful stadium, and settling into our seat to watch the upset. Well, the game started fine with Schobel's sack, and hey, we'll take 3 free points even if MW is a moron for false starting and things looked well. Baltimore matched our FG and then we're driving down the field when we get too fancy, and Deion runs one back. Our D lagged the first time all game and suddenly, we're down 17-3. I say to my wife, well we better make a play. Alas it was not to be. Our spineless leader proceeded to play the single worst football game I have ever seen by a QB. His struggles have been well chronicled here. They don't have to be rehashed. I have been Bledsoe's biggest supporter till now. I even proposed to my wife the day we acquired Bledsoe in 2002 (Not because of, just because I was thrilled). Even my hero , the great Jim Kelly had 4 int games. Hey "Interceptions are part of football," he used to say. Then he'd go out and throw 4 TDs the next week and we'd forget all about the 4 INT game. The problem here is that Bledsoe has not made a game winning play for the Bills since 2002. Have we won games since then....sure. But the team either won because Bledsoe didn't screw up or in spite of him. The Oakland game this year, the Dallas and Houston games in 2003, are perfect examples of games that were there for the taking if only the leader of the team could step up and make a play. It never happened. So here we are 1-5, with a relatively young team, with some important vets who aren't getting younger (Adams, Pat, Milloy, Vincent) and who only have a few short productive years left. On offense, Moulds is in his prime and may not be for that much longer. What to do?? Time to start the JP era because we're not making the playoffs this year, or ever, under Bledsoe. He is no longer a playmaker. We need to see what we have with JP and let him use the balance of the season to try and work out the kinks. Dealing Henry in the offseason for a pick that we can use for a LT would be advisable. Signing Phat Pat and, most importantly, signing Nate Clements to an extension should be the top offseason priorities. At least if we do this, maybe, just maybe, we can make a playoff run in 2005, perhaps even a deep playoff run in 2006. The team, itself, is very very close to being a contender. They have a great D that will be together for a while (if Clements is signed). They have very young talent at the skill positions. The line we will upgrade (Jennings, due to his injury history, is no great loss). What are we doing behind an over-the-hill QB??? Time to start JP and see if he can be the playmaker. He will make mistakes, but lets get this thing going. At best, he can be Big Ben. At worst, Kyle Boller. Who incidentally, outplayed Bledsoe yesterday when it mattered most. So Drew, thanks for coming. You helped us when we needed you in 2002. Sorry, it didn't work out, but its time to gracefully bow out, and let the kid have a shot.

I agree on all but Reed. Why do you say Reed will have a tough time? I know receivers are tougher (Art Monk) and Reed won't be anywhere near first ballot, but never?? His numbers were better than everyone except Lofton in yards and Rice when he retired. If Tim Brown is a HOFer, so is Reed.

I'll be driving down Sun morn from NYC, looking for a decent scalper.

I think we'll beat both StLouis and the Jest at home. We almost beat the Jest in NY, we'll split with them at home. The Rams, well, we can beat them. Especially if the old weather cooperates and Mr. Lake Effect becomes the 12th man. The Rams ain't gonna have a clue what to do.

Couldn't agree more. Outside of Priest Holmes, name one Texas player who has been better than advertised as a pro in the last ten years?? Just one please. I'll name ten from Miami.

I think the 1973 unis were the sharpest looking in our team's history. I wish when we redesigned, we went with the retro look instead of the new disgusting ones. http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/20...ric_company.php

I'll be in Baltimore for the Bills game. Driving down from NYC either Sat or early Sun morn (not sure yet). I know you are from around down there. So there ya go!!

I'm a cane & ACC fan, what were they possibly thinking inviting Boston College to join over Louisville??? Louisville would have been awesome in the ACC.

I opposed the hiring of MM, but I like what I see so far. CD, you and I had some serious discussions that day, but so far I have to say you were right, he looks like the real deal.

I'd be satisfied with a return to those or the ones from the early 70s, those were great.

Jester - Nice Avatar!! I like the pic.

I wasn't involved in the Grove discussion yesterday. I just like him and figure he may be able to provide stability to a position were we haven't had any since Kent Hull. As far as the 4th (or 3rd), you have a point. But the more chances you take, the better one of them pans out.

Sorry, I disagree. I was never a Fina fan, I thought he was overrated and soft. But in that game he played with all heart against a superior opponent. Sure, he got beat for two sacks. But, all in all, heis performance was an inspiration to the line & the team. They knew how bad he was hurting and how he played on pure guts in that game. Major props given.

But would the Bills deal a proven 1200+ yard back for a rookie C??? Probably not, hence I figured a draft pick + Grove = TH. Now maybe a 4th would be more fair but I'd be hoping for a 3rd.

To Oakland for Grove and a #3??

To Oakland for Grove and a #3??

What about Henry to Oak for Grove and a #3??

How long does it feel since the Bills last mattered to anyone but us??? Thats how.

Thats where I got mine (the old original wore out). Mine has the HOF patch on it. Don't think you can still get it tho.

Or you could order the signed one... http://www.jimkelly.com/viewproduct.asp?it...temtype=Jerseys

I'm just too much of a traditionalist, gimme the old ones!!

This is the one she bought. You can look around the site as well for others. http://www.portablenebs.com/