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And yet there are still people defending his defense....

Believe what you'd like.

Sigh.. The team announced the move Tuesday, shortly after the NFL's free agency period opened, and a day before Fitzpatrick was due a $3 million bonus. "We kept every possible option open right down to the wire, when we had to make a decision on whether to keep Ryan," general manager Buddy Nix said. "In the end, we had to do what we feel is best for our football team. And it was a difficult decision." http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9044711/ryan-fitzpatrick-released-buffalo-bills w/e

If not the best ever, he's top 3 with Walsh and Lombardi. He's a genuine student of the game, like both Walsh and Lombardi were. And there is one thing he has on both of them. He has a willingness to change scheme/game plan in a moment's notice and exploit a weakness. He can switch from 9 in the box to putting out 7 dbs from one series to another. He can go from 5 wide no huddle to running a big back up the middle for 10 straight plays. He's always looking to exploit a weakness.

Definitely not. And its somewhat well known that when Belichick went back to being a defensive coordinator, he also did soul searching. He bought a copy of his 80's arch nemesis Bill Walsh's book Finding the Winning Edge. He then studied it. He calls it his bible. Then he went to a crossroads in Mississippi and sold his soul to be a Super Bowl winning head coach.

Buddy cut Fitz in March of that year. They had one QB on their roster at the time of the draft, Tavaris Jackson. They hadn't drafted a QB since Trent Edwards in 2007. I still don't know how a team with Trent Edwards 5 years without drafting another.

Belichick took a five year sabbatical from head coaching after losing the Cleveland gig. Rex should have done the same.

And yet 4 of the top 10 passing yardage leaders are already eliminated, with Cousins hanging by a thread, and Flacco's and Rodgers' hopes tenuous.

I'd expect his numbers to go down. As Metz-Lives says, Taylor is a pretty big part of the running game. Not all "grond and pound schemes are created equal. This is really a pretty innovative running game. It relies on a number of things to make it work. Multiple blocking formations, interior lineman who can pull, lead blocking from a back. misdirection, etc. And it also relies on getting a defense to flow one way and then attacking in another area. And the threat of Taylor running is a large part of creating the misdirection. I may be one of the few (along with John Gruden), who actually enjoys watching it operate. I'll put it this way. If this was the Marrone-Hackett version of the ground and pound, with using the same running play up the middle on 1st and 2nd down, Shady may fare no better than Spiller did 2 years ago. And he would become frustrated, and people would call the trade a failure. With that aside...with competent play calling on the ground game, I'd expect Lynn to come up with a decent enough game plan where the fall off wouldn't be cliff-like. It would suffer, but not be fatal. As far as the "guy who can pass for 200 yards", I'm assuming you mean a pretty mediocre QB. A guy like Osweiler, Trevor Siemian or...moving up the line a bit, a Sam Bradford. In terms of passing yards, a QB like that might be able to offset the lost rushing yards (and you have to add in Taylor's 500+ rushing yards). But in terms of scoring....idk if the O would score any more points, ...or even as many. Osweiler has around 14 TDs Siemian has around 16 Bradford has 19 Taylor has 20 passing and rushing. I'd also expect more sacks and more ints. At times, Taylor has a good amount of time to throw and leaves the pocket early. But he probably leads the league in making-the-guy-who-comes-in-untouched-in-less-than-a-second miss category. Most pure pockets passers would be getting nailed more than people want to admit. Now, if you're talking about a Phil Rivers or Drew Brees as the guy who can throw for 200 yards, I'd agree...but I'm not sure if that's what you meant.

In terms of red zone efficiency, they rank 3rd in the league. In terms of time of possession, the Bills hold on to the ball 1 second more per game than Denver; 57 seconds less per game than the Chiefs; 1 minute 51 less per game than the Steelers. When you consider that there are now enough commercial between changes of possession for defenders to catch a quick power nap...the "defense is exhausted" excuse is a bit of a stretch. The real reason for the difference ...those teams can hold an opponent below 3+ TDs per game. Their defenses are just plain better.

The Bills have scored 24 or more points in 10 games this year so far..they haven't done that in forever. the Steelers are 9-1 in games when they scored 24 or more points; the Chiefs are 7-0 I think The Broncs are 6-1; The Texans are 6-1 in which they've scored more than 20, I think. The Bills are 5-5.

Im not a Whaley hater (or a Tyrod hater), but Derek Carr was taken at the 4th pick of the 2nd round that year. I know the argument...you don't take a QB in the 1st when you did the same thing the year before. I didn't believe that then, I don't believe it now. They took a QB in Manuel who, by all accounts, was a bit of a longshot (I don't blame Whaley for that..), Not a guy you place all of your hopes on. *EDIT Oops..to clarify....on the THAT year, I was referring to the year Watkins was taken, not the year after.

If Russ has any say in it... Al Pacino Nate Scarborough the character actor who coached Denzell Washington's defense in Remember the Titans Mad Dog Maloney.

3-4 46 Cover 2 3-4 4-3 3-4 hybrid 43 3-4 self-confusion 3-4 fully pregnant. For the most part (not always), the offense has been the neglected child, addressed after the most current defensive scheme change is installed. Add in some desperation no. 1 picks used on QB, rather than planning ahead..and a half finished OL..and you get what you get. Last year's offense was the 2nd highest scoring offense this team has had since the drought,l tying the 2002 season. But someone needed a scapegoat for the Fully Pregnant defense.

Rex or Sully? I knew Rex had some talent at passing the buck...but after watching him for more than a year, the guy is on a whole different level when it comes to blaming others. He'd kick ass in corporate America

Hughes was going to complain about the scheme, thought about Mario, and took the term "biting your tongue" too literally. My biggest question was why Gailey was still trying to run the ball into the 2nd quarter. They hadn't stopped the pass all night, so why bother trying to run? It didnt matter anyway...Fitz still threw for a jillion yards. Just about every coach watching that game last night, from the Pop Warner through college levels was saying to himself :"I can call a better defensive game than this" Most would have been right.

I see a Rex and Rob ESPN talk show in their future. With any luck, Russ will be their welcoming host.

I wonder what Sal's follow up article will be? The NO Saints 2015 defense, Part Deaux? Where is John Idzik when you need someone to blame? It'll be another 3-5 year rebuild for a crappy defense?

Your prayers have been answered. TJ Barnes from NT to OT. If history is followed, That should give another 2 years to saying "can we at least let him get some experience before we invest more in the position?

Oh, they're loud. We had some in our maple trees last year. About as annoying as fingernails on a blackboard, amplified by a concert sized sound system Sometimes we had to shout at each other if we were in the front yard when they were screeching.

I thought the 17 year cycle was last year. In any event, when they attack, not even riding atop a Bradley is safe, as one of our local reporters found out last year. https://youtu.be/kNgPq698vio

I did this one elsewhere, and in the memory of John Butler, used only small school prospects. (Memphis is small enough when it comes to football). 19: R1P19 QB PAXTON LYNCH MEMPHIS We pass on too many QB prospects, under the never ending rebuilding of the defense and are in a good position this year to take a potential franchise guy. If they think he’s got a decent shot, now is the time to take a QB. Needs can..and will be filled later in the draft. 49: R2P18 DT JAVON HARGRAVE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE Yeah, I know, who’s he? And why are you taking this guy in the 2nd round in a draft deep in front 7 players? Well. No. 1, it’s a small school draft. No. 2. the guy’s got potential, loads of it. One of the quicker first steps you’ll ever see. Of the top DT’s only Nkemdiche had a faster 10 yard split. 2 time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Over the past 2 years, has 29.5 sacks and 46 tfls. The sack figure is incredible for a DT. At 309 lbs., ran a sub 5 second 40. 29 bench reps and a 34 ½” vertical jump. Was considered the best player at this year’s Shrine Bowl and a very late addition to the Senior Bowl (put on the roster on Thurs. before the game). https://youtu.be/UfZ0vORFeSo 2nd fastest 10 yard split among DT's..and it shows. 80: R3P17 OT WILLIE BEAVERS WESTERN MICHIGAN Not the best year for small school linemen, and we really need a RT. So I defer to the wisdom of Gil Brandt, who had Willie Beavers listed at the top of his list of underrated offensive players in the draft. “Beavers (6-foot-4 5/8, 321 pounds, 5.26 40-yard dash) always seemed to elevate his game against better opponents in college, which bodes well for his move to the NFL. He's coming off a strong pro-day performance. He does need to get stronger, but some team will take him in the second round and get a very good player with a ton of upside.” ~Gil Brandt 117: R4P19 TE TYLER HIGBEE WESTERN KENTUCKY Former WR who looks skinny at 250. Had 500 yards receiving last year, which doesn’t sound overly impressive, until you realize he was injured for half the season. Some think he's the most athletic TE in the draft. Maybe, maybe not, but he's not a plodder, knows how to use his body and can get up the field quickly. ****made before his assault arrest. Not sure now..but the assault might have been jsut a matter of keeping a drunken jerk off his gf. 139: R4P41 DE MATT JUDON GRAND VALLEY STATE Stud, stud and stud. The best DII defensive player last year. 20 sacks and 23.5 tfl last year A 4.7 40 on a 275 lb frame and a 35 inch vertical. He's not a blown up, all upper body 275 lb DE either. Look at the lower body, he's got Earl Campbell thighs. He won't get pushed around too much. Led the nation at any level with 20 sacks and had 23 tfls. Once he gets past an OT, his closing speed on a QB is impressive, he doesn’t mess around. Already has the shoulder dip thing down, and more moves than you’d expect from a small college player who can rely only on his athleticism. https://youtu.be/Ode88l04180 156: R5P17 ILB NICK VIGIL UTAH STATE 140 tackles last year and 267 over the past 2. His 40 time or vertical isn’t much, but he does a 4.0 short shuttle and a sub 7 3 cone, displaying fantastic COD skills. 2 time all Mountain West player on one of the better D’s in the country. Like Miles Jack, fills in at Rb when the need arises. A tough call..but its the 5th round... 192: R6P17 ILB LUKE RHODES WILLIAM & MARY 6’2’ 240, runs between a 4.6 and a 4.7 in the 40, 29 bench reps, built like an Adonis. The rest of his combine measurables are good for the position. 218: R6P43 WR PAUL MCROBERTS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE 29 career TDs, with 9 each of the past 3 years. 76 receptions last year from a bad qb. Like Hargrave, was a late addition to the Senior Bowl. Look to him as a redzone target. The guy's got hands

I'd love for them to find a RT, or any other OL in a later round, I really would...it just hasn't happened...and I have no reason to expect it will suddenly turn around.12 years (actually longer) is more than enough time to wait for this theory to come to fruition. If they had a little history of success I'd feel differently. People would be horrified if we did this with the defensive backfield. I don't know how many people would say, "OK, we drafted Ross Cockrell in the 4th, or Justin Rogers in the 7th...so we're set for a few years, we have to see what they can do." I look at it as a positive thing...with one addition..this line can be improved significantly. Unlike prior years, when 3 or more positions had to be filled. 1 draft choice can go a long way to shoring up pass protection, maybe getting away from being towards the bottom of the league. They still pass as much as they run the ball. Not sure if he's been in a 3 point stance since his pop warner days. Red Raiders are like that.

Of course it is a need. Once again, the Bills finished near the bottom in sacks per attempt, (27th in the league) like they do most years. Pass blocking on the right side has been no more than well below average. Henderson has been no more than wildly inconsistent, a big reason he fell to the 7th. Run blocking has been great, but that's only half of your offense. As far as finding one in the later rounds...good luck. The Bills haven't found any lineman lower than the 2nd round since Jason Peters, 12 years ago. 0 and 14 since then, not including the long list of UDFA Buddy used to parade through OBD. It is kind of cool that one man can turn a team's biggest strength into its biggest weakness in one season. Normally, that's what you want to do to the opposition, not your own team.

Sean Payton expected 11 defensive players on the field and in position at the snap of the ball. Rob didn't think it was a priority. “There were a few things that you looked at from a year ago when you said look, we can’t have X number of snaps with not the right number of guys on the field. You can’t burn timeouts every other week because we cannot get the right personnel on the field. We can’t have guys looking left and right at the snap of the ball – there is a game last season where the first eight plays of the game we are misaligned and we don’t even cover down the right way. Those were just facts and we had to look at hey, as teams have changed offensively, we’ve got to have some flexibility and find a way to reduce the variation on defense. We’ve got to find a way to get a call in and play a defense without it being a panic where guys are late getting lined up. That was a big thing a year ago and again, a lot of that is the ability to communicate quickly what we’re seeing and what we want to get done, and then make a call. The first opportunity to play good defense is to be set and ready, and know what the call is. I think that would be the first thing that we’re going to work tirelessly on, and I am sure Dennis the same way. Getting these guys set and getting them aligned, and then obviously all 11 to the football.” http://www.fox8live.com/story/30605303/sean-payton-discusses-bye-week-dismissal-of-rob-ryan Sounds ..um...eerily familiar. So between Rex and Rob..maybe we'll get 6 guys in position at the snap of the ball. But at least they'll fit the system.