tallahasseetuck

developing their younger players. 1. We have started two rookies at safety since week 2. There were bound to be breakdowns in coverage. What I didnt expect is the regression of Terrance McGee in coverage. 2. Tripplett will be effective with a true NFL starter on his right. We dont have that yet (K Williams is a good backup, and Anderson does not fit the scheme) McCargo may be that player, but this is a free agancy area. Bring in competition, but dont be surprised by no changes here... they're going to develop these players. 3. Clements will not be re-signed - Youbouty will start in 2007. Dont get in SC trouble for one player. 4. Ellison will replace Takeo Spikes in 2007, not by release but by quality of play. It's really a shame... but that kid can really fly. Crowell will move to the strong side spot and Eillison will fill in the weak. 5. My hunch is that we will open with the same O-Line as we start next week. I have not seen tackle protection this consistent since Wolford/Ballard 6. I think we have found a tight end in Rob Royal , his mistake today notwithstading. Free Agency can solve a couple of problems, but with our economic situation; the cheapest and most effective way to build a team is through the draft, and the only way those guys get better is to play them.

We should have reason to think that this team can play 500 ball. Here's why... 1. Wideout - Our depth at WR is better than it has been in 10 years. We have speed on the edge (Evans, Parrish, Price) size and awareness in the slot (Reed, A. Davis). These guys are going to be running in an offense that emphasizes downfield attack. We may see plently of three-and-outs early in the year, but eventually these guys are going to get open. JP can throw a decent deep ball, and was generally is more accurate in his delivery beyond 15 yards. Each veteran receiver has had a successful season. You'll see a lot of deep outs and deep crossing patterns, with check offs to the tight ends and the backs. Last year the check offs were to the slot receivers. I also see Nance making this team, and Aiken getting cut. Of course, a downfield attack needs good protection... 2. O-Line - From left to right: Gandy: Despite what some people say on this board, Gandy was a steal. He is solid, unspectacular, and holds his blocks longer than any other member of the line. Reyes will help his consistency in runblocking, as Fairchild will badd more counters to the Bills run repertoire. Last year we couldn't run to the left, and certainly couldn't run a counter, because the Center and LG would always lose 2 feet of ground at the snap. Reyes: Highly functional guard. Rarely makes mistakes, and doesn't give ground. The Panthers run game favored the quick hit, but could also run misdirections. Fowler: Like Gandy, he wont go to the pro bowl, but our days of seeing the center pushed into the backfield 2 out of every 3 plays are over. Villarial: He'll have a couple of stinkers this year, but he is solid, anchored, and mean. Also, playing for Jauron again has him taking on more of a leadership role. We may see his best season this year. Peters: The Bills haven't developed a Pro-Bowl caliber tackle in 12 years. Jason Peters will end that streak this year. This group must stay healthy - our depth is poor. The only player that can step in on any consistent basis is Duke Preston. Aaron Gibson, Geisinger, and McFarland wont make the team. Brad Butler is Gandy-like, but is not an NFL caliber player yet. He was the weak link of the Virginia line. and finally... 3. DBs - I think we have the best cornerback depth in our division, and maybe the conference. Clements will have a monster year, and both he and McGee will make the pro bowl. Ashton Youbouty will be the dime back, and Jabari Greer will be the Nickel back. Eric King will not make the team. Troy Vincent will start the season at FS, but Ko Simpson will have the job by the last 4 games. The surprise will be at SS, where Whitner will share time with Coy Wire. We are another two drafts away from contending in the playoffs, but an 8-8 or 9-7 season is not only not impossible, but highly probable.

I would love this hire. Strong connection to Levy - our 'star' linebackers could use a little Talley in them. It would be great for the younger players as well... besides, could there be an uglier guy out there who needs a job?

I think this plays into that - He doesn't need to move any faster... just hold his ground...

With the emergence of Crowell (who is listed as the backup for MLB as well), couldn't the Bills transition to a 3-4 with relative ease? This puts fewer of our crappy linemen on the field, and maximizes Sam Adams and his stop-gap abilities. Watching Pittsburgh yesterday, I never knew where the blitz was coming from. This is guaranteed if Cottrell becomes our head coach.

Why bother? Of course people are more frustrated than the players and coaches. The thought itself is condescending... "Dear fans, I know we're not really accomplishing anything here, and we currently dont matter in professional football, but you have to know that we're upset. More upset than you are. Never mind that we take home in one week what you make in a year. "Seriously... we're upset... by the way, buy more tickets, or we'll leave your city." One major element to solving a problem is admitting you have one, and getting into specifics. I see none of that from anyone in this organization, which says to me that they think there's little wrong with the recipe, just the 'execution'. Give them another year.. then start over... again.

I guarantee that the directive to bench JP is coming from Mr. Wilson. Remember Rob Johnsons subbing for Flutie in the playoff game against Tennessee - that was from Wilson. He is getting impatient, and subverting his staff.

Teams have been running line stunts for 30 years - why is it that our line appears to be befuddled by them at every turn? Also, Greg Jerman is not an NFL caliber lineman. This guy never makes it on the field on another team. Time to start seeing what Jason Peters can do if Mike Williams remains out.

Is it me or didn't he just look BEATEN today - more than I've ever seen him. Still, I feel better bemonaing the fact that we are medicre while developing the future rather than retreading the old tire. If it takes 6-10, 7-9 to become a playoff team, so be it.

Barenaked Ladies - Gordon...

You don't want this kid. What the news outlets don't know is that he bet on games he played in. I was at FSU when this MacPherson played, and everyone on campus knew he threw those games. In one game against Maryland that he bet on and started, he lost two fumbles and threw four picks, in the first 20 minutes. Gambling never leaves a person - they will always be tempted. Think of all the hoodlums and thugs Bobby Bowden has covered for over the years. He gave so many kids chance after chance... he threw Adrian MacPherson out immediately. No second chance, no rehab... that says something.