MTBill

Cut/re-sign was all about benjamins, I see that now. I just hate the impression that they gave, EJ, you did well enough to be the backup, oh wait, no you didn't. the difference between backup and 3rd string from a confidence standpoint is probably much wider than it should be... because you fail to recognize the much larger gap between 3rd and 4th string (e.g. - not playing)... I'm very disappointed that MC is the backup - but maybe the staff knows something I don't. I hate all this BS about "starts matter".... bull ****. What matters is what you can do, and what tools you have around you. It's like experience seems so overrated - that's pretty much the only dimension Cassel has over E.J. Putting them on the field, he's inferior in pretty much every other way, but experience will tell you a bit on reading a defense and knowing how to exploit that, IF you have to tools to do so (which is where I don't buy that MC is worth a packet of sugar). I really hope we never have to find out, that TT will just excel and things will play out well. My main concern with TT is just that if they are going to have him running - it just seems a vulnerable situation to put your QB in for flukes (see EJ on the sideline run vs. Browns that ends season 1)...

Just when you think you have things figured out... I've no problem with them resigning MC, but naming him backup? seriously? I hope we never need him to play - or that they somehow played possum with him in the preseason and he's really something special in a turd suit... Not a fan of this move. (I guess I'm an EJ apologist, I just don't see how MC is on this roster as #2 based on his performances).

Doh! I didn't see that anywhere... There's your week 2 cut to make room for Marcell...

Will they fill it? What Position will it be? Who will it be? I think it will be QB#3, I just don't know who. The other thing they could do is leave it open knowing they will have to cut someone for Marcell's spot Week 2. I think they want(ed) to trade Bryce, I don't think they are going to now though.

I'd be all over signing Cassel after week 1 for a cheap contract - except for the fact he's not at all similar to either Tyrod or EJ. I think we need to find another QB with similar (if green) skills. EJ was super mobile in the past and can move around too.

What kids + players learned from that ruling... It's OK to cheat or to break the law as long as you have the money to take the NFL to court. I can totally see the reasoning behind the ruling... Judges aren't lawmakers, they are law interpreters. The CBA needs fixing for both sides as far as discipline goes. What the judge(s) perhaps fail to recognize is the recentness of these transgressions. This is the first high profile cheating case to come up that I can remember besides Spygate and that wasn't against a player, but against the team. Before all these off the field issues that were so negative, there wasn't as much visibility of these things. That said, I think the players should know - Breaking a rule once = X, Breaking a rule repeatedly = Y, Breaking the Law (felony) = Z. Then there is no room for questioning it in court. The commish can always reduce a sentence for extraordinary situations. They have that language as it relates to PEDs. The other real problem is with how you deal with lawbreakers who get off in court. How do you fairly adjudicate that? it's a big problem (Hardy)...

Success will wash this under the carpet. Failure of the team, or failure of the RB corps will bring it up again and get jumped on by the national media.

EJ has to be backup. He's the best option on the roster, and he's the cheapest. Cassel should be cut, but probably won't be. I think if Simms does some lights out work in the preseason closer, it might give the leeway to cut Cassel. Otherwise, we know that 3rd string is simply 2 plays away, and the Tuel experience showed Whaley how bad that works out. I think the better question is who backs up Shady. I totally see that Freddy is not the Freddy of a few years ago. It sucks, it hurts, but he was expendable. Who knows if Karlos is going to be that player or not. Maybe Boobie? it sucks having lost all the RB to the preseason to know how well they mesh together. FWIW - EJ showed marked improvement, and said all the right things today. He is a team player, and won't be a distraction as backup imho. I'd be happy with him stepping in if/when Tyrod goes down. My biggest fear with T-mobile is injury. That is the mojo of mobile QBs, they get in the open field and get cut down. Name the mobile (e.g. rushing + passing) QBs who have consistently played entire seasons? There aren't many.

Biggest problem I see (pessimist speaking) - I think Tyrod or EJ gets the starting nod. Either one has a bad game, hell a bad half... the whispers start. That is the real problem of not just picking one of them and moving forward.

I'm all in on the ABC for QB. Cassel is very low risk, low reward. I don't think he can be a play from behind QB. If we get behind, I don't see him picking up the team and carrying them. I like TT, but I just have this feeling that if you are going to go with that, you better have a QB ready to step in. TT is going to get hurt. Watching him on that 21 yard option vs. the Browns, he's going to get taken out. I really like EJ. Do I think he's the second coming of Jim Kelly? I would really like to hold judgement until after the Pittsburgh game, but I am really thinking that Simon is right on the money. He has a lot of heart, and a lot of talent. He's not perfect, and he had by far a horrible Bills upbringing the past 2 seasons. I would not be disappointed if the decision by the bills is TT, with EJ as backup. If Cassell is even sniffing starting, this team isn't going far, even with a very talented defense and skill players. For the QB thread haters, what other position is so debatable on the roster? If the QB position wasn't the most important one for the team, it is still the most hotly contested one on the Bills. (Unless you want to go TE, Charles Clay had better show us why he got all that green, it certainly hasn't been shown thus far in the preseason).

Mr. Dareus, meet Mr. Franchise Tag. Mr. Franchise Tag, meet Mr. Dareus. I think that is going to be the way this may play out. I am in agreement with Dareus that 90M is a light offer when you compare it to Suh. 90/114 isn't even 80%. IMHO, he's at least 95% of Suh in terms of ability and potential. But - it's not a complete insult... This is a negotiation, we don't know where it started... He's trying to recoup his "lost" income for playing at 8M this year - you know that is playing into his decision. It just sucks. He may very well be worth more money that the Bills can afford to pay him because of the rest of the team around him can't be sacrificed. You can't sell the farm too much on 1 player, even without guaranteed contracts. Love the guy, hope they can come to terms. IF he plays another year like his potential, he's going to get paid by someone next season, just might not be in the Bills budget. I hate the Patriots model of not paying and letting talent walk, but that may be the best bet. EDIT - by my 95% comment, I'm talking 95% of salary... e.g. 108+ instead of 90.

An appropriate penalty would be that the *atriots can only have 4 O Lineman this season, regardless of QB.

Rex Ryan > Doug Marrone. Obviously. (I won't miss 18 "obviously" statements in 3 questions.)

Regarding the trade up for Sammy - you have to factor in that Whaley knew he was trading Stevie. Has anyone researched historical moves up? Giving up next years first stings, but 9 is just not a great spot to be in. OBD is all in for '14. I think they did a decent job in the Draft. Time will tell of course, but count me in the 'Like' category. The OP is setting goals too high to state Watkins HAS to be an all-pro if not HOF player for it to be a success. If he is a part of a team resurgence, that's enough for me.

This seems like a Trevaris Jackson cut. No reason to keep him around and spend snaps/coaching on someone you'll likely cut later (injury? or not a right fit for their scheme). Players who they will keep on the roster should take the snaps during TC/Preseason and get the experience.