dry martini

Here is someone's opinion that I thought was rather inspired: Kevin Tillman

These types of threads always make me wonder if my age is affecting my memory. Say what you will about particular pos/negs about TD's personnel decisions, but I have always considered his stay to be a positive for the organization. My memory is of a guy who came to the Bills when it looked like disaster was around the corner. An end of year collapse (primarily injury related), QB controversy, front office communication break-downs (RW-JB, and a coach with no headset - ok, kidding on that one, a bit), and a very serious cap issue. Ralph needed to inject a combination of hatchet man and rebuilding man and TD fit the bill perfectly. He managed to not only solve the club's financial situation, but did it in a way that brought the fans back. Indeed, in that respect, the Bledsoe trade was genius. It brought us instant national credibility and, more importantly, hope. The fans came in droves and talk of LA (credible or not) disappeared. Moreover, I think his draft picks are no worse (or better) then other top GMs. Some real class and some busts. However, Mr. Arm does make a point about the lack of top picks on O-line players. Although it is simply not fair to bring up Mike Williams, as TD was hailed a wise man on draft day taking Mike "character-guy" Williams over Bryant "held out until November and sailor man" McKinney (who would Marv have picked?), as most rated the two dead even as far as ability (personally, I was a big BM fan), TDs failure to go for more O-line types in 03 and 04, or better free agents was a weakness, which is frankly, surprising. Finally, a brief word on coaching. Too many relate the TD - Cowher relationship with a tendency by TD to pick weak coaches. An interesting extrapolation, but nothing more. TD wanted the best defensive mind in football for his first hire. Lewis was that man and he basically turned his back on TD. Nothing TD could do about that. With Lewis out of the picture, his selection of unproven Williams over unproven Fox can't be viewed at the time as wrong-headed. Who knows, if Fox comes to Buffalo and was saddled with Mike Williams (and don't kid yourself, we had to take an O-line guy in 02, just research the pre-draft posts from this board), while Gregg got the Panthers and Julius Peppers a year later, how would their fortunes be different today? As for Mularky, an up and coming guy who had developed a solid offensive reputation was what most wanted, although we all wanted the guy from Boston. Yes, he should have taken CW, but Mularky at least demonstrated that TD wanted the new, next big thing, instead of the tired reject. So, TD wasn't as bad as he is portrayed here. Having said all that, I will never, NEVER forgive the idiot for letting Pat Williams leave. It was bad enough that he undervalued Pat, but he had witnessed just what effect Pat's loss might have on a top rated defense having had to let the S.S. Washington steam out of port upon taking over. Keeping Pat should have been a top priority, but he allowed himself to get distracted by other matters.

Like you, I suspect, I read Easterbrooke for the irony, not the analysis. The skinny guy thing is funny, but would be less so had he mentioned the no. 26 pick. I'll give him a pass for erring upon the side of humor.

GOLD best thread in weeks, and it's football related.

Spot on. The funniest stand-up around will come off bad when the audience sits around like a bunch of stiffs. Everyone loves Billy because he is often self-depricating, so the Hollywood stuck-ups can laugh freely, but put anyone up there with a little cutting edge, be it the political work of Stewart or the cultural commentary of Rock, and the audience doesn't get it. Although I thought Clooney and good ole Jack seemed to enjoy it.

To spin your last thought, substitute "simply arguing with a position coach" with "attempting to get a potential injury addressed." NFW does that not get challenged. Eric walked on his team. Against Miami. Kelly would barely survive that one. See ya.

spot on. I wouldn't say that the Steelers would not have won the game anyway, but the end would have been much more interesting if the refs called a better game. should have been 7-3 Seahawks at half. Then 10-7 Steelers, and either 10-10 or 14-10 Seahawks but for the phantom holding. The final quarter is then played very differently.

my vote as well.

momentum!

Was just thinking a similar thought. You can sometimes question the teams that actually get to the game, but once there, the winner of the game usually deserves it. Today, the combination of Seattle's drops and the terrible calls will lead to a team winning the game that doesn't deserve it.

To the extent a film containing a "non-linear narrative" presentation is responsive to your request, my favorite film of this type is Memento. Below is a review of the film discussing the technique. If you haven't seen the film, you must rent it immediately. I should add that the review may be viewed as a spoiler. Memento Review

A valid exception to the rule, but the timing is amusing.

Normally, I get upset by the occasional confusion presented with a post containing a typographical or grammatical error. Fortunately, or unfortunately as this case may be, I've read this entire thread, so I understand the point being made.

Agreed. I think this makes a statement about going on the road. We should be much improved in that department.

The first time I saw one of those "this is your brain" shirts was at a USC-UCLA game years ago with a "brain" Trojan head on the front and a "brain on drugs" powder blue bear face on the back. Still makes me smile.

"Don't be surprised" if Ralph offered him tons more money.

nice edits. Now go back and read what he said. The same speculation everyone on this board is making based upon what he believes the facts to be: 1) the Bills made an offer; 2) no word that it has been accepted; and 3) Ralph's reputation for not paying coaches (despite Ralph's recent public statements to the contrary). Ooo, "don't be surprised" "may not be happy." blah blah blah

No one knows what Bates will do, or what the offer was except Bates and the Bills. Clayton is just blowing smoke 'cause there has been no announcement.

This is my view, provided he just didn't turn down the offer while I was typing this response. I would add that this isn't just a crash and burn defense, but was the no.2 defense two years running before the double wammy of PW and TKO hit. With TKO possibly recovering and as you note, either a top FA or the no. 8 draft choice to correct the PW mistake, Bates could turn this D around overnight and virtually solidify that HC opportunity for next year.

I think this is one of those polls that requires further definition in order to more accurately assess the view of the board. May I suggest: Yes No May I have another garbage plate please?

I thought the s&c change was due to Mularky. Enlighten me.

apparently has spoken with the Jets and Saints want to talk with him.

KFFL has a cryptic comment from Joe Gibbs that Greg Blanche has turned down an opportunity elsewhere to remain with the Redskins. hmmm...

maybe it had something to do with the state of our offense over the last few years, in contrast to our fairly strong defense. Last year both sucked, but at least you could finger the Pat Williams release and TKO's injury as reasons why, and have a hope that it will change this year. The offense, on the other hand, needs the guidance that an offensive minded coach could offer.