Fan in Chicago

Honest question - did you actually watch the game or are you forming opinions based on other peoples comments in the GDT and chat room ? I think a bit of that change happened at half time yesterday. In the second half, he definitely was throwing more than in the first half. The need to keep the offense simple and give uncomplicated throws is certainly understandable for a rookie. Better this way than to throw too much at him, realize he is not yet capable of handling it and resulting in a jittery performance. EJ looks decisive - doesn't always make the best decision but at least he doesnt have happy feet and panic throws. Methinks you are being a tad harsh and impatient with the rook (especially with your emphasis on 'got'). Yes he needs a coach to prevent him from getting bad habits but I would see him in a few more games before getting too concerned.

Frankly, I think this weekend's game should be titled "The Rookie Bowl" and be the featured game on national TV. The country should get front-row seats to see Geno's a$$ whipped and handed to him on a platter while Cool Man-uel grinds the Jets to dust.

Two wasted seasons when the DCs couldn't realize that his natural position looks to be at safety. Love the fact that we have a good one. When Byrd gets back, the combination will be awesome

The stats bear proof but what you say here is what I noticed most even in the NE* game. The game did not look too big to him. He looked totally in control. Dungy said today (no link but during the Seattle-49ers rain delay) that it is important to get your team mates believing in you and he said EJ looks like he is on his way to doing that. Love the kid, his attitude, down to earth nature and ofcourse his stats. he had a 69% completion percentage today. As you noted, it is north of 68% in two games. That is fantastic for a rookie. Hope he keeps a good head on his shoulders and continues to learn - we are in for a nice long ride.

YOu are welcome. Good to read some real analysis in a sea of biased opinions. I will also like to see this for our D as I thought they played pretty well considering injuries to the backfield, new scheme, many new players etc

I agree regarding the weekly thread. I certainly learn a lot and look upon it as an unbiased view.

Somehow I did not see this posted so thought it deserved its own thread. http://www.wgr550.com/two-bills-drive/17263530 Very interesting read, and here are conclusions per this analysis (quoting): "- CJ Spiller’s struggles aren’t a major concern, yet. It’s tough to figure whats going on in just one week and how the Bills will make adjustments. - EJ Manuel showed an awful lot to be excited about. Perhaps more than anything is his understanding of the offense. - I think the Bills offense is just scratching the surface of what they intend to be, and it’s pretty exciting."

That was the most blatant non-call and I remember screaming about it. In general, the balance of calls was against us but we also shot ourselves on the foot way too many times. The CJ fumble, Stevie drop, Hughes' penalties.... lot of blame to spread around in a close loss but officiating just made sure we didnt get momentum.

27-17 Bills Win

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/sources-byrd-agent-trying-to-orchestrate-trade-20130904

So what exactly did you want the Bills to do ? Make him the highest paid safety when his performance is not of the Polamalu/Ed Reed quality ?

If I had to choose one stat, it would be % completion for Brady. If that percent is low, it means we are pressuring him and covering his targets. Also will allow us to devote extra resources to shutting down their run game.

Several reasons why, at that time, it was a question. First, EJ was injured and it was unknown how serious it was or how quickly he would be game ready. It is heartening to see the kid put in the effort and come back fairly quickly Second, it was not not entirely clear what was happening behind the scenes and whether Marrone would decide who is more suited to win more games this season. In my mind, it wasn't just about winning the first game. It was about who would win more this entire season. In any case, as you can see 38% of those responding thought that Tuel or Kolb will start - not an insignificant percentage. Hence, it was a question in several people's mind, including mine. Having said all that, I am happy I was wrong because the decision tells me that Marrone is convinced about EJ's potential and readiness.

In light of today's announcement that EJ will start, I thought it appropriate to resurrect this thread. The majority of you were correct - 62% voted that EJ will start. I was wrong. Go Bills !!!

Just confirmed by text - EJ is our starter

GOod to see you are man enough to admit it. Cant wait for you to be proven wrong about EJ

Very good news especially after a tough week. :-)

We haven't seen much of him with the first string O so he needs to play at least in a limited fashion in a game environment. Also, if indeed he gets l limited playing time tonight, it will be to protect him. As I had noted earlier, we are down to the only QB who has extensive knowledge and experience with the playbook. First and foremost he needs to be protected.

Bills are in a tough spot. Give Tuel first team reps vs risk injury. Leinart nor Lewis have had any significant experience with the O so we are down to our last choice. Weighing the option, I would play Tuel for the entire first quarter or two solid drives - whichever comes later. I worry more about Tuel starting against NE* as I am sure the likes of Wilfork and Spikes will try their damnest to knock Tuel out of the game

Besides the slut factor, that was a terrible dance performance. It had neither grace, style or an iota of sexiness about it. If nothing, get the turn on part correct.

IMHO, your first paragraph is true with Tuel or EJ starting. Agree with the Gilmore point - big loss esp against Brady

However, at that point of the season, the past will have no meaning. The QB helping the team win is all that matters at that time. My argument would be different if we are looking at a situation similar to AlexSmith-Kaepernick last year. It was entirely evident that for all the winning that SF was doing, Kaepernick could lift the team to greater heights. Hence, the decision to continue with CK was the right one. I just do not see Marrone benching a winning hand. Finally, if this situation indeed comes to pass, we will be in a very happy place and beats the alternative (all QBs sucking).

If the bolded happens, nothing else matters.

I disagree. Why would you bench a guy who is looking good and winning (which is the premise of the question) ? At that point, what will EJ have over Tuel besides draft status ?

I have to agree but it may not be bad to be in that position. In that axenario, a week 1 win against the Pats* will be fun on so many levels. Anyway, I am getting too far ahead of ourselves. This game against the Skins was quite costly for the Bills with the Kolb and Gilmore injuries.