Dr. Who

I agree with 1billsfan on EJ. Gracious post, Bill. I wish that level of civility was more common.

Vic Carucci ‏@viccarucci 17m17 minutes ago Expectation of multiple #NFL personnel people is the #Bills will cut Matt Cassel & keep EJ Manuel, who has strong support from Doug Whaley.

EJ is more of the Ben Roethlisberger type athleticism. He's still lightyears more fit to keep a similar offense to what TT will run than Molasses in January Cassel. Aside from that, EJ has potential. He improved dramatically during the course of the pre-season. Only the foolish are blind to this and overtly or snidely imply that EJ should be cut or traded.

Alright, but if Tyrod had not played exceptionally well, EJ would have won the competition and most everyone would have been pleased with his marked improvement. It may be a matter of semantics, but I think it's better to say Taylor won rather than EJ lost. I think this is more accurate because EJ's performance in the pre-season games was exemplary. He could not have played much better.

EJ had nothing to do with when he was drafted. (I was okay with the pick, btw.) All he has done is work hard and now we discover with competent coaching an improved qb. He responded with grace to the Tyrod choice and the kind of commitment to renewed effort that is admirable. And yet some refuse to credit his improved play and hint that he is not the best choice to keep if we are only keeping 2 qbs. I surmise and hope that OBD is not as foolish and intransigent as those who continue to badmouth or snidely dismiss EJ.

Well, Roman is supposed to be adaptable, isn't he? I would start EJ and use a package of plays with TT. Probably won't work out that way, but that's the smart play, imo. Anyway, I'm out for tonight. Keep fighting the good fight . . .

I think the implication that if OBD keeps two qbs, EJ isn't one of them is a foolish decision. I doubt Whaley would be on board with that after this pre-season.

If 7 - 8, 170 yds, 2 TDS doesn't help your case, really nothing will. I'd like to know the rationale. I say it's more groupthink. If it isn't, too bad for us. EJ is going to be a good player for someone, I think.

So if they go with two, you think they're going to go TT and Meh? And cut EJ? Cassel brings what? Consistent pop gun arm and soporific offense. Nice call.

Nice, the derisive "fanboy." So is it okay if I call you a "hater?" Who is making a big deal out of an incomplete pass? It's being focused on because that was the only thing those who dislike EJ can find to gripe about. The man went 7 - 8, 170 yards, 2 TDS. EJ's arm will stretch the field, stop the defense from stacking eight in a box; the whole run game will flourish. EJ is buying time, stepping up into the pocket. In the game, when it counts, he's been damn accurate. No opportunity for hack journalists to sneer about hospitality tents. You deal with it.

And the usual lot here.

Anyone but Cassel. I think that's a safe bet right about now.

A well-reasoned, thoughtful post. It will, of course, only provoke the smug trolls to answer with pithy, snide retorts.

I don't think anyone thinks that, but thanks.

I think this is spot on.

Well, I would play him. I can see those who favor Tyrod. If you want Cassel, I think you fit the short-term mentality the OP is talking about.

Clearly, it isn't, but it should be. I am tepid about Meh, but if he's the qb, I'm sure going to root for him to do well.

I'm not convinced the qb situation is actually as bad as you surmise. If the implicit message is what you claim, there are more polite and direct ways to convey that message. But if you are part of the "Move On" crowd, this just proves the mental incapacity of the hoi polloi.

What? Do you know what vitriol means? The acidic nastiness is coming from those who have contempt for EJ and for those who have not yet given up on him. Your points are not in any way germane. Rex and Co. probably do favor Tyrod and Cassel. Who claims anything WGR says influences coaching decisions? It doesn't matter if either is true or untrue. Neither addresses bias, character, or the nature of particular rhetoric.

Really? That's like someone who takes one side in an argument and claims it is a neutral position. It's only the other side that is biased. The vitriol is usually coming from the EJ bashing crowd.

Nice analysis. WGR exhibits a provincial, enclave mentality. Unfortunately, they're generally not bright enough to understand the points made against them.

I am curious about the fun police. Are they particularly amusing coppers or stern fellows bent on stomping out fun?

Okay, I think I understand you better. I'm fine with that, but in turn, many of the anti-EJ crowd want to cut him outright. I think that would be foolish. If he's not the starter, let him continue to develop.

I haven't heard a single person who wants to "hand EJ the keys." I read a lot of message boards. I don't think you are characterizing the majority of EJ supporters accurately. I think the previous coaching staff was incompetent. I wanted to see what EJ could do with established NFL coaches. Imo, he does look improved. He needs to improve more. I see no reason at this point to definitively say he won't.

Outstanding.