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"There was little doubt Jackson was better suited than Williams, Brown or Dixon for the No. 2 role. Jackson is a versatile, tough runner who could fight for tough yards in short-yardage situations, handle blitzes and catch passes out of the backfield on third downs." http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/77403/bills-fans-stung-by-release-of-beloved-fred-jackson-will-want-answers

In a move that shocks some, doesn't surprise others and ultimately reflects rather poorly on coach Rex Ryan and GM Doug Whaley, the Bills cut Jackson... http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/columnist/roth/2015/08/31/rex-ryan-fumbled-letting-fred-jackson-go/71460372/

Translation: It was Whaley's call and he did all he could to stop him.

Well, don't stop your noise making on my account.

I believe the decision to cut Freddy was Whaley's attempt to save face on his failed trade for Bryce Brown. I believe Whaley's ego got in the way of the best interests of the football team. I say Rex signed off on it because he had bigger fish to fry than backup RB, most notably starting the QB he brought in over Whaley's top pick EJ Manuel. It was a trade of sorts. Whaley gave up EJ, Rex caved on Freddy, and then they both made nice with Papa Terry. It is what it is, but the decision letting Freddy go to keep Bryce was an awful, pig-headed one.

Whaley is not an idiot. He's made several good personnel decisions - especially on defense. This is about ego not stupidity. One thing is certain, the decision to cut Fred was not a football decision. By every measure, Fred brings more to the team than a stiff like Bryce Brown. It was not about age, either. Fred was the same age when they signed him a few months ago to an extension. Whaley gets bull headed. He was determined to pick EJ. way ahead of where he was graded out because he "just knew something". He moved up to get Sammy against all conventional wisdom because "he just knew something". Bryce Brown was the same thought process. EJ was a bad decision. Sammy...well, the jury is still out. He may become worth the pick, he may not...time will tell. Bryce? Well, Whaley was not going to let his baby get cut for some old guy he never drafted. Bad choice, and for all the wrong reasons. Would be better if he just admitted he's won some, he's lost some, and go with the best player. He lost out to Rex on Tyrod. He was not going to back down on Bryce. THAT is how I see it. You may not, and that's your prerogative.

Reading an opinion you don't want to agree with his tough, and I understand it hurts feelings, but I honestly don't give a crap. I call it like I see it, and if that makes some people cry for their mommy to make me stop than so be it.

Pretty hard for Whaley to publicly admit, "He was cut because I am determined to prove to the world that I was right about Bryce Brown!"

Freddy will never have to pay for a drink in this town. Bryce Brown will be stuck with every tab. Not his fault Fred was cut so he could stay on as a face saving gesture for the GM, but fair or not he'll be the villain who gets booed whenever he takes the field.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... Best to Tyrod, he certainly deserves this shot and I think he'll become something special. Terrible news about Freddy...the heartbeat of the team was just carved out and sent packing to accommodate a GM's ego trip.

It's akin to if the Steelers had cut Bettis in his final season to make roster space for an overrated/under-performing young back the GM wanted to be proved right about. It's wrong, it stinks, and it cuts the heart out of the team. Bad move.

So, there we have it. Deal was struck. Whaley said he'll allow Tyrod starting over EJ if Rex agrees to cut Freddy for Bryce Brown. Seeing that the starting QB is the most important player on the team, Rex begrudgingly agreed to it. Now, Whaley gets to keep his little pet RB on the roster, Rex gets his starting QB, and they both feel like they won something. Meanwhile, Daddy Pegula is happy to see his children getting along.

Hate it when personnel decisions are made for non-football reasons, and make no mistake the decision to cut Freddy and keep Bryce Brown was a personal decision by Whaley to justify his bad trade. By every standard, be it intangibles like character, leadership, heart, work ethic, locker-room, community, etc., or on the field, be it running, blocking, receiving, special teams or playmaking ability, Fred Jackson is, was, and always will be a superior player to Bryce Brown...who possesses NONE of those qualities. This is a bad deal, bad decision, and the football team just took a measurable step backward today.

This move has Whaley's stank written all over it. Obviously, Freddy was cut to protect Whaley's ego on the Bryce Brown fiasco.

This is so f**ked

WHAT!!!??????

That leak looks pretty strong. It's gonna be Tyrod, gang.

The good news for EJ is he has as good a shot as any 3rd QB in the league to see game time. If Taylor goes down to injury, or struggles to find a groove, than it's Meh or EJ. Meh would probably be the choice, but he'd be on a very short leash. A couple bad INTs and EJ could be on the field,. Not the spot in the pecking order a QB strives for, but for a 3rd QB he's in a good spot.

I was surprised EJ made 3rd string, too. When Simms was signed, I presumed he would be slated for 3rd QB and EJ would be released or traded. To my pleasant surprise, EJ really showed moxie and earned a roster spot. As far as 3rd string QBs go, I'd say he's probably the best in the league.

They study this for starters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urLLvVfrhCM

I have a pretty good idea of how EJ's devoted groupies would react.

I just hope Rex doesn't split reps 3 ways in an effort to throw off the Colts. It's fine to play coy, but you shouldn't take it so far that you sabotage your own preparation for the game itself.

Me, neither. I was confident Simms would nail down the 3rd QB spot at the beginning for training camp. EJ rose to the occasion.