Offside Number 76

I like Aiken a lot, mostly because he's a terrific blocking WR. He must be used correctly to be effective--i.e., on both pass and run plays so the defense doesn't read run as soon as he comes in--but he's very good as a blocking WR. As a pure receiver, sure, he isn't that great. But he's no worse than Josh Reed (who doesn't block as well), either.

Now that I'm watching the Cincy game, I think Reed's days are numbered. Not so much for the interception, but for yet another drop--on the long ball in the first quarter. It's just too many drops over too many seasons with this guy. I'd rather give Davis a shot.

But it's much easier to blame it on a supposed "bush league loser mentality" of "the area" than to take the time either to understand how the broadcasting arrangements work or to understand "the area." Vegas, do Buffalo a favor: if you're here, either work to make the place better or leave. If you're not, stay away.

I don't think the cable provider reaps the ad revenue.

"The name change actually is old news. He had it legally changed without the hyphen in December 2004, as an acknowledgement of his father and grandfather. His father, London Baker, did not live with him growing up but was involved in his life all through his childhood. "My dad wanted to change my name back when I was in elementary school but it's a more difficult process when you're younger," Fletcher said. "My grandfather would always mention it to me in a not-so-subtle way as I got older because I'm the last male in the family who can continue the Baker namesake. So as a surprise to both of them, it was a Christmas present in 2004." This offseason, Fletcher legally changed it again, adding a hyphen connecting the two surnames. While the Bills' roster lists him as "Fletcher-Baker," he's not going to add Baker to the back of his jersey and he will continue to sign autographs using only "Fletcher."" That's from this article.

Sh*t. 17 years old. At least he passed while doing something he cared about, but hell, 17 years old. May God bless him and give comfort to his family.

Let's name a street downtown after him, and then hopefully some calls will go the Bills' way.

This is really too bad. One of the few truly exciting plays left in pro ball--a game which has become less exciting--is now emaciated.

Jauron needn't fear for his job if the Bills go 2-14 this year, and will do the smart thing by testing JP as starter.

I can't believe this still is even discussed. Holcomb will not win more than eight games no matter what year or team he plays for.

Unfortunately, after a fifteen-year decline, the Buffalo News is no better and no worse than most newspapers in this country. Fewer staff reporters mean more wire stories and syndicated features. The US is down to two great newspapers--the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal--and a small collection of good newspapers--the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe and maybe the LA Times. Everything else is fishwrap. Agreed that the D&C Bills coverage is better.

In case it hasn't been stated already (I didn't read through all 30+ posts): At least Comcast didn't get your area (or mine). That would be worse.

That really was very, very well done. Pro-quality editing & great sound bites. For the first year after it opened, I lived 1 block from the DC McFaddens, which also was aspiring to be a Bills bar. Seemed like it was going to work (even though there were several other Bills bars in the region). I think the home base for the chain is Rochester, no?

I think we're all missing the "other" point of the letter: Some people in Georgia can not only read, but also write.

I think you just channelled Faulkner.

[Homer] Mmmm....Barbecued Marino...mmmm. [/Homer]

It's Emtman and Desmond Howard--each with an 'm'--and each certainly was a much bigger bust.

Thankfully the Patriots organization is sanitizing McGahee's pottymouth: "Last year the offense (stunk)," said Willis McGahee. "It (stunk)." What, he said "sucked?" Somehow I think Boston has heard--or read, if they're not continually drunk--worse.

Brace for 2007, when AJ Hawk's future bro-in-law (Brady Quinn) enters the draft. Thought you heard too much BS before? You ain't heard nothin' yet.

Let's not get the Why Guy involved in football. His presence during Sabre games sux enough.

1. Easterbrook is a Bills fan (from Kenmore) and a huge fan of tradition, but he should recognize that money being left on the table is not a good thing for this team. And although the Ralph is the only stadium currently named after a team's owner, it certainly is not the only stadium forgoing revenue. The nation's largest media market--you know, the one with the two teams in New Jersey--is the best example. 2. More importantly, Papa John's is now screwing up wings as well as pizza? Good Lord. Can the FDA get involved or something?

1. The rule might suck, but it's the rule. Actually, I'm not sure the rule sucks. It hurt on Thursday, but I don't hate that rule. Consistent application of the rules is something we've wanted for a long, long time. If the rule--which sucked--about skate-in-crease was applied properly in 1999, we might have seen a different result. Rules, however dumb, should be applied with consistency. This was no exception. Good call, sux for us. 2. Gimme healthy Carolina against healthy Buffalo any day. 3. Canes? Heart? Look, they have talent, but heart? Let's not get out of control, here. They're a bunch of terrific technicians in a depleted division. Other posters have mentioned the inequities between the teams because of injuries (Cole and Connolly plus 1/4 of a single defenseman might be equal), and they're correct. In terms of heart, think of it this way: The Sabres are the Stones. The 'Canes, well, Peter, Paul & Mary. Or the Monkees. 4. Go Oilers. Warren Moon will be kickass. --11

Never mind F. Lee. Let me know when Gibson is spotted wearing a flowered muumuu, a fabric-softened, white "fat guy hat," and being denied entry to a movie theater.

" Was injured in the Rose Bowl and could not play in the Senior Bowl, in part because he could not fit into the MRI machine to be checked out and cleared to play in the game" http://archive.profootballweekly.com/conte.../offlinemen.asp

I gave him a psycho discharge.