Lothar

oops sorry, my bad. Mods please delete.

I'll start this off ... it looks like the Rams will need to leapfrog the Jets to get Austin and may be willing to do so. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000163312/article/teams-think-leapfrogging-jets-only-way-to-land-austin

Again, if there are other teams thinking of using a draft pick on a LB some time in the first 3 rounds, taking the best available free agent off the market, can tip the scales for a team.

I think just the opposite. Take him of the market and other teams are Moe likely to grab a LB. If they have a deal, announce it asap!

Good for George. Tweeted this morning ... JasonLaCanfora Titans announced a deal with free agent S George Wilson, formerly of the Bills. They showed immediate interest, as did Detroit 4 hours ago

More about our new coach's philosophy than it is the search for Fitz's replacement, but pretty positive! http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000123802/article/doug-marrone-can-solve-buffalo-bills-ryan-fitzpatrick-problem oops, sorry - it looks like this is being discussed - my bad!

As someone who lives in Oregon, I'm pretty sure Kelly could have the pick of any NFL opening. I doubt he leaves the college ranks unless he gets EVERYthing he wants: total power over personnel, a ready QB that fits his mold and gobs of money ... think more than Sean Peyton just got. I actually think Kelly's potential for success is higher than any college coach because of his offensive acumen - but the pro game is so different, it may take a second go-around as a NFL head coach before he truly achieves success. And sadly, it's a nice dream but Lovey is a much more reasonable expectation at this point.

In a News chat Saturday, one of the other writers mentioned he has been away dealing with a family illness.

From twitter feeds ... on Yahoo's NFL page RT @buffalobills: Jackson: will wear a custom brace upon his return. Says return is 70-75% likely RT @buffalobills: Fred Jackson on if Spiller's absence puts pressure on him to return: "New England has always been the goal"

I'm sorry if this has already been discussed and I know it's still early but wow! these guys have only 1 sure fire healthy starter, possibly 2 - at the moment. Kinda wish we played 'em in week 1 http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=afceast&id=45634

We must have different memories. I thought he was a great guard and a decent fill-in left tackle but an awful Center.

That's because Massie is strictly a right tackle according to most scouts. Martin has solid potential to play left tackle. I think Jeff Allen from Illinois in the 3rd would be an alternate pick, especially if Randle or Hill fell to our pick in the 2nd.

Yah, this is a non-starter. He's scheduled to get 9.5 million. And I'm just guessing here but if he restructures, he'll still want boatloads of money. And he's past his prime. I don't think he's a good fit for our youth movement.

Big, strong USC (oops) LB that can play 4 positions and is a fluid athlete. Between him, Kuechly, Floyd, Martin and possibly Gilmore, it'll be interesting to see which way we go. http://sportsillustr...days/index.html Melvin Ingram continues to receive rave reviews for his display of athleticism and football ability. Ingram was worked through defensive line and linebacker drills today and, according to one source at the workout, it was an A+ performance. He was described today as being a "freakish athlete" combining quickness, balance and tremendous movement skills. During coverage drills Ingram's ability to swivel his hips and transition from moving backward to running forward was comparable to many of the defensive backs who worked out. His explosion and ability to stay on his feet while swiftly moving in every direction wowed the teams in attendance. Ingram has solidified himself as a top-10 pick, but the question is, will the playmaking defender break into the draft's first six picks?

I did read it. It sounds like he's thinking of getting an immediate starter (of which there's only 2 or 3), then maybe taking a second tackle that might not be ready for a year.

Even though I'd like us to go with a wideout here, I get the impression Nix is thinking about picking up a couple tackles, including a first rounder. http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2012/03/26/will-bills-draft-more-than-1-ot/ “Depth at tackle is problem,” said Nix. ”We’ve got depth inside. We’ve got guards and centers that can play in there. Last year we lost two left tackles and Levitre moved out there and he did a commendable job, but we’ve got to have at least one top tackle in the draft and another guy that we can develop.” Nix believes there are “two or three” offensive tackles in the draft class that can start on day one. He obviously would not divulge the names of those prospects. What’s interesting is the Bills GM may it sound as if the club may take a second tackle in the draft even if they take one early.

Honestly, after Blackmon, I think there are a dozen receivers that bring different strengths to the fore. I had been leaning towards Floyd myself, but his game speed and separation skills aren't that much better than many others. I'd prefer to go after Randle, McNutt, Childs or Fuller in the 2nd thru 5th and focus on still more pass rush and an OT for the early picks.

When asked about the possibility of making other major free agent additions Nix said the following. “I told you guys earlier this week that we may be out of the business by Friday,” said Nix. “Did you see (Mario’s) contract? We may be out of the business.” I doubt we're signing anyone else ...

lol - but if there's one guy I'll cut some slack with working out, it's Wood.

buffalobills “@EWood70: I love the aggressiveness of the Bills in FA.Apparently the front office feels as strongly about our chances next yr as players”

Here's to a healthy O-line at the start of training camp ... RT @ewood70: Ran at 100% body weight for the first time since surgery and it felt great. Little recovery now then on to NY with my cards!

The franchise number is the greater of the average top 5 at the position or current pay + 20%. Given that he will have unlocked that 14mil + salary based on incentive targets he's already hit, dude is in for a well-deserved kind-of-insane payday.

John Beck ain't no Jeff Beck

Since when did the Wall Street Journal have so many football articles anyway? Buffalo Secret I love Chan's twist to the stacked formation by running Fred out wide and using "double" stacks with a tight end in motion. Obviously all this only works with a smart, quick-decision-making QB. After three games this season, it's clear that the Buffalo Bills haven't just stolen that part of Belichick's playbook, they've made it their offensive strategy. For nearly the entire game Sunday, the Bills had four wide receivers on the field, and often used five. (A traditional NFL alignment consists of two wide receivers.) They also sometimes lined up their tight ends as wide receivers and flung their running backs off to the corners.

I agree to a certain extent, Simon, but we run a lot of empty sets as well. I think the key has been Fitz's ability to make quick reads and get the ball out fast. I do think what will help the O is Donald Jones gaining confidence as a deep threat. Once that part of the game comes into play - assuming Fitzy's deep throws are reasonable - I don't see why the Bills' offense can't be as potent as any of the other top teams. Also, the more success Fitz has in completing short throws, the more likely he'll be able to take an occasional 5-7 step drop. I always thought that was how Marchibroda coached up Peyton when he first got to the league. Lots of short throws to the point that the DL almost gives up going after the QB and then boom! I remember Bruce being pissed because Peyton didn't really even worry if the throw got a first down or not, it was just out of his hand quickly. I always wondered why more coaches don't follow that recipe when bringing a new QB up to speed. Now you do need to have a smart and accurate QB to pull that off - I think we all had doubts about the latter attribute for Fitz - but he seems to be proving a lot of us wrong.