folz

I would have been good with McDermott getting another ST coordinator because Crossman has been a mixed bag. But, what a lot of people forget is that a lot of other things go into specials teams besides coaching. First, the HC has to devote enough attention and practice time for ST; second, the GM and HC have to bring in guys who can play ST and allow other guys to play on teams; third, injuries can be crushing to ST (when you're best ST players are injured or have to start and can no longer play on teams, it hurts); and finally, you have to have good kickers and returners. So, maybe these coaches feel it wasn't a problem with coaching but with a combination of the other factors instead. Of course, I can't say one way or the other about some of those factors, but Carpenter has been pretty bad over the last two seasons, we haven't had a legitimate kickoff returner for a while (though Tate was good at punt returning), Whaley and Rex did try to bring in some ace Special Teamers, but we have also had a lot of injuries over the past four years. So, I wasn't thrilled to hear he had been retained, but I'm wiling to give him another shot if the new coach believes in him.

This sums it up perfectly. That is why I think they'll let him walk. New coach is apparently all about effort.

It could also be that either McDermott or the Bills (or both) would like to have a former HC on staff (in McCoy or Norv) to help the new coach along.

I agree with you and yes we all want to know more of what is going on (whether it matters if we know or not) and I also agree about JW. But that is exactly why Terry talked to him and not some of the others, because JW is always professional. Many of these other reporters (on up to the national level) are just throwing chit out there without digging deeper. Or stoking fires. Or attacking because of some personal agenda. Well, it is a two-way street. If you're negative on the team all of the time, why would they want to answer your questions openly (why give them more ammo)? I'm not saying the media shouldn't be critical if warranted or just be a cheerleading mouthpiece for the team, but some of those reporters were ready to pounce on Whaley (in an antagonizing way---not just to get answers). And there was no way Whaley could answer what they were asking without throwing either Rex or his bosses under the bus. Most teams do not like to badmouth or accuse someone they just fired. It doesn't look good. And we all know why you don't speak out against your boss. As you pointed out, this of course does not go for everyone in the media. I was just trying to answer your original question of why some fans are angry with the media. I doubt they have too much influence in coaching circles, but it's just not good for the team going forward to be painted as a tire fire---when the reality is that the new owners probably made a mistake with the structure of the organization due to a coach who had been burned in a previous relationship with a GM and by not giving their GM full authority. But now they are trying to correct it. That would be an objective take rather than just saying everyone at OBD is incompetent.

It's one thing to ask questions and to try to get to the bottom of issues (even if they are already painfully obvious to us as fans), but to call it a tire fire, totally dysfunctional, no coach would want to work here, or to ask the GM in the meanest/snarkiest way possible (not sure which reporter it was), "What do you even do?" as if to say you are just a body in a seat doing nothing, seems like personal attacks, not news reporting/investigating.

Could some of this be damage control for Rex from certain members of the media? Rex always gave the media a lot to write about and probably upped the views of their work (for the local guys) nationally. Plus, as we saw with Marrone and others, certain members of the media tout certain people based on shared agents, or because of where they get some of their inside info (be it an agent or team or league source), etc. Rex is possibly looking to land a TV job or maybe he still wants to coach, so the Bills FO being completely dysfunctional takes some of the heat off of Rex for not working out. Plus, nationally, I think a lot of media members just like him. Now, I'm not saying the Bills haven't screwed some things up and of course, Rex would have been much better without all the injuries, etc. But the media really does seem to be going way over the top with this tire fire "narrative." Just a theory.

Yes, Whaley is a bit unlikable in press conferences because he answers like a politician. But what did the media want him to say? Yes, my bosses (the Pegulas and Russ Brandon) made some horrible decisions that I didn't agree with but they overruled me. Or I didn't want Rex all along...told you so Terry and Russ. Come on. And if the owner of a company wants someone fired, he doesn't have to ask anyone else. He's the owner. The positive thing to come out of all of this is Russ Brandon will not be involved anymore in the coaching search or the football operations. You want an answer for why this team has missed the playoffs for the last decade at least? It's because we haven't had a real GM, a football guy with full authority to do his job. 2006-2007: Marv (former coach) and Russ Brandon (marketing guy that started in baseball, not football) basically become co-GMs. Marv was obviously hired for public relations reasons and because Ralph trusted him (since Donahoe had alienated the fans, media, staff, and Ralph himself). But neither of these guys (despite Marv having been a great coach) were qualified for the position. 2008-2009: Marv steps down and Russ Brandon (with no coaching, playing, or scouting experience) becomes the GM and gains Ralph's trust and ear. 2010-2013: It is obvious that the franchise needs a football guy in the FO. They promote Nix (again trust issue stemming back to Donahoe) and bring in Whaley, an up-and-comer who is still probably too green to take over a franchise yet on his own. Russ becomes CEO. Nix is there to bring back stability, improve the roster, and groom Whaley to take over. He didn't turn the team around, but did do those 3 things (to an extent). In January of 2013, with Russ having been promoted from CEO to President (above the GM position) and Nix still as the GM, Doug Marrone is hired. This was obviously a Russ choice with the Syracuse ties, etc. And also, during Nix's tenure, Russ was the man who had Ralph's ear and probably spoke for him in the building, especially as Ralph's health continued to get worse. Then in March of 2013, just after the draft, Nix resigns and Whaley is promoted to the position with Marrone, a guy he may have agreed to, but was not his hand-picked option as his coach. 2014: ​Ralph dies in March. Brandon takes on de facto owner role. In November, Pegulas buy the team. And in December Marrone quits. Since the Pegulas want to observe the operation before blowing it all up, they lean heavily on Russ Brandon to get up to speed on the team and how the NFL works. Russ has been GM, CEO, President, and de facto owner, plus he was instrumental in the sale of the team to Terry. Whaley has been in his position for only 18 months and of course would want to ingratiate himself to the Pegulas to keep his job. But they are probably listening more to Russ on how things should go. 2015: Rex is hired. From all accounts, he went in and wowed Russ and the Pegulas. Terry and Kim liked him a lot and Russ was probably seeing a marketing boon (more national coverage, great press conferences, hope for the fanbase). Again, Whaley may have agreed with the decision, but Rex was not necessarily his choice. Even at the time it seemed like a Pegula/Russ choice from the reporting of it. So, again, he has to work with a coach he didn't hand pick. Rex was so eager to prove the Jets were wrong for firing him that he took the job. But if you looked at him in his last year in New York, the guy was burnt out and defeated. I know when you get burnt out at work, how long it takes to get back on track. Maybe Rex needed some time off rather than jumping into the deep waters again. Plus, because of the problems Rex had with his GM(s) in New York, he gets the Pegulas to agree that he will report to them rather than to the GM. Contrary to how most organizations function. So, Whaley is still somewhat treated as a Jr. GM, not fully in control...first under Nix, then Brandon, then with the communication structure with Rex and the Pegulas. 2016: ​Season does not go well, no improvement. Rex had a lot of influence over draft and player selection and adding to/changing the coaching staff with no results. The defense is bad (supposedly Rex's specialty). No doubt, especially as the hot seat warmed in the media regarding Rex, Terry and Doug had discussed what is wrong with the team including in the coaching department. But it seems as if they were going to let it play out, do their end of season evaluations, and then most likely fire Rex. Rex saw the writing on the wall, so he asked Terry straight out and in that moment Terry made the final decision then and there (an owner's perogative). Doesn't seem that hard to figure out or believe or understand the decision making process (even if there were some bad decisions that turned out poorly). But, from 2006 to 2016, Russ Brandon was basically GM for four years, CEO for 3 years (over Nix as GM), President and de facto owner for 2 years (over Whaley), and then President and closest advisor to the new owners for two years. His hand was heavy in both of the last two coaching choices (and possibly the last 4 coaching searches going back to Jauron). This guy, who didn't come up through any football ranks, has basically been running this team for the last decade. He may be a great executive, marketer, business man, but he should never have been involved in the football decisions (outside of possibly contracts). The fact that the Pegulas were not afraid to admit Rex didn't work out and to fire him and to now remove Russ from all football decisions and actually hand the keys of the car to Whaley are all positive signs to me that they are trying to correct the problems of the last couple of years. Whaley was under Nix and Brandon for 3 years, GM for 10 months and hadn't even overseen a draft solo when Ralph passed, had to deal with new owners (and again Russ) who maybe weren't ready to let him make all the decisions yet, and he didn't get to hand-pick the coaches he worked with, etc. Let the man do his job and sink or swim on his own merit, where we don't have to guess if it was his decision or Buddy's, or Brandon's, or Ralph's, or the Pegula's. And the fact that the media can't piece the puzzle together for themselves shows how inept they are. They focus (and get angry) about issues that just don't matter that much, like did Doug talk to Terry about wanting to get rid of Rex or why did Terry make that decision without the GM's approval. Who cares. Rex was going to get fired, we all knew it, Rex knew it and there is no way that Doug and Terry were not in agreement over that whether they talked about it or not. Of course Whaley hasn't been perfect and I do believe that for at least the last three years, he has been pretty much in charge of the 53...but you can't say that the roster isn't much more talented than when he arrived. Give him a chance to do his job properly and to make his own decisions (with the Pegulas blessing of course). We might be pleasantly surprised.

This. Fool me once... Not saying Lynn wouldn't be a good HC, just don't rush the decision because of rumors.

He brings up the point that the last 4 1st round draft picks only played 8 games this season. Now, I'm not saying everything is perfect in Bills land (keep Russ away from any football decisions: Draft, coaches, etc.), but that is really cherry picking. Yes, it looks like a big miss on EJ, and you can say we gave up too much for Sammy, and everyone knew Shaq was hurt. But, it does not note to the casual fan that Sammy and Shaq were hurt most of the year. It doesn't explain that we are only talking 3 players not 4 (because of the Sammy trade), or that Sammy is a game changer when healthy, or that Shaq may turn out to be a great Player, or that Shaq was most likely a Rex pick. And, he conveniently stopped at 4 years, I assume because he wanted to make a point (had an agenda)...not mentioning the two years before that were Stephone and Marcel, both who have been good players for the Bills (despite Dareus' issues earlier this year). That would add, what, another 24 or 25 starts this season by Bills 1st round picks. Just sayin'.

This O-line is above average to excellent at run blocking, but just average at pass blocking. The reason the stats tell you Tyrod has so much time to throw is because he extends plays with his legs. How often do you see him sittng back there comfortably, able to wait for a crossing route to develop or whatever? Not too often. And I don't think it is just because he has happy feet. The pocket often collapses fast. (Not saying it's all on the line and not Taylor. He has a lot to improve on, obviously, and a good number of sacks are due to him holding onto the ball too long or running but not making it back to the line of scrimmage.) But, I do agree that we should be investing in the O-line. We should definitely be looking for a center to take over for Eric when he is done (which is probably not far off) or due to injury. Not sure about Groy yet. Ritchie probably has at least two more years of solid play in him. Glenn is probably above average, but not top of the heap. Miller seems to be getting there, but I haven't paid enough attention to him to know for sure. And we obviously will want to upgrade the RT position. So, I would be all for investing in some big, nasty O-linemen to either come in and start or to groom to replace guys in the near future. We have a good line that can make things happen especially in the run game, but I would definitely be up for a couple of better pass blockers (and some serious coaching in that area).

When are people going to stop fighting over race and politics? Both sides (Repubs and Dems) are corrupt and full of criminals. And if you look at their actions as opposed to their rhetoric, you would see that nothing much changes no matter which group is in office. And all of this (social issues, race issues, etc.) is just the age-old tactic of divide and conquer. Those who have real power continually pit us against each other and keep us fighting, so we don't see what is really going on in this world. Don't be so sure that you are right about everything. Question everything, including your own beliefs.

Sucks most for the players who get injured this week. Can't even spend quality time with the family after the game.

To be fair not all of their points came in garbage time against the worst teams in the league. Despite losing these games, they put up 25 vs. Miami, 25 vs. Pats (w/Brady), 25 vs. Seattle, 20 vs. Steelers, and 24 vs. Oak. Those are probably all playoff teams this year.

Ask and you shall receive... I combined QB rushing and passing yards and rushing and passing TDs to see how that affects Tyrod's numbers. Out of the 29 NFL Quarterbacks that have more than 2,000 yards to this point in the season, Tyrod ranks 20th in Total Combined Yards and 18th in Total Combined TDs. QB Total Combined Yards and TDs (Passing and Rushing) ​ Yds TDs ​Brees 4,578 36 Ryan 4,442 32 Cousins 4,104 25 Rodgers 4,095 35 Wentz 3,995 15 Luck 3,953 28 Stafford 3,926 23 Dalton 3,892 20 Wilson 3,830 17 Flacco 3,807 21 Rivers 3,807 23 Carr 3,766 25 Palmer 3,759 22 Winston 3,747 26 Mariota 3,681 27 Prescott 3,656 30 Bortles 3,646 25 Roethlisb 3,555 27 Manning 3,482 25 Bradford 3,263 14 Taylor 3,214 20 Tannehill 3,159 20 Brady 3,091 22 Newton 3,091 20 Siemian 3,074 16 Smith 3,061 15 Oswelier 2,836 10 Fitz 2,491 10 Keenum 2,221 10 Kaepern 2,197 14

I never want the team to tank for any reason. If you have a game to play, you play to win! However, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see this team lose to Cleveland. (And I'm generally an optimist.)

On the conversations regarding Brandon: I. MARKETING 1. It has always bothered me that he seems to get credit for Rochester being a Bills town (because of his marketing genius). I'm sorry, I grew up in Rochester and it has always been a Bills town. I started going to games in 1980 and I-90 from Rochester to Buffalo was packed every Sunday with cars and trucks sporting their Bills logos, signs, and bumper stickers. 2. The Toronto series (enough said). And again, there were plenty of fans already from southern Ontario. I sat next to them many a times as far back again as the '80s. 3. Sellout crowds. Yes, there was a period in the mid-80s where games were blacked out constantly due to low attendance. But since the Super Bowl years that has not been the case and I don't think it has anything to do with Brandon selling false hope, etc. Western New York is in a love affair with this team (a sad, sick, twisted love affair, but it has nothing to do with Brandon). And also, if the team won more, there wouldn't be a question of filling seats at all. Really, what has he tangibly done in what is supposed to be his expertise? Speaking of which, that expertise is supposed to be marketing, and his prior experience was in baseball (not football), and yet he in essence made himself the GM at one point, really? And there is no doubt that with Donahoe's exit and Ralph's failing health, he has basically been in charge of the team since 2006...acting as de-facto owner until Terry and Kim took over and then continuing as president and managing partner since. When you are the man in charge, you are responsible for everything below you. If we question Rex's record over the last 6 years, why would we not question the guy who has actually been running this team for the last 11 years? And IF there have continually been toxic relationships and in-fighting, etc. then I look to the top. He is either party to the problems, or unable to resolve them to the benefit of the team. Either way, as a leader, he is culpable.

Is Whaley perfect? Of course not, but if nothing more, he's the best GM we've had in 16 years (Donahoe, Marv, Brandon, Nix). Why would you want to get rid of him unless you were absolutely sure that you could get someone much better. Something tells me that the list of unemployed GMs that would be much better than Whaley is very short. It may not be showing up on the field right now for whatever reason (injuries, losing culture, coaching, etc.) and we're all disappointed, but this is the most talent we have had since the late 90s. I wouldn't just throw that away in the hopes of landing some top 10 GM who actually wants to come to Buffalo. I honestly think if you look at the roster objectively, not just at those last two disappointing loses, Whaley (and Monos) have done a really solid job. And no offense OP, I'm totally disappointed in the little impact that Sammy has had thus far too, but it used to drive me crazy when people said we gave up two first rounders for Sammy, let alone three. Yes we gave them that year's first rounder and the following year's first and fourth rounder (2 first rounders). But we also got a first rounder back from them that we used on Sammy. So, the reality is we gave a first and fourth rounder to the Browns to swap picks. We didn't even give away two first round picks because we got one back (at a higher slot).

Wasn't the NFL supposed to be cracking down on helmet to helmet hits for player safety? I swear I have see more helmet to helmet hits ending in concussions this year (all teams, not just the Bills) and yet, they never get flagged unless it's a top name QB.

Honest question. What is it about the Pats? How does a team continue to be the best team every year for 16 years, able to go on a tear whenever they feel victimized (talk about delusional with the treatment they get from the refs), able to go 11-5 and 3-1 without Brady, etc.? Plenty of other teams have had a HOF coach and HOF QB before, there are teams who had 8-10 HOFs all playing at the same time, but no one in the modern era has been able to maintain it for16 years. Most great teams couldn't even manage it for a decade in a pre-FA era? So how do the Pats continue to do it? Is it really just the greatest coach, QB, and organization ever? Or is it something else? Cheating, HGH, steroids, always getting the calls? What? I know I just sound like a bitter fan of a rival team, but honestly it is hard to fathom. Injuries don't seem to bother them, losing great players---no problem, they just fill in with another guy and all of a sudden he's all Pro. Other teams with great QBs and excellent coaching go up and down from year to year: New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, etc. But the Pats have 11-13 wins and are contending for the Super Bowl every year. Just curious what you all think. Are they just the greatest footballers ever or do you think something else is afoot?

I'm sorry, Gilmore was definitely in man coverage on the 53-yard TD to Hogan. Even if there was supposed to be help over the top, Gilmore was a clear 7 yards behind Hogan on the play. It's not like they were in zone and he was releasing the player to the safety to stay in his zone. He was supposed to stay with Hogan, but he got torched. A safety over top may have prevented the TD, but the Pats still would have had like a 30-yard reception because Gilmore got burned. How many times in the NFL do you see a corner and safety converge on a receiver. I saw it happen at least twice on the other side of the field yesterday with Darby. So, even if there was supposed to be safety help, Gilmore still should have been on Hogan, not chasing him seven yards back. If he was tight and Hogan made a great play on the ball, you could just say great play but not put it on Gilmore (like in the Jets game). But Hogan turned him around and left him in the dust. I like Gilmore and do think he is a good corner, but no way is he worth top 5 money (which is what he's asking for)...and if he is playing soft, cautious, etc. to avoid injury as others have suggested, then I'm fine to see him walk no matter what the price. This is a team game. What about the other 52 guys putting themselves out there every week?

And I'm sure if the Pats beat the Steelers on Sunday, no one will be saying, well, it was without Rothlisberger. No, the stories will be that the Pats are ballin'.

The reason Buffalo got him is because he wasn't happy with what they were asking him to do in Houston, so Houston was ready to move on (despite what his production may have been). Then he does the same thing in Buffalo when Rex came. Sure he has been a very good/elite player at times in his career, but if he had a problem with both Wade's and Rex's defenses, two of the best defensive coaches in the league who have made stars out of unknown players, then I tend to think it is the player and not the coach(es). And choosing not to play hard is inexcusable.

Nice point to remember Gunner...thanks.