[Kaepernick and the National Anthem]

The NFL is a business and will do nothing to this idiot for disrespecting his country. What a shame it has come to this in our great nation. What has he ever done to help his country? This ethnic stuff is bull. Tell him to get a life and find another job in another country.

So, in your book, anyone who criticizes this country is "disrespecting" it, and therefore should leave? Got it.

 

And BTW, what "ethnic stuff" are you talking about? As far as I know, Kaep said absolutely nothing about ethnic origin or discrimination on the basis of it. Or is it all just the same to you?

[Kaepernick and the National Anthem]

Oh please. What's being done to make it more difficult for minorities to vote?

 

You might want to read a newspaper, other than the NY Post. In the last month alone, laws passed by Republucan-controlled legislatures in three different states making it more difficult to vote (or register to vote) have been tossed by the courts because they were intended to have an adverse effect on minority participation in the electoral process. This has been going on for many years and there are several other such laws that may be tossed before the November elections.

[Kaepernick and the National Anthem]

 

Also, the whole thing makes me a bit sad. I wonder if we have lost our sense of community in our country. I think at one time American's felt a common bond with one another over our commitment to the democratic ideal of liberty, the rule of law, equality, human rights, etc. I don't think we share this any longer. In fact, I think it is sometimes easier to find anger, hatred, or simple indifference to America and the ideals that it represents. I don't know why this has happened, but it is a bit depressing.

Maybe it's because one of the two major political parties in this country has nominated a man for president whose appeal to voters is so unabashedly racist that, according to multiple polls, he has attracted the support of between 0 and 1 percent of African American voters. Or maybe it's because that same party has dedicated a large part of its resources to enacting state laws whose purpose is to (illegally) make it more difficult for African-Americans and other minorities to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

 

Or maybe it's because that same party has conducted an eight year campaign of hatred, ridicule and fear-mongering against our first African American president, while at the same time blaming him for the deterioration of race relations.

[Kaepernick and the National Anthem]

You have a point, but the problem is that the Anthem (and our flag), as symbols of our country, are the very things enabling him to express his POV. By showing disrespect for our anthem, Kaepernick publicly undermined the foundation for the freedoms that he enjoys.

No, they are not "the very things enabling him to express his POV." I think what you mean is the constitution. As you point out, the flag and the anthem are nothing but symbols. Plenty of people love America (and its constitution) but don't give a rip about either the flag or the anthem.

 

One thing that stands out to me here in this is the lack of gratitude that Kaepernick shows. For all of the injustices that our nation has been guilty of, it has also given much to Kaepernick (as other posters have pointed out). He looks like a spoiled brat.

So, because Kaep is wealthy and successful he's not allowed to stand up for what he believes are injustices in this country? Only the poor can do that?

[Kaepernick and the National Anthem]

 

 

But what makes him a f'ing jerk is that it's difficult to take seriously the point that this country is oppressing black people when that point is being made by a black man who is being paid $19M a year to play a game.

 

If that's oppression, I'm a gonna git me some.

Are you serious? Do you really believe it's not possible that many African-Americans are discriminated against and oppressed, simply because a few black athletes in America are highly paid for their unique skills? Do you not see the fallacy of such a statement?

[Don't sleep on Glass Goodwin--making a good impression]

why is it so hard to understand that being on the roster, he takes away training and playing time from a WR that might actually amount to something in their careers.

The Bills understand this concept, but plainly they don't agree that Goodwin will never amount to anything. Goodwin has been with the organization since 2013 and the team has watched and coached him in every practice and at every game for which he has suited up since that time. The fact that the team has continued to give Goodwin opportunities--and now have him slotted as the number three receiver--despite his injury history, shows that they think highly of his ability. The Bills, who know Goodwin better than anyone as a teammate and as a football player, are most definitely not on board with your crusade.

[Don't sleep on Glass Goodwin--making a good impression]

I fail to see why he's still here. He just can't stay on the field and when he does its nothign special

Why is this so hard to understand? Goodwin is here because the Bills believe he is the third-best wide receiver on the team. Period. It also doesn't hurt that he has elite speed and that he is cheap (still on his rookie contract). I'm sure he apologizes to all Bills fans for having been injured previously.

[Pure Genius: Patriots Acquire Mingo from Cleveland]

not having a good camp

I did not follow Shelton during the season last year, but he did look very good against the Bills in the preseason. How is Erving doing?

[Chargers finally sign Bosa: Who blinked?]

It's not unprecedented, it's just not happened recently. Bo Jackson was selected #1 overall one year and in the 6th round the next. I am comfortable saying that Bo Jackson was a heluva lot better football player than Joey Bosa. There's no way Bosa goes top 3 next year after a year off.

 

Even if he does, he wasted a year of earnings (and earning on those earnings) and he's still 5 years away from contract number two instead of 4. Since the point of wanting the bonus money up front is the compound investment potential, not getting anything at all for a year is dumb. Let's say you're right and he's selected in a comparable slot with a comparable bonus and his second team capitulates and gives him his whole 14 million dollar bonus in 2017. The Chargers, IIRC, were willing to give him the 14 million by 2017 as well, just not all in 2016. While Bosa will still have the 14 million he'll miss on any investment potential on that money. Like I said, that's why he wants it now. Any scenario in this case Bosa loses.

 

The other reason he could use for wanting it all in 2016 is if his agent has trepidation about the tax code changing in 2017. If he "wins" and is redrafted in 2017 that reason for holding out is moot - it will already be 2017 and the tax code will be whatever it is.

The Bo Jackson situation was completely different because (a) it was 30 years ago and (b) he played another sport and a lot of people thought he did not really need or want to play football. That being said, you are right that Bosa has a lot to lose too, because it is uncertain what would happen if he reenters the draft and, as you point out, even under the best case scenario, he loses the use of the money for a year. There is just too much for each side to lose if this does not get done. That's why I think it will get done before the season starts.

[Chargers finally sign Bosa: Who blinked?]

Bosa is playing a dangerous game - threatening to hold out for the year will ultimately hurt him more than the Chargers. He won't be a top 3 pick next year. In all likelihood he'll drop several rounds.

I don't agree. We really have no idea what a holdout would do to Bosa's 2017 draft stock; this is an unprecedented situation. Assuming he stays in shape, doesn't get arrested and doesn't get injured playing pickup basketball, I don't know why Bosa would fall more than a few slots, although I suppose the perceived strength of the 2017 draft class might affect him, too. On the other hand, the Chargers lose out forever on a premium pick, a guy they supposedly thought was the best player in the entire draft, a potential superstar edge rusher that they could have had at the rookie pay scale. Plus, there is the damage to the team's reputation, and I'm sure a great deal of unhappiness among their fan base. I can't imagine the anger and frustration there would have been around here (and rightfully so) if the Bills had jerked Sammy Watkins around like this and lost his rights over something so insignificant.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

Here's one. You would be a dumpster fire of a Gm for the Bills.

 

Didn't you advocate every Oregon qb ever to play qb for us ? I can't remember which of your takes tickled me the hardest.

 

My hot takes.

 

Screamed like a girl when we drafted the flawless Sammy Watkins.

 

McCoy = good.

 

Leodis = the god

If I was GM of the Bills since 2000, I can guarantee I would have produced at least as many playoff teams as Donahoe, Levy, Buddy, and Whaley combined.

 

And we're still waiting for some actual football analysis from RLB, as opposed to one-line attacks on anyone and everyone who questions the profound wisdom of the Bills organization.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

Here's one. You would be a dumpster fire of a Gm for the Bills.

 

Didn't you advocate every Oregon qb ever to play qb for us ? I can't remember which of your takes tickled me the hardest.

Actually, the only one I've ever "advocated" was Marcus Mariota. So far, that one's looking pretty good. Nice try, though,

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

Captain hot takes is back.

Despite his thousands of posts on this board, we are still waiting for RLB's first actual football take. I'm guessing it's just not gonna happen.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

 

It amazes me that you think your smarter than Whaley and Monos.

Right, because Whaley's and Monos's record of NFL success is unparalleled, they are pretty much beyond reproach. In fact, I think TSW should delete all posts that question their draft strategies, and you would make the perfect censor to enforce that policy.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

I would take a franchise LT high. Hard for me to support o-line in the first round otherwise. Don't mind if you think the guy you picked needs to learn on the right side or even at guard for a year or so... but if you take an o-lineman in round 1 you better believe he can be a long term starter at LT down the road.

Don't disagree re the importance of LTs, but the success rate of LT prospects who have been taken in the top ten in the past five or so years has been miserable. Perhaps it's just a really difficult position to project, but the extended history of NFL teams not being able to get the position right even when using very high picks has to be factored in.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

I don't disagree with following your board but it would be rare (if ever) that I would have a guard, center, RT, ILB or run stuffing DT in with a 1st round grade. I would listen to the argument for a franchise LT but not in the top 10. You cannot use a pick that early for someone that is dependent on those around them for success. Again, JMO but as an example do you think in hindsight the Rams would have rather drafted Bortles, Watkins or Mack than Greg Robinson? The Falcons took Jake Matthews over Mike Evans, Anthony Barr, Odell Beckham and Aaron Donald. Bortles, Watkins, Mack, Evans, Barr, Beckham and Donald are in positions to control the outcome of a play. They can either rush the passer or put points on the board. I throw CB into that mix as well. Give me those guys all day long in the 1st and I will take my chances. The Cowboys start 3 really good 1st round OL and another guy that would have went in the 1st if not for that crazy situation and they won 4 games. The Broncos won the Super Bowl with elite pass rushers, corners, and receivers.

Great post. This is how a smart GM should approach the draft. BPA is a silly concept, unless positional value is taken heavily into consideration, and I think you have laid out a coherent and convincing approach to positional value, especially in round one

[Are we sleeping on this team?]

I don't know if they will actually win the games.....see the Chiefs games the past 3 years for an example of outplaying teams and still losing........ but they should be able to beat anybody.

 

I've always felt the key to improvement this year was going to be Tyrod taking his game to another level and it's been well publicized since OTA's that he looks much improved.

 

But what has stood out to me while so many fans were throwing themselves with woe about injuries/suspensions is that most of the losses are at positions that are easily replaceable in this defense/offense.

 

The defense is better off having experienced role players than trying to develop rookie LB's on the fly.

 

And putting Dareus at NT is a gross underuse of talent so they don't need to replace his talent as much as they need to just put another assignment-sound veteran on the field....which is not hard to find and they have in stock.

 

I hate to lose a 230#, big play TD scoring RB like Karlos but the reality remains that RB is an easy fix, especially in this system.

 

The systems have traction.......the personnel makes sense....some of last year's really disappointing players are armed with a lot more motivation this year.....there are lot's of talented special teamers that should make the roster......even the Bush signing and incentive program for punt returns makes sense for a defense that is going to be all about forcing punts.

 

Basically at this point they don't have any significant deficiencies relative to what they are trying to do on O, D or ST.

Agree completely. Dareus's absence is being overrated. Along with Tyrod's emergence, Watkins getting and staying healthy will be a huge factor for the Bills success this year. Without him, this offense will struggle against good teams.

[At some point, is someone in the FO accountable?]

 

Read your post back to yourself and I hope for your sake - you expose yourself.

I have no idea what you're talking about. As far as I can tell, your sole contribution to this site is to attack anyone who questions any move by the Bills' coaching staff or front office. Your next actual football take will be your first.

[Marcell Dareus entering rehab]

This can't be the consensus. He can flat out dominate.

He can, but he doesn't do it regularly. He's not a top-ten defensive lineman in the league, and maybe not even a top ten DT. And that is the consensus; Google lists of top ten NFL defensive linemen. You won't find Marcel on many--if any--of the lists.

[Is Cyrus Kouandjio Still a Bust?]

I was talking about the other stuff, like knee-jerk reaction that a guy would never improve, crappy coaching by Maroon, you know, all the arguments to which the answers are: EJ sucks, he always sucked, he always will suck.

This will be EJ's fourth season in the NFL. While it's possible he will improve, would you bet on it? Do you think any teams will offer him a big contract to come in and compete for a starting job after this season?

[Marcell Dareus entering rehab]

Obviously, nothing about this is good news. On the other hand, it's not the end if the world. Dareus is a very good player, but he's not a real difference-maker. I don't expect a huge drop-off, assuming Corbin Bryant and Jerrel Worthy get most of Dareus's playing time. Tyrod's performance is many times more important to the ultimate success of this year's Bills.

[At some point, is someone in the FO accountable?]

 

The history of the league says otherwise, but you know better of course.

Don't invoke "the history of the league" unless you're ready to back it up with statistics. I've been observing the NFL for over 40 years and I'm not aware of any pronounced tendency for teams to do better in year two under a new coach/system. If it's a good system/coach, sure. But if it's a lousy one, it is at least as likely to get worse in year two. If you've got statistics that show otherwise, enlighten us.

[Giants vs. Bills at New Era Field - 8/20 @ 4 PM on NFLN]

People wanted us to draft this dude lol

Let's face it; not many NFL teams can win if their starting QB goes down.

[At some point, is someone in the FO accountable?]

Bottom line: If Tyrod has a big year and proves to be a franchise QB, it will overshadow all the awful things that have happened this offseason.

[Dak Prescott]

I did forget about that. And you might throw in Jeff Tuel for historical purposes. Exhibition Season Heroes everywhere!

So in Prescott's case, his preseason performance means the Bills screwed up by failing to draft him, but Cardale's preseason success is meaningless. Got it.