Dr. Trooth

OK... all this yadyada about the Bills needing a TE to take the offense to another level is a lot of Whooey. And.. one poster went so far as to say the last 6 SB winners drafted a TE in Rd. 1... I say, so what? Shockey was a DNP in the last one, and TB has never drafted a TE #1... so, that post doesn't stand the litmus test, period. The one thing common to that the winners of the last 6 SBs had was a competent QB in combination with very good defenses. That's it. Now... getting back to the TE (sort of). If I've learned one thing it is that the Bills play in probably the harshest weather environments in the league... when you take into condsideration all of the elements. It is necessary to have a passing game to get to the next level. I understand. But, as you've seen many times before, the deeper you get into the season, the less functional the passing game becomes in poor weather. No tight end is going to change that in any way, shape or form. Also, you have a head coach that will never have an aggressive offensive philosophy. There is a direct correllation to the agressiveness of Jauron's offense and the performance of his defense. The better the defense performs, the more aggressive the offense will be... to a point. Jauron's MO is, and has always been to shorten the game using an aggressive defense, special teams, and T.O.P offense, grinding it out a yard at a time and not a lot of verticality... control the clock... and keep the defense fresh. Jauron is who he is, and that is what he is... it won't change. So even if the Bills had Tony Gonzales and/or Antonio Gates at tight end... they wouldn't produce to the degree they produce now in the Bills offense... dink and dunk, gash with Marshawn. The Bills TEs, historically have been blockers first and receivers 2nd. The Bills learned their lesson when they drafted "down field" tight ends Rueben Gant and Tony Hunter in the first round. Both were totally worthless. Lonnie Johnson was a 2nd rounder that was supposed to give the Bills a down field presence. That didn't happen... we all lived through that and Lonnie was our friggin whipping boy. Well deserved. Even McKellar of the KGun fame never caught much more than 40 balls in a season... not many TDs if I recall... and that was in the pinnacle of Kelly and company... serious offensive production. Metzelaars, the 6'7" plodding TE caught 68 balls in 93... more than any other TE in Bills history. NO Bills TE has come close since then or before. Even then, it was the Bills 3rd TE... in short yardage that stole the show, catching quite a few TDs in goal line situations... the beloved Butch "Shake,Rattle, &" Rolle! So this fantasy of some sexy Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzales TE being the Bills missing link is nonsnense. What they need is just the lunch pail type that can block like hell, find the seams, and catch the damn ball when called upon to do so. The three best for the Bills at that, IMO were Paul Costa, Mark Brammer, and Pete Metzelaars. They all brought a physical presence, could get open, and catch when thrown to. Two things that will make the difference in whether or not this offense goes from dreadful to the middle of the pack this year, is this... and neither one is the TE. It is how well the defense performs and how much better Trent Edwards gets. The defense has added some moxie in free agency plus the return of several injured players, so it looks like they may hold up their end. That means Edwards is the key. The honeymoon is over. Trent has Parrish, Evans, and Lynch as weapons, and a pretty good Oline. He needs to make a quantum leap for the Bills to even think playoffs.

what would you expect from a 13 yr. old blogger who doesn't have a clue about football? yeah, right... CJ is a perfect fit for this team... he espouses humility and every other characteristic the Bills would want in a player.

Christ almighty... he's an 8 year vet that knows this defense frontwards/backwards and upside down. He has no injuries to rehab. Damn...Its just weight lifting and he's probably got his own gym at home. Trust him... he knows the drill and is a grown up boy nad will work out on his own and come to trianing camp in top top shape... he needs no baby sitting and he gives everyhting he's got on every play for this team. He had a good season despite playing with the softest middle in the NFL and a host of injuried team mates. When the coach of the AFC pro bowl calls you specifically to replace a player that couldn't play, that speaks volumes for Schobel, commanding that type of respect amongst coaches and peers... the people that really matter.

why do we waste band width to discuss a backup tight end.? He's done nothing to deserve any accolades... and he got beaten out by Bo Scaiffe in Tenn. Man... he brings nothing but adequate depth to a team. Don't we already have two backup tight ends... Royal and Anderson?

Half of the draft gurus say there's not a receiver in this draft worthy of a first round selection. The other half says there is. The fact that half of them say there's not first rd. talent says to me that the Bills won't waste the #11 on a WR. There simply is no Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, or even Lee Evans in the first round this year. And, remember, Marvin Harrison and Eric Moulds were 1st rd. selections beyond the 20th pick in the draft theyear of theirdrafting, and Randy Moss went around the middle of the first rd. when he was drafted. Even Lee Evans selected at 12, I believe, has had only one out of four seasons that could be considered good. No wr coming out this year can even carry any of the above mentioned wrs chin strap.

Dude... I know where you got this... and Connor Byrne is an idiot. He's a 13 year old that blogs... a Vic Carrucci wann-a-be. He's not as swift as 97% of the posters on this board and has zero iinside info. It's one thing to read his bullschitt, but, to admit that you read his bullschitt is even worse.

I gotta say it. Even where I come from, this has got tobe the most retarderd post ever. "Balls" said the queen. "If I had balls I'd be king"!

Do I have this right? Just becuase Chris Colston writes an expose' on this guy, you think he shoudl be drafated at #12? If I've got this right, P.T. Barnum was a great prophet.

Thank you. If the Bills can score that type of player in Rd. 4 this year, it would be real sweet.

The Doc here... bringing trooth, reality, and most of all, sanity to the board. I realize everyone's got their predidtions and prognostifications... and I do as well. We think we have a clue... but we don't and neither do I. First, let me say this about Peterson and Willis. Peterson is not a good fit for this offense. This offense is looking for a runner who hits the hole up the middle, can be an asset in the passing game and in short yardage. Peterson is an angular, down hill, always looking to hit the corner, runner. He needs a few steps to get started. He is not a quick hitter up the middle, and he needs space to be effective.... so, at #12, if he's there... pass. As for Willis, well, there's been a lot of conjecture over the past month on him. Some say he's moving up, some say he's moving down. I say, remember Mike Mamula, one of the great character guys and work out warriors in the pre-draft circus a scant few years back. That out of the way, lets look at the big picture. Last draft the Bills plugged in 4 starters on defense (McCargo might have been the 5th had he stayed healthy) and one on offense. That's pretty damn good. But, take a look at Whitner at #8. Did he make a huge impact? Not really. Ko Simpson, taken in the 3rd rd., had slightly better stats than did Whitner. This is not to say that Whiner is not a very good player. He flat out is, and he's going to be a fixture for some time to come. My point is the Bills have demonstrated they can get value in Rds. 2-7 and get it right. That said, the word on the street is that this draft is deep, albeit there are not a lot of home run hitters. After #10... there may not be a lot of distance between #11 and the next 40. But there sure is salary wise. Thus, the Bills could benefit enormously in this draft by selecting a lot of players to fill many holes on this team. It's no secret that they could use at least 3 LBs...one as a starter and the others for ST, depth, and starting potentiial. They need a RB, a WR, CB, depth at safety, and another DE (Schobel is 30 by the season opener, and a small, high motor guy like him will wear down in another year or two). So, when the Bills are on the clock at #12., don't crap if they give that pick up for an extra 2 and 3. In rounds 2, 3, 4 there are players like Siler, Davis, Beason, Pittman, Walker, Ball, Tenard Jackson, etc. that the Bills could immediatley fill rolls on this team. So, the moral is... don't get hung up on the Bills taking that one player at #12. There is no forgiveness if they select the wrong guy... and Peterson and Willis, IMO are the wrong guys for this team to take at #12.

Uh... folks... this just in... When you are a below .500 team you're on the 'bottom feeder' side of the line. So, every game is a tough one because more than 50% of the teams in the league have a better record than you. Conversely, if you're in the upper echelon (ala the Pats), 75% of the league is worse than you. Therefore the schedule seems a lot easier. So, please shut your yaps about the toughness of the schedule... Do you want to run with the big dogs or stay home and suck milk with the puppies? If you want to run with the big dogs, ya gotta play with em. If you want to get better you've got to be challenged.

Dude... Someone threw all those passes and TDs. It's the Football Hall of Fame... not an endorsement for sainthood. And the Pope and Jerry Falwell are not on the comittee the last I kenw. Get a clue.

What historical successes would you be talking about? I can't think of one single success story in which the Bills traded their 1st rd. pick for a player that had NFL playing experience... not one.

This kid has proven that he's nothing but an excellent #2. He's never lived at the top of the opposition's defensive game plan. He's never lugged the seed 25 times in a game (at least not more than once). There's not a lot of history that he is the everydown back and consistently reliable on passing situations. It's been said here a few times now... why would he garner a #1 if Alexander and the Edge wouldn't? Willis garnered 2 3s and a seven being a known quantity. What team is going to give up a #1 ... or even a #2 for this kid? Why not tell AJ Smith to kiss our collective asses and offer him a "take it leave it" 3rd rounder? I seriously doubt anyone's going to pay more... and if they do, so what. Next year's draft is rich in the RB dept... and personally I'd rather see the Bills select Mike Hart with their #1 next year than give up this year's #1 for Turner. And, Turner will also be an UFA after next year... So... AJ... kiss my ass... take the 3 now or get nothing next year. There are greater needs at LB and CB for this team right now. They should not give up anything more than a #3 for Turner.

obviously a belated April fools prank

There's a fine line between "thinking cheap" and "thinking stupid"... and giving up big money, a couple of draft picks (essentially, 2 way less expensive players that may be solid fixtures) for an unknown commodity, well, ...... is "stupid". The Bills are going nowhere this year... with or without Turner... that's a given... unless you live in denial or a fantasy world. Yes, they will be improved... maybe they make the playoffs... and if they do, it's one game and out. I'd sooner see them use less expensive scabs at RB this year and then get a damn good RB ala Mike Hart in next year's draft... the RB crop next year is both quality and abundant. If the Bills can get a better back next year with out giving up sh--, then why give up $$$ and potential players? That's moving in reverse.

There are a few things about Turner that could/dissuade a team from going after him... 1) he's always been a backup to LT. So, can he be an every down back? Is his 6.3 yards per touch more a result of subbing in for LT and opposing defenses letting down just enough to get burned by a very good change-of pace back? 2) SD has guaranteed him 2.5M this season... therefore that's the minumum starting point for any team that wants him... that, plus a player, draft pick, or both. So, a team trading for him either rents him for a year and in the process gives up something of value... and unless they sign him to a long term deal, they end up with nothing. Do you really want to hitch your wagon to this guy knowing that next year's draaft is rich in the RB category? Will he really be a top 6 or 7 back in this league? Turner would have to be a clear cut difference maker for any team to give up draft picks and the salary that he now commands. I'm not saying he is or he isn't because there is no clear cut answer. But, it is something to consider. There are always good backs that a team can grab in Rd. 2 or Rd. 3. Thurman was a 2nd Rounder, Travis was a 2nd rounder, and last year M. Jones-Drew was a 2nd rounder... and I'd love for the Bills to pick up a back like that. My take on the Bills is that they are clearly continuing their re-shaping and makeover of this team. Playoffs aren't out of the questiuon this year, but, in reality, it's no slam dunk either. Darby, Irons, and a few others can be had for much less than it would cost them for Turner. If it were up to me, I'd stay the course and say no to Turner... no offense to the guy or his accomplishments, I just think the Bills have to invest in guys like JP, Evans, ect. while continuing to add value to the team through the draft this year, and perhaps next season too.

You must mean depth on "IR"

Dude... Carlton Bailey wasn't brought in until 89 or 90 and was on at least two SB teams before departing via FW. He scored the lone TD in the Bills 10-7 win over Denver in their 2nd AFC championship to avance to SB 26.

there within lies the Bills next surprise... They will now draft a RDE with their 1st rd. pick and convert Schobel to MLB... a leaner meaner version of Urlacher. Now, please... someone get this rumor started... even pinned at the top, perhaps.

Sounds like a choir boy. Is that whatt you want at MLB, or, would you prefer someone who would like to rip a guys heads off and spit down his neck?

Certainly they've improved. If you look exclusively at the signing of "Langston" and "Darwin", it's difficult to see how the Bills have improved. However, if you look at these moves in concert with everything else, the picture is more clear... and that picture will become more clear after the draft. The aquistion of Langston without brining in Dockery to solidify the left said meant little. However, if Pennington continues his rapid ascent and Preston continues to unimpress, Langston could easily step in at RG because he's played the position before. And, the result could mean a formidable offensive line. Darwin's aquisition adds another experienced DT that will rotate. Istead of 50 snaps a game, Walker's going to get 25 -35 snaps... that will increase his effectiveness. Also, even though the Bills re-signed Anderson, it was only cheap insurance if they don't get the DT they want in the draft. I'm pretty sure the Bills don't see Anderson, even as a short term answer... and they will enhance the DT and perhaps DE too in the draft. Lastly... You can sya the same thing you said in the top of you message about the Free Agents or trades the Bills made. Spikes, Clements, Fletcher played on a piss poor Bills defense. By your logic... any team that acquired those players got crap. And, the same goes for McGahee... he played on a bottom five offense, therefore he stinks (which may be true), but he may be utilized in an offense that is more suitable to his one dimensional skill. I have a hard time believeing that an offensive line that consisted of Langston Walker, Jake Grove, Bob Gallery, and Barry Sims stunk. The offensive woes of the Raiders couldn't possibly be because of Art shell, who hired an offensive coordinator that hadn't been involved in football for several years...and stunk to begin with. It couldn't possibly be because of having Andrew Walter (yeah, who?) at QB.... or 3 of the most selfish players the NFL has to offer in Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, and Aaron Brooks, could it? The Bills did their homework on these guys... and Jauron said Langston graded out very well according to how he measures performance. Jauron's the guy that has to make it work... not you.

THOUGHTS? Only that you are a seriously disturbed individual. Are you suicidal, homicidal, or both?

No need to rush to judgment on this. The players lost are replaceable. Fletcher made the bulk of his tacklse downfield. The Bills want a MLB that can play on the LOS and take on OL as well as penetrate into the backfield. That wasn't Fletcher's game. Clements was overkill as a CB in the cover two. Many projected Youboty to be a 1st rounder had he been in this year's draft. In McGahee, the Bills lost a career 3.9 YPC back who had the benefit of a first year mulligan. His departure was addition by subtraction. Whoever the Bills move into that spot will be an upgrade. This is a clear case of fans drinking wa too much Willis koolaid. He's not elusive, nor is he any more powerful than many backs in the NFL. He demonstrated average speed, and no insticnts as a runner. And, definitely proved to be a liability in the passing game... neither was he a good blocker, or receiver. Spikes... one of their best players? No way. Coming off the achilles injury he wasn't anywhere near close to the Spikes we knew... he was barely adequate. He's lost his explosiveness, and therefore lost his game. We don't know how McCargo will pan out, but, he was just beginning to work the rotation whenhe went down with the foot injury. If the Bills improved their Oline as much as it would seem, the impact is more profound than you think. Their offense was ranked in the bottom 5 last year. An offense that consisted of a marginal oline, a RB that was below average, a young QB, and an OC that dumbed down the playbook to accomodate his on field talent. This year's offense should take a quantum leap and be more 'middle' of the pack in offensive ranking this year. That alone takes some heat off the defense and more offensive scoring may mean an opposing offense may take more risks against the Bills defense. The Bills need only to shore up their middle... a LB, and possibly a DT, plus their hole at CB, and additional LB depth. The young safeties have cut their teeth and will be one of the unit's strengths. You don't know what will happen on draft day... and you can mark it down that the Bills, at the end of the draft, will end up with at least two LBs that will see significant playing time, if not, starting. And, LB in this defense does not require the learning curve of many other positons that a rookie must adjust to. Quit worrying and let things take course. Jauron and Marv are intelligent people that know football. Every draft pick last year made the team last year and many started and played significantly. If the Bills get just 3 good players out of their picks this year, it will be gravy.

It varies county to county, but in NYS you pay property taxes for school, county, township or village/city. On 175K assessed value, we're talking generally in the $6,000-$7,500K range per yr. Consider that if you were retired and/or on Soc. Sec. and your morgtage was paid off, in the above example, even though you own your home free and clear, you'd pay $500 to $625 monthly to keep up with the annual property tax bill... and this is with Star program credit. A $175K home, 4BR, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, on approx. 3/4 acre is maybe just a shade above middle income/middle class... and perhaps not even that.