Rockinon

The Bills weren't too shabby in pass coverage throughout the season, even with the loss of Gilmore. Not only that, they were near the top of the league in interceptions. All I can say, is it sure is nice to have a disruptive defensive line for a change. I really don't see the Bills changing their philosophy very much. The DBs all ready do a lot of bumping near the line of scrimmage and I think guys like McKelvin were successful because the coaches actually allowed him to play his own style rather than try and conform him to a defensive philosophy. In fact, I think the philosophy was to allow players to play according to their strengths. Gilmore on the other hand, is a back that likes to get into shoving matches while following his man. Robey is another back with a completely different style. He is small, but very good at closing in quick and snatching an interception or braking up a pass. The addition of Corey Graham, is a big DB with a more physical presence than Robey. It appears the Bills are kind of mixing it up with different kinds of backs. Perhaps so the defense can be more versatile? Bottom line, I don't see our coaches trying to make all of the backs play the same way as the Seahawks. I see a Bills backfield with a lot of talent and a style all their own. We may very well find franchises across the league trying to emulate our style. What really bothered me was the last game against, NE. Brady, one of the best in the business, nearly abandoned the pass game because of the pressure he was getting. Unfortunately for the Bills, NE successfully ran the ball right down our throats. Our pass defense is far from being the problem. I'd actually call it one of our best strengths.

Why do we have to make this so complicated? Here, let me clear up some confusion. We need a right tackle. There see how easy that was?

He's a rookie. He will play according at his rookie pay scale regardless of where he plays.

I think the Bills will go with best player available, but there is one other thing that I am certain they will plan for. They will do what ever they have to, to buy more time for EJ and to find ways opening holes for our running backs. If a highly graded OLman falls to them, they will jump at the chance. Of course, the way things are looking, the top 2 OLman are going to be gone. That is where things start to go a little fuzzy in the prediction department. They could go WR, TE, LB, DL or even QB. My thinking is that whoever it is, it will be someone that Whaley or Marone thinks will have the biggest impact improving the team.

I wouldn't say right now just yet. Things are looking up, but we still need some offensive firepower. Maybe a healthy Hairston will help but while he did an admirable job at LT, he is pretty much unproven at RT. We need to upgrade there yet. Also, I am pretty much sure that EJ is the guy the coaches are planning to ride through this season. He is going to need all the weapons he can get. TE, WR and maulers on the OL. I like our 330lb LG pickup, but he has struggled throughout his career. RT is shaky too. You are right about one thing though. Our needs don't appear to be black hole sized problems like they have been in the past. Whaley looks like he is really doing his homework. I like it. Buffalo was at the top of the league in interceptions before Byrd started playing last year. I think they will be all right. I like the addition of Spikes, but I am concerned about teams exploiting him in passing situations. He will need some coverage help, but I think if there is a team that can handle it, it's Buffalo.......wow, did I really say that.

Of course....the nickname Bickering Bills in the 90's actually came from here. That's still a possibility. I just don't see them doing that without a backup plan. Kiko did a pretty fine job in the middle last year. Man, that must have been a nasty hit.

Remind me again where he lines up on this team. He most definitely will not be replacing Kiko in the middle. He's an OLB. Plain and simple. Just because you can line somebody up anywhere doesn't make it right. Use your head, man. BTW, in case you haven't noticed, this is the Bills, not the Giants.

No. He is an OLB.

OLB

There goes another team in need of a safety Chris Brown ‏@cbreezy2411 15m RB market is getting flooded, Bills can pick up veteran back if desired. Or draft young prospect.

I picked Fred, but I am very surprised there is no love for Kyle Williams.

Whaley also believes it's a possibility. LINKY

Who is the free agent that the Bills are targeting? I think number one is Jarius Byrd. I also think the Bills specifically did not franchise him because they wanted to sign him without any worries of a hold out or any other such nonsense. People keep ignoring Byrds and Whaley's comments. He is still very much in play.

You all are going to be shocked as hell when Byrd signs a contract with the Bills.

LOL. Yep, nobody is going to take that story and run with it. Not enough conspiracy.

My prediction...... 1. Bills will find some value in free agency. Maybe one or two guys for depth. Can't even begin to guess what position. 2. Tackle or LB in 1st RD 3. Tackle or LB in second round. 4. Here is where the Bills start looking for a TE but probably go BPA at WR. Just don't see the Bills going TE in the 1st 2 rounds....ever. 5. Byrd signs a long term contract with the Bills. While everyone loves speculating about Byrd's unhappiness, not once have I seen him bash the Bills and his ties to this team I think are strong. Call me overoptimistic, but I think Byrd and the FO find a place where they both can get it done.

6'4" and only 204 is like a tall tooth pick. I'm 6'0" and 225 and pretty thin. Injury waiting to happen with this kid. Gotta have some body mass to absurb NFL hits. We have DBs heavier that would crush him.

What? No 16?

That's easy. The season was all ready shot and they didn't want to spring their secret weapon until next year.

In all seriousness though, this is a concern. Sooner or later they will have to do something about it. Not sure it's time for a new stadium just yet. I think with the renovations that have been done so far, the Bills will remain where they are for a while,

Says the Jets fan who shares his stadium with another team.

EJ wouldn't have to do much if the defense holds them to 8pts!

I was thinking the same. Pettine will need more than 2 yrs to turn that team around....not sure he will get it done in time before Cleveland decides to rinse and repeat with a new coach. What was he thinking?

The Bills defense is ultra talented. The pass rush is feared and people who keep blathering on about not stopping the run don't realize that when the defense did try to stop the run this past year, they did. The big issue was getting gashed for big gains when they were not expecting it. That's coaching, not talent. Pepper recognizes that this team is loaded and wants to be a part of it.

Or O'neal may just get an expanded role.