Rockinon

I think, coming out of college he was very immature. Young people. For some it just takes time. I think he does have strong work ethics, so it's not all bad. Maybe he'll turn it around(still not holding my breath though). At this point the odds are against him. It's very hard to change perceptions once you have all ready established negative ones. Chan Gailey's perception seems to lean toward the negative side. One thing is certain, he's got his work cut out for him.

We know Merriman was pushing for a big contract before he came to Buffalo. He will have very little chance of that if he does not perform extremely well this year. This is the final year of his 2 year contract so in order to even get any kind of a decent new contract he has no choice but to perform this year. Bell was playing injured last year so it is conceivable that he will improve. Right tackle was addressed during the draft ensuring that there will be a nice battle for that spot. As far as the interior of the offensive line, I think we are well ahead of the game. I agree that the offensive line is another area that we have good reason to look forward to. I fully expect this unit to improve. We saw explosive flashes from our offense as a whole last year. Even a small improvement from the offensive line will help. It will be interesting to watch because most of will agree that the defense has improved which will lead to a greater number of opportunities for the offense.

Yea, I know. I'm funny like that. Wishful thinking? I don't think so. The linebackers have been injured, playing in a new scheme and have been exposed to an overall weak defensive line. Remember this is a team sport. One hand washes the other so to speak. If the defensive line stiffens up these guys will surprise people. We have some real good talent but up to now it simply hasn't translated on the field. I know that this is an optimistic point of view, but the very fact that the FO doesn't think it needs to add OLBs tells me that I am not the only one that shares this view. And ILB has been addressed in the draft. Take a look at this LINK.

The linebackers. Moats looked good getting after the passer(though he needs to work on run defending). Merriman healthy and in the last year of his contract(he should be motivated). Batten healthy(he was an ILB last year but should move to OLB because he can get after the passer too). We have 2 ILBs drafted and I think one of them will start very soon. Dave Wannstedt will be coaching this group. Poz is likely to be resigned(he seemed very happy with the offer tendered last year). With the addition of Dareus and possibly Jasper our linemen should make it a lot easier for our linebackers to make plays. Many seem to be very concerned about this group, but we have made a lot of positive moves to make the linebackers better. I no longer see the defense as a weakness.

I think our rank as a run defense certainly supports the bolded part. Makes you wonder how having a solid defensive line will effect the performance of safeties and linebackers alike. One of the things that really irked me last year, was seeing 300lb offensive linemen breaking through and laying licks on our linebackers.

Not every team is doing this. The veteran Bills players organized this because they are concerned that this litigation stuff could drag, leaving them with little time to prepare for the season. They say so themselves. They just need to be prepared. I really don't think this has anything to do with PR.

That may be so, but it is still the most information we have gotten on this subject up to now. It's not like we are diving into hard core research or anything. Sheesh.

He doesn't have to go out and get himself injured. Just meeting with new team members, talking about the playbook and getting a feel for how things are done in Buffalo is a plus. He can also get together with them and look for possible places to live. These workouts can do a lot more than just well..... workout. Regardless, these guys have to weight train, run and do all of the things professional athletes do to stay in shape. They won't be putting pads on and hitting each other. Doing stuff together as a team, accomplishes a lot, though I hope Jasper comes to town too, as well as the other rookies.

OK, lets put it this way people. Football is not more important than family. I am not a Maybin apologist. I a have stated numerous times that he has a snowballs chance in hell of doing something at the NFL level. That's not where I am trying to steer people. The guy has gone through a serious life changing family experience. Hating on someone at that time is sickening. Is this what being a Bills fan has come to?

I suppose that you would be able to concentrate fully on your job just weeks after your infant son dies? I know, you're always right. I guess being right is far more important than being fair.

Here is some more on the team workout from the Times Union. Linky Says they expect about 30 people to attend and that the invitation was extended to the rookies. People are arriving in Buffalo over the weekend and the workouts will start on Monday.

You don't care that he lost his infant son?

Hello, PTR. Thanks for dropping in.

Thank you, timmo for reminding us where priorities should really lie. I wanted to say something, but just couldn't think of an appropriate way to say it.

Take it easy San Jose. I actually understood what you were driving at. Just busting your chops. Sometimes, I just can't help myself. It just slips out.

I really don't think we are qualified to make such assumptions. We can only speculate on what's going on behind the scenes. We don't actually know. Perhaps you have one of them there all seeing, all knowing eyes. Me, I just have regular eyes and a brain behind them to reason with.

Personally, I think that discussion has 0% influence on Maybin, the coaching staff or anyone within the Bill's organization. It's just a bunch of discussion by fans on a message board. What do we know?

Thurman Thomas used to skip team workouts too. Back then, he said it was because team workouts didn't push him hard enough.

Head coach Chan Gailey is an excellent offensive tactician. Assistant head coach Dave Wannstedt is an excellent defensive tactician. We have among the best of both worlds and I just don't get this "Ralph is cheap", "nobody wants to come to Buffalo" mentality. I can imagine the stupid look on some faces around here when the Bills put together a good string of wins this year. Seriously, what is with you guys?

I think there are certain defensive looks that can incorporate someone like Maybin. He could play Joker. It's a linebacker position that Von Miller had some success with in college. Wannstedt will be able to see if he can get something out of him(not really holding my breath waiting for that to happen, though). The linebackers as a group really looked out of position, more than any other group on the defense last year. I think we have some good talent at the position regardless. The coaching was the big stinker and that is why Wannstedt was brought in. I would not be surprised if he ends up with Edward's job by the end of the season.

I had the thought that Gailey could do things with him that last coaching regime couldn't. But man, this board would blow up if that happened.

Again, Wannstedt though not all that great as a head coach, he is considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the business. Even though he is Assistant Head Coach/LBs Coach, he has still been hired by this team to help our defense. Why do you have to be such a negative Nancy? Because he wasn't specifically given the title "defensive coordinator"?

Easley will have no trouble out muscling DBs, that's for sure. In one of Steve Johnson's interviews, he said Easley looked like a bully, a bouncer.

I never knew that about his infant son. No wonder he was not given many opportunities. Hope he is able to get on the field and do something now.

Dave Wannstedt We have an offensive coordinator, but Gailey is obviously in charge of the offense. Edwards is the defensive coordinator but as assistant head coach, Wannstedt will be in charge of the defense. This really was a brilliant signing.