BillsVet

Words are well, just words. Isn't it ironic how this is touted as the real Jauron, yet this sort of post would never have appeared after the MNF debacle, or the Cleveland game when the real DJ was apparent. IMO, Jauron's history as a coach demonstrates more of cross-section than an interview with Clark Judge. And until I see success on the field, it's hard to be a Jauron fan, nice sound-bite or not. I'm also fine with his low-key persona, but there were times last season when the team lost focus and seemed unmotivated. Additionally, some of his post-game press conferences left a lot to be desired. These were his first comments after the loss to Philly in the season finale: "Offensively we did a pretty good job of not turning (the ball) over. I think the fact that we didn't turn the ball over today at all, and didn't have very many penalties in that football game, kept us in the game." That sort of talk doesn't cut it, and fails to take responsibility for the team's failures. I understand he's got a young team and wants to keep the morale up, but avoiding the problems that dogged them all season long isn't the way to do it. I don't have anything personal against the man, but his style of coaching has produced little in 7+ seasons. And until there are results, such as a playoff appearance and perhaps a win in the post-season, it's going to be tough to keep believing he's got the answers beyond words.

I believe Edwards has two seasons left on his rookie contract. Lynch, OTOH, has three years left on his initial deal. I suspect the Bills would lock up Edwards first, provided he plays well this season. Buffalo will see a marked increase in player salaries and they won't be able to re-sign all of their guys with their C2C plan. They've budgeted so much for each year, and I'm not sure after they re-up Peters down the road that they'll have the funds for guys like Crowell (signed throuh 08) and McGee (09)

Regardless of which Irsay hired Polian, neither one has harbored the animosity that Ralph held against BP. If only Littman hadn't carried more favor with RW than he should have. I don't think there's a better GM/President in the league than Polian. He succeeded before and after the cap has been in effect. No executive type can demonstrate anything close to that. Of late, he's set his sights on the out of control rookie first round salaries and appears to be the one pushing Goodell the hardest on this issue.

Based on what? Until someone can come out and say authoritatively that they're not moving, rumors will continue that this "loaning" of the Bills is an attempt to gauge market interest in a NFL franchise for Toronto. At this point, nothing is out of the question, including a move to Toronto or any place that an investor/owner believes a NFL franchise can operate with big revenue potential. The one man who can put the rumors to bed is adamant that the team will be sold after his passing. It's a feel-good thing to believe what the team says and think it's only about expanding a fan base. When one of the top markets in North America is hours away from where your team plays, anything is possible. I'll wait until a regular season game to figure out just how this Toronto arrangement plays out. If fan support is poor, I won't celebrate, nor will I be upset. For the time being, I'll watch the games and hope they play well. It's just ridiculous to think there isn't more going on behind the scenes than an attempt at regionalization.

I don't think rational Bills fans have anything personal against Canadians. That no one can come out and guarantee that upon Mr. Wilson's passing the Bills remain in Buffalo is the point of contention. Ted Rogers' presence is that of an 800 pound gorilla in the room, and he's got the ability to purchase them. Imagine a major Canadian hockey team being in the same position as the Bills are in now. It's not going to happen, but nevertheless the threat of an American entrepreneur "borrowing" that team for a few regula games would probably not be seen as anything less than a first move toward relocating them. Walk a mile in a Western NY Bills fan before complaining our motive is US versus Canada. It's not, because there's a deeper conflict developing here.

Buffalo also had the largest OL in the NFL last season, and had serious issues running the football. That may relate more to the OL coach, McNally, but it's hard to equate size to success. Denver's OL's are routinely one of the smaller ones in football yet have success year in and year out running the football. Last season Buffalo's OL started every game until Peters' injury kept him from playing in week 17. For the run game to improve, the passing game will need to be such that teams can't throw 8+ in the box. I would also argue that teams who have accurate QB's as NE does with Brady can throw it more, given their receivers. Running the ball is important, but the Pats* proved that an efficient passing game can reduce the need to run the ball. All in all, teams that can mix an effective passing game with a good ground attack will keep defenses on their toes. Buffalo did that last night with Pittsburgh's first team defense.

Through it all, Jauron's greatest failure has been an inability to select good coordinators. Gary Crowton, John Shoop, Steve Fairchild (all OC's) are no longer in the NFL and probably won't return anytime soon. The jury is out on Schonert, and it remains to be seen just how different the offense truly will be from 07 to 08. I don't expect Buffalo to score 30 per game, given their few changes in personnel on offense. IMO, they'll improve somewhat as Edwards gains experience, but I'm not sure the defense can make up for the youth and lack of depth on offense. If history shows anything about DJ, his teams (especially since Crowton left) have been anything but offensive powers. It's just not his style to have a strong offense that scores in bunches. He's a win with defense coach, and while that isn't flashy, it's his method. No way is he departing from that 7+ years into his head coaching career. Whether his style is right for this team will be decided this year because he's finally got the defense on paper to be mildly successful.

I referred to his status on this board, not the media. I don't like the guy any more than most around here do, but he has a track record of success everywhere he's been. As much as he's a jerk, he makes things happen. Buffalo hasn't had a coach like that in an awfully long time.

It's ironic that some point out the lack of talent Jauron's had when he's coached the Bills and Bears. In fact, he had immense personnel control over the teams he coached, specifically his first two seasons with Chicago and the past couple with Buffalo. On a side note, the much maligned Bill Parcells went to the playoffs with Quincy Carter as his QB. Jauron's formula has always been and will remain win with defense, and hope the offense can do enough. If he doesn't have a defense, his teams have suffered mightily. "Getting what you paid for" isn't a good enough excuse for this team not having a good HC capable of stealing games and beating the better teams. I'm sure if the original poster looked at Jauron's record versus playoff teams each year, they'd find that was abysmal too. Despite all this, DJ has one more season with many of his hand-picked players to reach the playoffs. We'll see if he can.

If the draft were truly a crap shoot (it either is or isn't) then no team would have an edge on any other in terms of overall roster talent. There's a reason certain teams not only have good teams, but know when to let someone go and find their replacement in the draft. Much was made of the Colts featuring a starting lineup on both offense and defense that was either drafted or UDFA's. Polian knows all too well that free agency isn't always the best way to build a team, and of late, has signed few high-profile UFA's. The Bills front office continues to go without a proven talent evaluator in the GM or similar position. Fans can think Brandon fills the void, but he doesn't and neither did Marv. At some point, the team will need to sign a proven personnel man in the front office who has authority over pro and amateur scouting among other areas.

I love it when people compare the Bills' draft record with teams like the Steelers and Colts. As we know, the Bills haven't been to the post-season in 8 years, while those two teams have won Super Bowls. Something tells me the Colts and Steelers have a better front office and recognize talent. It all starts with prioritzing the positions that are most difficult to fill with good to excellent players. QB, DE, OLT, and DT. Very few players in the NFL can play these positions at a high level. And teams like Detroit and Buffalo have eschewed these positions at the top of the draft. When they do select one, it's a reach like McCargo was. What makes me laugh is the notion that Buffalo was scared into thinking the Giants would select McCargo. I cannot see Ernie Accorsi selecting a guy with motivational problems. The Bills were duped, and it wasn't hard given that the GM was new and inexperienced.

Based on what? Because he made a few plays against the Giants in short yardage situations? It's apparent, as AKC pointed out, that McCargo has poor technique and rises too quickly at the snap. Not holding his gap is another flaw in his game that he has not corrected in his third year on an NFL roster. First round draft picks not starting by their 2nd full season in the league (minus QB's) are what you call on the fast-track to bust status.

Stroud's presence means little for McCargo's personal improvement. No DT can make the other guy better when the former has poor technique. I take Kollar's words as a sign that it's not sinking in with him. He can't lower the pads and use his lower body strength to get some leverage. If it's not happening this year, I don't see it ever happening. Thanks Dick for telling Marv this guy was worth the 2nd and 3rd they gave to Chicago for him. It's safe to say DJ ran the draft in 06. It's worth noting that Buffalo has counted on McCargo from day one or they would not have made the bold move to trade back into the first. Kyle Williams is a poor option on any DL which needs push up the middle. As much as it's being talked about Stroud being the difference, DT's feed off one another. I saw Williams easily neutralized by opposing OL, and it's no coincidence that the runs up the middle went for decent gains. If the Bills can't stop the run in 08 (and it's early) they'll fare no better than they did in 07.

On a good note, Buffalo did not suffer any injuries, which is what Washington's dealt with since their first practice. Last year in pre-season the Bills scored 5 TD's in 4 games, and while that was divided over games in which 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team units played, the team in the regular season generated only 20 offensive TD's. I don't have a lot of faith in DJ, because as history demonstrates, his teams rarely depart from a conservative offense which relies on great defense and special teams. Without exceptional D and ST, the offenses do not produce enough to cover up their personnel and scheme problems.

Just looking back at the boxscores from the 07 pre-season, Buffalo had issues running the ball and preventing long drives on defense. Not surprisingly, we all know these were the major issues during the regular season. This is no coincidence, and pre-season or no pre-season, there remain the same problems from year to year. If you isolate the first team defense and offense versus Washington, there's a lot left to expect. After an off-season of workouts, mini-camp, OTA's, and a few weeks of training camp the term "rusty" shouldn't be used. I think Schonert's big changes are essentially some audibles and three receiver sets. It's a DJ coached team, and for as long as that's the case, he will ensure the offense is uber-conservative. Schonert's bluster is just that, talk.

Right now, our T depth is starting, so I guess you're getting to see what pre-season is all about in one way.

It's very promising before the season starts to bank on NE running away with the division so they can rest their starters at the end of the season. With all due respect, the Bills will need to earn a playoff spot, and that means winning at least 10 games during the regular season. Nothing is worse than getting close at the end of the year and hoping another team wins or loses to gain a playoff berth. If after 2 seasons of rebuilding they can't get into the playoffs and need help getting in, it tells me a lot about where this team is going into the future.

Peters' hernia surgery is starting to sound like he had open heart surgery. To all the conspiracy theorists who haven't had a hernia, it's not a hip replacement either. As a matter of fact, it's a routine procedure which does not take 6 months to heal from. I've had one, and I'm sure others around here have as well. If Chris Brown, one of the team employees says so, then I can't imagine it any other way. Re-signing Peters will be the largest deal in Bills history, easily surpassing Dockery and Schobel. As Buffalo re-ups Evans, I've got a feeling the cost of extending Peters exceeds what the team planned on spending this season.

If by recently Lori, you mean by the past 6 years or so. Greggggg, Meathead, and now DJ came in with a strategy they gleaned from previous experience and proceeded to admit failure by reluctantly acquiring players who didn't fit perfectly into their chosen scheme(s). Here's to hoping things will be different in 08.

Indianapolis remains one of the lowest revenue teams in the league. They've built a new stadium, but it's hard to ignore the core of players they have locked up long term in Manning, Freeney, Wayne, Sanders, and D. Clark. If the Bills are intent on riding this out until next season, it makes me wonder. They have the cap space, and if they think Peters' value will decrease, they're plain wrong. If anything, he performed at a high level for 15 games at a position he'd played for about a half season before 2007. His trajectory is only up, and his pay demands will increase with it. All in all, a front office is there to pick which players to keep, and which to let go. Their success or failure rate is what keeps some teams successful beyond the standard 2-3 year "window." It's why IND, NE, JAC, SD, and others are always in the playoffs, while some teams never are. I trust the Bills, Peters, and most fans realize the franchise doesn't go as far without him.

When was the last time Bill Polian missed on a first round pick? How about AJ Smith? Bad teams repeatedly draft in the top half of the first round. Not surprisingly, bad teams like the Lions, Cards, and 49ers consistently draft poorly, putting them back at the top of the draft. Yet at the same time, when was the last time NE, JAX, IND, or PHI had a top 10 pick they didn't acquire via trade? Go back and check how often the bottom dwellers of the NFL over the past 6-8 years are drafting early. OAK, DET, ARI, SF, ATL, MIA and until recently HOU and CLE make a host of bad picks over the years. They'd get one right every now and then, but overall, their mediocre drafting is the reason they can't get into the playoffs. Your post is pure drivel, because it specifically selects first rounders who haven't lived up to expectations. It's obvious to me you're rifling through a stats page for proof that the draft is a total guessing game.

It is not a guessing game. A select few teams and/or GM's make a heckuva lot better draft picks than bad ones. Polian, AJ Smith, and a host of others consistently have excellent drafts. And that's after having 3-4 years to review a given one. I love how when the Bills make a bad pick that the draft is a crap-shoot. But when they have a "stellar" draft, it's because the front office are geniuses. Which flows into the next point: Buffalo has two what I'd call long term starters in Whitner and Butler. Williams is a wave player, and we know it. Simpson is having an issue remaining healthy, and while it's not due to play, FS is an area this team will upgrage in the next year or so. 2-3 starters per draft is an average one. What constitutes a long term starter is another thing.

Bunkley had issues his first year and barely got on the field. The following season he got the picture and is a starter for Philadelphia. McCargo's work ethic was and still is questioned. Most troubling about the 2006 draft is how it's faring just 2+ years later. There was rampant talk that this draft was amazing, yet if anything, it's been very normal considering the team had the 8th overall pick. In addition, many of those picks merely bridged the gap until someone better could arrive. Ellison, Simpson, and Pennington fit nicely into that category. Whitner, Butler, and Williams will be the only players who are long term starters, and it's ironic that a fifth rounder in Williams is displacing a 1st rounder they traded for.

If there is a high pick on this team who has been set up for success this season, it's McCargo. He looked overweight to me the other day at SJF, and if a player can't be trusted to keep themself in shape, what does that say? Bill Kollar seems like a guy who doesn't mince words, and he came about as close to saying McCargo ain't cutting it right now. McCargo to show something in the pre-season games, and if not, he'll be parked on the bench this year more often than not. Williams and Stroud will get more snaps as a result of McCargo's inconsistent play, and the DT rotation will suffer.

I'm not so sure the Bills can afford to play without him. You and I both know he'll report, but he's sure scaring a lot of fans, specifically those who realize without him it's Walker at LT and Chambers starting at RT. I still believe no long term deal will happen this year, given how much the team will have to earmark for Evans. Peters can report in "good faith" and still play for his current salary. I've got to believe that Peters think he needs more than a "we'll see" approach for him to show up.