Jerry Jabber

and Craig Urrbic

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS S-U-C-K SUCK SUCK SUCK!!!!

S-U-C-K SUCK SUCK SUCK!!! Sorry Jimmy, had to do it. In all seriousness, if the Jets use Tebow like they did Brad Smith, then he will be a good extra weapon for the Jets. In regards to the Bills, we will have one of the best (if not the best) D-line in the league. With M.Williams-Dareus-K.Williams-M. Anderson up front, the offense (at minimum) will have to double-team at least 3 of those guys (if not all 4), which will leave 7 defenders covering the 4 guys remaining on offense. I'll take those odds anyday of the week.

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So you're saying Nick Barnett & Kelvin Sheppard suck?! You can bet the Bills will add another LB (if not 2) in the draft. In Wannstedt's defense, he needs LB's that are fast.

You're underestimating the power of a great pass rush. The Giants proved twice in the Superbowl that a pass rush is the key to beating the Pats. Plus, a healthy Bills team beat the Pats this past season.

Yes, the offense would have to use all 5 guys on the O-line, plus either 2 RB's or some combo using a RB & TE to chip/block the front 4 Bills defenders. This leaves 7 defenders to cover 4 offensive players. If by some chance Merriman has any impact this season, the front 4 would be: Merriman-K.Williams-Dareus-M.Williams. If the Offense went to Max protect and double-teamed all 4 players, then that would leave 7 defenders to cover 3 offensive players.

I love it!! Kraft knows the Bills have closed the gap considerably over the last couple of years with the emergence of Kyle Williams, the drafting of Marcell Dareus, and now the FA acquisition of Mario Williams. "Summary: Unless the opponent's offense goes nearly exclusively into a short passing game, there aren't any good options for blocking a healthy Buffalo defensive line. To stay in a base offense, the opposition needs to be able to single block two of Buffalo's best defensive linemen consistently. That's a risky proposition. More likely, offenses are going to have to run more than pass in an attempt to grind down the defensive line. That's why Buffalo needs to keep depth on its line. Players like Shawne Merriman, Torell Troup, Alex Carrington, Spencer Johnson and Dwan Edwards need to rotate in to keep the starters fresh. Wannstedt's undersized defensive lines 20 years ago in Dallas stopped the run by rotating seven defensive linemen. Buffalo, though far bigger, needs to do the same. The rotation reduces the effectiveness of the running game, putting the offense right back into the double-team dilemma. None of these models takes into account blitzing. Buffalo shouldn't have to blitz much, but when they do, you can see the free run the blitzer could have. Times have changed for Buffalo's defense. Offenses used to regularly put up yards and points on Buffalo, only worrying about Kyle and Dareus - and, to a lesser extent, Jairus Byrd. With Kyle healthy and Mario in a Bills uniform, Buffalo will starting dictating play to the offense. Offenses won't be able to use their entire playbook at will, as in the past. They will have to make conscious blocking decisions, either reducing risk by keeping receivers in to block, to taking risk with single blocks. Relish this situation, Bills fans. If everyone stays healthy, and Buffalo retains their line depth, we know what is coming."

Buffalo Rumblings did a nice right write upon the possible effects of the new Bills D-line: http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/17/2878990/mario-williams-buffalo-bills-defensive-line#storyjump

Schobel was at 296 lbs, but was last reported to be back down to 258 lbs.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/16/2877130/aaron-schobel-rumors-retirement-buffalo-bills#comments I would have no problem if Schobel wanted to return. I think Schobel got burnt out and sick of losing. IMO, Schobel got tired of the organization not showing the willingness to win. People forget that the last season Schobel played was a good one. He had 10 sacks, plus the best play of his career when he had a leaping one-handed INT (against Brady) that he returned for a TD. At this point, the most I think he should get would be between $2-3 million a year.

I saw that last night on the NFL network. What a Negative Nancy!! IMO, MW will put up career numbers in Buffalo, with playing alongside KW & dareus, plus with how Wannstedt uses his DE's (not dropping into coverage)>

Not disagreeing with you on Kelsay's work ethic. But he's never had more than 5 sacks in a season. With Wannstedt using his DE's to pressure the QB, play against the run, not dropping into coverage, and along with playing next to Dareus-KW-MW) could benefit Kelsay. Only time will tell.

I'm loving the possibilities of the D-line with Mario Williams. From what I read, Wannstedt has his DE's pressuring the QB, playing the run, and not dropping into coverage. With playing next to Dareus & K. Williams, and how Wanny uses his DE's, I can see MW putting up career numbers in Buffalo. In regards to Kelsay, I feel he will benefit from the other 3 D-lineman. I can see Kelsay having 6-8 sacks for the year. I still would like to see Kelsay's position upgraded though. Kelsay is a very hard working player, is a team player, and will do whatever is asked of him, but he's not even an average pass rusher. While I would love to think of the possibilities of having Merriman-Dareus-K.Wiliiams-M.Williams together for obvious pass plays (which would be an absolute nightmare for the opposing offense), I can't because Merriman hasn't been able to stay healthy enough to make an impact. If Merriman does anything at all, it should be considered a bonus. Drayton Florence tweeted that Schoebel is thinking of coming out of retirement. I would definitely welcome him back on the D-line. My wish list for the draft: 1st round: LT, rounds 2-4: DE, WR, OLB (no particular order). Rest of the way: CB, TE, & O-line depth (no particular order).

If a guy wants to be a #1 WR in the league, and your team already has a #1 WR on the team, then what do you expecting from the Bills, demote Steve Johnson to #2, just so Meachem can be the #1 WR, even though Meachem was a #4 WR. Besides that, the big fish that the Bills want [Mario Williams] is at OBD right now.

Meachem didn't sign with the Bills because he wanted to be a #1 WR, which is something that was not gonna happen in Buffalo. http://blogs.buffalo...chose-chargers/ "Before anyone criticizes the Bills for not landing free agent WR Robert Meachem they need to consider the factors in the decision. Meachem his entire career has had to take a back seat to the likes of Marques Colston, the clear number one receiver for the Saints. This past season Meachem was knocked down two more pegs in the pecking order with TE Jimmy Graham and RB Darren Sproles leading the team in receptions with 99 and 86 respectively. No one played more snaps (877) among the receiving targets for the Saints last season and had fewer receptions than Meachem (40). So when the Chargers presented the opportunity to be a bona fide number one wideout in their offense, knowing Vincent Jackson had signed with Tampa, for him it was probably an easy decision assuming the money in San Diego was comparable to the money being offered by Buffalo. With Stevie Johnson as the number one in Buffalo, Meachem knew at best he was a number two wideout. Add in the opportunity to play with a Pro Bowl QB in San Diego in Philip Rivers, in a traditional vertical offense where Jackson as the previous #1 has the highest yards per catch average for a #1 wideout over the past four years (2008-2011) with 18 yards per catch and you see the extras that San Diego had to offer."

Meachem wanted to be a #1 WR. http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2012/03/14/why-meachem-chose-chargers/ "Before anyone criticizes the Bills for not landing free agent WR Robert Meachem they need to consider the factors in the decision. Meachem his entire career has had to take a back seat to the likes of Marques Colston, the clear number one receiver for the Saints. This past season Meachem was knocked down two more pegs in the pecking order with TE Jimmy Graham and RB Darren Sproles leading the team in receptions with 99 and 86 respectively. No one played more snaps (877) among the receiving targets for the Saints last season and had fewer receptions than Meachem (40). So when the Chargers presented the opportunity to be a bona fide number one wideout in their offense, knowing Vincent Jackson had signed with Tampa, for him it was probably an easy decision assuming the money in San Diego was comparable to the money being offered by Buffalo. With Stevie Johnson as the number one in Buffalo, Meachem knew at best he was a number two wideout. Add in the opportunity to play with a Pro Bowl QB in San Diego in Philip Rivers, in a traditional vertical offense where Jackson as the previous #1 has the highest yards per catch average for a #1 wideout over the past four years (2008-2011) with 18 yards per catch and you see the extras that San Diego had to offer."

According to Marshall Faulk, Manning will never play in the NFC. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82777dfb/article/report-redskins-already-out-on-peyton-manning-chase?module=HP11_headline_stack "NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk -- a former teammate of Manning's in Indy -- stated emphatically on Wednesday that Manning will never play in the same conference, let alone division, as his brother. "We need to see a Manning Super Bowl, that's what they want, this family wants it," said Faulk, who shares the same first name as one of Manning's sons. "He will not upstage his brother and knock him out of going to the Super Bowl by being in the NFC."

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d82774c22/Manning-arrives-in-Miami?module=HP11_content_stream I hope Manning signs with the Dolphins. With having to play against Brady & Manning twice a year, the Bills will have no choice but to make serious upgrades to their pass rush. The Bills will need to be one of the best rass rushing teams in football in order to compete in the AFC East. If Manning does sign with the Phins, I hope it happens before the start of free agency (March 13th), maybe then the Bills will seriously consider signing Mario Williams.

It's called sarcasm!! There are tons of people on the board saying Ralph is cheap. Shelling out $60.5M on three players is not being cheap.

Considering Irsay packed up the team and left Baltimore in the middle of the night, I would love to see Manning go to the Ravens and win the Superbowl just to stick it to Irsay.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/7/2852247/stevie-johnson-ryan-fitzpatrick-kyle-williams-contract-details "Within the past calendar year, the Buffalo Bills have handed out significant contract extensions to three centerpiece players: defensive tackle Kyle Williams in August; quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in October; and receiver Stevie Johnson just two days ago. Let's take a closer look at those three deals: •Williams agreed to a six-year, $39 million contract with $17 million guaranteed; Fitzpatrick signed a six-year, $59 million contract with $24 million guaranteed; and Johnson this week inked a five-year, $36.25 million deal with $19.5 million guaranteed. •Of the $60.5 million in reported (and likely guesstimated) guarantees between the three players, $23.25 million were actual signing bonuses. That's money paid for three signatures. •Each contract contains at least one season in which a player's base salary was (or will be) fully guaranteed. Those years count toward guaranteed figures, as well. •The Bills, over the next several years, have the option of paying these three players a further $21.45 million in option, workout and roster bonuses. These sums count toward the aforementioned guaranteed figures, but are not actually guaranteed to the players unless injury situations change - and that's only in some cases." I can't believe that Ralph only shelled out $60.5M on 3 guaranteed contracts?! Man, Ralph is cheap!!! Seriously, Ralph has shown that he will open up the pocketbook for good talent. With Ralph being 93, I thinking his meddling with the team is over with. Next up for contract extensions are Fred Jackson, Eric Wood and Andy Levitre. I wonder what kind of money those players will be looking at?

Stadium Lease update: http://www.wgrz.com/sports/pro_football/NFL/Bills/article/159109/116/Poloncarz-Hopes-To-Have-New-Bills-Lease-By-Training-Camp "Scott Brown: "How confident are you that a new lease is going to get done and are we talking ten years or so?" County Executive Poloncarz: "I feel very confident that a lease is going to get done, my goal is to get it done by the beginning of training camp (this summer) and we're going to try and get the longest lease we possibly can." Scott Brown: "Ten years, fifteen years what do you think?" County Executive Poloncarz: "At least that, at least ten years." I don't live in NY anymore, but I like Poloncarz. One of his topics last year while running for election was the Stadium lease negotiations with the Bills. I'm glad to see he's been hard at work trying to get a new lease completed.

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/6/2848641/buffalo-bills-free-agency-vincent-jackson "The report, however, also claims that Jackson would like to return to San Diego, and would be willing to accept slightly less than what he's offered on the open market to do so. The Chargers, it's believed, are set to offer him nearly $11 million in annual compensation - a figure that Jackson could eclipse on the open market. Jackson, who turned 29 in January, is more than three years Johnson's senior, and has never had more than 68 receptions or nine scores in a season. Johnson has surpassed the first figure in each of the past two seasons, and had 10 touchdowns in 2010. Our question for you, Bills fans: is signing a 29-year-old player that, at his peak, has put up similar production to Johnson worth an additional $4-5 million in annual compensation over the deal Johnson signed yesterday?" Don't get me wrong, I would love it if the Bills signed VJ. I think our offense would be in the Top 10 if VJ was on the team. If Nix & Merriman can work their magic and help bring VJ to Buffalo, then I'm all for it. But an extra $4-5 million a year (compared to SJ) is not going to happen.

That's great news!! Next step is getting a #2 WR to compliment Johnson.