I can't help it. I'm really pumped for this season.

[Chandler#81]

'Tis the season for optimism. This century has shown it to be the ONLY season for optimism..

 

I don't know enough about George Edwards (http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3...c4-74e731938c0e ) to assess the likely future of the D, but if evolving it to the talents and skills of the players IS his modus operandi, we'll know soon enough whether we've got NFL level talent to contend any time soon. Gotta hope so, as emphasis on the O seems likely with next years' draft. As for Gailey's O attack, anything that puts an end to all our opponents knowing the play before the snap, is an improvement. We haven't seen a defense be unprepared for our next play since DJ signed on. Giving the D a moment of hesitation will be the best way to evaluate our overall talent level on offense. Something we've been handicapped with for too long.

 

ST's remain among the leagues' elite and DeHaven's return simply can't hurt this. S&C additions improve the team from virtually NO strength & conditioning..

 

Excited? -eh.. Trepidation? -no. I am full of anticipation (among other things..) at seeing a Brand New style of Bills football!

 

Now if they'd just get rid of those uni's..

 

Go Bills!

[eball]

AFC, yes. AFC East, not quite. They went 2-4 in the division last year, barely missing out on going 3-3. The Dols missed the playoffs. The Jets made the playoffs thanks to the Colts lying down in the 2nd half. The Pats have lost a lot over the years. The AFC East isn't as good as everyone is trying to make them out to be, and I only see 1 team making the playoffs (although I don't believe it will be the Bills).

Doc, I'm with you on this. I keep scratching my head at the prognosticators treating the Jets, Dolphins, and Pats* as if they are all Super Bowl favorites. I don't believe any of the three will be representing the AFC next February -- my money is on Indy, Baltimore, or SD.

[Logical Reasoning]

Excellent post, but you have no reason to be blue because there isn't anything really negative yet. The most negative thing this offseason has been the status of the third string RB.

 

BILLIEVE!!

 

 

the percentage part of your post is interesting. It would be nice if Nelson stepped up and became a consistent threat as a receiver.

[Thurman#1]

I can't help it. I'm really pumped for this season.

 

 

 

I'm sorry, but I just don't believe you. You say you can't help it, but I say you're not really trying.

 

Want help? Say to yourself that Belichick is a pretty good head coach too. Some might even say better than Chan Gailey, as crazed as that might sound to all us true Bills fans. And yet, his first year with the Pats*, he went 5 - 11. And the year before, the Pats* had gone, you got it, 5 - 11.

 

That would pretty conclusively tell you that even coaches who are pretty good can take a while to get the changes they make to have an effect in the win column. Just pour this bit of truth over you and repeat it again and again, and I believe that you will discover that you really CAN help yourself if you try ... if you just work at being a bit realistic.

[DrFishfinder]

Gailey's ability to tailor an offense to the talent he has and not try to cram a system down the players throats that they aren't suited for.

I think this just might be the biggest factor of all.

 

Bum Phillips once said about Don Shula, "He can take his'n and beat your'n and take your'n and beat his'n." Take what you've got and utilize the reverse Peter Principle.

[Niagara Bill]

Getting away from the Tampa-2, which is being phased-out by most teams, and going to the 3-4, which is a defense that allows for great flexibility and confusion, is a good thing. It also forces the offense to learn how to play against it.

 

the other 3 teams in our AFC east also play the same D so it gives us no advantage in our conference.

The old Bills always tried to be 1 step ahead and never play the same as the AFC east.

However itr will help our offence playing against it in practice when the meet the AFC east

[DrFishfinder]

All the media parrots be damned. The Bills will be a better team.

 

PTR

They will play better, that I am fairly sure of, at least during the 2nd half of the season when they get settled in with the new offensive and defensive schemes. Hopefully, that will carry over into the win column.

 

The problem is that I think the Dolphins and Jets will be better, too. Henne and Sanchez will have another year under their belts, both teams have good coaches and both teams have made good upgrades.

[8-8 Forever?]

Gailey's ability to tailor an offense to the talent he has and not try to cram a system down the players throats that they aren't suited for.

I think this just might be the biggest factor of all.

 

Bum Phillips once said about Don Shula, "He can take his'n and beat your'n and take your'n and beat his'n." Take what you've got and utilize the reverse Peter Principle.

 

all positive moves on the bills so far, but with a new O and new D and the youngest team in the league and no real QB, a few key injuries and all the inexperience and new schemes will show up big time ... plus a killer schedule... still looks like 6 -10 best case from here. then they have to trade the whole draft away to get Locker and the cycle begins again... Love 'em but by the time they are good again they will be gone... sorry..

[DrFishfinder]

all positive moves on the bills so far, but with a new O and new D and the youngest team in the league and no real QB, a few key injuries and all the inexperience and new schemes will show up big time ... plus a killer schedule... still looks like 6 -10 best case from here. then they have to trade the whole draft away to get Locker and the cycle begins again... Love 'em but by the time they are good again they will be gone... sorry..

I don't disagree with you. I think they will have some learning and growing pains this season, for sure. I think by the end of the season though, they will be playing at a level where no team will be taking them for granted any longer. This is going to be a transitional season, but should end on a positive upswing.

 

Speaking of injuries, if Sanchez goes down, that's it for the Jets. Same for Brady and the Pats. Miami will be okay if Henne goes down and Pennington can still play. Buffalo won't be too much worse off if the starter, whoever that is, goes down and the backup takes over.

[xsoldier54]

I think Gailey is saying all the right things and it appears the guys are really buying into his offensive system and the defensive players seem to like their systems too. Here are some reasons to feel good about the season coming up; (Of course some Jackass!! will put a list of why to feel bad about the season, but he or she is a sad, sad person, JMO)

 

Subterfuge - I can't remember the last HC that was into subterfuge on offense and defense like Gailey is. IMO subterfuge is a huge asset for a squad. They say that guys should be able to beat a play even if the other team knows what's coming and I agree with that, but that doesn't mean subterfuge doesn't greatly enhance a plays chances for success.

 

Gailey's ability to tailor an offense to the talent he has and not try to cram a system down the players throats that they aren't suited for.

 

Practices - Gailey is throwing a lot of stuff at these guys and doing it quickly. He's expecting a lot from his players and the players seem to be responding well. I've always felt, and Gailey seems to agree, that if you expect an A++++ from your players some are going to exceed that, some are going to meet that, some are going to go at an A level and the lowest level players will either be cut or performing at a higher level than usual. Jauron seemed to think a C+ was ok as long as guys "were trying hard". Gailey seems to think that "trying hard" should yield tangible results. If there are no tangible results then guys aren't trying hard. I like that 'tude. The only question I have about Gailey is if he can work with players in the newer NFL. Players and there expectations from HC's today are different from 10 years ago. Chan Gailey is what Gregg Williams wanted to be. It seems that Gailey respects the players as men though. I doubt airhorns will wake them up at camp. JMO

 

Gailey's old school mentality - It seems that Gailey's expectations are that players work very hard on and off the field and if they do, good things will happen. I have a feeling that when I go to training camp this year it's going to be much different than any other training camp since they've moved to Rochester.

 

Players - I've long thought there is a lot more talent on this team than Jauron would have anyone believe. These are the players I think will have there best years in a Bills uniform so far;

 

Shawn Nelson

Demetrius Bell

Jamon Meredith

Donte Whitner

Poz

Marcus Stroud

Kyle Williams

Aaron Maybin

Leodis McKelvin

James Hardy

Steve Johnson

Spencer Johnson

Lee Evans

Trent Edwards

Reggie Corner

Ashton Youboty

Terrance McGee

Roscoe Parrish

Eric Wood

Andy Levitre

Geoff Hangartner

 

If I'm right about 25% of those guys the Bills will have a better season than last. If I'm 50% right then the Bills have an outside chance of the playoffs. 75% right and they make the playoffs. 100% right and they win at least one playoff game.

 

The front office shakeup - It seems the Bills decided to smash the system and start over almost everywhere. So far that looks like a good idea.

 

Well, I'm sure there's more reasons to like the upcoming season but off the top of my head this is all I can come up with.

First let me say that it's good to read a post here that isn't full of doom and gloom. I too like what the new regime is doing. I think the team will be better both offensively and defensively, but in reality who knows what that will translate to in terms of won lost record. And to the bozo that suggested we wait to see a couple of pre-season games, are you kidding me? Pre-season games? Do you really think pre-season games will give any indication of what kind of team this will be? I had to laugh at that one. I am always hopeful that the Bills will win each and every week and this year will be no different. It has been very frustrating watching this team the past few years, so let's hope that at least they will be a bit more entertaining to watch. As for record, who knows? Anything is possible from playoffs to complete bust. Only time will tell, but again, it is a pleasure to read a post with some optimism instead of all the doom and gloom.

[Gugny]

All the media parrots be damned. The Bills will be a better team.

 

PTR

Agreed! And I'm a firm believer in that the Bills don't necessarily need to post a better record than last year in order to be better than last year. If they play hard, and are "in" games, they'll be a more respected team. To me, that's an improvement over last year. I DO, however, think the Bills will have a better record than last year. GO BILLS!

[PromoTheRobot]

They will play better, that I am fairly sure of, at least during the 2nd half of the season when they get settled in with the new offensive and defensive schemes. Hopefully, that will carry over into the win column.

 

The problem is that I think the Dolphins and Jets will be better, too. Henne and Sanchez will have another year under their belts, both teams have good coaches and both teams have made good upgrades.

 

 

Agreed! And I'm a firm believer in that the Bills don't necessarily need to post a better record than last year in order to be better than last year. If they play hard, and are "in" games, they'll be a more respected team. To me, that's an improvement over last year. I DO, however, think the Bills will have a better record than last year. GO BILLS!

 

I'm a big believer of the old cliche "one game at a time", especially when it comes to the NFL, because all the pre-game analysis means jack squat once the teams face off. A turnover, a blown assignment, a slip on the field can turn a game. All we have to do is worry about winning our next game. Who cares what the Jets, Pats* and Fins are doing! We'll worry about them when we play them. Also, unlike that farce they call college football, we can lose 5-6 times and still make the playoffs.

 

PTR

[TPS]

They will play better, that I am fairly sure of, at least during the 2nd half of the season when they get settled in with the new offensive and defensive schemes. Hopefully, that will carry over into the win column.

 

The problem is that I think the Dolphins and Jets will be better, too. Henne and Sanchez will have another year under their belts, both teams have good coaches and both teams have made good upgrades.

And if K. Jenkins (best NT in NFL) can stay healthy, the Jets have one tough D. Of course, they did pretty well without him too.

[EDinRTP]

I'm with you. For some reason I have good vibes for this season.

 

Everybody Wang Chan tonight!!!

[PS 56]

I think Gailey is saying all the right things and it appears the guys are really buying into his offensive system and the defensive players seem to like their systems too. Here are some reasons to feel good about the season coming up; (Of course some Jackass!! will put a list of why to feel bad about the season, but he or she is a sad, sad person, JMO)

 

Subterfuge - I can't remember the last HC that was into subterfuge on offense and defense like Gailey is. IMO subterfuge is a huge asset for a squad. They say that guys should be able to beat a play even if the other team knows what's coming and I agree with that, but that doesn't mean subterfuge doesn't greatly enhance a plays chances for success.

 

Gailey's ability to tailor an offense to the talent he has and not try to cram a system down the players throats that they aren't suited for.

 

Practices - Gailey is throwing a lot of stuff at these guys and doing it quickly. He's expecting a lot from his players and the players seem to be responding well. I've always felt, and Gailey seems to agree, that if you expect an A++++ from your players some are going to exceed that, some are going to meet that, some are going to go at an A level and the lowest level players will either be cut or performing at a higher level than usual. Jauron seemed to think a C+ was ok as long as guys "were trying hard". Gailey seems to think that "trying hard" should yield tangible results. If there are no tangible results then guys aren't trying hard. I like that 'tude. The only question I have about Gailey is if he can work with players in the newer NFL. Players and there expectations from HC's today are different from 10 years ago. Chan Gailey is what Gregg Williams wanted to be. It seems that Gailey respects the players as men though. I doubt airhorns will wake them up at camp. JMO

 

Gailey's old school mentality - It seems that Gailey's expectations are that players work very hard on and off the field and if they do, good things will happen. I have a feeling that when I go to training camp this year it's going to be much different than any other training camp since they've moved to Rochester.

 

Players - I've long thought there is a lot more talent on this team than Jauron would have anyone believe. These are the players I think will have there best years in a Bills uniform so far;

 

Shawn Nelson

Demetrius Bell

Jamon Meredith

Donte Whitner

Poz

Marcus Stroud

Kyle Williams

Aaron Maybin

Leodis McKelvin

James Hardy

Steve Johnson

Spencer Johnson

Lee Evans

Trent Edwards

Reggie Corner

Ashton Youboty

Terrance McGee

Roscoe Parrish

Eric Wood

Andy Levitre

Geoff Hangartner

 

If I'm right about 25% of those guys the Bills will have a better season than last. If I'm 50% right then the Bills have an outside chance of the playoffs. 75% right and they make the playoffs. 100% right and they win at least one playoff game.

 

The front office shakeup - It seems the Bills decided to smash the system and start over almost everywhere. So far that looks like a good idea.

 

Well, I'm sure there's more reasons to like the upcoming season but off the top of my head this is all I can come up with.

 

I have to chime in and say I love your post. I Bill-eve we will have a better season than last year. I am concerned about our opponents in the east but, if you read their fan sites, all of those teams have their share of doubters and problems. This does not mean we are going to see the super bowl, but we will have a fun season. Personally I am on pins and needles regarding our quarterback situation. I can't help but wonder how it will turn out.

[Buffalonian-at-Heart]

Within the frame of being optimistic in my mind are two things. My biggest fear is that this team plays well enough to get in the 7-9 range, but we still experience poor to average QB play and our QB of the future is still undefined. I'm not saying that I'd advocate loosing for the sake of having a better opportunity in the draft, but it is a factor to think about. I believe this team is in a great position with its coaches, I also believe they have gotten definitively better player wise all around the QB position. The question is, have we gotten good enough to win games, but still be in need of a QB? And will this translate into winning more games effecting our ability to address the QB situation in the draft?

 

Secondly, the obvious converse situation would be that we go 7-9 but finally see a QB for the future manifest. Then can we see our beloved Bills build upon that and become a viable contender.

 

My optimism comes from my confidence that the new FO and Coaching Staff posses the ability to answer these questions. It seems that the last decade has been mired by an inability to know how to fix the QB situation. From a fans perspective we have always been left with not knowing if it was scheme, coaching, FO, or the player himself, so hope has always been stricken from us.

 

In summary, I'm obviously not sure how this season will play out. But I am getting more certain that the questions will get answered on how to continue building by a competent FO and Coaching Staff. In my mind that leaves me with a great sense of optimism and excitement about the season, regardless of wins and losses.

[evilcape]

There is just no way I can see us any worse than what we were. That injury-filled, incompetent coached squad still racked some wins together the past few years. Healthier, stronger players who are 'mobile, agile and hostile' along with superior coaching will translate into far more victories. The goal is to make The Ralph a House of Horrors for opposing teams to come into. Can't wait till the Fish swim into town week 1 overly confident and get smoked and humiliated by a score of 31-13 or something like that. LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!!

[Rob's House]

I'm pumped too buddy! I love taking my kids to kids Day Preseason Game. I love the opener. I won't go to Pats game anymore - but I can't wait to see us get our behinds kicked by the Steelers. I am pumped but we will suck!

 

I don't know why you're certain we'll get trounced by the Steelers. They weren't looking so hot down the stretch last year, and with Big Ben out for 6 games I think we win that one.

[Buffalonian-at-Heart]

There is just no way I can see us any worse than what we were. That injury-filled, incompetent coached squad still racked some wins together the past few years. Healthier, stronger players who are 'mobile, agile and hostile' along with superior coaching will translate into far more victories. The goal is to make The Ralph a House of Horrors for opposing teams to come into. Can't wait till the Fish swim into town week 1 overly confident and get smoked and humiliated by a score of 31-13 or something like that. LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!!

 

But what do you consider worse? If it's wins you may be disappointed, but if it's seeing a team play better and seeing a more focused view of the future, I believe we will be better. Better is a relative term, that to me can be determined by many factors beyond wins and losses.

[Doc]

Getting away from the Tampa-2, which is being phased-out by most teams, and going to the 3-4, which is a defense that allows for great flexibility and confusion, is a good thing. It also forces the offense to learn how to play against it.

the other 3 teams in our AFC east also play the same D so it gives us no advantage in our conference.

The old Bills always tried to be 1 step ahead and never play the same as the AFC east.

However itr will help our offence playing against it in practice when the meet the AFC east

...which is an advantage. Or more precisely, removes a disadvantage.