eball Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Kirwan Interesting he suggests this was the Bills' plan all along, but they knew better than to try to install the 4-3 last season before getting the horses in the stable. Not sure I totally buy that (doesn't explain George Edwards' presence), but there's no question the talent needed an upgrade. Also, Kirwan has McGee penciled in as a starter; I think we all pretty much agree Williams is the frontrunner for that spot. Regardless...more positive press concerning the Bills' offseason! I know many are "worried" by this, but let's face it, when a lot of national media guys are saying your team did good things, it's probably at least a decent indication the arrow is pointing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Guy on the Bench Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Kirwan Interesting he suggests this was the Bills' plan all along, but they knew better than to try to install the 4-3 last season before getting the horses in the stable. Not sure I totally buy that (doesn't explain George Edwards' presence), but there's no question the talent needed an upgrade. Also, Kirwan has McGee penciled in as a starter; I think we all pretty much agree Williams is the frontrunner for that spot. Regardless...more positive press concerning the Bills' offseason! I know many are "worried" by this, but let's face it, when a lot of national media guys are saying your team did good things, it's probably at least a decent indication the arrow is pointing up. I think people are writing off McGee too quickly for this year. IF he's healthy (a big if, granted), I don't think there is any way they start a rookie and a 2nd year guy over him. I think McGee will start and Gilmore, Williams, and Leodis will be battling for the other outside spot and the nickel spot. If I had to make a prediction, I see McGee and Gilmore starting and Leodis covering the slot with Williams getting time in dime and getting himself ready for the inevitable shift that will happen when McGee and Leodis leave/fade/retire, etc. I see this as a transition year in the d backfield. I do think you're right that next year the starting DBs will be Gilmore and Williams (unless Brooks or someone else shows some mad skills). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Kirwan Interesting he suggests this was the Bills' plan all along, but they knew better than to try to install the 4-3 last season before getting the horses in the stable. Not sure I totally buy that (doesn't explain George Edwards' presence), but there's no question the talent needed an upgrade. Also, Kirwan has McGee penciled in as a starter; I think we all pretty much agree Williams is the frontrunner for that spot. Regardless...more positive press concerning the Bills' offseason! I know many are "worried" by this, but let's face it, when a lot of national media guys are saying your team did good things, it's probably at least a decent indication the arrow is pointing up. Not me, I believe McGee will start as long as he remains healthy....Which is a BIG IF given his injury history. Williams will be the 3rd corner and will often matchup against move TEs like Hernandez. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 22, 2012 Author Share Posted May 22, 2012 I think people are writing off McGee too quickly for this year. IF he's healthy (a big if, granted), I don't think there is any way they start a rookie and a 2nd year guy over him. I think McGee will start and Gilmore, Williams, and Leodis will be battling for the other outside spot and the nickel spot. If I had to make a prediction, I see McGee and Gilmore starting and Leodis covering the slot with Williams getting time in dime and getting himself ready for the inevitable shift that will happen when McGee and Leodis leave/fade/retire, etc. I see this as a transition year in the d backfield. I do think you're right that next year the starting DBs will be Gilmore and Williams (unless Brooks or someone else shows some mad skills). Interesting comment re: Brooks. We just don't know what this guy will bring to the table; he was essentially playing behind all-pros at LSU yet still made the most of his opportunities. It would be fantastic to know we have 4-5 CBs capable of starting on the roster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Guy on the Bench Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 (edited) Interesting comment re: Brooks. We just don't know what this guy will bring to the table; he was essentially playing behind all-pros at LSU yet still made the most of his opportunities. It would be fantastic to know we have 4-5 CBs capable of starting on the roster. Yeah, for some reason (probably my typical April/May delusional fog), I find myself more excited about Brooks than any other draft pick. Doesn't make sense and I can't explain it. I just think he might turn into something special. Either way, I'm loving the DB competition and depth this year. Surely SOMEONE has to turn out to be good out of this very presentable collection of potential (Gilmore, Williams, Brooks, Rogers, maybe McKelvin sees the light or is moved to the slot where he can keep things in front of him, etc.). Then again, I fall for this shite every year (and happily - how else would I entertain myself?). Whenever I see '19-0' at the bottom of The Senator's posts, I always think, "I guess it's possible . . ." Edited May 22, 2012 by Last Guy on the Bench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 22, 2012 Author Share Posted May 22, 2012 Nobody should ever apologize for being optimistic about rooting for a sports team, Last Guy...it's supposed to be fun. After all, we're not the ones making the decisions, so what else can we do? B word and moan? Not my style. I'll worry about the things I can control, and if following the Bills ever becomes something I don't enjoy, I'll just stop. Go Bills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kota Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I have always liked Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan's Sirius radio show in the afternoons. They try to teach their listeners about football and are critical of every team. they are very objective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsGuyInMalta Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Too many positive things are being said about the Bills this offseason. Far too much good karma and high hopes. Quickly! Rian Lindell! Stab someone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Guy on the Bench Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 (edited) Nobody should ever apologize for being optimistic about rooting for a sports team, Last Guy...it's supposed to be fun. After all, we're not the ones making the decisions, so what else can we do? B word and moan? Not my style. I'll worry about the things I can control, and if following the Bills ever becomes something I don't enjoy, I'll just stop. Go Bills! Preach, Brother. I'm with you. Although I do appreciate the cynical bastages on the board too. Even though it's not my temperament, it keeps the place lively. I won't even mention the actual, thoughtful, reasonable, knowledgeable, realistic, civil posters, as there are only about eight of those, God bless them. Edited May 22, 2012 by Last Guy on the Bench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Most national media types know a lot about the NFL but aren't experts on individual teams, except maybe a few of the perennial contenders. And since the Bills haven't been contenders for about as long as Obama's been a father, it's rare to read/hear anything intelligent about the Bills from the national media. Kirwan just proved to be an exception. He didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, and we may not all agree with his projected 2012 starting defensive lineup, but he showed he understands what's happening here. Thanks for the link, eball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I think people are writing off McGee too quickly for this year. IF he's healthy (a big if, granted), I don't think there is any way they start a rookie and a 2nd year guy over him. I think McGee will start and Gilmore, Williams, and Leodis will be battling for the other outside spot and the nickel spot. If I had to make a prediction, I see McGee and Gilmore starting and Leodis covering the slot with Williams getting time in dime and getting himself ready for the inevitable shift that will happen when McGee and Leodis leave/fade/retire, etc. I see this as a transition year in the d backfield. I do think you're right that next year the starting DBs will be Gilmore and Williams (unless Brooks or someone else shows some mad skills). agreed. if healthy, mcgee is much better than given credit for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 While I love the pre-season accolades it worries me that people's expectations are going to be sky high. And when we don't get 20 sacks and 70 points a game, or god forbid lose a game, people are going to lose it. PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Guy on the Bench Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 While I love the pre-season accolades it worries me that people's expectations are going to be sky high. And when we don't get 20 sacks and 70 points a game, or god forbid lose a game, people are going to lose it. PTR I know what you mean, but for me it's more about the player's expectations. And in this case, I HOPE they believe the hype. I want them to think they are good with the potential to be great. I want them to be dumbfounded when they lose. With many teams, inflated ego is bad fuel. But there is no way these guys get fat, delusional heads before the season. They have been too crappy for too long and the memory of that 7 game losing streak last year has to be pretty fresh. So for them, I think all this pumping up is good. Personally, I think we are a year (and the continued development of Fitz and the o-line) away from being a really good team. I'm expecting nice improvement to 9 or 10 wins this year, and I will be delighted with that, if it happens (even though I will still freak out and be depressed for two days every time they lose, as always). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris heff Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I love reading postive things about the Bils, but I was confused by the article. Wasn't the switch to the 3-4 with the personnel they had illadvised to begin with? For the past two years didn't we have people playing out of position? Now all of a sudden they are smart for going back to a base defense they are bettor suited to play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorkington Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Total bull ****. We went from 4-3 to 3-4 without the right players. We were *almost* ok last year, but still, not really. The switch back to 4-3 is easy because we pretty much already have 4-3 talent. That being said, the rest of the article about talent and depth, is definitely true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 1337698641[/url]' post='2472254']I love reading postive things about the Bils, but I was confused by the article. Wasn't the switch to the 3-4 with the personnel they had illadvised to begin with? For the past two years didn't we have people playing out of position? Now all of a sudden they are smart for going back to a base defense they are bettor suited to play? This is definitely odd and Nix/Gailey are the ones who immediately transitioned to the 3-4 upon their arrival. Perhaps, and it's JMO, the soft, bend don't break, fast D Jauron had wasn't what they wanted in a 4-3 and switching to a 3-4 first allowed time to draft and acquire the correct personnel to run THIS 4-3. I'm not sure I can make myself believe this.. But this is definitely a different 4-3 than the one they inherited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollars 2 donuts Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 How can anyone not love SaintsFan's comments in a post below the article: "Stop writing articles about my sleeper DEF in Fantasy Kirwan!!!!!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 22, 2012 Author Share Posted May 22, 2012 I love reading postive things about the Bils, but I was confused by the article. Wasn't the switch to the 3-4 with the personnel they had illadvised to begin with? For the past two years didn't we have people playing out of position? Now all of a sudden they are smart for going back to a base defense they are bettor suited to play? Yes, I agree and think Kirwan didn't think that part through when writing the article. His explanation doesn't account for why George Edwards was put in charge of the defense and a switch was made to the 3-4 to begin with. The missing link here is really Buddy and Chan; only they can tell us what they were specifically thinking two years ago. The hiring of Wannstedt prior to last season would "suggest" they were already considering going back to the 4-3, but it makes you wonder why they didn't just make him the DC last year if that was the case. I'd also like to know what they told Edwards. And you know what? Sometimes people just change their minds after seeing something that's not working. Chan did it with Trent Edwards, after all. It's an intelligent boss/manager who can implement a change, and then be smart enough to scrap it and start over when it's clear his idea isn't working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBaumer Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 While I love the pre-season accolades it worries me that people's expectations are going to be sky high. And when we don't get 20 sacks and 70 points a game, or god forbid lose a game, people are going to lose it. PTR It's better than knowing the team is gonna blow and then having them prove it to us every year.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toshiero Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Kirwan Interesting he suggests this was the Bills' plan all along, but they knew better than to try to install the 4-3 last season before getting the horses in the stable. Not sure I totally buy that (doesn't explain George Edwards' presence), but there's no question the talent needed an upgrade. Also, Kirwan has McGee penciled in as a starter; I think we all pretty much agree Williams is the frontrunner for that spot. Regardless...more positive press concerning the Bills' offseason! I know many are "worried" by this, but let's face it, when a lot of national media guys are saying your team did good things, it's probably at least a decent indication the arrow is pointing up. You know what the best part is? The Bills have EARNED these articles. We are now actually doing something instead of TALKING about it. We now have one of the top 2 DL's (#1 if you ask me) in the entire NFL. Our secondary was good and will now be great with the pass rush. LB's are playing in their natural spots and assuming natural roles for them. I see 11 wins this year baring injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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