Just my opinion.

[Tipster19]

Now that the season has concluded and a few days has past I have some speculations on the Bills' situation. The first being that I had a knee jerk reaction to our season. Being disappointed in no post season play again brought out a lot of frustration. While I still feel the same about Hackett and that I don't like his play calling I'd like to reconsider my opinion on Marrone. Basically I'm admitting that I erred in my opinion of Marrone. Ok, I was wrong! In the aftermath of the season and all that has unfolded Marrone has held this team/players together. I find that very impressive and he should be recognized for it. While the defense has been held down by 2 consecutive DCs I don't feel that Marrone can take credit for the defensive output from this unit. Marrone did address STs this year quite nicely and Whaley deserves a big thumbs up for the assist. The offense underperformed and is the eyesore for this franchise and Marrone is accountable for that but if he can address the offense in this off season with Whaley'ds help like they did with the STs then we should have the results next year that we all hoped for for this year. I don't see a big shake up to this current administration, just a tune up or a realignment. I think that Terry Pegula likes and appreciates what Russ Brandon has done in this owner transition. While Brandon may not stay in his current position I don't see Pegula just dumping him, the guy has been a very loyal soldier. Remember, One Buffalo and I believe that Pegula believes in that. Brandon will probably be changing titles in the new realignment of the Buffalo sport franchises.

 

I have seen the few posts about Marrone having the clause to opt out. It doesn't strike me that he would do that simply because he would be in direct contrast to all that he mentored. The few post game locker room videos that I have watched this season he always preached about the Bills' family. I don't believe the guy is a hypocrite, a Nick Saban he's not. That doesn't mean that he won't lie through his teeth to the media but internally I believe the guy is of conviction. Regardless if I don't like or agree with his convictions I do respect him for having them. I'm slowly realizing that he's a man's man kind of guy and I like that.....a lot. He started back in TC when he had to let Hughes know who runs this team. Whether we retain Hughes or not but by season's end Hughes had nothing but love for Marrone because the guy was his coach and took his back after the Pro Bowl selections were made. Once again, very impressive.

 

QB is the flavor of the year and I'd like to comment on it as well. I don't know if EJ is the answer, matter of fact as of now I say he's not but then I think about Aaron Rodgers and how the Packers had the luxury of having him sit behind Brett Farve. Now I realize that we don't have a HOF QB playing in front of him there's 2 points that I'd like to make about EJ. First, at this point, the guy is an investment for the Bills, right or wrong, if we like it or not. In the turn of events that is exactly what he is right now. My 2nd point correlates to my first point and that is in a limited time EJ was able to sit behind Orton and see how a veteran QB runs a team. Cleveland ruined Tim Couch, let's not repeat the same mistake. Now imo Orton was/is not the best mentor to learn from but there was things that he was able to show and teach EJ. Keep in mind that in EJ's first year we didn't even have a QB coach for him. Btw, why was that??! This kid never had anyone in front of him to show him how to be an NFL QB. We need a veteran QB in here still and maybe even another one through the draft or a young veteran like *Mark Sanchez/*Nick Foles (*examples only) in case all else fails. I admit that I had high expectations for him but they were unrealistic. He wasn't a big time 1st rd pick, he was actually projected as a decent 2nd rder. We reached and I believed, guilty as charged. I will say that EJ's reactions, in hindsight with all that has happened to him, has been over and beyond anyone's expectations. The kid has worked his ass off and is starving for knowledge and seeks to find it. I believe that he's more athlete than QB and the Bills are are trying to educate him too much on how to be a QB. I say that if and when he gets to play then let him be more himself and just let it rip. Play to his strengths and quit trying to cram too much into his head. The guy is too robotic, let him flow.

 

Last but not least the OL. It wouldn't surprise me if the Bills flipped their Tackles if Cordy still doesn't step up and Henderson does. I think that we have the right players for the most part but that we may have to realign them. As far as Eric Wood goes, I love the guy, he's been a Bill through and through but if he doesn't step up also from this last year then maybe a position change is in order or even just a flat out replacement. I expect us to draft a Center this year in the mid rounds regardless. I was listening to Chris Brown on the John Murphy show and a caller suggested that we need a bell cow RB. I agree with him wholeheartedly. I hate to see Spiller go but we got too many RBs and none of them are hitting their capabilities. Here's what I'm thinking. If we can't sign Spiller to a reasonable contract and find the effective way to use him then we need to move on. As far as Bryce Brown goes I'd like us to get what we can for him in a trade. Acquire a between the tackle RB in either in free agency, draft or in a trade, whatever. Use Fred as more of a 3rd down/situational RB and Dixon for what he is, a short yardage/ST RB/player.

[Mark80]

I'm sorry but I have to make a few points regarding your post.

 

First of all, I love how you give no credit to Marrone for the defense while at the same time assign all the blame for a terrible offense on him. Head coaches are their to manage the entire ship, he should receive as much credit for the D as blame for the O. Just because he was an offensive player and coach prior to being a HC, that does not mean that he doesn't have an impact on defenses, not to mention the leadership, accountability, etc. that he brings to that side of the ball. As far as Special Teams go, I don't see how bringing in a kick off specialist who kicks it out of bounds and even seems to completely miss on kicks yielding terrible field position is a bonus for Whaley or how bringing in a mediocre at best punter does so either. Gay and Schmidt are not impressive to me at all. Easley and Carpenter are our best STers and Whaley didn't bring in either one.

 

Second, as far as QBs sitting behind a vet QB and learning. I think that is a bunch of crap. Peyton, Eli, Big Ben, Flacco, Luck, Ryan, RGII, all either started from day 1 or at least at some point during year 1 were the starter. If you go in to year 2 you can add Brees and Brady to that list. The point is, the great QBs are able to get thrown in there and learn, trial by fire sort of thing. Someone like Rodgers is the exception to the rule, not the norm.

 

I do agree with you on your final paragraph. As much as I love Wood as a leader, I've been saying for the past 2 years that I felt he was overrated as a Center (especially on this board) and this year he flat out looked terrible. I don't care who is next to him, when he is constantly losing leverage battles on short yardage situations up the middle 1 on 1 vs the DT, there is a problem. We need to be looking at replacing the entire interior of the line IMO.

 

This draft is loaded at RB and I fully expect us to pick up a nice one in round 2, 3, or 4.

Edited December 31, 2014 by Mark80

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

I agree with most of Tipsters comments. As for Brandon, I think he stays through the upcoming season, or maybe only through May as often front office contracts expire post draft, then mutually agrees to depart. Next stop for RB is the NFL office to learn the inner working of the league, so that somewhere down the road he'll resurface as Commissioner Brandon! He's a good PR guy, great at marketing which is the biggest wants of the other owners. And he's had first hand experience running a team including as GM, though I do believe his role as Bill's GM was more symbolic than anything

 

For years I've commented that Jerry Jones in the probably one of the most X's and O's football knowledgeable owner out there, but he's also one of the least football knowledgeable GM's out there as that's his problem as he's trying to be the GM. Same could be said for Russ, though one difference in RB's case don't think he ever really wanted to be the GM, but Marv's departure kind of forced it on him and he got out of that role quickly.

 

Not sure either Sanchez or particularly Foles have enough experience themselves to be that shoulder to lean on for EJ, think you need someone who's been around longer.

 

Mark80 to your comments:

 

For a 1st year guy the punter has done pretty well. Isn't this Carpenter's 2nd year so Whaley then would have brought him in. Originally Whaley drafter the kid from Fl st who got hurt, then he signed Carpenter. He could have easily dumped Easley when he didn't work out as WR but kept him around for ST. He also brought in guys like Dixon and one of the defensive guys I believe is playing alot of ST too, so think he deserves much more credit for bringing in the players than you are giving him. But also shows that Marrone's choice on ST coach wasn't as bad as many here thought once he had players.

 

Regarding the QB play of EJ, think you're missing Tipsters point, EJ wasn't a big time 1st round rookie so expecting him to be a Manning, or a Big Ben from day 1 and then ripping him for not being that. He needed leadership, Orton gave him that, will it help him next season, who knows we''ll find out. Don't think anyone is saying EJ will be a great QB, but he could be as good as a Flacco you put RG III in that list, how'd that work out? Most of the guys you list; Peyton, Eli, Big Ben, Flacco, Luck, Ryan were QB's on college teams that were good but not great, so they may have been the best player on their college team and became the leader. EJ never really was asked to be the leader at Fl State so expecting him to come in as a rookie and become the leader add to that maybe also doesn't have the greatest skill set, is unrealistic.

Edited December 31, 2014 by Ed_Formerly_of_Roch

[Mark80]

I agree with most of Tipsters comments. As for Brandon, I think he stays through the upcoming season, or maybe only through May as often front office contracts expire post draft, then mutually agrees to depart. Next stop for RB is the NFL office to learn the inner working of the league, so that somewhere down the road he'll resurface as Commissioner Brandon! He's a good PR guy, great at marketing which is the biggest wants of the other owners. And he's had first hand experience running a team including as GM, though I do believe his role as Bill's GM was more symbolic than anything

 

For years I've commented that Jerry Jones in the probably one of the most X's and O's football knowledgeable owner out there, but he's also one of the least football knowledgeable GM's out there as that's his problem as he's trying to be the GM. Same could be said for Russ, though one difference in RB's case don't think he ever really wanted to be the GM, but Marv's departure kind of forced it on him and he got out of that role quickly.

 

Not sure either Sanchez or particularly Foles have enough experience themselves to be that shoulder to lean on for EJ, think you need someone who's been around longer.

 

Mark80 to your comments:

 

For a 1st year guy the punter has done pretty well. Isn't this Carpenter's 2nd year so Whaley then would have brought him in. Originally Whaley drafter the kid from Fl st who got hurt, then he signed Carpenter. He could have easily dumped Easley when he didn't work out as WR but kept him around for ST. He also brought in guys like Dixon and one of the defensive guys I believe is playing alot of ST too, so think he deserves much more credit for bringing in the players than you are giving him. But also shows that Marrone's choice on ST coach wasn't as bad as many here thought once he had players.

 

Regarding the QB play of EJ, think you're missing Tipsters point, EJ wasn't a big time 1st round rookie so expecting him to be a Manning, or a Big Ben from day 1 and then ripping him for not being that. He needed leadership, Orton gave him that, will it help him next season, who knows we''ll find out. Don't think anyone is saying EJ will be a great QB, but he could be as good as a Flacco you put RG III in that list, how'd that work out? Most of the guys you list; Peyton, Eli, Big Ben, Flacco, Luck, Ryan were QB's on college teams that were good but not great, so they may have been the best player on their college team and became the leader. EJ never really was asked to be the leader at Fl State so expecting him to come in as a rookie and become the leader add to that maybe also doesn't have the greatest skill set, is unrealistic.

 

You are correct on Carpenter, my apologies. For some reason I was thinking this was his third season on the team, but it was his second and you are correct, Whaley brought him in. My point really wasn't to say negative comments regarding Whaley, they were to simply point out that everyone around here seems to only blame Marrone for the bad, while ignoring the significant improvements that he has made to our team by giving credit to them somewhere else (Whaley, Pettine, Schwartz, etc.). That's all. I am a fan of Marrone and understand that the offense was terrible the last two years, but I see so much good out of the team I'm willing to give him another year or two to get that part right. Personally, I blame Hackett and the play calling first and foremost, but I'm not involved with the intricacies of their every day happenings to really know what is going on.

 

As far as EJ and the QBs go, I have to disagree with you completely regarding his leadership abilities while at FSU. That was his biggest strength and what, most likely, really pushed the Bills towards him. If you haven't seen this video check it out, it sure as heck pumped me up the first time I saw it. I just believe that "learning behind a veteran" is just a fallacy that really has no impact what so ever either way. Just as many guys come in and learn the hard way with success as guys that are eased into it. This is especially true over the last 10 or 15 years. Would those QBs benefit from being brought along slower, perhaps, but plenty of them are not ruined by being thrown out there immediately and the cream always seems to rise to the top regardless. We just need to exercise patience and actually give him a chance to develop. Look at Bress' first two seasons as a starter, they were terrible, but year 3 he really started to "get it."

 

 

I am perfectly comfortable putting RGIII on that list as well. The guy looked pretty darn good his first season, up until his knee got shredded. I am of the belief that if he didn't get injured he was still be a very dynamic and successful player...and come on, the guy still very young has a good chance to be a very good QB (he actually started showing some marked improvement towards the end of this season). I would take him here in a heartbeat.

 

Finally, regarding Jerry. I think you are underestimating his ability as a GM. He build a dynasty, then he decided to get flashy for 10 years or so with little to no success. He realized what he was doing wrong and fixed it. Regardless of what players are mentioned most when discussing their great teams of the 90s, that team was built in the trenches, namely, the offensive line was tremendous. That non-sexy part of that team and the reason for their success got away from Jerry. He figured it out again, spend 3 or 4 seasons building another dominate offensive line and it is paying off big time now. Unfortunately, the man that I despise does deserve credit for doing a great job at fixing their biggest issue.

Edited December 31, 2014 by Mark80

[Harveyj001]

In regards top the EJ stuff, being an older guy I remember the days when a QB was drafted to sit behind the veteran and learn, it worked much better than the "win now, start now" that has invaded the NFL in the last 2 decades. I think EJ sitting behind a veteran for the year could really pay off. I don't think he will ever be Manning or Brady, but he has the tools to maybe be like a Wilson. Natural athletic ability isn't everything, but it is a big help. Maybe his mind works a quarter second slower than the top guys and learning how to prepare, recognize, and operate could overcome that. I don't know for sure not being in the building. His accuracy,which was suspect coming out of FSU, is my biggest concern and don't know if it can be fixed.

As far as Marrone I have seen many posts on here about him, I have see every coach make foolish game time decisions, Marrone is no different any other coach, even the great Belicheck (sp?) does it going for 4th down against Indy at his own 20).

Hacket I don't know if it the play calling or the execution.

Edited December 31, 2014 by Harveyj001

[EmotionallyUnstable]

That's for the post. Though many of your comments/ideas are different than my own, I enjoy reading everyone's insight. My one major problem is with your O line ideas. Flipping Glenn and Henderson won't help anything IMO. Though he did regress, Glenn and a decent year filled with subpar QB play and little to no help from the OC. I wouldn't expect a mere flip of the line to solve anything. Glenn will be fine where he is.

 

As far as Wood, he obviously struggled. However, he was playing next to below averag talent on both sides. I think he'll be okay as well. Give him some real guards to work with and it will undoubtedly improve his play.

 

Guard needs to be addressed through FA and the draft. If you want a center, like you suggest, it would need to be early (2nd) if you're planning on him starting and kicking wood to guard. I would rather see Wood stay put, a third round guard and break the bank for Iupati this offseason. A man can dream

[bmur66]

Marrone is the first real head coach this team has had in a long time. Others were glorified coordinators. He will take us there.

Who knows how EJ would have progressed if he played all year? Next year he needs to step up and win the job over a solid veteran. I hope they somehow obtain one (beg, steal, kidnap whatever).

The whole middle of the OL needs upgraded

Russ Brandon needs to find a new job. The stench permeates him.

Keep The Schwartz at all costs.

I am up in the air with Hackett. Not sure how much he is the blame for the inexcusable lack of a run game.

Take care of these things and it's Super Bowl Baby!

 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Really not knocking what Jerry has done, admittedly he has got better too as you stated. While he's done pretty well overall, I still think he's probably the least knowledgeable/experienced current GM out there particularly in the area of scouting and evaluating players. I figured I better add the word current for all the Russ B haters out there. But all things considered, done pretty well for himself. I do question if he's hurting the Cowboys though as being the owner and all the work that goes with it, how much time does he really have to do all the work as the GM too? Add on top of that the time spent in bars chasing around young women is got to take a toll on him.

 

 

Finally, regarding Jerry. I think you are underestimating his ability as a GM. He build a dynasty, then he decided to get flashy for 10 years or so with little to no success. He realized what he was doing wrong and fixed it. Regardless of what players are mentioned most when discussing their great teams of the 90s, that team was built in the trenches, namely, the offensive line was tremendous. That non-sexy part of that team and the reason for their success got away from Jerry. He figured it out again, spend 3 or 4 seasons building another dominate offensive line and it is paying off big time now. Unfortunately, the man that I despise does deserve credit for doing a great job at fixing their biggest issue.

[3rdand12]

Enjoyed reading the perspective Tipster !

[Kelly the Dog]

Keep your opinions to yourself, this is a message board for crissakes. Think of the kids!!

[3rdand12]

Keep your opinions to yourself, this is a message board for crissakes. Think of the kids!!

Hey you aren't the Fun Police !

 

We already have one of those !!