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EJ Manuel's Lack of Connection with the Buffalo Community


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That's the point. It isn't about him disrespecting the community. It's about him preferring to be closer to his family. Lots of athletes leave in the offseason. When it comes to Buffalo there is always this undertone that "guys aren't here because they don't like the area." That is not necessarily the case.

You are correct sir

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This is not a post about whether he has the skills or has improved enough to be the starting QB for the Bills. This is a post about EJ's complete lack of sticking around Buffalo to show he is the true leader of not only the team but of the Bills community. In Buffalo, the Bills mean everything and you can see how Jim Kelly really became the leader not only on the field but by his connection to the fan base. I don't see it in Manuel. He takes vacations for long periods of time and is barely here on the offseason. How often are EJ sightings in WNY seen in the offseason outside of scheduled practices? Rarely. LA and NYC, Florida State sightings? Quite often in the offseason. He always posts about Florida State and is down there as much as he can be. He's always connecting with the Florida State fanbase, and never energizes Bills fans about how he is ready to take this team to the playoffs.

 

I am not an EJ basher. I think he is a hardworking and humble great athlete with a great character. It remains to be seen whether or not he has taken his game to the next level, but I think with the new QB coach and the private QB coaching he has received on the offseason, there is a great possibility that we will see a refined EJ on the field next season.

 

My only issue is the fact that he rarely says the things starting QBs need to say or expresses his happiness to be in Buffalo. I realize the city is lacking a bit, but a franchise QB is supposed to keep any feelings of negativity quiet and blatantly lie about his excitement to be in whichever town he is in, if need be. EJ lacks the fiery passion for the Bills fanbase and I really just don't get that feeling he is realizing what an honor it is to be the face of a franchise in a sports town like Buffalo, or at the very least realizing that no matter what his true feelings are, he better talk as if he is honored and proud. I am not saying that he shouldn't travel a lot or that he should forget his college alma mater, but he should make it quite obvious his first priority besides family, honing his QB skills and connecting with teammates, is energizing the fanbase and proving to Bills fans that he wants to be here and become franchise QB that is a leader also in the WNY community. Rex Ryan has done it successfully and has restored faith, confidence, and pride in this Bills fanbase again.

what should he do drop to his knees ? Cmon hes been a good kid let him mature a little
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Having read these posts, I stand corrected. I really like EJ and think he's a great guy, but I wasn't really aware of how he contributed to the community. With all of you Bills junkies on this forum, I am well aware that you guys would know if he really was connecting with the fanbase. The other upside is that I think its great to have a 6'5 and now 250 lb QB who has refined his throwing pattern and accuracy at age 25.

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