Typical TBD Guy Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 First things first, reports out today are that MM refuses to tell the media which QB will be starting against the Jets. The reasoning is that this will keep our opponent guessing on how to gameplan against us. And the inference was that we could expect this type of uncertainty for the next few weeks if not for most of the season. In my opinion (which is probably similar to most of yours), this is not much of an advantage because, A. We're not talking about Kemp vs. Lamonica here. B. No QB, whatever his skills, could accomplish much behind this OL. C. Would any NFL team honestly expect us to start JP coming immediately off of a KH-led win, especially considering that the team is still mathematically in the center of a playoff race? Secondly, consider the team's current injury status: We have 5 guys on IR: LB Takeo Spikes OL Ben Sobieski OL Lawrence Smith WR LaDaris Vann LB Kellen Brantley 1 guy who is on his way to IR any time now: DT Ron Edwards 2 more on the PUP list: TE Kevin Everett CB Kevin Thomas 3 role players who have been on the injury report for at least most of the season: WR Roscoe Parrish TE Tim Euhus SS Coy Wire 2 key defensive starters who are playing in spite of nagging injuries: MLB London Fletcher SS Lawyer Milloy And 3 OL who may not be playing at full strength, if at all, this Sunday: LT Mike Gandy RG Chir Villarial RT Mike Williams Something to think about, is my point... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeRay Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Dude... Have you got a point here, besides something to simply think about? I mean, WTF am I going to do with this knowledge? Should I be crying, feeling sorry for myself, cutting the coach more slack, cutting Teflon more slack, should we be packing it in, should we be playing for next year instead of this year? Just what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill from NYC Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Dude... Have you got a point here, besides something to simply think about? I mean, WTF am I going to do with this knowledge? Should I be crying, feeling sorry for myself, cutting the coach more slack, cutting Teflon more slack, should we be packing it in, should we be playing for next year instead of this year? Just what? 473179[/snapback] I don't know about you, but I appreciate the info, even if it does make me want to slit my wrists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UteBills Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 First things first, reports out today are that MM refuses to tell the media which QB will be starting against the Jets. The reasoning is that this will keep our opponent guessing on how to gameplan against us. And the inference was that we could expect this type of uncertainty for the next few weeks if not for most of the season. In my opinion (which is probably similar to most of yours), this is not much of an advantage because, A. We're not talking about Kemp vs. Lamonica here. B. No QB, whatever his skills, could accomplish much behind this OL. C. Would any NFL team honestly expect us to start JP coming immediately off of a KH-led win, especially considering that the team is still mathematically in the center of a playoff race? Secondly, consider the team's current injury status: We have 5 guys on IR: LB Takeo Spikes OL Ben Sobieski OL Lawrence Smith WR LaDaris Vann LB Kellen Brantley 1 guy who is on his way to IR any time now: DT Ron Edwards 2 more on the PUP list: TE Kevin Everett CB Kevin Thomas 3 role players who have been on the injury report for at least most of the season: WR Roscoe Parrish TE Tim Euhus SS Coy Wire 2 key defensive starters who are playing in spite of nagging injuries: MLB London Fletcher SS Lawyer Milloy And 3 OL who may not be playing at full strength, if at all, this Sunday: LT Mike Gandy RG Chir Villarial RT Mike Williams Something to think about, is my point... 473156[/snapback] neat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1959BillsFan Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Don't forget: Kevin Thomas just had surgery on his knee again last week. I wouldn't count on him playing this year. Plus, Mike Gandy had an elbow injury in the game against Miami, but stayed in the game. Sorry, you got that. Kind of looks like they may have to dress Geisinger to play at either tackle (he played LT in Vandy) or guard. They are running out of o-linement. Mularkey may get his wish. A few weeks ago he said he would have replaced the entire o-line to get a spark if he had the players dressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in Syracuse Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Dude... Have you got a point here, besides something to simply think about? I mean, WTF am I going to do with this knowledge? Should I be crying, feeling sorry for myself, cutting the coach more slack, cutting Teflon more slack, should we be packing it in, should we be playing for next year instead of this year? Just what? 473179[/snapback] Perhaps you could use your new found knowledge to formulate an articulate position? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typical TBD Guy Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Dude... Have you got a point here, besides something to simply think about? I mean, WTF am I going to do with this knowledge? Should I be crying, feeling sorry for myself, cutting the coach more slack, cutting Teflon more slack, should we be packing it in, should we be playing for next year instead of this year? Just what? 473179[/snapback] . OK, well on the first subject, I think this is a bad idea of MM's to not publicly declare the starting QB. MM is already on the hot seat with the fans and media, and this only aggravates them more. The media affects the fans' perceptions to a degree, and the fans are the ones who buy the tickets and make the home field advantage an advantage. And speaking of "advantages," there isn't really any in terms of keeping opposing D's guessing on what our QB will do on offense. Take McGahee out of the game, and our O is finished no matter who is QB'ing them. Neither QB can hit the long ball, so the opposing game plan remains focused on beating our crappy OL with the front 4 DL while containing the first 10 yds with the back 7 LB's and DB's. On the second subject of injuries, I guess you could say that this Bills team may not be quite as bad as they're playing since they've had an unusual number of injuries after only Week 5. I'm certainly no TD apologist - and neither are you- but facts should not be ignored, and the facts are that the OL, our Day 1 2005 picks, and some key components of our run-stopping D crew have been hit somewhat hard and early by the injury bug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Mularkey may get his wish. A few weeks ago he said he would have replaced the entire o-line to get a spark if he had the players dressed. 473211[/snapback] I already would have benched the entire O-line and started the 2nd stringers. Just to make the point. Sometimes, you have to take one step back to take 2 steps forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gross Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 When's the last time we had a tight end that wasn't made of glass, or in the case of Lonnie friggin' Johnson, rubber? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 When's the last time we had a tight end that wasn't made of glass, or in the case of Lonnie friggin' Johnson, rubber? 473336[/snapback] About the last time we had an O-line. Too long. Although Campbell seems like he wants to be average. So, I'm still hoping he can do something, anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 When's the last time we had a tight end that wasn't made of glass, or in the case of Lonnie friggin' Johnson, rubber? 473336[/snapback] In Mark Campbell's first season in Bflo, he caught a long ball up the middle in Jax and got absolutely lit up. His eyes were crossed, but he hung on, took one play off, and was back out on the next play. That pretty much showed me all I needed to see to believe he's one tough SOB. He got hammered again a game or two later and hung on then too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJBrown Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 . OK, well on the first subject, I think this is a bad idea of MM's to not publicly declare the starting QB. MM is already on the hot seat with the fans and media, and this only aggravates them more. The media affects the fans' perceptions to a degree, and the fans are the ones who buy the tickets and make the home field advantage an advantage. And speaking of "advantages," there isn't really any in terms of keeping opposing D's guessing on what our QB will do on offense. Take McGahee out of the game, and our O is finished no matter who is QB'ing them. Neither QB can hit the long ball, so the opposing game plan remains focused on beating our crappy OL with the front 4 DL while containing the first 10 yds with the back 7 LB's and DB's. On the second subject of injuries, I guess you could say that this Bills team may not be quite as bad as they're playing since they've had an unusual number of injuries after only Week 5. I'm certainly no TD apologist - and neither are you- but facts should not be ignored, and the facts are that the OL, our Day 1 2005 picks, and some key components of our run-stopping D crew have been hit somewhat hard and early by the injury bug. 473330[/snapback] 1) KH....disagree here on the QB thing. Why name a starter now and let the Jets prepare for two (distraction).... I'm not saying it is a huge deal but ANY competitive edge should be utilized. The only thing naming a starter now would accomplish is to make fans happier. 2) Agree....we have played through some significant injuries. It's easy to B word about the O line but when we are starting 2 rookies and our LT is playing injured, a victory is pretty darned impressive, especially agains a GOOD defensive team. Our starting 5 have not played together since game 1....I think they should get a little more of a break..there is room to improve but they are not as horrid as everyone seems, rather there are several things going on that hinder the O (playcalling, young QB, etc)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 2) Agree....we have played through some significant injuries. It's easy to B word about the O line but when we are starting 2 rookies and our LT is playing injured, a victory is pretty darned impressive, especially agains a GOOD defensive team. Our starting 5 have not played together since game 1....I think they should get a little more of a break..there is room to improve but they are not as horrid as everyone seems, rather there are several things going on that hinder the O (playcalling, young QB, etc)... 473347[/snapback] I could almost buy into this arguement except for one thing... when has our O-line ever displayed the ability to be good for an antire game, let alone 2 or more games in a row? So saying they're all injured doesn't buy them more time, if anything it points to one of the problems. MW may be the greatest lineman ever, but we'll never know because he can't seem to stay healthy. Good players not only play good, but they also have to play. That;s how I see it, it's been years since we had a good line, because they're always injured and then the few games they're actually all playing they're pretty lousy to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 MW may be the greatest lineman ever, but we'll never know because he can't seem to stay healthy. 473358[/snapback] Not really fair. Before this season he'd missed a grand total of six games in three years. I only remember one time when he was carted off the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyMark Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 . OK, well on the first subject, I think this is a bad idea of MM's to not publicly declare the starting QB. MM is already on the hot seat with the fans and media, and this only aggravates them more. 473330[/snapback] Bingo Bingo Bingo.....we have a winner. You (and I am sure you did not even realize it) have answered your own question. MM is talking to the certain people in the media like imbeciles because, by and large, those certain people are. And he is purposely responding a certain way because it IS VERY VERY annoying to those people. Honestly, don't you talk to certain people a certain way? We all do, I know when I am asked a dumb question by an even dumber person that is "fishing" I purposely think of the absolute least worthy answer and go with it. Kind of a verbal sparring. The way MM talks to the media and how he reports out injuries is so not worthy of consideration. Though I am a big fan of his for how does handle himself with the media. Seriously, why does MM have to earn the medias respect? For you, why is it not the medias responsibility to earn his respect? Again, the Bills, TD, or even MM owe us "fans" absolutely nothing, nada, zippo, squat, jack, etc. Why some people think they can control another person is sad. Very sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJBrown Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 don't you talk to certain people a certain way? We all do, I know when I am asked a dumb question by an even dumber person that is "fishing" I purposely think of the absolute least worthy answer and go with it. Kind of a verbal sparring. Example: Jerry Sullivan expecting him to name the starter 5 minutes after the last game...and getting pissy about it when he didn't......by the way, every day I play "pick the Sullivan" article...scroll the headlines on the drive and pick the most negative, whiny, etc. and am usually right.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokinandjokin Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I appreciate the info, but I am hesitant to make the "Woe is us" statement. If I wasn't so lazy, I would look at other team's injuries. I know the Pats have been hit hard. Additionally, the Jets will be starting a 41-year old deli owner this weekend because they lost both their #1 and #2. I guess my point is, before we determine that we are sunk, we have to remember that this is the NFL, and you will not make it through a season without losing at least one impact player. And I think 99% of the players in the league are playing with a nagging injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I appreciate the info, but I am hesitant to make the "Woe is us" statement. If I wasn't so lazy, I would look at other team's injuries. I know the Pats have been hit hard. Additionally, the Jets will be starting a 41-year old deli owner this weekend because they lost both their #1 and #2. I guess my point is, before we determine that we are sunk, we have to remember that this is the NFL, and you will not make it through a season without losing 1 impact player. And I think 99% of the league is playing with a nagging injury. 473395[/snapback] Yup. We're banged up, but like 18 penalties, it's all part of the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 . OK, well on the first subject, I think this is a bad idea of MM's to not publicly declare the starting QB. MM is already on the hot seat with the fans and media, and this only aggravates them more. The media affects the fans' perceptions to a degree, and the fans are the ones who buy the tickets and make the home field advantage an advantage. And speaking of "advantages," there isn't really any in terms of keeping opposing D's guessing on what our QB will do on offense. Take McGahee out of the game, and our O is finished no matter who is QB'ing them. Neither QB can hit the long ball, so the opposing game plan remains focused on beating our crappy OL with the front 4 DL while containing the first 10 yds with the back 7 LB's and DB's. On the second subject of injuries, I guess you could say that this Bills team may not be quite as bad as they're playing since they've had an unusual number of injuries after only Week 5. I'm certainly no TD apologist - and neither are you- but facts should not be ignored, and the facts are that the OL, our Day 1 2005 picks, and some key components of our run-stopping D crew have been hit somewhat hard and early by the injury bug. 473330[/snapback] this is actually pretty normal (well, slightly worse than normal). last year was abnormal. except for late season injuries to their mediocre tight ends and a five week stint for milloy, the bills didn't suffer any major injuries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I will never understand why people give so much grief over the Bills keeping mum about team information. I live in New England where everyone worships at the alter of Bill Belichick. Bill is FAMOUS for not giving the press the time of day, much less team info. But he won 3 Super Bowls so Bill must know what he's doing, right? Switch to the Bills. You have a coach that seems to be trying to emulate the Super Bowl champs in some small way, trying to follow their example. And people have a problem with that. I can hear you say..."when the Bills win 3 Super Bowls, they can do whatever they want!" But in the meantime the Bills have to kowtow to the demands of the press and fans, even if such information does give an opponent something useful. I say STFU! Let Coach Mullarkey and Tom Donahoe do what they want, how they want. I don't lose sleep not knowing who the starting QB is, or if Roscoe Parrish is going to play Sunday. Think of it as Christmas, and we all get a big surprise on gameday. PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I think this is a bad idea of MM's to not publicly declare the starting QB. MM is already on the hot seat with the fans and media, and this only aggravates them more. 473330[/snapback] You're right. When the time comes to fire Coach Mullarkey, his candor and not his won/loss record will be the deciding factor PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 You're right. When the time comes to fire Coach Mullarkey, his candor and not his won/loss record will be the deciding factor PTR 473454[/snapback] I agree. Not pissing off the media is an extremely important part of fielding a good team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fake-Fat Sunny Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 It hard for me to see wnat your are upset about KH. I'm still in the camp which says if the HC has an option of lying to me and getting even slightest advanatage over an opponent or telling me the truth and simplifying things for the opponet I say LIE TO ME. I don;t think most serious watchers think the Bills are going to go with JP over KH after KH QB'ed the team to a win. However, most were surprosed when MM led the charge in emphasizing winning the next game over the big investment in JP and sat the youngster. I think it makes all the sense in the world to force NYJ to divide their tape review even a little between 2 QBs rather than know for sure the focus should only be on JP. In addition, JP was forcefully reminded in last year's NE game that whenever a player puts on the uniform he should be prepared to play. I like the MM uncertainty as regards to giving no advantahr whatsoever to the enemy and I like developing good training habits in the youmg JP that he needs to prepare fully to play whether he starts or not. Regarding the OL, barring dings in practice I think the line-up will be: LT- Gandy- defintiely hurt his elbow in the Maimi game but reports indicate this ding is not serious and he will suit up and it may take some cortizone but he will play with the same strenghts and limitations he brings to the game. LG- Anderson- I think he has disappointed so far as he has not improved under JMac coaching and gets too many notiveable penalties. This being said, he does not suck completely and has a big body which allows him to be a reasonable though not feared blocker. C- Teague is the best player on the Bills OL right now. Given the lowgrade talent around him this may not say much in terms of his playing skills, but he deserves credit along with WM for us being effective in the run game at all. RG- Villarial is out of the hospital, but Preston was impressive enough that as long as their are doubts or uncertainties I feel fine about Preston playing. RT- Williams not only was able to suit up on Sunday but even played some ST. Since I have heard nothing abouyt further dings I think he plays the 60 and Jerman sits. I think the key personnel questions is merely whether Villarial is a back-up next week or maybe we get Gesubnger in uniform. As far as tackle I think we go with the depth chart as is. In terms of improvement there is not going to be change in personel so we go with the average (at best) cast we got and JMac has not accmumlated a bunch of talented players but they are no horrendous and like a player like Pacillo last ear unable to even play the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typical TBD Guy Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 Regarding MM’s public relations issues, once more: Let me preface by saying that this isn’t – and never was - really a big deal to me. I care about winning first and foremost, with all this frivolous stuff coming last. So if MM wants to be secretive about injuries and who’s starting and such for strategic purposes, then I suppose that’s perfectly fine with me (although I wish he’d reveal more to us about CV’s ongoing mystery injuries). But having said that, it would be nice if MM acted more professionally during these press conferences and less like an immature prick. While I agree that Jerry Stevestojan and his fellow sports media cronies are of tiny intellect and could be easily fired and replaced by most of the people who post here, it’s not very adult-like to be condescendingly sarcastic and short in temper with other adults. I know this is the norm here at TBD, but you can’t get away with that type of behavior in the “real world” unless you’re a man of great genius or leadership. So far MM has shown to be neither, so in the meantime – for MM’s sake (and I really do want him to work out here in Buffalo) – he’d be wise to take the higher road during his media interactions. Regarding the injuries, once more: I can’t think of a Bills injury list worse than our present one since the last quarter of the 2000 season. But then again, my brain has purposefully tried to black out most of the past 5 years of Buffalo Bills history, so I could very well be wrong here. I know in 2001 we lost Cowart very early. I don’t remember 2002 being bad. We lost EM to a hammy in 2003, and as has been already noted we had the Vincent, Milloy, Campbell, and Euhus injuries at various times throughout 2004. Oh well, hopefully a few of you have more credible injury stats to add to this discussion. But just looking at the other total injury reports around the league (injury report plus IR plus PUP), I’d have to say that we are easily among the 10 worst in terms of both pure numbers as well as severity of particular players lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick in* england Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Again, the Bills, TD, or even MM owe us "fans" absolutely nothing, nada, zippo, squat, jack, etc. Why some people think they can control another person is sad. Very sad. 473369[/snapback] Actually they are out of a job without the fans. So they owe us a considerable amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick in* england Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 As far as MM's handling of the media: IMO he needs to relax a bit more. He did a good job last year and he's getting testy this year cos he is feeling the heat. He'd do well to get the media onside and spinning it his way to cut the team some slack... He's trying the Herm Edwards petulant approach, and there is nothing I abhor more than Herm Edwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoveldog Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 On the issue of injuries.... I have two words to sum it all up... RUSTY JONES! Another blunder by Teflon Tom. Actually I'm fueling the fire with that comment. I personally think Tom has done a nice job, but I did not like the idea of letting the best strength and conditioning coach in the league go. Not surprising to me that we have injuries now that he's gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 On the issue of injuries.... I have two words to sum it all up... RUSTY JONES! Another blunder by Teflon Tom. Actually I'm fueling the fire with that comment. I personally think Tom has done a nice job, but I did not like the idea of letting the best strength and conditioning coach in the league go. Not surprising to me that we have injuries now that he's gone. 473693[/snapback] Yeah, that's the ticket. It's not dumb luck. Really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I agree. Not pissing off the media is an extremely important part of fielding a good team. 473463[/snapback] I don't even know why it would piss off the media. By Mularky not telling them anything he's giving them something to write about all week. How many articles could they get out of "Holcomb named the starter"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyMark Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Actually they are out of a job without the fans. So they owe us a considerable amount. 473680[/snapback] Really . So they 'owe' us then, what, exactly? Sure if we bought a ticket to a game they should be there on time and play and if not we should get a refund but that is about it. While I sorta see your point, they certainly do not owe us anything considerable other than meeting the obligation of a 1pm kickoff. Outside of that they owe us nothing, nada, zippo, jack, squat. Again, the entitlement feeling of fans is way way off base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typical TBD Guy Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 While I sorta see your point, they certainly do not owe us anything considerable other than meeting the obligation of a 1pm kickoff. Outside of that they owe us nothing, nada, zippo, jack, squat. 473917[/snapback] Your model of the football entertainment business is seriously flawed. Most fans desire more from their football product than the team simply going through the motions. Unless you're content with Ralph giving TD and MM life tenure, you must be no different. Not every fan is exactly the same, but the vast majority expect: A. Some reasonable attempt at fielding an entertaining (i.e., winning) product. B. Basic security for their family/friends when attending a game. C. Fundamental respect. Point C was the big issue in this thread. If you treat the fans and the messengers to the fans (media) like a bunch of mentally inferior lemmings long enough and consistently enough, maybe eventually the fans will stop offering their free time and money. Me personally? I'll continue supporting the Bills in Buffalo no matter how bad they are for how long or no matter how stevestojanny they think of me and treat me. But I do know that there are many others not as fanatical as me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Point C was the big issue in this thread. If you treat the fans and the messengers to the fans (media) like a bunch of mentally inferior lemmings long enough and consistently enough, maybe eventually the fans will stop offering their free time and money. 474008[/snapback] How is not giving the fans and media information about who is starting at QB treating them like "mentally inferior lemmings"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typical TBD Guy Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 How is not giving the fans and media information about who is starting at QB treating them like "mentally inferior lemmings"? 474080[/snapback] Read Post #24. Sorry for the confusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Read Post #24. Sorry for the confusion. 474090[/snapback] Gotcha, you make a vaild point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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