San Jose Bills Fan

Well of course Richardson plays in a huge media market but I believe that there's been more buzz about Star Lotulelei of the Panthers. This guy is immovable, disruptive, and seemingly gets several tackles for loss in every game. I agree with Eddie Lacy but we're only at the halfway mark so anything could happen. Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is having a huge season and Dallas wideout Terrance Williams is coming on strong too. Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is also in the running.

I think there are aspects to my theory that make a good deal of sense but I agree that the public dialogue coming from the teammates is probably more serendipity than some brilliant counter-intuitive strategy contrived by a team with great leadership. It's entirely possible that due to their lack of leadership, the Dolphins are effectively dealing with the situation by pure dumb luck.

Ah, but what also floats in water? Seriously though, as long as we're positing different theories and such, how's this one? The Fins can't deny the voice mail and texts. It's clear that evidence exists that something happened. So they can't deny it. What are their alternatives? What does a gag order imposed by the team's communications department accomplish? On the other hand, if the Miami players speak freely and can color opinion to make it seem understandable that this was nothing more than the same jock culture which exists in every NFL locker room, does this make the team seem better or worse in the court of public opinion? If they support Incognito and criticize Martin based on the culture of NFL players, does this help or hurt the team? Do these (Hartline, Clabo, etc) opinions tend to make us more forgiving of the team and less forgiving of Martin? Perhaps the Dolphins (mis)handling of this situation is more shrewd than we are giving them credit for? Just a thought.

As a postscript to my post two above, Nassib threw harder for the radar gun than did EJ but at the Quicken Loans Skills Challenge, EJ threw the ball considerably farther. Again EJ didn't overwhelm on the radar gun but he's thrown a few lasers since becoming a Buffalo Bill that clearly show off his elite arm talent. Effortlessness + quick release + ball spin + velocity = Elite Arm Talent And of course you have to be accurate.

Several people have commented on arm strength as the subject evolved after EA's post. To me, true arm strength has to do with how well a QB can EFFORTLESSLY throw a ball. Tuel had several throws last Sunday that were reminiscent of Fitzy in that in an effort to generate velocity, he lost accuracy and his release also took longer. There are plenty of QBs who supposedly don't have strong arms who have done well for the radar gun and numerous "strong-armed QBs" who've thrown up modest numbers on the radar gun. EJ threw "only 54 mph" at the combine but I've already seen him make throws which I haven't seen a Bills QB make in a few decades. What's that you say? Radar gun readings at the combine? It's true. I've posted this before and I'll post it again. Average radar gun readings for every QB who has thrown at the combine since 2008: http://blogs.ourlads.com/2013/03/27/quarterback-ball-velocity-at-nfl-combine-2008-2012/

It's reported that Martin went to a hospital after leaving the Dolphins facility. He was placed on the Non-Football Injury List. There was/is/continues to be a reasonable basis for talking about Martin's mental health. What does it matter? FWIW, I don't believe this has been posted yet: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/04/dungy-says-colts-had-red-flag-on-incognito/ "During last night’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC, former Patriots V.P. of player personnel and Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli (who should be getting some credit for the talent he left for the new 9-0 regime in Kansas City) told Dan Patrick, ”I didn’t want [incognito] coming out [of college], and I don’t want him now.” Former Bucs and Colts coach Tony Dungy echoed that sentiment earlier in the hour on The Dan Patrick Show. Dungy explained that, when Incognito entered the draft in 2005, the Colts had him on the “DNDC” list, which means “do not draft because of character.”

Yesterday during the 2nd half of the Bills game, it seemed like the site crashed for a few minutes. Maybe, maybe not but I was unable to get the site to respond. Ever since then, anytime I click on a topic, it makes all of the "read," including topics that I haven't yet read. Anyone else having this problem? I sent a report to the mods so no need to respond. Just thought I'd put it out there in case anyone else was having similar problems.

^^^^^^^^^^^ I tend to agree. BTW, please merge if you deem necessary or appropriate.

Incognito suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. http://dolphinsmedia.tumblr.com/post/65969778437/miami-dolphins-statement-on-richie-incognito

For "conduct detrimental to the team." http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/03/dolphins-suspend-richie-incognito/ http://dolphinsmedia.tumblr.com/post/65969778437/miami-dolphins-statement-on-richie-incognito

Yes. In the history of the NFL, a lot of good work by hard-working coaches and players has been wasted by poor QB play. Moreover the careers of many good players and coaches have been tainted by their random association with bad quarterbacks. Some players are remembered in history because they played on winning teams led by good quarterbacks and just as many equally good players are forgotten because they played on losing teams led by bad quarterbacks. Especially in today's NFL, if the Bills don't find good quarterbacking, many good efforts and performances by good players and coaches will go to waste. That's the reality of the NFL today.

A different outcome on a small handful of offensive plays would dramatically change the opinions being aired on this board. But despair and hysteria typically rule the roost around here.

I remember people scoffing at the suggestion last year that Foles could become a good NFL QB.

And really the truth lies somewhere in between. Look at the improved play of Aaron Williams and D'Norris Searcy. The difference between Wannstedt and Pettine is hard to even describe.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Does anyone here remember last season's week 4-5 run when the Bills were outscored 96 to 31? (referring to Alphadawg's post)

Additional thoughts to add to the mix: The Bills D continues to gel and improve. With all the injuries at QB AND WR, it's as hard to assemble an effective pass game as it is to evaluate the players involved. Cordy Glenn dominated Tamba Hali. Hali came into the game with 9 sacks in 8 games and didn't get near Tuel. It was a complete and utter domination by Cordy. One thing Tuel did well: He felt the rush and his internal clock were good. The Bills didn't allow a sack to the best pass rushing team in the NFL.

If my decoder ring is working it seems like you're suggesting that the Bills draft Winston from FSU. He's a redshirt freshman.

Thanks Chris. Hopefully he shows well enough down the stretch that everyone feels comfortable building the team around him at other positions.

As I've already pointed out with examples, it's rare to draft a 1st round QB two years in a row. That said we have zero way of knowing what EJ's standing will be in the eyes of Whaley/Marrone at seasons end.

You can say that but we don't really know that.

The argument though is that Hackett should have called a fade or a stop fade; a pattern away from congestion where the QB needs to make a quick read in a lot of traffic. There was another suggestion I thought was good regarding running on 3rd down out of the spread formation. I think these are valid points.

Game's over.

To say the D has played poorly when you said it? To say that Goodwin should have returned that kickoff?

None of which have to do with mental toughness = not giving up.

All of his opinions seem to be wrong.