San Jose Bills Fan

Anyways, the Niners game is a very important one… keeping in mind that you could also argue that every game is equal in importance. The Bills host the Cheatriots**** the week before (week 4) before traveling to San Fran in week 5. After the smoke clears on these two games, we'll really know what we have with this team.

So… the successful achilles REPAIR surgery has nothing to do with Merriman being able to participate in every practice? What stopped him from using HGH earlier to make his "comeback?" There's never been HGH testing in the NFL. Even by your standards…

I believe you're in error here…

It's really too early to tell but right now I'd say wide receiver over defensive end. Mario Williams, Mark Anderson, and Shawne Merriman should all have some good years left in them. Yes most of the Bills wideouts are pretty young but at this point only Stevie is proven. Thus my belief that regardless of age, the Bills could go high at that position next year. There are so many unforeseeable scenarios though.

I think it was announced on Friday that Berry was entering a diversionary program which if he successfully met the terms, would have expunged the first arrest from his record. His second arrest came within about one day from the announcement of his agreement to the diversionary program… maybe he was celebrating? What a prize this guy is.

True what you say. However it is highly encouraging that for the first time in years he was able to participate in every practice during the offseason without any limitations. That, in and of itself is a huge hurdle. This guy knows his body and I believe he is very confident that he will be able to more than hold up to the rigors of football.

No. A different perspective than Lurker's and a real good job. I think Bryan Scott is closer to 100% as he is the #1 cover linebacker in nickel and no one else seems to play that position. I think Moorman is maybe less than 80%. Most of your percentages are very close, IMO. And they just retired Matt Light. I could see Jarron Gilbert sneaking onto this roster if he has a strong preseason. I basically agree with you guys that if McGee can stay healthy, he'll make the team… and that's a big if IMO.

Great breakdown, Lurker. I was gonna do something like this so I'm glad you got it this time. Eight of the players 30 or over that you cite are on the defensive side. Two are special teams (Lindell, Moorman) and only 3 are on the offensive side… Freddy, McIntyre and Pears. Based just on this, you might expect to see a bit more emphasis on defense next offseason. That said I think most are expecting the Bills to go QB and WR relatively high if the right player is there.

Freaking Slim Pickens… Man…

"New England has 13, Baltimore 10 and Pittsburgh nine. Then again, the Green Bay Packers have just four, so there's no one way to build a Super Bowl contender." http://www.kansascit...g-at-heart.html

"I'm a much smarter player and much more technical now," he said. "I know a lot more about the game. When you don't have those physical tools the last three years and being able to blow by a guy or great pass rush ability you start to learn more about the game and you get a little bit more technically sound. And that's what happened. Now my body is ready to take that on again along with the knowledge I've picked up over the last few years. It's going to be good." http://blogs.buffalo...d-for-merriman/

I think it was Mongo but I'd have to look it up to be sure. edit: Yeah it was Mongo and he had a pretty funny line I didn't remember: "… the very strong and slow-witted thug Mongo, who rode into town on a hugebrahman (marked with "yes" and "no" passing signals), knocked out a horse with one punch, and famously responded to a question from Sheriff Bart with, "Don't know..." (looking straight into the camera) "...Mongo only pawn in game of life."

http://www.buffalobills.com/team/team-statistics.html In 2 less returns (13 to 15) Justin Rogers averaged 10 yards more per return than Brad Smith, 28.7 vs 18.8. Watching him last year, my eyes told me that Smith isn't that great a return man. The only caveat being that the kickoffs were moved up and maybe that hurt him more than it would hurt a more quick-twitch athlete. Trying to be fair here.

And what did Smith average with the Bills last year? How did the 7th round DB do in kick returns for the Bills last year? My point was that the Jets' yards per return improved after he left… so what conclusions can we draw?

edit: The Jets were 4th in the league in kickoff returns last year at 26.3 yards per return. The previous year with Brad Smith the Jets were 3rd in the league in kickoff returns at 25.2. So the Jets yards per kickoff return improved after Brad Smith left for Buffalo, FWIW.

Let me re-visit this topic. I am not personally "fiercely anti-Smith." Nor am I anti-wildcat. I will state that it's a totally legitimate debate as to whether he brought anything to the team last year… and so I question how much he will bring this year. I would certainly hope he makes a bigger impact than last year's disappointing showing. And btw, I do not consider the non offseason to be a legitimate excuse as to why he wasn't used more effectively. We're talking about a ridiculously small package of plays here. Run, Run, Run, and the occasional pass to catch the D off guard. On the point of passing, his one pass attempt was disturbingly horrendous (horrendously disturbing?). It was hard to believe watching that wounded duck that he actually set passing records at Missouri. Finally, based on his kick returns last year, he's an average returner who put up good numbers on the Jets due to their outstanding return team blocking. As I stated, I'm willing to give him another chance but I sure hope his biggest contribution to the team is more than just saving roster spots on game day.

Yeah but if you read the article you linked and others, you know that his second breathalyzer test later on yielded a higher blood alcohol level. Also he failed field sobriety tests and allegedly almost hit two other vehicles. He might not get a suspension but there's no candy-coating his arrest, IMO.

That would be Alex Karras.

Regardless of your testimony and my link, the question is the same: Does anyone believe the game would be made SAFER by going back to leather helmets?

Then why is Thigpen competing with V Young for the number two job?

"… making him the 22nd Hall of Famer to do so, according to Washington Times reporter Nathan Fenno… "As a result of the head trauma suffered during his playing career, Bruce Smith suffers from symptoms associated with multiple traumatic brain injury and CTE." http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2012/07/report-bruce-smith-joins-concussion-litigation.html

What I was trying to express is that they don't want to cut him before the 2nd year of a 4-year, $15 million contract even begins. It would be an admission that signing him in the first place was a mistake. They'd rather try to give Smith a chance to prove that signing him as a free agent was the right move.

What I was trying to express is that they don't want to cut him before the 2nd year of a 4-year contract, $15 million contract even begins. It would be an admission that signing him in the first place was a mistake. They'd rather try to give Smith a chance to prove that signing him as a free agent was the right move.

I believe that Chixley feel they have to justify his signing last year so they won't let him go. I agree with everything you wrote and on top of all that, there are a lot of good O and D linemen I'd like for the Bills to hold onto. Then you add the fact that some teams don't even carry a 3rd quarterback. Plus Smith makes about $3.8 million for this year. I'd shed no tears if the guy was cut but I don't think they'll do it this year. Best case scenario: He has a great season and proves why they were right to keep him.