Never NEVER Give-up

Pretty weak segment. The female host talked to Stevie for 3 minutes about how big Mario is and his own TD dance steps, a Fantasy update wher Fits is 23rd and because CJ & Freeddy will split the load, they are in the same neighborhood as Fitz (for RB's). No analyst comments, none. If I recall other 32 in 32 spots, they always seem to have the analysts discuss the teams' outlook. Not sure why they skipped it for our boys. Pretty disappointing.

Much ado about nothing. Coughlin was just being frank voicing his disappointment in losing Ballard via a calculated risk of sneaking him through waivers. GM Jerry Reese echoed those sentiments. For a reporter to ask BB if he violated any unwritten rules is laughable and makes that reporter look like a rank amateur. The question for whomever picked up Ballard was - Do you wnat to carry him on IR for a full year? BB's answer is yes. TE is a major part of their attack now - this is not a dumb move, especially if Hernandez isn't happy with playing 2nd fiddle. Heck this is EXACTLY how the Bills pilfered Jack Kemp from San Diego and Steve Tasker from Houston!! To a lesser extent it's how we got Merriman - but it's taken him at least 2 years AND SanDiego was finished with him. There are probably other examples, but I cannot think of them right now. Sounds the same to me, but I agree -

As someone who always has the NFL Network on in the background, I can tell you that Sapp loves Dareus and both he and Evans have said positive things about the Bills before. They just won't say they will overtake the Pats in the East. And if RichmondRob doesn't have the NFL Network, I would venture to say he really doesn't know what he's talking about in this instance. Let's wait until 8pm tonight before we rush Sapp & Evans with our pitch forks and torches!

Every summer, with the NFL draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, I take a look at each team. What did it accomplish in terms of added personnel? How did its draft fill holes? What voids remain? Let's jump around the league, addressing three things for each team: • Help added (below): What has the team done this offseason to improve its prospects. Given my greatest area of expertise, I put a particular emphasis on the draft. • Questions that remain (need Insider access): A look at what voids must be filled. • Next year's help, now (need Insider access): With an eye toward next year's draft class, what player from 2013 could seemingly help the team in 2012? This is meant to be hypothetical, a quick look at prospects to keep an eye on. Here is the version for the AFC East: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFC East Buffalo Bills Help added: It's a proven fact that if you want to build a championship team in the NFL, it has to start with the draft. Look at the personnel makeup of any of the best teams and you'll see a massive ratio of its talent came aboard via the draft. This isn't groundbreaking, but I bring it up because of the addition of Mario Williams in free agency. So often, teams add free agents looking for a fix and end up disappointed. In this case, Williams might be a perfect fit. It's not merely because of what he brings to the defense as it goes to more of a base 4-3 system but because of what that could do for last year's top pick, Marcell Dareus. With Mario and Kyle Williams flanking him, Dareus could become a star. Don't forget about Mark Anderson, who picked up 10 sacks last season and will line up opposite Williams at right defensive end. The Bills' defensive line has been elevated and is now one of the top lines in football, a year after it was 25th in the NFL in sack percentage. The Bills did well in the draft. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is an immediate starter. I don't agree with Buddy Nix that second-round pick Cordy Glenn profiles as a potential NFL left tackle, but he could be outstanding on the right side. Erik Pears is penciled in at right tackle, but I'm interested to see how the depth chart looks coming out of camp. The Bills could also have some late steals. Tackle Zebrie Sanders could become a starter if he develops, and Ron Brooks could be a starting slot corner after being overshadowed at LSU. It's hard to find a team that had a better offseason than Buffalo. For the remainder of the Bills info and full AFC East breakdown from Mel Kiper, including picks for next year's draft, you must be an ESPN Insider.

32 in 32 is a five to ten minute segment of the Total Access show. Stevie Johnson will be on to talk about the team as well. Poster "Teen Insight" is also correct that Sapp & Evans (or whomever is on that night) will discuss the team then the host of the show will go to Johnson on the Bills Cam (the NFL Network has a team cam in each NFL Facility). For our TWC firends to see it, you can go to NFL.com after the show has aired and search "32 in 32". All the teams they have covered thus far will be listed - simply click & view.

Link/URL: http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2012/06/bill-parcells-cant-get-enough-of-fred-jackson.html

Looks like: A. Williams K. Williams M. Williams

Big mistake - this gives the media a chance to stoke the QB controversy fires. VY has a history of problems like this. Why give him a platform to start a new rivalry with Fitz. Let him come in quietly - learn the playbook - get to know his teammates - earn eveyone's respect - resurrect his career! But NOOOO, we need to give the podium & a presser to the 2nd or 3rd string QB??? Big mistake. Now the media will stoke the fires (and this part I love) - they will say the FANS are the ones making it a controversy!! Based on the Press Conf - I would say the Bills and the media are duplicitous here - not the fans. I hope it is a non-event. I hope VY can resurrect his career here. But let's give him time to do it!

It was like yesterday . . . I was working on a systems conversion at a Buffalo bank. We had the game on a boom box. During the first half we we saying that - We were glad this travesty wasn't on TV; - That we couldn't expect them to win without Kelly & Biscuit and with Bruce nursing bruised ribs - he was less effective, then Thurman hurt his hip(I think) - we were done; - That we'd rather be working than freezing in the stadium watching this. Because I am a die-hard at heart, I kept the game on despite my co-workers pleas to put on some music. After the pick-six to start the 2nd half (35-3), the groaning got louder. Then the Bills finally scored (35-10) and I laughed - "we got 'em just where we want 'em!!!" Then we recovered the onside kick & scored again - quickly (35-17) and I remember telling everyone out of earshot that MAYBE they're gonna make a game of it. Then they scored again (35-24). It was as if the field were tilted!! We were now just watching the boom box, listening to Van Miller and cheering them on. Then we scored again - a 4th down pass to Reed - 35-31 !! And it was still in the 3rd Quarter!!! We were hysterical!!! Unfortunately the Oilers started to move the ball again and were lining up for a field-goal - they fumbled the snap!! Bills ball!! This is destiny - "we're meant to win this game" we crowed!! With about 3 minutes left, Reich hit Reed for the go-ahead score. We were no longer working!!! The Oilers forced overtime and won the coin toss - they received the ball and turned it over in about 3 plays. Nate Odomes picked it off and had his face mask tugged on the tackle - 1st down at the Houston 20 - it was all but over. On 3rd down Christie kicked the winner. We were exhausted and all trying to figure out how we can get a tape of the game. It was like yesterday!

Don't forget, last year in his brief pre-season appearance - Merriman was dominant! He is in the last year of his deal with the Bills. The Bills have done a good-to-great job of putting together a good-looking defense without him that is only better with him. Healing & Time will tell, but if he's feeling good, he could be great again. (This is my hope!!) Imagine a line of Mario - Dareus - Kyle - Anderson and Merriman as LB coming as a 5th rusher!!! With the NFL going pass-happy, there'll be more than enough snaps for Kelsay, Merriman, Anderson and Mario. They'll be able to give each other breaks and allow them to stay fresh throughout the game. It will be great when we get to play with leads, watching these guys pin their ears back and rush the passer, allowing the DB's to get more turnovers and ultimately more wins!! Next, Buddy will need to decide if they want to extend him - or Merriman needs to decide if he wants to stay of go the FA route. Perhaps there's even a chance to trade him before he officially becomes a FA. (?) If he doesn't heal and cannot play to the team's satisfaction, he will be gone after this year.

10 - Aaron Maybin 9 -- Carlester Crumpler 8 -- Phil Earthquake Enyart 7 -- Joe Dufek 6 -- Bruce Matheson 5 -- Phil Dokes 4 -- Tony Hunter 3 -- Bucky Brooks 2 -- Perry Tuttle #1 - Walt Patulski Oh? Greatest Bills?!?!

Never heard of him. Is he any good? Stats??

Not really a stupid question. They sometimes assign the + or - in confusing fashion - usually because of the over/under. Buffalo +5 means add 5 points to the Bills final score - we're a dog here. Against the Browns, it says Buffalo -1. Here we are the favorite "giving" a point to the Browns - or deduct 1 point from the Bills final score. The rule of thumb is take the final scores of the game and add/subtract the betting line to whichever team gets/gives points. The result is the final score for betting purposes. So in week one, add 5.5 points to the Bills final score. If we lose 25-20, you still win the bet because after adding 5.5 points you get Jets 25 - Bills 25.5. Similarly, if we beat the Browns by 1, 20-19, the betting line is a push/tie as you need to deduct 1 point from Buffalo's score, making it 19-19. Hope this helps.

Um, yeah. Me too.

WOW - from near-last in the league to #1, huh? Unprecedented!! Our offense went from near-last to middle of the pack last year. I'll be thrilled if the defense can do the same.

Agree - they should bring Dixon for a look see - he's more coachable than VY; and if VY could benefit from Chan's coaching (if he would listen), then Dixon would most certainly benefit from the experience.

I believe we beat Houston after our bye and agree we'll lose to the Pats after their bye (again!). We'll also lose 1 more game among the 1st 7 weeks. That would mean 11-5. Or possibly 10-6. Despite being irritated by it, I hope the media keep underestimating the Bills, so no one gets too full of themselves at OBD. Remember last year, we were beating Cincy (there) and tried to cruise in the 2nd half. They used it as a springboard to a very good season and we never recovered as the season went into a death spiral. Let's hope it's a lesson learned.

During Wednesday mornings Vince Young workout at One Bills Drive a handful of players on Buffalos roster ran routes for the free agent quarterback. Wide receivers David Nelson, Donald Jones, Naaman Roosevelt and Marcus Easley all participated and caught passes from Young. (Per Chris Brown) No other word . . Question is - is he still here - perhaps negotiating a contract? Or has he left OBD for the airport - if he left right after the workout, I'd guess it was WITHOUT a deal. The longer he stays, the greater the chance they sign him.

Let Metzelaars advise if Clark has anything left . . .

I think he's done - I thought the same when he played for the Pats. Stick a fork in 'em!

He's an undeniable talent. We need to trust CHIX to meet with him and assess if he's ready to be serious about playing on a Football TEAM. In the past it's always been about Vince. Has he matured? Can he lead? Can he accept blame for things that don't go right? I trust CHIX to assess this and more when they talk to him. If they sign him, I'll be thrilled - it'll mean they think he can do it!

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial-page/viewpoints/article833545.ece?twobillsdrive

I couldn't agree more, but I read it on-line and there was also an editoial that was totally refreshing and you should read and share with everyone you know - the ideas put forth it could help the Bills locate downtown and become a major impetus for regional growth funded by the state, federal and canadian governments. I will also post this as a new topic - it is such a refreshing approach for Buffalo's morass for the last 50-60 years. http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial-page/viewpoints/article833545.ece?twobillsdrive

Shoretalk said - - "When he grades a team he is grading them against the KIPER pre-draft insight. So teams that do not pick the way Mel wanted them to pick get lower grades and those foolish enough to buy into all of his picks get the higher grade." I wholeheartedly agree. I was watching when C. Glenn was drafted and Kiper said we needed a Tackle, not a Guard - so right there we received demerits because we didn't address our need (per Kiper). When the NC State WR was taken, both Kiper & McShay had him as a 7th rounder - demerits vs value (per Kiper). The problem with Kiper's evaluation is that is presumes his valuations are the standard by which all teams draft. If that were true (AND IT ISN'T) then he would have a point in his "Draft Grades". I'd rather we go by the pros - Buddy CLEARLY and RATIONALLY explained what they did and why - this is why I love the guy and say - if Buddy says so - it is so. I drank his kool-aid shortly after he got the job. He doesn't presume to know more than the next guy and he explains himself freely - stopping short ONLY when his answer could compromise a competitive advantage. Did the draft go perfectly - no - because there were 31 others taking talent we liked. But we were still able to address need positions and we got bigger and faster. Now, just as we signed Nick Barnett, we wait for June when teams shed veterans for one reason or another and maybe we can addresss another need at that time. I am very optimistic about the Bills. Undeniably, they are improving and trending in the right direction. We haven't been able to say that since the 90's!!

I'd wait till Saturday, after Rd's 2-3 are over and offfer them one of our 7th round picks - he's an upgrade over Thigpen and with a full year as starter under his belt, he may actually make a jump and be better than he was and fulfill some of the promise he had coming out of college.