thewildrabbit

:worthy: ABOUT FREAKING TIME!!!

Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson Simply because if the Bills don't address the O line in a big way this off season it will be another year in the Bills offense leading the league in 3 downs and out, most hits in the QB, most sacks. So it won't matter how many #1 draft picks are on that defense if it can't get off the field. Mostly because in the first quarter the defense will get a bunch of stops. But by the fourth quarter they are so worn down from constantly being on the field they will be a sieve. I wouldn't be against drafting Mack as I have him as my avatar. Its just that if the Bills don't fix that O line for once and for all I just don't see them winning many games again this year.

As did I, and also the 4th. My favorite part of going to the super bowls was taking my vacation time then, and spending the week in each city. They also had a huge card show the week before each game where they gave away memorabilia along with players signing autographs for free. Going to those with my children hold the best memories for me.

Blockbuster Video....failure to adapt. Fans want to believe that this franchise is fighting its way back after 14 years of losing seasons and 17 years without a playoff win.

You would be surprised on how many stars want to be close to the field, rather then schmoozing in the boxes.

I don't watch any of the overblown hype leading up to the SB...none! I will watch the game however. Just think how much we would all revel in it tho if the Bills were in the game!

Not to beat a the proverbial horse again. But, the only thing that will really open up things from CJ to SJ is that line! Think back to when the Bills brought in TO, a play making WR who always wants the ball. Except the QB's couldn't always get him the ball. Mostly because they didn't have the time in the pocket to make the 3-5 step drop backs, or even a pocket to step up into. The Bills have a serviceable TE in Chandler, and 3 WR's who are still developing at the NFL level. Two of them are speed burners who can open up the deep passing game. (Provided a Bills QB has the time to make the throws.) Plus, a good possession type in Robert Woods who is good on the short and intermediate routes. Some folks here are suggesting that the biggest need of the team is a top QB. Well, how on gods green earth to you guys expect EJ to develop if he under constant duress, on his back or always injured. That goes for any of the three young QB's on the roster, and even the glass QB Kevin Kolb. The past 14 years the Bills have used #1 & #2 draft picks on WR's, and where did it get them? A #2 Josh Reed, A #1 Lee Evans, A #2 Roscoe Parrish, A #2 James Hardy, A #2 Robert Woods. They have also drafted a flurry of DB's, DT's, RB's in that time for so many losing seasons. The Bills haven't had a top O line across the board, meaning all five players since the Jim Kelly days. Think about it!

Thanks for the praise guys. While I love Mack, and would like to see him in a Bills uni. It would be simply crazy to not address that O line, and offense in a big way this year. OG,OT,TE

A very simple reason that I already stated. Schwartz cut his teeth under Jeff Fisher who learned under the late great Buddy Ryan and his 46 defense. Which primarily stops the run first and forces the team into passing downs. What Schwartz should do is have the SS walk up to the LoS to keep 8 men in the box. Lets not forget that Rex Ryan runs a very similar defense to Pettine and he was able to have the #3 defense against the run. Jauron with Perry Fewell as DC built a Tampa Two defense that is predicated on only rushing the front four, so the DT's are supposed to be smaller- quicker players primarily tasked in penetrating thru the gaps and applying pressure on the QB. What exactly Schwartz should do is have the SS walk up to the LoS to keep 8 men in the box Now, Jauron never filled his defense with the proper personnel, never. Even when he had DE Aaron Schobel as a pass rusher he was never able to replace him after he retired. While he drafted Poz for the MLB spot he never found a great weak side linebacker to make that defense work, as the key theme is directing traffic to the weak side. George Edwards was a complete fool who tried to make the transition from a 4-3 to running a 3-4 without the linebackers to run that scheme. That resulted in two years wasted. Dave Wannstedt was also past his time as he wanted to front four to stop the run and rush the passer while not blitzing very much at all. Another wasted year on that fool. Please don't equate those morons to Mike Pettine. As ole Mikey showed what this defense is capable of when the primary task is rushing the passer, and in his scheme his players just weren't that disciplined in controlling their gaps to stop the run. As I stated earlier I believe the the best way to improve the defense is to have the offense stay on the field and complete drives, and the only way to accomplish that is to finally spend some top draft picks on upgrading that O line. Last season saw way to many 3 downs and out on the offense. If nothing else the past 14 years have shown that not building a top line will result in more losing seasons, JMO.

While I share your concern over the 28th ranked run defense. I don't feel that LBer is the biggest need or weakest area, as I feel that run defense can be fixed with the current personnel. One player isn't going to change that defense from #28 to a top ten unit by himself. Its a passing league right? So Pettine properly went all out for QB sacks, pressure, and rushing the passer with stopping the run a secondary issue. Consider that 9 of 11 starting players on the current defense are either 1st or 2nd round draft picks. The #4 passing defense, #10 overall, #2 in sacks only got this team to another 6-10 record, same as Wannstedt I have complete faith that Schwartz will fix the run game, as he cut his teeth with the 46 defense. Which stops the run and forces teams into passing situations. Still, my take is that Bills defense was on the field way to long to be effective in some games, and were worn down by the 4th quarter. Why? Because the Bills were one of the worst teams in the NFL in sustaining drives. They were something like 31st in time of plays, 22nd in plays, and 28th in drive yards. Now granted that the lack of an experienced QB had something to do with this situation. The meat of the problem was with the run game. Meanwhile Bills OC true to his word ran the hell outta the ball last season to the tune of most attempts in the NFL and the #2 overall team in rushing yards. Yet at the very same time they were #25 in run blocking? This tells me is was more of the Bills star RB's making those yards then the O line making holes. All they did by running so much is they put up good stats, and lost a bunch of games in doing so. When you look at the O line you would see that 3 of the 5 current starters graded in the red against the Patriots. Both LT & C are fine and need no upgrade. Even the RG might be alright with an upgrade at RT. The Bills had penciled Chris Hairston to be the starting RT before he suffered a leg injury, and ultimately went on IR with an undisclosed illness. In my view the Bills are desperate for upgrades at LG & RT, and could even use an upgrade at RG before they draft another LBer. Building up that O line to better protect the QB, and to actually control the line of scrimmage, and clock by running the ball. If you think the depth in the LBer corps is a critical need. Think about the only backups to the O line last season were direct from the waiver wire during the season. In summation think about this. If the Bills could score first and keep the lead it would allow them to really dominate with that current defense just the way it is. If they could start a drive and run the ball down the field by rushing the ball for 5 yards a pop, while controlling the LoS, and clock. That they would wear out the opposing defense just like what happened to the Bills last year.

Its all in how the Bills first wanted to use him as a penetrating DT to put pressure on the QB in the Tampa two defense. From what I see they are not asking him to be a run stuffing, stay on the line DT. The real problem is that the Bills never did find the LBers they needed to fit that scheme, and they still are lacking in that area if they want to continue to have both DT's rush the passer. Mario Williams with 13.0 sacks. Kyle Williams with 10.5 sacks. Jerry Hughes with 10.0 sacks. Marcell Dareus with 7.5 sacks. The Bills were the #2 sacking team in the NFL last year. The #1 overall team in the NFL in tackles. The #2 overall team in INTs. #10 in yards allowed. #20 in points allowed. Yet #28 in rush yards allowed. The Bills finished the season at 6-10 again mostly because the offense can't stay on the field, as they have far to many 3 and outs. Which wore out the defense. Despite being #2 in the entire NFL in rushing. That Bills O can't control the clock or line of scrimmage.

Yea, I don't see this move as an idea in just getting EJ some help, as I look at it more of a way to get all three young QB's some one on one help with an experienced NFL QB coach. This move is also freeing up the OC Nate Hackett to focus more on the game plans and play calling.

I think he IS a franchise QB who almost always has the entire game to win or lose entirely on his shoulders. This is really not the way to develop a young QB. That and the fact that only one great WR won't get you very far, as one can be triple teamed and taken away. Clearly Stafford is not a Peyton Manning, but then again he hasn't had the QB coaching / tutoring that Manning had. Manning had Tom Moore to teach him to call his own plays much the very same way Ted Marchibroda taught Jim Kelly to call his own plays. He also had QB coach Jim Caldwell who was good enough to take over as HC of the Colts when Tony Dungy retired. Then OC of the SB winning Ravens, and now is the new HC of the Lions. That said, I think it was a very smart move on the part of the Lions GM to hire Caldwell. Who will do wonders for that team offensively this season, and I would be surprised if the Lions drafted something other then one of the top 3 WR's at #10. Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans or Marquise Lee to help Calvin Johnson get open. Good lord, can you imagine what kind of crazy match up that would be with 6'5'' WR Mike Evans & 6'5'' Calvin Johnson in the red zone

It will sell out IMO. Although, If any here are thinking of going I'd wait until Saturday to buy tickets as i think the prices will keep dropping. The teams playing in the game are from the other side of the country and its far to cold for the rich folks to sit out in the elements for 3-4 hours.

I doubt the Bills will look anything like the Lions D, as this Bills D team has so much more talent in terms of draft pick quality. The Lions drafted great DT's, and then got stupid with them by going with the wide-nine defense. That move allowed teams to gouge them with the run so they shored up the run defense which left the passing game susceptible to the big play. #6 against the run, #23 against the pass, #24 in receiving, 27th in sacks. My take where Detroit really fell on their face was in Matthew Stafford just not getting it done at the end of the season. Stafford had 13 picks in his last 7 games, and at the end of the season committed more turnovers and had more dropped passes then any other team the last 5 games. They also lost 6 of their last 7 games. Lets not forget that Detroit went 4-12 in 2012. That Detroit team lacked an outside pass rush, and that offense could move the ball but had trouble scoring pts.

They were Pettine's men to help run his defensive scheme. Let Schwartz hire his own men to fit his scheme, as he has been around the league long enough to know who he wants. Look at the talent in terms of draft picks on the current Bills defense, as 9 of 11 are 1st & 2nd round draft picks! I would think that any DC or assistant coach in the league would jump at the chance to coach on this defense. Number 10 in total defense, #4 in pass defense & #2 in total sacks, #1 in total tackles, #2 in interceptions. Super Mario 13 sacks, Kyle Williams 10.5 sacks, Jerry Hughes 10 sacks, Marcell Dareus 7.5 sacks. Just fix the frikken run the defense!

I can't recall where I read about Schwartz in that he is very flexible in terms of forming a defense that best suits his players. Rather them making them play a certain style of defense. Anyway I'm not going to fret about the schemes or tactics just yet, as that Bills D is overloaded with talent that has yet to see its full potential, IMHO. Being #28th against the run is horrid. Aren't teams supposed to stop the run and force teams into passing the ball? The wide-nine gives allows more leeway in stopping the run in favor of getting more pressure on the passer. Yet, Schwartz's roots have him learning the 46 defense under Jeff Fisher. Which stops the run first and forces the team into passing downs. So it will be interesting in what style of defense Schwartz employs. All I want to see out of it is forcing more 3 downs and outs, along with wins

C'Mon man, you really think that simply swapping EJ for Peyton would have the same results? Are you seriously comparing Decker, Welker, D Thomas, J Thomas, to the Bills receivers? Stevie Johnson injured all season. TJ Graham is so lacking in talent he wouldn't even make the Broncos practice squad. Woods might have done better with Manning, but he was also injured. Scott Chandler sees a tackler and falls down on his own. Then you have the disparity between the O lines, the passing scheme, the play calling, the special teams, the coaching. There is far more difference between a 13-3 team, and a 6-10 then I think you realize.

Good lord would I love those first three picks, and even the rest is looking good. Man 0 Man i hope the Bills stop screwing around and finally build a top O line, and that draft would pretty much do it.

Sometimes good players simply don't get recognized while playing on bad teams. The better the the Bills do on offense the more recognition they will receive. Glenn did surprisingly well at LT considering the scrubs next to him at LG.

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2014/1/13/5302134/2014-nfl-mock-draft-blake-bortles-johnny-manziel #1 Bridgewater #2 Clowney #3 Mack #4 Manziel #5 Matthews #6 here is where he lost me, Kony Ealy #7 and again, Vic Beasly #8 Blake Bortles #9 Greg Robinson Hey, I can dream can't I?

May the Schwartz be with us! I think the Bills chose the best of available DC's out there. Although I'm not a big fan of the "wide-nine" defense Schwartz installed in Detroit. I'm more of a fan in where they guy got his roots from in the NFL, as he was an assistant under Bill Belichick. He then worked as the Titans DC under Jeff Fisher who cut his teeth with Buddy Ryan and his famous 46 defense. The thing is that the "wide-nine" defense gives way to the run game in favor of rushing the passer. Yet the 46 stops the run and forces the opposing team into passing. It should be interesting what Schwartz does in Buffalo. I like the hire tho EDIT: Just to give some insight. Schwartz was hired away from Tennessee after the 2008 season. In 2009 the Titans then fell to 28th in pts & 28th in yards without him. 2008 #2 in points & #7 in yards allowed- 3 players in the secondary made the pro bowl 2007 #8 in points & #8 in yards allowed- Albert Haynesworth- Kyle Vanden Bosch both moved to the right side. 2006 #31 in points & #32 in yards allowed 2005 #29 in points & #19 in yards allowed 2004 #30 in points & #27 in yards allowed- Moved Kevin Carter off LDE, and lost RDE Jevon Kearse 2003 #13 in points & #12 in yards allowed 2002 #11 in points & #10 in yards allowed 2001 #25 in points & #25 in yards allowed Schwartz the DC 2000 #2 in points & # 1 in yards allowed under Gregg Williams DC- Note* Schwartz was the LBers coach 1999 #15 in points & #17 in yards allowed Williams DC & Schwartz defensive assistant 1998 #12 & #16 1997 #12 & #22 As for the QB coach hire Todd Downing. He certainly should help tutoring all those young QB's http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/1/24/5343462/buffalo-bills-add-todd-downing-as-quarterback-coach

Great post. Its kinda startling in how so few fans recognize this stuff! All the fans gushing about how the Bills were the #2 rushing team in the NFL and yet they couldn't sustain offensive drives to help keep the defense off the field and rested. Just for a minute sit back and think about how good that defense could have been if the Bills had an offense that could sustain drives by running, and could get a lead in every game and keep it....wow, just wow! Ahh well, the two of us might get it. I'd also like to add that the Bills FO decided they wanted an aggressive style of an attacking defense when they hired Pettine, and so consequently he built the defensive scheme to do exactly that. The Bills were #10 in total defense, and #4 against the pass. The Bills did have the #2 sacking defense in the entire NFL with 57 sacks. Super Mario had 13.0 sacks. Kyle Williams had 10.5 sacks. Jerry Hughes had 10.0 sacks. Marcell Dareus had 7.5 sacks. Both the DT's job was to penetrate to get pressure on the passer, and to get sacks. Rather then clog the middle and stop the run. I would think that the run defense would have improved had Pattine stayed. It sucks he is gone, and judging by the past history of this team I highly doubt they find anyone as good.

Are you seriously comparing the Bills offensive coaches, schemes, WR corps, and O line of the Patriots to the Bills the last few years? Dunno why I'm even bothering. Nevertheless, I don't believe I'm overstating. The Bills haven't been a "good" team in any aspect for 14 years. Not a good QB, not a good O line, not a good WR corps, nor good coaching staffs or schemes. It takes an entire team to make things work. Just sliding a great QB into the equation isn't going to do anything, except perhaps get that QB killed. You are stating stats from an era when Ryan Fitzpatrick was the Buffalo Bills QB. A QB with a notoriously weak, and inaccurate arm. What made Fitz somewhat good tho, was that he had great escape-ability, to the tune of 5-6 yard per rush, which is Michael Vick-ish. Then he was known for having a very quick release, and ability to get the ball to the open receiver in sometimes under 2 seconds. Chan Gailey recognized Fitz's ability to get the ball out so quickly and adopted a quick - short passing scheme around his QB. Because Fitz was able to get the ball out so quickly (usually to Stevie Johnson) it negated the pass rush against him. Still, he was hit quite often even after getting the ball out so quickly. That quick - short passing offensive scheme, along with the "spread 4-5 receiver"offense, also allowed the Bills RB's to make such good yardage in fewer attempts. I don't think I can explain it any simpler this this... Do you seriously think that the difference between a scrub 6-10 team, and a team that can go to the super bowl is only one player? What is it with the mentality of Bills fans that they equate the backup players of other teams (especially playoff teams) to those of the Buffalo Bills? What happened this season when the Bills tried to put backup OG David Snow in the game to replace Kraig Urbik for a series in that first game against the NY Jets. What he did was promptly allow a sack on the first play. Snow didn't even last that series before he was pulled, benched and then later released. The Bills then also released the starting LG Colin Brown when the backup center was back from an injury to replace him, and then Whaley pulled a few guys off the waiver wire as the back ups. The Bills were exceedingly lucky they didn't have further injury to that O line this season as they had no real qualified adequate backups. Not at C, not at OG, not at OT. So much for the back up players for the Buffalo Bills O line!

Nobody can state that for 100% certainty, nobody! Perhaps he works well in Marrone's / Hackett's overly simplified offensive system and plays great. Perhaps the coaches could actually add more to the playbook for a QB with some decent experience as he has been in the league since 2008. The Packers run a version of the WCO offense and M&H seems like they also ran a version of it with all those short passes. They did state they were going to. Flynn managed to beat the Falcons this year, which was something the Bills couldn't get done. Flynn led the Packers from a 3-26 deficit against the Cowboys at halftime to come out with a 37-36 win. He also had five consecutive TD drives in the 2nd half, and threw for 299 yards with 4TD's 1 INT. My point here is they never even gave him a chance. Same thing with Tarvaris Jackson, who is now the primary back up to Wilson in the SB. Anyway, time will tell as Pettine is now the HC of the Browns, and we will see who finishes 2014 with a better record.