thewildrabbit

and against the Steelers... and against the Jets in that first game. For whatever reason the Bills O line played so much better at home then on the road. Good lines don't just play good at home.

This game epitomizes the way I had envisioned the Bills playing the entire season. A great running attack with far more runs then passes, all the while controlling the clock with the run game, as it helps so much to keep the defense fresh. The Bills OC called another good game to help out that young QB. I hope Hackett keeps this up against the Patriots next week.

ooooh red zone, driving rainstorm in Buffalo SACK by KW

I don't believe that for a second, as history has shown us that when fans stop buying season tickets, and the team is in actual danger of not making a profit. That this owner will make the necessary changes to the team, and improve them enough to get them in a winning direction again. This has happened to this franchise on several occasions in the past, and in each time this owner opted to find the right leadership, pay top players or do whatever it would take to correct the ticket sales. I do believe that should Brandon fail in his marketing schemes to keep the fan base buying seats, then he will be replaced by someone who can. But, so far he has proven to be in an elite master class of marketing men who can keep this fan base coming back year after year despite all the losing. Should Brandon ultimately lose this lucrative CEO job with the Buffalo Bills, he should seriously contemplate going into politics. Just think, this team has been kept profitable through some of the most troubling economic times since the great depression. For 2013 all it took was for this franchise to finally draft a QB with a #1 pick, which gives fans hope. A new coaching staff gives fans new hope, even if they are from the college ranks with no history of great success. "Season-ticket sales are up to 43,267, the team said.“Season ticket holders continue to be the building blocks of our franchise,” said a statement from CEO Russ Brandon. “A strong season ticket base is the ultimate home field advantage.” http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2012/08/21/bills-season-ticket-sales-up-team-has.html Bills fans just want to keep their team in their city.

I get it, and gave him a grade of slightly better then 60%. For me it isn't just about the QB as so many other factors come into play. I was just reminding folks that there is more to how a QB performs then solely just his play. My reasoning also has to do with the fact that EJ only played in 10 games this season, and went 4-6 with a not so good supporting cast. Here is hoping the FO / GM builds a better team around EJ this off season, and gives him more time to show his full potential. One way or the other.

The Bills can't go wrong with any of those 3, and as much as I'd like an OT with that #1. I think i might prefer Mack at #1, and an OG at #2 might be a better way to go. Run stopping, pass rush with Mack might be the best idea. Then an OT with a 3rd or a free agent.

We won't get anybody. Ralph Wilson will choose who he wants to run his team. He must trust Brandon immensely to give him the keys to his kingdom. Although, that won't save Brandon if he fails to build a winner and the fans stop buying season tickets, JMO

The one lone game that convinced me that this coaching staff was in real trouble was when they started QB Jeff Tuel and gave him the option of throwing the ball on 3rd down and one when the run game was carrying the team spectacularly up until that time. The game ended with the Bills 38 rushes 241 yards, which was an amazing outing against the then, #1 defense in the league. Then look at what the Bills D did to that KC offense, PUNT, PUNT, PUNT, FG, PUNT, FG, PUNT, PUNT, FG ...yea that's right. The Bills D held the Chiefs offense to only 9 points all game! So, how did the Bills lose 23-13? Because the Bills OC called a pass with super raw undrafted free agent rookie QB on 3rd down, and one at the goal line instead of running it one last time. Pick six! Then when the Chiefs have a slight lead the Bills OC panics and has the QB sling it all over, and Mr hands of stone fumbled it, which results in a TD. My thoughts are if you know that Jeff Tuel is a huge project at QB, was never a winner in college with a 4-26 record. then you never put that kid in that situation. You make the conservative call for another run, and should the run fail you kick a field goal. The score is then 13-6, the Bills keep running it to play keep away. Then both teams add another FG and the result is a win 13-9. This OC called a brilliant game right up until that boneheaded 3rd down, and goal pass. The point is, when the team got behind in points... he put the run game on the back burner, and started to force the rookie QB to carry the game just like he did so many times with EJ this year. The game ended with Tuel throwing 39 passes. Go back and re watch the games. There was only a few games in which the run game worked great from the start, and when it didn't work so well, then EJ was forced to carry the team. Sometimes EJ played well, and sometimes he didn't play so well. He should have never been put in the situation to carry the games when the Bills have such great talent at RB in Spiller & Jackson. JMHO. Now, some fans have already stated they think the rookie OC did nothing wrong in allowing Tuel the option of passing in that situation. They are entitled to their opinions, and I respect them. No need to rehash that old argument. Just merely pointing out that this rookie OC has had his troubles. There is a world of difference between a 1st round draft pick rookie QB, and an undrafted free agent rookie, and this OC kept calling plays like he had EJ back there.

Some Bills fans need to realize this year wasn't completely about just the QB, and his development. It was also about the development of all the other rookies on the team too. It was about the rookie head coach, the rookie GM. More importantly IMO, the rookie offensive coordinator who unlike his HC, has never played in the NFL. Hackett was the Bills & Bucs offensive quality control person for one year with each team previous to his being an OC at the college level. So this man had never called plays or set up the game plan for NFL games before this season. Hackett only called offensive plays at Syracuse for one year and was quality control coach for one year, then TE / QB coach for one year in his 3 years at Syracuse. The other things that need consideration were the offensive play calling, the scheme, the game plans. The offense was the #1 team in rushing attempts and yet had great difficulty in controlling the clock or LoS by running. When the run game failed to make yards the OC just kept calling pass plays which put tremendous pressure on the rookie QB to produce. Sometimes he did, and sometimes he didn't. My point here is that the running game should have carried the team instead of forcing the rookie QB to carry it. Then you need to consider that this years team had some difficulties with the O line. They fielded the very worst graded LG in the league for the first 5 games, and replaced him with the backup center who should have remained a backup player and not a full time starter. That O line played poorly at times, and particularly on the road against certain teams. The WR corps had two rookies in Woods & Goodwin who were both hurt at times which hinders their development process. Then the star WR started out the year with a hamstring injury, then bad back, then groin pull. Then he had his mom pass away. Sadly, just a very difficult year for SJ, and even with all those problems SJ was still the Bills leading receiver by far. The one WR that was healthy all year has hands of stone. The Bills TE is ranked 15th in yards and only has had one TD all year, and he has made critical mistakes in some games. The next best TE on the team only had 5 receptions all year, and ranks 68th. The next best 74th. So, when you think about evaluating the QB, also think about the supporting cast around the QB. After all, it is a team sport.

Not only has it become the most popular sport in the USA by far. The Buffalo Bills fan base is extremely rabid to keep the stadium filled year after year with so many losing seasons. Then you need to take into consideration the overall population growth in this country for the past twenty years. Plus, now a lot the children from that 90's era are buying tickets, and going to games. Winning cures everything, and its true.

Naa, the Cleveland Brown have the market cornered in rebuilding, and for that matter bringing in QB's. 6 different coaching staffs, and 19 QB's on the team since 1999. The Browns at least had 2 winning seasons in that time 10-6, one playoffs at 9-7 in 2002

You can keep drafting 2 per year, and it won't get you anywhere if you don't have a decent supporting cast around them, after all, It is a team sport. The bad teams seem to not understand this concept, and just keep drafting QB's. Cleveland comes to mind. 1999 Tim Couch #1 overall, and Kelly Holcomb as backup. Until 2004, Jeff Garcia, drafted Luke McCown 4th round, Kelly Holcomb 2005 Trent Dilfer, drafted Charlie Frye 3rd round. 2006 Ken Dorsey, Derek Anderson, Charlie Frye. 2007 Brady Quinn 1st round draft pick #22 overall, Derek Anderson, Charlie Frye. 2008 Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Derek Anderson, Bruce Gradkowski. 2009 Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson. 2010 drafted Colt McCoy 3rd round #85 overall, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace. 2011 Colt McCoy, Seneca Wallace. 2012 Drafted Brandon Weeden 1st round #22 overall. Thaddeus Lewis, Colt McCoy, Josh Johnson. 2013 Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell, Brian Hoyer 19 QB's since 1999 at least this team had winning seasons in 2002 9-7. 2007 10-6. With 6 different HC's and coaching staffs in their 14 years

My thoughts exactly, save for the percentage, as my confidence is slightly higher.

Allow me to reiterate, Russ Brandon is the current CEO! Adding, he is also the president of the team, which was the owners old job. Fact, In 2006 Russ Brandon was hired to be director non-football operations along side of GM Marv Levy, who was also named vice president of football operations. Belief, when Levy retired Brandon then assumed Levy's responsibilities as a de facto GM of the team. So one could easily say that Brandon has also had his hands on the football side of operations since 2008. Although never given the actual title of general manager of the team. I would think that he must have shown some ability in that fashion to recently be promoted to not only president of the team. But also to chief executive officer of the entire organization. Meaning that Russ Brandon now has total control of the non football side and the football side of the team. What is the teams win-loss record since 2008? What football people have been hired as coaches - GM's, and has the team had a winning season in that time? Although perhaps Brandon didn't directly hire Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Doug Marrone, Doug Whaley I'm fairly confidant that Brandon has had some influence with every hiring decision that has been made since that time. Conclusion, I won't be content with any aspect of Russ Brandon at the controls until he is able to field a winning team.

Brandon is the current CEO, and has had his hands on this team since Marv Levy retired in 2007, so the Bills overall win record since that time has been abysmal. But, as others have pointed out that Brandon's job has been mostly marketing and in this facet of the team he is very successful. Bottom line, if you are happy and content that the owner has been making a profit while consistently fielding a losing team. Then you are a Brandon fan. From a fan standpoint I can only think that Brandon has been the bane of the team! From being the owners yes man to hiring some of the worst coaches during his time with the Bills. This is what happens when you take a FO baseball man, and let him run a football team.

On the contrary, from PFF "- Tackle Cordy Glenn surrendered one or fewer combined pressures for the seventh time this season; part of the reason he’s our eight-highest graded left tackle on the season." https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/16/refo-bills-jaguars-week-15/ The guy was outstanding thru week 6 playing at a pro bowl level even with the very worst graded LG in the NFL next to him, and would get even a better grade with a better player next to him the other then backup center currently starting at LG. Just keep Glenn at LT, and draft a RT & G in the first 3 rounds. Then look for another guard, and depth in free agency or move Pears inside to RG like some have mentioned. Would you give the Chris Johnson evaluation with Levitre a rest? CJ2k was having difficulties long before Levitre arrived in Tenn, and the rest of that Titans line has a lot more problems then the LG. "It wasn’t the cleanest game for the Tennessee offensive line, particularly at center and on the right side. Rookie center Brian Schwenke graded at -1.7 as a pass blocker due to his surrendering five hurries on 68 attempts. Warmack had his issues in pass protection as well, surrendering a sack to outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy on a stunt in the middle of the fourth quarter to go with two other hurries. He also got pancaked as the lead blocker in the run game at the 11:18 mark of the first quarter as LB Daryl Washington put him on the ground. Finally, Stewart was the worst of the bunch grading at -2.1, as he gave up the two quick pressures from Campbell to go with three other hurries." https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/16/refo-cardinals-titans-week-15/ The Titans have a rookie starting at center and Levitre appears to be outplaying that #1 pick @ the 10 spot in Chance Warmack. RT David Stewart looks to be having some problems

There happens to be some serious problems with this years team other then one of the RB's. Some bad coaching, bad scheming, bad play calling, some really good players were replaced in the off season by what graded out to the very worst players in the NFL. Those "very worst" players are now gone from the team and yet there are still substandard players in the lineup. My take is those substandard players are more of a concern then the RB who is so gifted he managed to gain 6.0 YPC avg while rushing for 1244 in only 7 game starts as the lead RB. I was never a fan of drafting a RB in 2010, and not when the team had so many other obvious needs at various positions. However, since watching Spiller play in an offense in 2012 where he was utilized somewhat properly I could understand why they drafted him, as he can be such a potent offensive weapon that scares the crap out of opponents trying to defend against him. So scared in fact that many opposing teams this year stacked the box, and geared up their run defense to stop the run while keying on CJ, and thus forcing the rookie QB to beat them. It wasn't his fault that this season the rookie OC kept calling run plays that managed to play right to the hands of the opposing defense. One game against the Jets Spiller had 13 rushes for 6 yards. This tells me that they guy wasn't even getting to the line before he was tackled. How exactly is that his fault? I'm already getting the suspicion that this coaching staff is another wasted three years, especially if the HC doesn't correct the problems with the OC and special teams coach this off season. I just don't get all the bashing for a player who was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain in week four (this is usually a debilitating injury that requires 6 weeks of rest minimum), and he gutted it out by missing only one game this year. I'll tell you what, the very last thing I would want to see is CJ Spiller playing for NE, Miami or the Jets.

On the Bills website Graham is still listed as the #2 WR opposite Stevie http://www.buffalobills.com/team/depth-chart.html However, in Rotoworld "The Bills' No. 4 receiver behind Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods, and rookie Marquise Goodwin, Graham is a complete non-factor in fantasy football. Dec 8 - 5:19 PM" http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7542/tj-graham So yea, i have no idea why he even sees the field on Sundays.

Bledose era, yea they did indeed draft Mike D Williams in the 1st round #4 overall in 2002. That was under GM Tom Donahoe, who was fired in 2005 . Then under Marv Levy as GM in 2007 OG Derrick Dockery & RT Langston Walker were brought in as free agents to upgrade the O line. Even with those two and all pro LT Jason Peters it still wasn't a very good line simply because the centers were so bad. Melvin Fowler, Duke Preston, Geoff Hangarter. Then those over priced players created problems because they were being paid so much more then the best linemen in Peters, causing him to be disgruntled. That era was a clusterfluk of bad decisions. anyway, should the Bills upgrade the OG's in this next draft or free agency I can see the RB's & QB playing better next season, and actually winning more then 6 games.

The NFL ranks the Bills #26 ^ " Bills fans saw what they needed to see on Sunday down in Jacksonville: EJ Manuel in a 20-all game, taking the offense right down the field for the go-ahead score. The franchise accounted for 57 of the 80 yards covered on the drive, completing every pass he threw. While Manuel's end-game numbers weren't huge (170 yards, two touchdowns, one pick) and he was far from perfect, his 105.0 passer rating and fourth-quarter savvy are what's important here." http://www.nfl.com/n...-on-the-decline The Dolphins are 10th, the Patriots are 7th .................................................... ESPN ranks them at 25 http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2013/week/16

As JW pointed out Chris Johnson has been having difficulty's long before this year, and he has a rookie at center. As I pointed out in another thread the Titans owner and 90% of the fans believe Johnson is being utilized the wrong way. The Buffalo Bills didn't always put a low value on guards as Chuck Knox drafted Jim Ritcher in the 1st round, 16th overall. He went on to play LG for 15 years. Marv Levy wasn't afraid to draft a guard with a #1 pick, Ruben Brown 1st round, 14 overall and he went on to play LG 12 years, he also went to 8 pro bowls with Buffalo, one with Chicago. Not every recent team puts such a low value at the guard position. BTW, " that getting by with" how has that philosophy worked out for the Bills the last 14 years?

"22. Bills (5-9; No. 26): Don’t worry, Bills fans. In just two weeks, you can start crafting unrealistic expectations all over again." http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/17/week-15-power-rankings-4/

Oh I dunno, I think if you gave Spiller to Andy Reid that he would find a way to get him the ball in space, and make him a top RB again, just like he was in 2012. Perhaps with better coaching he becomes an even better player. Funny thing, I can recall how so many here thought Gailey under utilized CJ in so many games in 2012. Throughout the years I've always heard how difficult it is for a RB to get into rhythm in a game until they hit at least 20 carries 14,15, 4, 8, 7, 12, 12, 6, 9, 22, 14, 14, 7, 17, 22, 24. With 207 carries total, and averaging 77.8 yards per game. Those are the carries for each game in 2012 vs Adrian Peterson with 348 attempts @ 6.0 is even more astonishing. But then consider Peterson was the entire focal point of the offense each and every game averaging 131 yards a game. The Buffalo Bills haven't had a punishing rushing attack since the days of Thurman Thomas IMO. The Bills hunt & peck running attacks haven't won them many games the last 14 years.

Graham is ranked 158th, 14 games, 46 targets, 18 receptions for 272 yards and one TD. Graham played 24 snaps out of the Bills 76 snaps, and for the 3rd straight game he failed to catch a pass. He wasn't even targeted once the last 3 games.....2 TD's in 29 games. Good thing Buddy Nix traded up to draft that 7th round WR in the 3rd round.

6.0 yards per carry is very special and unique for any RB. Spiller hit that mark in 2012 with 1244 yards Only one other RB hit 6.0 in 2012, and that was Adrian Peterson, no RB in 2013, no RB in 2011. Jamaal Charles 6.4 in 2010, no RB 09, 08, Jerious Norwood in 07 with only 103 carries tho, 613 yards. no RB 06, no RB 05, no RB 04, no RB 03, no RB 02. I happen to think that most of the offensive coaches for the Bills over the last 14 years have been just as bad as the O line has been. No other O linemen besides Ruben Brown 1996-2003, and Jason Peters 2007-2008 have made the pro bowl. Marv levy thought enough of the guard position to draft Ruben Brown in the 1st round (14th overall) in 1995. The Bills find and develop great talent in Peters and then let him leave. Mike Mularkey wanted Drew Bledsoe to change his style of play rather then build a better O line. Mularkey told Willis McGahee he wasn't hitting the crease quickly enough so the Bills traded him away, and that was at the end of 2006. McGahee made the pro bowl with both the Ravens and Broncos, and he is still in the league today with Cleveland. Both Jauron & Gailey told Marshawn Lynch he wasn't hitting the hole quickly enough so that among other reasons he was traded to Seattle. Three years with the Seahawks and 1000+ yards every year, 10+ TD's every year for 3 years. Nathaniel Hackett hasn't shown that he really knows how to utilize Spiller to his utmost ability. Along with some really bad players on that O line that aren't helping the situation.