thewildrabbit

I agree, he should take a year off from the grind. On another note, Wade Phillips gets the interim HC job. His defense while still a top 5 unit in yardage allowed. That Texans D is 27th against the run this year. 19th in sacks, and dead last in INT's. The Texans offense is ranked 10th in yardage and his QB Schaub literally fell on his face this season. It also doesn't help to lose one of the best RB's for the year in Arian Foster, and the back up was also hurting. Looks like the Texans will be drafting another QB with that #1 overall.

The Bills are running it more, and enjoying it less... The thing is, I kinda already knew that the Bills were getting more production out of the run game last year under Gailey just due to the shotgun, 4 WR spread formation. Like Gailey stated, when you spread them out with 4 WR's you cause a miss-match somewhere. Either with a LB on a WR which is a crazy-awesome miss-match or it makes the defense go into a constant nickle-dime coverage package which means a DB on a RB usually singled up because of the spread. One missed tackle and its off to the races. Whereas Hackett likes to keep extra blockers in to max protect the rookie QB. This year the brain trust wants to run the constant hurry up to keep the opposing team from making substitutions on the line for various reasons. But mostly because they don't want these rookie QB's being forced to read constantly changing defensive fronts and alignments. Anyway, what is alarming to me is that this offense still has difficulty making a first down on 3rd and short by trying to run it in a power "elephant" offense. They had trouble under Gailey, and now the same trouble under Hackett. Although EJ has made some first downs by QB sneaking it a few times. The teams that have given the bills the most problems have been able to shut down the run and forced the QB to throw, and currently being the 29th passing offense the Bills really need to be able to run. In week 11 the Bills owned the Jets @ Buffalo by passing thanks to EJ getting a hot hand even tho the Jets were able to dominate in stopping the Bills run game. That game was ALL EJ and Bills defense. The Jets only allowed the Bills a 1.8 YPC running it, 38 rushes for 68 yards, and Spiller was particularly horrid with 13 rushes for 6 yards. The Bills can't always count on EJ to play brilliantly and the Bills defense to dominate the opposing rookie QB. This last game QB Matt Ryan tore them up, while EJ didn't didn't play great, he played well enough to win. The Bills lost that game because of some bad luck, and bad play by two of their vet receivers. Still, what sticks in my mind is, as much as the Bills run the ball they can't play keep away, and can't control the clock by running when they need to.

Yea, my thoughts also. OLB with that #1 (Khalil Mack), and a RT, OG in any order, and perhaps a safety if they let Byrd walk.

Knowing that this years Bills team plays so much better at home then on the road.... Then this Bucs team was on a tear beating the Dolphins, Falcons, and Lions before losing last week to the 8-3 Panthers. The Bucs field one of the worst offenses 30th in points, 31st in yards. But their new rookie QB is playing well 13 TD's, 5 INT's 62.8 completion %. Plus, they have an actual #1 WR in Vincent Jackson @ 6'5'' 230 lbs, he should present a tough match up for the Bills. On a bad note the Bills 2.5 underdogs, and heavily favored to lose this game http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks On a good note should they lose to Tampa Bay they will move up at least a slot in the 2014 draft to #8 or even better depending on how other teams fair. Its a win, win

The Bills just signed a FA TE in Tony Moeaki which could turn out to be a great pickup. Just what this team needs for a pass catching TE to replace Chandler. That is, if he can stay healthy. Any AFC team who watched that Seattle, Saints Monday night game will need to remember exactly what they will have to bring to the game in order to win a super bowl. Talk* about controlling the line of scrimmage, I look at both the Seattle & San Fran O lines with envious eyes, and can only hope to see a line as good in Buffalo someday.

Winning cures everything... That stadium would be packed with most everyone wearing Bills Jerseys if the Bills were 10-2 like the Broncos or 11-1 like Seattle. If this team somehow ends up in Canada, then it will be with one less fan.

Interesting situation...

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree.

I was never more enthusiastic about a season as I was for 2008 after Brady went out for the year in the very first game. Then the Bills go on a tear with Trent Edwards starting the season 4-0. Man 0 Man those 4 wins were already more then half of what they scored the previous year. Then the debacle at Arizona where an untouched safety blitzes the QB. Edwards completes the pass but his head hits the turf so hard he is severely concussed. That hit in 2013 would now draw not only a penalty, but probably a fine and even a suspension. Anyway, with Edwards suffering the effects of a severe concussion the Bills lose that game after JP Losman takes over, and they go on to a 5-1 start. After that Trent Edwards was never the same player after that hit, as we now know that the effects of a severe concussion can linger for months, even years. That another concussion can happen much easier and more often with just slight hits. Needless to say the concussion protocol back in 2008 was so different back then as it allowed Edwards to much sooner then he should have. Some players are now forced into surrendering the entire season or forced retirement because of reoccurring concussions. I knew looking at the many mistakes Nix / Gailey made in their first off season, regular season they wouldn't win many games. This new coaching staff / GM made some of the exact same mistakes Nix / Gailey made their first year. I can only think that Buddy Nix being the GM until after the draft had a lot to do with this years start. All that said, I'm very enthusiastic about the future of this team with Whaley taking over for Nix, Marrone as HC, EJ at QB. Whaley in his first draft was so much better then his predecessors Nix, Jauron / Levy, Donahoe. This next off season will be very telling as to what Bills fans can expect for the future. As of right now it looks like the 1986 Bills coming out of a funk with bad coaches, bad players, constant bad decisions in the off seasons. It is simple, what do we know? The Bills are desperate for an upgrade at LG. Then the current RT is merely adequate, OLB - pass rusher, TE, and perhaps a safety if they choose not to make Byrd the highest paid player at his position (what he wants). The Bills (Whaley) have already addressed the TE position with the pickup of a potential star at TE in Tony Moeaki, who if he can stay healthy will be a great addition to the team. So, OG, OLB, RT, S in any order on draft day would hit a bulls-eye. Then there is always free agency for depth, and to perhaps sign a top WR like Eric Decker, or perhaps Bradys fav new target WR Julian Edelman. RB Ben Tate as a plow horse type for those elusive 3rd and shorts. The Bills with some different moves could have made the playoffs this season, QB, OG, CB, WR. But we know that this GM, HC, OC, QB are all rookies at their jobs. So we cut them some slack.

This could be such a great move by Whaley, as Tony was starting to look like another Tony that played for the Chiefs. He only played in 15 games, his QB's were scrubs and he still caught 47 passes in 2010. ..... or it could turn into another Shawn Merriman. All we can do is hope he can stay healthy for the Bills.

Yea well. http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/98079/dissecting-tuels-game-changing-pick-six "Situationally, do you question the play call? No. Do you question the execution of it? Yes," Marrone said. "Should we go in there and try to keep running and work on it? It's a play in the [middle of the] field that we do pull it and throw it, a lot of times down the goal line we don't pull it and throw it. We've got to do a better job coaching it." I think as someone else pointed out that the play should have been a QB sneak or a run with Choice as he has been the goal line RB. Either way, I'm with Sal Maiorana on this one, and still think it was a huge mistake by the coaches to allow Tuel to have any passing options in that situation.

That Jeff Tuel called an audible is entirely the point, this entire discussion for me has been solely based on you stating Jeff Tuel called an "audible" on both the Goodwin TD and the pick 6! So, did you in fact mean that Tuel had an "option" of calling a play of his choosing, and chose to call both those pass plays? Or did he call audibles at the line?

Good point! Because Tuel probably had the "option" to call run or pass when he "called the play". Clearly he called for a pass play, and never changed that play at the line of scrimmage. (audible) This is the crux of this debate! I've watched the play multiple times and the three WRs on the right never turn their heads to look at the QB pre snap. The ball is snapped then Stevie Johnson breaks free and is wide open in the end zone with his arm in the air motioning Tuel to throw him the ball. Instead Tuel throws to Graham who wasn't open and the result was a pick 6. This was never a called running play, or those receivers would be blocking instead of running around with their arms in the air. Bottom line: I'm not the only person in the world that thinks letting Jeff Tuel throw in that situation was foolish, as it was covered by the media http://www.democrata...-loss-/3428879/ I'm now with atlbillsfan1975 in thinking Hackett and his playcalling is more of the problem then the Bills QB's themselves.

I get that any QB can go to the line with several plays available to them, and they do have an option of changing the play in regards to what defensive alignment they see. Fitz was always changing the play at the line because of the defensive formation he saw before the play. This didn't happen on either the Goodwin TD or the pick six because whatever play was first called by the QB, it was never changed at the line. THERE WAS NO AUDIBLE! You keep using that word, and that is not what happened. ​What is an audible! "a change in play called out orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage." Talk about me being snarky... in which of my posts did I ever state that QB's don't audible, and yet you berate me over it ? What I did say was, I highly doubt Hackett lets any of these rookie QB's change the play at the line due to the nature of the hurry up style of offense they are trying to run. But were are talking about two specific plays here, and I can tell you for a fact. I re watched both plays didn't see any "audible" called with either of those plays. If you clicked the link, the author interviewed Hackett and outright asked him what happened on that play, Hackett gave his response. The entire point of this argument was that K-9 is arguing that Tuel called an audible for that play on 3rd down and goal, he didn't!! Even Stevie Johnson talked about the play and stated we ran that very same play in practice in another interview. In every article I've read nowhere does it say that the play was changed at the line by Tuel. What is it with you people that you refuse to believe someone when they say they re watched the play / game and it was never changed at the line.

When I confronted you with the fact that I re watched the game and Tuel didn't audible at the line for Goodwin's TD, then you changed the story. Sure looks like you changed it to fit the argument to me. The Bills run a version of the hurry up offense, so I highly doubt any change in the play could have occurred while the Bills were getting to the line, and since Tuel most certainly didn't take any time to change the play once the players were at the line. This shows me that there was never an audible called. Furthermore, Hackett made costly calls in Buffalo Bills' loss Rookie mistakes by offensive coordinator and quarterback hurt Bills in loss http://www.democrata...-loss-/3428879/ "Now came the play of the game. Third-and-goal, and the receivers stayed in which was the way to go, but Hackett's play concept just didn't make sense. He bunched Stevie Johnson, Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham on the right side of the formation, and it created no space for Tuel to squeeze in a pass." Jeff saw the all-out blitz and he wanted to throw the ball to his first read and the guy just stopped and stood there and Jeff let it go. He was so into 'I've got to get it out' and he just threw it a little bit blind. There were a lot of bodies down there. "But perhaps in his excitement, Hackett forgot about who his quarterback was in the Bills 23-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs." That last sentence made my entire point in this argument. Enough of this, even when I tell you I re watched the play, and tell you there was no audible. You still insist that because every QB since high school is allowed to call them, then that must be what happened.

I can't tell you how much stuff I've lost from bums and ragamuffins looking for bottles, cans, and basically looking to steal things during games. Cookers, chairs, tables, and at times a tent or so. I'd be pretty pissed If i found someone "rummaging" thru my vehicle. But, unlike those people at Arrowhead I'd wait to hear a reasonable explanation.

Like I said, I re watched the game and he most certainly didn't audible at the line for the TD pass to Goodwin. Actually, I re watched both plays, and Tuel didn't call an audible for either play at the line. Seriously? Do you usually just make stuff up to fit the argument? Show me a link, or any proof of any kind that any QB on the 2013 Buffalo Bills can audible whenever they want. Because I don't believe that Hackett let Tuel audible in and out of any plays. Perhaps his mom let him audible in his crib when he was very young, that isn't applicable here.

This kid was a rising star at TE for the Chiefs until the injuries hit. Hopefully he can stay healthy. good pickup!

Ask CEO Russ Brandon next time you see him, as he was in the room. I don't agonize over what could have been, or should have been. But it does make me realize the stupidity that manifested itself year after year in regime after regime. I"m just happy that the Bills now have a new young GM, and am happy to know that older folks like ex head scout Tom Modrak & Buddy Nix are no longer calling the shots. What this new GM does this 2014 off season and draft will be very foretelling as to what the future holds for this team. The Bills needs from what I see, an OLB, a LG, a TE, a RT, and perhaps a safety if they let Byrd leave. From NFL.com ..Team needs: OT, safety, DE Analysis: The Bills could use another offensive tackle as well as some youth at defensive end. Buffalo linebacker/pass rusher Khalil Mack would be a very popular pick, and his versatility would give defensive coordinator Mike Pettine a lot of flexibility. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000288658/article/2014-nfl-draft-order-top-three-needs-for-all-32-teams

Have any proof of this or is it pure speculation on your part that Hackett called for a run on 3rd and 9? Because to me that is so far removed from what this OC does every game. EDIT: I just re watched that play over, and the Bills were in a hurry up shotgun situation. There was no changing of the play at the line. 40 pts to Chicago, 55 pts to NE is more then Buffalo has allowed this year. Then 37 pts to Minnesota, really? Ole dickie is starting to slip. This is Mike Pettine's first year with the Bills and implementing his new defensive scheme. I consider the injuries, the holdout, along with the personnel Pettine has had to deal with this year. That the Bills D was the sole reason as to why the Bills have been in almost every game this season. I also consider what the Bills had at DC the previous 3 years to this one, so Mike is like a miracle man to me.

Oh I dunno, I have a severe case of man love for great DC Mike Pettine even tho the defense was humbled somewhat by Atlanta. Those Falcons went 13-3 last season with the same HC, same QB and less injuries.

Thank you, as you will not change my opinion. I dunno, perhaps I'm so Bill Parcells old school that I just can't see letting a QB as raw as Tuel was have any options other then hand the ball off, and If the primary receiver isn't open on a pass play then run it or throw it away. The very last thing I would do in that circumstance would be to let the rookie QB throw it up on 3rd and one when my RB's just went 79 yards on 5 carries. I'm just a fan, and not the kids coach. But this scouting report would definitely make me think twice about letting this player throw the ball at all. I read this report when I saw that Tuel was starting against the Chiefs. "SUMMARY - Jeffrey Tuel is a senior quarterback playing in Mike Leach's spread offense. There are few progressions that he has to read as the pre-snap read is where the ball goes. When he does go through his progressions he seems to make mistakes with the ball as he tries to fit the ball into tight spaces and his arm simply won't allow him to make those throws. Tuel is going to struggle with a few issues that he won't be able to overcome in the NFL. He doesn't have much ability to move and escape pressure and it will only get worse as the players get faster and stronger in the NFL. Tuel lacks good arm strength and will never be able to make all of the throws that he needs to make as an NFL quarterback. He is mechanically sound, has a quick release and a good throwing motion, but the ball doesn't jump out of his hand. Tuel throws a floating football that seems to stay in the air far too long. He doesn't handle pressure very well and will make poor decisions when pressured. Given that he has little arm talent, doesn't have great escape-ability and tends to make poor decisions, Tuel is not a player that should be drafted. Tuel should be a priority free agent in the 2013 NFL draft." http://www.nationalf...ml&player=42701 This kid reminds me so much of Fitz with his quick release, and his arm limitations. Only Tuel can't escape the pocket like Fitz can. A wimpy version of Fitz EDIT for last bolded. On 3rd down and 9 at the Bills 41, I kinda doubt Tuel needed to audible out of a run play.

atlbillsfan, I didn't agree with you at first, and it actually took 9 games and then watching Jeff Tuel and his 39 attempts passing to change my mind. In that Chiefs game the Bills were seeming able to run at will against that Chiefs D to the tune of 241 yards on 38 carries, and the majority of those carries came before the Bills got behind in the score. Suddenly the Bills lose the lead and then the entire dynamic of the game changes. Tuel was never even sacked in that game by the opposing team, who BTW was leading the NFL in sacks. Now suddenly with the score tied at 13 late in the 3rd QTR Nate Hackett panics an has Tuel start slinging the ball all over. This was the same stuff we saw from Gailey every time the Bills lost the lead.

Its not easy if you have also have a rookie for an OC! Keep the offense simple to around 15-20 plays, and most of those runs. To Hacketts credit he has called quite a few run plays this season, 2nd most in the league I think. However, the run game still hasn't been nearly effective as it should be. Needing to try and pass on 3rd down and one at the goal is a clear cut example. The Bills run all the way to the goal line, and then they try and throw it in. Did the OC suddenly grow a beard, gain a southern accent, and morph into another Gailey? In my view this OC is still asking the rookie QB to throw much to often. To EJ's credit he isn't trying to force the ball every other play like the Jets rookie QB Geno Smith is with his 24 turnovers. The talent at RB far exceeds the talent at QB, and the Bills should be giving both Jackson & Spiller 20+ touches a game each. You talk about being Hackett cautious with EJ, why wasn't Hackett cautious with Tuel in allowing him to audible and pass on 3rd and one at the goal line? Simply because you think you made the point that Tuel was forced to throw more at the end of the game doesn't change the facts that putting the game in the hands of that rookie QB was utterly moronic. When you get in the red zone the field collapses and the QB has less room for error. When you are on the opponents one yard line that chance for error magnifies. Tuel correctly read the blitz, and then promptly threw it to a Chiefs player Knowing how raw and inexperienced this kid is, why is Hackett allowing Tuel to audible at all? Jeez, run the ball on 3rd down and if it fails then kick a FG. Nate Hackett, and his stupidity lost this game, not Jeff Tuel.

My take is, the Jets are asking Geno to do to much, just like the Bills are with EJ. The difference is, that to his credit EJ isn't trying to force the ball, and try to magically make things happen like Geno has done all year. 20+ turnovers 19 INT's, 8 TD's, 8 fumbles 3 rec = 24 turnovers. yikes! What got the Jets to the playoffs 2009-2010 was that they were a dominate run first team and played great defense. They let RB Thomas Jones leave and the Jets run game hasn't been quite the same. They had a lot of first round picks on offense back then, and let some walk away. For whatever reason in 2011 the Jets decided they suddenly need to throw more to win, and thus put more pressure on QB Mark Sanchez. They changed the OC in 2012, and again in 2013 and it made things worse. I for one am glad they have their heads up their backsides, and big mouth Rex forgot what got him to the playoffs