thewildrabbit

This coaching staff would prefer to utilize a known red zone threat on special teams while the team stays near last in the red zone in TD's. The offense regressed this year with a veteran QB under center. The O line regressed. The run game regressed. About the only thing that didn't regress was the amount of passes the baboon of an OC keeps calling every game. Ej is sitting and learning more from watching Orton in game pregame preparation, pre-snap reads, and changing the called play at the line then he ever did under Can't Hackett. In any event I think I'll wait to make any final considerations on how good or bad EJ is once the team hires a competent offensive staff. JMHO

No, the Bills players are better, save two QB's in Big Ben, Flacco. I would however trade offensive coaching staffs with ALL of them, and that I think is the huge difference between them. Field goals aren't going to beat the Broncos, Packers, Patriots. The 2014 Bills, a championship defense, and a JV college offense.

All those QB's you mention have all been the running- read option types that were briefly so successful for a few years. Then the reality sets in that opposing NFL defenses will catch up to any new angles in the offense, and shut it down. Plus, all the running these young QB's have done take their toll on their bodies, and suddenly its not so smart to run n gun in the NFL. Hence the true pocket QB's are still the most desirable. Players like Andrew Luck will never go out of popularity, and the thing is that Luck can scramble as well as anyone in the league. Yet throws first, and only runs as a last resort. I don't know why Peter King bunched Jay Cutler in with that crowd as he is not a scrambler-read option QB. Then I think Gil Brandt has it wrong when he says the NFL is slowly, slowly going back to the pocket passer. I think it never left, and aside from Russell Wilson who is an anomaly Fran Tarkenton type clone none of those read option QB's have won a SB. The Pocket passers still dominate the league. It remains to be seen what Johnny Football can do, but he seems so small and almost destined to have his bell rung quickly that he may never turn into another Russell Wilson -Tarkenton type. Then again he could be that next read option pocket passer to take a team to the SB. Whats funny is Ryan Tannehill didn't start improving this season until his OC allowed him the read option runs if nothing is open down field. This meant the defense must spy him, and that takes a defender away from the secondary. Thus opening up an easier passing game for him, and allowed him to be more comfortable in the pocket. Bottom line, its nice to have a mobile QB. But its far more important to have a good coaching staff, build a solid line and have good players that are disciplined enough to execute a good offensive scheme..just ask Mark Sanchez.

Whats great about this is... that for the first time in a very, very long time the Buffalo Bills are actually even in the playoff hunt this late in the season. That they are actually relevant in the division and are sitting at 7-5 with 4 games to go. This all by itself is fun to think about. That the NY Jets are the worst team in the division at 2-10, and not the Bills. No matter what happens this season 7-9 or 11-5. The Bills have a very slim chance to make the playoffs, and an even slimmer, next to nonexistent chance to go to the SB this season. Whats important to realize is that next year it begins! New ownership means that all the losing is in the past. A new era, a new future with many division titles, conference championships, and perhaps some super bowl wins. The team isn't ever moving. The new owners will build a state of the art stadium for us fans. So, in my view anything that happens this year is just a precursor to a very bright future.

I look at Chip Kelly like he is a football genius who took over a very bad 4-12 team, and then took them to the playoffs at 10-6 his very first year as head coach. This is a man who has never coached or played previously in the NFL in his life. First of all that NFC East division doesn't suck as Philly is 9-3 tied for the conference lead, and Dallas is 8-4 right behind them in the division. That 9-3 record happens to be equal to the current best in the NFL....so lame of you to even mention this. Nobody is even talking about QB Nick Foles but you, and who cares what he did this year or last year. My entire point was about Mark Sanchez is able to score that many points in the Eagles offensive scheme. Sanchez took over during the Houston game late in the 2nd quarter, and lead them to a win 202 yards, 2 TD's. His first game as a starter for the Eagles 332 yards passing, 2 TD's. In a loss to GB 346 yards 2 TD's. Next game 307 yards 1 TD. Against Dallas who was 8-2 at the time, and fighting for the division lead ...Mark Sanchez was the winning QB on an offense that scored 33 points. So far in taking over Mark Sanchez has had three 300 yard passing games. How many has Kyle Orton had with your beloved Marrone / Hackett coaching him? Is Sanchez really that much better then Orton...I think not. I think its the scheme, play calling and discipline in the players from proper coaching to execute the game plan properly! I look at CJ Spiller, and Fred Jackson as two of the very best RB's in the league, and the current baboon at OC for the Bills hasn't figured out how best to utilize them. Chip Kelly tried to trade for Spiller in the off season over Sproles. Why don't you think about how Marrone went forward with Cyril Richardson over Urbik, and the result was the worst ranked O line in the league. Started Colin Brown at LG last season with backup Sam Young, and was forced to cut them both by week 6 because they were the worst players at their positions in the entire league. Oh, because he always starts his best players...right! This ex NFL O lineman, ex NFL O line coach, ex NFL OC who's area of expertise is supposedly the O line / offense. Marrone has been out on the practice field in the preseason "hands on" with the O line players for two years now. The plain facts are he doesn't know his ass from his elbow about O line talent. Both Eric Wood, and Cordy Glenn have the talent to be pro bowl players if coached up properly, and yet both have regressed badly this season from this totally inept coaching staff. Sad, just sad. Unfair? What is totally unfair is that this team with this incompetent coaching staff even uses Chris Hogan at all or has him as the main receiver. Especially when the GM used 3 draft picks, and two #1 picks to draft a guy to be used as a decoy for Hogan. The Bills should be force feeding explosive play makers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins the ball over the scrub Hogan. I have no idea why you feel the need to follow me around this website to contradict almost everything I post about. To argue just to argue, to defend hapless losers that even you have acknowledged aren't very good. Go find someone else to troll will you please!

The point really wasn't about Matthews. Its about a resurrected QB that the world thought was a complete bum, with his nickname "Mr buttfumble". Would the Jets have simply cut him if they thought he could ever play like he has for the Eagles? Then the fact that the team is currently ranked 4th overall on offense, and Sanchez is 4-1 in his 5 games. With scores of 31-45-43-33 in those 4 winning games. Freaking amazing from my view It would be nice if Orton to Hogan had anywhere near the same effect. They both might be favorite targets but Hogan's biggest day was 7 rec for 74 yards vs 7 rec 138 yards, 2 TD's Again, my point was different coaches, different offensive scheme with a QB that the world thought to be a bum. I feel Its not that Sammy is being restricted by Orton throwing to him, as its more like him being held back by the Bills coaches, scheme. I gotta wonder what Sammy could do in that fast paced high scoring offensive of the Eagles.

Yep, I agree, and at least that #2 rushing attack helped out the QB's quite a bit. What a lot don't get that even when the run game isn't working that well, that when they keep pounding the rock it keeps the defense honest to respect the run, which also helps the QB. It also helps running from a play action formation, and thus the defense isn't always certain its a pass play. The Bills have done mostly shotgun formations game after game after game. Its kinda sad to watch the Bills try a draw play to a RB up the middle with the bunched sets / closed formations. All the RB manages to do is mostly run right into the backs of his blockers. Then it gets funny when Boobie does his Spiller impression and tries to bounce it to the outside. Its almost like Hackett / Marrone morphed into Chan Gailey with all the passing this year, only without the ability to get his players in space, and lacking the imagination / ingenuity we saw at times from Gailey. That 14th ranked offense from 2011, or even the 19th ranked offense in 2012. is a far cry from this years offense. The Bills were at 28th in offense before the Jets 2x, and are now 24th after Cleveland. Believe it or not the Bills offense was better last year with the three rookie QB's, and all that running. I agree, no question. I'll say it again. The Bills offense was better last year with three rookie QB's, and all that running. I can only think that pounding the rock 30+ times a game and now with Orton back there it would be easier to win more games.

Good stuff Alas, (for me) the wrong guy / player's under the microscope IMO. I look back at that game and have to think typical Bills this year. We KNOW Kyle Orton isn't an elite QB, and he never was or will be. What he is is an experienced veteran QB who can read the defensive alignment, adjust the protections, and change the play if needed. Orton has a decent arm, and if given proper time in the pocket he usually does a good job. Now, that said lets look at what he was facing this week in the Cleveland secondary. CB Joe Haden who will take away the #1 WR by himself, and even Buster Skrine is a decent CB. Then Cleveland is a middle of the pack defense overall, #18 total, #8 pass defense, #29th in rush defense. So any knowledgeable person would surmise that the best way to beat the Browns would be with a stout run game, and keep the passing to a minimum. Low, and behold the Bills come out throwing just like they have since the Chargers game. 1st series, 4 plays, 17 yards pass, run, pass, pass, Punt--three passes, one run 2nd series, 4 plays, 9 yards run, pass, pass, pass, Punt --three passes, one run 3rd series, 7 plays, 55 yards pass, pass, run, pass, run, pass, pass, INT--five passes, two runs 4th series, 3 plays, 4 yards run, pass, run, Punt--one pass, two runs * This series after gaining 9 yards on the first two plays the last run was up the middle (FJ) on third down for no gain. Penalty delay of game on punter -5. 5th series, 3 plays, 6 yards pass,(penalty - pass interference) run, pass, time out- drop back Sacked -9 yards, Punt- three passes, one run 6th series, 6 plays, 11 yards pass, pass, pass, spike ball, missed FG Then during the 3rd quarter with a lead the Bills start running the ball more often with some success, and just like magic Kyle Orton starts to play a whole bunch better when he isn't forced to shoulder the entire offense on his own. In one series in the 3rd the Bills actually went run, run, run, pass. START QTR POSS. YARD PLAYS YARDS RESULT 12:27 1 01:33 BUF 29 4 17 Punt 04:51 1 01:35 BUF 20 4 9 Punt 01:44 1 03:45 BUF 38 7 55 Interception 07:24 2 02:11 BUF 27 3 4 Punt 03:34 2 01:48 BUF 25 3 6 Punt 01:02 2 01:02 CLE 46 6 11 Missed FG 15:00 3 00:41 BUF 20 3 5 Interception 12:13 3 04:09 BUF 16 8 84 Touchdown 06:18 3 02:41 BUF 38 5 20 Punt 01:42 3 03:01 CLE 48 6 17 Field Goal 12:59 4 00:58 CLE 21 4 5 Field Goal 08:47 4 05:15 BUF 20 10 64 Field Goal 02:43 4 02:16 CLE 23 4 6 Field Goal http://espn.go.com/n...ameId=400554321 I think we get the point here that the Bills didn't even really attempt to run the ball more often until they had an established lead. Then they found out they could run the ball, and did pretty well against that 29th ranked run defense. 30 rushes for 106 yards, a 3.5 YPC average. A defensive score also helped the team get over 20 points against a team with a winning record.

"Reporter Matt Maiocco came to his conclusion after speaking with "numerous people close to both sides." Per Maiocco, Harbaugh's relationship with GM Trent Baalke is no longer tenable, and he has "alienated a lot of people inside the organization." Maiocco also believes that Harbaugh wants to remain in the NFL if/when he moves on from the 49ers. Harbaugh has one year remaining on his contract, but will either be fired or traded. Although it makes for great gossip, a trade isn't likely." http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/302725/overwhelming-sentiment-harbs-done-w-49ers

I thought it was a funny, intentional remark. Another poster was correct in stating that the Chiefs & Dolphins both have top defenses, and NE is right up there with the turnover differential. Plus, I think the outcome of the Denver-NE game might be different if they ever play that annual game in Denver. Whats most worrisome is that the Broncos have found a ground pounding run game with CJ Anderson getting 32 rushes for 168 yards against KC, at KC. Then, lets not forget that Denver is currently ranked the #3 defense long with the #5 offense. The Bills are 24th in total offense, 30th in red zone scoring TD's. Its great that the Bills are at 7-5, and have a chance to actually field a team that has a winning season. They have a tough road ahead with 3 road games tho.

Update week 13 Philly-Jordan Matthews 7 rec 138 yards 2 TD's---ranked 33rd Carolina Kelvin- Benjamin 3 rec 70 yards 2 TD's---ranked 17th Tampa Bay- Mike Evans 7 rec 125 yards one TD---ranked 14th Pittsburgh- Martavis Bryant 4 rec 143 yards one TD NYG- Odell Beckham Jr 7 rec 108 yards-one rush 11 yards---ranked 29th Arizona- John Brown 5 rec 73 yards one TD Buffalo- Sammy Watkins 4 rec, 27 yards- hip injury---ranked 30th Miami- Jarvis Landry 7 rec, 53 yards- one rush -8 Jacksonville-Allen Hurns 1 rec 9 yards Philly WR Jordan Matthews is climbing up in the ranks with none other then Mark Sanchez throwing to him. It begs the question, is it really all about the QB or the coaching? His rank is currently better then Saints TE Jimmy Graham-WR's Roddy White-Mike Wallace-Brandon Marshall -Larry Fitzgerald.

If he does leave the 49ers there is a huge chance he becomes the next Raiders HC, as he was close to Raiders owner Al Davis who gave him his first NFL coaching chance. Scratch Harbaugh off the list unless the Pegula's offer him a salary that Oakland doesn't care to match.

We need to remember that Whaley was a rookie GM last year, and the hiring of Marrone might have been highly influenced by the teams CEO. Just as a lot of important decisions might have been influenced over the last 8 years. There is a new sheriff in town, and i expect some important changes starting at the top. I'm not going to reflect upon the past very deeply because the Status quo is changing, and hopefully intelligently. I never would have thought this franchise could have surpassed the Detroit Lions in being dysfunctional under their bewildering hiring Matt Millen for president in his eight year reign of the Lions. No matter what record this team finishes the season with 7-9 to 11-5. I just don't see the new owners not hiring a president of football operations to oversee the football side after this year. Good things ahead for Bills fans

Clearly this has been a major issue with the offense since last year, and the 71% of the runs right up the middle. This season its like Hackett completely abandons the run game to force the QB to shoulder the entire offense with 40+ passes to only 20 runs. It really is a darn shame that Marrone didn't learn anything as an OC of the Saints under Sean Payton, and if he did he sure hasn't passed it down to his own OC. Perhaps he is so intent on helping his BFF the ST coach that he doesn't have time to help Hackett. The Bills offense is still so bad even with a veteran QB to help. 67 QB hits puts the Bills at 11th, and among the worst in the NFL. #24 in total offense. #30 in scoring TD's in the red zone, with EJ or Orton. The Bills O line is still bad enough that the QB can't step up into the pocket to make the deeper throws on a consistent basis. Plus the Bills aren't even trying to run the ball enough to build a power running attack. What a darn shame the Bills have Schwartz leading the #5 defense in the NFL, and a really crappy offense because of inept coaches.

Lets rehash this conversation after the Denver-Green Bay- New England games. As good as this years defense is, it would be even better with a solid ground game to help keep the defense off the field, and on the bench more to keep them fresh. The offense is not helping this years team at all. Then even better with Kiko, and Leo.

Hackett & Marrone are doing less with more then Jauron & his newbie OC's did at 7-9 year after year. Neither Jauron or Gailey had a QB as good as Kyle Orton or a WR's as good as Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins. The failing of both last years, and this years team has been exclusively the offensive line. Should the Bills have adequately replaced LG Andy Levitre with someone at least decent the Bills would be fielding a much better offense. If they had managed to find a top OG for the LG position, and simply kept Urbik at RG they would have an impact-ful run, passing game. Thus giving the QB a much better chance to step up in the pocket to complete passes, and much more time to complete the deep throws. Orton was on a pace to get killed with 13 sacks after 4 games. 21 times after 7 games now. Last year the Bills were #2 in the NFL in rushing, and #1 in rushing attempts, and were still near last in time of possession, and 3rd down efficiency mostly because they could make a first down by rushing. This season they haven't even been trying to establish a strong run game since week three against the Chargers. Thus opting to force the QB to carry games all by himself. That clearly didn't work with EJ because he doesn't have the experience of a veteran QB to read defenses, set the line protections, change the play into something that has a chance to work. Orton has been doing all of that. But alas no QB can do it all on his own, as he needs some help with proper game plans, and schemes other then just throw 40+ times a game. Which in itself is the formula for losing games, and not winning. Understand that this head coach has all his background on the offensive side of the football. Ex NFL O line Player, EX NFL O line coach, EX NFL OC. Currently the Bills are 24th in total offense. 30th in first down conversions. 23rd in third down conversions. Even with a veteran QB running the offense they are still 25th in 3 downs and out efficiency, and still 30th in red zone scoring of TD's. Now, all that said. What happens if Jim Schwartz is offered a head coaching job, and the Bills lose their championship defensive coordinator. I dunno about you but I'd rather see Schwartz promoted then leave and be stuck with another year Maroon and Can't Hackett.

All three of Denver's losses came on the road to Seattle, at New England, and at St Louis 7-22. Against the Rams they were down by 10 points in the first quarter, and the offense went into a typical panic mode in trying like crazy to pass to catch up. The Rams don't have a particularly good defense stat wise (16th), and were just able to shut down the Denver run game thus making them a one dimensional offense. The Rams only sacked Manning three times, and intercepted him twice. The Rams won that game in St Louis with one TD, and 5 FG's. They made the Broncos punt five times, give up the ball on two interceptions, and made them give up the ball three times on downs. That sounds very doable for the Buffalo Bills to equal that performance, as the Bills currently field the #5 defense against the pass, 7th against the run, and #5 overall defense. The Rams also had 33 rushes for 131 yards, and played keep away from Manning to a degree. That was the good news... The bad news is ...since that game they have discovered that their 2nd year RB CJ Anderson is a beast, and showed that in their last game against KC. 32 rushes for 168 yards when going up against the #1 passing defense of the Chiefs. So, basically the Denver OC did exactly the opposite of Nate Hackett to win the game against the Chiefs. Against the Chiefs Hackett came out throwing like he has done since the week three Chargers game, and had Orton throw 48 times vs 22 rushes. Thus forcing the entire game on the QB shoulders against a top pass defense. Should Hackett attempt his same lame pass first approach to this game this might not be fun to watch. The Broncos are ranked #3 in total defense, # 10 against the pass, # 2 against the run. If the Bills abandon the run game in the beginning of the game as they have had a tendency to do since week three. Like I said, it might not be fun to watch. With a better offense this game might be winnable. Buffalo drives against Cleveland who they beat 26-10. Punt-Punt-Interception-Punt-Punt- Missed FG-Interception-TD-Punt-FG-FG-FG-FG. So the Bills just might need a defensive score to win

Welp, I had no idea Jim Harbaugh felt this way about the Raiders / Al Davis, and his first pro coaching job was with Oakland. After reading this article I highly doubt Harbaugh goes anywhere this year or next besides Oakland. Unless of course Oakland doesn't make a competitive financial offer. http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_27045893/exclusive-49ers-jim-harbaugh-talks-about-raiders-roots From the looks of the poll enough have voted a positive for Marrone to get another year to show what he can do. I only hope Whaley makes him fire Hackett, and his O line coach.

Bad, inept, and mostly lacking in creativity.

For some reason he doesn't seem to get how handicapped EJ was with such an inferior offensive staff this year. Orton, while not great in any aspect.... he is veteran enough to read the defenses, set the line protections like Fitz used to do, and change the play if needed. Listening to EJ, and what he has learned from Orton so far is compelling enough evidence to realize that benching EJ was the best thing that could happen for everyone. EJ is learning far more by watching Orton then he ever did at the hands of Hackett's moronic play calling. Orton sets the offensive plays he wants to run in the film room, and takes command of the offense in every area. If there is a failure along the way, its that no QB can do it all by himself, and needs more support then some baboon continuously calling pass plays against a better pass defense then run defense. Even against Cleveland who had the 9th ranked pass defense, and twenty something run defense Hackett had Orton come out throwing. Kyle Orton is not the bigger issue with the team, its the very bad interior O line, and poor offensive coaching. Still, the team is 7-5 and has a shot to get better as the season progresses. We can only hope.

Ahhh the Truth at last!... Now if we could only hear the truth about Hackett. All we Bills fans want to see is a winning season alone with more wins, and the playoffs. The last two wins have been great, and we can only hope the Bills have more then just a good defense against the Broncos, Packers, Patriots.

While I agree that Sammy might not be 100%, he wouldn't be practicing at all if it were still a real problem. If it were that bad the trainers wouldn't even let him practice / play due to re injuring the same area. Those injuries tend to linger over the season, and Freddy's was far more severe (3rd degree) as he actually tore the muscle. Four to six weeks is the usual time frame for recovery, and he injured it right before the first Jets game 5 weeks ago. From my perspective its that since that breakout game against the Jets (3 receptions for 157 yards) is that he is considered the teams true #1 WR, and will continue to see coverage's rolled to him, and the opponents best DB on him. Then I think the current coaching staff hasn't got the first clue on how to get Sammy the ball while he is seeing so much coverage. So, be prepared to see him continually be used as a decoy.

Considering how bad the interior of the Bills line currently is, and that Orton played better then his counter part against the #9 pass defense. I'm not faulting him as much as some others are doing. I case you hadn't noticed, every QB has regressed over time under this OC, and so has the line play.

Welcome Back Bill, good to see the "a few thoughts" post again. This years team has a championship defense no question in my view, and my fear is will they lose Schwartz after the season. In regards to Sammy, from what I see he is full practice, and only listed as probable just like Fred Jackson. I doubt his injury is that big an issue anymore. My take is its the coaches inability to get the kid in space just like Spiller, and he is a player the team gave up 3 draft picks for so this offensive coaching staff can use him as a decoy. I feel its not just the offensive game planning or scheming at fault. I feel the O line is also regressing due to bad coaching. I think a change to the offensive side of the ball in coaching to quality experienced NFL assistants would be as dramatic to the offense as Schwartz has been to the defense vs George Edwards / Dave Wannstedt. Gotta love the win, Go Buffalo!

The entire Bills D, Schwartz out coached Pettine- Robert Woods & Orton- Mr reliable Dan Carpenter. Williams getting that sack that took them out of FG range was big at the time. He had a great game as MD was used sparingly.