thewildrabbit

I'm not arguing at all. Just sayin that there is more to what a player accomplishes or doesn't accomplish then just himself. Do you get that? I was never a fan of drafting Spiller in the first place, and still think it was a stupid move at that period in time. I think the entire world (besides Nate Hackett) understands that Spiller is not an every down, run up the middle, smash mouth type running back. Mostly because we all we able to see glimpses of what that kid can do if given the proper opportunities in space like he was in 2012, and he was greatly underutilized by Gailey that season. I look at the failings of last season and place the majority of the blame on a rookie coaching staff. I can't emphasis enough how lame it was to run up the middle 70+% of the time in the NFL and then expecting that to work in terms of making first downs, and getting wins. The Bills were the #2 team in the NFL in rushing, and #1 in attempts, and yet were unbelievably bad in time of possession. Unbelievably bad in 3 and out percentage. 29th in 3rd down efficiency. 31st in first down statistics because opposing teams knew the run was coming up the middle. Basically Nate Hackett had a hurry up, and punt offense last season that only won 6 games. I look back at last season and see Spiller misused, and him being frustrated with his up front blocking. READ THIS- http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/11/doug-marrone-urges-cj-spiller-to-hold-o-line-accountable.html Teams were able to shut down Spiller mostly because when you have a singularly simple run offense like Buffalo had last season. It was so predictable and easy to stop. In that first Jets game Spiller was able to gain 9 yards on 10 attempts, and was getting hit every play behind the line of scrimmage. Exactly how is that his fault? After getting tackled so many times in the backfield I can understand his desire to kick it outside, and hit some open space. I look back at last season and see a coaching - team failure more so then any one player failing.

I'm not mad at all. It is just difficult conversing with some fans who seem to have blinders on considering certain players or situations. CJ isn't the only player on offense, and neither was SJ or EJ. Its a team game!! Allow me reiterate that the Bills drafted 3 linemen this year, and gave 5.5 million guaranteed to a OG to bolster that line for A REASON! The Bills FO had real reasons for making those moves. With a better line the team will be able to become a better offense, a better passing team, a better running team, and actually allow the QB a chance to develop. A better line will help the entire offense...oh no, am I crusading about the line again...dammit!

Coach Doug Marrone refused to reveal details regarding LT Cordy Glenn's (active/NFI) illness."It's a medical condition. I'm preparing to go on as if he's not playing, which he's not," Marrone said. "I'm just waiting for the doctors, and I can't speak about the condition because it's something that happened outside of football. I'm not allowed to speak about it, guys. I'm sorry." Marrone doesn't sound overly optimistic about his left tackle. For now, it's a waiting game. Rookie Seantrel Henderson has been taking the first-team reps in Glenn's place. http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7482/cordy-glenn That last part was good to hear about a 7th round pick. If i'm not mistaken Glenn was seen around camp working out, just not participating in practices.

Getting very excited to see what a really good DC can do with all that talent this season.

While I agree about the defense, I still don't think we have seen enough what the offense will do this season. After watching the local sports news last night, and Marrone stating that he is very frustrated with the way the line is performing is very telling to me. Looks like Schwartz isn't holding his D back in practice for this training camp. "8 sacks in 17 plays" Yikes!! http://www.wgr550.com/pages/9034669.php?pid=417218 This Sunday's HoF game should be very interesting, can't wait!!

It might have something to do with Pettine holding his players back against his own team last year, and it really showed up in some games down the road. This year Schwartz seems to have taken off the kid gloves, and we are seeing what the line will really look like against some of the better D lines. I love it!!

I concur!and even after week three it will still be only 13 regular game starts for EJ. With Cordy Glenn sidelined in training camp so far, and the rest of that line still in flux. Then the new receiving corps with Woods, Goodwin in their second year. Watkins being a rookie, and Williams in his first year with the team. Then, we really don't know what type of offense we will see from second year Bills OC Nate Hackett. Will it be another year of the hurry up and punt offense like last season, with 70% of the run plays right up the middle and almost no creativity in getting the ground game to make first downs I'm tending to be much more lenient in my assessment of EJ over the first half of this season because this offense still needs to become a solid cohesive unit. Lets hope EJ stays healthy this season so he has a chance to develop.

Donuts, and Bacon. Looks to be a more intelligent discussion then the topic of this thread. Next we will see someone starting a thread about trading Sammy Watkins for a backup QB

and we Tod Ed. I honestly don't get why some Bills fans would jump on the bandwagon to ditch one of the teams best players. Another thing I don't get is how so many think that some 7th round scrub from the Eagles is going to play well enough that the Bills will no longer need CJ.

What was interesting was to hear that Marrone is frustrated with the line thus far, and that he is working closely with them to get them better. The frustration might be from the fact that the line is getting killed by the Bills D line, and it doesn't matter if its by first, or second string players. I read one article that stated the Bills D line 8 sacks in 17 plays read more here, http://www.wgr550.com/pages/9034669.php?pid=417218 Cordy Glenn get better asap please!

It certainly didn't help EJ to not have a QB coach last season, or a senior NFL offensive assistant to help with the offense. Shoot, EJ didn't even have a veteran journeyman backup QB to lean on for advice his first NFL season. This kid has everything going for him except the actual playing experience, and he obviously needs to learn as he goes. The problem IMO is with the offense he was in wasn't very well suited for a rookie to properly develop in. Far, far to many 3rd downs and long because the run game failed to make yards. Then the hurry up and punt offense the Bills ran under Hackett put EJ under the gun way more then it should have. Then the O line stunk it up in many games last year, and they were particularly bad in some road games. Losing Cordy Glenn for training camp is very disconcerting, and hopefully he returns before the season starts. All I can do is hope that the offense can pull it all together this season, coaching, line, WR's, and then maybe EJ will have a chance to develop properly.

Exactly! Buddy Nix traded away the perfect RB for Nate Hackett's offense in Marshawn Lynch. Again, is it Spiller's fault that the Bills OC doesn't know how to utilize him properly. As lame as Chan Gailey was at least he knew that CJ wasn't a smash mouth up the middle RB. What does it tell you about the mentality of a coach who forces players to fit his system rather then building an attack to get the most out of their players. Also, I think the bigger problem is not with either Fred Jackson or CJ Spiller, and my take is that O line is the bigger fail as to why the backs have difficulty in running up the middle. Lets take into consideration that in many games Spiller was tackled before he even got to the LoS. Lets also not forget that even Lynch had difficulty getting yards with that craptastic O line. Levite was a top rated pass blocker, and not a top run blocker. Both Fedex, and CJ are both very unique and special backs IMO. If they do indeed trade Spiller it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him help take his new team to the SB just like Lynch did with the Seahawks. It really amazes me that most fans simply don't get this.

I agree! Fred Jackson is not a young player, and who knows when he will hit that proverbial wall. Bryce Brown had a known fumbling problem at Philly, and the Eagles were happy to trade away a 7th rounder for a 4th round pick 2015 pick, or possible 2016 3rd round pick. Jeez, I can only hope this regime doesn't trade away the best "known" offensive weapon on the team before new ownership takes over. Is it Spiller's fault that Hackett thinks the best way to utilize him is runs up the middle? If this happens I'll be counting the days until this entire FO, coaching staff gets the boot. It may be pure speculation at this time...although where there is smoke, there is usually a fire.

I loved watching EJ run the 2 min drill, and it was a thing of beauty when he had time to make his throws. Unlike Fitz who looked horrid running the 2 min drill many times in his years in Buffalo. Two words, confidence-experience, EJ had limited amounts of both last season, as he only played in 2 pre season games, and 10 regular season games. While going 4-6 for those regular season games, which is a better record that a lot of star QB's first years records. Then EJ had a difficult time in an offense being run by a rookie OC, no QB coach or senior offensive assistant to help out. Things have changed for this year, and more assistants have been added on the offensive side to help all those young QB's. My biggest concern with this years offense is WTH happened to the lock down LT in Glenn, and will the offense function better then it did last year. EJ is only one factor, and its important for the run game to be able to make some first downs when needed.

I think the Patriots can be had this season, as I see them @ *KC @ Buffalo, and then Chicago, *Denver at home before week 10. Then @ *Indy, Detroit, @*Green Bay, @ *San Diego, and finish the year Miami, @Jets, Buffalo. So the end result could very well be at the least 9-7. I see the Bills going 9-7 this year "IF" Hackett changes his scheme away from a hurry up and punt attack. The Bills defense should be a top 10 unit this year, and should still help win games... provided they aren't worn out by the 4th quarter, and the ineffectiveness of their own offense. The Jets will fire big mouth Rex after this season, and he will go back to doing what he does best, and that is being a DC. The Jets had a playoff team built until they started to force their young QB to win games instead of what got them winning games, by pounding the ball on the ground and playing great defense. They will try and force Geno to win games this year, and it will get Rex fired. It could go the other way tho if that Jets OC gets his head out of his keister and pounds the ball successfully with CJ2K. The Dolphins are still floundering in the process of trying to protect their young QB, as center Mike Pouncey could be out for 7 weeks from recovering from hip surgery. Then they brought in a RB to help take the load off, and he is still recovering from knee surgery, and reported out of shape to start camp. Summery, Pats, Bills, Jets, Dolphins, in that order, and that last game of the season for the Bills could be the difference between making the playoffs, and watching them on TV as usual. JMO.

Why would anyone want to approach another owner who may, or may not want to sell their team. When the Buffalo Bills are currently in the process of finding a new owner. Besides the Bills look to have a very talented roster, and more so then the teams you mentioned IMO. There is a huge difference between not caring if the team makes a profit, and needlessly throwing away a half a billion dollars trying to pry a team away from an owner who doesn't want to sell. Plus, with 32 billion he wouldn't need to wait eight years. He would only need to wait until he builds a new stadium to move the team. The current speculation is that the Bills should sell for 1.1 to 1.2 billion, and what is to stop Larry Page from dropping 1.5 billion to win the bid? My point being is that this topic was discussed back in May, and since there was speculation going on at that time, it stayed with me. I just threw it out there that nothing is set in stone just yet.

When you have 30+ billions, then making money with the team is no longer the primary concern. I'm referring to a thread started by Yolo back in may that is still lingering. Speculation, still when there is smoke. http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/168102-speculation-on-larry-page-ceo-of-google-as-potential-bidder/

8 days, 2 hours, 39 min, 50 sec. So happy to see Andre get in this year.

Nobody is really talking about them much so far, and yet they should be the outlet in the red zone for the team once the season starts. Everyone >> Sammy! I just hope this isn't another Merriman experiment with Moeaki, and the kid can stay healthy while regaining full strength. If so, he could be a big factor in the offense. I liked the kid a lot in KC before the injuries.

I dunno Kirby, there is just that thought in the back of my mind that some southern Cal billionaire who has 30+ billions will step up and offer 1.5 to 2 billion to eventually move the team to LA. I suppose I will keep those thoughts until the team is finally sold, and in the hands of TP or TG. Nothing I can do about it.

I know I'll miss him as a Buffalo Bill...until someone steps up on the current Bills defense to help forget him. I can see him making big plays for the Saints this season.

No real need for me to fret over what scheme Schwartz will run this season, as if he fails in any respect he will probably be gone. Even without Kiko, and Byrd there is still just so much talent on that defense that a top DC should be able field a very good defense. I'm really more concerned with the Bills OC, and last seasons hurry up and punt offense ...that Hackett clearly wants to run as fast as possible again this year. I can only hope that he learned the difference between just handing the ball off for a run up the middle and developing a proper run scheme that will actually move the chains. The Bills offense needs to find a way to stay on the field as long as they can, rather then three downs and out which will wear out their own defense by the 4th quarter. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to see what Schwartz / Hackett will do with the team this year. More specifically what Hackett will do to get the ball into Sammy's hands. In any event this years coaching staff will need to deliver a winning team, and if they don't then new ownership will certainly want to make changes.

and a mofo Typical dick move to say he won't move the team while all the while scouting around Canada for a possible new stadium site, and if built will take a few years to complete. So, what he should be saying is he won't move the team....until the current lease is up. JBJ is the very last person I'd want to see get the team. Anyway, If I'm not mistaken it will be more difficult for a group or multiple owners to win the bid over a singular person.

Its eternal optimism time again for Buffalo Bills fans for sure, never lose it! Buyers remorse? That will certainly kick in around next years draft when Cleveland get the Buffalo Bills first, and fourth round picks. About the only way that this years trade doesn't have Bills fans relentlessly complaining about what the Bills gave up for Sammy is to make the playoffs this season, and even then... While the trade for Sammy looks to be a move made out of desperation to many outsiders. There is a logical reason in my view as to why the team wanted Watkins so badly that they traded away next years first round pick. The Bills wanted a play maker WR to make those safeties respect the passing game. So they won't ever stack the box while Sammy is on the field. Alas tho, even the greatest WR the NFL has ever seen had a less then great first year. Jerry Rice went to an already super bowl winning team in 85, and was catching passes by one of the greatest NFL QB's in Joe Montana and yet only had 49 rec for 927 yards, and 3 TD's his first season. Calvin Johnson only had 48 receptions for 756 yards, and 4 TD's his first season. My point being is that first year WR's rarely make a huge impact, as they are learning their jobs just like all rookies are their first season. In regards to drafting to not drafting a big-tall WR this year... well, isn't that what the TE is for? Watkins will help move the chains to the red zone, and the TE's should help take it from there. The only thing that gives me real pause for concern about this years team is the Bills OC wanting to run the offense as fast as possible again this year. Last season the Bills didn't run the K-gun or no huddle like the 90's Bills, and instead they ran a hurry up and punt attack! Buffalo finished 22nd in the league in scoring (21.2 PPG), 29th in yards-per-play (4.8), 28th in passing (210.8 YPG), 28th in time-of-possession (28:34) and 29th in third-down conversion rate (34.3). Last season the Bills were one of the very worst teams in three downs and out percentage. BTW, It sucks that Glenn isn't in camp, and I can only hope that line can give EJ the time needed to make his throws this year.

Norwood couldn't hit very much beyond the 40, and was horrible on grass. He probably should have been replaced before that season, but Marv loved how accurate he was inside the 40. Scotty took all the heat of that "wide right" 47 yarder, and yet Levy knew it was a longshot as he stated that fewer then 50% of those are made. Norwood was 1-5 five for FG's on grass past the 40. I gotta wonder if he doesn't regret going for one more pass play with 8 seconds left, either to get them closer or go for it all. Anyway, i'm just happy to see SJ with a winning team, and in the NFC.