JESSEFEFFER

I was thinking that he was near the end because he couldn't control distance and direction any longer. I am very happy to have been wrong. The field position formula is looking good. It actually worked well against the Steelers for all but 2 plays. Spiller's fumble and the 3rd and 9, max protect completion from the 2.

Top ten.

I think they keep 5 so all the names discussed as "bubble" players get cut. Maybe Easley gets on the practice squad and gets his chance when the inevitable injuries strike. It's not likely all the guys that get cut would be unavailble should they be needed later on. The Bills shouldn't fret too much over which it may be. I like Naaman though. Something to be said about having such reliable hands. A dropped third down pass is much the same as a turnover because a 40 yard net punt has the same efffect as an interception deep down field followed by a tackle or going out of bounds.

I don't mind their programming too much. It's certainly not all sports and it's better described as "guy" talk. The parody of the "ESPN coverage of the the Tebow/Trash can story" this morning was very funny, imo. Humor is like that, it doesn't work for everyone. But you would have to be well immersed in sports culture to "get it." There is less for the 3 to 7 drive time to talk about without actual, meaningful games going on. For consistently good to great local Bills/NFL talk, all the John Murphy Show programming is archived, so if you have access, you can play those back. These run 1:00 to 1:20 because the commercials are removed, if you can believe that. No doubt, if you tune in for any 20 or 30 minute stretch of time during the morning or afternoon shows, you could totally miss any of the actual "sports talk" they do. But I don't mind hearing talk about fatherhood, poking fun at sports culture, or pretending to have serious thoughts about things that don't really matter (much like professional sports, in general.) By the way, I like black olives on pizza as long as they are more roasted and are far from their waxy, out-of-the-jar incarnation.

For some of those who have grown up thinking that fantasy football production and a Madden rating define a players value to a team, this is no contest. To those that have an appreciation for what an individual human being brings to any group dynamic or who prefer not to live with the hypocrisy of wanting their team to succeed even though they are lead by a person whom they don't respect, the choice is also clear.

Maybe so. I would just like to point to some meaningful wins against good teams, either on the road or home, to shut some "fans" up that say Fitz can't do this or can't do that.

If someone can find a video of the post chest injury throw Fitz made to CJ (which he dropped) against the Cowboys last year I'd like to take a look at again. This was ~60 yards up the right sideline, if I recall correctly, in stride with only the back of the endzone available to slow him down.

I think Stevie dropped it because he had enough time to think about whatever "special" TD celebration he had planned. That was an easy, uncontested catch with no concern about the ball placement, contact or keeping his feet in bounds. I like Vince Young on this team and I hope is an effective plan B should he be needed. If the season is to end with a playoff appearance, chance is better than even that Vince Young helped to get them there. Having professor Chan to help rebuild his QB psyche might be the best chance he'll get and watching Fitz do his weekly preparation might help too.

I do not think they want to expose Rian Lindell to having to either make tackles or take on blockers. His shoulder injury last year really contributed to their second half slide. Since they seem to be all in this year, I think they want him to be making their "gotta have them" kicks.

He's the big box with the fancy wrapping that's been under the Christmas tree longer than any other. It has the look of something special but, until it gets opened, we can't help but let our imagination run wild.

If the Bills have Stevie, Nelson, Chandler, Fred/CJ and some other guy (Jones, Graham, Easley, Hagan, whoever) their offense will have enough options to function whether that 5th guy is a consistent contributor or not. When the injuries come, and they will, is when we will all notice if their strategy to improve their WR depth internally has worked.

Some years back, Bill Polian (hardly any football opinion I respect more) had a decision to make about extending either Edgerrin James or Reggie Wayne. Both were big to the Colts' offensive success and he could only fit one under the cap. He chose Wayne and the reason he gave was that it takes rookie receivers 3 seasons within an offense to realize their full potential but a talented rookie RB can be productive in year one. So he extended Wayne, let James walk and drafted Addai. The moral to this story is that if there is (are) any special player(s) within the Bills' WR group, it's no huge surprise that we haven't seen it yet. But, this is the year for many of these Bills to come due. Look how long it took Stevie.

Might be something to this. I think the game in Baltimore in 2010 was after the bye. Everyone thought the Bills were going to get stomped and they had a stunning offensive performance. Way beyond what most of us thought they could do against that defense.

Here's a suggestion. Park at ECC South off route 20. It's cheaper and it has plenty of green space around it should you wish to toss a football or whatever. It's a longer walk but it means less traffic to fight through to get out of the parking lot. Most folks there head south after the game so traffic is fairly light heading north. Not sure what you would hit after crossing Abbot but I suspect it's the same area near where others were talking. Pack a cooler with some drinks, buy some subs at Wegman's and have an easy tailgate (nothing to cook,) listen to the pregame and throw the football with your boys. My son and daughter are 31 and 19 months and I am already picturing us there someday. To go really cheap, park across the street @ Bert's Bikes. They charged $10 last year. My wife complained about the walk but this is a woman that can walk up and down the mall concourse all day long.

Yes, Edinboro has hosted more than one. Usually they were controlled "rookie" scrimmages which were populated by rookies, younger players, free agents, fringe roster players, etc. and at least one of these was with the Steelers. They alternated 10 play possessions and reset if they failed on a 3rd down conversion and they were not live on the QB. Also, they had one with the Packers at Fredonia St. in the mid 80's. Jan Stenerud played for Green Bay then. He was not a handsome "dude."

If this were some comparison of any other position, I'd take the more accomplished player. But for the QB of my team, I'd keep the guy we have. He is the spokesperson for the team, the franchise and this region on a national stage because he has the microphones and cameras on him constantly. He is a humble family man that appreciates his opportunity and I would not feel good about my team being lead by a QB short on the humanity rating. Fitz won't fail due to being dumb, lazy, a druggie, coward, thug, criminal, punk, or an egomaniac. If he fails it will be because he just doesn't have the athletic tools needed. Remember Vick whining about the hits he was taking last year? I think back to when Ryan was recorded during a game and got drilled by a defender just after he released the ball who then landed on top of him. He says to the defender "Nice hit." Ryan is the type of man I want to lead may team. I want him to succeed to justify Chan's faith in him and allow us all the opportunity to see him develop with the rest of the team. If he can't lead the team to success this year, I think it's time to look elsewhere.

I think that the plan involving Potter is twofold. 1) Improving the touchback rate along with the related average drive start of the opposition has merit on its own and 2) making sure that Lindell never has to make another tackle or even take on another blocker during a kick coverage. They want him making field gaols all season and not on the IR again. It was somewhat of a disaster last year to lose him and it would be a shame for an aspiring playoff contender to lose games because due to the misses of an unreliable kicker. The net effect is that the Bills have a definite plan and as long as Potter can perform his role, he will make the team. He is apparently a good tackler as well, which makes it look to me like this was DeHaven's pick all the way. Contrary to some of the post draft analysis, if the plan works this was an outstanding value for a 7th round pick.

Also, in a completely nerdy response, since all voters are likely picking 5 of the 11 to be cuts, the vote % should be multiplied by a ~5.

Naaman has been cut each season of his two year NFL career. He was brought back to the practice squad each time and activated in each season. I thin Chan likes him due to his outstanding catching ability but he suffers from the reality where his body type isn't an ideal match to the type of routes he runs. Barring IR camp injuries to the top 6, I think he will get cut again but claimed this time by some other team and will make their roster. His hands are that good.

I found it to be a rather balanced assessment. Excitement level is building but fans have no reason to be giddy. Fitzpatrick may be technically improved in certain situations but it might not amount to more than a "handful" fewer picks. Depth is much improved from the days when Moorman was their best player which is most notable on the defensive line. Thinks that realistically, Steelers or Ravens will be a wildcard which leaves them fighting with the Bengals, Jets, and/or an NFC west contender for the last spot. Thinks they are an 8 or 9 win team but 9 wins doesn't guarantee playoff spot. I'd say if they are a 9 win team, the schedule gives them a legit shot at 10 or 11 wins. Couldn't ask for two better divisions to play than the NFC west and AFC South (Central?) as they are both likely to provide only one team to the playoffs. The Texans and 49ers could run away with their divisions.

This is a simple concept. The Eli Manning of 2007 is not the same quality of QB as the Eli Manning of 2012. If the Bills get anywhere as a team, I think it'll be based on the Giant's template. The Fitz of 20010/11 is very much like the E. Manning of 2007-2010.

Mediocre for the game, season or career? I would suggest Eli Manning of the Superbowl XLII winning New York Giants. Mediocre career up until 2008, mediocre that year although he finished well and so so that particular game although he was clutch.

It's all a matter of wins and losses. They were getting plenty of attention in the first 7-8 weeks. The NFL gets so much coverage that great play will not go unnoticed. Yes, the OP is correct. The offense lacks star power. Their biggest name will be fighting to be the #2 QB. But this is a tight group of guys that never really expected to have much of an NFL career so they all have something to prove. It makes for a great lockerroom and as a fan I will revel in the successes they have as individuals and as a unit. Go ahead and shock the NFL world. The meia loves stars but it loves a great story even more.

Yes!! Very true. I wonder if his vision has been totally tested because he seems to be the last to see it and the most likely to mistime his play. It's a crying shame to watch him be in tight coverage and still have no effect on the outcome of the play.