thebandit27

He's been better in coverage this year than last, though not as noticeable in the run game (not sure that's a bad thing). I'm hoping it's a comfort-level thing for him, and that we can expect continued improvement throughout the year. Bad news is that I think this is most likely his last year with the team.

He had over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs in 13 games last season, and had the highest yards/target of any WR in the league. Those aren't questionable numbers. If you're intent on criticizing his level of play, that's fine and I'll bow out. That someone looking at the situation honestly wouldn't acknowledge whether or not he's doing his job (i.e. getting open--he can't throw himself the ball) seems like it would undermine the argument IMO. Oh, and go spartans.

He's getting open; this is one thing that nobody has even argued against. His job is to get open; it's not his fault if the QB/OC didn't get him the ball.

Well, then it's also worth noting that the stinker at Oakland was played without 2 of their best defensive players (Dareus and Gilmore)

^ this

That actually wouldn't surprise me at all...you need to be careful with your start players.

The message is clear in that reference: you didn't play hard and you didn't finish; don't let that happen again. For my part, yes, I think bulletin board material is silliness--good teams are preparing like it's their job all week long; that Rex asks a question under the guise of Walt Patulski doesn't change that IMO.

No offense--that's hooey IMO. If a team needs something like this to get up for the game, then they're going to lose, because their attitude toward preparation sucks. I can promise you that Belichick will have NE ready to play regardless of what Rex says or doesn't say. I can also promise you that the Washington OL's "extra motivation" had little to do with their victory in Super Bowl XVI. The offense's 5 turnovers and total inability to run the ball coupled with Washington's pass rush and back-7 beating the tar out of our receiving corps was the difference in the game. I don't mind that some folks try to connect the two, but IMO they aren't related.

Is it your opinion that NE was not planning to try their hardest against us, but now they are because the coach jumped into a conference call and goofed around for 30 seconds?

Jerry was also two seconds from a nervous breakdown most games. Robert's a good dude, but he's more interested in policing the entry way than the aisles.

Can anyone that is bitching about this please explain how it affects what happens on Sunday?

You clearly don't know what that term means

I don't think this display has any added context regardless of whether they win or lose. The guy's having a little fun, and I don't see how it harms anyone.

His man coverage skills, yes. That simply limits what you can do with him in terms of chess-piece mentality, which is why I preferred guys like Jack and Lee. There's never been any question, however, whether Ragland can acquit himself in zone coverage.

I hear you, and I didn't mean to make it sound accusatory, so my apologies if it did. I'm really hoping that Lynn understands that the best player on the offense needs to be targeted more often.

Those are the kind of numbers you produce when you only get 4-5 targets. Look around the league: targets are what lead to production. He's had no trouble getting open; that he hasn't been as explosive as he was last year is no reason not to target him just as much. Throw him the ball when he's open (which is often).

Why am I not surprised that you knew this?

As I said in another thread: there's a difference between "it can't get worse" and "resting it won't improve it". The former is apparently true, but that doesn't mean that the latter is also true.

Kyle is an amazing athlete; truly. One of my best friends played a few rounds of golf with him--he's apparently a scratch golfer.

Everyone can sit; not everyone can stand. The game isn't just about you; it's about everyone. The Bills' Fan Code of Conduct is quite clear: http://www.buffalobills.com/tickets/stadium/code-of-conduct.html "Excessive standing/behavior detracting from the enjoyment of fellow fans. Spontaneous reactions to plays within the game are expected and encouraged, but your continued standing when most other fans are sitting is not permitted." It's about respecting other fans; the attitude of "buzz off, stand up or watch the game at home" is the antithesis of respect for the fellow fan IMO.

I have no idea how it's possible that Gus can't find a way to get him on the field.

Not sure about that last point; he only missed 5 snaps against the Jets

He's been the best Bills' player on the field in all 3 games

I think it's pretty clear: it's a pain tolerance issue. It's also worth noting: just because he cannot make it worse by playing, that doesn't mean it can't get better with rest.

Again I'll say: this game will come down to Tyrod Taylor. Belichick is going to try to take away Taylor's deep ball and rush to contain instead of to pressure. He'll give Taylor the short and intermediate stuff and force him to be consistently accurate. He's also not going to sweat it if NE gives up a few long drives with Buffalo running the ball. The plan for NE will be to get to 20-24 points and play bend-but-not-break defense. Buffalo is going to have to outscore them, which means that Taylor will need to be on his game. He's going to have to successfully take what NE gives him--that's what every team that's beaten NE in the last 10 years has done. He's not all business--that's his media persona; he's as snarky as they get. What he does well is two-fold: he never asks any of his players to do anything they can't do, and he always sells out to stop what his opponent does best.