Red

Though I don't love the old uni's enough to say we should make them permanent, I DO TOTALLY agree with the solid color thing. I like the dark jerseys and white pants for home, but I like the white pants and white jerseys for the road (ala Bills 90's look). The Bledsoe/Travis Henry Bills had it right. Dark jerseys and white pants. Looked sharp to me.

Where are you getting this 'Buffalo is the NHL's #1 US market' stuff from? According to whom?

I am very satisfied with all of them, so far. Bell appears to have blossomed, Levitre, Hangartner, and Wood are studs, and Wrotto/ GT guy are doing an excellent job. What I think we need to keep in mind, though, is the formations and strategies we have been implementing. 4 and 5 wide receivers takes alot of the options a defense has for crowding the line of scrimmage and blitzing. We may not be any more talented that the Mauron years, but this approach on offense is so much smarter. It forces defenses to adapt to the volume of receivers. Sure, they can blitz, but they are usually only rushing 5-6 guys. With our TE's staying in to block, that's 1-on-1 pass coverage. So, before trumpeting how good our offensive line suddenly is, I think proper credit should go to the offensive coaches for coming up with our current attack and strategies.

Codemonkey, usually we agree on our positions of things of the NFL...but on this one, I have to disagree. Now, I am certainly not advocating for NFL QB's to be donning pink jerseys and be warned that they are not to be touched. It is the NFL, and they are players on the field, and should therefore be fair game. What you need to keep in mind, is the effort in the NFL to eliminate players leading with their head, and launching themselves like a missile at a player...just like Harrison did to Fitz. Harrison left his feet, and launched himself head first at Fitzpatrick. That is where I think the harm is. The timing of the hit was not bad. It was too close to call, and I would say a perfectly timed hit for a defender. What is at issue is the WAY in which he went at Fitzpatrick, given his track record of launching himself head first like a missile. His arms were not coming forward to hit AND wrap up the way we learn how to tackle in little league. He launched himself head first with the intention of clobbering Fitzy. I have no problem with the call. Thank you. This is what I saw, as well. The other point that you don't mention is that Harrison launched himself like a missile at Fitz. Leading with his head, leaving his feet (another basic of tackling is keep your feet planted to drive through the player being tackled. Leaping and launching yourself sets yourself up to look like a big doofus when you miss), and launching himself. That is not a clean play. So true. This guy needs a serious neck stinger. He needs to get caught really good, and get a good scare of paralysis for the way he launches himself head first at players. He's asking to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Now, before the defenders get their panties in a bunch, NO, I am not advocating for him to get hurt. I would hate to see anyone paralyzed for playing a game (or any other way, quite honestly). But he could use a good scare. There is nothing 'hard nosed' about not knowing how to tackle.

Thank you for providing the voice of reason.

I sadly agree with you. We constantly hear about Evans being this fantastic receiver, how he draws double teams and defenses "roll" their coverages over to him to stop him. Enough, already! He's much too expensive if all he is a guy who demands double teams. Not to get into this argument again, but true #1 receivers fight through this kind of thing and remain competitive. Evans goes through entire stretches of the season where he is insignificant. Not seen or heard from. Pedestrian. This is NOT to say that I don't like Evans, or want to get rid of him. I believe that he is truly talented. But he runs 2-3 routes. His career has been made on 2-3 pass routes. We need more out of guy that is supposed to be our #1 and is being paid like a true #1 (i.e.: Steve Johnson should not be kicking his butt).

You are right on the HOF thing. My reference is to when people talk about stellar QB's on the national stage, Moon is never mentioned. You hear the traditional Montana, Marino thing (hate Marino), but Moon is never mentioned. Heck, I think Kelly was every much as good as Marino. Kelly is hardly ever mentioned, either. What I mean is that, IMO, a QB is more of a passer than a runner. Warren Moon was an amazing pocket passer who rarely scrambled. He was a solid leader, and always a threat when QB'ing the other team. BECAUSE of his arm and intelligence. Cunningham, to me, seemed much too indecisive...especially early in his career. He had to be coached not to run and flee the pocket. It wasn't until he got to Minnesota that he finally settled down and threw more than ran- but his legs probably had acquired some age to them as well, making him a less effective runner as in his earlier days. To me, I want my QB to be a passer first. And second. And third. There is nothing wrong with keeping a play alive with his feet, but the QB does more damage with his arm. Like Big Ben. You could argue that he does alot of damage with his motorcycle, but I digress. Watching Ben play, he has the right kind of innate escapability where he can bounce and step around the pocket, avoiding sacks, and still stretches the play out long enough to make it a success. In his early days, Cunningham ran when his options were not available. But then again, I love Steve Young because of his play-making diversity and toughness. I guess I just never liked Cunningham or Vick. I just see them as players at the QB position who are apt to give up on a play too soon to run it themselves than let their teammates help in the offense. I don't know. This is a stupid Post to begin with.

I'd say that it all depends on what is available at the time. Are we getting an obscene offer to move down or out of the 1st? Or is the next Bruce Smith or Jim Kelly sitting right there, waiting for us to draft him with our #1? Too many variables to consider. I'm looking forward to the day, though, when the season is actually as fun as the draft.

On the one hand, ESPN has lost alot of prominence as it seems more interested in sizzle than steak (when did Disney acquire them, again? Were they better prior to Disney, or did the slide take place more recently?) But on the other hand, does any remember RB Maurice Clarett from Ohio State? Talk about a bozo. What an idiot. Suing your future employer because you wanted the rules to be bent to your whims (can you imagine doing this to your boss: "...AND I want the corner office overlooking the square, free gym membership, Susan in accounting, and if I don't have it all I will be suing you!" Boss: "Ah, Jimmy...we were interviewing you for the job of mail room clerk..."). Then Denver takes a chance on him, and his play does not back up his mouth. Wonder what he's doing now?

My perception is, meh. I don't see racism being an issue like it was back in, say, Jim Brown's day or anything. Looking at the make-up of the league, and how alot of NFL defenses are now entirely black, IMO, proves that any stigma is long gone and the only thing that matters is win now. Winning is more important than any racist ideas. As far as black QB's go, with the exception of Warren Moon I've never like them. Like the Trent Edwards check down, there always seems to be a tendency to run before pass if the first option is not available. I think Randal Cunningham ruined it for me. Then Vick,...forget about it. Warren Moon was a classy, classy QB that has never gotten the proper reverence for his abilities as a passing QB IMO.

I still like Rob Gronkowski now of the Patriots. He would have been a solid selection for us. He blocks well and catches well. And he's from Williamsville. How do we keep missing on these? I would disagree with the opening post, however, and state that we don't need to draft simply defense often and early to fix our ills. My ranking is for either a QB or a top-tier, clone-of-Bruce-Smith pass rushing defensive end at the #1 spot. Maybe another defensive lineman in round 2 or 3. Then we need to get to work on solidifying our LB corp and offensive line. WR seems ok for now (especially w/Easley and Parrish coming back from IR), and RB should be fine. We need to find that QB of the future to start grooming, and we need a dominant pass rush. And you can never go wrong getting more offensive lineman that can play.

Any given Sunday, fellas. Any given Sunday. GO BILLS.

The strange helmets, or "alien" as they have been called here are designed to reduce concussions. Studies have demonstrated that the jaw line is susceptible to impact that leads to concussion from what I can recall reading, along with the usual suspect of the head itself. The helmet is designed to provide more security to the 'noggin' while also streaming a bit lower on the sides to cover the mandible better.

..........huh?........

GREAT! Now you jinxed us! We'll definitely be getting a WR now!

For the offensive philosophy that the Bills are currently employing, Fitz is doing a fantastic job. The question is, did Gailey and crew design this offense solely based on personnel? That was a strong point in him becoming the new head coach. The reason that I ask this, is because if Gailey is employing our current attack because it's all that we've got strength-wise, will it be scrapped in 1-2 seasons when we hopefully have more talent? If that does happen, what would a different style of play and formation do to Fitzy? Fitz looked awfully pedestrian with Mauron. That bread-and-butter offense was a hinderance. Hearing the coaches and players talk, it sounds like Fitz has some degree of authority out there to call his own plays ala a mini-K-gun. I read recently where he was the reason things turned around against Detroit in the 2nd half, because he was calling the plays. We might be on to something here. I think Fitz, in this offense, can be the leader we need for the next 2-5 seasons. I just don't know if we stay with this style of offense as we get better. I agree. Gannon was a nobody in Minnesota, and did not become a big time player until he found Rice and Brown in Oakland. Why not Fitz?

They played pretty strong today against the Colts. That would be a huge challenge for our defense. But I see us taking it to the Dolphins, fighting it out with the Browns, and maybe even beating the Jets. Patriots and Steelers? I don't know about those 2. But it should be interesting.

Winning now is better than building for the future. But I'm not high on patience considering I've been forking over hundreds of dollars on Sunday Ticket and Bills gear to only watch the Bills every year only to be teased by Greggo, a bunch of Mularkey, and a Mauron every season. Our record may be bad, but this team is more entertaining and competitive than anything I saw out of the prior coaches since Phillips. This team is learning how to win. Finally. During the game when they were catching up, I thought "oh well, there goes Luck". But then I realized that is the beauty of the NFL. Our players are playing for the futures, and if they let up they may be done for good in their careers. Though we do need more talent and can afford to shed some dead weight (Stroud), I'll take wins over future draft position any day.

I was initially convinced that he was training camp fodder. A 7th rounder from Kentucky when we drafted Hardly at #2 in the same draft. Hardly just HAD to be a better player. Well, past is prologue, and we now have the Johnson era. I was irritated by the Stevie thing, too. I mean, after 5 years of age, dudes really need to drop the 'ie' after the name and grow a pair. But he has shown himself to be for real, as his routes and cuts today were amazing. He has that elusiveness where he does not look fast, but makes moves to freeze defenders in their tracks. And he catches what is thrown at him. I got so tired of the untimely drops of Josh Reed. johnson is making a difference. Reading today's article in the Buffalo News has me respecting and liking this guy even more. And as much as I hate the 'OchoCinco'/ 'T.O.' end zone garbage, I liked Johnson's shirt TD antics today. That was pretty original. This hardly absolves Modrak of his ineptitude, but it's a nice start to finally see some fruit on our draft tree blossom. I hope Stevie is one of receivers of the future.

You know, since he signed his extension, he is actually looking the best I have seen him since he became a Bill. I have bashed Kelsay for a couple of years now, and lauded the new front office for extending Kelsay basically because he's a good guy. Kelsay has been making plays and disrupting offensive plays- and I'm not talking about his 2 sacks today. He looks like a better player the past few weeks. HE's showing the most hustle I have seen out of him since he was drafted. Heck, if he keeps it up, I might even start to think he is worth the money he's getting and insert my foot into mouth on this one. Pleasant surprise.

I'm not sure how I feel about it. I actually felt worse about the phantom pass interference call on Reggie Corner in the 4th quarter. I see it both ways: I am with the Bills and felt it was a terrible 'gimme' by the officials. On the other hand, if it were the Bills who were given the 'freebie', I would not be complaining in the slightest. I guess at the end of the day, regardless of who the call favored, it was pretty p!$$ poor officiating. And what kind of 'roids is Coleman on, anyways?

I don't know how you are not trumpeting perhaps the biggest reasons the Bills have been terrible this decade: 1.) improved rate of conversion on 3rd and 4th down (we are actually sustaining drives) 2.) Red zone efficiency (we are actually scoring TD's, not FG's. and 3.) improved 3rd down defense (ok, not perfect, but improving) I've been blown away that we are finally driving the ball down the field and scoring, at this point I could care less what our record is. I grew so tired of hearing excuse after excuse why Losman threw another INT, or Bledsoe fumbled the ball on the goal line which- had we scored would have tied the game- but since we didn't the PAtriots recovered and ran the length of the field for a TD of their own, or McGahee is a sissy, or missed kicks, etc, etc, etc. We are finally good at something offensively other than making excuses.

Well...that's usually what a decade means....ten years....

...oh, no he didn't....

I totally agree with that. This is plain stupidity. The team that has the weakest fan base AND is a serious contender to move, IMO, is Jacksonville. The Jags have not been really competitive since Brunell left, and have to block out entire sections of their stadium every game because they don't sell out. The Bills, on the other hand have an abysmal team that is slowly rebuilding and sell out every year, and have regional support from southern Ontario, along with a group of ex-Bills like Jim Kelly who promise to step in when the team is up for sale. I also think that when you go down the list, the only other teams that might make sense are the Rams and Raiders. The Vikes are not leaving Minnesota. Neither are the 49ers. But I'd be hesitant to think that Al Davis would want to return to Los Angeles after having made the move a couple of times back-and-forth already. I'd say Jags, Rams, Raiders. In that order. The Bills aren't even a realistic possibility.