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Some people are making the point that if we had four top quality players on D, then why did we suck so much? I think a few things fit that aren't contradictory to those players being good. We had a light defense that had trouble stopping the run, especially late in the games - but, the Bills offense was on the field so little that it was almost painful to watch - I don't know how many games that defense, as underrated as they were, gave the team a chance to win and the offense just couldn't score, nor stay on the field, and, eventually, the D gave way. Now, we still have that secondary, we still have some good players, and we got an infusion of youth and size - it should be a much more productive unit this year.

I'm glad this was posted; I was going to write something. What I'm encouraged about, and have mentioned previously, is that when you look at the lists that Kyle Williams, A. Shobel, Poz, (even Stroud) scored so high on, you might be quick to say they aren't very good indicators of real playing talent - but, just look at the lists and, basically, everyone other than the Bills players are the players you'd expect to see - it puts them right up there with the best in the league. I've felt that the Bills have recieved mostly only negative reviews, and are to this day dismissed as such a poorly run organization, one that is doomed to yet another year of failure. What these pundits and reporters don't see is that we've actually been adding talent for years - young talent - and what we're missing is the right coaches to mold it, to put it in the right situations, and the G.M. to have a vision of Identity and to continue to supply the right talent. Sure, we need a few O-lineman, and a QB. That's big. We could also use a dependable #2 WR and a legitimate TE. But what we have might be better than what is recognized - and the coaches have been saying that for a few months now - I know we've got to add more talent and it'll take time - but, I think we've got some names on our roster now that'll be recognized much more in a year or two.

There are a lot of things to consider when evaluating what Nix has done. I don't know if he would have taken the job if Wilson told him he had to put together a championship team, a dominant, SB capable team right off the bat. When you hear Nix talk about building a team the old fashion way, what he means is starting with philosophy, adding that true to philosophy type through the draft, and only bringing in F.A. if they're exceptional fits...and if it means a few years of mediocrity and good draft picks before the team is built, then so be it. There is no apparant rush on their part to make it a winner now. That being said, they must've looked at where they wanted to go and what was available this year and next, and decided the switch to the 3-4 would be able to be done this year with the talent available, and that the talent next year would be better suited for QB and whatever else is needed on the O-line. I agree with that analysis. I also am very excited about our D - the front seven, and especially the LB's and NT - where everyone else is wondering about, I'm liking who they brought in. The guys are fast, big, and play hard the whole game. I also really like the attitude of the coaches and the players - the team looks like it wants to be there learning, working, and that it will have that us v.s. them attitude. I think we'll take a lot of people by surprise this season - maybe not by winning a ton of games, but by being a tough team to beat.

We've got so little to go on with those 2 QB's. My take: I like the impression I get from Brown better than Brohm. Brohm doesn't come off as very intelligent, nor certain. I think you need to be certain of your skills as a NFL QB. I also like the arm on Brown. At least we can be sure they aren't playing favorites, so the best QB will be out there when the games count. A little off subject, but I doubt Fitzpatrick will be here come reg. season. His play doesn't justify his salary, and they know what they've got there - at best a second stringer.

I forgot about Jay Fiedler - he was really mediocre before Gailey. That does inspire some confidence... looking at who he's been able to improve, we might be alright...

I was more surprised by the Stroud rating. But, yeah - having Williams is great, especially with Troupe. I love our front seven on defense now. Formation wise - we've got a nice run stuffing group and a really nice looking (potentially, of course) pass rushing group. If Troupe is as high motor as they say - and Williams is, as we know - imagine both of them getting ample opportunity for rest each game - and our whole front seven being rotated. I'm excited.

I am a supporter of Gailey - I've liked what I've seen of him and I think he is the right guy for us because - he's proven he can win, he's done it with little, and he's got a chip on his shoulder, too. He recognizes what Buffalo is like, what it could and should be like, and he and Buddy are putting together a strong, tough football team. Look at where these guys are drawing their experience and wisdom - teams like Dallas, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo-when it was successful. Our team already looks a lot like a Pittsburg team of four or five years ago. I'm of the opinion that the Bills have been adding talent for years, they've just screwed up coaching it, and have put the players in the wrong schemes and situations to win - look at last year - it was a circus. They are doing what needs be done to build a long lasting, competitive team. What they aren't openly saying, though, but which I think has been said clearly between the lines, is that they are expecting to put it together next year, with a star rookie QB. As much as they've said they are expecting to win and to make the team respectable again, they are also saying - and the draft really made it obvious - that they chose to fix the defense this year, and that they'll finish off the offense next year. No matter - I think we're all going to like the look and Identity of this team this year. One other thing Gailey's got going for him - he's got experience with young guys. Our team is young. The core of it will grow with him over the next half decade - I think we'll notice how well they respond to him as opposed Jauron - you can see the energy already, the us v.s. the world mentality - and I think that spirit is underrated in the NFL. I think that spirit is what propels the Patriots - especially that first title, and hopefully we've got it going for us now, too.

Our Defense will be solid. I don't think anyone questions that. With the players we now have we should be able to stop teams. Going into this year our team will have regained health - if Wood is able to return, and Bell - then, by health alone, we'll be better than where we were last year. We ran the ball pretty well last year despite the injuries- so, it's safe to assume that if things stay as they are now, with a better offensive minded coach, better conditioning, another star running back, that we will be a successful running team this year as is. Now, you add Gaither. All of a sudden - and health is assumed here - our O-line is actually strong. The running game is that much better. If we can give a QB time, with smart play calling, we could win some games - I think our team, especially on defense, is going to start out hot, young, talented - wanting to really make a name for themselves as a unit. We'll be competitive this year, especially if we can get one of the top two available LT's.

I'm no expert, not a coach - it occured to me the other day that there is probably not very much difference in play between a probowl LT and an average LT. giving up two sacks in a season compared to giving up eight sacks might only be a difference of not having the right footing on half a dozen plays throughout the whole year. Sure, that's an oversimplification, but really, at the NFL level, a serviceable group of lineman and a good group might be separated more by coaching than by physical ability. So, lets hope our coaches can do it. I get the impression - and I've stated it here a bunch lately - is that the Bills are willing to lose this year to get their QB next year, and that next year they plan on having the pieces - although it'll probably take a year to gel - so, they're probably telling themselves 2011 - 2012 is when they'll be really competing for a Super Bowl. I agree with Sullivan here: if you want the best for the Bills long-term, then would you rather they defy the odds and play tough this year, finish 9-7 or 10-6, just miss the playoffs, or make it and fall short, and then next year miss out on the top QB's? Or, lose this year, get experience, and rebound next year with your QB and LT? Ideally - and this is what I'm hoping to see - we pick up one of the two LT's available now that are top talent, and we do play nasty, tough defense, run the ball great, have smart QB play (like the recent tampa bay or baltimore SB teams) and make the playoffs - or, at least regain respectability - and next year we trade whatever we have to for the QB of our choice. If we get a LT this year, then we'll only be a QB shy, maybe a WR, of having a really good team. I think that is the best we can hope for.

I like the rookies that were brought in on the defensive front seven. If Maybin pans out, with Poz, and then Batten, Moats, and Coleman - I think linebacker will be a strength. Then you've got Troupe and Carrington to add to Stroud, Williams, and Edwards, along with our secondary - that is a group to get excited about. Our defense is going to be good. Offensively, I think they're looking at next year for QB. Really, that makes thinking about success too much this year futile. Obviously the F.O. is working on a two year plan, so, as far as draft position, it makes more sense for us to lose a lot this year. But, I think although they are planning on adding the offensive key parts next offseason they're still going to play to win this year for the sake of experience and reputation. We're bringing back respectability to this team, we're changing the mentality of the players, and at this time next year we'll be a darkhorse team, one that is on the rise, that is young, and hopefully that just got the best QB in the 2011 draft. For the sake of being able to make the trade to get the best QB next year, I hope we do find a way to bring in our future LT this year, so the line will be ready - and, with a good O-line this year and that D, I think we could contend for a wildcard spot.

Well said! I agree 100% that there is a lot of wishful thinking and hoping. They grabbed him late as pure potential - much like easley, but that much less talented; they thought easley might have second round talent, they thought brown might have 4th round talent - that's not starter, much less franchise material. I have to look at the draft and at their building of this team, coupling their deeds with their words - they've said there's a lot of holes, that it will take time, etc. - and think they have their sights on a 2011 rookie QB. It looks all around like they're in a 2 year re-build mode, putting the pieces together next year and maintaining thereafter.

Basically, the Ravens have 2 quality left tackles. One has attitude issues, and if they don't trade him and get something for him, they'll lose him for nothing next year. So, they either give him to the highest bidder, or they have 2 potential pro-bowl tackles this year and lose one for nothing next. The Bills know the Ravens need to unload Gaither this year. The Bills, though, are playing chicken. They wont give up their 1st next year because they'll probably need to grab a QB with it. They're thinking they've either got the best offer on the table and the Ravens will eventually have to take it, or, they have established what they believe to be fair value for Gaither and wont budge on giving up more - probably even both. I think the Bills should look into the tackle from New Orleans - and they probably are, too. Something to make the Ravens think they've got to move. Seeing who comes out on top of this will be interesting, as the Ravens G.M. is considered one of the best.

I know I'm opening myself up to a bashing here, but a guy who has come to my mind a lot this offseason is Jeff Garcia. Sure, he's old - but, he's never played old - he's quick, accurate, and I think he's actually played well the last few times he's been given a chance. His attitude about being the starter is the only drawback in my mind - he'd not want to be a second stringer. But, he'd come in and be the best QB on our team immediately, and I think would be a good signing for two years - unless Edwards or Brohm - doubtfully Brown - step up and really show improvement. My fear, though, with Edwards, is that he looks great in practice and when it doesn't count, maybe even looking like he finally gets it and does great for a few games, and then the mental terror sets in with him and he loses his nerve. So, I guess if you give Edwards the chance again you set yourself up for disaster - so, I think you bring in a guy like Garcia and let him take over if he shows he's still got it, and a guy like Edwards psychologically would probably come off the bench with a chip on his shoulder (or, being seen as the second string guy, he'd have nothing to prove, much less pressure - and would probably thrive in that role). Gaither or the guy from New Orleans and a vet QB like Garcia, and we'd be, I think, capable of 9-7 or 10-6 and a wildcard spot.

To answer the question - Fitzpatrick is way too inaccurate to be a pro QB. Trent has shown average ability with the long ball. We don't know much about Brohm and Brown but Brown was reported as having a nice deep ball in the first practice this past weekend. I think Brown will prove to have the best arm of the bunch. Now, there was just a post about not having enough time to throw a deep route anyway - and I wonder, if we were to get Gaither, then all of a sudden our line goes from bad to good - potentially really good. If we got Gaither, I'd love to see Wood moved to center. That would be one formidable left side - Gaither, Levitre, Wood, ?, and Wang? If Wang can play RT, or Bell, or whomever. I think Wood, healthy, would be just what we need against the Nose tackles in our division.

Sometimes it doesn't work comparing - even players of the same position. I think Lynch and Jackson are complimentary, and, furthermore, I think Spiller comes in and is a perfect fit, too. They all give you something different. As for Jackson and Lynch - Jackson, I think, has shown more value outside of the redzone. He's more diverse; he can hit holes quick, he can carry tacklers, he can make you miss, he can run good pass routes and catch well. And, Jackson has shown he can come in off the bench and produce. That is the big plus, I think, on Jackson's side. Lynch seems to need to get warmed up, or maybe he needs to be "the man". Whatever the case is with him, he played much worse as a second stringer. But, Lynch, when he's near the endzone, seems to zone in on it and will, literally, carry a defense into the endzone. Even if they know he's getting the ball, he seems to will himself into the endzone. Lynch doesn't seem as fast, either, straight line. But, they are each unique and I'd love to see us have them all. If we get rid of Lynch, then Jackson will be through in a few years and we'll need another back - Maybe Bell? Let's hope he looks good. I'd like to keep Lynch - I think he and Spiller would make a nice one two punch - but, he really doesn't seem to like Buffalo - and that is a problem, because he acts like Buffalonians are riding him, or are a bunch of puritans, as opposed to feeling and acting guilty for, and taking responsibility for, his poor behavior. If he's got a grudge against us for having a grudge against him, then I think that'll ultimately fuel another stupid incident, and then we'll be out a back for a year and lose all his trade value. So, we should probably just run him enough to make him look good, make sure he stays out of trouble, and trade him for a second, if we can, next year... maybe that second we might give Baltimore? That'd be a great trade in value.

I agree that we should be a run and stop the run team. At least, if we can manage to do both well I think we can have a chance at winning against most teams. One of the things I like about having Spiller is that now we've got all types of running backs, and they're all good. If we want tough, carry the pile running, we can do it. If we want waterbug, Chris Johnson style running, we can do that. Jackson is a quick power runner who can catch and hit the hole quickly... so, I think it will be a real mark of Gailey's talent to use formations that will utilize these backs. (I know - same QB's, but, if we can get the O-line to hold, we could field formations with some speed - Evans, Nelson, Parrish, and Easley, combined with Spiller make for a lot of speed the defense needs to be accountable for... so, again, under the right circumstances, I could see us putting up points passing.) As for touches - I'm not as big a fan as some of putting a prize player in the line of fire on returns - but, if he shows he can average five more yards a return than anyone else, you've probably got to. If he shows he can produce as a running back more than the others, than you've got to, too. No one will complain if he can manage to average more than Jackson did last year - which was what? Somewhere in the high 4's a carry?

I read somewhere that it was either Batten or Coleman had a quicker short shuttle time, was faster off the line, than Maybin was coming out last year - clocked. Now, he's supposed to have a really fast jump off the ball. I'd be really pleased if we had that kind of speed on both sides chasing down the qb. As for a bust - well, if others can out-perform him, then put 'em on the field. He's had all the opportunity - if he can play, they'll let him. Personally, I think we're going to have a great combo of outside linebackers for the next four or five years.

The more I hear about Spiller, the happier I am that we've got him. If we do keep Lynch - and even if we don't, we've now got Bell to add to our group of RB's - we have a perfect combination of toughness and speed in our backfield. Spiller is supposed to be a great WR, too - and from what I saw of his highlights he looked good doing it. When you look at a lot of the dynasty football teams, the really great ones, they had the 3 - QB, RB, and WR tandem. Then again, there are some really solid championship teams that have won on good Defense and a good running game. Not too many teams have gone all the way without a good running game. Now we've got a ton to work with. And, as for Troupe and the rest - if the Bills evaluators are correct, we came away with some of the best defensive talent at NT and DE. I'm much more comfortable with a NT who can play hard all game long than one who will falter in the last quarter - as our Defense has done lately.

What a difference it would have on the whole offense! Our line would go from looking questionable to being potentially very good... and he's young. It would be a wise move, especially for a second rounder next year, even if they had to throw in a 4th - we'd still be able to pick up a QB with our 1st, and rounds 3, 5, 6, & 7 would be alright for WR, LB/DL depth. It'd make for a solid 2 year plan. And, if our defense plays good this year, with a solid O-line we could have an offense functional enough to beat anyone - a solid running game would free up our wideouts - I could see Evans to one side, Lynch or Jackson in the backfield, Nelson as T.E., (whoever - Hardy, Johnson, or even Easley) on the opposite side, and then having Spiller lining up in the slot - we could run out of that formation, and if we were passing, there could be a lot of speed on the field. I know, we're always optimistic this time of year, but I remember the Rams came out of nowhere and lit people up because of speed, and Warner's quick and accurate passing (which, I think, was influenced by his playing in the arena league - and the Bills new QB coach is supposed to be good, but coming from Canada where their QB's have to make quicker decisions and only have 2 downs to make the ten yards...). All I'm saying is with the right coaching, A Solid O-line, we could be competitive and our offense could work out alright.

Other teams use this rookie mini-camp to allow the whole team to work out. I realize we've got a lot of rookies, and added to second year players we've probably got something like 30-40 guys... but, I did wonder after I read that Brohm was invited, if they weren't deliberately creating a situation to exclude the other QB's - sort of giving the favorite a little extra. Now that I'm writing it, though, I guess they would obviously want the young guy to be a stud, and they probably just have so many rookies and second year guys that they need another arm. I was tempted to put more into it than just that.

I get the impression that Nix and Gailey know what they're doing - but, I'm torn between two thoughts, although maybe they are not contradictory: although I think Gailey will attempt to win every game, and although the Bills have gotten better, it does seem like Nix is not trying to win it all this year; that he is installing a two to three year plan. So, if the Bills finish 8-8 this year they'll be picking once again in the middle of the draft next year and could miss out of the top QB. I guess I'm saying it seems like they are planning on adding the missing pieces next year, and that they've admitted, to themselves at least, that they're going to play this year without all the parts in place. So, it kind of seems like they are setting themselves up for an excuse if they don't win a lot this year - but, from a multi year standpoint you'd want to have a high pick next year to get the top QB...

Good post! I'm excited about the defense, too. Moats, Batten, Coleman, Troupe & Carrington - man, you add those players to Stroud, Williams, Maybin, Poz, perhaps Schobel - and then the F.A.s Edwards and the other LB... all of a sudden we can stop the run, mix up allignments, blitz from wherever - and our secondary, which was not given a lot of help last year, should prove at least as opportunistic, if not better in the takeaways. Yeah, our defense is set up to be cohesive and good for four or five more years. Offensively, I think next year we'll blossom, but I think we can play a certain style this year that will complement our defense -namely, running and ball control - not unlike Baltimore or the Pittsburgh of old. Our running backs are deeper than ever. I think our coaches are going to just experiment offensively, see if they have a line that will work, see if they have a QB that will work, and at least we'll know by next year what we have and what we need. Buddy has a history of selecting O-linemen in the later rounds, and I'm hoping they know more than the average fan, because that is the one spot we look the worst in, and could make for a long year - but, if the line works this year, or even if we have to add a rookie to it next year, it'll be young and set as a unit for four or five years, too. The youth of this team is exciting - and, although with youth there are often mistakes, good coaching can make it work.

I remember over the last two years, but especially last year, I got more and more angry as the season went on, always thinking, "why don't the Bills have Trent practice against the 3-4?" He said after a loss once that the team didn't practice against those looks, that they weren't prepared for it - and that is exactly what they looked like - totally unprepared. The 3-4 killed them. Now, we really didn't have the players and the coach didn't seemed as well versed in the 3-4, so if we had a practice squad nose and third string DE's as the preparation, then it probably wouldn't have helped much, anyway. So, I've gotta believe that having a solid 3-4 to go up against week in and out, and especially through training camp, will help Trent and the O-line. Also, our coaching staff and GM seem really aware of our weaknesses last year and, I'd suspect, will be fielding a much tougher, old-school team.

I believe that Buddy knows how to evaluate talent and bring in good talent - and I think that's his top priority as the Bills GM. Now he's given Chan enough players to build a competitive football team with. Chan seems like the kind of coach who is a consistent, tough opponent. I liked that he said he wants to make the Bills what they once had - a feared home field. I like that they seem to know that Buffalo is as much a part of this team as a coach or player - and that they aren't trying to force an idea into a place where it doesn't belong - like Jauron seemed to try to make this team small and fast - which might be o.k. for a dome, but in this cold, nasty weather place a big, hard hitting, tough running football team would work better and would at least recognize the elements and allow them to work for us. That is kind of hitting it on the head, I think - I get the impression these guys are going to use everything they can to work for us, in a focused, singular way, and I think we'll finally, for the first time in a decade, have a team that we'll recognize week in and out, and I think we'll have a team that players will want to come to this time next year. We will be taken seriously again.

I think the Bills will have the best chance at beating the good teams early simply because there will be little for other teams to prepare for with us - no one will know what our offense or defense will really look like until we play our first game. Add to that the versatility of our Defense - as was shown on Buffalorumblings, we could play versions of either the 3-4 or 4-3 with our current personnel. Especially the teams without really potent offenses, I'd say we stand a good chance of beating them early. We should improve, also, more or less over the next few seasons. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bills finish 3rd in our division this year.