Bronc24

Classic Fitz apologist response: blame the defense that NOBODY here is defending. Improving the defense does not magically make Fitz a better QB or give him a stronger arm. He is less than mediocre, especially in the 4th quarter. What reason is there to think he would improve?

I won't. Gnash my teeth because we only won 6 games? Gnash my teeth because we have the lead and our QB throws an unfathomable pick? Gnash my teeth because I know the HC will stubbornly stick with this career loser? No, I'd say we've all gashed our teeth to the roots with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Move on. Why do people consistently think this guy is going to get better? Fitz's physical limitations dictate play calling. You cant call anything deep because defenses do not respect it. The guy maxes out at 6 wins and limits the play calling due to his weak arm and horrible mechanics needed to throw the ball hard. Cut the cord, for goodness sake.

Your scenario would assume, if Fitz were still QB: A. That Fitz can lead a team to 52 points against anyone, and B. Fitz didn't blow a 4th quarter lead, or C. He engineered a 4th quarter come back. All three situations are implausible if not laughable.

It's not like you cannot address both issues. Why do you consistently insist that addressing the Fitz situation (ie. cutting him) somehow ignores the defensive issues?

Agreed, but when your QB consistently misses you and can't throw beyond 10 yards with accuracy, 70 seems to be a ceiling for Bills' receivers.

The Texans were playoff bound before Yates entered the picture. I also submit that Smith's physical tools have always been better than Fitz's. I guess I can never "know", but I am pretty damn confident based on past performance and physical limitations that Fitz will never be a playoff QB in this league. I've said it every year and will continue to say it until he retires.

Further to this point, I truly believe we need to truly move on by ridding ourselves of Fitzpatrick. We know what he brings to the table (and what he doesn't). We also know this team is incapable of a playoff run under his watch. If that's a known factor, move on. In terms of picking a QB, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I'm interested in knowing if Chan had a huge influence on how we handled the QB position the last three years because he was convinced Fitz was "his guy".

Pete Carroll had just signed a FA QB in Matt Flynn and, therefore,, wasn't looking for a QB in rounds one or two. The Bills, on the other hand, were obviously confident in their QB situation, which was a mistake as a few of us pointed out on here. It turns out that was a correct assessment on our part. I can just imagine Carroll saying, " Well, if none of these dumb asses want a top 5 talent who has intangibles through the roof because he is too short, we'll take him."

Well said. QB is THE most important position in the NFL. You can teach footwork in the pocket, but you either have pocket presence or you do not.

So, by your logic, a team is only allowed one horrendous deal? Just because Mario is overpaid, it doesn't mean Fitz isn't as well.

That's why I will not roast OBD for picking a QB at 8.

Agreed. However I'd say it has to be in Round 2, unless they are completely blown away by somebody. QB is the one position they absolutely must take care of.

Yep.

Operative phrase = "playoff game". We all know our current "starter" won't see that. As for the OP, I have not watched tape on Nassib yet, but I like Manuel's athleticism and Dysert is better out of the pocket than what I have read about him. Again, it's going to come down to system and playing to strengths. Flacco excelled on completing balls in the 15 - 20 yard range once Caldwell took over and played to his mid range accuracy. Interesting, informative link.

Exactly. I understand the "we have nobody better" argument. I don't agree, but I understand. My question is...how could it get worse?

Now that GTS example, I agree with. Fitz supporters (unbelievably, there are still a few emerging from the woods) are quick to point out he threw for 3400 yards and 24 TDs. Since we're grandizing about stats, lets look a bit closer at those stats. Fitz threw 13 of those TDs in games decided by 15 or more points. He also threw 15 in the first 8 games, with 12 of them coming in our first 4 games. That means he threw for 12 TDs in our last 12 games, which is absolutely unacceptable. Eight of those TDs came in the aforementioned garbage time and vs KC and Cleveland. In the 4th quarter of games decided by 7 or fewer points, Fitz threw 1 TD and 4 INTs, with a QBR of 55. Every time this guy has the ball in the 4th quarter, an entire fan base expects the worse, which usually happens. Yet there are calls to keep this guy. Losing has clouded people's perception of what a "good" QB is that some career journeyman who beat the Pats two years ago has been ordained a QB Jesus by some. Cut this loser now. Show that acceptance of mediocrity, for which Fitz is the poster boy, is a thing of the past.

Maybe we should start by ridding ourselves of the guy in your avatar.

Git er done Buddy! $100 mill, $50 mill guaranteed! Championship!

What part of my post was "not thinking straight" besides my tongue in cheek reference to Belicheck?

I'd take Alex Smith over Ryan Fitzpatrick a million times out of a million.

How do you know that? Head to head stats vs. TJax last year? Career winning %? Just because Gailey refused to even consider activating TJax last season does not mean he's not an equitable or better QB. This is the same coach who, remember, was at times blatant about not giving the ball to our best offensive player. Pardon me if I don't defer my opinion to the wisdom of Chan Gailey.

I've been simmering all day....you know what cutting Fitz does? It shows the good fans of this franchise that the "ceiling" of wins that piece of crap offers is not good enough. So we take the cap hit. Who cares? Is not taking the hit worth another 6 win season? By retaining Fitz, you are already declaring "we want to pick in the top ten next year". I don't know if a rookie will be any better, but at least a rookie has room for growth. Fitzpatrick has none. Great job handling the most important position on a football team, Mr. Nix. Well done. Can't wait for the revelation that you were on Belicheck's payroll.

Well, if we do keep Fitz, it will be yet another entertaining year of internet squabbles with Fitz supporters. If we can never make the playoffs, I suppose that's still an emotional attachment. I curse the year 1979 when, as a naive lad, I chose to cheer for the Bills because nobody else I knew did.

Doesn't that say everything about our FO though? They had to have been worried, with the panic VY move and then trading for TJax. How they do NOT pick a QB last year still baffles me.