richNjoisy

The 2002 draft produced some good defensive players and some horrible offensive players. Interesting Haynesworth played alongside Stroud in 2002 and actually had fewer tackles his rookie season than Kyle Wiliams did this year (and Kyle rotated a lot) Henderson had similar numbers (one more tackle) than Kyle BUT John had had 6.5 sacks his rookie season - a huge number I grant you. Here's Kyles numbers: TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD 2006 53 33 20 0.0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 I think Kyle, if he bulks, up this offseason will be the real deal. He's high motor, smart, and has only scratched the surface of his potential. Not bad for a 5th round pick that we got from the Moulds deal. All reports from the Bills coaching staff said that McCargo was picking up his game right before his injury. My take on this remains that the Bils will stand pat on the D-Line, try to sign Kelsay, lose Fletcher, try to sign but probably lose Clements, sign Denney (?), try to sign Thomas (who knows), and then draft WR, TE, and OT/OG - they may also go CB in round 1 but I am leaning towards them putting Youboty in as a starter. -rgg

Would some of you 'experts" out there please remind me of the number of rookie DT's who played stellar their first year in the league? Everyone is so ready to discard McCargo and Williams to find that great DT who (I assume) will play great in his rookie season. C'mon guys - name some names (with stats) Have any of you looked up the current great DT's to see how they performed in their first or even 2nd years? Most - if not all - of them did not play that great at first. Why? It takes a year or two to amass the bulk and the skills to flourish amongst all those 300 lb offenive behemoths. Remember, in college it was men against boys - how many time did one of the great college DT;s have to face one, let alone 2 or more NFL caliber offensive linemen? I just do not see the Bills drafting another DT in rounds 1 or 2. As to CB - maybe, but they DID draft heavily in the secondary last year. Time to discard them already too? Meanwhile, how exactly is JP supposed to put points on the board if the Bills don't draft some offensive linemen to keep him upright and somebody to take the heat off of Lee Evans? A tight end who could catch would be nice too........

The Blizzard was when I decided to go into meteorology - I was a freshman in high school then - so that makes you 2 years younger?? Your idea about bringing in the old o-linemen is interesting but it is hard to say if the oldtimers can get through to such young men. How different is it in the "trenches" today? As to Peters, I would have to say "no way" - Peters is a very good to great left tackle. THAT is the most important position on the line. Don't event think about breaking that my friend. The release of pettigout (NYG) has me intrigued today. He has been a LT for a number of years but also played RT for 2 years and guard for 2 other years. Lasy year, befoe his injury, he was playing GREAT (not simply good). McNally worked with the kid when he came to the Giants. It will be very interestign to see if he is brought in for a look see. -rgg

I simply can't see marv using another high pick on a DT this year. It is true that McCargo did not impress FANS (such as myself) this past season. But, there are several reasons why I predict no high DT selection in April: 1.) The Bills felt strongly enough about McCargo to trade up for him last season. It seems to me to be way too early for the team to give up on this guy. 2.) He had moved into the starting lineup right before his injury (albiet in rotation) This is an indication that he was progressing - his injury interrupted this process 3.) Kyle Williams surprisingly made it into the starting lineup. DT is notoriously a position where a young player takes YEARS to develop. The fact that Williams actually played WELL (not great I will grant you) strongly suggests that he may be a very good player in this league someday - maybe even as early as next year if he bulks up this offseason. If so, his pick was a huge hit for the Bills. 4.) The Bills 2006 draft was heavily weighted on the defensive side and it showed on the field. If the Bills want to tak the step to the next level, they need to give JP more weapons to work with. IMO, that means at least 2 out of 3 of the following: A.) a very good possession receiver (I like the idea of signing FA Drew Bennett but I can see the Bills drafting a WR in round 1) B.) another stud on the offensive line (either through FA or through the draft) C.) a dependable TE who can catch The impending loss of Nate Clements and Fletcher-Baker is also a concern (especially the loss of Clements). However, the Bills drafted 3 DB's in the first 4 picks last year (Whitner, Youboty, and Simpson) which means the Bils have already put a deposit down on the replacement for Nate. Thus, Nate's replacement may already be on the team. I'd like to see the Bills sign Bennett and Draft a good OT or OG in round 1 or a TE. And then a LB in round 2.

Maybe some of you oldtimers (like me) can chime in on this - but some of the objections to the original premise of this thread was the "need" for the Bills to sign or draft another DT (preferably - big run stuffer in the ilk of Sam Adams or Ted Washington). I do not dispute the obvious assertio that the Bills run defense was terrible last year. It does sound reasonable to state that we need new (better) players inserted into the middle of the defense. But I cannot recall any 1st year DT ever making an impact. This position really seems to stand out as quite a jump from college - DT/NT play at that level is often best desribed as men against boys - the type of player who can succeed at the NFL level is usually playing against much smaller linemen at the college level. Thus, they usually have their way against all opponents or face triple teams - which sometimes can't stop them either. But in the pros - they are immediately up against behemoths as big as they are. The transition means they actually have to (egad!) WORK OUT and bulk up even more. Looking at the stats of two former Bills (Ted and Big Sam) nither did much until their 3rd or 4th year (Ted was hurt quite bit - which is why Wade had to practically BEG Marv and Jerry to sign him). Big Sam had less than 30 tackles for both of his first 2 seasons. Kyle Williams had 53 tackles in 2006. At his young age and having now an entire year to bulk up this offseason and having a full year's experience, is it unreasonable to think we might LAREADY HAVE ON THE TEAM the player we all are longing for? And what about McCargo? Do we expend another draft pick or Cap Cash (which could/should be spent on Nate) to add another player on the defensive line? So my question is this: Is it unreasonable to think that Kyle Williams can bulk up AND play at the kind of level to stuff the run? Is it too risky to assume McCargo will pick his game up enough to also be an asset ? Can these two players free up the Bills to focus on WR/OT/OG and LB while signing Nate and Kelsay? That is what I would do. -RnJ

Furrey would be way more expensive AND he has only truly put up one good year (2006). Curtis is younger and has been consistent for his 4 years (~ 40 rec/500 yards per season) - but is this good enough to replace price or reed? What about Drew bennett? he is 6' 5" (curtis and Furrey are 5 11 and 6 ' 0 respectively). Bennett has slowed in the past year but the QB changed twice which CAN impact a WR - (different QB's prefer different receivers sometimes). Bennett is a UFA and with the Titans still without a GM, resigning him could very well be delayed - giving the Bills a chance to slip in and get him at a cheaper price than we might otherwise have done. I love the idea of getting someone to whom JP can throw my favorite pass inside the 20 - the fade. Snap the ball and play catch with someone who can reach well above the defenders. Keyshawn Johnson used to kill us with this play when he played for the jets. my 2 cents.... -RnJ

I hate Belidick but but he clearly had the better coached team on the field Sunday. Sure, Rivers' numbers were not stellar - but did he lose the game? Do you really think he was audiblizing much? When players celebrate to the point of being penalized - THAT'S a coaching problem as much (or more) than a player problem. Can you imagine a Buffalo Bill headbutting an opponent after stopping them on a 4th down try? The same goes for late hits. Did the players decide to go for it on a 4th an 11 at the 31 yard line? Who made the decision against a 48-yard field goal attempt by the AFC's Pro Bowl kicker, Nate Kaeding, who hadn't missed a field goal in six weeks. I hate the raise the name of Mularkey (egad) but I think even HE would not have challenged the OBVIOUS fumble after the idiotic 4th down interception and then fumble in the 4th quarter. Maybe Schottenheimer was TRYING to lose....that almost makes more sense. The Chargers caught Mrs. Brady on an AWFUL day - at times, he loooked absolutely lost. But you simply cannot keep handing him the ball over and over again and expect to win. The Chargers GAVE the game away. period. Bad coaching was key along with moronic decision-making on the field. And by the way, why did LT only get 23 total carries - only 4 in the 4th quarter with the lead? I thought the best AFC teams were SD - Balt - Colts and then NE BUT, are any of you feeling "good" about the Colts chances this Sunday? Certainly, Dungy can coach his players but Brady is due for a good game - why not the AFC Championship game? The thought of another NE SB win is nauseating to me. Please God (not you Bruschi), help the Colts Worried in NJ..... RnJ

while I disagree with you about the WR or TE in round 1 as a possibility, I do agree that the resigning of Clements is a key issue. IF they sign him, we are flush with CB's and do not need to draft one early. If they fail to sign him, a CB could be drafted in rd 1. Like a lot of teams, the Bils are flush with cash this year (what is it? $35 million under the cap?). IF a "reasonable" deal can be reached with Nate, I say, sign him. "reasonable may mean a $12-$15 mil signing bonus on top of a 6 year deal. Now, as to whom to draft afetr clements is signed, WR is an area where a 1st rounder could make a big deal BTW - Drew Bennett is a FA this year and fits like a glove alongside Lee as a #2 WR - he is TALL, 6' 5", and has hands of glue - a fantastic compliment to Evans' speed. My dream offseason is to resign Nate, sign Bennett, keep Denney, either resign gandy or bring in a new Guard. Then in the draft go for the top center (trade down) , the best OT on the board, the best DT on the board, or a top DE. It appears this draft is strongest at OT, DE, and DT - good for the Bills! -RichNJoisy

http://www.docsports.com/2006-nfl-power-rankings-week-1.html I saved this link but I doubt this guy will hesitate to claim his "wisdom" come time to sell his rag next season. In my field (meteorology), no one seems to remember when the Farmer's Almanac predicts a boner or better yet, this past year when Accuweather entered the "let's predict the hurricane season sweepstakes" For those that can recall (I doubt more than 1% can) both Bill Gray and Accuweather predicted a "Major Hurricane to strike the Northeast coast this year" in 2006. I must have missed that one....... Let them get one right (luck) then they are experts. givemeabreak -RnJ CNJBBB

Jay Jay Jay Oh yeeee of little faith Here ya go: Bills win last two....end up 9-7 jets lose last two (end up 8-8) Denver loses last two (ends up 8-8) Cincinnati loses to Pittsburgh (end up 9-7) Jags lose last two (end up 8-8) Bills and bengals make playoffs...Bills as fifth seed due to strength of schedule Bills beat Colts round 1 Bengals beat Patriots round 1 Bills beat Baltimore round 2 Bengals beat San Diego round 2 Bills host Bengals in AFC Championship game no problem....

You got it. This happens maybe once a decade it seems. O.K. Gulp. Here goes: Dolphins - the smartest sea mammal They ARE carnivores you know Go Miami!!!!

Ya know, I actually considered that possibility (that it was just bad reffing in general). I am one of those saps that likes to believe the best about people, situations, motives, etc (just ask my hubby RichNJoisy--I was downright naive when we met!). But, here's the part I missed--which calls were the ones that went against the Chargers??? And how again did they help the Bills???? Sorry, I can't see any way that this was badly done, equally, to both teams. RevNJoisy

Amazing--anyone else out there having deja vu?? Like the New England game?? How was that fumble NOT our ball?? And how about the freebie time out by taking a measurement no one was interested? So--where did money change hands this time??? RevNJoisy

I was there along with my wife (RevNJoisy) and I agree - it was VERY loud the weather helped with no gloves and lots of great moments to pump ya up Go Bills!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/features/talent

Hey, if it works for you....... I am cheering for the Sabres too but the Bills are still my bread and butter

I am really surprised (honestly) that you have to ask this question, at least for us "old timers" here (I am 44) The Bills represent BUFFALO. I am a BUFFALONIAN even though I now live in New "joisy") What? Since the Bills continue to suck I can extricate myself from being a fan? Am I "obsessed" with the Bills? Maybe - THAT is where this thread should be going but at least understand that the Bills represent not just a team but a community. When they win, WE win, When they lose WE lose. Not being a Bills fan would be comparable to not being me. Never gonna happen. Does that make me a "loser"? Before you answer know this: SIMPLY TELLING PEOPLE I COME FROM BUFFALO is usually enough to get a laugh from people. I simply smile and tell then to keep thinking that way. I plan to return HOME when I can and live amongst the greatest people on earth. Most of them, of course, Bills fans. The people that think Buffalo is a joke can go ahead and laugh and continue to live in their unfriendly, uncaring communities - at least compared to the community that is WNY. Those of us that live out of town, know exactly what I am talking about. So go ahead and laugh......nothing new to me. -RichNJoisy

Note that TKO practiced again today. Limited? I guess. Let's see if he practices tomorrow. That MIGHT mean something

these picks are versus the spread

FWIW, KFFL is reporting that Royal and Villarial did not practice and are listed as questionable and doubtful respectively on the Injury report TKO and Bowens both practiced yesterday and are listed as Questionable last week TKO practiced Thursday and Wednesday but not Friday

along with Jim Nantz Simms HATES the Bills. I wish Tom Brady would let him have his baby and be done with it.

I am not sure yet what the problem is. It could be, as some here have stated, that the absence of Peters and Fletcher on the return team is the problem. Going into last week's game, I thought the problem MIGHT be that we were playing teams in our own division who have seen a lot of McGee and had come up with ways to limit his returns. Against Minnesota, he only had three chances (after the first FG in the first quarter which came after a pretty long, sustained drive where McGee was on the field playing CB), after halftime, and after the lone Minnesota TD. It could be fatigue (playing fulltime at CB) is having an impact. It could be personnel changes. I seem to recall that LAST year, McGee's return number were down later in the year....is that correct? Maybe the league is catching up to the Bills. Still, I expect Terrence to break a long one...soon. Maybe this Sunday? Yeh, baby!! Remember, the better the defense plays, the fewer the returns. Fine with me Go Bills! -RnJ

Ahhh, yes the Bills were indeed underdogs but I (meaning me ) had been telling everyone how overrated the Fish were and how I had circled this game back in April as a Bills victory. Still, the "experts" saw it as an upset. The Bears game would be a pretty big upset in my opinion. my 2 cents...

I know Chicago is ranked #1 but look at who they have beaten: Green Bay Detroit Minnesota and the Seahawks Other than the Seahawks, none of the other teams was ranked above #15 prior to the start of the season. Looking at the first three teams now, I'd say that Green Bay and Detroit are both very bad teams, Minnesota is medium and Seattle is only "good" (not very good especially without Alexander) I still see the Bills most likely losing on Sunday BUT unless they turn the ball over like crazy then this will be a close game (<7 points) This means if the Bears screw up (TO's) then an upset is not out of the question especially if they are looking past this game. Even the Bills in their heydey (mid 90's) were at their most vulnerable the week after a national game , at home, vs a young, hungry opponent. The Bills are due for a big upset victory. When was the last one? Bengals in 2004? Before that you have to go back to the early Flutie days. egad...we ARE due! Go Bills!!! -RichNJoisy

Both of the Vikes DE's are backups and/or rookies. Sounds to me like running outside A LOT will work quite nicely. I am not , usually, an advocate of trick plays but an end around with Mr. Parrish at an opportune time might produce some very nice results. Pat W was a decent DT for us but he could be beaten with quick draws since he likes to slip the gaps sometimes. Minnesota will try to establish the run game. Bills must limit Chester taylor and force the Vikings to throw. Although a tougher game on paper than last week's, the Bills are 1 game older (good) and Vikes have never seen this group of STers. Look for McGee to break one this week. Bills 31 - Vikings 21