2003Contenders

I'd rather have Losman with a season of preparation and a full off-season of knowing that he will be THE man under his belt -- than a less talented Rodgers, who will be a true rookie heading into this season. To me, giving up a 2nd rounder last year to make that happen this year was a small price to pay. Note also, that if we hadn't taken JP last year, then we'd still have Bledsoe THIS year.

There were three reasons why Smith was drafted so high (and why he proved to be a bust)... 1. Much like Erik Flowers, Akili Smith was a "fast riser". Heading into the 1998 season, Smith was projected to go undrafted -- or as a late round QB at best. Then he turned some heads in that last season, and became one of the fastest rising NFL prospects in history. 2. The Browns were never seriously interested in Smith -- but had talks with him leading up to the draft to add more leverage to their sincere talks with Tim Couch. Smith himself even realized this -- and made references to having felt "used" at the time. That helped to inflate his value in what was considered a QB-rich draft at the time. 3. From a pure, physical standpoint, Smith may have had the strongest arm of any QB in the draft. He looked awesome in a workout in shorts... Of course, the strongest arm in the world doesn't help you if you can't read a defense. Just think of Jim Drunkenmiller, who may have had the strongest arm of any QB ever drafted... but lacked the grey matter to get the job done.

Personally, I think it is a very GOOD idea for management to get JP accustomed to dealing with the press. A few weeks ago, Sam Wyche said as much. Even if he is everything we hope he turns out to be, there is little doubt that JP will run into his share of problems in his first season as a starter. When young QBs run into these kinds of problems, it is often their inability to withstand the never-ending questions from the media that leads to their demise. Ryan Leaf is the perfect example. In contrast, think back to how Peyton Manning handled himself in the midst of his trying rookie season. Not only is JP getting valuable experience dealing with the media and fans in what is now a friendly atmosphere, but by making himself so available to the press, he is also building an enormous amount of good will. That should at least buy him a few extra games if/when he struggles and the Jerry Sullivans of the world are tempted to start calling for his head.

But what happens if Roscoe winds up up with, say, number 82?

I'd also say Miami. Their high-profile, rebuilt DL is fool's gold. Otherwise, I don't see much improvement from them. Also, take a close look at their schedule, especially their home games. They could finish with a WORSE record than they did in 2004.

I wouldn't read too much into the 3-year deal, since salaries are not guranteed in the NFL. It just allows the team to only have to account for 1/3 of his signing bonus against the cap this year. With that said, if Gates performs well in camp and contributes to Special Teams, he has a very good chance of making the team. We know how TD covets his draft picks.

I was watching a Dodgers baseball game the other night, and the game was played in LA. The Dodgers have a wall with imprints of some of the franchise's most historic individuals, honoring them much in the same way that the Bills honor key figures with the Ring of Honor. One interesting inclusion on that wall in LA is none other than Kirk Gibson. Gibson spent the vast majority of his career with the Tigers -- and only played a couple of mostly injury-riddled seasons for the Dodgers. So how is he deserving of such an honor for such a historic franchise? Well, everyone remembers that game winning homerun that Gibson hit off Eckersely with two outs in the 9th inning in the World Series, as he hobbled to the plate. That incident was one of the most memorable in Dodgers (and all of baseball) history. I think we can view Reich in the same light. Even if you discount everything else he did, Reich will ALWAYS be remembered for his performance in the Comeback Game against Houston. It was a mythical, fairy tale performance that always brings tears to my eyes everytime I see a recast. (And unfortunately led me to believe that the Bills were a team of destiny that year heading into the Super Bowl.) I'd say he's a worthy addition to the Wall of Fame.

I think what everyone is saying is pretty much what we discovered ourselves last year. When everything else around him is up to snuff, he is capabale of being one of the better QBs in the league. Otherwise, he's actually NEVER been one of those -- like a Marino, Elway, or Kelly -- who could improvise and carry a team on his shoulders. I have always thought that having those formative years behind the tough-loving Parcells, served to hinder him in later years by playing for coaches that never demanded as much from him. In playing for guys like Pete Carrol and Gregg Williams, Drew allowed himself to become lazy. The real question is whether or not Parcells can turn that intensity back on -- or has Bledsoe's apathy even taken him beyond that point? For evidence, I look back at the 2002 season when he came to Buffalo with something to prove. (Can anyone ever forget that Minnesota game -- the intensity he showed?) For the first half of the season, he was even better than the Drew of old. Then he ran into a buzz saw in New England and never recovered. I would expect him to get off to another hot start in Dallas, as he once again has something to prove. With no New England (or even Buffalo) to worry about, he won't have to deal with the demons of old either. So I don't expect a mid-season collapse either. (Of course, he will have to face Greggy's Redskins twice... but everyone knows that the Skins have had trouble beating the 'Boys in recent years.) However, as any fantasy football geek out there knows, Bledsoe's MO (even during his prime years) was to fizzle out at the tail end of the season. All in all, I'd expect him to break the 3000 yard mark (which is at least something he hasn't done for the past two seasons).

Actually, Burleson came on strong last year when Moss was injured.

Uh, Travis is not a free agent, he is under contract to the Bills. Thus, the only way he leaves is if the Bills release him or trade him. In neither event do we receive a compensatory draft pick in the 2006 draft for him.

If placed in the proper perspective, Reed's accomplishments are HOF worthy WITHOUT question. 1. When he retired, he was in the top 5 in many all time categories, including #2 in catches. 2. At one time, he and Kelly held the record for the most QB-to-WR hook-ups. 3. Despite the lack of success in the 4 Super Bowls, Reed was actually very effective in the Big Show. Until Rice surpassed him in 1995, Reed held the record for the most catches in Super Bowl history. 4. Contrary to the Monk comparison, Reed's numbers were NOT just a product of longevity. He actually put together some dominating performances, including the Comeback Game against Houston and the previosuly mentioned 15-catch game against Green Bay, which was a record at that time. 5. While I won't say that he was as good as Rice across the board, I will have to say that he may very well have had better hands. Think back to some of the great.highlight reel catches that Reed made during the course of his career -- and remember the conditions that he often found himself playing in. If Reed doesn't make it in, it will be because of his attitude... If Michael Irvin gets in and Andre doesn't, then I am through even worrying about the Pro Football Hall of Fame, because I will consider it a fraud with unqualified people making the decisions.

True. And it is funny how the Chinese insisted on waiting to provide an affirmation about handing Lee over -- but refused to wait even a few hours to talk to CTU. At this point, Palmer should have told the Chinese that they will have our full cooperation -- tomorrow.

I've actually had the opposite opinion of the Parrish pick. At the time the selecton was made, I was astonished to the point of being angry. But since then, I am coming more and more around to liking this pick -- and not just because of the positive PR that we all heard about RP in mini camp. As has already been discussed, the liklihood of a mid-to-late 2nd rounder becoming anything more than an adequate starter in this league is not a slam-dunk. I actually WOULD be concerned if the team had taken a stab at a player that they hoped and prayed would come in to save the day. That isn't the case here. Because we already have Moulds and Evans on the roster, who already occupy the starting positions. That is what MAKES this a good pick. No one is asking or even expecting RP to be a #1 WR. (If he elevates to that level it's gravy!) While it may be wishful thinking comparing this kid to Marvin Harrison, if he is another Brandon Stokely, how much better does that make Moulds and Evans? Also, imagine how it sparks our return game with McGee running back kicks and RP running back punts. At first glance, this seemed like a risky, head-scratching pick. Now, upon further reflection, it is a very SAFE pick -- and one that is probably more likely to pan out than the ones made ahead of RP in the 2nd round. That is at least partly because the potential for reward far outweighs the risk. What's the worse than could happen? Roscoe doesn't pan out. Well, at the very least he can duke it out with Reed and Aiken then, right?

Could be that he has a bit of Romanowski in him...

Did TD acquire him because he has experience playing most positions along the line -- or did McNally see something that makes him think he can plug him in as a quality starter at LT?

To be honest, it is VERY difficult for me to gauge exactly how good this team will be this year. After all, last year we were 9-7, but we were in EVERY game, except for the Sunday night New Englad debacle. From that standpoint, we were certainly not as bad as the 0-4 start. On the flip side of the coin, our easy schedule down the stretch also probably inflates our late-season record. Meanwhile, the Week 17 home loss at the hands of Pittsburgh's scrubs made it abundantly clear that we were not in the same class as the elite teams in the conference. Pity for us that the NFC sucked last year, while the AFC was loaded with many good teams, of which we just happened to be one of them. Here are the questions that I think need to be answered... 1. Losman is off to a good start -- but what happens when he faces real defenders in a game situation? And just how durable is he? We saw him withstand a beating at Tulane -- but we also saw him break his leg on the slightest of contact last year. 2. Clearly the offense was our weak link last season. What wrinkles will Mularkey thrown in this year that we didn't see with the Bledsoe-scaled down playbook? What will the depth chart at WR look like? Will we have a healthy TE by training camp? 3. How will the LT position pan out? Is TD's lack of attention here because he trusts that McNally can work miracles? Has McNally sold him on a player currently on the team at the positon (Gandy, Peters)? Or, is it strictly a business decision on TD's part? 4. The real turning point last year was when Henry was benched in favor of Willis. With Willis the uncontested starter, can he ignite that spark from day one? Also, despite Willis' strong production, he still only managed 4.0 yards per carry, which is barely average by league standards. Will he be even better now with two full years removed from knee surgery? Can the OL open better holes for him? Is Mike Williams ready to become the elite RT he's being paid to be? 5. Can Lindell consitently make good on 40+ yard field goals? 6. Aside from Lindell, the Special Teams were a real strength last year. What impact will Roscoe Parrish have as the potentially new Punt Returner? And will the coverage unit continue to excel? 7. Last year the already top-ranked defense became more opportunistic in terms of turnovers -- and placed our odious offense in a position to succeed. Was the amazing turnaround from 2003 to 2004 (in turnovers) a by-product of Jerry Gray's more aggressive style of play? Or did the ball simply bounce our way more often? 8. What impact will losing Big Pat have? Will Anderson/Edwards be up to the challenge? 9. With a relatively (on paper at least) easy opening schedule, can we win some of those games that we are supposed to win to build momentum and gear up for the rougher portions of the schedule? After all, the Week 1 loss to Jacksonville (oneof those games we were "supposed to win") last season is what truly sealed our fate. 10. How much will the coaching staff improve? MM now has a year under his belt and will need to show that he can go head-to-head with the Belichicks and Cowhers of the league.

In a funny way, this whole ordeal should have taught Henry a lesson too about his own value. Namely, no team was willing to offer up more than a disgruntled backup offensive lineman or a second-day draft pick for him. He holds no cards in this situation. None. If he holds out, then he is one more year removed from having had a successful season and the market will be even LESS for him in 2006 than it was this year. Meanwhile, his modest cap hit means that the Bills can afford to hang onto him for now -- and for the course of the 2005 season if they have to. I think that's what TD is banking on. Either, some other team is slapped with a serious injury at the RB position -- and come knocking on the Bills' door -- at which point, the 2006 second round draft pick asking price does not sound so crazy. Or, Henry realizes that it is in his best interest to show up, put on the good game face, provide 3rd down and backup support for a RB with an injury history, and drive up his own stock when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2006.

Personally, I don't see a problem with what Rodgers said... and I'm sure Favre wouldn't either. The point is that Rodgers knows that the LAST thing anyone could ever say about Favre is that he is lazy. It would be like calling Cal Ripkin lazy. His attempt at humor was probably his way of dealing with a rather stupid question from a reporter.

Following up with KOKBills valid points... having 3 or more quality receivers also allows MM to move the guys around. Maybe RP isn't big enough to get off the jam, when playing outside -- but that doesn't mean that teams can't account for him. And what happens when we move him outside on specific plays -- and Moulds moves inside and matches up against a team's #3 CB? I also expect the 2005 Bills to set the record for the number of reverses, double reverses, and fake reverses...

Considering that this is a contract year for Reed -- and he will have that much more extra incentive -- I think the Bills will give him every opportunity to win a spot. I see him as the #3 to start the season, and if he struggles, giving way to Roscoe.

Also, the Titans drafted a RB in the 2nd round...

Well, it's TD's style to low-ball, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's what he's tried to do here. Of course, on occasion (as he did last year with Aaron Schobel) he's been willing to cough up the dough. You are right that I don't know that TD hasn't at least tried to present a fair offer to Nate and his agent. But I think if TD had really presented an equitable offer and Nate and his agent were being greedy, then we would have heard about it by now. After all, making the players sound like greedy jerks in negotiations is another TD tactic. Not diss'ing TD, just saying that I hope we don't make the mistake of letting NC walk because we never presented a fair offer. If he moves on because TD isn't willing to overpay, then so be it.

He fits the profile of the kind of free agent-to-be that we should make a push to sign. He's coming off his first Pro Bowl and entering the prime of his career. His current cap number is in the $3.5 M range. It's not as if the price for him is going to go down, especially in light of the Surtain deal. If we were to sign him to, say, a 6 year $49 M deal with a $15 M signing bonus (which is probably in the range of what he would command -- if not more -- on the open market) and heavily back-loaded the contract, then we would actually SAVE cap space this year.

Well, that was up until the Super Bowl, when the Redskins beat poor Jim to a pulp. There is still that classic clip we always see of a couple of players propping an unconscious Jimbo up on the sidelines during that game. They usually show this clip when they start talking about concussions.

Last year when the deal was made, both Salisbury and Jaws applauded it. They both liked JP better than Phil Rivers.