White Linen

I'm not real sure how you read into my stats comparing that defense to last years, but that's cool. I think we by in large agree but are trying to disagree about it, hahaha.

Did I compare the 09 defense to last years?

I definitely agree with you that a great QB can win with a bad defense to a point. Brees won with a bottom half in the league defense. I don't think a QB can win with "one of the worst defenses" or a "putrid" defense. I also think you know what I meant, I didn't embellish. Fact is history bears out that you more often need one of the best QB's not necessarily one of the best defenses.

All the way to the Super Bowl. Yes they were opportunistic with a lot of key take aways, but they ranked 20th in points given up and 25th in yards.

Thought it would be an interesting thread to ask everyone who they think are the top 3 most crucial players that must play great for the Bills in 2013. I'd also like each response to include why you think these players are your top 3. To me there's many different thoughts about why you would chose your players. For example the player has to be great in order for us to: make the playoffs - to have a winning record - to shore up a position - or for the future of our team. Here are mine: Nigel Bradham: I chose Nigel because this team is so very desperate for answers at all the LB positions. The reason I didn't have Kiko here is I actually expect him to be a very very good player and for him to answer one of our question marks at LB. If Nigel can secure another slot we will be such a better team for it and obviously would begin to end this teams seemingly unending search for a solid LB group. Robert Woods: For very similar reasons as Bradham above I chose Woods. I imagine Woods game being patterned similarly to Hines Ward. Good hands, finds soft spots in the defense well, a first down machine, and a nemisis to a defense. If you look at Hines 2009 season where he caught 95 balls for 1,167 yards it allowed several things to happen beyond his individual great season; it allowed Ben to have his best statistical season, it allowed Santonio Holmes to have his most productive season, and in 2009 began the emergence of a rookie named Mike Wallace. I think Woods can be the cog that takes pressure of of Stevie and will allow our speed receivers to take the top off of a defense. E.J. Manuel: Ok don't shoot me for making this easy choice. I'm honestly not trying to say that if Kolb beats Manuel out it means anything long term about Manuel, but I think it's crucial for the 2013 Bills to have Manuel win this job and play very well. IMO there isn't a more important position in all of sports. This team and coaching staff needs Manuel to be the number one reason this team has a chance to become a great team going forward. He needs to be the reason every FA signing and draft pick means we are building a winner and conversely the reason why not being able to keep every player i.e. Levitre stings less.

How did you get away with starting a new topic about Hernandez?

In order to believe we are in a downfall (which I do) you have to believe that we were at a higher point in order to come down from it. Problem is most think we are progressing.

T Master I always like your posts man but this wasn't the easiest piece to read. I get what your saying, kind of. Like others have said Brady is all that matters. Jake Ballard is going to go off this year and I believe they'll sign Lloyd back. They will be excellent offensively, maybe not super bowl worthy but excellent.

The NFL is making it harder and harder to play with this mentality.

All up to E.J.

If only Deacon would have argued that point himself.

What didn't go down the way it was reported, can you speak on that? The evening of the death or the decision to sue?

We should have never let Winfield go.

Oh my..

You're asking a question that's very difficult to answer without all the facts. If the lead by 13 is because we scored two touchdowns and missed an extra point yes we run, if no extra point kicks were missed it's clear we would pass.

But that would be "dodging"

How is the "backfire" risk worth something so unfunny?

We are underating how important it is E.J. Manuel becomes the most important player on this team.

Ki - K.O.

No worries bud. I guess I ran with it a bit far.

Thought you would have picked up on mine.

I think Pettine's a good coach but I'm not sure Merriman will ever be the same. It's worth a shot to see how he does in the pre-season though.

Very appropriate.

I love the word succinctly. I wish I could remember to use it more.

He does seem like a very nice young man. I actually hope he does well also - but I don't get the feeling he will.