STC

Love him or hate him, I still think this line from his column today is one of the quotes of the year: 'Yes, it would probably be better if NFL officials weren’t seen celebrating for any reason. It’s not the smartest move. But I defy you to point out one call by the officials this season that was dumber than trading away next year’s No. 1 draft pick for Sammy Watkins.'

That signing was handled so well.

Jim McMahon?

Don't get me wrong. I have no faith in their selection ability. Zero. I'm hoping for an accident. Ralph accidentally found Polian. The USFL folded and we got Kelly back. It has been a while. We're due for another accident.

If they bring in a guy, I'd want a guy who can start and win. I don't see the point if it's another back-up. They'd have to make a pretty bold move. I like the Bradford idea as well. I don't think he's done.

Yikes.

So Orton is not the answer. If you want a playoff team any time soon, I don't think Manuel is either. And of course, no 1st round pick in 2015. So what should happen? This defense - although not perfect - is a pretty special one. I don't see how the guys on this roster (especially on D) would buy into developing Manuel for another year. And I know most fans won't (if that matters). Maybe he can be the guy, but let him be a backup for now. Or at the very least, bring in someone other than Orton and let Manuel compete for the job. So if we want to take advantage of this defense and this receiver talent, who do we go for? There may be a lot of guys available come March 2015, including: Newton RG III Cutler Bradford Hoyer Sanchez Mallett McCoy These aren't necessarily great names, and some of them might even seem downright ugly. My two cents - if there's a shot at getting Cam Newton, I'd go after it hard. Fire away.

If that's the schedule, I don't mind it at all. The only games that really bother me are at Denver and at Detroit. If we get Green Bay at The Ralph, that would be great. But we all know the schedules are so hard to evaluate. There are always some teams who are expected to be great and suck, and vice versa. Every year.

I prefer to call them Mass-holes.

I'd feel a lot more secure about EJ if he was picked by a group with a track record. The pick was a reach in the first round and everyone knew it. The Bills' brain trust thought they were smarter than everyone else and valued him way more than the rest of the league did. If we were the Pats, Steelers, Ravens, Packers, etc., I'd be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in that situation. Those teams have earned the trust of the their fans and have developed a reputation for finding players who can win. But this franchise is completely inept and this new era isn't all that new. Brandon has been around since the 90's and Whaley has already been here under a failed GM (I don't care what anyone says - Nix is a failed GM based on his record). Add in a rookie HC and a rookie OC. All that said, why should I have any faith in anything these guys do? What business do they have reaching on anyone right now?

I really like this move and I was hoping for it. I also think this increases the likelihood of taking a corner in rounds 1-3. Pettine's defense relies on really strong corners. Unless they plan on a substantial free agent move, a corner in the high rounds wouldn't surprise me one bit.

As I see it, here are what you would hope are some of their free agency plans, not necessarily in order of importance: 1 - Sign a former Jet or 2 to help Pettine with the new D. 2 - Sign Levitre 3 - Sign a free agent QB 4 - Sign a free agent WR Now of course, it's unlikely that they'll be able to do all of these things this year. But in order to tackle at least some of that list, I'd say you definitely have to day goodbye to Kelsey, McGee and Brad Smith if not some others. As for Fitz, he has to take a pay cut. I don't see any other team bringing him in to be anything more than a backup, and at a much lower rate of pay than what he's getting now. If he stays, he'll most likely compete with the rookie for the starting spot. Fitz is smart enough and grounded enough to know that.

I think this article offers a great take on this sad series we've had to endure: http://www.torontosun.com/2012/12/16/whats-the-point-for-the-bills It really points out what sucks about it both for us and our Canadian friends.

I love the 'Fred's turn' thing. That's the 2nd time I've heard him say that. I didn't realize this was Pop Warner and Chan wants to make sure all of the kids get a chance to play. I'm guessing Fred's parents called Chan to yell at him since they bought his shoulder pads and drive him to practice every day after school.

You totally set it up for me to make a joke about a 94-year-old man who can't read an eye chart. But I won't make that joke. Oh wait...