#34fan

First of all, any guy who can make a John Holmes porn-stache look cool in 2012, is automatically deserving of some respect. I like Dave Wannstedt. -I really want to like him more, but a few details on his record give me pause. Yes, I know he was the architect of that '91-'92 Dallas defense that held us to 17 points in superbowl XXVII. (They scored 52) That same defense was top 5 in several areas, but most notably was #1 against the run. It wasn't the first time Wannstedt and Jimmy Johnson had teamed up for a championship. Wanny was Johnson's DC at "the U" back in 87, and won a national title there. Without a doubt, Dave Wannstedt is a man who knows defense. That perhaps is why it's so hard to reconcile many of his years following superbowl 27. In 1993 Wannstedt became the Chicago Bear's first post-Ditka head coach. His six-year stint as HC in Chicago was plagued by some very questionable personnel calls. -Not the least of which was the decision to trade the Bear's first-round pick in 1997 for Seahawks QB Rick Mirer! The bears had two winning seasons, and made the playoffs just once during Wannstedt's tenure. He was fired after posting back to back 4-12 seasons ('97, '98) Wannstedt's Dolphin Years would be better. -Sort of. Wannstedt was hired to serve as the Dolphins DC/assistant coach in 1999 under a burnt-out, and disinterested Jimmy Johnson. Wanny seemed to be a shoe-in for the HC job when Johnson quit at the end of the season. The Early 2000's seemed to be Wannstedt's time. He posted back to back 11-5 seasons with playoff appearances in Miami. (2000-01) It appeared the fish had finally found their coach. However, In '02 another questionable decision went down under Wanny's watch. The Fins traded four picks (two first rounders) for the Saint's Ricky Williams. Despite Williams rushing for record numbers that season, the fins went 9-7. In '03 they improved to 10-6. Then, just before the start of the '04 season, something went terribly wrong with Ricky Williams. A week before training camp, he announced his plans to retire. Many blamed the decision on immaturity, and copious amounts of good bud. However game stats would reveal that in just 2 seasons Williams had recorded a staggering 775 carries! -a figure that typically takes twice as many seasons for an NFL running back to amass. In certain NFL circles, there was talk of Wannstedt running Williams into the ground. After a 1-8 start in the '04 season, and a lackluster draft history**, Wanny was fired by the Dolphins. The Six years Wanny spent at his Alma mater Pitt, wouldn't be much kinder. Despite Pitt finishing top 3 in the Big East for five out of Wanny's six years, they never reached a BCS bowl game. Wannstedt was regularly panned by the media for his poor gameday preparation, and his inability to recruit effectively***. In 2010, after a 7-5 season Wannstedt resigned under pressure from Pitt. In fairness, Wanny's coaching record indicates that he makes a FAR better defensive coordinator than he does a head coach. Considering what we hired him for, I find that observation very encouraging. Still, I'll be on the lookout for those off-the-wall personnel decisions, and goofy draft picks. For now, Wannstedt has my full support. I trust his experience, and his methods, because they've worked well in this capacity before. Who knows? If our D lives up to it's billing, I may even grow a big-'ol porn-stache myself. -Probably not though. **Palm Beach Post. Fri, Nov 18th 2011 ***Pittsburgh post gazette My link

Now wait just a minute there, hoss. There's definitely pressure on Fitzpatrick, and rightfully so. IMO, he could use a bit more pressure in terms of competition for the starting job, but the whole thing isn't riding on Fitz's arm. I see this entire season as CHAN GAILEY'S BABY. He's the guy who's supposed to be designing this offense to cater to the strengths of it's players. Whether or not Fitz stumbles out of the gates next season is a secondary concern. I want to see how mr big-shot creative offensive guru calls the first three games. That will tell me alot about what to expect from the remaining thirteen. I think it goes without saying that if we go 6-10 next season, Chan should recieve the proverbial boot. And truthfully, I don't see a new head coach keeping Fitzpatrick as his starter. No way.

Can't believe this kid is imploding the way he is. Suh, and Fairley as a combo aren't turning out the way I thought they would. Wow... Just wow.

This is the most honest post I've seen here in a while. People need to understand that you can be a bit pessimistic about the teams direction, and still love being a bills fan. The offense needs a boost. I'd like Fred to continue doing what he did last season, but that simply may not happen. -Can anyone on our roster can pick up the slack? A few months ago it sounded like Chan was all about getting Fitz some weapons. -Well, where are they? Re-signing Chandler was a great move, but where's the other intermediate target TE??? Visanthe Shancoe would've been SWEEET! -What about the other TE's on our rosters being "developed"??? -Dickerson Are any of them close? For a coach who is often labeled an "offensive genius" Gailey sure is taking his time. Buddy and Chan really need to get the ball rolling here, or we'll be bottom feeders in the AFCE for the next ten years.

Eliminate some INT's? How about say.... Half. At least that would knock the total down to around 12 next season. The problem is that once Fitz gets rattled he starts racking up the INT's. -A pattern he solidified in last season's second Patriots game. As far as the completions go, I'd be interested to know how much of that 59.2 completion percentage is based on passes north of 15 yards. Seemed like half the time Fitz Attempted anything remotely long he either UNDER or OVER shot the WR. Bottom line: Even if Fitzpatrick had a 70% percent completion rate, if that stat is based on a bunch of eight yard passses that resulted in failed drives, it's isn't worth jack squat to this offense.

If that's your perspective, Here's a very interesting link you may want to check out. Niners QB mechanics

Hopeful, You were the first to butcher my quote. A quick glance up the thread will verify that. If it's not ok, then why would you start doing it? And for the record, this thread is about the possibility of Fitz getting a stronger arm. -Something which I fundamentally don't believe can happen. -You would have others think, that I've got something personal against Fitzpatrick, or that I hate the guy. -I don't. I simply believe that Fitz is as good as he is ever going to get. He's FINE for a backup, but it's time to find our franchise starter to take us to the playoffs. Colts got Luck, Saint's have Brees,(for the most part) Ravens got Flacco, Falcons got Ryan, Panthers got Newton, Giants have Eli, Pats have Brady, Broncos grabbed Peyton. Even the DOLPHINS made a move on a franchise QB. -THE DOLPHINS!!! -All's I'm sayin' is -Where the heck is our guy?! Look at of all those QB's and then think about what we've got. The fact that I feel the need to chime in when people suggest we can turn a sow's ear QB into a silk purse is hardly crusading. Oh and FYI, I don't enjoy belittling ANYONE. -YOU started it. We don't see eye to eye on the QB situation. -I'm content to just leave it at that.

This year should do it. This is the year Fitz finally gets exposed for the 7th round SCRUB that he is. It's a full schedule of OTA's and an unabreviated training camp. He's healthy, and has a full compliment of recievers and RB's signed. In his eight years in the NFL, Fitz has had notable chances to take the reigns of other offenses. -he's never been able to deliver. People sit on this board and throw out stats as if the game were played on paper. I'm far more concerned with the end result than the process. I'm sick of homers chiming-in with the same tired old "Fitz is very smart" argument. Stephen Hawking is also very smart, and I don't see him taking any reps with the first team offense. But oh. -"He's the team leader" -Really? Was that our team leader sitting on the sideline with his head in his hands in last season's Giants game? Hm. -Must've been having a Vince Young moment. And other than when we're up a few touchdowns, when do you ever see Fitz Shouting, motivating, or gettting in anyone's face? -I get it, -It's not his way. But that is exactly what this team needs. My point is simple, After eight years, there's no evidence that Fitz can get stronger, or more accurate anytime soon. And with a resume that includes such notable underacheivers as Tony Romo, and Chad Pennington, there's no evidence that Dave Lee can get him there. Regardless of how you feel about Young, Chan Gailey is wrong for not opening up the starting QB competition to include him. If Fitz is so dedicated to improving, Why not let him demonstrate that by winning the starting job first and foremost. It's easy: Put Fitzpatrick in a fight. See what he does. Build on whatever the outcome is. The notion that our offense should just "pick up" where it left off last season is ludicrous.

Much like your woeful post, Those sessions are mind-numbingly boring. It's more fun wondering what the "CS" in CSBill stands for. I can only imagine

Fitz is never going to change. Average arm strength, Bad throwing motion, blows through his progressions, Stares down receivers, yet for all that he was rewarded with a sixty-million dollar contract. I congratulate Fitz on being able hoodwink our offensive coaching structure.

We had three chances to prove this last season and blew every one. Until we smash the local competition once and for all, we're still the third best NFL team in New York/New Jersey.

You da man, thurmanator.

He's not the greatest blocker, but his hands are phenomenal. He's getting better at the blocking part, but he should definitely get another chance. IMO, This would be a GREAT pickup.

Keep them both if possible. If something happens to either/both Freddy and/or Spill, we'll need reserves.

They should go get SMU's JJ McDermott. Intelligent, Good size. Respectable arm strength, but most of all, he's a competitor. -Transferred schools and actually took some kid's job. I think this kid could make an NFL roster. Would love to see him in a Bills uni.

Rex, I'm pretty sure that NONE of these threads actually helps out the Bills. Secondly, The title of the thread was never "I told you so." Months ago, I made a statement suggesting that if Wilson ever made it to someone's camp, established starters and veteran QB's would need to look over their shoulders. So you see, the title is apropriate, and within the context of the linked NFLnews article. I'm high on Russell Wilson. Until he officially crashes, and burns, I will root for the kid to succeed. Not sure what you're talking about. -This is what I said: "I embrace the fact that Russell is doubted by so many because of his size. You should feel the same about Graham if you like him that much. We'll see who's career does what. As for your posting, I don't mind it at all. -It's all the thought-policing that really chaps my a$$. -We are ALL allowed to criticize picks we don't like." I have no beef with TJ Graham at all, but please help me understand how a QB as limited a Fitz can use a small speedster??? If Wilson was off the table, why not a bigger target?

Yah, I'm sure there's an element of PR manipulation in there somewhere. I think it's okay to try to generate interest in an offense with no clear-cut starter at QB. Also, it puts all the would-be competitors on notice. I wouldn't expect anything less from Pete "compete" Caroll.

Okay, Breathe in. -hssssssssssssssst. Breathe out. Pshhhhhhhhhhhht. There, I'm better now. What makes you say that exactly Rex?

To answer your question about the QB, I really hope that's the plan. So much of this sport is based on speculation, and regardless of what other fans say, it's a part they really enjoy. Wilson's got a lot to prove, but he's one of those kids that grabs your attention from day 1.

Who are you, his Momma?! Is stick-boy truly the worst thing you ever heard someone called? Even at face-value, it's just a PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION. If I call Fitzpatrick Fro-face, or Grizzly Adams, will it hurt his reputation more than the 23 INT's he threw last season? -Give me a frickin' break. Anyways, I'm not upset. I'll just do the same thing the last guy you told to STFU probably did. -Laugh in your face.

Means nothing? EVERYTHING means something in the offseason pal. That's why NFL news writes about it, ESPN talks about it, and why people come here every day. -It's football, however insignificant. Plus, it does my heart good to see a kid many slated as MAYBE a UDFA, get his shot at the golden ticket. -Whether we drafted him, or not. And another thing... Don't expect me to sterilize my threads to suit your delicate sensibilities. If a little sarcasm is too heavy for your mind to digest, then this board could be a problem for you.

I NEVER said that you knocked Wilson. You got on a guy who went on record as not liking the Graham Pick. -After 12 years of NO PLAYOFFS for this team, It's okay to question a pick. Especially when that pick is frickin' TINY by NFL standards. I embrace the fact that Russell is doubted by so many because of his size. You should feel the same about Graham if you like him that much. We'll see who's career does what. As for your posting, I don't mind it at all. -It's all the thought-policing that really chaps my a$$. -We are ALL allowed to criticize picks we don't like. And really? -STFU???, I had you down as being better than that, K-9.

OMG, what exactly are you whining about?! There's nothing misleading in the thread, or the thread title. THIS SAME TOPIC has been dicussed today on ESPN on "First Take" and "Around The Horn." If you, Shadowcat, K-9, and the rest of the "YOU VILL DOO VOT VEE SAY" crowd don't like it, STAY OFF THE THREAD. -It's that simple.

And again, I have to ask, Don't you watch any football outside of Bills games? Are the Bills the only players who's careers you follow? As for serious college cred, WTF does a kid have to do? -He's 5'10"5/8, Became a first-team ACC QB, owns a few school records at NC State, Played professional baseball, went back to play football for a different school/conference, learned and mastered a completely different offense, won the starting job, passed for over 3,000 yards, threw 33 touchdowns, and claimed the Big-Ten Title. If you don't understand what attracts people to this kid, then maybe you don't like football all that much.

Right. So you never watch any football outside of Bills games. Wow. How fulfilling your life must be!