Rocky Landing

No middle ground?

I'm not knocking Hughs, or his play at all. That has not been anyone's point, near as I can tell, although it seems you would like to make it out to be.

Amen

I'm not "only thinking about stats." That's just flippantly dismissive. I believe Hughs can be an effective OLB. But. I certainly don't think he was played to his strengths last season, and he was far less productive than the previous season. The fact that the stats just happen to bear that out is incidental.

I would love to know how Dez has developed from a season on the PS.

Well, the peg was pretty damned square last season...

I'm not sure he really flamed out in Indy. They didn't really use him until his last season there. But, I think you're right about sacks. He will be rushing the passer less = fewer sacks. It's hard not to pine for the defense as coached by Schwarz. All four of the D-line had double digit sacks. Who wouldn't miss that? But, I think Hughs has the ability to play OLB. His last season in Indy, where he played in 16 games, he had about the same number of tackles. If what the optimists are saying is true, and Rex's D is "a zillion miles" from where they were last season, I think Hughs will be great. But, I do wish he would get the opportunity to rush Tom Brady's ass*, rather than chasing Gronk downfield.

We could afford either Vasquez, or Evans, and either would be an upgrade- obviously. And, FA is not over. There will be cuts from other teams. That will happen. But, really, my main point was that O-linesmen don't often shine in their first year, and the best in the business are usually older (by NFL standards), late twenties, early thirties. Addressing the issue in the draft, IMO, would not likely have helped out our line this season. I don't fault Whaley and Rex for not going after rookie OLs. Miller is a good example. He was a stud in the preseason, but faltered during reg season games. And, I disagree with your assessment of him. I think there is every reason to believe that he has not reached his ceiling, and will be improved from last year. Just his emotional issues alone were a significant obstacle to his development. What else would we be looking for in terms of something "concrete" to suggest that he would be improved from last season? Wow. Thanks for this. I was only going on my own ability to google, which, I do understand, does not make me an expert (although, there are those who seem to think otherwise!).

That's cool. So, is he moonlighting as a Bill?

At this point, and with so much "information" coming out, I have to believe that Rex, et al, are merely keeping their cards close to their chest. As I Mentioned in another post, when was the last time anyone took an injury report from the Pats* seriously? This is de rigueur in the league. Were they to be spilling information pell mell, then we should be concerned. That being said, considering the potential severity of the disease, and what e know so far, it's hard to imagine that we are going to see Seantrel starting this season, or the next.

Goodwin is still here. For his sake, and ours, I hope this is "his year."

He recovered? This doesn't upset me. RG, and RT are positions that can be upgraded in free agency. The best of these positions are in their late twenties, early thirties. At this position, rookies will take time to develop. Miller would be an excellent example of this. I have little doubt that he will blossom into a first rate Guard. For this position, youth is less of an upside than experience, IMO. Let's see what they do to improve this position over the next few weeks before we pass judgement.

I totally get this. This is what I'm having a hard time putting my finger on. Rex, for all his faults, and despite his numerous sins for which I have yet to forgive, he is... FUN. And, now, with his fat, bitterly jolly brother sneering next to him, there is a whole new dynamic that only adds to the spectacle. I really, really, REALLY wish they would succeed so that I could love them... (I too, I believe, have a very active sense of humor, but I'm not sure how healthy it is. It has gotten me in trouble, both professionally, and personally, throughout my life.)

I'm no doctor (although, I have lit them on TV), but from what I have read from Dr. Google on Crohn's disease, if he had his intestines reattached as a result of the effects of the disease, as opposed to un-doing a colostomy, that would be much worse. That would mean that his large intestine had detached, at least partially, most likely from his anus. Along with being the most disgusting ailment that I could think of, that would mean that the severity of his disease (which is chronic) would have to have long term effects that would certainly make a career in the NFL not plausible. But, even undoing a colostomy is pretty God-damned serious! That means that they had to surgically repair his colon, and take it off-line, so to speak, in order for it to heal! Is there a doctor in the house??? Am I getting this wrong? Doc? Are you an actual doctor?

The little bit of reading I did on Crohn's disease makes me suspect that we have likely seen the last of Henderson in a Bills uniform. It's no joke, especially when it is severe, which if he received surgery for it-- it is. There is no cure, it's chronic, and there will be flare-ups, and remissions. If he hasn't been in contact with the FO, or Rex, I would think it is safe to assume he doesn't have any good news.

I think you're overestimating Brady*, and underestimating Gronk. He threw to Chandler a few times last season, and Chandler still looked like Chandler. Also, check out Gronk's drop percentage-- 0.78%. That's really low. Edelman's is a miserable 7.69%. But, what really makes Gronk special is what he does once the ball is in his hands. He'll drag three guys for seven yards before going down. Gronk makes Brady* look better more than Brady* makes Gronk look better.

Playoffs make even more profit.

A lot of hay has been made in this thread, and others, from Rex, and the FO being misleading, especially regarding injuries. But, isn't this simply SOP from, I'm going to say, ALL 32 NFL teams? When was the last time someone took the injury report from Belichick*, and the Patriots* at face value? Were Rex, and Doug NOT holding their cards close to the chest, we should be concerned.

I know I'm in the minority here, but after this interview, I'm actually more comfortable with Rob Ryan being a coach on this team. I can't even put my finger on why. And, believe me, I am no fan of Rex. Of course, that could change...

From that article you were kind enough to post: Conclusions Watkins’ injury comes with some short and long term risk, but I think he will likely heal without a problem. I would not avoid Watkins because of this injury, but I would limit my exposure and you may want to drop him a few spots in your ranks depending on how much you like the players being drafted with a similar ADP. What was absent from that article was any actual confirmation that it was, indeed, a Jones fracture. Instead, it started off with what we already know-- that it is still speculation. Either way, Jones fracture or not, it is as equally delusional to always assume that the sky is falling, as it is to assume "blue skies, rainbows, and leprechauns." Neither makes you a genius.

That's not necessarily true. Certainly (as with every NFL team), they would downplay the severity of a health issue. However, would it not also be in character to allow other teams to think a minor issue was worse than it is with a player who is constantly double teamed? I am far less infuriated by the FO's tendency to obfuscate than TaskersGhost. I just see it as part of the offseason, and not at all unique to this team.

Right. That's the thing about the posters on this sight. They never read any articles, or do any research on the things they are debating. (I'm trying that font (Curlz MT) on as a "sarcasm font." What do y'all think?)

In my opinion, Boldin, in his prime, was one of the best YAC receivers I have ever seen. I do also believe that Tyrod was his teammate for a couple years in Baltimore, right? SF was a dumpster fire last year, but Boldin did put up some numbers for them. Still, I think if we're going to spend the money on another WR in FA, it should be somebody that would be harder to cover one on one. That might not be Boldin at his age, and it definitely wouldn't be Hartline. Which leaves, I think... no one. What about Vasquez, though? I think there's a pretty good chance that a decent few WRs are going to emerge from our roster in TC. But what the hell is up with our O-line? Could Vasquez be a decent pick-up for depth, at least? Is anyone happy with the right side of our line?

Good link. Thanks, Beerball.

I have seen it as a stat. I forget which site.