Mister Defense

So, because he has that record, and that ratio of tds/ints, means he is worthless as an NFL quarterback? With that logic, you likely would have cut many future all-pro and hall-of-fame quarterbacks. That would almost be as bad if I said to get him because he looked very good in the two (partial) games I saw. He did look good, looked very poised.

Being lazy, but can someone take each of the top defensive players in this list and, for each, present their merits and their negatives? H. Ngata: I didn't realize some of them were available, gives me hope that the Bills can compete next year. But who is the best at: stopping the run?, putting pressure on the quarterback?, and making big plays?

Come on. He expresses a legitimate concern--this team has a lot of needs, and must be aggressive in free agency this year--and spend wisely to get enough high quality players as possible. 2.5 million is a significant amount, could help us to keep a player or sign a player. A team like the Bills needs to make every cent count, has too many needs to fill to throw away money. So, I think not questioning or being concerned about the Merriman signing is the unintelligent perspective. I hope Merriman works out, am thinking that it must be more than a crap shoot and that Bills are confident that, at the least, he is going to be able to play. But the last time we heard this guy's name nationally was for his steroid use. Not a peep since and often injured. And injured here as soon as he started to practice. The Bills have made too many fundamental mistakes lately to not question a move like this. I am not saying it is a bad signing, I'd have to know what the Bills know to evaluate it now, but you'd have to have had your head buried deep in the sand the last few years to not be skeptical.

BS it has been a horrible year for him--the Seahawks have one of the worst run blocking, and most unstable, offensive lines in the league. No back playing behind that line was successful. Lynch is going to be a pro bowl caliber runner in this league for a loong time--the Bills' biggest mistake this decade, as HE is exactly what they now need!

Yes, Wade was almost always a superb defensive coordinator--doesn't have the personality maybe to be a great head coach. He was one of the few capable of establishing a defense to stop the great Bills teams of the early 90's. And yeah, he would fit in VERY well with Gailey and Nix--no BS, down to earth footbal guys, not worried about any limelight. I know this concept has been brought up before, with some saying that his relationship with Wilson would prevent this, but I don't think that would be the case. I think he would like to be back here, with the Bills' fans, and at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and with Gailey as his boss. Wade Phillips would likely make this defense dramatically better, overnight, and add in a 1st and 2nd round pick, with a choice free agent or two, and this could be a playoff team next year--despite the drubbing the Bills took the last two weeks.

With this ragtag group of wide receivers, I think he will light it up on the road against a very good defense. Fitzpatrick plays well against the better defenses such as the Raven and Steelers, as he seems to be able to figure them out and really exploit their weaknesses. I think they will have fun in Miami today--no presssure and getting better. It's cold and snowy here, we need a good show.

I didn't see anything on this, and need a link! Thanks. Bills 23 Browns 13

15] He needs to make big plays, big passes, at important moments in the game. He definitely has done this, come on! He has made one big play after another to make the Bills a good team, one to be reckoned with now. #15 does not say "no late game turnovers"; and those will fade as they did for Kelly. And he is operating behind a very young offensive line, and so is getting rid of the ball extremly quickly to compensate for the inconsistent pass protection. When Kelly threw some late game duds, wasn't he at roughly the same point in his career as Fitzpatrick is now? It seems he was. Jim Kelly is right--the Bills have the quarterback that they have been looking for all of these years. This is Ryan Fitzpatrick's team now, and that isthe fundamental reason why the Bills have, unexpectedly, become good. It looks like they don't have to rebuild as much as fill some holes. They are becoming a good team under him, as he is making all parts better with his play.

It is like the stupid kid in the neighborhood, the one who always traded away his best stuff, and almost as soon as he got it, because he had no clue and no direction. I made a lot of good deals with him! (Wanta trade your 20 best aggots for that pretty blue marble that you like? Let me know...) Don't let your mom know, please!

Great info, just what I was looking for--thank you! If super speed was what separated him from the rest, then I think he may not be what some are hoping for, including me. His injuries, and lack of performance since, do seem to indicate that he was a product of the times--and not a great player because of his own effort and ability Oh, well, we will see. The Bills can use some luck now, so, hopefully he can still be a high level player.

Thanks. Hope the Bills give him a contract that gives the Bills an option for next year. (And relax there Rockinon and KD--you're like that nasty old neighbor, peering out his window, waiting for the kickball to roll onto his lawn.)

What was wrong with him, why hasn't he played? and Is he supposed to be any good now--anything objective on this? Yeah, I know there are a lot of posts, but too lazy to sift through them for these answers.

I can't recall one time any of them played like Fitzpatrick is playing. I haven't seen most of the games they started, but I don't think they played at this high of a level. Fitz is getting better each week, more accurate, more aggressive, and quicker decisions. I agree, more is needed, but this looks pretty good, you have to admit. I think Buffalo has their quarterback, finally.

BS Fitzpatrick may end up imploding, but it sure doesn't look like that is going to happen. He is the #1 rated quarterback in the NFL the last 6-7 games. If he keeps this up much longer the Bills will have one less need, which is a great thing for a rebuilding team, will help them rebound more quickly. The fact that it is at the quarterback position makes it all the more significant. Fitz looks great. No wonder this team wanted him as the quarterback and not Edwards. I thought Edwards was better, but I was wrong. He looks better each week, improving in dramatic ways as he plays more. He is not average, if the last month means anything.

I was going to say, Ravens 77, Bills 27 with a last second field goal. But, reading this post got me motivated again. They need a win, and we do, need to start improving. Now. So, go Bills! Can Fitzpatrick have a big day against the Ravens?

But what if Fitzpatrick is the guy, what if he plays at a high level throughout this season? You don't know that he won't, and maybe he will. The guy is 27 and has not played that much. And he's getting better looks to have even more upside possibly. So your argument falls apart, as we need to see what RF has now--he's earned that and it is in the best interest of the team. You may be one who thinks 0-16, 1-15, 2-14, 3-13... are acceptable, realistic, the best thing for the team. I still have hope that this could become a good team, this year, as the offense is improving. They don't have the players to play the 3-4, too many are playing out of position (--Kelsay as a linebacker!?), and may need a new defensive coach soon. Bruce Dehaven needs to do better, needs his players to play smarter--only saw pieces of the game, but it seemed like those long kick returns were key. But one part of the team looked better. Okay, so maybe I wouldn't bet on the Bills becoming good this year! But I know if they get better now, they are improving, that they will be more likely to have a good year next year. Playing well this year is in the best interest of this team. If that is not the Bills mentality as well, this won't just be a long year, but another long decade.

He has a 100 rating and has thrown 2 touchdown passes in each of his games--he looks like an NFL quarterback now via his arm accuracy, decision making, toughness, and leadership. Yup, time to move on, time to weaken this team more. Maybe another 3rd round pick? 4th? Why not Fitzpatrick? He looks good, doesn't look like a backup quarterback now. If he keeps playing like this, the Bills will have found their quarterback of the future. This is something Bills fans should then rejoice in, as they can then address their fundamental line problems in the draft and free agency. And he's 27, will keep improving. Yup, time to move on, and begin the Brian Brohm/Levi Brown era. The scary thing is, the Bills front office tends to do the same outrageous things those irrational posters on this board say to do. Like they are horrible video game players, trashing a 1/2 billion dollar team..

Firstrow.net is the link I can get to work, not adt ..whatever, but maybe my computer. 10-0, baby...can you say 12-4?

I decided I would in fact still watch the Bills play, now that Sunday is here. Any new Internet links that may be reliable?

But here is the thing, the most discourging point: the Bills could've had a high quality offensive tackle (or defensive end) in this year's draft instead of Spiller. They are supposed to be rebuilding. A 24 year old running back with some of the best lateral moves in the NFL and extreme toughness, and one now seeming to both find his holes and wait for the blocks, is exactly what this team needs. The moves make no sense--this could've been a team that took progressive--and maybe signifcant steps-- forward this year, but instead, they regress again, bottom out even more. Go Bears and Seahawks!

Jaguars 59 and Bills 10, with a last minute field goal. Yeah, still pissed off.

Yeah, good analysis--the Bears offensive line made the Bills look like the second coming of the Electric Company--what did they sack Cutler, 9 times!? Get real--Collins is the only Bills quarterback of the last decade plus to still be playing and there is a reason for that, a reason that the Bears pleaded with him to be their backup.

Laughed out loud when I read your topic line.. Go Seahawks!

Want to wager? I believe Lynch is one of the best backs in the NFL, that he is just about to really hit his stride. Name it, I will likely bet ya. 1,000 yards in the rest of the games? Go Seahawks!

Exactly--and he was the first round pick just three years ago! It was a jail break against the Jets, with Fitzpatrick almost never having a chance to even set up in the pocket. And we get another running back instead of an offensive tackle? When we likely have a superstar already, albeit, one who had not been used properly to this point? The upside of the Spiller move? We had what could potential be the best running back combo in the league, with Lynch and Spiller. But they get rid of Lynch! So, no sense here, the 2-14 Bills all over again. I agree with your prediction--Lynch is a pro bowl caliber player, the kind that will dominate for years and years. Seattle just made one of the best 'trades' ever in the NFL. Go Seahawks!