Dan

I was just wondering... the NFL goes through this big deal about the NFL being in London. But, why do they have the game just mixed in with the rest of the lot on Sunday afternoon? Why not make it a Saturday or Thursday game? I guess the time difference has something to do with it. It just seems odd that there's this big game in London and as far as the coverage and viewing audience goes, it might as well be in NO. Maybe its more about the European fans and less about those of us on this side of the pond? EDIT: OK, screw this. They're delaying our kickoff to show me the National Anthem in London? Screw that game!

I would agree with him. Until we beat the Pats*, we're still looking up at them. Like it or not, they're 4-2. That's one game behind us. Beating them, IMO, will be the stamp that makes this team legitimate.

Absolutely. I have to remind myself sometimes that Trent is still very much learning the position. If you consider that most QBs take 2-3 years to really learn a system and play consistently, its amazing what Trent is doing with barely 16 starts under his belt. I would say it's also a testament to Jauron and Turk for designing a game plan that Trent can succeed in. They're really mixing in the run and pass (short and long) very well. I still expect Trent to have some rough patches. But considering we've played 6 games we're well into the stage where defenses have enough film to figure Trent's weaknesses out. So if he's still performing this well, that says quite a bit about his abilities and his future.

I can see a HOF category. Good point. Definitely would be nice to have another Bill QB in that category! Speaking of the Scrambler. I rewatched the SD game today. And wow was Trent's scramble on 3rd and 7 for a first down big. He kept the drive alive that put us up for good when we absolutely needed it. The guy is definitely good on 3rd downs.

Glad you guys liked my thoughts and see they generated some discussion. I certainly wouldn't claim that list to be all inclusive or set in stone in any way. I can definitely see where a Game Manager is a good Backup or vice versa. In thinking about it, I would say it's entirely possible for someone to switch their skill set as they progress through their career. Could we say the same thing about Elway? He seemed to begin his career as more of a Gunslinger, but seemed to mature more into a Thinker. What made Elway so good was he good no matter what you called it. Steve Young is another good example of someone that doesn't fit so well into those categories. I thought about him as I made the initial post and wasn't sure where he'd be. He definitely had the Scrambler in him was a Thinker, and could even be a great Passer. Peyton Manning was another one I thought of. He seems mostly Passer to me, but some Thinker as well. Maybe the best QBs are a combination of several types and can excell in a number of situations?

I tend to look think of QBs as being in types or categories. I'd say there are several types of QBs and I'll use some known examples: 1. The Thinker - does what's he'scoached to do; hits the receivers in stride; makes good decisisons; calm and cool under pressure. Best examples here are probably Montana and Brady. 2. The Gunslinger - changes the play alot; throws the long ball; fights for every play; sometimes seems erractic. Look no further than Jim Kelly. 3. The Game Manager - steady and careful with the ball; does exactly how he's coached; but has trouble when plays break down. Trent Dilfer. 4. The Scrambler - seems to prefer to run when the play breaks down; good passers but often poor at reading defenses. Vick or Cunningham come to mind. 5. The Passer - stands in the pocket, doesn't scramble; can make every throw in the book. Dan Marino is the peak of passers. 6. The Backup - can't put it together on a consistent basis; shows promise and plays well in one or all of the areas listed above, but can't do it with consistency. Scott Mitchell anyone. OK. Perhaps there's a few more types, but that's a good start. Feel free to add your own. I would say that you could have a successful team and make the Super Bowl with any of those types - except maybe the backup. However, it's the team you put around that QB that makes the difference. Given this line of reasoning, I'd put Trent in the Thinker category. So in that respect, he would resemble Brady or Montana. Will he have a career like Brady or Montana? That's a completely different question and depends upon so much more than just Trent. Does anyone think Montana has half the career he had without Rice, Taylor, Craig, Lot, etc.? Not to mention a coach that's able to put him in the right position to make those plays? As an example, I'd put Pennington in the Thinker category, as well (although you might be able to convince me that he's more of a Game Manager). Obviously, his career is not even close to Montana's. So the question is... does Trent end up closer to Montana or Pennington? I think his team mates and coaches will have much to say about that.

We all are fortunate enough to have our own opinions and beliefs, so I'll not try to change yours. However, I will offer a few points for thought: 1. Anyone that believes we're in Iraq to fight terrorists should really look long and hard at the impending world energy crisis. To send our citizens into battle is one thing, but to be disingenuous about it is quite another. 2. We can't leave until the battle is won, is something we hear quite a bit about. However, I urge you to consider that our soldiers are in a part of the world that has been battling since the time of the Pharaohs. To think that we can somehow "win" and bring our troops home in victory is to ignore 1,000's of years of history. How long do we fight for peace in a region that desires no peace? I'm not saying we should do anything with regard to bringing the troops home. I'm merely suggesting that the reasons they're there and the victory they'll achieve are fabrications yet to be entirely fashioned.

Yeah, it would totally suck to have a Hall of Fame QB on the roster right now.

One of the best things about being 5-1... no need to even think about the draft in October. At least in this one person's view.

Excellent. As I read that, I was hoping someone called him out a few posts down. Thanks.

*takes bow* Thank you. Really. Now I need your vote. Let's get out there and show the country what really matters... a Bills Superbowl! yeeeeeeeeeeeeee ahhh!

There's been a healthy discussion in this thread. Enjoyable to read. However, you've all been brainwashed, I must admit. I'm sorry to be the one to break the news, but someone must. The poll question was really a rather simple one: Do you want the Bills to win the Superbowl OR do you want "your candidate" to win the presidential election? Why is everyone reading this as an Obama or McCain presidency or a Bills Superbowl? I voted for my candidate to win. Why? Because the question did not state which candidate, it simply state "your choice". Given this is a completely hypothetical question it therefore does not have to be bound by the realms of Obama vs McCain. If my candidate were elected president, he would clearly ensure that legislation was passed that would: See, I like to have my cake and eat it too. Seeing as how my candidate can ensure a Bills Superbowl and all this other greatness, and on the other hand, if someone else wins the election, I can't guarantee much of anything other than more of the same; it seems like a no brainer to me.

If you change it... they will come. Heck, I don't care if you change the domain to... DanBlows@ss.com. I'm still there (here).

Duck Season!

Sweet! Thanks!!

It's a shame the press nor SNL nor any comedians made fun of Al Gore and his statuesque demeanor. Remember all the "sighing" he did in that one debate? They could have jumped all over that. Or that horse-faced Kerry. Why didn't anyone joke about that? And that Hillary. Why didn't I ever see any jokes about her being a man or anything? Yeah it sucks to be a Republican and have everyone make fun of you.

In San Diego, he'd hit a Mexican not a Canadian. Gotta know your geography.

So the Bills take a 23-20 lead. Then the Chargers score with 25 ticks left and win 28-23 ? Did they go for the 2pt conversion? No wonder madden players make some of the worst post game comments.

Really? I know what you're trying to say. But, as worded, I'd take a 5-0 confident team any day of the week. Now, is it better for the Bills to be 5-1 with that 1 loss coming from Arizona or the Chargers? Definitely better to lose to the Cards and come into this game fired up and ready to get back on track.

Interesting? I'd say it'd be superfantabulous. I'm really hoping Preston starts for Fowler. I find it hard to believe he can be much worse, and I think we all know he could be be better given Fowler's play. It's be great if Ellis could get some pressure on the QB. Schobel is great in the run defense, but seems to have slowed down a step - leading to QB pressures rather than sacks. Is that because of his foot or is age? I don't know nor does it matter, quite honestly, if Ellis could demonstrate an ability to get to the QB in obvious passing downs. That'd be a great rotation with Schobel on 1st and 2nd down and Ellis on 3rd down (assuming of course Ellis could get to the QB).

McCargo's back is puzzling to say the least. Does he have a bulging disc or not? The Colts say yes; the Bills say no. WTF, which is it? Is it bad enough that he knows he's not 100%, hence he plays tentative? I don't know. But, it seems sensible to go get some additional, outside opinions before he suits up and continues to play.

I'm not quite ready to pin all that on this single game; however, I've said since about week 2 that this 4 games stretch will determine our season. Winning this week, against one of the perennially better teams in the AFC, is a great start to regaining confidence and swagger that can carry us through the following 3 divisional games. I firmly believe that we can take a firm lead in the division and position ourselves as the team to beat in the east over the next month, and it all starts by beating the Chargers.

No doubt. I couldn't begin to count the number of times Dibs has completely ended an argument with well-thought, factually supported statements, only to get an "I know you are but what am I response" in return. It's kinda funny sometimes just to watch.

Just curious, how many big plays has Ngata made?

I think it important to note that different people are attracted to th Chroisen one for different reasons. The origins, as with many great movements, very often become muted through time. Do people drink Light beer because it tastes great or because it's less filling? It doesn't really matter as long as they're drinking it. And such is the case with Hamdan. Some are thankful he's on our team and sing his praises because he's not JP, some because he's not Trent, some because he has Chroise, some because they've seen him play in Europe, some because they think he's hot - regardless we all appreciate and support a fellow Bill. I applaud that. But, let's not lose sight of what's important - Hamdan is on our team and, of course, he rocks. Trent has already stated that it's through Hamdan's guidance in late night meetings that has made him the QB he is today. So, would we better off without Hamdan? I say no. Trent's poise is entwined with Hamdan's chroise. So relax and embrace the Chroise and all will be forgiven. Now drink up.