Dan

To my eyes, Peyton looks like he's loosing his arm strength as the season wears on. He's by no means washed up, but he's in serious decline mode. Just for fun, I was wondering how many passes a QB has in his arm... if that could be some predictor of how long the great ones can play? Manning is currently just over 9,000 pass attempts for his career. When Favre retired, he was just over 10,100 (although as I recall his last few years were tough to watch as he was loosing his ability to throw the deep ball). Brady, you ask, is currently just over 7,100 attempts. Considering he's 2years behind Manning in playing time, I'd say he's right about where he should be. If my stupid analysis has any merit at all, he's got about 3 good years left before we see his arm start failing him. Also, if there is any validity to this notion at all... I'd say the last thing Peyton needs to do is work hard all off season and prepare even more. Just the opposite, I say he needs to rest that arm and use it as little as possible in the off season.

Manning's arm is definitely showing his age. He's lost most all zip on his passes, especially the outs. It'll be interesting to see if he tries to make it one more year.

It really is that simple. Thank you.

I said it when they let him walk, and I think it every time I see him play in Seattle... he's a great player and we were stupid for letting him go.

And if this were the first time we saw this failed game plan, it might be excusable. But it isn't the first time they beat themselves, and there really is no excuse at this point. I truly hope the Pegulas act fast. The problems on this team really are quite glaring. So much of this current team reminds me of Jauron's days. I didn't want to believe it all season. I wanted to see progress. I tried really hard to beleive. But yesterday's performance, against one of the worst teams in the league in a must win game, just made it completely apparent. We're not making progress at the most important aspects of the team or game.

Marrone and Hackett do not adjust their game plan. They have the winning game plan, they drew it up 2years ago. They just can't the right players to execute it! Seriously, I can't think of any in-game adjustments we've made. And at east 90% of our pays looks the exact same as they were in week one.

I was thinking the same thing yesterday, after we beat the Raiders and even if we played tough against the Pats, it would be hard to fire Marrone or Hackett. I was all ready to make that case that things were improving and that another year of tweaking the roster would be best. But then the abyssmal Raider game happened. There is absolutely no parallel world in existence in which its acceptable to allow 13 yards rushing to a 2 win team. It should be blatantly obvious that the offense has steadily regressed under this coaching staff. This was not a single bad game; this was the exclamation point on a downward spiral of offensive futility. There is not a single offensive metric that we've improved in 2years... not one. The only solace from this loss is that hopefully it has pulled back the veil of imaginary progress and revealed what so many die hard fans of this team know to be true. Hopefully, the new ownership doesn't have to waste a year with a football consultant to figure out what needs to change. This team is close, I still beleve that. Unfortunately, its missing the most important ingredient... a winning coaching staff. Yes, we need a true franchise QB as well. But, if anyone actually thinks the current coaching staff can properly develop a franchise QB, then they're either delusional or just not watching this current team's performance.

So let me get this straight.... your plan to build a winning team is to sit back and suck for another season, hope that Rivers doesn't sign an extension, and then in 2016 offer him the highest salary ever in hopes of luring him to Buffalo?

I clicked thinking it was a "guess our rushing total" thread for the Pats game.

That's exactly how I feel. I said it last year at this time, and I'll say it again... draft a QB with every pick until they find one worth a damn. That's what they need to do. You can't win in this league without a QB, period. However, with Marrone/Hackett designing the offense, I truly can't see any QB being successful. So, I'll add... fire them in Foxboro next week. Then, do whatever it takes to hire a coaching staff that has a friggin clue.

Chan had 3 of these same linemen and pulled guards and ran traps all the time. Seemed they were capable of it 3 years ago, what has changed?

good point. Orton came in and the read option went bye bye, rightfully so. But, our run game disappeared with it and our coaches have had zero answer for it.

We have a new owner that just paid $1.4 Billion for this team. At this point, with this kind of ineptitude on the field, I find it near impossible to believe they're not going to to want to put their stamp on the team in some big way this off season. Hiring a consultant and keeping the status quo just doesn't seem like enough to me.

That's the issue with our run game, and its why we've steadily gotten worse as the season goes on. Defenses have completely figured our offense out and Hackett has no answer. There's no deception, no pulling, hit the same gaps over and over. Watch the film... the defense knows exactly where the running back is going before the snap and we haven't adjusted or changed a thing all year...probably all las year too.

I think that is our offensive identity. We're going to play crapastic and hope for one or 2 lucky plays. We had 13 yards rushing for the entire game! It really doesn't get much more craptastic than that.

Orton routinely missing throws to guys 5yds away... that's what I'm watching.

There is absolutely no way EJ can over throw/underthrow receivers more than Orton. None. There were stretches today when it seriously looked like Orton couldn't thrown the ball 4yds with accuracy.

The team's preparation and performance against a team in the running for the #1 pick was atrocious. Add to that, another punt on 4th and 1, in the 4th quarter when you need a score. He gave up on the team...the team gave up in him. Time for the Pegulas to put their stamp on this team with a new coaching staff.

Week 16: Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 4:25pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Brian Anderson, Chris Simms DirecTV: 715 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 92 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: Despite having guaranteed themselves their best finish in 10 years, the Buffalo Bills' hopes of ending the longest active playoff drought in the NFL are slim. They'll at the very least need to knock off the Raiders in Oakland for the first time since 1966 to remain in contention for a wild-card spot Sunday. The Bills (8-6) won 21-13 over Green Bay last Sunday, their third victory in four games to ensure them of their best record since going 9-7 in 2004. They still face an uphill climb to reach the postseason for the first time since 1999, however. The Raiders (2-12) fell apart in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-13 loss at Kansas City. They trailed 10-6 before a 4:42 span in which they surrendered three straight TDs, the second of which was set up by Derek Carr's fumbled snap. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Game Preview: Raiders vs. Bills Playbook: Bills vs. Raiders NFL.com Preview: Packers at Bills NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Raiders Total Yds/Game.... 321.9 283.5 Total Rush............. 97.5 73.8 Total Pass............. 224.4 209.7 Points/Game.......... 21.6 15.2 Time of Poss.......... 30.0 28.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 313.4 353.5 Rush Yards........... 103.4 125.4 Pass Yards........... 210.1 228.1 Points Allowed........ 18.1 27.2 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 23rd; Raiders - 32nd Overall Defense: Bills - 5th; Raiders - 18th MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Carpenter, Dan K Right Groin LP LP LP Probable Chandler, Scott TE Illness DNP - - - Dixon, Boobie RB Chest FP FP FP Probable Gilmore, Stephon CB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Gragg, Chris TE Knee LP LP LP Probable Searcy, Da'Norris S Hamstring LP LP LP Probable Spiller, C.J. RB Shoulder LP LP LP Probable Thigpen, Marcus WR Foot - LP LP Probable Williams, Duke S Concussion LP LP LP Probable Wynn, Jarius DE Knee LP LP LP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Oakland Raiders NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Brown, Vincent WR Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Brown, Tarell CB Foot DNP DNP DNP Out Carr, Derek QB Rt. Thumb LP FP FP Probable Carrie, T.J. CB Ankle LP LP FP Probable Chekwa, Chimdi CB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Hayden, DJ CB Back - LP LP Questionable Leonhardt, Brian TE Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out Moore, Denarius WR Knee/Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out Watson, Menelik T Foot/Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out Wilson, C.J. DE Knee DNP LP FP Questionable Source: Raiders.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bills -5.5 Over/Under: 39 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: On paper, this is the easiest game we've had since the Jets. And in our final month, it's definitely the easiest game we'll play. The numbers for once seem to favor us. We're facing the 32nd ranked offense and facing a defense that's 18th overall, 25th against the run; and most importantly ranked 30th in scoring. So, it's a cake walk... right? Not so fast. This is the same team that's beaten some good teams at home. It's the same team that has the No.1 ranked 3rd down defense over the last 3 weeks. The Raiders are a deceptive team. They've been playing a lot of teams tough, but just can't close them out. Then when you throw into the mix... the Bills are coming off a huge emotional win. When was the last time we played well after a big emotional win? So, this has all the makings of a close, tough game for the Bills. Hence, I'll be watching: 1. Can the Bills, as a team, stay focused. They had a huge win last week. They have, potentially, a more huger game next week. But, they need to focus on the Raiders and take care of business this week. Can they do that? 2. CJ Spiller. He's back! He'll get some playing time, but how much? And perhaps more importantly, how will he be used. We've seen our offense try some screens and motioning the RB out since CJ went down. Will they try to get CJ the ball in these formations? Or will he get the obligatory couple runs up the middle and then watch Freddie get the screen plays? 3. Orton and our WRs. This is the week and the team to get some offense crankin' up on. If we can't score a couple touchdowns on the Raiders depleted secondary; then we really do need to blow up the entire offense. This is not the week to score FGs and eek out a win. We should be the better team; lets prove it. 4. Mario and the defensive line. We've had 1 sack (I think) in the last two weeks. Granted, it was a huge one! Also, we have to consider we just faced 2 of the least sacked QBs in the league. But, it's time to get the sacks rolling in again. Here's to a 5 sack game. 5. Other NFL games. For the first time in a decade, we actually have a reasonable shot to make the playoffs! Yes, we have to win out. But, we also need a little help. And for the first time in forever, I'll actually be able to hope certain teams win/lose, just so it helps the Bills in Week 17. Friggin' 49ers. Pittsburg better win. Go Bills!!!

Awesome!

So all we need to do is find a top 10 QB laying around and we' good to go?

Do I really have to go back and link to all the Orton sucks posts, CJ sucks posts, we should sign Cam Newton/Eli/etc. posts? I have to discuss it with the nitwits here I don't think Hackett or Marrone are available. Or ....are they.. Maddog Marrone!? I'm very much enjoying this ride, btw! In fact, I'm probably in the minority that thinks the season is a good one even if we don't make the playoffs... especially if we win out and go 10-6! With that said, in no way do I think we stand pat next season and just hope for the offense to improve. And, although I agree we need to upgrade a couple of offensive positions terribly. I also firmly believe that we need to upgrade the OC even more so. In fact, I firmly believe that if Hackett remains... then regardless of who we sign, we'll see another 25ish ranked offense again next season.

My point is numerous posters have blamed the players... saying all we need is a better player and the offense would be fine. But, in 2 years it still isn't. Remember back when EJ sucked and was the worst QB in the league... well insert Orton whom so many claimed just didn't have to suck to have the offense clicking. Now... Orton is the worst QB in the league. Remember back when CJ was the worst back because he couldn't hit a hole... well insert Boobie and Brown whom so many claimed would be better because they wouldn't try to bounce everything outside. Now.. our run offense is worse than its been all season (Jackson's 71yds last week is the most in a single game by any RB all season!). So, we've had the opportunity to start different players, that at one point in time had to be upgrades, but the results have all been the same. Now.... we have to get yet another QB, another RB, another whatever... that's what Hackett needs. At some point, isn't it fair to say Hackett had had plenty of decent players to work with yet they're all under performing. At some point, isn't it fair to ask what he's doing to actually make this offense better? And none of this even mentions the point that multiple knowledgeable, former players have come to the same conclusion regarding this offense... it's predicatable. The death knell for any offense is being overly predictable. But, all we have to do is trade for Manning or Brady and Hackett's genius will finally shine through. oooook

This play, IMO, is an example of great defense. Rodgers, like all good QBs, reads the defense pre-snap and sees the saftey on the right side of the field. So, he immediately thinks he has the deep crossing pattern open. Our slot DB (not sure who that is) recognizes something in the play an signals to the safety (Rambo) just prior to the snap. He then drops the receiver in coverage and signals again to Rambo, just as Rambo is beaking to get there. Nelson is running free at the top because the same DB never picked him up... had Rodgers seen that its and easy completion. But, when playing a defense with our pass rush, you often don't have time to look around. And, in fact, just as Rodgers steps up and throws, Hughes (I think its him) is circling back to knock him out. So, as I see it, this is a great example of the defense knowing exactly what GB wanted to do and disguising their coverage just enough to let them think they can do it. And, of course, Rambo making an awesome play on the ball. edit: I would also add that the line blocked for a crossing pattern to the left, as well. Notice there's a wall of people to Rodgers right and a huge passing lane to his left. Good offenses create passing lanes as well as running lanes (something never seen in our offense). This play was clearly designed for the deep crossing pattern and the Bills D read it and played it perfectly.

I think we can all agree that the offense is the unit holding this team back. I think we can also agree that we've had nearly 2 full years of this inept offense. So, Hackett has had 2 years, 4 QBs, 4RBs, fast WRs, shifty WRs, and multiple Linemen. And yet, there is absolutely nothing consistent or good about this offense. No one can even state with any certainty what our offensive philosophy is. Does anyone really think that we can add a couple of average payers in the off season and suddenly Hackett's design is finally going to come together? Furthermore, has anyone considered, regarding the all 22s, that opposing defenses have completely figured out our offense, therefore they leave WRs open, because they know exactly where the QB wants to go with the ball? Or when the RB is goign to get it? Or exactly when and where to blitz to throw off the timing. So, yeah, plays look like they're there to be had... but in real time the defense is actually dicatating to our predictable offense.