Dan

I'd feel much better about Marrone, if he would have hired a real OC. But, as it stands now, we're stuck with someone that's in over his head and allowing him to learn on the fly what it takes to be a good coach in the NFL while talented players sit wasted on the bench.

Precisely... EJ starts slow and when you add in his slow eyes, it obviously takes him a while to get warmed up. It's obvious we need a more experienced QB to hand the ball off with more accuracy.

And I'd like to add.... you can't expect to have Pro Bowl, HOF caliber players at every position.

And I agree with you. Play to your player's strengths. Have CJ and Fred on the field at the same time for every snap! Some times hand off to Fred to pound the line, sometimes dump it to CJ on the out side, sometimes run CJ across the formation and hand off, sometimes don't and pictch to Fred. Bottom line, have our play makers on the field, keep the defense guessing, don't ask your players to do things they're not best at.

Exactly. That play was completely predictable. If you and I saw it from our couches, don't you think the Chargers defense saw it coming? Perhaps that would explain why Pears is blown up 3 yds into the backfield and Spiller runs into a wall? Unless you have superior HOF athletes, you can't just line up, tell the defense what's coming, and still beat them - certainly not with any consistency. That is what our coaching staff doesn't seem to understand. Put another way... if you run across a crowded freeway and get hit by a bus, did you just not execute your street crossing properly? Or was it just a bad idea from the start?

I get what you're saying. But, you're neglecting the coaching factor. Good coaches game plan to take the other team's best players out of the game. Bad coaches just line their players up and expect them to beat the man in front of them. This isn't college ball. Every team has great players. All the rah rah in the world isn't going to win you much, you can't just out muscle your opponent. This coaching staff has a huge weapon in CJ Spiller and they're completely misusing him with these draw plays up the middle. CJ is playing well out there. He had at least one great run called back on a hold. He misses a lot of playing time, because the coaches keep taking him off the field. At some point, the coaching staff have to figure out a way to get him more involved in a game, but they've yet to do that other than on kick offs. IMO, it shows a fundamental lack of creativity and ingenuity on their part.

I see it as a mercy killing. That thread was bad from its conception.

That's pretty much our bread and butter play. It seems we start most every drive conceding 1st down, because we run a play that gets us 2yds or less on average. The real problem is they then decide, "no way someone can stop our bread and butter!" and run it again on 2nd down just to prove that point. Only to set up the 3rd and long pass play, that is like a coin flip at this point. Then we talk about players needing to execute, rather than coaches needing to realize what their players are good at executing. Want to see good offensive play calling... watch the Seahawks game from yesterday. It's the very definition of coaching to your players strengths and putting them in position to succeed.

Honestly, I'd settle for a baby step this season.... just win 8 games. The playoffs still seem like an eternity away when you look at our QB play and offensive scheme in comparison to other playoff contending teams. I'm not saying EJ can't get better, he can. I'm not saying Hackett can suddenly look competent, well maybe he can. But, right now... they're not.

Yes... that stupid first down run play with CJ is horrendous! Why can't they just rip it from the playbook? EJ had a bad game, but he was under a lot of pressure. To me, he looked like a young QB that was thinking and not playing. Sometimes, I swear I can almost see him processing everything he's being told to do. The defense, however, lost this game for us. They just couldn't get off the field on 3rd down.

where's the "I'm an idiot!" option?

Excellent point. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about! I'm sure the line is going to try and get after Rivers, let's just hope they don't forget about the screen. Otherwise, it could be a long day.

Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Billions Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein DirecTV: 705 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: 84 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: With the league's longest active playoff drought hanging over them, the Buffalo Bills are far from content with their 2-0 start. The Bills enter Sunday seeking their longest win streak since last opening 3-0 in 2011 as they host the San Diego Chargers, who won't have Ryan Mathews available for the foreseeable future. The Chargers (1-1) head into Buffalo after holding off Seattle 30-21 last Sunday, beating the reigning Super Bowl champion despite Mathews being removed on a cart in the fourth quarter. San Diego announced Monday that he had a sprained right MCL but didn't disclose the degree of the injury or how long he would be out. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chargers at Bills Video Preview Week 3 preview: Chargers at Bills NFL Week 3 viewer's guide NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 337.5 333.5 Total Rush............. 153.0 76.5 Total Pass............. 184.5 257.0 Points/Game.......... 26.0 23.5 Time of Poss.......... 29.6 35.2 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 358.5 345.5 Rush Yards........... 83.0 108.5 Pass Yards........... 275.5 237.0 Points Allowed........ 15.0 19.5 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Billions NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Charles, Stefan DT Hip LP LP LP Probable Johnson, Randell LB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Meeks, Jonathan S Neck Out Out Out Out Rivers, Keith LB Groin LP LP LP Doubtful Smith, Lee TE Toe FP FP FP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP Probable Williams, Chris G Back - LP LP Probable Woods, Robert WR Ankle LP DNP LP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com San Diego Chargers NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Addae, Jahleel S Hamstring LP LP FP Questionable Allen, Keenan WR Groin - LP LP Questionable Attaochu, Jerry OLB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Questionable Davis, Chris CB Ankle FP FP FP Probable Flowers, Brandon CB Groin DNP FP FP Probable Freeney, Dwight OLB Non-injury related DNP FP FP Probable Gates, Antonio TE Hamstring DNP LP FP Probable Ingram, Melvin OLB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Liuget, Corey DE Ankle FP FP FP Probable Mathews, Ryan RB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Ohrnberger, Rich C-G Back LP DNP FP Probable Troutman, Johnnie G Back LP DNP FP Probable Source: Chargers.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: Billions -2.5 Over/Under: 45.5 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: This game has me amped up. I’m not sure if it’s the 2-0 start, the good play from Manuel or the fact that they’re facing a tough opponent in the Chargers. But, I think we’ll find out a lot about our team this week. How will they fair after an emotional win last week? Can they maintain the intensity and fire on the field? Can they keep up with a high powered offense? Of course, I could be saying all that about the Chargers too. The Chargers are no doubt looking to build on the momentum from last week’s win. They’re gonna be fired up and ready to show the league that it wasn’t a fluke. But, they’re traveling across the country with several big injuries. The Billions need to bring more heat and shut them down early. It’s our time to lay claim to the league and show that Buffalo is for real. Here’s what I’m watching for this week: 1. Red Zone offense. It’s been talked about since last week. The players talked about it as a point of emphasis in practice. One TD per week just isn’t going to cut it, especially when you’re playing a team that can put up points like SD. I’m curious to see if they get more creative and less conservative near the goal line. And if they do, can they do it without making the costly turnovers? Will they finally look for Mike Williams down there? 2. Sammy Watkins. He’s got a target on his back this week. After last week’s coming out party, he’s the talk of all the pundits. I’m sure the Chargers noticed as well. This could be the first game in which an opponent is specifically game planning to shut him down. I’m really curious to see how he responds. 3. Antonio Gates. The guy is a beast! And seems to be showing little signs of slowing down. We’ve historically had a terrible time covering big TEs in the middle of the field. Who’s going to cover him? Can they keep him in check? 4. CJ Spiller on special teams. Will the Chargers kick to him? I’m guessing they’ll do all they can to keep him from touching the ball on kick offs. 5. Broncos at Seahawks. That came should be awesome with excellent story lines, great teams looking for their own validation. And after another huge win, it’s gonna be great to relax and watch another good game. Go Bills!!

Ya know... you and Yolo are making me a lazy interwebber! All I gotta do is hit the ol' F5 here a few times a day and I get every headline and story of note in the NFL. With all seriousness and gratitude.. you rock.

Thank you (at least he did last week against the Swahawks). If this is the matchup that has people terrified, then I think they're missing the big TE that runs down the middle of the field and has been making huge plays for years going against a team that hasn't stopped a big TE from making huge plays while running down the middle of the field for years.

We haven't had a HOF-type player on the Bills' roster since the late 90's. Maybe a couple good players that left and had good careers, but none were that good... here, including the current roster. Step away from the crack pipe. Its the HOF (Hall of Fame), not HOGPTIL (Hall of Good Players That I Like).

My sister and I caught that while watching the game. It confirms my belief that in every highlight reel of someone making a good play, they show them doing it against the Bills. I don't know why... but they do.

I loved Shout! As a poor graduate student, it was my one luxury I insisted buying, even though it always arrived late! I still loved getting it in the mail and reading it cover to cover... just to see if the "previews" were right and to re-live the win from 2 weeks ago. The internet definitely killed it. I could get the same stories/reports online, quicker, and often for free (as a poor student, that was actually quite important). This message board (technically its predecessor) was huge part of that for me. I still kept my subscription for a couple years, but either they cancelled it or I did (don't really remember). But, for a guy not living in Buffalo and in a pre "all information instantly available all the time" world, Shout! was the best thing ever. I never kept old issues, but now I wish I would have.

I found this entirely too funny. well played! For me, I say keep up the intensity as well. The team is going to lose games.. how will they respond the following week is the key. Good teams use a loss to motivate them, play harder and win the next game. Bad teams use a loss to fall apart. We don't want to start a string of consecutive losses and allow all the doubts back in. Keep up the intenstiy and refuse to lose. Offensive adjustments. Our offense doesn't look complicated as it is and it's not been wildly successful in the first two games. Hackett needs to find the adjustments to allow the offense to continue improving as opposing defensive coordinators figure out how to shut the run game down. Stay healthy overall, and especially our DLine. Right now, they're easily the best unit on the team and they're making the entire defense look better which in turns makes it easier for the offense. Stay healthy, my friends. Stay Healthy!

The Bills haven't won with any consistency for more than a decade, so yeah every week I expect people to be skeptical. Until we win, consistently and make the playoffs... the skepticism and "tests" will continue. Look at it another way. The Browns beat the Saints today, does anyone think they have a at shot at winning their division this year?

Welcome. Where's about in TN? I have family there.

Sullivan is that you looking for the headline for your article tomorrow? ..and many of us are glad you're posting again. Welcome back.

In the pre-game thread, I said I was looking at 5 different things. Here's what I saw: 1. Henderson was a stud today! All the talk coming into the game was about Wake and the Fin Dline. And Henderson, without much help at all, just shut him down. EJ should buy him a huge steak dinner. Henderson is odds on favorite for steal of the draft right now. 2. The Bills secondary had a solid all around game, and Corey Graham had another stellar game. Just a solid game all the way around. 3. Neither team really set the turf on fire running the ball, but thanks to Spiller's 47yd run the Bills easily out rushed another opponent. Looks like running and stopping the run is a major piece of their game plan through 2wks. And its working! 4. I've been very critical of Marrone since his hire, but this week he did what a good coach needs to do. The team was riding high with enthusiam and energy, but played focused and smart. The game plan was solid. The challenge of Chandler's catch was right on the money. I have to give him a lot of credit for this win. 5. The fans wee clearly rocking the Ralph! It was a beautiful thing to see and hear! And I'd like to add... EJ really impressed me. He played the smart, consistent game that we need from him right now. He's not the best QB in the league... yet. But, he's progressing nicely so far. Love this thread each week, Bill. Thanks. edit.. I forgot to add, Bradham. Man that guy is coming into his own! I loved his hit on the screen. He seemed to be everywhere.

I agree. EJ is playing exactly how you want your young, second year QB to play. Sure he misses some passes, and he'll make some mistakes; but he's managing the game really well. I still think Hackett needs to get more creative in the red zone to help him out.

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta DirecTV: 705 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Joe Buscaglia (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - Sportsnet 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WTKW (99.5/WTKV 105.5) Sirius/XM: 231 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: While Buffalo (1-0) earned a 23-20 overtime victory at Chicago on Sunday, Miami posted a 23-0 second-half scoring advantage to win 33-20 at home over New England. Buffalo won both meetings with Miami last season, including a 19-0 home victory Dec. 22 in which it sacked Tannehill seven times and limited the Dolphins to 103 yards of offense, the third-lowest total in team history. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dolphins at Bills, CBS Game Preview Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills Week 2 Preview Dolphins seek first win in Buffalo since 2011 NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 360.0 360.0 Total Rush............. 193.0 191.0 Total Pass............. 167.0 169.0 Points/Game.......... 23.0 33.0 Time of Poss.......... 30.5 30.5 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 427.0 315.0 Rush Yards........... 86.0 89.0 Pass Yards........... 341.0 226.0 Points Allowed........ 20.0 20.0 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Gilmore, Stephon CB Groin FP FP FP probable Hogan, Chris WR Ankle - FP FP probable Meeks, Jonathan S Neck LP LP LP doubtful Rivers, Keith LB Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Smith, Lee TE Toe DNP LP LP doubtful Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP probable Williams, Aaron S Concussion/MTBI LP LP FP probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Miami Dolphins NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Aikens, Walt CB Hand LP LP LP probable Clay, Charles TE Knee LP LP LP probable Fede, Terrence DE Knee Out Out Out Out McCain, Chris LB Illness DNP LP LP probable Misi, Koa LB Ankle DNP DNP DNP doubtful Moreno, Knowshon RB Shoulder LP LP LP probable Pouncey, Mike C Hip Out Out Out Out Shelby, Derrick DE Knee LP LP LP probable Sims, Dion TE Neck LP LP LP probable Starks, Randy DT Toe DNP LP LP probable Tripp, Jordan LB Chest Out Out Out Out Turner, Billy G Foot DNP DNP DNP doubtful Wallace, Mike WR Hamstring LP LP FP probable Wheeler, Philip LB Thumb LP LP LP probable Source: MiamiDolphins.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 -1 Over/Under: 43.0 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: It’s hard to imagine a more electric atmosphere than what we’re going to see at the Ralph for this week’s game. It’s the home opener, against the fish, Ralph tribute, Pegula announced as the new owner, after a week 1 win in Chicago, Alumni Day, Reed, Kelly… seriously, are the football stars aligning for the Bills or what!? However, I certainly hope the Bills aren’t taking the Dolphins lightly. Looking at the game stats from last week it’s also hard to imagine a team more evenly matched for the Bills. It should be good, tough game. Miami, unfortunately, has made some strides in their perpetual rebuilding as well and are looking like a real team again. With that said, no way they beat the Bills THIS week. I’ll be watching for a few things: 1. Henderson vs Wake. This could be the matchup of the game. Wake ripped through the NE line last week and caused fits for Brady. Let’s hope Hackett has a plan, because I’d rather not see the rookie have to deal with Wake all by his lonesome. 2. The Bills secondary. Last week Cutler seemed to pass at will (when he wasn’t throwing interceptions). I like to think that was just Cutler and a couple of good WRs. Hopefully, the Dolphins don’t get 300 yds passing as well. 3. The running game for both teams. It seems both teams want to run, but which one will? If I were going to make predictions, I’d say whomever runs the ball more effectively, will win this game. 4. Marrone. Can he keep the players focused and sharp in a week where emotions should be riding as high as ever? 5. The Fans at the Ralph. I anticipate a wild, loud and insane crowd at the Ralph. Once again, Buffalo is going to show the league and the nation what a true football town looks like. I hope everyone in attendance has a great time and a safe travel to and from the game. Go Bills!!