Dan

I just made a very similar comment in Bill's thread of how to win the game. IMO, he's almost got to be hurting in some way and it's affecting his play.

I think, Merriman is injured more than he or the team has let on. We know he "dinged" his shoulder/arm in week 1. In the Raider game, he had 2 shots to make a tackle if he just lays out and goes after the runner. In both instances, he doesn't and the RB runs right by for a decent gain. IMO, if he's fully healthy or at least not worried about his shoulder... he at least tries to make those tackles. The first 2 games the Bills D played to stop the run. They over committed entirely to it. And it worked. In this game, however, I think they have to switch tactics and play to rush the passer. Get after Brady and get after him all day. That has to be the game plan. The Pats* are all about timing. You have to do disrupt that with pressure in his face and jamming the receivers. It's a risky plan, but one thing we know... if you sit back in a zone and give Brady all day to throw they'll win every time. Offensively, I'd say just keep doing what they're doing for the most part. However, more running will slow the rush down and serve to give Brady less time... so feed Freddie the ball. And they're going to have to work the deeper passes in. Most of the passing game has been quick, short patterns. They have to make them defend the whole field and give them something else to think about.

Thank you! You are precisely correct in my intention. No, I'm not of the opinion that Fred should be the highest paid Bill. Nor do I think he should be the highest paid RB in the league. However, he is clearly a starting RB and performing at such a level and, as such, should be paid appropriately. A significant raise for the next 2-4 years would do wonders to the psyche of this young team, IMO. And I don't say that because I like him (although I do) nor because I'm emotional. I say it because he has performed at this level ..consistently.. for several seasons. Fred's production is not a flash in the pan couple of good games. He's consistently been our top rusher while contributing as a WR, blocker, and kick returner. Furthermore, listen to the statements from his fellow Bills. It's clear that he is much more highly regarded than Peters (for ex). By not paying him, you're sending a clear message to all the other late round and UDFA on the team (to which there are many); that all the talk about playing hard and being rewarded is just that... talk. IMO, it's every bit as much of a business decision as anything.

If there were ever a player that has earned the right to have his existing contract torn up; Fred is that man. I'd call him in; literally tear the contract up, shake his hand, and say.. Fred lets get to work paying you what you've earned. In every aspect, he has outplayed and surpassed the expectations of his current contract. Furthermore, he has done it consistently game in and game out. The last 2 games are by no means the exception. In every way, he's picking up right where he left off last December and even the year before. It should also be done for overall team chemistry and success. Listen to what his team mates are saying about Fred. Don't pay him and the rest of the locker room will feel just a jilted. They're all buying into the "work hard and you'll be rewarded" mantra of Gailey and Nix. No one represents that attitude more than Fred. If he doesn't get taken care of; there's no guarantee anyone will. IMO, Fred's contract is less about money and more about the psyche of the team.

Perhaps, I'm in the minority, but I don't see your "complaints" as unnecessarily negative. You don't normally go out of your way to pick out the bad, when there's a plethora of good to talk about. I think everyone can live with that. I agree. this team just isn't getting pushed around as much. Maybe they will by a few teams. But, heck, the Steelers got beat up pretty good in week 1. It happens. And, for the record, I don't fault the OP at all. Lord knows the Bills have found more ways to crush our hearts than any of us can count. Myself, and others, are just suggesting that he look to the positive, enjoy the fun for the time being and let the season's chips fall where they may. As long time, die hard, Bills' fans.... we all deserve it!!

Exactly. It's important to remember we're still a young team. Still learning how to win. Still in the rebuilding process. Still going to hit some pot holes. But, wow, how can you really complain too much about the way this team started the season! I just can't. "Enjoy the ride" pretty well sums it up. This team may come crashing back down. It may not, but for at least one more week, we're undefeated and in the mix! Which is more than the Dolphins can say.

so you're sayin..... you improved. nice!

I just wish the Pats* could beat us when we're healthy. We'll be without Urbik, Parish, and Johnson limping on a bad groin. McGee, hopefully, will be ready to go. Why do we have to play everyone at full strength and healthy to get credit for a win and they get to earn the credit from beating our injury-depleted team?

I agree. I can't fault anyone for being skeptical at this point. But, there needs to be some rationality. For example, if we lose to the Pats* this week; that doesn't mean we suck. It just means we lost one week to one team. And if we finish 8-8; I'd say that a nice improvement and definitely signs that the team is on the right track. I guess what bothers me are the posters that only see the negativity. We're not going to go undefeated. We're not going to play perfect games. Players will get burned; they'll make mistakes. Problem is... too many people expect pro bowl caliber players at every position and near flawless execution. Anything less is somehow a sign that the team and/or a player sucks. This team is progressing; I would hope everyone can see that. Is the rebuild complete? No. Are we Play Off bound? Probably not. But, that doesn't mean we need to bail on the one QB in a decade that's looked good. Nor does it mean we will never be able to beat the Pats*. I'm optimistic we'll win this Sunday. Realistically, I doubt we will. I've thought all along, that I'll wait until this team actually has 8 wins before I consider this a winning season. But, that doesn't mean I'm not optimistic that we can do it. It just means that given past experience.. I'll believe it when I see it. This team has shown a propensity to hang in there and score. If they can score 30+ points... they've got a shot to beat anyone. And that should be reason enough for optimism.

And what exactly is wrong with that?? The Bills have come out of the gate much stronger than most anyone not named Senator thought. Why shouldn't fans of the team be feeling good and optimistic? You speak of reality, yet you disregard the reality that the Bills ARE undefeated and leading the league in scoring and rushing after week 2. I don't think anyone is suggesting that we'll lead the lead the league in these stats at the end of the season; but for now, after 2weeks of NFL play, that is the reality. And myself and many other fans are quite happy about it. I know the Bills have been bad for a decade. I know the front office has had far more failures than successes. But, for now, for this week, we just played a great game. We appear to be heading in the right direction. We appear to be an actual professional NFL team. We are leading in some statistical categories. If you can't enjoy it for a week; may I suggest you pop some zoloft and relax for a week, because many of us will enjoy it. And for at least a few days, we'll not revel in the misery of the last decade.

I was miffed at the use of timeouts at the end of the game as well. But, if that's what it took to make sure they were on the same page and had the right play called; I'm all for it. Given the gravity of the situation and overall inexperience of the team, it was probably the right decision to take the time out and make sure they had it all figured out. I had similar thoughts about the FG near the end of the first half. I wanted to go for the first down.. .then the TD. But, sometimes, it's important to just get something positive on the scoreboard. Had they not gotten a first down; it may have completely deflated the team. Given, the outcome of the game, it obviously all worked out. My only summation is that Chan knows what the team needs to keep them winning and as long as we're winning more than losing... I guess he's right.

I've been saying that for years. Having a base offensive set that can run multiple plays is the single best way to gain an advantage over the defense. All these "situational" players do is just telegraph to the defense what's coming. That's why Chandler turning into a legitimate TE is so important. Having a blocking TE and a separate pass-catching TE does nothing but tip the defense off as to whether its a run or a pass! For the first time in years! I can't sit here on my couch and call the play - run left, pass to the flat, etc. - based on the formation or the pre-snap motion Coincidentally, for the first time in years, we actually look like a real NFL team out there. Amazing.

It was also mentioned in the game recap that Fitz will be one of the featured players on SoundFX. I think it airs immediately after the Replay game on Wed. evening (9:30est).

Agreed. The Bills seem to be on to something with the new kickoff placement. While everyone else seems content to kick the ball into the endzone and let the other team start at 20, for 2 weeks the Bills have been directional kicking to right about the goal line. And more often than not, the opposing team is starting inside the 20. Interesting strategy.

I am by no means predicting a win next week. But, perhaps the single best way to beat the Pats* next week was to win today... especially in the fashion they won. This team has confidence. They really believe they can win now. The defense knows it can take some chances because the offense can bail them out. The offense knows it can come back if the defense gets down by a few scores. They all have confidence that the coaches can make the proper adjustments. One thing I will expect next week.... this team absolutely will not quit. The Pats* will get 60 minutes of football from a hungry team with a chip on its shoulder. Go Bills!

Two weeks in a row of not getting run all over.. .at will. We just played 2 explosive, run first teams and held both their number 1 backs to less than 100yds rushing. I'd suggest that he and the whole defense is doing exactly what they need to be doing.

One hell of a game! This is a perfect example of this team learning how to win. Without a doubt... last year's team loses this game in some heartbreaking fashion. Gotta love the resiliency and attitude of the offense. Just awesome.

Talked to my sister in Idaho after the game. She got the same thing.. cut to the Bronco game at 4th and 1... under review. She went nuts! LOL

For me, that sums up the game more than anything. In fact, talking to my mom after the game, that's exactly what I said! They actually looked like a professional team for the first time in forever. The defense wasn't shredded on the ground. I had long ago given up on a TE ever playing for the Bills again. They had a nice balanced offense, running and passing, but also in spreading the ball around to receivers. They even made the right decisions (a knee to end the half, for ex). All in all, I just kept thinking... wow! So this is what professional football is supposed to look like? I like it. Now lets keep it up in week 2!

But, that's what made that run so good. We needed a first down, and everyone knew it, so we could run out the clock and take a nice lead into the locker room. IMO, Fred is the best back we've had since Thurman and reminds me of the Thurmanator all the time. Put Fred on our 90's team, and I say there's a very real possibility that he's in the HOF today.

Exactly. Win the game. That would impress me the most. It's week 1, on the road, against a playoff team from a year ago... go and beat them. I don't care how..convincingly, ugly, luckily... it doesn't matter just find a way to win!

I gotta say... this may be the best Bills story I've ever read heard! For serving this country, you have my respect and admiration. For sharing this story, you have my appreciation. All the best to you!

Yes. You're being overly negative.

Hell, I'd be happy if we could wait till the end of the second game ..in the regular season.. before passing judgment, let alone the end of the season. The decade of futility has definitely taken its toll on the fan base.