Sojourner

Like this? ...did I really just do that??? Maybe I should delete this post... Better yet...

"One last scream of happiness before the pain this Sunday."

Again, focusing on one part of the post and not the whole thing. It's cool...

I referred to him as a "second TE" twice. Was simply putting a comparison of a backup with 50+ catches - <600 yards and 5 TDs against our starting TE. Speaking of busts and Canton, doesn't he have a future HOF QB throwing him the ball?

Is that horrific game against the Bucs last season nonexistent? Not only did he snag a TD against us last season, he was (if I recall correctly) open on most plays.

Two thirds if the conditions of the SJ trade are met. Fourth if they're not. Either way we'll have four picks in the first four rounds.

If Marrone and the coaching staff get canned can we go all in for Darrell Bevell?

Hernandez wasn't exactly the most gifted blocker either and my point was simply that he is productive (whether he's an UDFA, 6th, 7th, 2nd or 1st round pick) as a second TE. His statistics were just as good last season, if not better than Chandler has had since he arrived in Buffalo. In fact, scratch that. They were better. Sure Hernandez was ahead in all facets of Wright but a "complete non-factor" is far fetched and quite the farce. I am not claiming him to be the best thing since sliced bread just that he's been productive and has the chance to be highly effective in the #2/3 role.

Firstly, he isn't far off Hernandez's ability (and we know first hand how successful he was with the Pats*). Secondly, did you watch many Bucs games at the tail end of last season? The guy is a threat and if you really believe he's a "complete non-factor" then we can only hope that you're correct and your analysis comes to complete fruition.

Pears is out the door next season and there's a few good options in FA - Fusco (Vikes), Iupati (9ers) and Connolly (Pats*). A lot of cap room to maneuver even with the resigning of two or three key players.

And that is my major concern. People have been trying to find fault with the Mankins trade but to be honest they got pretty great value for him; a 4th rounder and Tim Wright given how well their O-Line held Cinci's interior in check. Hopefully it doesn't come to it but I have a gut feeling Wright is going to be a frustration come Sunday.

Touché!

I am intrigued to hear from a Pack' fan on your thoughts of Tom Clements? Do you think he would have any success if he came back to Buffalo? Personally, if this regime fails or gets shown the door, Clements or Bevell would be my go to candidates.

So will it be 'magic' or 'miracles'?

He played well, well enough to win. But just from the broader view of perspective: With the play from our D, if he played with some "magic" it would have been a blow out. I was pleased statistically speaking with Orton but like every season our third down conversions are a serious problem. 5 of the failed 11 could have turned out differently especially the one after the two minute warning in the second, and the one with just under 4 minutes left in the fourth. But hey! A win is a win, right? Right.

That was a "magic" performance by Orton? Seems like we may need some miracles moving forward then.

It is for a reason... To yet again, find complaints for another failed season. Á la Marshawn.

Well they did say last season that they would run CJ until the point of throwing up. (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/07/bills-oc-spiller-will-get-ball-until-he-throws-up/) Maybe it was metaphorical? Meaning, until the fans throw up...

You never hear criticism because Julio actually has produced consistent big plays (when healthy). QB play is not an issue for the Falcons. QB play IS for the Bills. In short, there's complete validity for criticism of the Bills.

I think your post answers your questioning. It was to take the pressure of Orton, fresh start with no potential of chasing the game immediately (which didn't work out anyway). Regarding the coaching, it's like I've read here last season and these first 5 games: "Hackett is being too cute". I don't think he's as bad an OC as many would like to lead themselves to believe, I just think he really has no concept of a complete game plan for 4 quarters and changing on the fly/dropping something that has no business being called again and again (Shotgun handoff: CJ up the gut, 1/2 yard gain). If this coaching staff fails this season I strongly hope that Tom Clements makes a return to Buffalo or they make a push and throw big money at Darrell Bevell.

It would be nice to see Brown make the gameday sheet in a crowded backfield as he certainly is a decent and versatile half back but the fact remains, and it is more prevalent with Easley being out injured, Dixon is a ST must! Edit: With Easley AND Ron Brooks injured.

Whilst Watkins is and was worthy of a top 5 pick in the draft. The fact it was two first rounders however makes it, in my opinion, dependent on certain criteria: Game planning and QB play (irrespective of who is on the field) - Is it consistent enough that a star player is being utilized and targeted correctly? And secondly, do we finish with a record that puts us into the playoffs? Our pick needs to go somewhere in the twenties at worst for it not to look like another wasted gamble (á la 2004: Lee Evans & J.P. Losman). In essence, I don't want the Bills to take a step back... Again.