Steve Billieve

Ryan also said that middle three up front would move to any of those spots. So the whole center of the field will be unpredictable. As such we didn't get a nose tackle.

A lot of people have a soft spot in their hearts for Fitz, and he's proven that he really likes the Bills too or at least that he still thinks he plays for them sometimes when he's on the field. Plus, its the most interesting story this offseason with plenty of new coverage. 50 here we come.

I've never seen so many articles mentioning a back up QB since deflate gate was a hot news item. Even with Brady's suspension currently in effect Manuel seems to be making more headlines than Jimmy G. What am I missing? He's a quiet respectful kid projected as a 3rd rounder with production that is unsurprising for his position and projection. I get that we took him in the first but come on, there have been plenty of first round busts more interesting than Manuel. My speculative side wonders whether the Bills media new media policy wasn't a reaction to how the press handled the QB controversy last year (in particular with Manuel) and maybe all the new articles about EJ are just a reaction to that policy. Thoughts?

I can't imagine any benefit to him in talking about anything like this. It just sounds like another reporter whining about access like they are owed something.

never forgive never forget

yep, just reeks of incompetence. or maybe laziness. i guess he didn't think anyone would keep reading. more fool us.

That's gotta sting!

Rex is sloppy. If I had to describe him in a word that would be it. Everyone says he's brilliant and people like him but he will always be sloppy. Unfortunately he won't be brilliant everyday.

I had forgotten about that. Thanks for the memories?

I don't want into the value of the deals these municipalities doing, but if there was no perceived value they certainly wouldn't pay.

This is true of most businesses. States and regions compete as the home of business. Boeing who opened a factory in my area won't be paying taxes for decades and was given free land and other tax incentives is not opening up its doors for the public or media, nor is anyone asking it to. Subsides and tax brakes are, however, a completely different issue from "media" access.

Unfortunately I mostly agree. Although I do think he was bad enough that someone else should be able to do his job without much of a drop off. And maybe coaches don't need to be in touch with every player who is fighting for a starting job. Maybe Henderson just needs a little time and Rex knows it. Or maybe Rex is just sloppy.

Sounds like a good move, although I'm sure there will still be unintended consequences.

It seems like a natural response to a hostile media. I guess we have to use words like media, and reporters, but from what I've observed there's little to no accountability with these guys. Sports "reporting" is rife with gossip rumor and outright error with zero effort to run corrections. On top of this, lots of these guys are out there inserting themselves into the story and create the news they want to write. It's just garbage. I have no problem with the Bills standing up for themselves. The Bills really aren't keeping anyone from obtaining information or sharing information (fan tweets etc) they're just fighting back against "reporters" who want to make up a negative and controversial narrative.

I'm going to be very disappointed if there's not some conclusion to this story.

Russ Brandon made a big impression on the Pegulas when the team was sold. They were repeatedly praising him before, during, and after the sale to the media. Not really sure what aspects of his job performance you would take issue with. He's managed to keep a bad football team with an aging stadium and one of the less wealthy fan bases extremely profitable. He's done this while keeping in mind the needs of the community and setting season ticket sales records. He sounds like a rockstar! No wonder he's pres of the Sabres now too. I don't want to argue about Whaley, but I'm a fan. What front office personal do you want to replace and with whom?

It's a stellar approach with a proven record.

I don't mind being suckered in each year. Honestly that's half the fun. The other half is drinking.

My mother was sure we were going 13-3 last season. I thought 12-4 was possible.

Not worried at all. I thought I remembered several of our back up tight ends being praised for their blocking. If Clay goes down we just won't throw to the TE much. We barely do anyways.

Is it possible to believe we have regressed but will have a better record this year?

Kelly was really really good at throwing the ball away. He avoided a ton of sacks but would still stay in the pocket and wait for the last possible second to find a receiver. So when I look at his comp % I think of some of the other QBs we've had who turn into turtles when the pocket starts to collapse. I was only a kid at the time, so maybe I've got some rose colored glasses, but Kelly was the best at running the offense. He was a top tier QB like Brady and Peyton, but he was also better at running an offense than anyone else, Marino or Elway might have been better at throwing the ball but . . .

I'm sure they don't mind the money being available now, but its also just the standard move. You shouldn't really read anything into it since doing it this way gives you more flexibility, its all upside. I mean who knows what will happen? Maybe Indi calls and wants to deal Luck?

I dislike Rex in his current capacity. I don't think you have to love or hate him. I like it when people speak honestly, and I don't think I've been bothered by the things Rex says (except when he says "and things like that"). I sort of disliked him when he was with the Jets, but I didn't remember why. I managed to like him well enough at the start of last season even. I stopped liking Rex after watching him throw throw a few tantrums and draw a few flags. What has finally made me dislike him is his sloppiness. It's his job to keep things organized, the buck should stop with him, but he's just sloppy. It's unprofessional. IMO he's a great coordinator who's players have loved him and that got him his HC gig(s), but he's lousy at it. I don't think it will take that much for me to hate him, but it won't be from him talking. Thankfully its a players league, hopefully one of them will be able to lead this team, b/c he won't.

This run could bring out the inner masochist in all of us.