Nihilarian

A CB or Safety with that first pick

In 1979, under then-HC Chuck Knox, the Buffalo Bills drafted Linebacker Tom Cousineau from Ohio St with the number one overall draft pick. The Bills acquired the pick as part of a package of five draft picks from the San Francisco 49ers in a 1978 trade for OJ Simpson. (great trade) (My take is Chuck Knox was responsible for this, as he had a huge part as de facto GM) At that time, the Buffalo Bills named GM was ex-Buffalo AFL player Stew Barber, who, after the draft, called Tom Cousineau and invited him to dinner in Buffalo to discuss his salary as a Buffalo Bill. Stew Barber never showed up, never called, nothing! Needless to say, Cousineau was upset, and the CFL Montreal Alouettes doubled what the Bills had offered Cousineau, so ole Tom left for the North County. Cousineau was a star in Canada. Now, in 1982, Tom wanted to return to the NFL (even though he had never played a down in the NFL so far). The Houston Oilers attempted to sign him, but the Buffalo Bills, who still held his NFL rights, matched the offer. The Cleveland Brown's owner at that time was Art Modell, who had long wanted to acquire Cousineau for obvious reasons. The Buffalo Bills then traded Cousineau to the Cleveland Browns for their first-round draft choice in the 1983 NFL draft, plus a second and third in later years. That first round pick from the Browns in 1983 just happened to be future Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly!!!!! That right there seems like some pretty serendipitous she it. Now, Cousineau signed a five-year contract for $2.5 million, the highest contract ever at the time by the Browns. Tom played four seasons for the Browns and never made the Pro Bowl.

My hot take is that the 2025 Buffalo defense will be hard pressed to finish with the #1 ranking in turnover ratio again this season, like they did in 2024. The 2024 Buffalo defense finished 11th in points allowed, 17th in yards allowed, and would have won far fewer games if not for that unreal turnover ratio. Buffalo #29 in first downs allowed? Can that be right? This year's team is desperate for a solid defensive secondary. AFAIK, the team didn't even offer CB Douglas a contract, and they traded away backup CB Elam. Plus, they lack solid proper depth all over the defensive side. It seems like each and every year, the last few seasons, the Buffalo defense falls on its face at the end of the season due to injuries. All I can think of after watching the Philly Eagles demolish the KC Chiefs offense is that "defense wins Championships". Yes, the Eagles did score 40 points against that top ten "Spags" called KC defense. They went 15-2 in 2024 and were owned in that SB by Philly...a thing of beauty! The Buffalo Bills have ten draft picks in the 2025 NFL draft, and I'd be happy to see them spend them all on the defensive side if they could field a top-five defense this season.

What many Bills fans didn't see was that in the AFC Championship game against Denver that year, the Bills won 10-7. So many Buffalo injuries to the Bills players were what caused them to look so bad in that SB. Heck, during that AFC game, the Bill's O line was so banged up that TE Pete Metzelaars was forced to play tackle because everyone else was out injured. Not to mention, I think that was the year that the NFL cut down the time between the Championship game and Super Bowl to one week. Not only that, Buffalo's defense was just terrible that season. The Bills defense ranked second-to-last in total yards given up as Bruce Smith missed most of the season due to injury. Plus, the Redskins were the better team by going 14-2 that year. Then, the jackass Buffalo assistant coach made fun of the Redskins "Hogs'' O line players. Bulletin Board material that caused Marv to fire him. A confluence of bad luck.

That was a very strange time in Buffalo Bills history, and the Bills' owner, Ralph Wilson, who was a very "hands-on" owner. Simply put, the entire NFL world knew about this notoriously cantankerous and frugal owner, and he had a difficult time finding a solid, suitable man to fill that Buffalo GM role. As others have mentioned, the "marketing guy was the de facto GM (Russ Brandon), and all Wilson wanted was a figurehead GM. Ralph hired his old friend in Marv Levy. Let's also not forget that that particular owner was very much like the Dallas Cowboys owner in Jerry Jones in that, while not the literal GM, he was in the draft room making "his" choices for players. The man loved him some running backs and defensive backs. While very frugal at times, Ralph Wilson had a big heart, as in for that first Super Bowl in Tampa, he took everyone associated with the team from ball boys to the office staff to that game, he then learned that getting to a SB is very expensive. Also, every time a team gets to a SB everyone involved thinks they now need a raise. Yes, Marv Levy did choose Dick Jauron as HC...but alas, his other choices were shot down by the owner. Just to give you an idea of how "hands-on" Wilson was...during the NFL regular season, he was on the phone to Jauron every day from Detroit discussing the team. When Bills GM Buddy Nix wanted to hire a new head coach, he found out that anyone who was a quality candidate didn't want to work in Buffalo for this owner. The reason why someone like Chan Gailey was hired as the new HC by Nix was because during the interview, he told the owner that he could win games in the NFL without star players. Nix couldn't get assistant coaches to interview for the job. Gailey was the Miami Dolphin's OC in 2000-2001 and left the NFL to be a college coach (GT). He returned to the NFL in 2008 to be the KC Chiefs OC and was out of football for a season before being hired as the new Buffalo Bills HC. So, how does a guy who gets fired by his last team as an OC and sits out for a year get a new job as an NFL Head coach? The Marketing guy becomes the GM...HC Rex Ryan was stunned to find Russ Brandon in the Buffalo Bill's cut room during training camp on the phone to players. Was there any wonder why Buffalo had a near 20 year drought for such a dysfunctional franchise? Still better than Cleveland 🤣

Simply put, Ralph didn't want to pay him. The difference between Tom Cousineau signing with Buffalo or walking away to the CFL was like 20k. Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson was notoriously frugal and wasn't a billionaire like the owners of today. He had a lot of hobbies, such as keeping racehorses, and he needed the Bills to actually make a profit. Let's not forget that other owners were forced to sell their teams because they lost money like the Cleveland Browns and Art Model ...(who is now so loved in Cleveland.) 🥺 There were several times over the years that Wilson contemplated selling the Bills. GM Bill Polian talked Ralph Wilson into making Jim Kelly the highest-paid QB at that time along with stadium upgrades and paying other FAs, and star players. Kelly was met in Buffalo like the savior of the franchise as he was mobbed by Bills fans. Kelly is loved by older Bills fans like Josh is now. Kelly came to Buffalo at the perfect time as HC Marv Levy hired Ted Marchibroda (ex-Colt HC) to run the offense. Ole Ted noticed that Kelly was excellent at running the 2-minute drill and implemented that "no-huddle" hurry-up offense to run all game long. Ole Ted also taught Kelly to call his own offensive plays. No other NFL QB was as tough as Kelly. He had his choice to play QB for Miami or go to Penn ST and play linebacker for Joe Paterno. On another note, What made Marino so good was his quick release and the reason Miami didn't win an SB with him was that Don Shula had forgotten what won him his early SBs... that was with the no-name defense, and the run game with Mercury Morris, Jim Kiick, Larry Csonka and instead put it all on Dan's arm.

Just think of that offense with Jim Kelly throwing to Andre Reed, James Lofton, Don Beebe, and Thurman running, catching balls outta the back field. He was Marshall Faulk before Marshall Faulk. That 90's Buffalo Bills team was the greatest show on turf that season...woulda, shoulda, coulda...

Again, looking back at that SB in Tampa the NY Giants vs the Buffalo Bills. The Bills were nearly 20-point favorites to win that game. To most, it was a foregone conclusion that Buffalo would win. Partying or not. What most didn't see was that Giants HC Bill Parcells had a secret weapon as his DC in Bill Belichick and his ability to move the ball on the ground against anyone. Let's also not forget that the Bills had beaten the Giants that season in week 14, 13-17 IN Giants stadium. Their starting QB Phill Simms was injured and out for that SB while their backup QB that nobody had ever heard of was starting in Jeff Hostetler. The 1990 Buffalo Bills were the highest-scoring in the entire NFL offense that season. The 13-3 Buffalo Bills had just beaten the 12-4 Los Angeles Raiders 51-3 in the AFC Championship game. To me, that SB loss was on the Buffalo coaching. But then, the entire world was thinking the Giants didn't stand a chance.

I have a different take on that first SB and the JK era. Polian designed those teams to get the lead on offense and then rush the passer with Bruce and Biscuit. Consider that first SB, as the defense simply couldn't stop the run, period! OJ Anderson owned the Bills that game. (ToP 40:33 to 19:37.) Looking back at it Bills coaches should have paid more attention to what the NY Giants did to shut down the Joe Montana led 49ers in that NFC Championship game a 13-15 win. Anyway, I still can't believe that Bruce Smith had his hand on Jeff Hostetler's wrist...who had the ball ...in his hand...in the end zone! Ole Jeff just curled up around it and took the safety. Besides that, Scott Norwood didn't have the leg to kick a 47-yarder on grass. Looking back at those years the Bills teams besides the 90, they were so beaten up just getting by the tougher AFC teams to even get to an SB. Jim Kelly was one tough SoB and there is a real reason why he, Andre Reed, Thurman Thomas along with Marv are in the HoF. If I were to complain about those teams it would start with the defense and stopping the run. I wasn't a Walt Corey fan. The Buffalo offense was usually always in the top 10 with JK, TT, AR.

The ONLY time to trade up from a 30th pick to the #2 pick is for a QB and the Bills already have the best in the NFL. Even Carter is unproven in the NFL right now and not worth trading up for... Relax!!!!!!!!! Brandon Beane will find some DTs, CB's, WR's and others in this draft without giving up the farm for a maybe. Does anyone else recall when Mike Ditka, the then-HC of the New Orleans Saints, traded his entire draft for RB Ricky Williams?

Simply look at the stats for these two in the late 70s. The secondary was so good that opponents didn't even try to pass on them.

From Joe Marino and "Locked on Bills" 1st round 50% 2nd round 33% 3rd round 16% 4th round 8% 5th round 4% 6th round 2% 7th round 1 1/2% 20 years of drafting and what percentage become solid NFL starters? So, even when you think you know...you never know! The NFL draft is like a box O chocolates...

I agree. McD knows his stuff with DBs, and my take is that the Bills had targeted CB Trent McDuffie in the 2022 NFL draft and were left scrambling when the Chiefs traded up in front of them to draft him in a trade with NE, no less. Hence Elam. I trust this draft to go CB, S, CB, DT, WR. Perhaps bring back Coop and acquire a needed DT in FA, trade. Douglas wasn't even given an offer by Buffalo AFAIK.

Since there is no big trade or FA at CB so far, I gotta think CB in that #1 slot. Heck, I'd also think safety #2 and CB again in #3 after a trade to get a #3 pick. That Buffalo secondary is so devoid of a starting CB and backups it's scary. Hopefully Von and coop come to their senses and resign with the Bills to win a SB in 2025! 🤩

Perhaps Beane can trade him to Dallas for Micah Parsons? Then I wonder what Cook will look like behind a not-so-good O line and with a not-so-good O line coach along with a new OC who would instead call more pass plays

Ain't happening folks as Buffalo has around 5 million in cap space ATM.

Two dollars, NO! One dollar, no Holla!

So, Buffalo won the offseason. Is that like the Rex Ryan prediction? Seriously though, the Joey Bosa signing could be the best move no question. Then add a better WR, and 2 DTs while re-upping players already on the roster. Good stuff! This team is still super thin at CB, and Safety might be a problem too.

The patriots are going all in to go for the division this year.

No. As thin as they are at CB I would have expected a decent FA pickup and a trade for one is still possible. However, I do think that they go first-round for a CB in this year's draft and yet don't view him as a starter. Perhaps they resign Douglas even though he has lost a step. I always wonder if that in 2022 the Bills had targeted CB Trent McDuffie and the Chiefs traded up to #21 to snag him and it left Buffalo grasping for straws in Elam. Still, this team is in a desperate position for their secondary and also have to wonder if the concussion problem with Benford is keeping them from redoing his deal. Desperate situation IMHO. many are thinking the Bills go DL with their first three picks and I wouldn't be surprised to see the first three for CB/S/CB

Kaiir Elam was a first-round pick that the Bills traded up for and he failed big time even after three seasons, and like I said it wasn't because he didn't work hard at his profession. Buffalo runs one of the more complicated/sophisticated secondary defensive schemes in the NFL and not everybody gets it right away. Kind of the reason that McD tends to not play rookies as starters if he can help it. I didn't mention it previously but Buffalo had a rookie DC calling plays too. I don't think that he was a big factor though when that secondary failed them so badly. There is also a real reason as to why the Bills didn't resign CB Rasul Douglas. That secondary stunk! The lack of pressure by the D line didn't help either. "Once Benford left the game with a concussion, it felt like the defense was going to struggle. Kaiir Elam filled in for Benford, but the former first-round pick was toasted on several occasions. He struggled in man-to-man and zone coverage, getting beat and taking penalties. With Benford questionable leading up to the game, there would be the hope that Elam was a bit more prepared for this matchup. Whether it was Elam or coaching that led to the struggles, it ended up being a major problem for how the Bills defense needed to recover from Benford’s loss." https://billswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2025/01/31/what-went-wrong-for-buffalo-in-afc-championship-game-vs-chiefs/78080666007/

So, tell us exactly what could the coaches have done differently with a rookie starting at Safety and an inept CB on the field that would have won that game.

There are quite a few NFL players who don't get to their full abilities in their profession even after two seasons. Give the kid some time to learn his profession. It's why Beane gave Kaiir Elam three seasons and it wasn't because he didn't work hard enough. Jeez, look at Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith, and Sam Darnold for example.

This! I agree! Greg Rousseau wasn't the reason for this loss. Yes, the Bills didn't generate enough pass rush or pressure on Mahomes. Alas, he wasn't the biggest reason for the loss, and neither were the coaches. The biggest reason did come down to luck...that is bad luck! With starting S Taylor Rapp out you had a rookie starting at safety and the Bills best CB in Christian Benford leaving the game with a concussion. The Chiefs capitalized on the Buffalo's weakened secondary and exploited it big time. This along with the lack of pressure on Mahomes allowed Kansas City to score more points against the Bill's defense than they had all season long!!!!!!!!!! It wasn't magical coaching by the Chiefs or the failure of the Buffalo coaches as there was only so much they could do under the circumstances. There is a real reason why Kaiir "Toast" Elam is now a Dallas Cowboy. Mahomes roasted the guy right after Benford went out. A former first-round Buffalo pick at CB traded away for basically poo...

The 2024 Buffalo Bills defense was not so good and the only reason they made it to the AFC Championships game was because of that absurd +24 turnover ratio that led the league. Shoot, the Buffalo offense had four fumbles and didn't lose one. The Chiefs had one turnover in that game, but it wasn't enough. That kind of differential is usually unsustainable game after game in the NFL each week. I'll admit it was frustrating watching the Bills' defense not get enough pressure on Mahomes in that game, and this allowed the Chiefs to score more points than they had all season in any game. I'll also admit I relished watching the Eagles destroy that KC offense with Patty running for his life. That game wasn't as close as the score suggests as the Bird's defense took their proverbial foot off the gas in the 4th quarter as it was 34-6 at that time. I couldn't help my desire for the Buffalo Bills to run that style of defense with Vic Fangio calling the defensive plays. That guy was the Miami DC just a short season ago and at one time I do believe that the Bills attempted to hire him and he chose the smelly fish instead. Press the Chiefs receivers at the line drop into zone coverage and only rush that front four. And, the Eagle's defense did all that without ever blitzing Mahomes at all. Not once on all his drop backs in that game did they ever blitz...amazing!