corta765

There is no unimportant drafts/offseasons but realistically this is the one with the heavy lifting coming because if the team doesn't improve or shown signs of tangible growth with a rookie QB the clock on the GM/Coach starts ticking come year 3. And with the way our fans are media have been if its 3 pretty down years I doubt you see a 4th given.

While it has been a frustrating few weeks the truth is this season was always about laying the path and framework for what McBeane see as their vision. I was in the camp that was hoping they made the playoffs even if they got smoked to kill the drought, but I understand others who say we were better off at 4-12 so you had your pick of the litter at QB in this draft. Regardless it comes down to 2018 being the off season they have to get it right and I look at it like this: They will carry some decent to very good assets into the off season in these players: Benjamin, Z. Jones, Dawkins, White, Hughes, Poyer, Hyde, Incognito, McCoy, & Wood if they still want him. What they fundamentally have to nail to set the future is this IMO: QB, DT, LB (both ILB/OLB) They still need help/depth at: G, OT, CB, WR, DE Quarterback is pretty easy to state as being crucial for their future in terms of sink or swimming, but to me the defense as a whole is almost equal in need. The defense biggest failing this season has been the ability of teams to attack the middle of the defense on runs/passes and we haven't even played NE who thrives there. We have no young talent at either DT/LB currently and they need to hit this hard in the draft and free agency to shore this up. Back in the "good days" 2013/14 defense the front four was supremely talented and the LB core had the likes of Bradham & Kiko with P.Brown being the 3rd guy which is where he should be. Just about every strength we remember from those years is gone or in Kyle Williams case regressing due to age. McD needs his D next year to be a greater strength to the roster especially with most likely a rookie QB driving the ship. McCoy can be relied on to help take some pressure off whatever kid is there but he will need a spell back regardless in case he sees any regression. People can talk that the 19/20 offseason's will allow more time to build whatever McD/Beane want but realistically by then the team better be winning and in the playoffs. Those offseason's should be adding final touches to this not base pieces. Obviously yes if a DT the caliber of Donald was there in 2019 go for it, but the 2017-18 drafts/FA additions you need to be seeing some real fruits from because it also takes time for guys to develop. Between the 6 picks in the first 3 rounds and the amount of cap space the Bills are pooling for 2018 McBeane have a lot of resources to really craft what they want. The true foundation of the roster will effectively be set from that and whats taken from this season. In ways it will be super exciting as fans and in others very nervous because a lot hinges off what happens.

Agree although NFL coaches and GMs basically expect that if you draft round 1 that player is starting and hopefully one of your round 2/3 picks sees action regularly. So I was just going off that philosophy that the Bills out of 6 picks in the Top 90 can get 2-3 true starters and 1-2 solid players who see time regularly. Frankly if they can't get that it will set back whatever they think they are building now. And whoever is drafted QB better be ready to go come the opener because fans and media will not give them time. My greatest disappointment organizationally with Rex's hire was how much they undid just because of him. Nigel Bradham may not be an All Pro but he was a very good LB, Schwartz had that unit playing very well and in unison, and in general they had a good pool on defense of vets and young guys like Bradham & Gilmore.

Realistically this off season they should fill in the draft QB, DT, MLB, and OT. Figure in FA they get SLB and CB, they are left needing OG/DT/NCB plus your RB in Shady's mold although these days you can find RB's in rounds 4-6 #kareemhunt so I wouldn't overdraft for that unless its Barkley. That fills a decent amount of the needs while still needing some help but thats similar to everyone. To me the big key is who the QB is and fixing the middle of the defense which is being run/passed over badly. For the record I have zero clue if the needs I have filled or happen its just best case hypothetical bs...

I understand your rational and partially agree. When things are bad or teams are bad its hard to see the positives that you can build with moving forward though. Your right a QB cannot do it all himself although I would also argue he can do a lot to carry a team and elevate the play of those around him. Looking at the Bills objectively I see the following strengths and weaknesses on each side: Offense Strength: Interior O Line (Dawkins, Wood, Incognito), TE (Clay/O'Leary/Thomas), RB (for now as long as McCoy is healthy and here) Offensive Weakness: QB, O Line Tackles (Unless Glenn magically is healthy all season) , WR (although if Benjamin is decent and Zay keeps improving then they just need a WR#2) Defensive Strength: White at CB, Poyer/Hyde SAF Weakness: DT, DE depth, Depth at CB after White, the entire LB core. Realistically they probably fill about half of those needs in the offseason. Lets say in draft they get the new QB, DT, LB, and a new LT/RT that helps decently to plug some big holes. FA perhaps they hit on another guy or two that helps at CB and LB things don't look too bad and they look similar to other rising teams. Almost every team has holes regardless of how good the key is the Bills filling those and finding the right QB. Now whether they will get this right? That is the million dollar question and I would say this offseason is paramount to how successful McDerment and Beane are long term.

I do believe in some way their is probably a racial bias that exists in regards to QB. That said this is not in anyway a case where race was a factor. Tyrod had the keys for two and half years to drive this ship and didn''t do enough. He isn't a bad QB and in the right system he would have success. BUT most coaches, GM's, etc... want a pocket passer that is accurate and can hit tight windows across the middle with a fast release now that defenses are faster then ever. Tyrod is not a pocket passer despite Roman and Dennisons effort, his release is one of the slowest in football, and he only sometimes hits his windows. For what most coaches, GMs, etc.. want what he has done isn't enough. Great we might go to the playoffs with him and then what. After years of listening Mike Schopp to me is one of the worst sports analysts I've heard, he lacks original thought, and in general just seems like an awful person to be around in general. The guy thrives on stuff like this so I am not surprised it became a topic. If he wants to the the QB and race discussion it actually would be a good discussion to have, but in support of Tyrod is just asinine. And for the record I was a massive supporter for Tyrod from the day we got him and frankly thought the last two seasons he has got a semi raw deal thanks to coach/GM. That said make your plays or your toast dude. The morning guys I find at points very compelling and interesting. Schopp & the Bulldog sound the same and generic now as they did back in 2005 when I was listening. Just zero growth or evolution the only thing that is remotely cool is when they do a draft of some form and even those may be a bit played out now.

I understand your frustration with the Bills if this move backfires and Peterman flames out. However I have to disagree with you in regards to the coach being a bad coach and the decision being wrong. Outside of the Bilsl going 12-4 and winning the SB Tyrod was basically here for this year and next year we were having a new QB no matter what. I do agree that he hasn't been the best fit in the offensive system they run but he also has been very tentative this season to even throw when he does have time. JW at WGR550 made a great point that on a free down due to a penalty in the Jets game Tyrod just threw the ball out of bounds rather then trying something remotely risky. He is what he is which is a bit above average QB who will get you to the playoffs with a good team and system. This is an insanely bold move by the Bills but I respect the effort and thought because they are going for broke not settling. Honestly the last time I remember anything close to a move this seismic was Johnson for Flutie. You have to give them credit at least for not sticking with the same old as they have the last few years and trying to improve at QB despite having a stable option. Yes this can a 100% explode back at them and if it does they will deserve the flack especially if the locker room shows a lack of effort in response. But teams have figured out Tyrod and having them say "we wanted to make him a QB" is not the type of pharses you want to hear and the offense only getting the ball for 18 mins and going 3 and out hurts an already fragile D-Unit. Like I said this absolutely could explode, but I wouldn't judge this either as the end all be all for McD yet. If it does work it will be fun, we maybe make the playoffs and perhaps even have a QB that has a true chance. If it doesn't we get a new QB next year and McD/Beane really go under the microscope.

The one thing I walked out of the stadium thinking after the Saints game was even if the Bills make the playoffs I hope Tyrod is gone after this season and we draft someone new. My great fear is they make the playoffs and say Tyrod is enough and don't pull the trigger even on a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I am generally in this camp. Where we are right now reminds me of after the Carolina game where the offense was just as putrid and then they got their sh*t together a bit. I understand peoples concerns on their edge rushes but their run D is rated like 3rd worst and I think that helps to neutralize them a bit. Also Tyrod's best game I've seen as a pro from him was that Broncos game after Carolina and Denver's pass rushers were just as fierce. So will see.

I wished the Bills resigned Woods. I loved him as a blocker in the run game, thought he had a great work ethic, and he was a solid #2 WR to have. Strangely I miss him more then Sammy even though Sammy was better on deep routes which we need more for TY.

Actually the question was posed because if you look at the stadium wall its as bleak all over as a team that is 0-9. I generally just was wondering others thought process because once the seasons is over in my eyes I may watch a little to pass the time but I'm done on here in regards to the team unless it has to due with the draft, FA, or the schedule.

Haha I hear that. For Rex's two years I went to the Patriots game expecting a win because of the following reasons: -Rex has beaten the Pats -It was our time -It has been 5 (then 6 ) years we are due for another win at home -2015 the defense and offense is well balanced they aren't ready for us -2016 well they won four in in a row and Miami was just a bad game we are ready to rebound So yeaaaa my logic come gametime was gone. This season I am not going to the Pats game in Buffalo lol

My question basically stems to this: After the last two weeks a lot of people have written the team off, some want Tyrod thrown into a volcano never to be seen again, others the coaching staff, and in general see absolutely no hope and have stated as much. Some are so down on the team they don't even care if the team makes the playoffs if they were to get smoked in the game. So I sincerely ask why do you still comment and care? After the last two weeks I know things are pretty bleak right now but I am not writing off the game nor season until it happens. I am not saying either I don't think the Bills are flawed and have issues but I will at least want to see that happen rather then assume it and that is with 17 years of proof otherwise. I think if they make the playoffs it's still great even if they get beaten pretty badly because of the weight lifted off the franchise. To me being a fan comes down to going through the dark times (and yea they have been reallyyyy dark here) so when the good days do arrive it is that much more full filling of a feeling. I am not sure how many of you are or are not Sabre fans but the 05-06 season was my favorite because for those of us who went through the down seasons and bankruptcy it was the greatest surprise you could ever have expected as a fan. Unfortunately being 29 I have only a few sparse Bills playoff memories and good one's in general. So again if your someone who has written the season and Chargers game off already or would rather the team just tank's to 5-11 I ask in general curiousness why do you still keep cheering, comment, or care in anyway?

Yes because the only way to get a franchise QB is to have a record in the Top 10.

Sorry but this is just stupid. Making the playoffs is making the playoffs it removes an enormous weight off the franchise the moment it happens and you and everyone else on here would find a way to get excited because that is what we do as fans. Had the drought have been broken even five years ago the focus of the franchise would've been far better at the big picture and there is no denying that the drought has forced the Bills to rush and make decision in the name of breaking the streak not building to win it all.

Glass Half Full: They still are in playoff position, the D up until the previous two games was doing quite well against the run and stopping teams in the redzone, and the offense I think still can improve with Benjamin here Clay healthy and more time to gel. Plus at points this season Tyrod has played better then I have seen yet. Glass Half Empty: Run defense has been gnashed two straight weeks, tackling has went from being sound to a tire fire, they have lose two winnable games to Cincy/Jets that now give zero room for error, the offense has been out of sync badly the last two weeks, and in general the way they laid down against the Jets/Saints and showed no amount of fight and heart is incredibly concerning. Additionally Taylor against the Saints was a tire fire of epic levels that is hard to come back from. Whats Next? Well this game is pretty much it for playoff chances. Win and things still look favorable with Colts and Phins at home and a late road date in Miami who shouldn't be playing for much. Most importantly it gives the team some confidence which it seems to have really lost since the Matthews fumble in that Jets game. Lose and the idea of going 6-10 looks quite ominous, makes you pause on how much progress really had been made this year, and conjures up every memory of the last 17 years with a soul killing slide out of playoff position.

So I do know that LA actually has permission from the NFL that 20k in seats are not used. So if you watched the game yesterday you shouldve seen the top half empty on purpose because those are in the 20k not being sold. Not in complete defense of LA because I do think the fans are fair weather as heck, but they had major issues last year with the stadium in terms of concourse being over crowded, bathrooms over crowded and flowing, vendors running out of water etc... I do think that played a major role in why they limited the seats to 70k instead of 90k. That said I think even they knew 90k is hard in that market but will never admit to it.

Agreed. There is a reason why after 4th/5th grade kids stop playing soccer. They shift to Basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, or football. The US is far more diversified in terms of sports compared to other nations and our investment in the top 4 sports of Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Hockey is far greater than any other nation in terms of how far you can go with college and even the pro's. If you don't think kids look at those sports as far more lucrative both star and money wise compared to the soccer and your wrong. I can straight up tell you that I will try to have my child gravitate more towards Hockey, Football, Basketball, or an endurance sport like Swimming/Running before I have them go near soccer. It isn't a bad sport but I would rather they play one of those or start a rock band before soccer.

Your really missing the point here. A lot of people including myself find it utterly insane with the imbalance in suspensions across the board and after a while having your players routinely in the news for DV is really bad for your league. If your about to truly argue for a guy like Hardy just because court didn't find him guilty despite the pictures and numerous reports of multiple occasions idk what to tell ya bud.

The Brickwood at least for the night games has been very good to watch a game at. not sure about others I've always wanted to check around to see what other bars are like

The fact Josh Gordon is suspended seasons for weed yet Josh Brown is suspended only 6 games Greg Hardy 1. Probably should've clarified this better but my point is the DV suspensions at points are laughable in terms of harshness but Brady was suspended more for some semi deflated footballs.

I don't think football will ever go away just simply because kids in the innercity look at it as vehicle out of bad situations into good and football hotbeds like Florida Texas & California see no slowly. I think you will see though soon no tackling until at minimum 8th grade and all youth leagues switching to flag football styles. I do think though football will probably plateau and have a dip like we are seeing. They killed the golden goose over the last 5 years between denying concussions, domestic violence suspensions that make zero sense, and player issues in general that they have allowed to the forefront. I think like MLB football will be popular and years when you have new exciting teams like the Astros or historic teams like the Cubs winning it will get more attention and boon. But years like this where soo much talent is injured and up top it still looks like a lot of the same teams people will tire and not care as much.

Espn gave them a show, Ponder tweeted that she was disappointed they gave them a show and screen shotted some nasty sexist stuff they said about her 3 years ago. Then they tried to take her down by digging through her tweets and found some interesting stuff from 7 years ago. She then apologized but her and Sarah Spain got espn to cancel the Barstool show after 1 episode. Then they found more old tweets from Ponder and also from Spain that were nasty toward fellow female sports journalists and the hypocrisy meter was in overdrive. I follow some barstool stuff and after seeing the episode I honestly didn't think it was anything bad compared to what they do on their site and in general for a 1 am show I thought it was pretty decent. I think they were better off hiring the two guys from barstool as "associates" and that would've severed the barstool ties content wise. I get the move on ESPN's part because Barstool can be quite crude in certain ways, but then why did you sign up in the first place.

Yea same when we went last year. Stadium was 60% full half Bills fans right up until Ajayi had that big TD run. Then It filled up to about 85% capacity their fans actually cheered and I got very sad as we blew a 10 pt lead. I actually thought while the stadium is nice and the upgrades look good the concourse is frankly not as nice as the Ralph. Just my .02's

Only been out of two to Miami and both times felt like a partial Bills home game with how many of our fans travel there. The Miami fans were actually really fun to hang with also though. Tailgating in November with Palm Tree's and 70 degree weather was a nice change to say the least. My wife went to the new Jets stadium when it opened and the fans she said were actually just boring in general nothing bad or good, probably the coolest thing was the fans throw paper airplanes all game haha. Worst thing I have seen at the Ralph was the Ravens game in 2013. In the mens room two Ravens fans were leaving the stall and one of our dumb@ss fans knocked their beer out for no reason. I went over and gave them money for new beer which the mens room cheered for and booed our idiot, but still zero reason to literally knock someones drink in the bathroom no less just for wearing the wrong colors. I hated how it made us look. Worst travel experience in general: Poland in 2016. Unknowing had some cheese that was unpasteurized for dinner (they dont do the same with dairy over there) the wife and I got food poisoning and were sick with everything coming out all night into morning. Had to go to Auschwitz that morning for the tour we had scheduled and we were still partially sick.