BuffaloBillyG

Didn't see the presser so not sure of the context...but I'm taking it he'll be weirdly sick and unable to go to work...because he'll be at the Swift concert. Perhaps even trying to get her to try Room 40.

I don't hate it. It would bring some excitement back to the kickoff and do so in a safer manner. It's better than the stuff we get now. Kickoff. Touchback. On the rare occasion ball is returned... penalty. The shorter run up would likely reduce penalty flags thrown as well. Problem I have seeing it implemented is two fold. First, this comes from Florio and I personally don't take anything he says at face value. Wouldn't shock me if this isn't even being discussed. Second, it would require the NFL to acknowledge that the XFL had a smarter idea. I don't see them doing that. They will come up with something based off this idea with a few tweeks that make it worse. IMO.

I'm no OL expert but I can say this. Beane has said in the past that they view Bates as someone that could "get you out of a game at RT of needed". Not a ringing endorsement for a long term stint, however he could be used if needed in a pinch. I view it kind of like Hyde being the emergency QB. I do know I have read some say his arms are a bit short to hold down the position. With the shorter arms and not really any elite traits to make up for it he would likely struggle to keep engaged on the guy he's tasked to block.

This is what worried me about Brown more than if he would take a step forward or not. Back problems for guys that big are often reoccurring. Hopefully, Shell or Doyle can step in if Brown misses time...but Spencer being healthy and taking steps forward is the hope.

You know, guys. I'm starting to think this Kincaid kid may make the roster.

With it sounding like Tre is back to being a force at CB1, I have no issues with Dane starting the season at CB2 as long as he WINS it as opposed to Elam LOSING it.

I think Shane Ray is making a path to make this final 53. Can't wait to see him play some preseason snaps. I think we may have stumbled onto a player that is hungry with a lot to prove...and being here with his friend Von is going to help as well.

"Take one for the sake of taking one" is what brings you guys like Jack Anderson. Tommy Doyle. Even a Spencer Brown. So no, I wouldn't feel better with just some random prospect that may have been taken way too high from where the team had them graded just to get one. You also do realize that there is football next year too right? That maybe the Bills see longer term potential in a guy like Williams. Perhaps he isn't ready to be the MLB today...but next year could be an entirely different story. Giving the kid a year to learn and get experience on ST, maybe a few snaps on defense here and there is a solid strategy when you want to develop talent.

Which one? Not which position...which player that was available at that pick should have been taken? Or just take one for the sake of taking one?

I'll actually take it a step further. I think there is a very real chance that at the end of the year he has more catches and yards than Knox. Nothing against Knox, either...he will still get his. Josh loves using his slot guys and that's where Kincaid will be.

If you give it to me I'll treat you to dinner at Room 40...I hear it's spectacular

Actually, history says the exact opposite. Especially when it comes to the early round picks. Allen Edmunds Dion Dawkins Zay Jones Tre White Ed Oliver Cody Ford Spencer Brown Groot All early picks that started or played significant snaps. You could throw in guys like Elam (who played a lot) Benford and a few others from over the years as well. I think the issue comes in where the rookies the fans want to see on the field more (Shakir last year is an example) aren't playing that fans start to form the opinion that McDermott doesn't play rookies.

Yes, I definitely see it as a better guy will start situation. I can also see the thought process of starting Torrence out slowly as well. In my view, I want to see Torrence against the Jets. This is a guy who didn't give up a single sack in his college career. Didn't have a penalty charged to him at all last year. However, this is the NFL now and I can promise he will have some growing pains. There are too many great players to keep that pace. I am curious (and I'm certain McDermott is as well) how he handles giving up a sack. Does it shake his confidence or does he rise up. Starting him week 1 against one of the most aggressive front 7s in the NFL (if he is the better player)answers a lot of those questions.

I believe this sums up the last 7 pages of debate fairly well.

Yes. I have him firmly in the "Top 5 Bills All-Time Named OJ list".

You may very well be right. However here are some counter points to consider as well. - McDermott started a 6th round rookie CB against the Rams in the Thursday opening game last year. A Rams team that at the time was thought to have an amazing passing offense and were celebrating a Super Bowl Title. Now, I concede that part of that was due to necessity with Tre not being back, but the point is he isn't afraid to roll with a rook in a big spot. -Does Bates lining up against QWill bring you comfort? It doesn't to me. I expect that game to get very physical very fast. That's not Bates's game. Give me the guy with the nasty to dish it back. -In any event, they can't shield Torrence because it's a big spot. What happens 2 plays into the game if Morse or Bates roll an ankle and Torrence has to go in? Gotta have him prepped either way. -This team is pushing for a Super Bowl. Having Torrence in that game, against that defense and in that spot is an excellent measuring stick for what we have in him. There is no Bowling Green on an NFL schedule. Every game is a fight. Bottom line is if Torrence isn't starting week 1 it's going to be because he didn't win the spot outright in camp. I don't think for one second McDermott will have him ride pine week one because he's a rookie in a big opening game. If he's one of the 5 best...he'll play.

McDermott was not at practice. Stefon Diggs is reportedly "Very concerned".

Hackett probably has his finer points and is an asset. I'm sure some will joke about his coffee making skills but I would think to last this long in the NFL he's gotta bring something to the table. We know it's not play design or game flow. Maybe he's really good at breaking down film or working with the mechanics of certain position groups. But he does seem to land in places that have some success. That said my view of him is he's likely the kind of coach that does well with limited duties and is a decent OC under an offensive minded coach that handles the playcalls. He's not going to be getting the same guidance and help from Saleh on that side of the ball that he had im Green Bay.

What if...and hear me out...what if Cam Lewis actually IMPROVED from last year and earned a spot? Why hold such a grudge over that 1 play? Do you hold the same hard feelings for Hyde, Poyer and White who did the same thing with Hail Murray? There were about 4 plays that cost the Bills that Vikings game. Josh handles the snap in the end zone and Lewis not knocking it down is a footnote.

Big advantage for the Colts there, then. They will have their Josh Allen, we end up with a "Kyle" Allen.

I'm scared of this game. Rumor has it the Colts drafted a strong armed mobile QB that's supposed to be the next Josh Allen.

If the Bills had wanted to keep Marlowe last year that bad they would have found a way. His contract wasn't exactly a record setter. They chose to go with the younger guy that had more upside, which is understandable when both your starters at the position are over 30. Incidentally, I believe they would be able to place Marlowe on the PS and would likely have an easier time slipping him onto it than Hamlin. Make no mistake however, if Hamlin is cut he will end up just fine. There is almost zero doubt in my mind he ends up as a depth player somewhere.And that is on talent, not pity. As a matter of fact the least shocking development in the world would be him ending up with the Steelers. That said, Marlowe is on guy on the downside of his career that contributes on ST, which new rules have made that less important. He will have to beat Hamlin out at S and I just don't see that happening.

Right now there are 3 safeties ahead of him. Poyer, Hyde, Rapp are locks I believe. Hamlin would be the fourth guy and I personally don't see anyone beating him out skillwise as long as his health and mental well being are back in line He's still a young guy, on a rookie deal who I felt got better as the season went along. This whole conversation from Patrick is meant to get attention. This is a Cowherd level topic. Frankly I kinda find it classless to speculate on it and even say "you gotta keep him even if he doesn't earn it".

Same, though no telling how he would have turned out had he not followed the Sammy Watkins career path. Hate to see guys with so much promise not live up to what could have been after injuries.

I hear team West Herr is looking for a new salesman.