SirAndrew

The data for Erie County is definitely accurate from my experiences. Drinking is part of the Midwest culture, and this map shows it. I suspect this data is from a self reported survey. I see low numbers in places where it’s less socially acceptable, but from my observation plenty of binge drinking still occurs in many of those places. Just go to a country concert in Knoxville.

I absolutely agree with you, I’m just not sure if I want to find out this season with Keon Coleman or Josh Palmer as our best outside receiver.

You’re correct, Davis can do all of those things, but he’s a really good RB2 at this point. Cook is an elite offensive weapon, I don’t feel the same about Davis, although he is a talented player. I respect if you view Davis and Cook as equals, but I would disagree with that assessment. I generally agree about running backs. Davis would be just fine with an elite QB like Allen. However, I’d obviously rather have Davis and Cook. I find this position of the utmost importance to us, because I don’t like our receiving group much.

I understand that 15 million is too much for Cook, but this offense is in trouble without him. Fans become passionate about players who ask for too much money, but many of us are underestimating Cook’s value to this team. We have a roster without a legitimate outside receiver, and Cook was a force last season. This offense might struggle to function at a high level without Cook. I’m not saying we should pay him, but the loss of Cook would be concerning.

I’ve planned to visit the Football Hall of Fame multiple times, but it hasn’t worked out yet. I’d be cool with spending a couple days in Canton. They also have the McKinley presidential library and museum. I’m a history guy, and it’s the nearest presidential library to WNY. I also like the concept of the Rock and Roll Hall, but I need to get over my negative perceptions before I visit. The amount of rappers, pop stars, and country stars inducted before highly influential bands that have sold millions of records is disappointing. They’re intentionally targeting a younger audience, as opposed to actual rock history.

The idea of a guy who scored three touchdowns in the last two seasons facing a number one CB is less than encouraging news.

Exactly what I was thinking. I’m not convinced last year’s offense is a sustainable style. I don’t want to complain about something that worked, but I don’t know if we can repeat that. I also believe we’re actually less equipped at receiver than last season. We’re back to the spot before we acquired Cooper. He didn’t have big stats, but the presence of an actual receiver on the outside helped open up the offense. We don’t currently have a single outside receiver any defense will fear.

I agree, I’ve actually given up on Coleman being a number one or even two receiver. If it happens I’ll be very happy, but I don’t expect it. Samuel was strangely ineffective, and it’s changed my perception of any free agent who signs with us. I’m not as hopeful about Palmer, and I think a lot has to do with Samuel. Josh Allen being an all time great wasn’t enough to take Samuel to the next level in this system. I’m not betting on it with Palmer either. Palmer had 39 catches and one touchdown last season, with only two touchdowns the previous season. I’m not very confident with the inevitable number one or two role he’ll play next season.

Very weak WR room, and it could potentially slow our offense. There’s a reason we got Cooper last season, even if he didn’t contribute much in terms of big plays. I’m surprised no one is talking about Cook. This receiver room makes James Cook a vital player in the offense. He’s in a position that benefits his ability to negotiate. We can’t afford him not being on this roster with our lack of receivers. Cook has been a big part of the passing game, and this offense can’t afford to lose a weapon. Say what you will about paying running backs, I typically agree, but the loss of Cook would hurt with the way this roster is constructed.

You’re right, nothing is guaranteed, that’s my exact point. You don’t always add the word “hopefully” when discussing things. I don’t read that deeply into it, just saying.

I could see him thinking he might get more playing time in New England. He also seems like a free spirit hippie. In my experience, these personalities don’t like to stay in one place very long.

I understand why he said it, but it’s definitely not the type of word you’d hear at something like a wedding, even when hopefully is absolutely appropriate.

I’m not one hundred percent certain we should assume Cook is the starting running back. It seems like a major issue that has yet to be resolved.

Great, we already excel at signing subpar defensive players, then we find a couple who can’t even play.

I think Copper is aging, slow, and not what he used to be, but I’m one of the few who thinks Brady can’t scheme a downfield NFL passing game. I don’t think we know how to use that type of player. See above. I think you have a valid point.