HT02

Agreed No he's not for the reasons I explained

I know its a fine point but what I am saying is that Fitz's limited physical skills require him to make lower percentage throws because that is the best option available to him. To not make them would likely result in a lot of 3 and outs or late in the game 4 and outs. (aka Trent Edwards). He's not a stupid guy who doesn't understand the risks, he is in fact a very smart guy who rolls the dice and goes with the highest percentage for victory given his abilities. Which unfortunately are not very good and the reason he shouldn't be a starting QB. It's not that he's not clutch or a choker the unfortunate truth is his physical skills are not good enough to win consistently in the NFL.

I think DW is done as GM, I think the consensus around the league is the he is a good scout but over his head as a GM. Classic example of the Peter Principle.

You raise a good point but I don't think self-confidence or bad decisions are the problem. He has never come across to me as a guy who feels pressure, and we all agree that he's a pretty smart guy. The more exposure he gets the more his weaknesses are exposed. In both Buffalo and New Jersey he had a great first year with Chan Gailey being creative and taking advantage of what he does well and hiding his flaws. When he started in NJ he had new talent around him so Chan devised new ways to take advantage of what Fitz did well. Once the defenses caught up (except for Rex & Rob) he became much less effective. Same thing in game, defensive coordinators figure out what he's doing well and his limited arm strength eliminates most of the other options.

We are in agreement on most things, most importantly that neither of us would want Fitz at the helm if the season or play-offs were on the line. He's a back-up at best. The only point I have a slight disagreement with you about are the importance of arm strength and and bad decisions. I agree that players shouldn't try to do "too much" but his limited physical skills impact his options and require him to take more chances, especially late in the game and in pressure situation when defenses take away the plays he's been successful on (bubble screen ect..) and limit his options. If Fitz were to "play it safe" we could have relived the Captain Checkdown/Trent Edwards days again. I would argue that his limited physical abilities require him to be more aggressive, therefore makes more mistakes, That has less to do with clutch/choke which would again be a mental issue.

I don't the mistakes were mainly bad decisions, he takes higher risks but the bigger issue is the inability to fit the ball into tight spots or loosen up the defenses with the threat of the long ball The QB's you mentioned all have much better arms than Fitzy, they make throws that would be interceptions if thrown by him. I can think of several late and close games where Fitzpatrick made some late plays win win games just as he has lost them. Choking generally refers to a player getting uptight, afraid to lose, playing scared. I don't think that describes Fitzy.

Your lips to God's ears

I'm not a Tyrod fan (long-term anyway) but I observed the same thing last season after the change at OC the offense played pretty much as designed. Ryan & co. wanted an offense similar to 49er teams under Roman and they played pretty much at that level. The obvious problem was the defense. He's not a bad place-holder at all and the Bills could do a lot worse. In addition he seems like a really nice guy and someone who is easy to cheer for. I just don't believe he is the long term answer and I hope Bills keep looking for a real superstar QB.

I don't think it's fair to say he's a choker. He just doesn't have the physical talents (arm strength being the most obvious) to win in those big spots. Teams just start to take away the quick outs and stuff over the middle and he becomes a much easier QB to defend and makes more mistakes. Its more physical errors than the mental ones I associate with being a choker.

I thought the same thing which only proves the old adage "depth is great, until you have to use it"

I've got no issue with anything Marrone was quote on this article. Sounds like strong leadership, nothing wrong with that.

Part of the fun of sports, to each his own.

Do you consider Hehateme as embarassing?

I would love Gronk to be a Bill and he seems like a fun guy but I currently can't get past the uniform and I hate everyone in that uniform. None more than Brady of course but I do hate them all.

I agree with you but McDermott doesn't strike me as the sentimental type guy. He's all business,

I'm with you on this, bought too many others (Takeo Spikes, Bledsoe, Losman to name few) I'd never wear again. Personally I'd add Tasker, Bennett, Flutie, Moulds and Fred Jackson on that list, not because they are equal to the HOF group but just because I personally liked them) For me personally I don't like the personalized jersey. I can't say why I just don't.

Bears claim fullback Michael Burton off waivers from Lions https://sports.yahoo.com/m/c6b1219b-6a7a-328f-b4d8-d273bb30a315/bears-claim-fullback-michael.html?.tsrc=daily_mail&uh_test=2_02

Agreed 100%

Agreed you can never have enough fullbacks in today's game!

At some point you have to start winning and stop building. I can't imagine getting equal value for Watkins in a trade.

If this is true Sherman really is a moron.

I don't get this, it really reeks of biting your nose to spite your face. To read that the new front office doesn't "believe" in him is puzzling. Most people will agree that the Whaley trade was a bad one in hind sight but he is a very talented receiver on a team not blessed with a great deal of talent at his position.

Yep

agreed. the issue isn't retaining them its picking players worth retaining

Probably good news for Henderson