ChasBB

yeah, I have to rank the '71 & '72 teams as the worst of all time for Buffalo.

Yeah, you're probably right. It's just that I never really heard any negative feedback on Brown. Seems like he was accurate in practice and so on. However, the coaches should know -- they are there. They probably did realize fairly soon that Brown wasn't going to step right into the role. But it all just kind of happened w/o any communication. One day Gailey says 4 can compete for the job and next thing you know he says 3 can compete for the job and never any discussion as to why. I guess "why" in this case is fairly obvious and so maybe Gailey didn't feel the need to state the obvious. Who knows.

I also find it interesting that Levi Brown has become an afterthought. When he was drafted, Gailey said in interviews that all 4 QB's could compete for the job -- that it was wide open. Now, Gailey is saying something different. Brown probably SHOULD hold a clipboard this year and pick things up slowly, so I really don't have a big problem with this direction, but it does indeed contrast what Gaily said in earlier interviews.

You and Dean are probably correct. I just want to see that big year from him. Maybe this will be the year. I like Evans -- I really do -- I just want to see more production there.

Edwards is 26, Fitzpatrick is 27, so I don't see age as even being a factor here -- for all intents and purposes pretty much the same age. I'll withhold my judgment of all QB's on the roster until I see them in Gailey's offense during some preseason games. Until then, I'm going to give them ALL the benefit of the doubt that they may be capable QB's in the right offense.

I would tend to agree. Take a guy like Huggins -- 4.4 speed, 6'2", seems to have great hands and has made some nice grabs in practices. Here's a guy -- much like Steve Johnson -- who IMO has suffered from coaches who couldn't/wouldn't utilize his potential. I think the young talent on this team merely needs a CHANCE to showcase themselves -- something the past coaching staff didn't do. I would not be at all surprised to see Huggins make the cut instead of Hardy.

One thing that I find interesting about Chan's current situation is that, unlike when he joined the Cowboys, this time he had the opportunity to bring in a COMPLETE new coaching staff. When he took over as HC at Dallas, Dave Campo was already there as the DC and was well-respected. Therefore, Chan didn't really have an opportunity to put his own stamp on both sides of the ball (and not suggesting that he necessarily should have in that particular case). However, in Buffalo, he had full control to bring in a complete staff. This entire staff has Chan Gailey's stamp of approval on it. I just find it interesting because this is really Chan's first opportunity in the NFL ranks to exert this much power and control. By all appearances, he has selected some excellent coaches -- especially Edwards as DC. If nothing else, this is going to be a very interesting season. Edit: Gailey also had to deal with a QB (Aikman) who resented the new coach changing the whole playbook. He doesn't have to deal with that here (of course would be nice to have Aikman's talent on hand).

I think you definitely nailed Fitz's strengths. I think Gailey is telling the truth when he says "It's close". I think it really is more 33-33-33-1 (1 appears to be Brown).

I'd like to know what happened to the discussion of Levi Brown. I recall early interviews with Gailey where he stated Brown would be able to compete for the spot. However, in recent interviews, his name no longer comes up. Now, before I get flamed, I'm NOT suggesting that there is anything wrong with omitting Brown from the competition. We've got 2 guys with significant game experience and another guy who's been in the league a couple of years, but with very limited game experience, and then you have a rookie. Obviously, unless the rookie is Jim Kelly, the guy has to take a seat. I just find it curious how Gailey went from saying that Brown would have a shot to Brown now being an afterthought. Again, I'm not suggesting that 4 QB's share reps in training camp and it really does make sense that Brown pick things up slowly and take a back seat for a year or two, but just find it interesting how what was said a couple of months ago no longer seems to apply -- that's all.

Anyone know how the hell the Boston Bruins got the 2nd pick in the NHL draft? Had they traded for the pick with some team? I'm never so sure how all that works in hockey because they have that lottery system.

I agree. Evans is a lock for 2010. But he's GOT to start to put up some serious numbers. He IS untouchable (THIS year).

Despite Gailey saying he'll keep 5 on the roster. I think he'll ultimately keep 6. Here's my guess at the 6 roster spots: Roster: Lee Evans, Steve Johnson, Marcus Easley, Felton Huggins, Chad Jackson, David Nelson Practice Squad: Naaman Roosevelt Gone: Roscoe Parrish, James Hardy, Donald Jones

You asked me if I really meant "talent". That was my way of saying yes -- I intended to use the word "talent". I'll give you that anyone who is on a roster at the NFL level has talent. However, there are still degrees of talent. With that said, I think the Bills have a higher degree of young (yes, unproven) talent at WR than they've had in recent past years. Yes, I follow the team every day. I watch all the videos, read all the stories. I've followed this team closely for 40 years now. You are right -- no one has proven a thing. Evans is the only proven wideout. But there are some good guys who have been around for a couple of years now and are ready to breakout given the opportunity -- namely Steve Johnson. Even Huggins has looked good. But looking good at the OTA's doesn't mean a whole lot. I just have a high degree of confidence in the young WR's. I think Nix has an eye for talent which is why I believe the Bills' rookie talent could really prove to be something. I also think talent won't be squandered in Gailey's system. Only time will tell. Evans is safe for this year, but he really needs to have a strong 2010 season. You can make excuses for his past (relative) lack of production -- poor coaching, poor OL, etc -- and much of that is legitimate. But Evans really needs to have a big year -- a 1000 yard season (or reasonably close to that). Evans is safe this year, but unless he really starts to produce, I wouldn't consider him a lock in 2011.

You missed my point. I have no issue with him helping the younger guys. A veteran guy who is a team player SHOULD help the younger guys out. The point I was ATTEMPTING to make (but apparently failed at) was Evans considers himself untouchable. And, to a degree, he's correct. His experience alone gives him the edge over the rest of the gang. HOWEVER, he can't rest on his laurels, so to say. He may get half-way though training camp and realize that his status as the #1 wideout could be in jeopardy. Am I saying this will happen? No. I'm only saying that I think the Bills have some genuine talent at WR that COULD really develop. We won't know until preseason. I'm only saying Evans needs to work hard and EARN his right to continue to proclaim himself as the #1 wideout. At this time, until proven otherwise, he IS the #1 wideout, but keep an eye on this group of WR's -- may very well be some competition to Evans.

I would not call Evans the weakest of the bunch, but I agree that if he thinks he's guaranteed a roster spot, he'd better think again. If some of the younger guys really step it up during training camp and the preseason, Evans could be trade bait. I don't think this will happen. I think the Bills will retain Evans because of his experience and because he's a very good receiver. However, I kind of laugh when I see these interviews with Evans where he's sort of smug with his experience and how he's helping the younger guys out. Evans better focus on keeping his own job because the competition in training camp will be fierce. Also, I bet the Bills end up keeping 6 WR on the roster. Gailey probably said 5 to make them compete even harder.

Is there a difference? Can someone with no talent have potential?

In press conference, Gailey says likely to keep 5 WR on roster. This will have to be one of the most difficult decisions to make as there is definitely a lot of talent at WR. It's hard to pick 5 of the following 10 players and say "see ya": Lee Evans Roscoe Parrish Steve Johnson James Hardy Felton Huggins Chad Jackson Marcus Easley Naaman Roosevelt David Nelson Donald Jones

I'm reserving judgment on ALL of our quarterbacks until each has played some preseason games. Until then, what's the point?! ALL of our QBs are still relatively young. All have had to learn different offenses the past few years. I want to see what EACH one of them can do in CHAN GAILEY'S offense during the preseason BEFORE I toss ANY of them aside. If all of you still have your same leanings come late August, then post away. Until then, let the guys compete in this new offense for cryin' out loud. The OTA's are no place to establish your depth chart.

Agree. I also think the guy will end up being the steal of the draft. Only time will tell.

Agree. The team does need Lynch. Yes, we do have some good guys in the backfield, but you can't have enough good players around. Lynch is part of the mix. The team needs him. I'm glad he's back.

+1. The Jets get far too much positive hype. They were lucky to even make the playoffs last year. Sure, they kind of pulled it together when it counted and made a nice playoff run, but that is NOT a dominant team. Also, I do not think they are well-coached -- I think the guy is a meathead. Plus, the then-lowly Bills even beat them last year on their own turf. Screw the Jets. They'll be cellar-dwellers this season.

What I'm sick of more than the Lynch drama is the lazy media. This story dated 6/10 (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/report/BUF/13507483 offers NO new insights. It merely re-hashes quotes that are a week old. You see this all the time. At least half (speculation) the stories posted merely re-hash things that have been said in past interviews and stories from long ago. If someone wants to write a story, then track Lynch down and get a quote. I know, no one has the budget for this type of sports journalism.

Bottom line is this is a Team sport. For a Team to be effective, everyone must be in sync and understand their role as it pertains to the entire unit's objective. You just can't do that working out on your own schedule. Everyone needs to be on hand.

Good grief -- 55% death tax after this year. Government is out of control.

That's the key line right there -- "was never activated". That's why he is listed as a 2nd-year guy instead of a 3rd-year guy. But I agree with you -- he should be considered to have more experience and thus more should be expected from him.