Matt in KC

I'd say: Tuel isn't actively being considered for a starting position, because Kolb is an NFL Veteran and EJ is a 1st round pick, and there are limited snaps to go around before the games count. But you're not far off. It's just not outrageous. The better Tuel plays, the opportunities there will be for him.

So the only place we differ is coverage, where I rank McGee higher than Clements. You may be right, depending on how you look at it. Clements was more consistent during his time with the team. McGee was very good in man coverage and not nearly as good in the zone he was asked to play (i.e. way off the ball). I judged him higher because I think he had more skill, even if he was asked to play in a weaker scheme. And, I don't count his playing hurt against him, because it helped the team at the cost of his health.

I concur on all of these points, including your rankings. What do you think of JR in Pittsburgh's content in his previous post, including his rankings? (Arguing about how to argue on the board isn't really fun for anyone. Take the high road and turn the convo back to the content.)

That's what I remember. There was always more space between Clements and his man that between Winfield and his. Clements was always higher risk/high reward for the INTs. I sometimes thought he was baiting QBs to throw to his guy. From my memory, McGee was as good at making a play on the ball as Clements, but would showboat less. Winfield would often choose to just bat down passes when I thought he had a chance to catch them (or drop an attempt to catch). And, though I'm defending McGee in this thread (from people saying "very good" CB was drastically over-rating him), Winfield was a much better CB. I think Clements was also a better CB than McGee, but not by that much. That said, I'd rather a handful of "McGees" on my team.

Great story! I love hearing about players using their power for good. (Truth, justice and the American way!)

Thanks for the info on Da'Rick. He'd better keep working his arse off if he wants to make the team. I'm glad to hear he's getting open, but wonder why he's not being targeted more.

It looks like another practice without WR Rogers being mentioned in any notes. He was tearing it up at the start of camp but has been completely cold/quiet for the last week or so. Anyone know what's going on? Changing gears, but in the same vein, I'm starting to wonder if CB Justin Rogers is really going to come back.... I heard he returned to practice, but haven't heard him mentioned. I'm curious if he makes the cut. Astro, did you notice either Rogers?

Thanks! ...and bump!

Don't forget to take back off LB Westerman!

Top 50 All-Time Bills, No. 49: CB/KR Terrence McGee "Very good" and "pro-bowl caliber" were the comments that made you think he was dramatically over-rated by most Bills fans? From the link: I know we're debating his CB play and the last 5 are for returns, but still, I thought I'd leave those in, since he deserves recognition.

This move isn't Caussin much concern...

I would have said we kept Dareus, Williams, Troup and Branch. Reading that, I now think we might keep Dareus, Williams, and Troup OR Branch. I've seen and read very little, but my take is Troup is performing better and is less expensive.

So, how highly do you think he was rated by most Bills fans? I never heard much stronger than "very good" or "best on the team", which I think were both true when he was healthy.

Yup, you're a wuss. ...and maybe a troll. No way has Kyle Williams "hung around too long," and neither did Aaron Schobel, who had 10 sacks his final year with us (2009). The next year, no Bill had more than 3.5 sacks (Kelsay)... except Kyle Williams who had 5.5 from the DT position! That said, I was frustrated with Kelsay too, especailly when he didn't contain his side. But, I was madder at the front office for not scouting and coaching better. Also, I didn't hear the interview, so who knows. I'd be interested in a second opinion.

This is how I see it too. Also, McGee was a very good man coverage playmaker. His game (and all of the Bills defense) really suffered when the Bills put him almost exclusively zone coverages. The guy toughed it out and took a pay cut to stay with the team. I don't understand faulting him or bashing him because his body was giving out.

I think it's a period you agree not to debate anything....

That's kind of personal....

Excellent post! Thanks for the thoughts. (That said, I think you meant paramount, not tantamount. )

Well, if the Bills scouting Dept really knew, wasn't it stupid of the Bills not to draft him?

Oh, I agree. We need a vet on the roster, but I'd be thrilled if EJ and Tuel got us through the season and earned valuable experience. They are our future, not Kolb. Here's my whole thought on the subject, meant to be tongue-in-cheek. The "trade Kolb" sentiment is just an expression of my rookie fever, and not a good idea.

Offense: Emerging Defense: Re-ignited Special teams: Aggressive

Initial tweets = likely not serious.

Did anyone else feel like the camera work was way off? (And I don't just mean the in-game interviews that drive me nuts.) I kept wanting them to zoom out so I could see more of the field and players. Ron Brooks - He strikes me as a high risk/high reward player that will make a big play or two a game, but also get burned periodically. BUT, he is essentially a rookie, and I expect him to keep getting better and better for awhile, which is exciting. The game was closer than the score - Both teams were missing starters, and they played each other pretty evenly. Second half scores in PS have little bearing on the likely success of the team. (That said, they still looked well-coached.) The game was more lopsided than the score - WTF was up with the officiating? * Fred Jackson had Sheppard all over him during the incompletion that would have been a TD (or a 1st). How was that not PI or defensive holding? * The Tuel "fumble"/TD was a joke. You could see him arm moving forward and the defender actually hit the front of his arm. *The Colts first down at the 50 wasn't even close and defintely would have been overturned by a real review during the season (though I think they decided not to overturn anything in preseason). This lead to a Colt FG 5 plays later. These 3 plays made a 14 point difference for the Colts Counter-balance: The Rolle INT/TD was a similar odd call the other direction. He looked to be clearly down by contact. But, after more thought... The refs have been really watching the receivers fall and maintain control through the whole catch. If he dropped the ball after sliding on the ground they would have called it incomplete instead of an INT, so I guess it's fair that he can't be touched until then if he doesn't officially have possession yet. EJ Manuel - I'm thrilled with the results, obviously. Most of my criticisms were of things that I expect will come together as he gets comfortable and settles in. Running Backs CJ - Looks ready to go! Fred Jackson - looked sluggish to me. I hope he "wakes up" as we hit the season. I like his versatility and leadership, but his play didn't have any spark. Tashard Choice - meh... Gaskins - I know he had a great scrimmage, but he did not impress me at all. That said, I like him as much as Choice, and would rather keep him. I have rookie fever. I'd be okay with trading Kolb for draft pick, even a low one. That said, I do think it's crazy going into the season without a veteran on call. This is kind of like burning the lifeboats to tell the crew you're confident you can plug the leaks. That said, if Tuel ever starts, I will slam the front office if there is no one else behind him. The FO is supposed to have gotten their rookie fever shots before the season!

It's worth ignoring a winning challenge in preseason to find out who the whiners on the team are. I'm sure Morrone just wanted to see who'd get distracted by it. Or the new coaching staff is still working out the kinks too.... I would like them to challenge aggressively and get game-ready just like the players. Was there no post-game Q&A on this? (I didn't watch/listen.)

Thanks so much. I can't wait to watch this D! And the offense actually having time to spare is a nice change. I hope to see the Pats D panting and doubling over in the second half of the opener. I live in KC now, so today's game will be my first peek this year.