Matt in KC

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3517219 So they can't confirm the reinstatement, but can say they'll be prepared to act by 1PM on Monday...

I don't think Crowell is worth top dollar, at least not how he played last year (often running right past the ball carrier to go fill his gap) . But he seems to still be getting a better, but is starting to plateau IMO. I'm interested to see if he stays healthy and how he's performing at the end of the year. If he's still improving at stops making "rookie mistakes" then I think we should re-sign him. After all, it may be hard for us to find a replacement with one of the last picks in the 2009 draft.

The preseason games are definitely the best time for the fans to gauge players' performance because they're structured in a format we're used to and recorded broadcast. I think the games themselves are a relatively small portion of what the coaches use to pass judgement, though they likely often confirm suspicions (e.g. a player's footwark isn't good enough to defeat an opponent going all-out). So, we're suprised at the cuts, but I think the coaches and players rarely are. The final cuts likely are heavy with politics among the position coaches. Still, all this said, every year there is a cut (or two) I don't understand.

Yup, I really enjoy watching the preseason games, though it's a different experience than the regular season. In preseason I tend to identify with the coaches and front office the most, developing my limited ability to understand and judge different positions, deciding for myself who i'd keep or cut; who has raw talent that might improve with a little time in the league and who i fear may never "get it". In the regular season I definitely identify more with the players, loving it when they stomp the competition, and really feeling it when we get manhandled. I too record and love to re-watch the preseason games to focus on different positions. But, much like my old habit of reading the entire NY Times, this is a luxury my schedule (w young child) seldom allows unless I'm battling insomnia.

Oh yeah, I remember that, but no Spidey "skin"...

I don't remember Bennett wearing those, just Talley. Are you sure he did?

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6312 That sure doesn't sound good. I really would have liked to have seen the word "precautionary" somewhere in that sentence....

I found this: http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=149&f=1764&t=1186834

I personally think Kelsay has played better than his numbers suggest. In passing situations the last two years, the Bills would often line up Denny next to Kelsay for the pass rush. In many (half?) of these cases it looks like Kelsay has responsibility for containment to his side as Denny rushes the QB on the inside. Two of the Bills defensive highlights last season came from Kelsay, getting his hands up and deflecting Romo's pass for an INT / TD, then on a nearly identical play a few weeks later (Dolphins? Jets?) having the opposing QB decide not to throw the ball and take the sack/safety.

Yes, the core of our linebacking corps looks good. Hopefully during the year, we never have to refer to it as a linebacking corpse. Mitchell looks like a great addition, and of course I'm thrilled to have Poz back. It's hard to imagine we'll be nearly as weak up the middle this year, especially w Stroud helping clog the runs. Yeah, I'm psyched!

This is rough on the Colts. Can you imagine Kyle Williams, Ko Simpson or Trent Edwards (obviously different circumstances) retiring so soon? But, this is what I'd expect only if a player found out they or their spouse had a very serious medical condition. I certainly don't know enough to be critical of Pitcock.

I agree. Then other people chime in, even when they have nothing to add. Pretty soon a whole lotta nothin' is being said.

That's a pic of Mitchell, no?

And my annual praise continues.... Thank you so much!

Well, it says he bought "2,500 small bottles a month". I wonder just how small they were. Still, 80+ bottles per day? I guess if they were one ounce bottles....

McGee ripped off several nice returns to around mid-field. But, I agree, he seemed to do better before last year when he had Fletcher or Peters or Banaan (if I remember right) as a big body on the return wedge. He really tore up the opposition when one of his blockers blew a hole in the initial wave coming at him. Last year it looked more like they had trouble getting out of his way, and he had more short returns when he couldn't get that initial 5 yards untouched.

I can't really respect wanting someone on the Bills to get hurt. Why not will the Bills coaching staff to recognize the young players' potential if they're actually a better option than whoever you're ...rooting against. Doesn't something feel a bit, you know, un-fan-like about wishing ill toward members of your favorite team? I was excited about us gettting Wright, and want to be more excited about the prospect of him playing. I'm very eager to see Omon against 3rd stringers in pre-season, but doubt he'll be ready for any NFL snaps this year.

I understand you like our depth, but huh?! With regard to our depth, these guys are all so young, I'm very worried about an injury to Lynch or Jackson. Are you really comfortable with Wright or Omon coming in for a series as the backup in a game if the remaining starter gets dinged?

I think you should take twice as much next time to strengthen the trip. When you take enough, you can see that you always go back to where you started.

I agree, but also add severe penalties for holding out in the future... then add the period.

I second this. That said, great thread name, Beerball!

http://uk.reuters.com/article/mediaNews/id...339172520080623 Rest in peace, George. This was announced last week: Bleep! Bleep! George Carlin To Receive Mark Twain Humor Prize

Pat Williams Winfield Travis Henry the player. I don't care much for Travis Henry the person.

If Barry Sanders had played for the Lions when they didn't have solid run blocking and a solid QB, we might not have ever heard of him... Seriously, some of the greats performed even without average support around them because of, you know, timing. Yes, life is a bit of a crapshoot. You make a good point that you need to consider the environment when judging an individual, especially in a team sport. But why conclude you therefore can't judge anything and don't care? If you're just saying you don't care (about JP) anymore, may be Trent's time is here, then I completely understand, and agree.

Henry certainly reached a higher peak as a Bill than McGahee did (2003: 1438 yds, 4.4 avg). I guess I made a pretty weak point. I'm happy to see Henry get the recognition over the egotistical McGahee. So, who's the joker?