Carmel Corn

In fairness to Marv, remember that he actually did come on board in November of 1986. Hank Bullough was fired before the end of the season and Marv Levy came on board to mop up the mess in 1986. It gave him a head start for 1987. The Bills were 4-12 (Levy was 2-5), then 7-8 in 1987 and 12-4 in 1988.

Let's see...the last time the Bills hired a former Buffalo Bill player to now be coach...I believe the answer is Kay Stephenson! Remember those 2-14 days and the postgame "we were outcoached...outhusted....beaten!? For the next head coach, I'll say pass next time on either a. former Bills players or b. rookie HC's

Didn't he also refer to Napoleon McCallum (sp?) as that "Bonaparte Kid"?

1. It was a bad game for NC and let's not judge his value based on it. Remember when somebody thought a quarterback named Rob Johnson (Jacksonville) was our next savior based on a single game performance? 2. Our defensive scheme puts a lot of emphasis on our corners to cover without safety help. Lot's of safety blitzes puts the corner on an island. Nothing new here, just that there was some blown coverages and lack of adjustments to compensate. 3. Yes we may have a high pick to use to backfill the CB position, however it is realistic that they can contribute that much as a rookie? 4. There will be enough teams that see value in NC and will outbid anything the Bills will offer to keep him. 5. Question - is Vincent too washed-up to play CB again if Clements is gone?

I now live in Indy, so you bet I do. Here are some of the reasons why: 1. I always thought Bill Polian was a great GM and wished he was still in Buffalo. 2. Tony Dungy is a consummate professional (FYI - he has indicated that he is more concerned about home field advantage and winning the super bowl vs. the record). 3. The Colts are a more balanced team this year....not just offense. 4. Peyton Manning is a good quarterback and ambassador for Indianapolis. I think if he played for Buffalo instead, he would be loved there as well. 5. Bob Sanders - good hard-hitting safety! 6. Dwight Freeney - many questioned Polian when he selected him as high as he did in the draft. I can still recall some posts on this board where people felt we should have drafted Bryant (Mt.) Mckinney because he supposedly manhandled Freeney during a bowl game. 7. Howard Mudd (OL coach) - seems to find a way to keep retooling the line effectively despite FA losses over the years (ex. Demulling). Things I don't like about the Colts: 1. Peyton Manning's hysterical motions before each snap. 2. The Colt's radio play-by-play guy....trust me, I wish we had Van Miller or John Murphy. 3. Mike Vandejagt - doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut (been better lately). 4. The dome is kind of "sterile" 5. Get new uniforms!

Agreed....Willis didn't exactly pancake the guy, but he was able to chip him inside enough while Losman moved to the right. It looked like one or possibly two other defenders where the ones who were closest to JP when he stepped out.

You folks back in Western NY should appreciate the fact that you have so many great pizza options. I really miss going to many of the places already mentioned.....not to mention missing the wings and beef on weck! Here in Indy, we have mostly chains with cardboard crusts and pizza ovens that look more like "conveyors"....needless to say it sucks having to settle for Pizza Hut, Domino's, Donato's, etc.

I hope I'm wrong, but I predict the Bills will still struggle with penalties in week 1. I would not be surprised if there are 10+ flags and some of them will cancel out some significant plays. Thoughts?

Looks like a few of the Colts starters may not be playing on Saturday. I was particularly hoping to how the Colts DE's (ex. Freeney) matched up against our OT's. Here's part of the article and the link further below. "The list included several front-line players: defensive end Dwight Freeney (shoulder), center Jeff Saturday (hamstring), wide receiver Brandon Stokley (shoulder), defensive tackles Montae Reagor (groin) and Josh Williams (groin), tight end Dallas Clark (hamstring), safety Mike Doss (groin) and cornerbacks Nick Harper (foot), Donald Strickland (hamstring) and Von Hutchins (foot). Of those, only Stokley is likely to miss a regular-season game, and perhaps only one for him. But most of the rest probably won't play Saturday in the preseason home opener against Buffalo at the RCA Dome." Link: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...427/1004/SPORTS

1. Out of town job opportunity 2. Indianapolis metro area (Carmel) 3. Bigger, newer, cheaper, etc. Property taxes half of WNY 4. Possibly, I really do miss the area. However I am skeptical that the area will improve enough for this to happen 5. Too many government entitlement programs sucking the economic life out of the people and companies who live there (via high taxes). Too many layers of government that do nothing but bicker and serve their own interests vs. the people (why is there still a need for a common council or county exec position?).

The West Seneca public library is not far away. Just go east on Ridge Road a couple miles, turn left (north) on Union Rd (Rt. 277). There's a Bon-Ton store and M&T bank branch as a reference. The library is about a 1/4 mile up Union on the left (west) side. Here is a link: http://www.buffalolib.org/libraries/westseneca/index.asp

I would guess that Nate Clements can't wait for his shot at FA next year. Even though Surtain's deal was officially a trade, it still provides a basis for Clements to demand big bucks next year.

Bob Koop (?) RIP, John Beard, Carol Crissy/Jasen, Kevin O'Connell, Van Miller, Don Paul, Rich Newberg, etc. for Channel 4. For Channel 2 (besides Kellman), Kilgore, Don Paul weather......wow I really can't remember much else. Maybe Susan Banks for a little while after her time at Channel 7? I do remember Allison Rosati....thought she was good before going to Chicago.

Too many "A"s and not enough "O"s.

Sorry, this is total speculation! I think most folks would agree that Travis is not a complete player like the Edge. However, there's been some speculation by Chris Mortensen (sorry, no link) that the Cardinals may be interested in a trade with the Colts involving the Edge and the Cards LT Shelton. Surely not a 1 for 1 trade, but if the Colts end up with Shelton, they'll have 3 OT's (in addition to starters Tarik Glenn and Ryam Diem). Perhaps the Colts would be a possible trading partner involving Travis and Shelton?

Here's an interesting article in today's Indy Star talking referencing Don Beebe: http://www.indystar.com/articles/3/224113-8053-036.html

I agree. Don't think for a minute that Clements won't try to leverage his new "Pro Bowl" status. Also, since he returns punts he might even command a higher price.

Can't rule out the possibility of seeing big changes at RB in the Colt's backfield. The backup (Dominic Rhodes) is also going to be a UFA and could go because he also brings some halfway decent kickoff return capability. Getting Travis at a reasonable price for a year may help free up $'s for other FA's that some people are saying are desperately needed on their defense. Travis doesn't have the complete game as the Edge, but in the scheme of things he may be good enough...especially if the Colts are thinking just short-term.

Bring back the Pill!

I guess I can now cancel my sportspack package on DirectTV. I'll miss being able to see those local Buffalo commercials. Looks like Howard Simon made the right decision to move to WGR before it was too late.

Interesting opinion article in this morning's Indystar newspaper. The writer (Bob Kravitz) is suggesting that the Colts NOT resign the EDGE and use the money for defensive FA's instead. I find it kind of interesting in that he did not mention their own offensive line UFA's. He must think either: 1. The Colts will easily re-sign Diem and Demulling regardless or 2. They aren't a priority IMHO, these are both finesse-type lineman vs. maulers. They're fairly decent pass protectors but can sometimes get pushed back by a stout defensive line in short yardage. A couple more interesting tidbits on Travis Henry and Polian's Buffalo years. I not sure I can successfully link yet, but check it out at Indystar.com: http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/210384-4238-036.html

I don't enjoy Kravitz at all. The Indy Star has changed over the years where all the long-time previous sports writers have disappeared and he is now it. Sometimes he'll be supportive, but many of this articles come across as anti-Colt. It almost feels like he WANTS the Colts to leave town (ex. go to LA) and does nothing to inspire the area to want to support keeping the team and building a new stadium. He writes on all other issues to (Pacers, Indiana University, etc.). All I can say is be glad you have the Buffalo News!

Polian can flat out build a winner and has made great draft choices here over the years. Some examples: 1. Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf - people were split nearly 50-50 on which player to take #1. Many thought Leaf was the answer because he supposedly had more upside potential. 2. The "Edge" vs. Ricky Williams - people were shocked that he selected James as the first RB that draft. With the exception of the 2002/2003 knee injury, he has been one of the premier backs in the league who is often overlooked for his pass protection ability. 3. Dwight Freeney - I remember many comments on this board where people felt that Bryant McKinney was the stud we should take at #4 and that he manhandled Freeney during a major bowl game. Others said that Polian took Freeney way too early in the first round. Freeney is still soft against the run, however I think he has shown exceptional pass rushing abilities since day 1 in the league. 4. Drafting Reggie Wayne - not a bad compliment to Marvin Harrison, ask Denver! 5. Hiring Jim Mora (OK, not a good decision), but then hiring Tony Dungy! Hopefully we will have similar success with Tom Donahue's second coach. These are just some of the higher profile picks he's made. It doesn't even speak to some of the other picks including OL made in lower rounds.

What if.....the Bills beat the Steelers.....could they beat the Colts in the dome? Would they have had better success in defending against their pass attack? The Colts defense was still vulnerable to a good ball control offense. I was really looking forward to this match-up.