Fan in Chicago

But isnt that exactly what keeping RR would do ? The running thought is that he will need to extensively re-tool the D to make his scheme work. This is a faulty strategy with today's NFL. You cannot have all starters under contract for the exact same time. The scheme has to be flexible to accomodate players as they become available. Do we need better players ? Sure we do. But, so does every team in the NFL. And not too many great players become available in free agency. Key is drafting well, and building the team - things that take time and which we seemed to be on the right path till suddenly this year we weren't.

For a while maybe. But then the new stock of players would come in and result in a new (arguably lower) norm. At least there will be an assurance that everyone is on the same level playing field. The notion that some players are better at getting away with HGH is contrary to the notion of fair play. Also, allowing 'some' peds runs the risk of not knowing where to draw the line. As you have mentioned earlier, the Seahawks SB players were likely using such enhancers on a widespread basis. If true, it is truly disturbing. How is this much different from the antics of the Pats* with them taping opposing team practices ?

And yet, seemingly have already made the decision to keep both Whaley and RR ? How independent is this consulant anyway ?

Seems most likely, but why continue with RR in that case ? It seems like RR is continuing the sell his message successfully to OBD. Fool me once ...

Thats right. 'Stay the course' implies this was an intentionally lost season. That there was knowledge that the D may underperform due to their ill fit with the scheme, yet no significant changes were made. Not a good situation.

Wasn't much wrong with the D till last year. I am repeating my sentiments a lot, but retooling the D for compatibility with Rex's scheme may help us win the battle (D) but we will wont win the war. Does RR strike anyone as a man in control of the overall game ? That he will get us to the promised land even if given 4 years ? As for the #2 WR, I don't think Harvin was the correct receiver for that. We need a big, strong possession receiver ala Brandon Marshall

I know you are a big MW fan as a person and a player. I too have appreciated his game in 2013 and 2014. What worries me is that Mario suddenly gets spun as the bad guy and RR gets a pass. The issue is way more than Mario's comments and on field performance. Take away Mario this season as we would still have sucked on D. Let Mario not become an example scapegoat for the players being the main reason for the underperforming D. Maybe the OBD spin machine is getting warmed up

I am surely not willing to risk yet another season or two to find out. The NFL has repeatedly proven that a single season turnaround is possible (Bowles). Given that the talent this year was not lower than in 2014 (save for maybe Spikes), there is really no reason for the D to have fared as badly as it did. Can you imagine RR saying in his interview that 'my Ds are better over the long run than Schwartz's, but be prepared for pain in the next 1-2 seasons as I instill my brand on the D.'. If he did then whoever hired him is an idiot. And if he did not, then RR needs to be fired for not performing according to what he promised. I agree with the general thought that the 2013 was repeatedly put in bad field positions and did not have the opportunity to dominate. But I would also say that the run D was not very good. I would still take that D over this year's, but all said and done, the 2014 D is what would have gotten us to the playoffs this year. He stopped playing this year. He excelled after his huge contract and prior to this year. Lets not pretend otherwise. Depends on the coaches for 2016. I think Mario cannot work any more with the current D staff. If the coaches stay, Mario should be traded. With no changes to the coaching ?

I am sure MW knows the longer term financial repercussions of not playing up to his contract. Not trying to absolve MW of dogging it, but I think he is at a point where he feels he doesnt mind going elsewhere for less money if it means escaping the current mess.

Levy often gets quoted for 'if you listen to the fans....' but if you look at this board, the majority opinion has far too often proven to be more right than the FO.

And Kiko. BTW, I remember reading here how Parker ****wed the Bills when in fact Whaley set a firm value for Byrd's services and refused to pay over that. The flip side of Whaley's moves are the loss of Spikes and Jackson whose absence hurt the Bills in more ways than most care to acknowledge.

Apart from the 'aging and unathletic' part, yes. Most on here think that it needed to happen. And it was painful for me to read, but I also agree that the Bills need to officially turn the page on EJ. Strange though that Polian said precious little regarding the D, save for its' incredible complexity. In general, I am not sure how I feel about him as a consultant. I think the Bills need someone who can look beyond the current power structure and make true, unbiased, football-based player decisions. I hesitate thinking that BP is that person because he couldn't leverage a player of Peyton Manning's caliber into more than one Superbowl.

What about the other players who are yapping to the media ? How many do we ask to shut up ? And the flip side, the sheer number of player quotes in the media lead me to believe they dont expect repercussions from the coaches. Is that a good thing ? I happen to think the players should just play and 'keep it in the house'. But it certainly looks like things are a tad out of control there.

Okay, Hopeful. It wasnt just my perception. Check out where his defenses ranked: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/RyanRo0.htm You have to search real hard to find single digits for any category.

On my phone so will type a detailed response later. But in short, his previous stints have been terrible. As with RR, his performances seem to be littered with excuses. The games iv watched, he always looked animated (almost Carl Mauck-ish) and helpless while his D was taking a beating. I don't think the Bills are in a position to take a flyer on OC and DC.

Neither. It will be 'disgusting, very disgusting'

Which narrative, specifically?

Surely. But as with coaches, so with GMs, perhaps there are future stars out there. If the well of proven GMs is dry, it may be time to give an up and comer (not named Chris Polian) a chance in Buffalo. I would look at traditionally good trees such as the Packers, Steelers, Ravens....

Excellent ! Make it happen, <insert name of next GM/football czar/coach>

He ride a LeBeau defense and a fantastic collection of talent to the Superbowl victory. He mostly got out of their way. Which is more than RR can do but Cowher is not one to lift a team above its talent level. Remember creating 'Slash' ?

Random thought - I can't remember the last time the was such over whelming consensus in this board against a coach after just one year. Just for the record- this board has rarely been wrong about a player or coach when there is a majority opinion. Just saying...

It is a sad D that can't find a fit for KyleW

I am going to point a finger at Pegula also. It appears he hired RR and has Ryan reporting directly to him. IMHO, an owner needs to get his paws off such hiring decisions. If TP gets a czar, he should also be prepared to give up meddling and control on the decisions for coaching and players. I am not going out too much on a limb if I sat that Pegula knows money but didn't know jack squat about building a winning NFL franchise

Should have gotten Brandon Marshall instead of Harvin

Frankly, the only thing it does is make you feel a bit better. In the off season, there will be some single big thing done, session tickets will again be good and we will underwhelm anyway. Brandon has been a very successful marketer