Bill from NYC

I tend to agree. When Polian left, and Levy gained more power, he didn't move soon enough to replace aging stars. I use the word, "stars," because unfortunately, BM was, for a few years, one of our best players. If Nix and Gailey think that this move can win us even 1 football game, I am all for it. Sorry to get philisophical, but imo Bills fans have a right to root for themselves. Bills fans are as loyal as it gets, especially long term Bills fans. I am sorry to see a good citizen/former great player lose his job, but my senses tell me that he will be OK. And I understand the reaction from Jackson. He has a young player (Spiller) breathing down his neck as well. Hey, these players earn millions of dollars. They deserve it too imo. They are getting hit by genetic mutants, and doing things that average humans simply cannot do. FJ probably expects some type of loyalty. But this is a business, and the business is to win football games. Bills fans have suffered through losses, draft blunders, and a 12 year playoff drought. So while I extend thanks, and best wishes to BM, it's time to move on, reverse the tide of losing football games, and make the playoffs. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EDIT: I posted the above before I read about the possibility of his wife being sick, and I pray that this is untrue.

I thought that all troubles would disappear when they banned smoking in designated areas!

FP, no. If you look at my posts, I give Fitz much more room than most. Moreover, he is one of the easiest players in the NFL to like and support. But as a Bills fan, I feel as if I do have the right to higher expectations. He signed a fat contract, and I'm fine with this. I also give him room because he went to Harvard, not Alabama, etc. It took him a while to get a chance, and I understand this. He is very good at some phases of football. He is SO smart that he can see things that imo players such as Michael Vick cannot. And, he is a gamer; I love to see him run. Fitz gives it all he has every time he steps on the field, and listens to his coaches. My point? I'm NOT a hater. Given the above, I'm a Bills fan. We really need to make the playoffs. I want him to improve and be more consistent. I don't expect him to throw bombs like Cutler or fastballs ala Newton. That would be ridiculous. But I DO want him to improve his game. Am I asking too much?

EA, by now, I think that you know that I value your opinion. I will even tip the scales of trite and tell you that TBD is doing well to have you post here. That said, I could not disagree more with some of your comments above. If the Bills ran just once on the series about which I am speaking, they would have either taken it to the deuce, or forced Cleve to use a time out. Who knows, they might have even gained yardage. Please refresh my memory.....did they keep possession due to a lucky pass interference penalty? If Cleveland would have scored before the half, at home, the momentum might really have changed the outcome of this football game. Look, you, Badolbilz, KTD, and many others were ahead of me wrt the rule changes, and the impact it would have on this sport. I have tried to catch up, and I think that I've made progress lol. But I do say that there will always be a place for "traditional" football. This Bills team might actually prove my point. Where would they be sans the running game this season? If the Bills defense was the original, "Steel Curtain," fine, do as you will. But we had given up lots of points vs. the jets. This, imo, was not the time to get chesty, but it did work. In any event, I, as always, do appreciate the dialogue.

1) Week after week, I rave about Levitre, and with good reason. Today, just this once, the blocker on the Buffalo Bills who played the best was Eric Wood. He played the game of his life. 2) Moorman had a truly lousy day. Obviously, this is something to watch. 3) A. Williams had his best game today as a Buffalo Bill. Hopefully he can build off of this. And btw, the pass interference call against him in the 2nd qtr. was utter b.s. If anything, HE was hit. 4) You see, today, there were many unsung heros. Moats, who by the way was trampled last year on running plays, had 2 crucial run stops in the first quarter alone. In the 3rd quarter, he had a very good play in pass coverage. When players such as Moats, Justin Rogers, and Choice step up, we can, and will win football games. 5) Gilmore got his ass handed to him today. He was smoked on more than one pass, and was taken out on several running plays. 6) Statistically, Fitz had a very good day. But a few of his throws were weird and dangerous. He really has to improve for us to make the playoffs imo. As good as his numbers were, he was causing me a great deal of nervous frustration. 7) I wish I was a headlight, on a North bound train; I wish I was a headlight, on a North bound train; I'd shine my light through the, cool Colorado rain. 8) Before his key 4th quarter sack (or 1/2 sack), I was going to say that Dareus had a rather pedestrian game today. But, he too came through in the clutch. And it was great to see Mario step it up a bit. Anderson is a clear improvement over Kelsay. It was all cool on the DL today. 9) Gailey's play calling before the deuce in the first half was atrocious. Two incomplete passes with 2:12 to go in the 1st half, a 7 point lead, and getting the ball in the second half??? He gave Clevelanmd the ball with too much time, and too many time outs. The truth is, we got lucky. He was making no sense at all. 10) It sucks to lose a home run hitter such as Spiller, and I do hope he comes back soon. And speaking of home run hitters, welcome to the NFL Mr. Graham. The TD pass he caught was a GREAT call, as opposed to the above. 11) Nick Barnett is a player who I would take on my football team any day of the week. He is smart, steady and talented. 12) Stevie Johnson gets open. He really does, more than any receiver we have had in a decade or so. 13) Congrats fellow Bills Fans!!! We are 2-1, and in contention. Yes, I am aware of the fact that 3 consecutive tough games await us. But as we speak, we are tied for first place!!!!!!!! And I am loving it! 14) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like to believe that they will keep at least 2 of them. Either Urbik or Rinehart would probably bite if they were offered an extension during the season, perhaps both. Levitre will be tougher imo because you really don't want to use the franchise tag on an OG. A lot will depend on his family issues, and how much he wants to stay here. I hope he does, because he is the prototype OG for the modern NFL imo.

Believe it or not, it was great for this OL to have Bell at LT last season. This is because he was frequently hurt, and it forced Hairston into action. He looked VERY good last week and took snaps at both sides. If Glenn stays the course, we have 3 credible OTs. And there is even skill and depth at OG. For the Bills, this is unprecedented. As for Glenn, I try not to get too excited after 2 games, but this kid looks better than any of us had a right to expect. I am ever so aware that this, due to the rule changes, is a passing league. But these guys are opening up extremely large holes for Spiller. A football team that can do this really can win games, especially one with a solid defensive front. That said, after this game, the next 3 weeks will be tough. We face the Pats, and then SF and Ariz. on the road. Fitz will have to get better to keep us from falling into a hole. It's going to be interesting, but again, having an offensive line that can punish their opponents really can win us some football games.

Agreed. I don't know his first down conversion stats, but I am thinking they are good, because I feel confident when Smith comes in for the wildcat.

He really has. I am going to be paying particular attention to Hairston. He was mauling people last week, even on the left side. As I previously said, I have NEVER seen a football game in which the Buffalo Bills OTs played like this. Not once, and this includes the game in which Tindale ran for 100 yards. And 3 OTs did this, not two! The OGs and Wood played well too, and Nix did bring in Urbik from seemingly nowhere. Yes, Nix finally improved our OL. Now, wrt to Spiller lol.....he is a gifted back. But Bills fans shouldn't, imo, liken him to Thurman. Spiller is WAY more gifted than TT. He is much faster, and probably has better open field moves. What Thurman could do better than any back I ever saw on any team was to see, and get through openings. If Spiller continues to get holes, let alone entire lanes like he did against KC, he will be unstoppable, given his attributes. That said, Fitz is going to have to produce more in order to keep teams from stacking up the LOS. If he can, our offense, along with the improved defensive line, will be good enough to win us more games than we did last season, and perhaps even make the playoffs. A lot of "ifs," but possible. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It may sound trite, but we are often fooled by our senses. Gailey looks and sounds like an good old boy from the south. And this is what he is, but he is also an intellectual. He, more than people like us, understands the way this game is heading, especially wrt the offensive side. The rule changes have basically handed the middle of the field to the receivers. Passing means more than it used to. Eli Manning threw for more than 500 yards on Sunday. This isn't the type of game that I prefer, but he won. Gilbride was ahead of his time, and way less effective in those days. Now he is winning championships. Long story short.....Gailey has adapted to the times. That said, playing in Buffalo is a bit different imo. The Bills will NEVER win with a Jauron type team, on which their premier pass rusher is covering tight ends. OP gets cold, and the winds are very tricky, even as early as October. They need to beat people up on the lines of scrimage, and dominate the clock. This week, they face a rookie QB. They have to go in and kick his ass, and and also focus on the other rookie, Trent Richardson, who can hurt you. Offensively, I gotta admit that I trust Gailey more than I do Wanny on the other side. But we really.....really need another win on Sunday!

I agree. And btw, I am not even going to blast his decision making. But, his passes were weak yesterday. Very weak, and I'm not sure what the problem is. The truth is, the Bills played yesterday, errant passes aside, in the manner in which I have always pined for, They won the battle at the LOS on both sides. Their OTs opened truck sized holes, and a guy like Spiller can, will, and did capitalize on this in a huge way. But as I am constantly reminded, times have changed. The QB means more and more today given the rule changes. Fitz's stats don't look bad right now on paper.He has what, 5 TD passes in 2 games? This would put him on a pace for 40 if he stays healthy, but his play doesn't measure up to this as we speak. But IF he improves, we can be a playoff team imo. And my thing after all these years is to make the playoffs. If and when we get there, we can and will set loftier goals.

I did Ryan! I am not sensing the above about Stevie, but I respect your opinion and will pay closer attention. Fitz and SJ were scrubs together. Imo, they have good chemistry because they practiced a lot. And, SJ gets open more than any receiver that we have had in a few years. I hope that his injury isn't serious because he, imo, is one of the most vital players on our team. We simply don't have a deep group of wideouts.

Hairston was sick today, and at BOTH sides. Glenn? I am going to refrain at this point from saying how good he COULD be. I don't want to jump the gun, but can you feel what I'm saying? He was flat out insane today, and I tried to key on him as much as possible. And Pears will hurt you on runs. He's as strong as an ox.

1) Wow! It was SO freaking great to see a crucial, game changing play by Alex Carrington! We have waited for years to see this, and it was just so important today! 2) Every team needs players like Nick Barnett. He isn't as talented as Ray Lewis, but his 3 tackles, 3 assists, and crucial forced fumble were instrumental in this win. He is a true professional. 3) Let's talk about McKelvin, shall we? When the Chiefs had a nice punt return in the 3rd quarter, it was because McKelvin froze, was then hit by 2 players, and the return man ran right by him. On HIS return, there is probably nobody in the league who could have caught him. He drives me freaking niuts. 4) Spiller? He did each and every thing one would want today. A case could be made that he had a better game than any player in the NFL. SO good, that I was actually happy when he was pulled. Taking it even a step further, if FJ was healthy tomorrow, CJ would be the starter. I salute his effort and performance!!!!! 5) It was good to see the Mario and Anderson involved today, but I give much of the credit to Dareus,. He was doubled on every play, and freed them up. But this is no surprise. It's probably part of the reason that they signed with us. 6) Sorry, but I have concerns about Fitz. He had trouble with out patterns today, and looked to be seriously lacking arm strength. If you combine his 2 starts, his numbers don't look so bad, but again, I am concerned. He really can run, but if he can't get the ball downfield or throw successful sideline patterns, my fear is that defenses will exploit this. He needs to improve. 7) OL has always been, and will always be my thing. The Bills OTs played VERY well today wrt pass protection. As far as run blocking, I cannot recall one single game where the OTs did a better job. Hairston made plays at both RT and LT. Pears was kicking ass even at the end, in garbage time. Glenn? He was a total monster. Btw, a tip of the hat to San Jose Bills Fan for touting Glenn so much before the draft! 8) "Never had such a good time, in my life before. I'd like to have it one time more. One good ride from start to end, I'd like to take that ride again..... AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" 9) Kudos to Chandler, and I hope that Fitz utilizes him, and Lee Smith more often. 10) My compliments to Sheppard as well. This was the best game of his professional life, and we need this kind of production from him. 11) Gailey did a good job today as well. He let the team run on, and dominate their opponent. It really was sweet. Let's keep it going!!! 12) Btw, I hope Gimore was merekly shaken up, and not injured. Did I want them to draft him? No. Did they pick on him a little today? Yes. Does he have a lot to learn? Sure, but I LOVED that hit he laid on Hillis late in the game. That took balls, and we need guys like that on this team. He was giving it his all, and as a fan, I thank the kid. 13) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was Morrison involved in that punt return fiasco? I'm not saying that he was mind you.....just asking.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only a fellow Bills fan would understand this kind of humor. And I'm sure that you want to win as much as the OP. As I have stated many times, Bills fans each have our own coping mechanisms.

John, this will be my final post wrt Spiller on this thread, and for the week. Next week, I will comment on his body of work, OK? I don't play fantasy football. I don't knock it mind you, But from my point of view, I see the possibility that it could alter my view of the game, and make me look at stats more than I should. For instance, if Fitz throws zero picks next week and a td or 2, his overall stats will not look so bad. I think that we can agree on this. But, will this make him a legit QB? You tell me, my friend. In this thread, a poster shared a stat that Spiller, in virtually the same amount of carries as FJ, had the same amount of fumbles. I thank said poster for this info, but does it make you wonder why FJ was clearly viewed as the starter coming into the season? Dropped passes, picking up blitzes, passes off of his hand for ints might enter into the equation, no? But these things don't always show uo in fantasy stats. I want wins just like you John, and every other fan on this board. The Bills are 1-6 in games in which Spiller started. Do I blame him exclusively? Absolutely NOT!!! But I DO want him to improve on the things that he needs work on. I want him to take over a game and win it for us, and he has the actual talent to do so. Now, am I a bit shell shocked from the way this team has been managed? Of course. Our secondary alone boasts 2 early second round picks, and 2 early firsts. Who had our only interception? Yes, this is frustrating. The OL, which I have bitched about for years on end, looks pretty good. And we are STILLL losing. As Edward's Arm said, we have devoted untold resources to RBs and DBs, and it has only resulted in losses. In any event, if I was a bit rough on Spiller, do see where it was coming from. I want this team to win!!! I want wins from those to whom we devoted major resources, and who are very well paid. The exception would be McKelvin. He, imo, should be traded or tossed. Thanks, as always, for the dialogue.

Exactly. We should be able to sit back and watch him display his God given talent, without having to worry about turnovers. And with FJ perhaps done, they are going to REALLY need this kid to step up. It looks like he has in terms of carrying the football, which is good news. Was he the biggest problem in this game? Of course not. I am still sick to my stomach wrt this game. Fitz was indescribably bad, and he did have enough time. The defense, led by our secondary, was also flat out horrible. What a freaking nightmare!

We can agree to disagee. Or, you can cite the football games Spiller has won us. Either way, is this all that you have to say? What did you think of our corners? Or the coaching? I'm with you 100% that Fitz sucked, and he was SO bad that he should have been pulled.

Fumbles like his give away football games. This is nothing new either. Passes fly off his hands for interceptions as well. He will not be an elite player until he fixes his bad habits. His stats were great. Now, how about him winning us a football game? How many has he won for us? Serioulsy, you tell me!

1) BEAUTIFUL run by CJ before the half. This time, he hit the hole fast and his speed did prevail. Fine thanks. Btw, great blocks on that play by both Levitre and Glenn. 2) Did anyone see McKelvin take a knee with 20 or so seconds remaining inthe first half on a kickoff? This while down by 20 points. More to come on this. 3) I think that I like Cordy Glenn, costly penaly or not. 4) For the record, Lee Smith is better than most of you think. We all know that Stevie Johnson can play, and so can Chandler. And props to, and high hopes for Donald Jones. 5) Absolutely horrible picks thrown by Fitz. The first one could have been a crucial completion if he put air under it. And by and large, he had enough time today. I would have pulled him to be honest. More to come. 6) Go ahead.....tell me about the wonderful stats that Spiller had today. I'm not impressed. His fumble before the half cost us an opportunity to get back into the football game. And this is nothing new. Many of us cling to stats in order to justify whatever or whoever we chose to validate, be it management, coaches, players, or dumb draft selections. I personally do not. I want us to make the f-*^$%g playoffs. 7) Gailey needs to step up and take charge of this football team. He should have taken Fitz out immediately after the pick at the start of the second half. He should have benched McKelvin who gave up pass after pass. He gave up both HUGE first downs and touchdowns. Justin Rogers could not have played any worse. I have backed Gailey as an offensive mind from day one. But I am going to start looking closer at him as a game manager, and a leader of this football team. And Wanny was, not decisive enough today. How could he have not pulled McKelvin? Seriously. 8) Please don't dominate the rap Jack, if you'[ve got nothing new to say. If you please, don't back up the track, this train's got to come today. I spent a little time on the mountain; spent a little time on the hill. I heard some say, "better run away." Others say, "better stand still." 9) This game, in some way, endeared me to Kelsay. How sick is that? He gave it all he had, and as a fan I appreciate this. 10) OK, here is the REAL deal wrt McKelvin. I would call him mentally challenged, but this would be an insult to the mentally challenged. If I could, I would put him on the trading block right this very second. If I couldn't grab a 7th rounder, I would cut his stupid, nonchalant, inept ass as we speak. Bills management needs to set an example that horrible effort and play will NOT be acceptd. He needs to get the !@#$ off of our football team. 11) Btw, Gilmore sucked today. This is not good news. Hopefully, Gilmore will not be a repeat of resources wasted at db. But let's watch and see, OK? It WAS only game 1 of his career. And btw, A. Williams looked like a stumblebum. This reflects upon Nix. 12) We are in this together. People, don't quit. 13) Thanks Diana 14) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent!!! I've got something set up for my "thoughts" later on lol.

1) Aaron Williams: The 2nd selection in round 2 of 2011. You were a rookie, and an injured one to boot. All is forgiven, but you need to really step up and defend passes. The DL will give you a head start. And, how about helping out on running plays? 2) Leodis McKelvin: 11th pick in round 1. You are not a kid any more. You lack football instincts, but who is to say that you can't make up for this with harder work? After all, you are in your contract year. It's time for some game changing plays, and again, the pass rush has to help. Meanwhile, all bets are off. I hereby grant you amnesty lol, however temporary. 3) CJ Spiller Ah, 9th selection of a draft..... You offered a glimpse of hope in your last 6 games, averaging 73 yds. rushing per game. And you did much of this behind a beat up OL. Well, Pears has a year under his belt as a starter, as does Urbik. Wood is back, Levitre is very good. So, the slate is clean coming into the season, but you are pretty much out of excuses. 4) Fitz You deserve a pass due to your effort, and heart. You really should be given better field possession this year. You too now have a full season under your belt. The OL seems to be at least average, and you can move around. But, cut down on the picks, and capitalize upon what you are best at. And win us some games! Now, I am ASKING for a pass/break: Stephon Gilmore I know that you are a rookie, but we are Bills fans. It's unfair to expect huge things from you, but we do nonetheless. Our production has been minimal from a huge majority of our top draft selections for some time. Please give US a break, and take the ball away, starting today. Pick one (or 2) off!!! Force a fumble on a running play!!! Produce, and you will get HUGE fan support, and be looking down the road to a big, fat contract. Less than 6 hours to go. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you notice that on some of those runs, he got HUGE blocks from Pears? I did, and find this interesting. Glenn, although playing LT, is a similar, monster type OT (in lieu of finesse), or so it would appear. If the OTs can flatten people, I am hoping that CJ can break a couple of long ones to the end zone. And that Freddie can do the same up the middle.. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rex is a good defensive mind. Way better than average imo. But if I was a billionaire and could buy an NFL team, I would hire Wade Phillips as DC, and pay him virtually whatever he wants. Wade transformed 3 different defensive teams. And, it didn't matter what the offense was doing, and even injuries failed to slow him down. Now, I have zero issues with Wanny. Not one. In fact I have very high hopes for him. But consider this post a tribute to Wade. The man knows his defense and puts Ryan to shame imo.