Bill from NYC

True, FJ's fumble hurt. I hope that he too doesn't develop a disposition toward giving away the ball at crucial moments.

1) Chandler was one of the few players who actually came to play football today. Both of his TDs were nice, well executed plays. 2) George Wilson had a bad game from start to finish. It was probably the worst of his career. I hope that this doesn't spur Nix to use our 2013 first round draft pick on a safety, but this is more than likely a given. 3) The end of the 1st half capsulized every bad thing about the Bills. Once again, Gailey refused to get to the deuce. He stopped the clock TWICE, seconds before the 2 minute warning with incomplete passes. Once again, he got lucky and made a first down, but it turned out not to be so lucky, no? 4) Timeout after a touchback with 10:29 left in the 4th qtr., down by 2 tds? And another one shortly thereafter? It's time to seriously question whether or not Gailey is an adequate HC. 5) Go ahead and kick my ass, but Spiller's fumble before the half was VERY costly. It was a bad, stupid play. And as much as he is beloved, a pattern is starting to form. Yes, he played despite his injury. Fine, thanks. But he cost us momentum and points. And despite his ypc, he sucked. His blocking was horrible, and his fumble cost us dearly. But we can always point to his stats and pretend all is well. 6) Wheels broke down, leader won't draw. The line is busted, the last one I saw. Tomorrow come trouble Tomorrow come pain. Now don't think too hard..... baby. 'Cause I know what I'm sayin.' 7) Mario and Anderson were absolutely NOT better than the combo of Edwards, Kelsay, and Carrington last season. Not one freaking bit better, and they were NOT going up against stellar OTs either. Mario looked like he was scrimmaging. He completely sucked today. Enough to be concerned. 8) Week after week I praise Dareus, but HE even sucked today, and so btw did Kyle Williams. 9) BIG TIME props to Gilmore!!!!! He really might be a first round DB that was NOT a wasted pick. He came to play today! In fact, at one point he looked like the only player on the defense, other than Barnett, who looked as if he actually gave a flying f*#k. 10) Fitz? He was flat out awful. His arm was SO weak that he really had no chance to connect deep to Graham. This is a shame, because Graham does have deep speed. Fitz does run well. Big deal. But my strong fear is that he is an inadequate QB. Even after today, his stats are not THAT bad. But he owes much of this to Gailey, who is obsessed with the pass, personnel notwithstanding. 11) Nice TD by Jones. I credit Gailey for this; it's nice when it actually works. 12) 75% of the season to go. We are no strangers to suffering, nor to keeping lit the flames of hope. 13) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes

I think that because the Bills are not a quarterback dominated team such as GB, NE,NO, etc., they are going to need positional players to take over this game. They will need pass rush, and hopefully some picks. The Pats seem to have some OL problems. Trust me, as a long time Bills fan, I know how much this sucks. It's up to our defense to exploit this, sack Brady, and take away the football. And yes, the time is at hand. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are 100% correct. His coverage has been awful, I saw him get away with a couple of holds, and he is often taken out on running plays. His contributions have been next to nil. Yes, I understand that he is a rookie, and will have growing pains. Sure, I get it. But it is not unreasonable to expect him to play better than what we have seen, and soon. It was the best game he had in his career, and offered a glimmer of hope. A. Williams was the 2nd pick of round 2. Gilmore was a #10, and McKelvin was a #11, both of the first round. Byrd was the 10th pick of round 2. These guys have a monster DL in front of them now. It's time for them to carry their collective weight. And btw, Justin Rogers looks pretty good imo.

Yes Coach. Good post, and the above is the tune that you and I (and others) have been singing for years. And yes.....the opponents we beat were not so good, but they WERE divisional opponents. I like the fact that in the Chiefs game, the 3 (not 2) OTs dominated the game. In terms of the Browns game, imo the dominant blockers were Wood and Levitre. Wrt the DL, MD and KW are providing push that enables a lanky DL such as Anderson to make plays vs. the run. And, Mario seems to be coming around. Not only that, the difference up front is probably what is enabling Moats and Sheppard to play better, and both of them really do look better than they did last year. Normally, I would be expecting a loss vs. NE, home or not. But not this time. There is no reason for me to believe that we will be unable, at home, to move the football vs. their defense, and hopefully win the battle of TOP. If our front 4 can get to Brady, we really can win. And Gailey will really matter on Sunday. If he can figure out a way to get TJ Graham into the game, we should really score some points. In any event, a win Sunday, against a divisional opponent, would change the entire scenario. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.