4BillsintheBurgh

Relax - he's young and he doesn't want to make a mistake.

At leasat they seem to be trying - you've got that going for you.

and placemierer

Missed Peters on that screen. Walker did nothin'

Wow - kind of nice watching the offense move down the field!

Maybe, but it looks like a technique thing. Almost like he throwing a javelin or something.

nice block by evans

I don't think you can find the olt as easily as the cb. Would you rather not dump the cb for nothing, sure. But you can't let peters get away for nothing and expect to stay competitive.

Don't remind me. That's okay to do with a cb, not with a pro bowl OLT.

Possibly. It seems Ralph was/is pretty set in these negotiations. Ever try and change a 90 year olds mind?

Yea, we'll see. I guess Parker is really going to want to get it done before then. But if the numbers aren't to the Bills liking, this could play out the same way next year, etc. Unfortunately it's just business which sucks for the fans. There is a lot that needs to be resolved in the next few years in terms of the CBA though, so we'll see. I'm very concerned they haven't been able to reach a deal with Evans yet, and the last comments I saw from Evans didn't seem as upbeat as earlier ones.

Yes. Why would they let him go without doing that? Paying him the average of the top 5 LT's by the year may be in Ralph's plan, assuming he's calling the shots.

Parker has used this technique effectively across the league and many teams have provided a new contract to his clients. He just doesn't run into a 90 year old owner who has his mind set. This could end up playing out like Walter Jones a few years ago, with the Bills franchising him until they agree on a long term contract.

When Hines Ward held out in Pittsburgh, I remember the worst case scenario for him returning being either week 8 or 10 - I'm leaning toward 8. After that, the players lose credit for the year in regards to their pension. Unfortunately I can't find a link to an article, I may have just heard it over the radio. Edit: Here is something, but it talks about if he sits the entire year it won't count toward his contract. Mr. Parker is in the middle of this as well. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_359413.html Parker would like to avoid such a scenario, although he offered no assurances when asked if Ward would make it to camp - or if he'd even play for the Steelers this season. "Do I expect it?" he said. "I can use the term, 'Hope.' I would hope it would work out. I tend to be a positive person. ... "Parker said he never has had a client hold out an entire season in his 20 years as a players representative. If Ward turns out to be the first, it could be costly, considering he could be fined for missed games, potentially forfeit 25 percent of his signing bonus ($500,000) and remain the property of the Steelers for '06, thereby missing out on free-agency. "

He's in the front seat of the coaster.

I agree and would add that EXECUTION is far more important than points scored or wins and losses. For example, it is more important that TE finds the hot read and gets the ball there or correctly audibles given what the defense shows him than say Roscoe breaking a crossing route for a score. The starters should be in there until they execute the plays correctly. Once they are executing the points will come.

Hopefully a first round TE will be the reward for making the playoffs.

I think the coaches did make a statement by drafting 3 and bringing another in via free agency. I think a lot of people would like to see him do well enough in practice to warrant some playing time, let alone make some defensive plays. Seems like the Bills are willing to give Youboty some more time to develop, but at some point you have to make a decision. Hopefully he will have some value left if they decide to let him go.

That stuff is a factor as is other huge contracts that have been signed because of the cap bump a couple years ago. The sooner the agents get their client a cut of that, the better off they'll be. As soon as the extra space in all the teams salary cap is used up, these more ridiculus contracts (see Dockery) will be gone. It's bad business to not try and get some, especially if you have a point like Peters does. I'd like to see Buffalo hold him off a year and then pay him a top salary next offseason. Now is time to establish guidlines similar to what the Steelers have; we re-negotiate you with 2 years left, unless you're the QB.

A. It's June B. Maybe if you rotate DT's an even amount during the game, you should have two evenly matched pairs instead of the two best players on one.

Some more info: http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/..._kennard00.html 2007 Scouting Report: A returning asset in the secondary after starting every game at cornerback a year ago...is a physical player whose size is a major advantage in both press coverage and run support...very energetic and has an appetite for contact...will man the starting boundary corner position. 2006: Enjoyed a breakthrough season as a junior when he was named the team's Most Improved Defensive Player...started all 12 games at cornerback...team's fourth-leading tackler with 51 stops...tied for team lead with seven pass breakups...had one INT...had a career-high 11 tackles, including a three-yard TFL on a fourth-and-one play from the Pitt 26 at Connecticut...also slapped a punt out of the end zone that Pitt downed at the UConn 2...had eight tackles vs. Syracuse...had his first career INT late in the first half at Cincinnati, which Pitt parlayed into the game's first score...also had five tackles vs. the Bearcats...had six tackles and two PBUs vs. Louisville...had five tackles and a forced fumble against Toledo...was named a recipient of the Ed Conway Award as one of the team's most improved players during spring drills. 2005: A special teams contributor and chief reserve at cornerback...played in all 11 games...had four tackles on the year...coaching staff's Special Teams Player of the Game for the Syracuse contest...had two tackles and downed a punt at the Orange 2. 2004: Lettered on special teams and provided depth at cornerback in his first active season...played in all 12 games and had 11 tackles...had a season-high three tackles at Connecticut. 2003: Redshirted as a true freshman. http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/.../042708aaa.html Cox, a Miami, Fla., native, started the final 24 games of his career, concluding his time at Pitt with 98 tackles. In 2006, he was named the Panthers' Most Improved Defensive Player. In 2007, he helped lead the Pitt defense to a No. 5 ranking in total defense in the country, giving up just 297.67 yards per game, while Pitt's pass defense was ranked third (167.25 yards/game). "I think it's a great thing," Cox told Chris Brown of buffalobills.com. "I'm just blessed that they decided to use a pick on me. I wasn't expecting the weekend to be this long, but you've got to be patient sometimes. You've got to wait your turn and Buffalo was my turn."

I think the important thing is whether he wants to spend it or keep it and make more. Does he consider "real cash" to be six, seven or eight figures a year? He may start out with the intention of making a ton of money, but once he tastes the cash it could be a different story. Does anyone know how much effort the NFL or colleges put into helping these kids handle the money they make? I couldn't imagine managing 6 figures as a 22 year old. I know the NFL has a general orientation for the rookies, but are there any permanent services that provide them with quality advice? Just wondering, thanks.

Thanks for the laugh.

I really like the idea of getting Ellis though because no other option really fits in the first round. Sure it'd be nice to trade down, but what are the chances that it will happen. I guess I wouldn't mind taking my chances on what qb's get dumped between the draft and the beginning of the season if it meant I could get Ellis in the first instead of a cb/wr/de. I think he will make a big difference in the pass rush this year, and we can still help the offense with our 2nd and 3rd round picks.

Astro, With the McNair retirement, what do you think the chances are if everything falls into place that we could trade JP and #11 to Bal for their #8 to take Ellis? It seems like it could work out if Ryan is off the board at 8, the Ravens like a CB(s) that are still available and they are willing to take a chance. That values JP at a low 3rd rounder according to the older value charts and gives Bal a young QB with starting experience.