4BillsintheBurgh

Watching the Buffalo feed, not one word mentioning the Redskins

I agree 100% but those days are over.

The guy blamed it on the new rules limiting contact with the head, much in the same way that other idiot Harrison did.

The injury thing is a concern, but most coaches will at least practice someone on the roster (usually the kickers and punters switch, since they have some time on their hands) so it would be a question of another position player instead of another specialist. Some guys have done kicking earlier in their careers. It would only be for the remainder of the game anyway, because there are enough kickers around to replace the injured player. The only issue in that case would be removing a player from the 53 to make room for an additional specialist. The only one I remember was Mike as stated above, although there have been a few punters that did some kicking off. Like in our scenario, it would be nice for Powell to be able to kick off so we don't take an additional roster spot with a specialist. I liken the difference between kicking and punting to the difference between swinging a bat and a golf club. If you have ever played softball and golf and have a pretty decent swing you may notice you tend to pop the ball up playing softball and chunk or hit a golf ball thin. The muscle memory bleeds from one swing to another and your hands can get out of place causing issues. Add to that the pressure of kicking field goals and the consistency is not there. Thanks, I was at work when I saw SJBF's question and I couldn't respond. I got a new machine, so it may be locked down fro me now.

This mostly. I think the last kicker that tried to do both was down in Atlanta. I would add that the practice time allotted doesn't help the LS be a backup player any more.

Last preseason game?? Come on, it's got to be the third preseason game. Let's be real here. /sarcasm

He's an upgrade over Ruvell Martin, that's for sure.

I think Harbaugh did also if I remember correctly. Good luck in your next chapter Buddy. Thanks for your work here.

Canks says to trust him. I'm intrigued on how he's going to pull that record off. Dude, not to be the math police (but here I go anyway) 11-6 = 17. That's one game extra. You making up for the Canker schedule here or what?

Some are more finished than others of course, the question is will he be ready to start in September. I think if any team thought he could definitely start day one he would have been the first overall pick. Not that it's a lock with any rookie, but it does say something that he was drafted at 16. I hope Buddy is as correct about EJ as he was about Glenn. It seems like EJ will "pick it up " just fine but the question will be can he execute enough of the playbook to be useful, even as a backup. That's how Ben started in Pittsburgh, as a backup. If EJ doesn't win the job you will know how well he is doing if the team lets the veteran backup go. It will mean they feel comfortable with EJ running the offense at some level especially if Kolb happens to win, given his injury history. Chris Brown reported on what the Bills brass said. I don't think the teams reporter could make a statement like that without some basis to it and I don't think it's his opinion.

Why does there have to be data? It's my opinion, plain and simple. My concern is when he is under pressure he did not do as well as when he had time. I thought it was noticeable and think he will need to adjust to getting the ball off quicker. You may take that for what it is. Each one of your points does have a counter point; like he was only asked to read half the field at FSU, while not his fault it still will mean an adjustment from him at game speed; scouts don't put much creedence in the senior bowl game itself and no qb stood out in practices; and I didn't see anybody talking about his discussion of concepts other than the Bills and they're not going to say anything bad at this time, although Chris Brown did mention this under question 3: http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/05/03/fan-friday-5-3/ At the same time even the Bills brass has admitted that Manuel is not a finished product. So unless he’s outstanding in his first camp and preseason I do expect Kolb to start the season under center. The only "data" will come from his performance at the NFL level. I am glad we have Kolb as competition in case EJ has issues handling the changes. Hopefully EJ will validate Buffalos pre draft selection process.

Uhhh no. Spiller was not a need pick in the sense that we had a player or two at that spot already. Whitner was a need pick just like EJ was. Whitner is not a bad player but was treated badly by the fans because of the position he was taken. If you want players to sign a second contract the role of the fans has a piece in that. I think the fans will be easier on EJ because "we needed a qb" and "it's the most important position on the field". I just hope the fans give him time to develop without jumping all over him early. It looks like he may need some time to pick the nfl game up.

In the same way that selecting a the best strong safety in the draft at 8 was reaching.

I'm sure if Chan was head coach the number would be much smaller. I think the Marrone/Hackett offense will see production out of the rookies pretty quickly, much more quickly than Chan would have gotten it out of them.

How is it a collassal mistake to get paid 7 figures next year and be learning on an nfl roster? If the kids has it he'll get paid eventually anyway. There's no big rookie deals anymore.

On tape he looks like a missile, when he hits the target he's really good, otherwise not so much. I didn't think he made all the plays he could have, saw a couple T'eo moments. Hope he can contribute regularly, should be a demon on special teams.

Nice work Mark! EJ looked to be prety well protected at FSU so I think the speed of the NFL game will be his biggest adjustment. He will need to make plays that much quicker in the NFL. He will use his ability to take off and run early in his career but hopefully he will settle in before too long. To that point, I would rather see him sit out until his decision making is up to speed so he doesn't take too many shots like RGIII did.

He's got to make a roster before worrying about qb, there aren't many teams with as many open positions as we have.

Hand size is most important to hold onto the ball after the catch but certainly helps make the catch.

I'm guessing the main draw was our pre draft depth chart. I agree, my theory is that Chan's primary comcern was brain power while Marrone's is folks who have talent. Just for example, the Steelers drafts have been lacking since Cowher left Pittsburgh. They're not hitting on players with the frequency they have in the past. The dynamic has changed in what is valued so the players change.

I'm interested to hear what you thought of his offense line.

I think there won't be any wr's that just cover kicks this year. They're going to be replaced by db's who hopefully could play if needed..

All you have to do is look at the experience of most of the OL on the roster. Nix has brought most of them in so he's happy with them.

The goal is to beat the Pats* and I think he helps. I want to see their #4 db on him.

Why not? You realize the coaches watch the kicker in practice right?