folz

I think you could make a case for Kelly either to be on the list or not, I personally would have him on. But I do think its a bit crazy to say he should be off the list without first pulling Aikman off the list (let alone be sitting at number 10). And someone even claimed that Aikman was clutch...not really. He was a steady player and a good leader on a great team. Yes, Aikman had a big game in his first Super Bowl against the Bills (473 yds 4 TDs), but his other two Super Bowls were quiet (SB#2: 207 yds 0 TDs 1 INT 2 sacks; SB#3: 209 yds 1 TD 2 sacks). Not exactly what I would call clutch. Aikman played in 16 playoff games/SBs. His averages per postseason game are 241 yds 1TD 1INT 2 sacks. (Unrounded stats: 240.6 yds, 1.4 TDs, 1.06 INTs, 2.1 sacks) Not exactly eye-popping numbers and not that different from Kelly's post season averages (despite Kelly having 4 pretty horrible SBs weighing his stats down) 227 yds 1TD 2 Ints 1 sack(227.2 yds 1.23 TDs, 1.64 INTs, 1.47 sacks). 4th quarter comebacks: Kelly is tied with 3 players at #23 (meaning he's in the 23-26 range) all-time Aikman is tied with 13 players at #58 (meaning he's in the 58-70 range) all-time So, again, not so clutch Career: Kelly years: 11 record: 101-59 yards: 35, 467 TDs: 237 Ints: 175 Aikman years: 12 record: 94-71 yards: 32,942 TDs: 165 Ints: 141 And unlike Canadian stats that count for say Warren Moon, Jim doesn't get to add his USFL stats, which were: + 9,482 yards 83 TDs 45 Ints

The average team rushing yards per game (for all teams) last year in the NFL was 110 yards. In Buffalo's first six games of the season, they gave up: 38 yds to the Jets 77 yds to Carolina 111 yds to Denver 147 yds to Atlanta 62 yds to Cinci 69 yds to Tampa So, 4 of 6 games they held teams way below the average, one game around average, and one bad game (but to Atlanta who has a pretty good set of RBs and overall offense) October 27th, the team trades Marcell to Jax and the next four games look like this: 166 yards to Oakland 194 yards to the Jets (after holding them to 38 in the first meeting) 298 yards to NO 146 yards to the Chargers Yes, we probably overpaid for Star, but he is exactly what this defense needs. And there has been some talk that he has improved his pass rushing game, but we actually don't even need that from him. We now have plenty of players who are good at rushing the passer (Kyle, Jerry, Murphy, and Yarbrough, at least, from the D-line; and all 3 LBs can rush the passer well: Zo, Milano, and Edmunds, and we have safeties and corners who can rush if called upon by the scheme). McDermott can bring pressure from anywhere. What we needed was a big man to clog up running lanes, stop any push of the pocket (so the QB can't climb the pocket and step up away from the rush), and free up other defenders by consistently taking up two blockers. I believe that the three reasons we were so bad at getting sacks last year were: 1. teams were gashing us up the middle in the run game, so they usually had short 2nd and third down distances, negating any pressure because the passes get out too fast. 2. QBs could step up into the pocket to avoid the rush because O-lines were getting good push against our front. and 3. Teams just didn't have to throw much because they were marching up and down the field mostly with their run games. Hopefully Star fills that hole left by Marcell and we improve in all of those areas, allowing our pass rushers more opportunities, while also being better against the run.

You guys may be right, I'm just trying to sort this out because if you watch videos of him (granted they are highlights) his hands do not look bad. He makes a lot of contested catches, often spears the ball out of the air, catches with his hands not his body, etc. He did seem to have an issue with drops his rookie year (ala Zay), but at the time when asked about it, his offensive coordinator responded with this, "He'll be fine," offensive coordinator Mike Shula said of Benjamin, per The Charlotte Observer. "... I think of Cam having a receiver open and he just overthrows him. Do I get disappointed about it? No. Am I concerned about it? No. Just working on it and getting ready to play the next week." Since his rookie year, his catch percentage has improved significantly, and he was only charged with 2 drops each in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In fact, PFF said he was one of the most reliable receivers in 2016. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-panthers-pick-up-wr-kelvin-benjamins-fifth-year-option You also have to take into account (as mentioned above) QB play. Neither Cam nor Tyrod are the most accurate passers in the league. And maybe he just had a rough rookie campaign (as far as drops go, like Zay) despite his good numbers otherwise. There is a Buffalo News article asking. "Does Kelvin Benjamin Have a Drop Issue?" from November 2, 2017. But I don't subscribe, so I can't see it. But I would be interested in what it says if anyone does have access. KB is never going to be a speedster at his size; he's not going to blow by anyone, but that isn't his game. And I don't think you can look at last year's separation stats and make any conclusions because he injured his knee in the week 3 game against New Orleans (while in Carolina) and reaggravated it again in the snow game (with Buffalo). He was playing with a bad knee all season last year, not to mention being traded midseason and having to learn a new offense (probably only having a number of plays open to him, not the whole offense). I think Benjamin is a lot better than some people give him credit for, but I guess we will see one way or the other this season, if he can stay healthy.

Are you sure about his hands? And add strength to his positives. Watch the play at 5:06. Plus its fun watching safeties bounce off of him. I've liked KB since his rookie season. I think he is going to have a big year, provided we get good QB play.

Look, I understand that some people know Tim personally, are colleagues, or just enjoy his writing. But you also have to understand that a lot of people do not have positive feelings towards him because of how he handled himself on this board and because of tweets like the Vic/Bennett tweet (which just wasn't a very nice thing to do, regardless of it was partially true or whatever). And I'm not sure how this turned into a thread about sportswriters in general or how hard or easy a job it is (writing isn't as easy as people think, especially when you have tight deadlines and continually have to come up with new stories or unique angles on news events). But Tim gets this type of reaction because of his own actions. I don't know him personally, but from what I have seen from afar, I don't think I would want to. He may be a great guy and a good friend to those in his life, but he does not come across that way via social media. Now, I don't wish the guy any ill will and I wouldn't refuse to read an article of his if it seemed interesting, but I do understand why people don't like him (based on his public persona). He might be better off (if he cares about how he is perceived by the public) if he just let his sports writing speak for itself. And to Kelly, it doesn't really matter who started it...but how you handle it. He could choose to ignore, he could just respond with facts that back his opinion up, he could call the person out for their behavior without reducing himself to the same behavior, etc. But Tim's default seems to be to get very unpleasant.

"Vain" is correct. "You're so vain" "Vane" is the correct spelling for a "weathervane" "Vein" is used for the vessels that carry the blood around our bodies, or a mineral deposit in a rock (like a vein of gold)

I'm definitely rooting for Riley and think he has a decent shot to make the team. I think the Bills keep 6 WRs. KB, Zay, Kerley are in. I think Proehl ends up on practice squad and then I think it is mostly a 4-man race for the last three spots, between: Streater, Mccloud, Riley, and Foster. I don't think Holmes makes the cut. And I think Clay only sticks if there isn't another option for kick return duties (most likely Mccloud). So, it could be Riley vs. Foster for the last spot, with special teams play probably being the determining factor. The Bills don't have any sub-4.4 burners, but I think they have plenty of NFL speed to choose from this year: 40-yard dash times Riley 4:42 (at Pro Day) McCloud 4:53 (at NFL Combine - said it was disappointing) 4:40 (clocked high 4.3s to low 4.4s at his Pro Day) Proehl 4:41 (at Regional Combine) Foster 4:41 (at NFL Combine) Jones 4:45 (at NFL Combine) Streater 4:46 (at NFL Combine)

I think I'm ok with running with what we have this year and then next offseason go for a special WR in the draft and or FA (with the money/cap the team will have). I think Benjamin is going to have a big year. I had a lot of Carolina guys on my keeper fantasy team for a number of years (not Kelvin), so I watched a lot of Panthers' games. KB is very good when healthy. I think Kerley is a nice addition in the slot, and I expect at least one of the young guys (Riley, Foster, McCloud) or Streater will have a productive year (being 3rd or 4th WR). The big question mark is Zay. If Zay is healthy and has a good season, this WR group could have a very good year. But, yes, if Zay doesn't come along and the injury bug hits, we could be in trouble. But right now, I feel comfortable with the potential we have (provided there is also better QB play). But to the OP's question, I think I would be more interested in Sanders than Thomas for the Bills and how our roster currently looks. But both receivers turn 31 this season, so only on a reasonable one- or two-year deal, would I entertain it. And I doubt those players would be looking for that, unless no one else was interested and they just wanted to get on a roster for the year. And I wouldn't want to take over a big contract/cap hit in a trade (it would have to be renegotiated to even be considered).

As do their innocent families too, I guess? I'm sure that was a difficult time for CB's family (of his own making, of course) and I'm sure that they would rather not have to relive it, and Tim putting it out in the public again after 20 years, or whatever, could dredge a lot of stuff back up for them. No one is condoning any crime that Cornelius committed (to whatever level the crime was, none of us know), instead we are condemning TG for using an ugly incident for his own personal agenda, without caring who he may be hurting (bad press for Kelly's event, VC and whatever that beef is, Cornelius' family and friends, etc.). This wasn't an article discussing sexual abuse, rape, etc. in which he used the incident as an example, it was a petty tweet to either get some sort of revenge or to get himself noticed. I mean what is actually accomplished by calling out a 20-year old sexual assault case that was already public (in the papers, etc. at the time). It's not like it was an unknown or unpunished crime that he was bringing to light. He was using a horrible moment from one person's life to try and get back at another person. Let's not paint it as TG being a benevolent social watchdog.

This is exactly why, despite some people lamenting it, that I'm glad he left this board.

What he said! This would be my list too.

I would say Benjamin (1) and Zay (2) are locks. Agree that Kerley (3) is a near-lock. And I think barring injury, Streater (4) makes the team. I don't think Holmes is a near lock at all. I think he could just as easily not make the 53. McCloud might make the team if he is the best option at punt or kickoff return. Sounds like Proehl has looked good so far, but is most likely headed for the practice squad. I think one of your last two spots (5-6) goes to either McCloud or Kaelin Clay for kick returning duties. They probably hope it is McCloud (he proves ready) and Clay is the insurance policy. If it's Clay, then McCloud probably goes to the practice squad with Proehl. If it's McCloud, Clay gets cut. So, there is one spot left for either Holmes, Riley, Foster, or Dupre. Holmes might currently have the inside track due to special teams play. But if Foster shows a knack for teams, I think he could beat out Holmes because he is tall enough to be a red zone target (which is about all Holmes is as a WR), but he is also fast (can get down the field). I love Riley, but assume special teams play is still holding him back. But maybe a year on the practice squad has changed that. And I think Dupre is still on the outside looking in. But I do think there is a very good chance that one of the young guys will knock Holmes off the roster. Not a chance. Lorenzo played very well last year. Yes, his sack stats were down, but you have to look at the whole picture. First of all, the whole team had difficulty getting a pass rush. Plus the new coaching staff didn't start using Lorenzo as a pass rusher again until later in the season. They were also limiting his snaps at first, he only started 11 of 16 games. It always takes a new staff a little bit of time to figure out how each player best suits their scheme. He still had 53 tackles, 3 sacks , and 3 forced fumbles with fewer reps and much fewer opportunities to rush the passer. But the guy was still balling out every time he hit the field. Plus, despite only being here two plus years, he is one of the team leaders with the McD DNA. Zo has at least one more year in Buffalo and I expect him to still be playing well, however many snaps he gets. No chance he gets cut or retires before the start of the season. As to the OP's question, I think the Alabama connection counts and Foster and/or Wallace make the team.

There was something like that said, I think it might have been Chris Brown on One Bills Live, but it wasn't a dig or a negative. They were talking about how Allen was connecting on more down field throws than the other two quarterbacks who were throwing to their outlets and to shorter routes more (you know get the ball out quick, west coast/Brady style). And then he said something like Allen was holding the ball a little longer waiting for the deeper routes to develop. It wasn't, oh man he's hanging onto the ball too long, he's gonna get sacked constantly or it's making him late on his throws (because he was connecting on almost all of them). I think it was just a style/big arm thing...Josh is a bit more of a gunslinger. And at least this early in his career, that doesn't worry me, it excites me.

I'd have Phil Hansen ahead of Jerry Hughes, at least at this point.

My mom was a big Bills fan, my dad was a big college basketball fan. He became a huge Larry Bird fan when Larry was at Indiana State and then followed him into the Pros, so we became Celtics fans (hated the Lakers). Was originally a Yankees fan, but changed to Orioles fan around 10 years old because of the Rochester connection and then I went to college in Boston, where I could see Fenway from my dorm window (so I went to a lot of games). So, I'm not a Sox fan, but don't have any hatred toward the team, and I love the history of the team (Ted Williams, Yaz, etc.). Went to school with Yaz's daughter. I'm indifferent about the Bruins. And, yes, Hate the Patriots!!! Go Bills!

The firing of Polian...followed by... The firings of John Butler and Wade Phillips and then subsequent hiring of Tom Donahoe and Greg Williams. That started the drought! But, I guess those are really more mistakes (by Ralph) than whiffs. The true definition of whiff would have to be Mike Williams. Getting absolutely nothing out of a #4 overall non-QB pick is a major strike out. I guess you could make a case for Tom Cousineau, since he went #1 overall, but at least he was a good player (though not for the Bills) and he garnered the Bills the draft pick that would land Kelly. Sammy has to be in the conversation too for what they gave up for him and where he ended up being drafted. And trade-wise, you can include Rob Johnson. But I think Mike Williams has to be #1 whiff.

When Whaley released Fred Jackson!

I voted Thurman (leads all Bills RBs in yards, led the league in yards from scrimmage 4 years in a row...only other player to ever do that was Jim Brown, would have been Super Bowl MVP if Norwood's kick went through. How many RBs win that over their HOF QB? Was huge in the playoffs/big games---186 and 3 TDs in Championship game vs. Chiefs, etc.). And for some reason, Joe Cribbs was the 2nd player I thought of when first reading the post, though of course O.J. and Thurman are really 1a/1b...and you can debate about which of the two should be on top. Not old enough to have seen Cookie play, so can't really choose him as my favorite. I am a huge Freddie fan!!!! And Shady would round out the top 5 for me. Thurman O.J. Cribbs Freddie Shady honorable mention: Kenny Davis...loved his unselfishness and competitiveness and the guy knew how to find the endzone Shout out to some guys that didn't make the poll: Robb Riddick and Greg Bell

Exactly, I'm thinking that they are expecting to start McCarron and run a quick passing game, long drives, Shady, and a tough defense. Even if Allen were to win the job at some point, you don't want to put too much on the rookie's plate, so it would still be a good plan. Then next year as hopefully Allen is progressing and you have tons of free agent money and a full compliment of draft picks, you get your #1 WR, resign KB as 1a, and hopefully Zay (in year 3) has developed and then you can start opening the offense up. I think they will pass a lot more this year than last, but I also expect the passing game to still be somewhat conservative, mostly safe throws, etc. (unless the stars align...i.e., McCarron or Allen shine, Zay blows up, KB is the man, and another WR shows). I think they are preparing for the worst from the QB position, to be able to win even if no QB plays great (like last year), but if one or more of them comes on, then they can open up and expand it. But realistically that might not fully happen until next year. This year we're just looking for guys who can hold down the fort, safe outlets, good, fast route runners. But then again, you never know when McBeane is gonna pull another rabbit out of their collective hat.

None of us knows yet how this will turn out, or which QB will turn out to be the best, but there is no doubt in my mind that the Bills picked the right kid for Buffalo: playing in weather, the Jim Kelly/Big Ben size and toughness, blue collar, confident but humble (unlike Rosen), wanted to be in Buffalo, work ethic, team-first guy, never quit attitude, etc. And as other posters have said, some people use the Nebraska game tape against him. But go back and watch just Allen's first 5 passes in that game to see why many think he projects well to the NFL. Yes, watching all of Allen's tape, you can't help but notice his athleticism, but with all of the designed roll-outs, rushes, and scrambles---due to the poor O-line play as much as his ability---it's sometimes hard to project him into the pros just watching those plays (even if some of them are his best). But in the Nebraska game, although his first throw is one of those designed roll-outs for a small gain, the next four throws are beautiful. Throw #2 is another roll-out, but without a man in his face this time, he throws a perfect 15 yard out on the run for a first down. The next throw he stays in the pocket and delivers a perfect, quick slant between two defenders for another first down on 3rd and 2. The fourth throw is another slant from the pocket on 2nd and 8 that goes for about 15. And then the 5th throw is also from the pocket, a six-yard out to the right sideline. Those four throws are all big time NFL throws from the pocket. I think those plays show that he doesn't just have the NFL toolset, but also some know how. The big question is can he become consistent at it? Now, he definitely needs to be coached up (among other things, he'll have to learn to throw the ball away more when nothing is open, to avoid the sacks or ill advised throws), but I think he's got more than a good chance of succeeding with the Bills. Right guy in the right place at the right time. Go Bills!

We're not going to be just a good defense, we are going to be intimidating to play. Thank God we have a head coach/DC who understand that aggressive tackling is the most important part of playing defense. It's the difference between being bad and good or between good and great. Nice pick...after watching his highlights: good tackler, hard hitter, can play gunner on teams, but what I liked the most is that it looks like he has football smarts. He dissects plays really quickly, which more than makes up for any lack of speed. He beats blocks to the spot, covers the right man, runs the interior routes for the WRs. I know they are only highlights, but looks good to me!

This! Since McDermott came people have said that the most important role on his defense is a rangy, sideline-to-sideline ILB (a Luke Kuechly type) and Beane has been clear that you have to have a franchise QB (as if we all didn't know that anyhow). The Bills went out and shored up the two most important spots on this team with 1st round talent. Both picks could be argued to be value picks, BPA (I know Allen detractors won't agree with that, but...), and fit our needs. Will it work out? Only time will tell, but I love that they were aggressive in trying to get long-term solutions at those two spots.

How fun would it be, when Brady/Belichick retire, to see the AFC East dominated by a Buffalo/Jets rivalry (hopefully with the Bills having a slight edge like the 90s team over the Fish), while the Pats and Dolphins swim in mediocrity for the next decade or so. One can dream, can't one.

I had my opinions about the QBs, as everyone else did. There were things I liked about each of them and things I didn't like with each of them. So, I wasn't really in one camp or the other for the pick. What I hoped for last night, as the draft started playing itself out (Mayfield to CLE and Darnold to JETS), was that both Allen and Rosen would be on the board when we picked, because I wanted to know that whoever it was, it was their guy, the guy they really wanted and not just the last QB available. And the fact that they traded up for him and chose him over Rosen showed that. If they think this is the guy to bank on, then I am onboard. And I do think he is the best fit for Buffalo. Welcome to Buffalo Josh! I'm trusting the process.

If the ONE statistic that he used were a true judge of how good a college QB will be (based on the trust of their college coaching staff), then the draft should have played out in this order: Mayfield Jackson Rudolph Darnold Rosen Allen So, is he also saying that Jackson and Rudolph are superior to Darnold or Rosen and should have been the higher picks? If not, then you can't really use that stat to knock another kid. What if certain OCs are just more conservative than others by nature?