folz

"Is this the Buffalo Bills Coaches reunion? Let's see, Mularkey, Lynn, Marrone, McDermott...wait, where's Rex?"

Great post ddaryl! Yes, most of the Whaley detractors are looking at his tenure in a vacuum. You cannot ignore the circumstances surrounding him and the organization when evaluating the job he has done. Most GMs come into a somewhat stable organization with full authority and can hand pick a coach who shares their vision on how they want to build the team. So, let's look at Whaley's circumstances. First, Whaley inherited the job and a coach (Marrone was Nix and Brandon's pick). The team's owner was dying basically leaving Brandon in charge. Also, money was probably tight due to how Ralph had handled the team and the pending sale of the team. It was not a stable situation and being that Whaley was promoted rather than brought in from outside, he may not have had full control. Ralph dies, new owners come in. New philosophy, new working relationship, and basically Whaley is on a prove it (i.e., not secure) job standing. Marrone quits. Russ and Pegulas choose Rex. New coach, new schemes, new philosophy...but again saddled with a coach he didn't choose. The coach and GM have to work together. They aren't all Whaley solo moves, he is trying to give the coach what he needs. If Rex isn't the coach would Whaley have brought in IK or Percy or Tyrod (though folks are mixed on whether that was good or bad) or players like that? And scheme changes mean letting some guys go and bringing in different types of players. Rex was obviously burnt out and does not do a good job. Fired, new coach, new scheme, etc. Of course, we can judge Whaley on the moves that the team has made and the talent level on the roster, but you cannot do so without also thinking about why he made certain moves at certain times. It seems that just this offseason Whaley truly became a senior GM. He finally seems to have a full GM's authority, the confidence of his owners, and he finally got to pick his own coach. And he seems to be attacking this offseason pretty hard. The franchise is finally stable. The team can actually attract some free agents now (with Shady, the rep of the new coach, and the Pegulas deep pockets). I think we should reserve judgement of Whaley for at least one more season to see how he does as his own man finally. Is he perfect or going to be perfect? Of course not, no GM is. And yes, he has made some bad moves. But I do agree that this team has more talent now than at any time since John Butler left and I really like how this offseason is shaping up. P.S. I didn't read the links of the GM rankings, but I guarantee a lot of that has to do with the Bills record and lack of playoffs. If the Bills were to have a winning season and make the playoffs next year (which I know many think they won't) I bet he would move up those rankings, though the moves he made, that are supposedly how they get the ranking, would still be the same. The good moves look better when you are winning and the bad moves aren't as glaring.

Honestly, this is like the 4th or 5th Pats got better, Bills still suck threads in the past week. I've always been more of a lurker than a poster (though I've been around here a long time) and I am definitely not a thread police, but seriously, why not just add this to one of those other 4 or 5 threads? Besides, you may not think the Bills have gotten any better, but you can't say they've stayed the same. We have an entirely new coaching staff and we have let guys go and signed quite a few new guys. You may not like the moves, but we are not the same. And finally, screw the Patriots...let's build a tougher, more disciplined and accountable team (as McDermott wants) and try and take it to the Pats next year.

Cheers OP. A culture change is needed in this fanbase as much as it is needed at One Bills Drive. No more fear of the Patriots. Who cares who they are signing? Let's focus on the Bills until we have to play them. Besides, there is only one way to beat the Patriots and that is to out tough and out compete them (hit them). That is everything that Coach McDermott is about. How many times have posters said they wish they had a whole team of Kyle Williamses? Well that's what coach wants too. "Kyle has our DNA" (as does Tolbert and Hyde, etc.). Stephone Gilmore does not have that DNA, so you know what? The Patriots can have him and good riddance. Just cause the Hoodie hired him doesn't mean he's going to start tackling and hitting hard. Great cover guy, but lacks toughness. Just because the Patriots bring someone in, doesn't mean they are the best in the league (remember how many people thought Scott Chandler was going to light it up playing with Brady and Gronk?). I'm glad Tyrod is back. Does he have his weaknesses? Sure, they have been pointed out ad nauseam. But, he's fun to watch (unlike the majority of our QBs over the last 20 years) and I don't think he has hit his ceiling. Every player will tell you they only get better being on the field, so, yes, he's been in the league 6 or 7 years, but he has only started 2. If the FO gets him some quality receivers, and he's not playing with a groin injury, I think he is going to have a big bounce back year in Dennison's system. Don't underestimate coaching. Our D-line, back in the 4-3, can be the cold front again (just swapping Shaq, and Zo if back, for Mario). Our O-line is good and if we are able to upgrade from Mills at RT, look out. (I can't imagine they are not going to try and address this as the interest in the RT from Baltimore showed.) A healthy Sammy will make a huge difference. The number one running offense may have gotten even better (swapping Tolbert and DiMarco for Felton). Shady and Gilislee are fun as hell to watch too. Sounds like they are trying to hang on to Zo...which would be great. Micah Hyde was a great signing. I didn't see a lot of Green Bay's games, but the few I saw, this kid was making plays consistently. And he's just coming into his own. We upgraded the kicking position. (Despite his missed extra points, he's a better FG kicker and will only take up 1 roster spot.) I really like the coaching hires from McDermott on down. A lot of experience in winning programs. A lot of teachers. Discipline, toughness, and accountability preached. There is a lot to like if you take an objective look (and don't constantly compare us to an historically good team who won 2 of the last 3 Super Bowls). Yes, we still need a couple of WRs, a couple of corners, a LB or two, a RT, and probably another safety, which is a lot, but free agency isn't over yet and the draft is strong in most of our areas of need with guys that could come in and compete right away. There is always significant turnover with a new coaching staff, ergo the number of positions still to fill. And what significant FA players have we lost? Robert Woods (would have been nice to keep, but too expensive), Stephone Gilmore (although I'm good with moving on from him), Zach Brown (who they could still resign--if they wanted him and he doesn't get a big offer elsewhere), Aaron Williams (whom I loved, but he only started 8 games over the last 32 and long term health is an issue), Goodwin (who never quite put it all together), Corey Graham (a very solid player, but not great), and Felton (who has already been replaced with equal or better quality). That's 7 guys (but only two or three that I would have liked to see come back). The rest of the FAs were either at the end of their careers (Bush, Harvin, Spikes) or are guys that you can replace with comparable talent for reasonable contracts (or with rookies). The 17 years of no playoffs has worn me out too guys, but if nothing else, this team will at least be fun to watch (which we haven't been able to say for most of the last 17 years). Shady, Tyrod, and TD Mike running wild. The long ball coming back with a healthy Sammy. Hard hitting, attacking, tackling defense. I'm not saying we have been hitting all homeruns, but I also don't see what has been so horrible about the way the team has handled this offseason thus far (outside of poor Doug's press conference). Sure there will probably be some growing pains with a first year coach, but it should at least be exciting football to watch. Call me Pollyanna, Kool-Aid drinker, Homer, or Chris Brown But, let's get out of this funk of...look who the Patriots signed, we're never going to win being in the same division, Whaley sucks, Tyrod sucks, the Pegulas suck. And let's start Billeving again! Who knows? The last 17 years has us expecting the same old mediocre (or worse), but what if, just what if, this was like 1986 instead, and the start of something good? It might not be and we might miss the playoffs again, but at least I'll be enjoying the ride. Ok, have at me (if you bothered to read this ridiculously long post).

7th post of this thread, astb41 nailed it. Does anyone really think that QB wasn't the very first issue they talked to McDermott about once his interview focused on the Bills team and players? If Coach had such a differing opinion on Tyrod from the FO, why would they hire him? They wouldn't. They would find a coach who shared their same vision. What could have happened in the 7 weeks since McDermott was hired to make them no longer agree? Just because they haven't announced anything to the public doesn't mean that they haven't already made their decision, nor does it mean that they are fighting over the decision. Pure speculation.

We were all told when they drafted Cardale that he was a project (still had a lot to learn). When they say that, it doesn't usually mean the kid will be ready to start in year 2. Plus, it will be a new offense for him this year. A project usually means a few years work. And we have all seen (at many positions over the last few seasons) what happens when you don't have a solid plan B. So, I have to think the interest in Siemian would be for the #2 job. I expect them to keep Tyrod. And when you have a running QB, you always have to worry about injury (even though Tyrod has been pretty durable). EJ will be gone. So, maybe the staff doesn't want to hang their hat on a very green, 2nd year player, in a new offense if Tyrod were to go down. Siemian knows the system, has some experience, possibly some upside, Dennison knows him (his strengths and weaknesses), and he won't command starter money by any means. So, he would make a perfect backup for 2017.

His analysis is indeed correct; the question is does Tyrod still have upside...can he still get better in the areas where his game is currently weak?

Kept it pretty close to the vest, but my take from the press conference, 1-on-1, and radio interview is... Tyrod stays Shady isn't going anywhere they're going to let Gilmore walk he'd like to have Aaron Williams back, but it's still iffy Kyle will be back!!!! Sammy's going to be fine Wants an attacking D (which suits our players) D-line = Shaq-Kyle-Marcel-Jerry in a base 4-3 (the cold front is back) All good news. I could be wrong, but that was how I interpreted his answers.

Just for continued discussion, I looked up the stats for you guys. I won't comment on them other than to say, obviously, negative yardage is already subtracted from his overall stats, which were pretty damn good. All of LeSean McCoy's negative runs in 2016 Week 1 Baltimore: 1 for -6, 1 for -1 Week 2 NY Jets: 1 for -2, 1 for -3 Week 3 Arizona: 1 for -2, 1 for -3 Week 4 Patriots: 1 for -1, 1 for -4 Week 5 LA Rams: 1 for -2, 1 for -3 Week 6 SF 49ers: 1 for -2, 1 for -5, 1 for -5 Week 7 Dolphins: 1 for -2, 1 for -3 Week 9 Seattle: 1 for -2, 1 for -1 Week 10 Bengals: 1 for -1 Week 11 Jaguars: 1 for -1, 1 for -2, 1 for -1, 1 for -2, 1 for -2, 1 for -3 Week 12 Raiders: 1 for -2 Week 13 Steelers: 1 for -1 Week 14 Browns: No rushes for loss Week 15 Dolphins; 1 for -3, 1 for -2, 1 for -2, 1 for -1, 1 for -1, 1 for -2 Week 16 NY Jets: 1 for -2 So, in 2016, 33 of Shady's 234 rushes went for a loss. 3 of those were for minus 5 yards or more. 10 of them were for 3 yards or more. 23 of his rushes for loss were for minus 1 or 2 yards only.

Thanks for the info Blokestradamus. That definitely helps to build a better picture, and not in LeSean's favor because 37.1 looks pretty bad next to 60-80. But I still wonder how big of an impact it is. I'm not saying pass blocking isn't an extremely important part of playing the position...the Super Bowl alone pointed that out, as did having C.J. Spiller on our team, but did Shady's low score prove to be a big enough detriment to his team to warrant not including him on the list? If Ajayi had a clean week 17, then prorated out to Shady's 92 pass pro snaps (with McCoy's 13 QB pressures allowed), Jay would have 6 QB pressures (and/or hits) against him. So that equates to Shady giving up 1 more QB pressure than Ajayi every 2-1/4 games. Again, I'm not saying that is insignificant, but is that really enough to downgrade him from like 30th (slightly better stats than Ajayi at 31) to about 103 (if he was indeed one of the guys that just missed cracking the list)? Maybe, if they were all important plays that turned a game (e.g., the pressure causing an interception or keeping the team from scoring). How did those 7 more pressures across a 16-game season affect his team. Were any of those passes completed despite the pressure? How much did the pressure affect the play? It just seems like a fairly ambiguous statistic to use to downgrade him that much. If he had given up a handful of sacks, I could understand it a bit more. But, I don't know.

If I am remembering correctly, Shady did not seem to be giving enough effort in blitz pickup early last season and he got called out for it. But then from that moment on (still early in the season), he sold out. I can remember many solid pickups on his part after that. Maybe PFF is basing it on just those early games or worse yet, just remembering the talk about it early last season and assuming it continued. I mean Shady is no Fred Jackson when it comes to blocking (Fred bruised people bad), but I don't think Shady's blocking was a liability either (once he sold out), at least not enough to diminish what he did as a runner/receiver. For instance, PFF ranked Jay Ajayi as the 31st best player in the NFL: Player Total rush atts/rec targets Yards from scrimmage TDs 1st Downs AVGs. J. Ajayi 294 1,423 8 68 4.9 rush/5.6 rec L. McCoy 291 1,623 14 73 5.41 rush/7.1 rec So, in 3 less overall attempts than Ajayi, Shady had 200 yards more, 6 more TDs, 5 more 1st downs, and better averages. Yet, Ajayi is #31 and Shady isn't even on the list? Because of his blocking? Yeah right. I wonder how good Ajayi's blitz pickup is? I couldn't find any stats on that. He's a bigger back, so he's probably better...but how many times was he asked to do it? How did he fare? PFF notes that Shady had the lowest grade, but doesn't give any reference to what other RBs grades were. Shady apparently gave up 13 QB pressures over the course of the season, no sacks. Do 13 QB pressures (out of 92 blocks) really cancel out his stats? I also find it interesting that only 4 RBs made the top 101 at all (Elliot #22, Johnson #23, Bell #27, and Ajayi #31---that's it).

The thing with Stephon is that he is a very good cover corner, but this past year, he did seem to shy away from tackles and not always give his full effort. Maybe some will put that on the coaches/scheme, a lot of players seemed unhappy with the system, etc. Some might put it on the fact that he was going to be a free agent and was avoiding injury. Whatever it was, a guy who doesn't seem to be giving full effort makes me nervous. What happens once he gets paid? Will he feel valued and ball out? Or will the lack of effort continue cause he got his? Again, he is a very good player, but not great or elite until he consistently gives it all he has. The Bills offered 10.5 million/yr at the start of the season, which would have put him at 8th highest paid corner with a guy like Byron Maxwell. Steph appears to want around 14 million/yr, which would be in the top 4 paid CBs with the likes of Josh Norman, Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, and Darelle Revis. These guys are all great cover corners (despite Revis' decline...he was paid for how he has played in the past, not this year), but they are all also physical players who always give effort. I just don't see Stephon in that class yet. I mean, is he worth 5 million/yr more than an Aqib Talib (who also made the pro bowl) or Robert Alford? Is he worth twice as much money as a Rodgers-Cromartie? For comparison, the other pro bowl CBs not named Peterson or Sherman were paid the following in 2016: Janoris Jenkins 12.5 million Aqib Talib 9.5 million Chris Harris 8.5 million Casey Hayward 5.1 million (rookie contract) Marcus Peters 2.4 million (rookie contract) Xavier Rhodes 1.9 million (rookie contract) I'm just not sure he is worth top 4 money and if his "Show me the Money" sneakers are any indication, I don't think he's going to settle for less. If that's the case I think you let him walk. I could see the Bills up their offer of 10.5 to maybe around 12 if the new staff really wants him. That would put him around 7th highest paid CB. There were only 9 corners in the league who even made 10+ million in 2016. 11-12 million/yr is not a slap in the face by any means. It seems to be right around where his value should be set. imo

And I remember a story from a few years back where some of the Bills went up to Toronto and got to join in in batting practice and everyone said Kyle was the best, simply crushed the ball over and over. Congrats Kyle! Well deserved! First ballot Wall of Famer!

I would have been good with McDermott getting another ST coordinator because Crossman has been a mixed bag. But, what a lot of people forget is that a lot of other things go into specials teams besides coaching. First, the HC has to devote enough attention and practice time for ST; second, the GM and HC have to bring in guys who can play ST and allow other guys to play on teams; third, injuries can be crushing to ST (when you're best ST players are injured or have to start and can no longer play on teams, it hurts); and finally, you have to have good kickers and returners. So, maybe these coaches feel it wasn't a problem with coaching but with a combination of the other factors instead. Of course, I can't say one way or the other about some of those factors, but Carpenter has been pretty bad over the last two seasons, we haven't had a legitimate kickoff returner for a while (though Tate was good at punt returning), Whaley and Rex did try to bring in some ace Special Teamers, but we have also had a lot of injuries over the past four years. So, I wasn't thrilled to hear he had been retained, but I'm wiling to give him another shot if the new coach believes in him.

This sums it up perfectly. That is why I think they'll let him walk. New coach is apparently all about effort.

It could also be that either McDermott or the Bills (or both) would like to have a former HC on staff (in McCoy or Norv) to help the new coach along.

I agree with you and yes we all want to know more of what is going on (whether it matters if we know or not) and I also agree about JW. But that is exactly why Terry talked to him and not some of the others, because JW is always professional. Many of these other reporters (on up to the national level) are just throwing chit out there without digging deeper. Or stoking fires. Or attacking because of some personal agenda. Well, it is a two-way street. If you're negative on the team all of the time, why would they want to answer your questions openly (why give them more ammo)? I'm not saying the media shouldn't be critical if warranted or just be a cheerleading mouthpiece for the team, but some of those reporters were ready to pounce on Whaley (in an antagonizing way---not just to get answers). And there was no way Whaley could answer what they were asking without throwing either Rex or his bosses under the bus. Most teams do not like to badmouth or accuse someone they just fired. It doesn't look good. And we all know why you don't speak out against your boss. As you pointed out, this of course does not go for everyone in the media. I was just trying to answer your original question of why some fans are angry with the media. I doubt they have too much influence in coaching circles, but it's just not good for the team going forward to be painted as a tire fire---when the reality is that the new owners probably made a mistake with the structure of the organization due to a coach who had been burned in a previous relationship with a GM and by not giving their GM full authority. But now they are trying to correct it. That would be an objective take rather than just saying everyone at OBD is incompetent.

It's one thing to ask questions and to try to get to the bottom of issues (even if they are already painfully obvious to us as fans), but to call it a tire fire, totally dysfunctional, no coach would want to work here, or to ask the GM in the meanest/snarkiest way possible (not sure which reporter it was), "What do you even do?" as if to say you are just a body in a seat doing nothing, seems like personal attacks, not news reporting/investigating.

Could some of this be damage control for Rex from certain members of the media? Rex always gave the media a lot to write about and probably upped the views of their work (for the local guys) nationally. Plus, as we saw with Marrone and others, certain members of the media tout certain people based on shared agents, or because of where they get some of their inside info (be it an agent or team or league source), etc. Rex is possibly looking to land a TV job or maybe he still wants to coach, so the Bills FO being completely dysfunctional takes some of the heat off of Rex for not working out. Plus, nationally, I think a lot of media members just like him. Now, I'm not saying the Bills haven't screwed some things up and of course, Rex would have been much better without all the injuries, etc. But the media really does seem to be going way over the top with this tire fire "narrative." Just a theory.

Yes, Whaley is a bit unlikable in press conferences because he answers like a politician. But what did the media want him to say? Yes, my bosses (the Pegulas and Russ Brandon) made some horrible decisions that I didn't agree with but they overruled me. Or I didn't want Rex all along...told you so Terry and Russ. Come on. And if the owner of a company wants someone fired, he doesn't have to ask anyone else. He's the owner. The positive thing to come out of all of this is Russ Brandon will not be involved anymore in the coaching search or the football operations. You want an answer for why this team has missed the playoffs for the last decade at least? It's because we haven't had a real GM, a football guy with full authority to do his job. 2006-2007: Marv (former coach) and Russ Brandon (marketing guy that started in baseball, not football) basically become co-GMs. Marv was obviously hired for public relations reasons and because Ralph trusted him (since Donahoe had alienated the fans, media, staff, and Ralph himself). But neither of these guys (despite Marv having been a great coach) were qualified for the position. 2008-2009: Marv steps down and Russ Brandon (with no coaching, playing, or scouting experience) becomes the GM and gains Ralph's trust and ear. 2010-2013: It is obvious that the franchise needs a football guy in the FO. They promote Nix (again trust issue stemming back to Donahoe) and bring in Whaley, an up-and-comer who is still probably too green to take over a franchise yet on his own. Russ becomes CEO. Nix is there to bring back stability, improve the roster, and groom Whaley to take over. He didn't turn the team around, but did do those 3 things (to an extent). In January of 2013, with Russ having been promoted from CEO to President (above the GM position) and Nix still as the GM, Doug Marrone is hired. This was obviously a Russ choice with the Syracuse ties, etc. And also, during Nix's tenure, Russ was the man who had Ralph's ear and probably spoke for him in the building, especially as Ralph's health continued to get worse. Then in March of 2013, just after the draft, Nix resigns and Whaley is promoted to the position with Marrone, a guy he may have agreed to, but was not his hand-picked option as his coach. 2014: ​Ralph dies in March. Brandon takes on de facto owner role. In November, Pegulas buy the team. And in December Marrone quits. Since the Pegulas want to observe the operation before blowing it all up, they lean heavily on Russ Brandon to get up to speed on the team and how the NFL works. Russ has been GM, CEO, President, and de facto owner, plus he was instrumental in the sale of the team to Terry. Whaley has been in his position for only 18 months and of course would want to ingratiate himself to the Pegulas to keep his job. But they are probably listening more to Russ on how things should go. 2015: Rex is hired. From all accounts, he went in and wowed Russ and the Pegulas. Terry and Kim liked him a lot and Russ was probably seeing a marketing boon (more national coverage, great press conferences, hope for the fanbase). Again, Whaley may have agreed with the decision, but Rex was not necessarily his choice. Even at the time it seemed like a Pegula/Russ choice from the reporting of it. So, again, he has to work with a coach he didn't hand pick. Rex was so eager to prove the Jets were wrong for firing him that he took the job. But if you looked at him in his last year in New York, the guy was burnt out and defeated. I know when you get burnt out at work, how long it takes to get back on track. Maybe Rex needed some time off rather than jumping into the deep waters again. Plus, because of the problems Rex had with his GM(s) in New York, he gets the Pegulas to agree that he will report to them rather than to the GM. Contrary to how most organizations function. So, Whaley is still somewhat treated as a Jr. GM, not fully in control...first under Nix, then Brandon, then with the communication structure with Rex and the Pegulas. 2016: ​Season does not go well, no improvement. Rex had a lot of influence over draft and player selection and adding to/changing the coaching staff with no results. The defense is bad (supposedly Rex's specialty). No doubt, especially as the hot seat warmed in the media regarding Rex, Terry and Doug had discussed what is wrong with the team including in the coaching department. But it seems as if they were going to let it play out, do their end of season evaluations, and then most likely fire Rex. Rex saw the writing on the wall, so he asked Terry straight out and in that moment Terry made the final decision then and there (an owner's perogative). Doesn't seem that hard to figure out or believe or understand the decision making process (even if there were some bad decisions that turned out poorly). But, from 2006 to 2016, Russ Brandon was basically GM for four years, CEO for 3 years (over Nix as GM), President and de facto owner for 2 years (over Whaley), and then President and closest advisor to the new owners for two years. His hand was heavy in both of the last two coaching choices (and possibly the last 4 coaching searches going back to Jauron). This guy, who didn't come up through any football ranks, has basically been running this team for the last decade. He may be a great executive, marketer, business man, but he should never have been involved in the football decisions (outside of possibly contracts). The fact that the Pegulas were not afraid to admit Rex didn't work out and to fire him and to now remove Russ from all football decisions and actually hand the keys of the car to Whaley are all positive signs to me that they are trying to correct the problems of the last couple of years. Whaley was under Nix and Brandon for 3 years, GM for 10 months and hadn't even overseen a draft solo when Ralph passed, had to deal with new owners (and again Russ) who maybe weren't ready to let him make all the decisions yet, and he didn't get to hand-pick the coaches he worked with, etc. Let the man do his job and sink or swim on his own merit, where we don't have to guess if it was his decision or Buddy's, or Brandon's, or Ralph's, or the Pegula's. And the fact that the media can't piece the puzzle together for themselves shows how inept they are. They focus (and get angry) about issues that just don't matter that much, like did Doug talk to Terry about wanting to get rid of Rex or why did Terry make that decision without the GM's approval. Who cares. Rex was going to get fired, we all knew it, Rex knew it and there is no way that Doug and Terry were not in agreement over that whether they talked about it or not. Of course Whaley hasn't been perfect and I do believe that for at least the last three years, he has been pretty much in charge of the 53...but you can't say that the roster isn't much more talented than when he arrived. Give him a chance to do his job properly and to make his own decisions (with the Pegulas blessing of course). We might be pleasantly surprised.

This. Fool me once... Not saying Lynn wouldn't be a good HC, just don't rush the decision because of rumors.

He brings up the point that the last 4 1st round draft picks only played 8 games this season. Now, I'm not saying everything is perfect in Bills land (keep Russ away from any football decisions: Draft, coaches, etc.), but that is really cherry picking. Yes, it looks like a big miss on EJ, and you can say we gave up too much for Sammy, and everyone knew Shaq was hurt. But, it does not note to the casual fan that Sammy and Shaq were hurt most of the year. It doesn't explain that we are only talking 3 players not 4 (because of the Sammy trade), or that Sammy is a game changer when healthy, or that Shaq may turn out to be a great Player, or that Shaq was most likely a Rex pick. And, he conveniently stopped at 4 years, I assume because he wanted to make a point (had an agenda)...not mentioning the two years before that were Stephone and Marcel, both who have been good players for the Bills (despite Dareus' issues earlier this year). That would add, what, another 24 or 25 starts this season by Bills 1st round picks. Just sayin'.

This O-line is above average to excellent at run blocking, but just average at pass blocking. The reason the stats tell you Tyrod has so much time to throw is because he extends plays with his legs. How often do you see him sittng back there comfortably, able to wait for a crossing route to develop or whatever? Not too often. And I don't think it is just because he has happy feet. The pocket often collapses fast. (Not saying it's all on the line and not Taylor. He has a lot to improve on, obviously, and a good number of sacks are due to him holding onto the ball too long or running but not making it back to the line of scrimmage.) But, I do agree that we should be investing in the O-line. We should definitely be looking for a center to take over for Eric when he is done (which is probably not far off) or due to injury. Not sure about Groy yet. Ritchie probably has at least two more years of solid play in him. Glenn is probably above average, but not top of the heap. Miller seems to be getting there, but I haven't paid enough attention to him to know for sure. And we obviously will want to upgrade the RT position. So, I would be all for investing in some big, nasty O-linemen to either come in and start or to groom to replace guys in the near future. We have a good line that can make things happen especially in the run game, but I would definitely be up for a couple of better pass blockers (and some serious coaching in that area).