The Big Cat

Well, her finding out now or her finding out later--doesn't change what happened. I know that sounds callous, but I stand by what I said before. His mother, one way or another, is in for some serious grief, but for once, it's not the media's fault.

Some will argue that a photo like this is irresponsible sensationalism. But for the reaction it provoked from both you and me, everyone should see it, everyone should have to deal with that man's tragedy. We're too far removed from war and violence 99% of the time. Photos like this remind us what's at stake.

BRACE YOURSELVES: (SERIOUSLY DON'T CLICK THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SOME SERIOUS ****) http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/bos041513/s_b08_53227478.jpg

You'll classify the Bills "re-build" as 13 years in the making--that the ineptitude from the top down ought to be evaluated from the Music City Miracle through today, in spite of the length of actual tenures, yet also claim that we started at the same time as a team who has made it to the Super Bowl as part of 7 total playoff appearances since the Bills last danced. Which is it?

Well, that's it. Just !@#$ing cancel life. Nobody can go anywhere or do anything, the lid is officially off the !@#$ing box.

Point of clarification: I thought that not having the option to refuse the franchise tag was the whole point of the franchise tag in the first place..?

We're going to draft a RB. We'd be stupid not to. Yet this is how TBD will react:

I know that it's speculation, we'll wait and see. Also, I offered plenty of positive "competent" signings. Care to refute any of them individually? Or are we content with the broad strokes?

1.) Reports show that Buffalo never made a move. Levitre also said he would want to stay in Buffalo (although he said these things while still a Bill and while also expressing a desire to find out what his options are) 2.) Precisely that point I made that ignited a Twitter pissing contest with Tim Graham (shocking I know). What "possible?" So, narry a positive personnel move under his watch? Do you really believe this to be true?

(A) Yes. They will watch for roster casualties like they have in the past. (B) Some things would suggest he does*, others not so much**. Bigger question right now is whose hand is on the tiller. I have a sneaking suspicions (as I've said here many times before), that the Monday following the draft we'll be alerted to Doug Waley's ascension/Nix's "retirement." *Urbrik, Pears, Stevie's extension, the apparent work they're doing with Byrd, cutting Fitz, Cordy Glenn, Stephon Gilmore, CJ Spiller, Dareus (I hope), Alex Carrington (yeah, I said it), Ron Brooks, Alan Branch, Doug Marrone/Mike Pettine (I hope) **Fitz's extension, Chan Gailey, Dave Wannestadt

So...you're looking for a complete summary of all off-season activity and discussion with a consensus resolution on outcome? Yuh huh...

But there will be scores of fans who will debate "reasonable" and they'll say that we're devoting too many resources to DB's and they'll be all:

Very nicely done. This board needs more reaction gifs!

I don't understand most fans most of the time--the guy has no contract. Why would he subject himself to potential injury on the Bills watch?

He's also a sure-tackler, a great blitzer AND we've seen--on more than one occasion--when he makes diving interceptions on passes that are thrown just fine. Also, remember last year when George Wilson dropped two would-have-been-game-sealing interceptions in two separate games? Both of which landed right in his lap? Both games resulting in losses? Don't look a sure-handed safety in the mouth.

We've been doing some housework lately, and I've fired up some 2012 games to have on in the background using ye olde iPad and NFL game rewind. It's always nice to watch games with a more objective set of eyes, particularly when you already know the outcome. And make no mistake, Fred is !@#$ing good. Real !@#$ing good. I just love watching the guy play. Unfortunately, his consistency has absolutely plummeted, the injuries, the fumbles--I wouldn't say he's 'lost a step,' but he hasn't showed he can handle the load. And Occam's Razor would suggest it's due to age. I'd like to believe that's not the case since Old Father Time is a one way street. Here's hoping...

I have to respectfully disagree. There's virtually no debate about Byrd among...anyone...fans, local media, national media, players and coaches. It's an absolute consensus. Yours is the first contrarian view point I've heard. So, unless you see something that nobody else on Earth does...

Right. But then he got hurt. In 2011, the Bills were the best team in the AFCE through four weeks...till they started losing. And then Fred got hurt again in 2012. And then again. Look, I love me some Fred, but you gotta be a little more realistic about what the 32 year old guy can and can't do. Unless you think it should be Fred's turn more often.

Good on you. When people aren't accountable for their opinions, then the posters who disagree with them get to argue with whatever made-up point they want, after the fact. And "cautiously" optimistic is still very much optimistic.

I always had my doubts about Wanny. My buddy--a huge Pitt fan--reported back about how boring uninventive and unaggressive Wannys defenses were. After that, I personally was cautiously optimistic...at best. So I'm not sure specifically which people you're talking about...

I'll let SJ speak for himself, but I think you took some liberty with his point.

Dudes, the Bills are gunna be so good this year.

Yes, and also included in the thread title was "WHAT THEY'RE SAYING" which is the basis for EVERYTHING right now. You can call it evidence, you can say it's not evidence, but you can't ignore the existence of what's being said.

I think you're right, to an extent. Except that in the professional leagues, winning isn't a player's own motivation. It makes up the lion share of motivation for most players, but once money's involved, the stakes are different. However, even assuming players need no motivation, the mark of a good coach is not how they motivate, but that they never de-motivate, something we know the coaches managed to do here last year.

Fine, your'e right. Who !@#$ing cares at this point?