JohnC

Brady got caught up in the "combine measurables" foolishness. He wasn't especially athletic and ran slowly. When evaluating qbs sometimes it is better to throw away the stop watch and the lifting scores and place value on attributes that are most attributable to success in playing the most challenging position in the game. Players such as Erik Flowers and Maybin fly up the draft board because they train for the test and athletically are very good. That doesn't mean they are good football players. JaMarcus Russell had a canon arm. He was lazy, not smart, very unsophisticated and had little leadership. He was the first player taken in the draft. There isn't an attribute other than arm strength and physical stature where Brady didn't demonstrably outshine Russell. I understand why Brady wasn't drafted in the first or second round. But this qb not getting drafted in the fourth or fifth round can't logically be explained. WEO, Your claim that BB knew that his hidden prized prospect was going to be available in the sixth round makes no sense. I rarely agree with DOC but on this issue he overwhelms your preposterous idea that BB had an inkling on what he was getting and was willing to wait for the end of the draft to select their prized stealth draftee. Come on----you can do better than that!

He was the best player on the field in the bama/rebel game. The best player I have seen this year. I watched a little of the Texas and California game. Goff has a strong arm and is a polished passer. Quite impressive!

You have been touting Connor Cook for quite a whlle. I have seen him in a few games and have come to the same conclusion as you have. In my view he is not the type of qb who is going to sparkle with a quantity of throws all over the field. That is not the type of offense he runs in college or will run in the pro ranks. What impresses me the most is his mature, pro ready game. He makes all the throws and he has excellent pocket presence. He has a command of the offense and a feel for the game that can't be taught. I have high expectations for Tyrod, maybe too much wishful thinking. I'm hoping that as this season unfolds it will be apparent that the Bills qb situation is secured and that we use our top pick on a very good OL prospect. You have a history of promoting exotic qb prospects. You are getting much better in the scouting department.

I don't personally know those directly involved with putting together this site but I want to thank you. You toil without recognition while the product you created and maintained brings a lot of joy to those who participate. There is a lot of spirited discussions that sometimes get overheated. But after a short while the heat usually gets cooled. In the Brady inflategate discussion it sometimes got a little harsh but in general the discussions were not only reasonable but were illuminating. In that particular topic there were some really top notch legal commentary that clarified the core issues associated with that case. Those individuals (on both sides of the issue) really impressed me with their knowledge. This site has brought together Bills' fans from all over the country and allowed them to express their loyalty and passion for the team that is now on an upward trajectory. Again, I want to thank those involved with this site. You do the work and we reap the benefits.

The ball boys already testified in a full session with Ted Wells and his investigators. What questions that could have been asked in the first session needed to be asked in the second session? They already testified under oath. Their statements were on record. No lawyer who isn't an imbecile would have advised the ball boys to again testify when they were not required to testify. Compare that to how RG would not make Pash available in the appeals hearing? Pash is a Harvard trained attorney and a very accomplished attorney. The law required Pash to answer questions and provide his notes in the appeal proceedings. RG and Pash were adament that he (Pash) would not answer questions and provide notes that he was obligated to do. So to summarize your position you are indignant that the ball boys who were not required to appear at the appeal hearing didn't appear but you ignore the fact that Pash who was legally bound to provide his notes and answer questions didn't do what he was required to do. It should be noted that the judged cited as one of his reasons (among many) he overturned RG's ruling is that Pash didn't abide by the rules of discovery Do you see the contradiction in your position?

Abby Lowell is one of the top attorneys (criminal/civl) in the country. He has handled many high profile cases. He was asked on a radio show shortly after the judge's ruling what were the chances of the league winning on appeal. He said zero. In his response Lowell said that in the way that the judge wrote/structured his ruling with the focus on the process that there was little room to make a case for an overturn. IIn his opinion the judge cited too many blatant examples of violations of conduct for any panel to overturn the initial ruling. He also brought up the issue of the timing of an appeal hearing. He felt that the league can't makie a good case for an expedited hearing because in his opinion the league can't make a good argument that there would be irreparable damage if the current ruling went into effect, which it has. The incompetent Roger Goodell can file an appeal which he said he would do. There is a good chance that the issue wouldn't be taken up by the apellate panel for another year or so. As this case clearly demonstrates Roger Goodell's record when his judgments are reviewed by outside authorities is not very good. He is zero for 6 and still counting. Roger Goodell willingness to file an appeal in a jurisdiction that he sought (ran to) in a case that he was forcefully repudiated is not a demonstration of his wisdon, it is another demonstration among many of his foolishness.

Because the Bills are not spending a lot of money at the qb position like a lot of good teams they have more cap flexibility, especially if they believe that this deal is not a long term deal. I agree with you that there are reasonable concerns that he is on the downside of his career. Based on some of the stats you referenced it is a warranted concern. But even when a player is on a downward trajectory it doesn't mean that that particular player can't make a difference. McCoy's running skills may have eroded somewhat but he is still a big threat catching swing passes. A big play is a big play. When you have a conviction that a particular player can make a difference and help get you over the hump then you act within reason to get the deal done. Did Whaley overreach in this case? Possibly so. Did Whaley overreach in the move up deal to get Watkins? Maybe so. However, taking a risk when your window of opportunity is open for a franchise with a dismal past is worth taking. No one expects all the transactions that a GM makes will work out. It is the nature of the beast. But isn't it refreshing that this franchise is led by someone who has some imagination and creativity instead of acting in the staid and boring way that this historically invisible franchise has operated in?

Whaley was not looking for a long term investment with the acquisition of McCoy. He has publicly stated that he wants to end the playoff drought as soon as possible, not down the road. DW gave up a future first round pick to select a play maker receiver last year. My point being that he is all in on immediate results compared to patiently waiting for down the road results. In DW's mind if he can get a quick return on McCoy then he considers it worthwhile. For a franchise that has been out of the playoffs for 15 consecutive years I have no problem with that urgency mind-set. The NFL staffing system is built with plenty of player movements and contract considerations. So it isn't unreasonable to take a chance on a player such as McCoy because the window of opportunity is limited. The Bills have an exceptional defense that is in its prime. The offense prior to this year was an anchor dragging down this team and squandering the work of a dominant defense. Whaley went out and got pieces such as McCoy, Harvin, Clay and the costly Watkins. With a new owner who is willing to be looser with the wallet than the more parsimonious previous owner DW is not holding back, he's going for it. I find that attitude refreshing. Being bold is better than being boring, especially for a franchise that has been mostly irrelevant. I salute him for his more aggressive approach.

Your girlfirend is astute. Most people who are insane believe others are insane. It's called paranoia. Modern medicine is a marvel. It is a very treatable affliction. This team is now stacked with playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. We "hopefully" have the quarterback to make the connection. If our OL can play at a competent level (worry about that unit) this team will be a serious team. I don't have a tendency to over-rate talent just because they play for the hometown team. But what I am seeing in the early play of TT is making me gush. What a stunning surprise, a very pleasant surprise!! All I was hoping for was competent qb play. After my early glimpses of him taking the snaps I expect more, and I am confident I will get more.

I appreciate your response and the complexity involved with valuing this type of asset. My initial question related more toward the cash/flow issue and the prospects for having a solid operating income. My assumption (accurate or not???) is that he paid cash for the purchase allowing for a debt free asset. As I previously stated Pegula is managing the team with a lot less restrictive financial approach than the Wilson/Littman business model of cash to cap, and in general a much tighter cash/flow operation. If my description of the financial landscape is accurate then would it be safe to say that Pegula is running a business that in isolation is profitable? The next looming issue is that this antiquated (some people find it quaint) will need to be replaced. Then the number crunchers will have to do a lot of calculations and manipulations to get the numbers to work in order to finance the next facility. Many people believe that Pegula overpaid by $400 M for the acquisition. That premium payment sure would have been useful for a down payment for a new facility. If that would have happened the numbers would have been much more manageable. Don't be modest. You have a good grasp.

You seem to have a good grasp on pro sport financing. If Pegula payed cash for his franchise purchase then there isn't a debt load to service. If that is the case then shouldn't he be in a strong position to garner a reasonable positive operating income? I realize that he is financially managing the franchise in a more generous manner than under the more restictive Wilson/Littman approach. So the business is going to be more costly than with the prior owner. But with the invigoration of the fanbase and the resulting increased TV revenue, ticket sales and advertisement $$$ shouldn't the owner's investment be profitable or at least not a negative drain? I realize that when a new facility issue arises, and it will in the not too distant future, the financial complications become much more challenging and complicated. But for now isn't Pegula in good shape in running a franchise that is very sustainable?

RGIII is a good example that no matter how well you played in college the pro game is a different game. It doesn't matter how great your physical skills are unless you master the mental side of the game you will fail. With RGIII, without even considering his diva personality traits, unless he can develop better vision and master the mental side of the game he will struggle. As you suggested it is a process of hard work and effort in learning how to play. Some people can grasp the intuitive side of the game and others will never get it. TT has an understanding what it takes. That is a good start and a good sign.

I am an avid admirer of Russell Wilson. Right from the start he played with maturity and poise. If he were four or five inches taller he would be receiving more accolades and recongnition than he is currently receiving. And he is already recognized as one of the better qbs in the league!!! Wilson has excellent stats. But even with his high end stats they don't define how special he is. It is his mental grasp of the game that elevate him as a player. I don't want to get carried away in my bias with the home town qb. But when I watch TT (admittedly a very small sample) I seem to watch a qb playing a very similar game. A lot of people gush over TT's running and scrambling ability. That isn't what is getting me excited. It is the mature way he plays and it is the beautiful ball he throws. He has a good arm, he is accurate and he has a great touch on the ball depending on situation. Whenever I see TT scramble I watch how he usually keeps his eyes downfield. That is what Wilson does when he is moving away from pressure. TT doesn't have to match Wilson for our offense to make a major leap forward. If he can play even at a lesser but similar style of game then the Bills should be very hopeful about their prospects this year and in the future.

I don't think that it was as much about neutering the offense as it was smartly reacting to the the flow of the game. Our defense was containing their offense and we took an early lead. Considering that TT was an inexperienced starter I thought Roman's relatively conservative approach was the right approach. You are right that Waklins was not very involved in the passing game, and neither was Woods. Clay and Harvin were most instrumental in the passing game. On the positive side, especially in the passing game, we have a wide array of options. Our run blocking wasn't very good. Too few lanes were created. That has to improve. Overall I would say that Roman called a smart game. In my view he demonstrated both maturity and prudence in his play calling.

Excellent summary. Just about everything you observed was on the mark. Gilmore played an excellent game. He was tough. As you know I have been touting Gilmore since he was drafted. Is it rude to tell you "I told you so"?The one thing about Darby is that of all our corners he may be the best at reacting to the ball and catching it. I'm not saying he is our best DB but his instincts are superb. If McKelvin or Gilmore for that matter had those same ball skills we would have an upper tier defensive backfield. I thought Incognito was our best blocker. The blockers didn't create many lanes for the running game but compared to last year it was a noticeable improvement. I was very disappointed in Glenn. Since I caught glimpses of TT in preseason I have been very surprised at his overall game. He is a smart player and a very responsible player. He doesn't panic when the play breaks down and makes something out of nothing. What has really surprised me about him is how polished he is passing the ball. He can make all the throws and he throws a sweet ball. Isn't it refreshing to have a qb who is accurate!!! The success of this team is going to come down to how he plays. He doesn't have to force the action. If he can play at a competent level then this team takes a quantum leap into the serious category. His style of play reminds me of Russell Wilson's type of game. For a young player who didn't get much playing time over the past four years he has a mature game. He is a very quick player who plays with great vision and poise. I'm very impressed and mostly because of him very hopeful.

What Ted Wells does very well is create billable hours. He wrote a report that the judge basically mocked. He didn't care how it was perceived because he made millions of $$$ on a report that the judge deemed to lack credibility because it was authored by someone who had an obvious conflict of interest and whose product was flimsy in substance. The judge point blank asked Ted Wells if he had direct evidence that Tom Brady was involved with the ball tampering. Ted Wells said no. The judge made his ruling. It is time put an end to your moral crusade. Believe what you want to believe. That's your choice. I have nothing more to add to this discussion. I'm moving on.

You are distorting the position I have made. With respect to what Brady did or didn't do after the judge's ruling it is now a dead issue. The stupendously incompetent Roger Goodell in his weird wisdom decided to appeal this decisive ruling against him. In another year or two the next level of appellate judges will again formerly rebuff him. You believe that Brady was involved in ordering the balls to be inflated below the permissable level. I don't. It's as simple as that. You believe that the inflation levels affected performances and influenced the outcome of the game. I don't. The judge snickered at that notion in court by pointing out that Brady performed better when the balls were at a higher inflation level. You repeatedly stress that he hasn't proved that he is not guilty. I say that he doesn't have to. That's not how things work. He hasn't been proven guilty of anything. My position on this manufactured issue has been the same from day one to the end of the line. You continue to let this ludicrous issue consume you as if it is a moral crusade. It's not. As I said in the prior post if you believe that Brady was involved in a transgression that reaches to the level of an immoral act against mankind then go ahead and continue to believe it. You are entitled to your beliefs; you are entitled to your zealotry. All through these extended discussions on this topic I have tried to be respectful. But when it gets to the point that Bills' fans start actually believing that they are "victims" in this fiasco then it has gotten into the realm of the theatre of the absurd. What more can I say?

If the Pats are sapping the joy out of watching games then find another activity to enjoy that doesn't irritate you so much. Go outside and enjoy the pleasant fall weather instead of being burdened by the great injustices imposed on mankind. Simple solution for such a traumatizing problem.

Brady swore in court that he did not instruct anyone to lower the PSI levels below the legal limit. I believe him--you don't. It's as simple as that. I have also stated from the first reporting of the the inflation matter that I considered it to be inconsequential to how it relates to player performance and outcome of any game. You don't accept that point. You have treated this issue as if it were an existential moral issue. I have treated it as a trivial BS issue. We simply disagree of the scale of this issue. You can be perturbed all you want about how this issue evolved and went down. The judge made a decisive ruling. You can accept it or not. How you handle the outcome is your choice.

I'll repeat what I told Kelly the Dog. The appellate judge ruled on what he was supposed to rule on. The league and Roger Goodell were forcefully rebuked for bringing this absurd case to his court room. In his scolding of the league and Roger he made it abundantly clear that their unethical and incompetent behavior was not to be tolerated. You can believe whatever you want to believe regardless of the court ruling. That is your prerogative. If it makes you happy then be happy.

The case is closed. The judge slammed the door on the league and forcefully rebuked the league for its foolishness. If you are waiting with great anticipation that a farfetched appeal by the league and the inept Roger will change the outcome of the initial ruling then go ahead and wait with great anticipation. If you believe that the Pats cheated and got away with and you can't accept that reality then go ahead and continue to believe what you want. If that rocks your boat then keep rocking. The end result is not going to change. I'm not going to change your mind and you are not going to change my mind. When you reach a dead end and don't accept that it is a dead end then be prepared to be stuck where you are. The reality is not going to change no matter how much you want it to be so. I'm more concerned with how TT is going to play. That is an issue that will impact the Bills---not this trivial "air" issue. The distinguished judge in this case made a determinatin with clarity, force and indignation. You may be into BS but he wasn't. "you know as well as anyone that the judge didn't rule on his cheating." The judge ruled on that which he was supposed to rule. The case is closed.

The judge forcefully ruled and rebuked the league's position against Brady and the Pats. Get over it. As far as the issue of the malfunctioning headsets it is the league that controls that communication, not the home team. I don't care what the prevailing view is on this issue or any other issue. I'm capable of thinking for myself. Being obsessed over the importance of under inflated or over inflated balls and its impact on performance and outcome of a game is silly. Loud ad naseum complaining about inconsequential issues doesn't make them consequential. The Bills have lost to the Pats somewhere in the range of 90% over the past generation. It has nothing to do with the opposition nibbling around the rules. It shouldn't be too difficult to digest the points that better talent and better organizations usually triumph over mediocre talent and organizations. Taking care of one's own business is more productive than whining over trivialities that involve other teams.

I am an avid Bills fan. I am also a fan of the pro game. It is a priviledge to watch the excellence in the play of Brady and Gradkowski. I don't hate any team. That is so juvenile. At this point we are not rivals to the Pats because for the past generation we couldn't seriously compete against them. Hopefully, that will change.

The tenor of most of the posts on this topic is embarrassing. The level of excuse making for the historical failure of this dismal franchise is not only pathetic, it is sad. There is no doubt that the Pats under Belichek have pushed the envelope. But to believe that is why they are the most successful franchise in the challenging cap era is a delusional absurdity. Tom Brady is one of the best qbs not only in the game now but in the modern era of the NFL. He will be a near unanimous first ballot HOF selection. He was a sixth round pick who has made himself into one of the best qbs in the game, past and present, through his extraordinary competitiveness and work ethic. He is the main reasons why the Pats are so successful. If he were a Buffalo Bill do you think his feats and championships would be so sullied by the Bills' fans? Of course not. Bill Belichek is not very likable. It is indisputable that he stretches the rules to the outer boundaries. So what! Anyone who has a morsel of objectivity acknowledges that based on his record in a very challenging period of time (cap era) he is the best HC in the history of the modern NFL. Wouldn't any whining and excuse-making Buffalo fan want to have a HC of that caliber running their football operation? The Bills have for most of their history been not only a losing franchise but an irrelevant franchise. They have created their own inconsequential legacy not by how other teams conducted themselves but by their own stupendous ineptitude. Over the past generation the Pats have beaten us at a rate of 90% because they are simply not only better as a team but better as an organization. Anyone who doesn't believe that is a fool. Isn't it about time that the Bills create their own positive legacy based on their own accomplishments? Isn't it about time that the fans stop exhibiting their loser mentality by making excuses for why other teams win and making excuses as to why they lose? This constant attitude for pointing outward for our predictable failures is not only pathetic, it is so lame. I wish it would stop especially now under this more progressive owner that presents this beaten down fan base with legitimate hope.

You can make the same claim for every position. There are plenty of top of the draft qbs, OTs, CBs, DL, receivers etc who don't justify their draft position. If a player turns out to be a good pro, regardless of the position, it is a worthy draft pick. More often than not the team that a particular player goes to and its circumstances is very important to the success of the player drafted. If you are a good draft prospect and go to a team with a good OL, such as Dallas, the odds of being successful improve. For a back going to the Bills with its recent history of having wretched OL play the talents of a good back are squandered. A highly drafted CB going to a team with an inability to rush the qb is going to struggle more than a lesser drafted CB who goes to a team with a good pass rush.