BillsVet

Brown is part of the spin machine, and every NFL team this time of year is trying to fool the others. CB just happens to be another instrument of deceit, which is fair given how close teams guard their coveted player lists. He has a job to do, and it fits with the bigger vision. No more, no less.

What gives you the impression they'll be a Bills in 3-4 years? At the risk of hijacking the thread, the future of the Bills supercedes anything done in the front office or on the field. I like the Whaley hiring, but it's a moot point if there isn't a team down the road. No one anywhere has given any assurances the team is present after the lease ends in 2013.

Buffalo hasn't traded down since 2001, but I've always felt Levy/Jauron/Brandon simply weren't savvy enough to drop down and still get their guy. Graham at 9 would be too high, but those characters from 06-09 are gone now, save Smithers. Gailey's supposed offensive wizardry as noted by several TBD'ers would seem to indicate they go defensively, but it's not certain either. Offensively, whether it's either a run first or balanced offense, they need OT's. Green is limited, and behind him there's nothing. Bell, Meredith, et al, aren't NFL starters. They go OT with the first pick, as long as at least Bulaga or Trent Williams are available.

Two words: Kevin Colbert. You know, the guy in the role of Director of Football Ops for the Steelers. I love it on TBD when the Bills hire a guy who was essentially a staff member working for a GM and they instantly get credit for having built the team. Whaley may be a fine talent evaluator, but he cannot receive sole credit for drafting starters. Once again, TBD'ers looking at every person or situation in absolute world. Nix+SD=Nix is great. And now Whaley+PIT=Whaley great. Both guys are probably fine scouts and personnel directors, but GM is another level with more responsibility.

Ralph Wilson, Bills, and "semi-democratically" (whatever that is) are words I wouldn't use in a single sentence. Ralph has always wanted his way and generally got it. Aside from TD, when he had strong personnel experienced HC/GM types (Saban 2x, Knox, Polian, Butler) the team fared well. His track record is a lot of misses mixed with the aforementioned hits. RW may not be JJ or Snyder, but this offseason demonstrated the Bills can no longer attract quality HC/GM options. Perhaps they don't want them. Rumor had it RW wanted Lynch as well in 07 according to a January Pro Football Weekly article. Problems Begin at Top-PFW 1-25-10 Granted, there wasn't much in the 4th when they took Wright, but still, an owner immersing himself in any round is troubling.

This is the issue with Gailey: his previous HC job in college was one mired in mediocrity. He recruited well but never seemed to have more than average success. Not winning in college is one thing, but to get a HC job in the pros with his recent track record is not inspiring. This reminds me of Jauron circa 2008: a HC with talent (and an easy schedule) who couldn't win. And then, I'm reminded of the other three teams in the AFCE and their management structure.

How about Whitner, his twitter account, the stolen jewelry, and his yapper for Andy Reid's buffet lunches and dinners for a year? That way, the DL and LB's can stay big for the switch to a 34 defense.

Will you purchase this product when Dez Bryant, Arrelious Benn, or any WR is not selected in Round 1?

With a massive assist from a guy named Kurt Warner. He coached three seasons in STL, and in 97 and 98 combined for 9-23 record. He then sees Trent Green go down, Warner becomes the QB, and he wins a SB. Never won a playoff game again after 99 season.

I don't expect Gailey to say this team is capable of winning the SB a la Gregg Williams in 2001. But there seems to be a growing movement that as long as any sort of change happens, that it's naturally a good thing. Unfortunately, the power brokers at OBD continue to trot out the same product with different packaging. If the team has another underwhelming or poor season, it'll be blamed on a new staff, young players, et al. You know, the same things people said after 2006. At some point, being new doesn't equate to being bad and eventually fans need to demand more.

This man has far too much affinity for the bumerooski. How many times is he going to use that term?

I've read here the admiration for Gailey's words from the recent breakfast for select premium ticket holders. If this were a proven coach talking about things, then fine. Unfortunately (unless you're a homer extraordinaire) everything he said is straight from the coach-speak manual. Why does Gailey receive the benefit of the doubt? It must be because he's new and the anti-Jauron. But name one HC who went 10 years between top jobs, let alone a guy who has success that far apart? Even if Bills fans are to assume that Nix will find talent, the coach is the person putting that talent into place. And I don't see Gailey doing that, certainly not this season. It's looking like cloudy and about 4-12 this season. Despite what the team says, they need instant starters at LT, NT, and OLB. For all the credit Gailey received, he's never had the task of rebuilding a team like he will here. It's great he's been a decent OC for 3 NFL seasons since being fired in Dallas, but HC is an exponentially greater challenge. Words don't change that.

I'm sure if you said this the day after DJ was fired, that most people would have reacted very negatively. But the rationale spread that even though no one wanted these guys, they were fine for Buffalo. Marv Levy, Russ Brandon, Buddy Nix, Dick Jauron, and Chan Gailey were people no one wanted across 31 other teams in the NFL. Somehow, they've become good enough to desperate fans. Cue the Marv Levy 1986 comment about not being wanted. Too bad Chan doesn't have Bill Polian as a GM.

Well... 1. Lynch was suspended 3 games last season and wasn't ready to go in Week 4. It's called game shape. 2. After the suspension, he would have had to get the ball 25 times each game to hit 300 carries 3. The NFL is a two back league now, so comparisons to Thurman are not accurate. It's a two back league because defenders are bigger, stronger, and faster. Not good if you're even a 215# "beast." 4. Jackson was the better back, and sharing carries did not result in the sum being better than the parts. 5. Buffalo found itself down in late in a few games where running the ball wasn't their first option. 6. Dick Jauron was the HC.

Kyle Williams is a nice complementary player and nothing more. He and Stroud combined to man the middle for a team ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed with 156+ per game. And now he's being asked to play DL in a defense where the front 3 must allow the LB's to make the plays? If strength were the main requirement, Leif Larsen would be an All-Pro.

I'll admit, I laughed when Tennessee selected Chris Johnson in 2008. But upon closer inspection, the Titans had a strong OL with a real LT in Michael Roos, and could afford to take a back. Their defense wasn't shabby either and the next season they went 13-3. I can't stand the guy, but respect what Bill Parcells does when rebuilding the Dolfelons. They re-signed Vernon Carey, drafted Jake Long, and signed Jake Grove. Those are solid OT's and a C. They picked Dlineman and are still fortifying their front 7, despite picks at CB last year. It's cliche, but building from inside-out is how it's done. Dick Levy did it the other way, and it gave us more mediocrity.

That trade proposal should be DOA, but it's interesting some fans continue to talk about skill positions. Taking skill guys is what has this team as weak in the trenches as they are. Fact is, they have two options if they choose to remain at 9: OLT or NT. They have zero depth at OT and absolutely nothing at NT. OLT's will go off the board very quick, which is the case every year. With a NT, at least you have the chance of finding a Cam Thomas in the second. All rebuilding teams (and that's what this team is) find their lineman first. But of course, the marketeers at OBD want to sell tickets, so I wouldn't be surprised if Buddy Gailey are overruled on the first or second pick and they take an offensive skill guy.

Draft picks rarely (especially 2nd rounders and below) start and make a difference. When people say the Bills are a NT and OLB away from having a defense, it's like saying the Washington Nationals only lack some starting pitching: you can't go without these positions and have a solid defense. Not one OLB on this roster has played the position in the pros. They'll be learning a totally new defense, of which only two current Bills have played in. Maybin, Schobel, Kelsay, Ellis, and whatever draft pick are total question marks at OLB. And they're the guys charged with rushing the passer. It's one thing to hope the first rounder comes in and plays well, but assuming they can rush the passer with current options and find a NT in the draft who will play out of the gate is absurd.

What's the difference between taking RBs/WRs or DBs? They're guys who play off the ball and typically don't control their own destiny on the field. Skill players are sell tickets and can run fast, but taking a RB/WR/CB/S/TE in Round 1 is an epic failure at OBD. From 2004-2008, the Bills used 8 out of 9 of their 1st/2nd round picks on skill players. Their lone line pick was McCargo. That's why this team does not win battles at the LOS, and Spiller does nothing to address that. I'm content with Jackson/Lynch at RB and a pick at OLT or NT.

This column is commentary, still not a readily understood concept at TBD. DiCesare may be incorrect about being a QB away from competing in 2002, but he's not wrong when making the point that acquiring McNabb for a pick or picks and giving him a contract would be a marketing/RW decision. For all the love Nix and Gailey are receiving from some (unfounded yet) there are powers that be who overrule them at OBD. Call it conspiracy, call it whatever. RW still runs the show and he's not going to be happy if season ticket sales are down.

For the life of me, I don't understand why anyone has any confidence in Gailey to resurrect a franchise. His only NFL HC experience was with a declining Cowboys dynasty. He was out of the NFL from 02-07 being barely average at GT, an OC for three teams since the mid-nineties, and received little to no interest for any other HC job. Where is the track record of taking a moribund franchise and making it better? And, if that's not enough, they've got the same old guys at QB, nothing at OLT, nothing at NT, and no proven pass rushers who've played the OLB position. Someone is sure to mention Marv, but this isn't 1986, and Bill Polian isn't the GM.

IIRC, McNabb wants a contract extension, given that he's in the final year of his deal. So merely trading for him comes with an additional price and I don't see this team willing to do that. Picks and money are not what this team is willing to give up at this point, season ticket sales or not.

Sure they lost AO. But they never really got on a roll and turned the ball over at the most crucial points in the game. Ah well, go Cornell.

I don't think it's a means of getting someone to drop if there are 11 or 12 of them. But, 11 guys went before Sapp in 95 and only Steve McNair and Joey Galloway were near Sapp's quality. He's probably the best 3 tech DT of the past 20 years.

We hear this tired refrain every year when someone dares criticize the team. Sure it's March, but there's two opportunities to find players, and both are before May. And if you're looking for more guaranteed players, it's free agency. The top players available there are typically signed in early March. And as much as fans talk about the draft, rookies aren't normally difference makers on the field of play. Oh sure, there's usually a RB, G, or perhaps a LB that plays well their first season. Those positions are not as complicated to find guys. This team needs pass rush, NT, OT, and QB talent. Unfortunately, there aren't enough picks to fill those positions. That's reality.