BillsVet

Buffalo was in full-on rebuild mode during the 2001 season, finishing with a 3-13 record. I continue to believe that the Bills coaching staff knows this is a season they must succeed. Playing rookies may put that into jeopardy. It cannot be said how conservative DJ has gone when confronted with injuries. He played A. Thomas last season with Jackson lingering on the bench. They went with guys like Peerless Price when it was clear he couldn't play at a decent level. In his pursuit to mitigate risk, DJ will sink himself by not taking a calculated risk along the way.

The board has already begun the premature talk that the 08 draft class isn't good. While it's necessary to judge them at some point, I find it interesting that other teams are using their young players. From PFT: "Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the Cardinals’ first-round draft pick out of Tennessee State, is expected to become a permanent fixture in the starting lineup as the team’s No. 2 cornerback. Rodgers-Cromartie has started three games this season when the Cardinals used their nickel package to start the game, but now Rodgers-Cromartie will be a fixture in the base defense." DRC to start in Arizona This is not a post to point out that McKelvin was picked higher than DRC, but it should demonstrate that it's not completely out of the question for coaches to play rookies. The NFL is no longer a league in which high picks can sit on the bench to learn so they can hopefully be ready to go when it's convenient. Only exception there may be QB, although Flacco and Ryan have played well so far. JMO.

It's ridiculous to make the argument that youth universally equates to a lack of success. Looking around the league, a bunch of teams are young, yet have won games. Through half a season, Atlanta has been solid, despite a rookie HC, rookie QB, revamped OL, and the departure of veteran players. In 2007, five of the eight youngest NFL teams made the playoffs. NFL average team age 2008 It can be said the Bills were rebuilding for 06 and 07. This season was supposed to be different, and youth alone cannot be cited as a reason for going 1-3 in the past four games. This is not to say the season is over, not by a long shot. But until the coaches start out-game planning their opposition, you could have the most veteran roster out there and it won't matter. At the heart of the Buffalo Bills, stretching back to 2002 and perhaps before, was a lack of good coaching.

You have to wonder what DJ's thinking with these gameplans. Eventually vanilla becomes predictable (after about the 1st game of the season) It's no wonder that they skated by against those first four opponents, but eventually better HC's found those fatal flaws Buffalo has. These include, no pass rush, weak interior OL, soft zone pass coverage, etc. Sisyphean, you and I both know this is what got DJ fired in Chicago, and as Yogi Berra once said, "it's deja vu all over again."

It's well documented that Ashton Youboty's rookie season was a wash after he lost his mother during training camp. Last year he was relegated to the bench and it was hotly debated that he'd becoming a bust. He certainly turned things around in camp this year and became the nickel corner. Unfortunately, Youboty's missed three games and may not play again this week. It appears Corner or McKelvin will get the nod should AY not be able to go. By my count, this is 8 games over 2 seasons Youboty's missed. I'm continually amazed that some players aren't durable, while others always seem to be out there. This is not a statement on keeping Nate Clements, but NC has played in 120 straight games.

It's extemely early, but Alex Mack is one of the best center prospects in years, and probably is as good as Mangold was two years ago. The success rate with centers and guards in the first round excellent. Here are some of the names drafted in the top 35 who played interior C: Mangold, Chris Spencer, Jeff Faine, and Damien Woody. Tony Ugoh was drafted a guard, along with Ben Grubbs, Davin Joseph, Deuce Luttui, Logan Mankins, Vernon Carey, Chris Snee, Eric Steinbach, Andre Gurode, Steve Hutchinson, and Alan Faneca. It's not a stretch to take a solid prospect if you need it. Of course that'll depend on a whole lot between now and April 25th.

Spagnuolo took an underachieving defense from the first two weeks of last season (which allowed 80 points) and by the end of the season transformed it into the best defense in the NFL. He adapted to what other teams did, which is in stark contrast to Jauron and Fewell's strategy of out-executing opponents. It didn't hurt that Ernie Accorsi and Jerry Reese set the HC, OC, and DC up for success by drafting a stellar class, combined with good drafts in previous years. This is a franchise that's drafted Umenyiora, Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Jay Alford on the DL the past few seasons, despite having Strahan. I'd like someone to explain how the Giants defense is successful without burning top picks on DB's every season. They had the flexibility to take Kenny Phillips this year because their OL and DL are solid. Buffalo just throws money at the lines and still takes WRs and DB's. No wonder why teams like the Giants are solid and we flounder, although it helps to have good coaching.

Travis Beckum broke his fibula last month. Great hands, more of a hybrid H-Back. Pettigrew and Gresham are the best TE candidates 5 months out. At this point, I'd like to see what Fine can do. He has better size than Schouman, better hands than Royal, and not going TE early opens up more space for DL and OL.

The world of coaching is a subtle one. Decisions made on the sidelines and in preparation of the game are paramount. You the fan see a fumble, interception, and of course touchdowns. But how did those things happen? Was it right to call multiple QB sneaks in the Miami game? No. Was it right to throw three passes out of the EZ in Miami? No. But you don't hesitate to blame the player. Unfortunately, DJ is outcoached more often than any of us could realize. Versus NY, it really irritated me that Abram Elam knew what was coming on the INT for a TD. He even said so after the game. More interesting, just 10 days ago Tony Sparano, first year HC in Miami plain out-coached DJ despite a roster which isn't that great. If you want to see how to coach without having big talent, check out guys like Sparano. Miami's 4-4 with nothing in the secondary, nothing at WR, and Chad Pennington QB'ing them. DJ is a smart man, but he lacks game savvy. He struggles to make hard decisions, and as others before me have mentioned, he is slow to recognize things. Case in point last season was the Dallas game, which was an absolute travesty. You may forget those things, but I refuse to. His biggest flaw has and always will be a innate ability to select bad coordinators. Gary Crowton, John Shoop, Steve Fairchild, and now Perry Fewell. Oh, and his propensity to select DB's early and often.

Have you bothered watching the last few games? I'm asking in all seriousness, because frankly, it's a combination of coaching and personnel. 1-3 in the last four, two against division rivals, with one of those at home? Come now. You can't say it's not the HC's fault. Because for the past three drafts and free agency periods when we've had options about who to get, it's been Dick Jauron leading the way. It's not out of the question to suspect this, because he had personnel control for a few seasons in Chicago. Is there anyone who thought that DJ didn't have major say on draft day when we have a DB shopping spree? Either way, you cannot absolve DJ from this mess, whether it's just players or coaching. Something's got to give, and someone needs to take responsibility for an OL which hasn't successfully run blocked since DJ got here. We're seeing the penalty for throwing money at the OL in hopes of repairing it instead of drafting young talent. And we're seeing that devoting 7 picks in three drafts toward a secondary takes as much away from other areas of the team. The Bills aren't cursed. They just haven't had a front office man who knows what he's doing since Butler. Not coincidentally, that's the last time we made the playoffs.

I really don't think enough fans realize how bad it is to miss the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons. Sure there were multiple GM's, but only Arizona and Detroit have joined us in not making the playoffs since the late nineties (I don't count the expansion Texans). That means 28 teams have gone into the postseason since we last did. The salary cap was designed to make everyone equal, and give teams a chance to win every now and then. I don't care for that strategy, but it's been around since 1993. And most teams have had some measure of success. Except of course the Bills and Lions. Ralph bought some time by hiring Marv. Now that Levy's retired again, this sort of talk will continue until another big move is made OR the team starts winning again. I don't see a big move coming, so winning is the only option. DJ is reverting to his Chicago days and hiring bad coordinators (at least PF) and making bad gameday decisions, but I'm supposed to be optimistic?

Bill, I honestly think the DB first approach is over for DJ. Everyone in the world knows how much he's allocated toward the secondary, and it still isn't enough. You could have Ronnie Lott, Night Train Lane, Champ Bailey, and Lester Hayes and it wouldn't be enough with that front four. On April 25th, when the Bills are up and Mack is on the board or some top OL or DL, I'll spontaneously combust if they go DB.

MM wasn't ready. He had kinda of a quick rise into the HC ranks, and as a result needed more experience. He's going with what he's got in ATL, a young talented QB, Roddy White at WR, and a good RB in Turner. The OL is better there, and ATL is more than respectable. The Bills front office, regardless of it being led by TD, Marv, or Russ, never seems to time their coaching decisions right. Greggo was a mistake, as was MM at the time. Now DJ comes in with experience, but not much more. The Bills biggest mistake has been the lack of a talented coach, regardless of previous experience. Mike Tomlin is someone I like, and he'd only been a DC with Minnesota. Same for Del Rio. We just never find the right up and coming guy for a HC.

Let's not split hairs here. Those guys played solid football when called upon, particularly Boss and Bradshaw. It may not have been week 1, but they were ready, regardless of which round their name was called. The big issue with this team is depth, and when injuries mount as they inevitably do, you've got to get production from the rookies. The Bills obviously don't trust their picks, and DJ will play them only when he's out of options. That's a mistake, and something I feel occurs because DJ knows this season he must make the playoffs. He's mitigating risk by not playing them, but stunting their long term growth. You could argue it's because he doesn't want them to fail and lose games, but that's life in the salary cap era.

Having continuity with the right personnel is elusive, and right now that OL with Walker, Butler, Fowler, Dockery, and Peters has played 20 games over 1.5 seasons. It's not continuity, it's poor play. Plain and simple. There is no question they must go OL early this coming draft. Alex Mack from Cal and Jonathan Luigs from Arkansas are the best C prospects, with Mack a blue chip caliber center. He has excellent mobility and plays with mean streak. I think retaining Greer is a necessity, unless they're gambling McKelvin and Youboty will be better next season. To me, the knock on Youboty is he can't stay healthy. Even McGee is a UFA after 09.

MM might be a fine OC, but I think his chance at HC duties is over. How many guys get a second chance...oh, wait. I don't think Greggo will get another HC job either. Some guys are find coordinators, but can't translate that into a HC role. Wade Phillips is another. Unfortunately, we've had all three as HC since 1998. Beerball, don't put words in my mouth.

Teams like the Giants that receive immediate rookie contributions are the exception, not the norm. Last season, everyone talked about players like Aaron Ross, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Boss, Steve Smith from USC, and Jay Alford. Those guys helped, but most team don't get that sort of production. A draft class which all helps from Day 1 is few and far between. Someone talked about the CB development of Darrelle Revis, 14th pick in 07 versus McKelvin the 11th selection in 08. That's ridiculous, especially because there are so many variables between the Jets and Bills defenses. Frankly, the Bills have to get production out of these guys, but the coaching staff knows this is a make or break season. Trusting rookies is risky, and DJ doesn't care to chance a young kid making a mistake. Patience is a virtue with rookies, and many fans, myself included, want these guys to be playmakers out of the box. Rare is the player, aside from perhaps RB's, who makes an impact their rookie season. Still, it would be nice to see one of them (McK, Hardy, or Ellis) step up and make a play. It's been awhile since Hardy caught that pass in Jville.

He also seemed to come on every corner blitz the Jets ran against Buffalo last season. I think the Jets just trusted Revis more last year. They almost had to with guys like Hank Poteat. McKelvin is playing behind three decent corners on that roster. He would not make the difference at CB anyway this season. The only way the CB's can be more successful is if the front seven could get to the QB. And we know how that's going.

We expected McNally to come in and make the OL into something special. When it didn't happen, I thought it was just McNally past his prime. Into the second season with Walker, Butler, Fowler, Dockery, and Peters it's apparent McNally wasn't the problem. I'll go broken record here, but not drafting OL early these past five seasons is more apparent with every game. There is simply no blue chip talent beyond Peters on the OL. Even his play has been sub-par. Maybe Bill was right when he said we devoted too many resources to the secondary while eschewing the OL. Devoting four late round picks to the OL these past three drafts is proving to be unsat.

Shanahan has those 2 SB wins, but lately he's been mediocre. What's worse, he has personnel control since Ted Sundquist was fired. That defense hasn't been good in a long time, and part of that's on Shanahan.

Del Rio's season last year has thus far not been duplicated. I think he's okay, but I've got to see more before annointing him as top tier.

We know the parity which exists in the NFL with respect to players and teams. But looking at some of the coaches in this league, it's no surprise there are few above the rest of the pack. I believe a successful HC must be a regular in the playoffs and have remained successful for more than three seasons. Additionally, a good HC has a good eye for talent, adapts in-game to their opponent, and finds the right ways to motivate their team each week. In the AFC, Jeff Fisher, Tony Dungy, and Belichick to fit this criteria. Mike Tomlin needs a little more time, but seems to be another one. With the NFC, probably only Tom Coughlin, Andy Reid, and Jon Gruden can be called above average or better coaches. Ken Whisenhunt and Mike McCarhty seem to be moving up, but I'd like to see them beyond 1-2 seasons. I'm not a fan of Jauron, but it's not as though he's an exception within the NFL. There are guys like Brad Childress, Herm Edwards, and whoever's coaching the Raiders to look down on. Then again, none of those guys will ever have another shot to prove they're not good enough. They all are with historically bad franchises which are stuck in reverse. One could say the downfall of this franchise was the lack of a HC. Phillips excelled with superior talent, but when given far less, G. Williams, Mularkey, and now DJ find ways to lose games.

Teams with the best football minds in the front office more often than not produce the best teams on the field. We haven't had a great executive football mind since Polian left in 92. The remnants of his work remained competitive until 99, but since their departure, it's no coincidence the on-field Bills have suffered. Like him or hate him, Parcells knows what it takes to win. And he's doing it with less talent than Buffalo has along with a rookie HC. To me, the Bills begin and end with Mr. Wilson. I believe Ralph still has immense control over this team and being directly involved with DJ's extension proves this. Unfortunately, he only makes a move when it's affecting business. After 2005, he needed something to get the fans excited again. He reached back for the old hand in Levy, and masterfully got people interested with that PR move. It didn't matter who Levy hired as HC, the memories of the late 80s and early 90s were back. Now we're seeing that PR moves don't necessarily translate into wins and it's actually having better football minds that win games. Less than 3 years later, we're left with the re-upped DJ who is showing what got him fired in Chicago 5 seasons ago. Combined with a quasi GM minus personnel experience, we're left wondering why those players with big contracts aren't winning. Maybe, just maybe, they're not the right ones. The prospect of nine seasons without a playoff appearance in the salary cap era is dumbfounding. I love the Bills, but it's hard to get excited when confronted with inept coaching and lackluster effort each week.

Jauron's proven as a HC that beating these teams is his secret. Beat up on perceived cupcakes and inflate the final record. It's been demonstrated this occurred in Chicago, and we witnessed it in Buffalo the first four games. For once, I agree with P2P, and the long term future some trumpeted to be bright isn't quite that way. I don't hear the thanks Marv shouts or the DJ for COY anymore. We need to evaluate this team when the season is complete, not 6 games in. At this point, the Bills are showing signs of a severe lack of coaching, motivation, and most importantly, talent.

The line is not mobile enough to handle a zone scheme, nor tough enough in the center to handle bigger DT's. IMO, those two items result in a team which hasn't run the ball against anyone this season. It's strange that Jamal Williams was bottled up two weeks ago, yet Kris Jenkins destroyed the interior OL. I'm no OL coach, but strength and agility combined make for a good OLineman. Whittle, Preston, Butler, and Fowler are stop gap players who belong on the bench. Most disturbing of all, the group of Walker, Butler, Fowler, Dockery, and Peters played 15 games together in 07 and so far 5 this season. If they haven't gelled by this point, it's because some of them aren't talented enough. Give the Jets credit for motivating Jenkins to play like he did with Carolina a few seasons ago. They have the best DT in the division right now.