BillsVet

SI had a great article about him before the Super Bowl this year. Gave some insight into his early life and football career. Upshaw 1.31.08 Didn't always agree with him, but certainly a force to be reckoned with as a Union President. RIP.

Don't forget Schobel angled for a deal after Kelsay got his just before UFA in early 2007. I can still remember reading how Schobel called Kelsay to ask him, "how did we do?" The Bills handed out a big contract to Dockery and a decent sized one to Walker when UFA opened that same year. Did they not realize other players would be paying close attention? It's the definition of naivety to think at some point Peters wouldn't come calling, especially after being moves to OLT for the second half of 2006. The two situations are too similar, and it's clear the Bills have prioritized other players before the guys who become the best at their position. No wonder the front office in place is 0-8 in playoff appearances since 2000.

Senator- You also missed Tom Brady, LaDainian Tomlinson, Randy Moss, Antonio Gates, Jason Taylor, Jamal Williams, Bob Sanders, Troy Polamalu, Brett Favre, Walter Jones, Patrick Kerney, Tommie Harris, and Lance Briggs who all missed the game with injuries. They apparently stink too, because they couldn't participate.

All it takes is one injury to the QB. I see we've now proceeded to accuse Peters of holding the team hostage. Brilliant rationale, especially considering the guy worked his way from UDFA into becoming a Pro Bowl LT. It's ironic to me how this guy's villified for being such a terrible person and wanting to be paid market value. But how can we know this? No one has spoken to him since RB saw him in January? Right. Peters ought to be with the team, and making an example of him is their strategy. But looking at prospective Bills UFA's after 08 and 09, there isn't anyone I'd be afraid to have hold out. So if they're worried an "underpaid" player wants to hold out, I'm not concerned. Go ahead and hate the league for becoming one in which the players have the upper hand. It's the reality of it all when big dollars enter the mix and fans want to see their team win every year. It's a high stakes game, and management can threaten all they want, but he's got the advantage of knowing the Bills need him more than he needs them.

We are very upset today, aren't we? Take it for what it's worth, but we're all entitled to our own opinions. This ain't China. If you want to place a lot of faith in a coach with a 50-67 career record, then fine. It's unlikely to believe he's the guy who, after 7 years is going to suddenly become a great coach. Frankly, I need to see more before I have faith in the guy. I'd like to know why you both go to bat for this guy, especially after one article where he says some feel-good things. Pardon me for being a little doubtful until I see it on the field. Your posts make it seem like no one's allowed to criticize DJ. It sounds like you're asking us to shut up about his prior shortcomings and be pro-Bills, no matter who the coach is. And for the record, I never called him a liar. He's posturing and giving a sound-bite because it's pre-season, and who knows what's really going on. Do you believe everything you read and hear? Mickey outlined the example I earlier used regarding the Jets game. I was there, and have video of the offensive players half on the field, unsure of whether or not they would go for it or not. Jauron wanted to send the FG unit onto the field, but had to take a TO when the play clock went down. What about that isn't indecisive? eball, if you want to solicit people's opinions, be prepared to get ones you don't want. Deal with it.

I used the example to demonstrate indecisiveness. Only when the crowd got worked up did DJ finally make the call to go for it. eball raised this topic, and now acts as though anyone who doesn't believe as he does is an idiot. That sort of heavy-handed mentality is what I don't understand. DJ's the HC this year. That will not change. I'm willing to give him another year, but based on the Chicago years, I'm not optimistic. As much as I'm pro-Bills, I'm also a realist. Until DJ proves me wrong, I'm going to go the doubting Thomas route.

DJ had to take a TO to think about going for it. On a fourth and goal from the one. He gives the impression that he's focused on the negative outcome and waffles when big decisions need to be made. This is one example of indecision on the sideline, and pre-season banter with Clark Judge won't remove real world examples from the previous two seasons. If it weren't for two awful HC's before DJ, his reputation wouldn't be as golden to some Bills fans. When there isn't anyone in recent memory who performed well, subsequent HC's don't have high expectations, as evidenced by the pro-DJ faction here.

Flashback to the home game versus the Jets last September. Buffalo had a fourth and goal from the one yard line when out trotted the field goal unit in what proved to be a 17-14 Bills win. I vividly remember the crowd going crazy and DJ called a timeout with 7 minutes remaining. Jauron did not want to go for it on fourth and goal, but yielded after taking a TO. That's the DJ I've seen from the first row of 123 for the past two years. When they finally decided to go for it, Edwards ran a PA pass to Gaines for the score. Previous to this, Buffalo had run five times in a row (with a Vilma 15 yard facemask penalty) to get the Bills into the RZ. I can't imagine the final result of the game had Buffalo kicked the FG.

Peters' leverage has only grown since camp began. As has been mentioned earlier, Walker is no LT and as teams begin to study film more attentively, it will become more evident to even the most simple minded Bills fan. Edwards will be running for his life more frequently than we'd all like to see, something we've seen already. The problem with the LT position is fans rarely take note of how important one is to the success of a QB and an offense. Defenses usually have their best rusher line up near the LT position, and negating a team's best rusher is something Bills fans took for granted the past season and a half. If this were a RB, WR, or DE holding out, I guarantee there'd be more outrage than for a "lowly" left tackle.

Words are well, just words. Isn't it ironic how this is touted as the real Jauron, yet this sort of post would never have appeared after the MNF debacle, or the Cleveland game when the real DJ was apparent. IMO, Jauron's history as a coach demonstrates more of cross-section than an interview with Clark Judge. And until I see success on the field, it's hard to be a Jauron fan, nice sound-bite or not. I'm also fine with his low-key persona, but there were times last season when the team lost focus and seemed unmotivated. Additionally, some of his post-game press conferences left a lot to be desired. These were his first comments after the loss to Philly in the season finale: "Offensively we did a pretty good job of not turning (the ball) over. I think the fact that we didn't turn the ball over today at all, and didn't have very many penalties in that football game, kept us in the game." That sort of talk doesn't cut it, and fails to take responsibility for the team's failures. I understand he's got a young team and wants to keep the morale up, but avoiding the problems that dogged them all season long isn't the way to do it. I don't have anything personal against the man, but his style of coaching has produced little in 7+ seasons. And until there are results, such as a playoff appearance and perhaps a win in the post-season, it's going to be tough to keep believing he's got the answers beyond words.

I believe Edwards has two seasons left on his rookie contract. Lynch, OTOH, has three years left on his initial deal. I suspect the Bills would lock up Edwards first, provided he plays well this season. Buffalo will see a marked increase in player salaries and they won't be able to re-sign all of their guys with their C2C plan. They've budgeted so much for each year, and I'm not sure after they re-up Peters down the road that they'll have the funds for guys like Crowell (signed throuh 08) and McGee (09)

Regardless of which Irsay hired Polian, neither one has harbored the animosity that Ralph held against BP. If only Littman hadn't carried more favor with RW than he should have. I don't think there's a better GM/President in the league than Polian. He succeeded before and after the cap has been in effect. No executive type can demonstrate anything close to that. Of late, he's set his sights on the out of control rookie first round salaries and appears to be the one pushing Goodell the hardest on this issue.

Based on what? Until someone can come out and say authoritatively that they're not moving, rumors will continue that this "loaning" of the Bills is an attempt to gauge market interest in a NFL franchise for Toronto. At this point, nothing is out of the question, including a move to Toronto or any place that an investor/owner believes a NFL franchise can operate with big revenue potential. The one man who can put the rumors to bed is adamant that the team will be sold after his passing. It's a feel-good thing to believe what the team says and think it's only about expanding a fan base. When one of the top markets in North America is hours away from where your team plays, anything is possible. I'll wait until a regular season game to figure out just how this Toronto arrangement plays out. If fan support is poor, I won't celebrate, nor will I be upset. For the time being, I'll watch the games and hope they play well. It's just ridiculous to think there isn't more going on behind the scenes than an attempt at regionalization.

I don't think rational Bills fans have anything personal against Canadians. That no one can come out and guarantee that upon Mr. Wilson's passing the Bills remain in Buffalo is the point of contention. Ted Rogers' presence is that of an 800 pound gorilla in the room, and he's got the ability to purchase them. Imagine a major Canadian hockey team being in the same position as the Bills are in now. It's not going to happen, but nevertheless the threat of an American entrepreneur "borrowing" that team for a few regula games would probably not be seen as anything less than a first move toward relocating them. Walk a mile in a Western NY Bills fan before complaining our motive is US versus Canada. It's not, because there's a deeper conflict developing here.

Buffalo also had the largest OL in the NFL last season, and had serious issues running the football. That may relate more to the OL coach, McNally, but it's hard to equate size to success. Denver's OL's are routinely one of the smaller ones in football yet have success year in and year out running the football. Last season Buffalo's OL started every game until Peters' injury kept him from playing in week 17. For the run game to improve, the passing game will need to be such that teams can't throw 8+ in the box. I would also argue that teams who have accurate QB's as NE does with Brady can throw it more, given their receivers. Running the ball is important, but the Pats* proved that an efficient passing game can reduce the need to run the ball. All in all, teams that can mix an effective passing game with a good ground attack will keep defenses on their toes. Buffalo did that last night with Pittsburgh's first team defense.

Through it all, Jauron's greatest failure has been an inability to select good coordinators. Gary Crowton, John Shoop, Steve Fairchild (all OC's) are no longer in the NFL and probably won't return anytime soon. The jury is out on Schonert, and it remains to be seen just how different the offense truly will be from 07 to 08. I don't expect Buffalo to score 30 per game, given their few changes in personnel on offense. IMO, they'll improve somewhat as Edwards gains experience, but I'm not sure the defense can make up for the youth and lack of depth on offense. If history shows anything about DJ, his teams (especially since Crowton left) have been anything but offensive powers. It's just not his style to have a strong offense that scores in bunches. He's a win with defense coach, and while that isn't flashy, it's his method. No way is he departing from that 7+ years into his head coaching career. Whether his style is right for this team will be decided this year because he's finally got the defense on paper to be mildly successful.

I referred to his status on this board, not the media. I don't like the guy any more than most around here do, but he has a track record of success everywhere he's been. As much as he's a jerk, he makes things happen. Buffalo hasn't had a coach like that in an awfully long time.

It's ironic that some point out the lack of talent Jauron's had when he's coached the Bills and Bears. In fact, he had immense personnel control over the teams he coached, specifically his first two seasons with Chicago and the past couple with Buffalo. On a side note, the much maligned Bill Parcells went to the playoffs with Quincy Carter as his QB. Jauron's formula has always been and will remain win with defense, and hope the offense can do enough. If he doesn't have a defense, his teams have suffered mightily. "Getting what you paid for" isn't a good enough excuse for this team not having a good HC capable of stealing games and beating the better teams. I'm sure if the original poster looked at Jauron's record versus playoff teams each year, they'd find that was abysmal too. Despite all this, DJ has one more season with many of his hand-picked players to reach the playoffs. We'll see if he can.

If the draft were truly a crap shoot (it either is or isn't) then no team would have an edge on any other in terms of overall roster talent. There's a reason certain teams not only have good teams, but know when to let someone go and find their replacement in the draft. Much was made of the Colts featuring a starting lineup on both offense and defense that was either drafted or UDFA's. Polian knows all too well that free agency isn't always the best way to build a team, and of late, has signed few high-profile UFA's. The Bills front office continues to go without a proven talent evaluator in the GM or similar position. Fans can think Brandon fills the void, but he doesn't and neither did Marv. At some point, the team will need to sign a proven personnel man in the front office who has authority over pro and amateur scouting among other areas.

I love it when people compare the Bills' draft record with teams like the Steelers and Colts. As we know, the Bills haven't been to the post-season in 8 years, while those two teams have won Super Bowls. Something tells me the Colts and Steelers have a better front office and recognize talent. It all starts with prioritzing the positions that are most difficult to fill with good to excellent players. QB, DE, OLT, and DT. Very few players in the NFL can play these positions at a high level. And teams like Detroit and Buffalo have eschewed these positions at the top of the draft. When they do select one, it's a reach like McCargo was. What makes me laugh is the notion that Buffalo was scared into thinking the Giants would select McCargo. I cannot see Ernie Accorsi selecting a guy with motivational problems. The Bills were duped, and it wasn't hard given that the GM was new and inexperienced.

Based on what? Because he made a few plays against the Giants in short yardage situations? It's apparent, as AKC pointed out, that McCargo has poor technique and rises too quickly at the snap. Not holding his gap is another flaw in his game that he has not corrected in his third year on an NFL roster. First round draft picks not starting by their 2nd full season in the league (minus QB's) are what you call on the fast-track to bust status.

Stroud's presence means little for McCargo's personal improvement. No DT can make the other guy better when the former has poor technique. I take Kollar's words as a sign that it's not sinking in with him. He can't lower the pads and use his lower body strength to get some leverage. If it's not happening this year, I don't see it ever happening. Thanks Dick for telling Marv this guy was worth the 2nd and 3rd they gave to Chicago for him. It's safe to say DJ ran the draft in 06. It's worth noting that Buffalo has counted on McCargo from day one or they would not have made the bold move to trade back into the first. Kyle Williams is a poor option on any DL which needs push up the middle. As much as it's being talked about Stroud being the difference, DT's feed off one another. I saw Williams easily neutralized by opposing OL, and it's no coincidence that the runs up the middle went for decent gains. If the Bills can't stop the run in 08 (and it's early) they'll fare no better than they did in 07.

On a good note, Buffalo did not suffer any injuries, which is what Washington's dealt with since their first practice. Last year in pre-season the Bills scored 5 TD's in 4 games, and while that was divided over games in which 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team units played, the team in the regular season generated only 20 offensive TD's. I don't have a lot of faith in DJ, because as history demonstrates, his teams rarely depart from a conservative offense which relies on great defense and special teams. Without exceptional D and ST, the offenses do not produce enough to cover up their personnel and scheme problems.

Just looking back at the boxscores from the 07 pre-season, Buffalo had issues running the ball and preventing long drives on defense. Not surprisingly, we all know these were the major issues during the regular season. This is no coincidence, and pre-season or no pre-season, there remain the same problems from year to year. If you isolate the first team defense and offense versus Washington, there's a lot left to expect. After an off-season of workouts, mini-camp, OTA's, and a few weeks of training camp the term "rusty" shouldn't be used. I think Schonert's big changes are essentially some audibles and three receiver sets. It's a DJ coached team, and for as long as that's the case, he will ensure the offense is uber-conservative. Schonert's bluster is just that, talk.

Right now, our T depth is starting, so I guess you're getting to see what pre-season is all about in one way.