BillsVet

How about this gem after the season finale against Philly? "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. Obviously, the fact that we don't score, we don't get it in the endzone, is the difference in the football game.

At this point, Dick Jauron's greatest enemy is not any other team. It's himself. All too often in his coaching career, he's demonstrated an inability to win against better teams. The latest examples remain the Dallas and Denver games from last season. Those were perfectly winnable games which, because of incompetent coaching, went down as losses. What about 2006? Anyone recall the San Diego game when 2 timeouts were used to review a Peerless Price non-catch? Or losing at Detroit when Roy Williams ran roughshod over the secondary? Tennessee anyone in 2006? There is a trend here, and it's not going away. People talk about continuity, but if the HC is continually bad, little will change. Some will say it's DJ's lack of personnel. That may have been the case in 06 and parts of 07 but won't be that way in 08. Buffalo has been rebuilding since DJ became HC in 06 and this season, barring injuries to the entire team, I expect to see a playoff team. That's the worst case scenario. Anything less is unacceptable.

Why is Jauron always saddled with QB problems? This is a guy who's had complete personnel authority for two franchises and hasn't figured it out. IMO, you can't blame QB play when the coach is in charge of getting the person to play the position! If he's not finding the right guy to play under center, it's his own dang fault.

Let's face it, Jauron's 2001 season bought him some more time in Chicago. Jerry Angelo came in there prepared to clean house after 2001, but ended up with Jauron for what he probably thought was one more season. Even after going 4-12 in 02, Jauron wasn't DFA'd. It's amazing how reading this thread people become so defensive about Jauron. (no pun intended) I don't understand the allegiance to a HC who's made it into the playoffs once in 7 full seasons and promptly lost his only post-season game, despite being a #1 seed. This season there will be no excuses. The talent level is much higher and I expect to see Jauron do the same things he's featured in the past. Essentially, win with defense, force turnovers, and score just enough. No frills, no flash, just grind it out running the ball. Of course, we know this doesn't work against good teams, who rarely make mistakes. If Jauron can't get it done this season, he never will. Now that he has the lion's share of personnel power, it's now his team to win or lose. For DJ, he's in a perfect situation in Buffalo. He doesn't have a GM over him, and has IMO, near full personnel authority. He's never really had a GM to overule him, and we're seeing the draft become the Dick Jauron show. I truly believe Brandon lets Dick do what he wants, because Brandon admits to himself that he's new to the personnel side of the franchise.

Who writes that stuff? He does this...he does that... I'm not saying both McKelvin and Hardy are bad, (they'll be fine) but seriously, who the heck is nfldraftblitz and are they even paying these people?

If only it was a permanent vacation.

What's his 40 time? J/K

Wayne Fontes was coach of the year. It's been mentioned before on this board. You seem to think that award makes a coach instantly credible. When DJ's career record is brought up for conversation, someone chimes in with his QB situation. He didn't have Joe Montana in Chicago, but he was there for five seasons and never found the right QB. Doesn't this frighten fans, especially in light of the fact that a 2nd year QB will take the field this year for Buffalo? Personally, I think Trent gets it. He's going to have some growing pains, but will improve a great deal in 2008. I've seen Jauron coached teams lose games they should win and rarely win games they shouldn't. The Patriots, Jets, Lions and Titatns in 06. Then in 2007, the Broncos, Cowboys, and Eagles. The only two games they should't have won came against Jacksonville in 06 and Washington this past year. Sense a trend?

I've got no issue with DJ being loyal to his staff. Ultimately he's the deciding factor on anything when it concerns gameplanning and mid-game adjustments. He has demonstrated an unwillingness to change his whole career, and if it happens, takes place after the game. It wasn't working that day and I believe is emblematic of Jauron's inability to adapt in-game. Look, this was two seasons ago and I'm not going to cry over spilt milk. The fact is, you need good corners, Tampa 2 or not. The greatest key to the Cover 2 is generating a pass rush with the front four. I think the Bills will be better able to do that with Stroud being able to draw double teams and McCargo playing the "3."

Well, lets see: Career 50-67 record (.430 winning percentage) 7 of his 8 seasons have reflected teams ranked 20th or below in points scored. 5 of his 8 seasons have reflected teams ranked 20th or below in points allowed 0-1 career playoff record DJ did not turn this franchise around. His first year here was a 7-9 result. His second year was a 7-9 result. He's had a lot of control on draft day, and that was more evident this year than ever. He knows he must produce this season or he'll be coaching the Swampscott Pop Warner team next season. The ball is rolling in the right direction? It should be, he's had 32 games, 8 more preseason contests, 26 draft picks, three free agencies, and enters a third offseason of of mini-camps, OTA's, and training camp. The ball should be going downhill by now.

I'm not a DJ fan. Never have been and never will be. He's been called a Monday through Saturday coach by some around here, and that's not good enough in the high stakes NFL world. Make no mistake this season, he's had ultimate control over this roster (see Draft Day 06-08) and his success depends on how well he can get those players to play. He couldn't do it in Chicago, and didn't become a HC for three years after being fired there. For Buffalo to win, two things must happen: 1. Trent Edwards is moderately productive in a scheme that will probably be 55-45 run pass. 3200 yds passing 15-18TD's versus 6-10 picks is not out of the question. 2. Dick Jauron does not make the mistakes he's historically made in gameplanning and on the field decisions to take his team out of games. If those things occur, the talent on paper has the potential to win a lot of games. QB play and coaching will be huge.

West Point graduates must serve an obligatory 5 year term as Army officers. They become Second Lieutenants upon graduation, and move on to further training in their job (military occupational specialty) before reaching a real Army unit. I also don't think calling these guys names is right either. Both of them are about finished with 4 years of a regimented education and they haven't even served their 5 years in the Army yet. That's a 9 year committment, and some can't even do that in a marriage. It's hard for me being a former officer to see these guys get the ability to play football. Then again, they (Campbell and Viti) have extroardinary skills to get the call from a professional sports franchise. They will not deploy overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere unless they are no longer able to continue playing pro sports. I'll support them, even though going to combat is on hold for them right now. This isn't the 40s, 50s, or 60s when Heisman candidates went to Army or Navy. The military isn't as popular a destination as it was then. Still, these men received a free education and while they'll have at minimum a reserve obligation, it won't be what most West Point grads will. OTOH, if they can use their notoriety to help recruitment, they're a good investment. I know I'd look forward to meeting Viti because in many ways, I can identify with him a little more. Please, do not call them names for having the skills to be added to a pro football team. They've worked hard and should be highlighted for this. And if this doesn't work out, they'll go serve their country the other way.

Whittle has versatility, but won't be playing center unless something catastrophic happens. He missed a lot of time last year after tearing a muscle, and that in itself isn't an easy injury to overcome. Besides, he's a journeyman who's 33 years old. This team was very fortunate not to have seen the injury bug like the rest of the team did. I would point out that Indianapolis, San Diego, New England*, and the Giants have predominantly home grown OL's. Buffalo's has had one full year together, so I expect them to be much better in the running game than where they were last year. I guess we'll have to hope Alex Mack from California is available next year, because it's apparent Fowler is their answer right now.

There's always one team that comes out of nowhere each season. And there's always a hyped team that goes nowhere each season. Something tells me Cleveland isn't going to duplicate their effort last season. I believe Anderson is not a long term answer at QB, and on his shoulders rest a playoff appearance. Their defense, despite the additions of Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers, still has issues.

Looking at the Bills' Drafts under Jauron, they've taken 4 OL, all of whom went in the 5th round or later. Two of those were cut. I don't understand why they've decided to go with as many smaller players in the later rounds (i.e. 4th+) I'd like to think there are some OL prospects that can be groomed to be playing in a few years. Apparently, more corners and special teams are the priority over the OL. The scary thought is Preston, Whittle, or Chambers being in for an extended amount of time.

Last year, 3 corners went in Round 1. Darrelle Revis, Leon Hall, and Aaron Ross. All of them contributed to their respective teams and combined to play in 47 games while starting 35. I'd expect to see McKelvin play in all 16 games and be starting near the end of the year. Revis, Hall, and Ross all were big contributors and none of those teams had worse similar quality at CB last year.

In 2006, I cannot help but recall how the Detroit Lions of all teams repeatedly threw to Roy Williams when covered by McGee. Finally, in the second half, someone made the wise decision to have Clements cover Williams and things got a lot better. Williams ended up with 10 catches for 161 yards and a TD. He was targeted at least another 5 times with McGee in coverage in the first half. Making matters worse, Simpson and Whitner are also noted as being in on coverage. Obviously the youth wasn't ready, and Kitna picked apart the secondary. Bills Lions 10/15/06 The notion that there isn't some plan to have your top corner cover the opposing #1 receiver is bogus, C2 or not. I'm sure DJ finally relented to having NC cover Williams around halftime, but by then the damage was done. This sort of DJ ignore reality imindset is something I don't think he'll ever get away from. Amazingly, it took DJ a few quarters to realize his scheme didn't have the players in the secondary, besides NC. That day he had a fine CB to make him look better, but in 07 we didn't. Then again, NC was too expensive and wasn't necessary. McKelvin will have some top WR's to cover in 08, including Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Chambers, Torry Holt, Dwayne Bowe, and perhaps Brandon Marshall. While he might not be matched up with each of these guys, the Bills will have challenges just about every week. They can't have a performance like Williams gave them in 06 if they're going to win. I would point out that the pass rush can alleviate some of these issues, but the CB play needs to be better.

It's 4 months+ until opening day, yes. The players are in place right now. June 1st cuts are overrated. If this team fails to make the playoffs...look no further than Dick Jauron. He obviously had a huge hand into today's picks and he'll be the man to receive much of the blame. He's admitted the need to win this season, but when you've won 43% of your career games, I'm not optimistic.

They've been rebuilding over the course of three drafts, three free agency periods, and 32 games along with 8 preseason games. Please enlighten me to how long a team with a few very talented players must rebuild until they're good enough to make a post-season appearance. Apparently you'd wait until whenever it happens. This is what happens when futility is your watchword. Expectations remain low and the slightest success (beating Miami or NYJ) is something to highlight. Then again, it's only the draft. It's time to put their money where their mouth is.

A playoff appearance.

The Bills spent 75M last season for a LG and RT. How many teams spend this kind of money for a G and RT? Not many. Fowler is a body that is thrown around like a rag doll. One common denominator last year was an inability to run the ball up the middle, Fowler's home. You can't tell me there wasn't a guy they liked at C available in Rounds 5 or 6. What is fifth rated rushing yards anyway? Buffalo was 15th in the league in rushing, and Lynch fell just short of 4 ypc. Additionally, this team lucked into Jason Peters. Had they not, this OL would still have serious issues, as LT is the most important OL position hands down. Buffalo has exactly one player drafted on this team (Butler) who was expected to contribute as an OL. Peters was not, and I'd remind fans of DJ, Marv, et al. that #71 was a Donahoe UDFA. It cannot be said enough, you build with good QB play, and superior OL and DL. Fringe positions like WR and CB are not as instrumental to a team's success. The OL depth continues to be a problem, in light of Whittle, Preston, and Chambers being those top backups you're referring to. This is not good.

I don't think there's a true decision maker at OBD. IMO, Brandon is doing the humble thing (by virtue of not knowing personnel as much) and delegating a lot to Jauron. This is being done to prevent any excuses should, and I only mean should, Jauron be given the ax at the end of the season. Remember, Jauron's been present for three drafts now, and Additionally, Modrak has given his input, but being chief scout, isn't going to make picks. Therefore, I see Jauron pretty much running the show. Perhaps not all the picks have his signature, but certainly many of them. This is what happens where no bonafide GM with a proven talent evaluation background is present. People say Donahoe didn't build the OL in the draft. Well, what have the Bills done the past 3 years to develop homegrown NFL prospects? Merz and Pennington were cut, leaving only Butler. Last year, Buffalo selected exactly zero OL. This year, they took a chance on a developmental prospect. Meanwhile, they've gone with 3 FA's, Peters who Donahoe lucked into, and Butler. Behind them? Preston, a Donahoe pick, journeyman Whittle, and street FA Kirk Chambers. Meanwhile, the Pats have a homegrown-heavy OL that is smart, although not quite what they were in the regular season. Why is it difficult to draft OL in the 4th round or higher for this franchise?

Peters was a UDFA from 2004 that was cut and subsequently re-signed. Minimum two year project. Worth a flyer.

Polian, AJ Smith, Pioli/Belichick, Jerry Reese, Parcells, and Ted Thompson are what you need in an NFL front office. Unfortunately, none of those guys are in Buffalo. Polian's departure was the beginning of a slow descent.

Wright was Ralph's personal pick last year. Ralph should stay the heck out of the draft...but he's the owner. Sometimes I get the feeling this team is being run like the Indians in Major League. Another RB? Well, at least it's only a 6th. We might have gotten the next Tom Brady.