Search the Community

1. It Really Comes Down To This: our offensive line is not very good, and our defensive line is not very good. It's really not much more complicated than that. Sure, we could have better play calling on offense, but play calling doesn't matter a whole lot if the line can't run block or pass block very well. 2. It Really Comes Down To This #2: After a handful of games, offensive and defensive coordinators have enough film on you to discover your weaknesses. Good teams find them and exploit them; bad teams don't. It was pretty clear once we hit the Rams game that opposing offensive coordinators had figured out our defense, with only a few game-saving plays helping us against the Rams and Chargers. By the San Diego or Miami game, it was pretty clear that opposing defensive coordinators had pretty much figured out how to confuse our offense. Neither Turk nor Perry have had any good answers to this. Part of this is because of injuries, but that excuse only goes so far. 3. As far as those injuries go, does our defensive line miss Schobel? Sure, of course. Not because Schobel would be in there making tackles and sacks by the boatload, but because he at least commands some additional attention. Right now, the only lineman that demands more than single blocking is maybe Stroud, and even then teams can usually get by with blocking him one-on-one. With Schobel in there, it maybe frees up Williams or Stroud to make some plays because of the attention given to Schobel. Without him, we're constantly playing 4 on 5 up front, and we're not winning. 4. Do we really need to keep proving it to ourselves week after week that Duke Preston is not very good? Oh, and by the way, Kirk Chambers isn't all that fantastic either. I can't recall how many times I saw our offensive linemen getting pushed around, or standing around watching the play collapse in front of them. Everyone, including Dockery and Walker. Seriously, I find this difficult to fathom. 5. I don't know what it is, but Turk's play calling is just all out of sync. We keep dropping into the shotgun on 3rd and 1's, and forget about throwing the ball when we get inside the 10 yard line. At the beginning of the game, when Marshawn rips off a 7 yard gain on 1st down, Turk follows this up with two pass calls, both of which fail, and we end up failing to convert 2nd and 3. When we got the turnover in the 4th and ripped off some great runs, we had a 2nd and 5. Turk follows this up again with two pass calls, both of which fail, game over. Seriously, when the run is working, it's not terrible to stick with it. Stop outthinking yourself. 6. And please, just once: how about a play action fake? Especially around the goal line? 7. An encapsulation of this team: when we got the turnover, we absolutely needed to get at least 3 points from it, and we got nothing. Then, with one last chance, when we needed the defense to step up and stop them, we allow a 9 minute drive to ice it. The more things change, the more they stay the same. 8. All I would like is just one playmaker on defense, preferably the defensive line. We get absolutely zero pressure on opposing quarterbacks, even when we blitz. It's really pathetic, actually. We will never go anywhere until we figure out how to pressure opposing quarterbacks. 9. We have really turned into a cream puff team. Nobody fears our offense, and nobody fears our defense. It pains me to say that. 10. There is no better place in ths country to watch the Bills when you're away from home than McFadden's in D.C. Case closed. As bad as things look, I still like our chances to rip off our next 3 in a row against Cleveland, K.C., and San Francisco. That would make us 8-4 with 3 of our last 4 games against our division opponents, two of them at "home." That would be the true gut check for 2008. We're no Super Bowl contender, but if we have any hope of eventually getting there, we need to stand up and make something happen, not curl up and die like so many Bills teams in the past. We'll see.

Derek Dockery and Langston Walker were overpaid by tens of millions to come in as free agents two years ago. Duke Preston looks like a career back up after getting his head smashed in play after play by the Jets D-line Sunday. Oh wait, he actually looks like exactly what he was - a 4th round draft choice. Of course that's better lately then the other high paid free agent the Bills signed a few years ago, Melvin Fowler, who can't even beat out Preston. Brad Butler, by the way, when healthy, is a 6th round draft choice. I don't remember what round Whittle was drafted in, because he's in like his 13th year now. And Jason Peters - the best of all of them, was a rookie free-agent undrafted tight end when he came to Buffalo. And as Buffalo luck would have it, his first trip to the Pro Bowl as a left tackle made him a legend in his own mind, and now his STUPID hold out is costing the team heavily. Folks, that is one sad offensive line story for an NFL franchise today. Mike Williams was the last offensive linemen the Bills drafted in the first round back in what, 2002 or 2003? Year after year the Bills braintrust have passed on drafting offensive linemen in the first, or even second, or even THIRD rounds, and now they are paying for it dearly. Whatever happens this season, playoffs an 8-8 year or worse, I think it's time for Russ Brandon and Dick Jauron to start drafting offensive linemen on day one of the draft next year!

This place is slacking. I only saw one of those, "It's only one game/We're still 5-__" type threads on the Wall this morning. Does this mean that all isn't well? The offensive line looked pretty bad yet again. Derrick Dockery; what is up w/ you these past couple weeks, man? You look like you're lost scheme-wise and are getting physically beat down often. I expect to see stuff like this from Jason Whittle (he got walked back into the QB a few times yesterday....though, to his credit, it was Kris Jenkins doing the walking) or Duke Preston (whiffed on a couple blocks as well yesterday), but not our big bucks free agent addition. That other line wasn't all that either. Kyle Williams gives his all, but maybe we need a lot more than his all. Marcus Stroud even got blown off the line yesterday. A few times. As for the ends, well, they did a better job of getting their hands up to deflect passes when they don't get there for the sack or pressure (way too often). Still, there's aggression, and then there's recklessness. Ryan Denney needs to learn the difference. Recklessness is taking off down the line and breaking containment; aggression is maintaining discipline and being there for reverses. I know the difference; I see it every game. If you need someone to point it out for you Ryan, ask Marshawn Lynch. He sees it every game, too. Far too often. Speaking of, nice effort on the pick six by Lynch. Really, it was. Too bad that kind of effort was needed in the first place. Like many of you, I'm sure, I just didn't get the challenge by Jauron on the catch. Maybe they had a poorer camera angle than the TV replay. I dunno. I'm just trying to give the coaches the benefit of the doubt. Broken record time: I would LOVE to see our huge offensive line just maul the people lined up in front of them and pave the road for Marshawn and Fred Jackson (Freddie is the singer; then again, it's tough the fight the lazy a** mentality that still refers to LaDainian Tomlinson as LT when that moniker belongs to a Hall of Fame LB already). Those two deserve better. I'll bet as tired as I am of seeing this finesse crap, they're 5 times more tired of it. We're not done w/ these faulty records: I would LOVE to see the Bills' defensive scheme altered to the point where our LBs are put into positions where they can be more effective and where we do a much more consistent job of pressuring QBs and forcing off target throws. It seemed like we tinkered w/ the idea for a bit, but then abandoned it like we abandon everything that doesn't give us tons of points immediately. Hmmm.....we haven't scored tons of points all season, so maybe we're too quick to abandon things that could work given more time and attention to detail, like running the ball and conjuring up creative blitz schemes. Keep @ it, guys. It can work w/ more of a committment. After the last couple weeks, I take exception to anyone singing the praises of any wideout on the Bills save for Josh Reed. Why? They all, to a man (again, save Reed) seem to have great difficulty getting open. Maybe I'm just not seeing this right again. Maybe they're just facing a fantastic collective of top notch cover corners. Maybe they had too much to eat and were sluggish. It didn't seem to matter which routes they ran, there just weren't many Bills receivers running free against either Miami or the Jets. Maybe they need to work a little harder @ getting open. Sigh. I guess we can take solace in the fact that we're still (there's that phrase again) 5-3 and in a 3 way tie for the division lead. Wait. Hold on. We're also 1-3 in our last 4 games and are 0-2 in the AFC East. Have the Patriots won a division game? If so, I guess that means we're in 3rd place, a game ahead of the team that just beat us. Objects (wins) in the mirror don't appear to be as close right now, do they? Despite all the depressing trends and sights of the recent weeks, there is still time to turn this around. But, the Bills need to realize they have some serious fundamental issues to work on. They can't just "shake off" another bad game. It's not as simple as just "turning it on". They need to work on things like the WRs doing a better job of getting open, the LBs doing something, anything, in run support, and the O line actually using that average 6-6, 335 frame to dominate the line of scrimmage and help out our beleaguered running backs. Otherwise, it'll be another week of "it's only" and "we're still" threads coming up. I don't know 'bout you all, but I'm tired of there being a reason for those threads to be created in the first place. Go Bills!

After the combine, I've shifted quite a few players around. Some people shined and others faultered. I think it's safe to say that there has been some serious movement on draft boards after these last 5 days. 1. Detroit Lions - Jason Smith/OT/Baylor - Best OT in the draft and it showed at the combine. No QB is worth #1 this year 2. St. Louis Rams - Eugene Monroe/OT/Virginia - Second best OT in the draft and it's a need. 3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry/LB/Wake Forest - Probably the best player in the draft 4. Seattle Seahawks - Matthew Stafford/QB/Georgia - Their franchise QB to be. 5. Cleveland Browns - Everett Brown/DE-OLB/Florida St. - Some will say too early, but he fits their scheme. Rush OLB. 6. Cincinnatti Bengals - Michael Oher/OT/Ole Miss - 3rd OT to come off the board, but Cincy needs help at that spot. 7. Oakland Raiders - Michael Crabtree/WR/Texas Tech - Al Davis gets his man. 8. Jacksonville Jaguars - B.J. Raji/DT/Boston College - Del Rio was salivating over the guy at the combine. The OL will have to wait. 9. Green Bay Packers - Tyson Jackson/DE/LSU - A new 3-4 scheme requires big run-stopping DE's. Impressive combine and tah dah. 10. San Francisco 49ers - Brian Orakpo/DE-OLB/Texas - They drive the stake home again just like 2 years ago with Patrick Willis. 11. Tampa Bay from Buffalo - Mark Sanchez/QB/USC - Tampa gets their QB of the future giving us their 2nd. They don't want to chance it any longer. 12. Denver Broncos - Brian Cushing/OLB/USC - Versitile enough to play ILB or OLB in the new 3-4 scheme. Play maker. 13. Washington Redskins - Michael Johnson/DE/Georgia Tech - Who better to learn the position from in the NFL than Jason Taylor. 14. New Orleans Saints - Rey Maualuga/MLB/USC - They wanted Cushing, but will settle for his play making teammate. 15. Houston Texans - Malcolm Jenkins/CB-S/Ohio St. - They'll see if he can play CB in the NFL. If not, he'll be their starting FS. 16. San Diego Chargers - Andre Smith/OT/Alabama - McNeil on one side and Smith on the other? Can you say "book ends". 17. New York Jets - Beanie Wells/RB/Ohio St. - Jones is aging(31 by opening day) and Beanie is the top prospect at the position. 18. Chicago Bears - Aaron Maybin/DE/Penn St. - They need DE help, but they do our FO a favor by getting him off the board. 19. Buffalo from Tampa Bay - Peria Jerry/DT/Ole Miss - The disruptive force at DT needed beside Stroud in the Tampa 2. 20. Detroit Lions - William Beatty/OT/UConn - A toss up between him and Britton from UA. A bit of a reach, but a good player. 21. Philadelphia Eagles - Alex Mack/C/Cal - Anchor that will be protecting McNabb from day 1 he arrives. 22. Minnesota Vikings - Vontae Davis/CB/Illinois - Even after the combine, still the 2nd best CB. Good pickup for the Vikes. 23. New England Patriots - Larry English/DE-OLB/Northern Illinois - Will shift to the OLB spot in the 3-4 and be effective. More youth infusion. 24. Atlanta Falcons - Brandon Pettigrew/TE/Ok. State - Matt Ryan and Roddy White are further set up for success. 25. Miami Dolphins - Kenny Britt/WR/Rutgers - They still need a #1 WR and Britt's size and ability remind me of a young T.O. 26. Baltimore Ravens - Jeremy Maclin/WR/Mizzou - Derrick Mason is a good WR to learn the game from. 27. Indianapolis Colts - Percy Harvin/WR/Florida - Marvin's replacement and a good value this late in the 1st. Immediate KR/PR. 28. Philadelphia Eagles - Eben Britton/OT/Arizona - The OL revamping continues. Britton could play either OT spot or OG. 29. New York Giants - Hakeem Nicks/WR/UNC - Bye Amani and possibly Plaxico. Nicks could start day 1 and be effective. Chemistry with Eli is key. 30. Tennessee Titans - Darrius Heyward-Bey/WR/Maryland - The Titans finally don't take a RB in the 1st, LOL. DHB could be a good WR for a long time. 31. Arizona Cardinals - Knowshon Moreno/RB/Georgia - Hurt by his 40, but won't fall past the defending NFC champs. Not a bad situation. 32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Duke Robinson/OG/Oklahoma - What do you get the SB champs? A beast of an OG to help protect their $102 million dollar man. Buffalo's 2009 draft: 1. Peria Jerry/DT/Ole Miss 2a. Robert Ayers/DE/Tennessee 2b(from Tampa). Eric Wood/C/Louisville 3. Marcus Freeman/OLB/Ohio St. 4. Cornelius Ingram/TE/Florida 5. Joel Bell/OT/Furman 6. Jamarko Simmons/WR/Western Michigan 7. Seth Olsen/OG/Iowa

Just out of curiousity, he're the all-active, all-Bills-drafted team. Let me know if you have any thoughts: QB: Trent Edwards, JP Losman, Todd Collins RB: Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, Shawn Bryson (I'm assuming Travis still gets suspended) FB: Sammy Morris WR: Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish, Josh Reed, James Hardy, Stevie Johnson (look familiar?) OT: Jason Peters, Jonas Jennings, Demetrius Bell OG: Brad Butler, Mike Pucillo, Aaron Merz C: Duke Preston (only center drafted since 1995. This may be why we suck at this position) DE: Aaron Schobel, Ryan Denney, Chris Ellis, Chris Kelsay DT: Kyle Williams, John McCargo, Marcus Stroud (trades are fine), Tim Anderson LB: Keith Ellison, Paul Posluszny, John DiGiorgio, Mario Haggan CB: Nate Clements, Antoine Winfield, Terrence McGee, Jabari Greer, Leodis McKelvin (our clear strength) SS: Donte Whitner, George Wilson FS: Ko Simpson, John Wendling

Ted Stevens, Larry Craig, and Duke Cunningham were all found guilty of crimes. Nice attempt at a moral equivalency scam Jughead. Any rightwing hack with an ounce of intelligence knows that William Jefferson is the go-to guy for dismissing the corruption of the Republicans.

The Chargers are SOLID at the DT position......Jamal Williams and that other guy they have are big time disrupters I didn't see any inside push getting to Edwards Now we didn't look that much better between the tackles......but you also didn't see Melvin Fowler missing assignments. Duke Preston needs to start.

Williams made it very tough to run up the middle, but Preston battled well today. Best game the "Duke" has played for the Bills...

I don't think that the Bills will have much luck running the ball today - I think that Jamal Williams will eat Duke Preston for lunch, and make a living in the Bills' backfield. In order for the Bills to win, IMO, the passing game has to make big plays.

What is your favorite Bills nickname? Demetrius "Freedom" Bell Bryan "Russell" Copeland Marcus "Big Bad" Buggs "Spray" Brad "the" Butler "did it" Kirk "Coal" Chambers Reggie "Coffin" Corner Blake "Don't Call Me George" Costanzo Jon Corto "Zone" Ryan "Did He, or" Denney Derrick "Hickory, Dickory" Dockery "Hollywood" Trent Edwards "Hacksaw" Lee Evans Derek "Any Ole' Nickname is..." Fine "Young Gun" Keith Ellison "Lion Heart" Chris Ellis Melvin "Bench" Fowler Jabari "The Mirror" Greer Gibran "Chroise" Hamdan James "Covering me is..." Hardy "Fast" Freddie Jackson "Jenky" Justin Jenkins Spencer "Fairweather" Johnson Steve Johnson "and Johnson" "High Motor: Part Deux" Chris Kelsay "Cryin" Rian Lindell "Fun and Gun" JP Losman Marshawn Lynch "Pin" John "Clutch" McCargo Terrence "Vitamin T" McGee Kawika Mitchell "Report" Corey "Apple Jacks" McIntyre "Real Deal" Leodis McKelvin Brian "Stormin" Moorman Ryan "Wooooah Nellie" Neill Xavier "McDaniel" Omon "Radio Free" Roscoe Parrish Jason "Chillin like a Villain" Peters "P-Squared" Paul Posluszny Duke "Of Earl" Preston Robert Royal "With Cheese" Josh "Zone Buster" Reed "High Motor" Aaron Schobel Derek "Spoonman" Schouman Bryan "Great" Scott Ko "komo" Simpson Marcus "The Wall" Stroud Langston "Big Mac" Walker Donte "Who you callin a reach?!" Whitner "Little" Jason Whittle Ashton Youboty "Myboty" Kyle "The Plugger" Williams "Curious" George Wilson

It appears Duke Preston has played well enough the past two weeks to vault into the starting position at center. Preston was working with the first unit again Wednesday, even though Melvin Fowler was not listed on the Bills’ injury report. Fowler sat out the San Diego game two weeks ago due to a sore elbow. He was limited in practice last week but played the second half against the Dolphins after Jason Whittle went out with an injury. Preston had a solid showing against San Diego star nose tackle Jamal Williams and held his own against Miami’s Jason Ferguson last week. “It looks like that might be where it’s going,” Preston said when asked if he were starting. “I come in every day and do what I’m asked, do what I’m told.” http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/billsnfl/story/478577.html

Players still on the team acquired under Tom Donahoe: Ryan Denney Lee Evans Jabari Greer Chris Kelsay Rian Lindell JP Losman Terrence McGee Brian Moorman Roscoe Parrish Jason Peters Duke Preston Josh Reed Aaron Schobel George Wilson(I may be wrong on this one). That's 9 starters, not too bad. Our top 3 WRs, top 2 DEs, top 2 CBs were drafted by Donahoe. The FAs that he signed for the most part played well for us. IMO, he made 3 major mistakes that ultimately led to him being fired. 1. letting go Pat Williams, 2. missing on too many 1st round picks, 3. Not finding a QB. Going 3-13 and not getting a franchise player hurts his case. So does trading a 1st round pick for a player who only played 3 years here. I've always felt that Donahoe half-assed the rebuilding project that was so necessary after John Butler left. Who's fault is that? It might not all be his but, it is his responsibility. After that season, we were in no position to be trading away 1st rounders. We should have been stockpiling picks, so that if you miss on a few, you still have some young players to fall back on. We did not commit to rebuilding and ultimately that came back to kill us. There was no real foundation of talent, and the gap between our top players and reserves was large in both talent level and age. And he missed on the OL, drafted two running backs with first day picks in 3 seasons, and two WRs in the second round when it was obvious that we needed talented OL. I think Pat Williams speaks for itself.

BROWN’S BEST - Week 7 By Chris Brown - Posted October 20th, 2008 This was a week of several stellar individual efforts. We run some of the less noticed ones in addition to the stand outs right here. BEST VERSATILITY: Donte Whitner – He played free safety, slot corner, a touch of cornerback and strong safety all in one game. San Diego didn’t even test him deep in centerfield. There aren’t many strong safeties in the league that can do all that he did and not get roasted. BEST EARLY CHEMISTRY: Trent Edwards-Lee Evans – The quarterback-receiver tandem had a good rhythm going on the opening drive as Edwards hit his top wideout three times on the team’s first five plays from scrimmage for three first downs and 43 yards in gains to set up an early field goal. BEST SCARE: Kyle Williams – His impending hit on Philip Rivers was so alarming to the San Diego quarterback that he just dropped the ball. BEST POUNCE: Marcus Stroud – Williams’ fellow defensive tackle made the quickest drop to the ground of any 300-plus pound man I’ve ever seen as he made the fumble recovery. BEST BUMP: Marcus Stroud – Celebrating with George Wilson after his fumble recovery, Stroud engaged in a chest bump celebration with Wilson and knocked him flat on his back. BEST DRIVE COMBO: Marshawn Lynch/ Fred Jackson – Buffalo’s two backs were the team’s first touchdown drive. Lynch had three carries for nine yards including a grinding five-yard run on a 3rd-and-4 to keep the drive alive and a five-yard reception, while Jackson had a 14-yard catch and then a three-yard inside run to set up 1st-and-goal at the Chargers two. The two accounted for 28 of the 38 yards on the scoring drive. BEST DAVID TYREE IMPERSONATION: Lee Evans – His one-handed press the ball against the helmet and shoulder pad catch was remarkable. BEST FEET: Lee Evans – As impressive as his catch was getting a total of three feet down along the sideline was even more eye-popping as his momentum was taking him over the sideline quickly. BEST DECEPTION: Turk Schonert – On the touchdown pass to Lee Evans, Schonert lined up two tight ends on the left with a fullback and tailback in the offensive backfield. The Chargers expecting a run up the gut put 10 men in the box, leaving Evans one-on-one with Quentin Jammer. Surprise! BEST RECEIVER BLOCK: Josh Reed – He smacked a defensive back hard on a five-yard reception by Fred Jackson. BEST OPEN FIELD HIT: Donte Whitner – His shot on Malcolm Floyd kept a big play from happening as he brought the big receiver down after just a three-yard gain. BEST COVERAGE: Bryan Scott – Matched up one-on-one with Antonio Gates on a 2nd-and-goal from the 12, Scott stayed on Gates’ hip and prevented a touchdown pass from being completed. BEST REVERSE: Fred Jackson – Vincent Jackson’s reverse notwithstanding, the Bills had an answer. On a 2nd-and-2 play Fred Jackson somehow gained the corner despite some very, very good pursuit to gain six yards and a first down. BEST BLOCK BY A LINEMEN: Jason Whittle – The reserve guard stepped in and took out two defenders with a sliding cut block on Marshawn Lynch’s nine-yard TD run. BEST BLOCK BY A BACK: Fred Jackson – Leading for Lynch, Jackson lowered the boom on Quentin Jammer driving him five yards deep into the end zone allowing Lynch to coast to pay dirt. BEST THIRD DOWN STOP: Kawika Mitchell – Out on the wide side of the field with Darren Sproles coming at him, Mitchell prevented the speedy back from getting the edge on a 3rd-and-1 from the Buffalo 41-yard line. BEST ONE LEGGED EFFORT: Brian Moorman – Despite a cramping plant leg, Moorman still got off a 49-yard punt. BEST SERIES: Kawika Mitchell – On the first play of San Diego’s fourth quarter drive to try and re-take the lead Kawika Mitchell batted down a pass attempt on first down. Four plays later Mitchell pressured Rivers to force an incompletion. Three plays after that Mitchell anticipated a pass to Gates in the end zone and made a leaping interception returning it 32 yards to the Bills 30-yard line. BEST ACCURACY: Trent Edwards – While his day on the whole was stellar (25-30 passing) his throw to Josh Reed on a 2nd-and-5 from his own 36 with 5:40 remaining was put in a very tight window between two defenders for a 16-yard gain that got Buffalo to midfield. It was a big time throw. The drive ended with a field goal to put the Bills up by two scores. BEST CLOSER: Kawika Mitchell – His sack and forced fumble with just over three minutes remaining killed any chance for San Diego to come back in the game. BEST UNRECOGNIZED PERFORMANCE: Copeland Bryan – The defensive end pressured Rivers before he threw the interception to Mitchell and then following Mitchell’s sack and forced fumble recovered the loose ball to secure the victory. BEST TACKLER: Jabari Greer/Paul Posluszny – Greer was instrumental in limiting yards after the catch with solid wrap-ups, while Posluszny was a force near the line of scrimmage including one tackle for loss. They finished atop the team tackle chart with eight and seven tackles respectively. BEST BELL ANSWERER: Duke Preston – Preston stepped in for the injured Melvin Fowler and handled a Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackle as Jamal Williams was a virtual non-factor in the game. Honorable mention to Jason Whittle.

This has been a pretty interesting thread with mercifully few stupid comments and many good points. For serious NFL fans, here's a link to the draft trade chart devised by Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson that is still used today to trade draft picks. http://www.profootballtalk.com/draft/draft-trade-chart/ The chart is becoming obsolete and one of the hottest issues arising as we approach the next CBA between players and owners is a rookie wage scale. If that becomes a reality, the trade chart might change a bit but right now, it is still used by the teams and not deviated from very much. I have it in my favorites/bookmarks for reference when people start throwing around crazy, unrealistic trade proposals. The Bills are positioned nicely for the draft in that they probably won't be picking above #8 so they will avoid the picks who get ridiculous signing bonuses (the reason that very few teams trade up into the top five) and yet will have access to a top prospect. This was pretty much the case last year when we drafted Leodis McKelvin who I believe will blossom into a top cornerback next year. From what I see Leodis has excellent ability, attitude, and toughness. He needed a year to adjust to the NFL after playing at Troy. He'll justify his selection, hopefully more than Whitner who I like but think probably went too high. Another free agent to be/elite pass rusher is Terrell Suggs although he doesn't necessarily fit the Bills' current defensive scheme. I agree with those of you who believe we should be running a 3-4 but I think good coaching should allow any top talent to thrive in any system. You have to be committed to making it work. On the subject of pass rushers, these frustrating times cause many Bills' fans to want to blow things up and start from scratch. However, objectively the Bills are a young, rebuilding team. Early this season it appeared they were ahead of schedule. Lately it seems as if they're on or behind schedule in rebuilding. If they overreact to the late season swoon and tear things apart they're back to square one. I think it's better to salvage what you can. It's just too hard to turnover 1/3rd of the roster and expect any success the next year. And there are some players on the roster who are building blocks, at least for the next 2-3 years. Aaron Schobel for instance, should be kept until we have someone who is actually better. There are very few proficient pass rushers in this league and even though he's not truly elite, you can't let him go when there's no one else. Hopefully he'll have a bookend next year who's as good or better than he is. My hierarchy of needs: PASS RUSHER (draft and/or free agent): Good DBs on the roster but no pass rush. Recipe for bad 3rd down defense. RECEIVING THREAT (free agent): Evans and Lynch only weapons on offense. Jackson good but doesn't start. Because of the rarity of rookie receivers making an impact, we need a veteran to give QB's another weapon. It doesn't matter if it's a wideout or a tight end to me. One more target in the passing game would make a huge difference. There's not enough good skill position threats to pressure good defenses. DEFENSIVE TACKLE: We have a starter, Kyle Williams, who should be a reserve. He's a high motor guy, just like Justin Bannan and forty other unathletic tackles in this league who make rosters because they're scrappy. If we had a good tackle to play alongside Marcus Stroud (plus another pass rusher) we'd have the makings of a really good defense. LINEBACKER AND CENTER: IMO, yes you'd like to upgrade these positions so do it if you can. But you don't go crazy with high draft picks or huge free agent contracts. UNLESS THE VALUE IS THERE. In other words if he's the best player available in the draft when you're picking or if he's undervalued in the free agent market. I am among those who believe that Duke Preston has been improving and playing well. And yes, it looks like the Bills will have a shot at Laurinaitis or Maualuga and they might possibly be the best players available when we draft.

I think the biggest problem on the field is the O-Line. If you look at the successful Bills' O-Lines of the past, or any NFL line for that matter, O-line cohesiveness begins and ends with the center. The last great Bills O-line had Kent Hull. The center often makes the protection calls, has to be flawless on the snap, often deals with two pass rushers, and is usually lined up against someone like Pat Williams on running plays. So the center has to be big, strong, and fast. I think it's the toughest position to play on the O-Line, even over left tackle. Duke tries hard, but seems to implode under pressure. Yesterday's shoving match cost the team dearly, although I can understand that having to deal with all the Pats' dirty tricks would get really irritating. As far as coaching, it could be the HC or the OC, depending on who's responsible for the calls. But the HC is ultimately responsible, and going from 5-1 to 7-9 is unacceptable. So the problem isn't replacing Jauron, but rather who do you replace him with? How many of the staff gets let go? How do you analyze the performance of the coaching staff when they ultimately have to follow the orders of the HC?

Here's who should not be back next year IMO: - Chris Kelsay - Kyle Williams - Keith Ellison - Melvin Fowler - Duke Preston - JP Losman - Ko Simpson - Robert Royal

Who gave Dockery 49 million? Who signed Kelsay and Denney and other mediocrities to large extensions? What is it with all the high motor white guys on our DL? Robert Royal? Maybe Langston Walker was a good signing, he seems to be living up to the deal as a Right Tackle. Why can't they lock in Jason Peters? (Why can't our receivers get open?) Remember the old days when our GM would sign cast-offs like Billy Brooks, Frank Lewis, and James Lofton? Why did they let Pat Williams go to Minnesota? The guy was and still is a beast. That was absurd. What happened to Chris Ellis? Who drafted McCargo? These are not Jauron's issues. Jauron is the head coach and made a lot of boneheaded calls this year. But the offense and defense did show improvement. Granted, we played some lousy teams. Let's dump Dockery's salary. Draft a center and move Duke Preston to left guard. Cut Robert Royal. Draft Chase Coffman. Sign Julius Peppers. Sign our own guy Crowell. Maybe James Hardy can come around in year two, or will he be Bucky Brooks? Get a good veteran backup QB in here. Sign Fred Jackson to a long-term deal. Bring in Jim Kelly as Special Assistant Head Coach in Charge of Play-Calling and Ass-Kicking. Bring in Andre Reed to teach a course in route running and getting open. Take clock management responsibility from Jauron and give it to one of the fans who sit behind the bench. Give it to the Elvis guy. Anybody but Jauron. Find somebody like London Fletcher to get up in people's grilles and make them play like they give a crap. Sign Jabari Greer to a long-term deal. Bring back Rusty Jones. They injuries pile up year after year since his departure. Practice outdoors, unless there is a lightning storm.

http://buffalonews.typepad.com/billboard/ 11:01 OK guys. Let's hear what you have to say on last night's debacle. 11:01 [Comment From BMC] Despite Trent's horrific game, he did enough to put the Bills in position to win. IMO, this loss falls again on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Their wasteful use of timeouts and play calling before the final field attempt was amateurish. 11:02 I can't give Edwards credit for anything in that game last night. He completed one meaningful pass, but the Bills were in that game because of Marshawn Lynch and the defense covering Edwards' rear end by keeping the Browns out of the end zone after his interceptions. 11:02 [Comment From xman] i think trent still has lingering effects from his concussion 11:04 Funny, no one was talking about the concussion when he had a 114 QB rating in the win over San Diego. If the Bills were 7-3 I doubt this concussion talk would exist. It's a convenient excuse for why he's playing poorly. 11:04 [Comment From Patrick in Buffalo] Any chance Jauron gets the boot after the season? 11:05 It's possible if the Bills don't make the playoffs. Remember, the Bills haven't come out and said he got a new contract even though it's been reported that he did. Don't think this freefall is sitting well with Ralph. 11:07 [Comment From BMC] I'm also struggling to come to grips with the fact that this entire organization, from the top down, is mediocre at best. The team has become irrelevant within the scope of the NFL. 11:10 Yep, they are very mediocre right now. 11:10 [Comment From Buffalo Will] While Edwards had an awful game last night – no confidence in himself whatsoever, I cannot overlook the fact that Dick Jauron is a PROVEN mediocre-to-incompetent coach. What more really needs to be said? While I’m not ready to give up on Edwards yet (just his 2nd year), the Bills will simply not progress above mediocrity with the likes of Jauron – his track record here and in Chicago bears that out. With his extension, if the Bills need up, say at 6-10 or even 7-9, will the Bills keep Jauron at the end of the year? – not that the Bills’ management has shown a willingness to hire winners over the year, mind you! 11:12 How strange is it to say this team has struggled to find a coach since Wade Phillips. He's not great either, but he won games. Jauron's conservative approach won't win many games too often. 11:12 [Comment From Guest] Can you please explain to me what Denney and Kelsay do positive on the football field? 11:12 Good question, to which I have no answer. 11:13 [Comment From TM IN ATLANTA] Has anyone told Trent Edwwards to look off a DB? doesn't seem like he has since the slide started? 11:13 At least two of those picks last night was due to locking on to receivers. That was a weakness last year, too. 11:13 [Comment From Patrick in Buffalo] What's it going to take for Edwards to get back to how he looked earlier this season? 11:15 He's a young guy going through a tough stretch. It was unrealistic for him to continue doing what he did earlier this season. And to be honest, he did it against mediocre competition. His confidence is shot right now and he's very gun shy. 11:15 [Comment From xman] either hes playing scared or his brain is still mush 11:15 It's neither. He has happy feet and no confidence. 11:15 [Comment From Patrick in Buffalo] On 3rd and 1, why pass when you're having success running at the line? 11:16 How is that approach any different from anything we've seen over the years? This team might lead the league in pass plays on third-and-one. 11:16 [Comment From TM IN ATLANTA] coaches have been alseep at the wheel for the past 2 weeks! I'm really starting to need to see Jauron get excited/mad about something! 11:17 Conservative playcalling will get you beat more often than not, but that's always been Jauron's approach. 11:17 [Comment From xman] but concussion systems maybe different for everyone his may just have caught up with him 11:18 I think that's too convenient excuse. And by the way, how about giving some credit to defenses doing a better job against him. 11:18 [Comment From Zach from VA] This bigger issue goes beyond the players and even the coaches. There is a culture of losing that has surrounded this franchise for the better part of 10 years. Year after year, we are subjected to a team that can't step up when the game is on the line. Will the Bills ever be a consistent winner again? Is the franchise paralyzed by a culture of losing? 11:19 It's up to the players and coaches to end that culture of losing. Neither seem capable of doing that. 11:19 [Comment From Chris Lawrence] Clock management seems to be an issue every game. Wasted timeouts at unnecessary times and a ten second wait when one should be called immediately. It seems obvious to someon sitting on the couch, but what is the issue with the coaching staff on this? 11:20 It's maddening to see them burn timeouts every week because of confusion over who should or should not be in the game or because the play didn't get in on time. That's all on the coaches. 11:20 [Comment From Guest] He's got to go. There's talent on this team and it's being squandered by the ineptitude of Jauron & Co. 11:21 The coaches aren't doing a great job, but they also don't block, tackle, pass or catch. And yes, they have talent. Just not enough. 11:21 [Comment From xman] what bothers me the most is they are paying 100 million dollars for the offensive line...and we get what a 5-5 record 11:22 The O-line played better last night, but yes, the group is overpaid based on its production (of lack thereof) this year. 11:22 [Comment From Thom] Does anyone else think Mitchell is terrible? He makes a play every once in a while, but mostly it seems as if he is happy to be blocked and taken out of the play so that he doesn't have to hit anyone. He certainly is not fighting off any blocks. If you watch him closely he just waits as long as possible for someone else to make a play and then jumps on the pile. Weak! Thoughts? 11:23 Mitchell hasn't been awful, but I agree that he doesn't make enough plays consistently. I will say he's been the team's best pass rusher with Schobel out. 11:23 [Comment From Gimmeabreak] It occurred to me watching Marshawn last night that Thurman Thomas played like that EVERY game of his career. 11:23 Thurman also had BETTER PLAYERS around him. 11:23 [Comment From Zach from VA] I think its time to pull the plug on Keith Ellison. He was steamrolled on the 75 yard touchdown run. To me, the average fan, he looks like he doesn't belong on the field. 11:24 I would agree with you if the Bills had a better replacement, which they don't. 11:24 [Comment From xman] Thats the problem we change coaches as much as we change our underwear 11:24 Lack of coaching continuity has hurt this team's progress. 11:25 [Comment From xman] who out there is a prven winner as a coach to replace dj 11:26 The only big name out there is Bill Cowher, but I don't know if Ralph is willing to pay a coach $5 to $7 million a year. We also don't know if Cowher wants to return to coaching next year. 11:26 [Comment From Gerald] Edwards will make a fine QB coach someday. Maybe then he/they (Bills) will realize what a weapon Evans could have been. ? the arm strength and the coaching. 11:27 Evans was open on a few plays. Edwards just didn't find him. 11:27 [Comment From xman] Trent needs a quarterback coach to have a long chit chat with him, thats for sure 11:28 Alex Van Pelt is a good coach, but he can't climb into Trent's head. Trent has to make better decisions with the ball. 11:28 [Comment From Jerry] Watching McKelvin plays instead of Greer covering Stallworth, I realize he could do a better job covering Ted Ginn than McGee. What do think about it? It was another mistake of Jauron ! 11:30 McGee shouldn't have even played that day. I don't know if McKelvin would have stopped Ginn either, but at least he was healthy. 11:30 [Comment From Zach from VA] The Bills run game finally showed up last night. Is that more attributed to a pourous Browns D or the return of Brad Butler? By the way, Duke Preston again looked overmatched against Shaun Rogers. 11:31 The running game was the result of a lot of things. The line blocked better, but Lynch and Jackson continue to get a lot of yards on their own. They also were playing a team that's been poor run defenders all year. The good news for Preston is he won't have to deal with a nose tackle this week. 11:32 [Comment From Scott] Any update on the injuries last night? 11:32 Whitner reinjured his shoulder and Greer hurt a knee. We won't get updates until Wednesday. 11:32 [Comment From xman] you have the largest oline in football and your scared to run on 3rd and 1 they out to be ashamed of themselves 11:32 Frustrating, isn't it? 11:32 [Comment From Zach from VA] It wouldn't surprise me if the Bills dropped a road game to KC. Does the seal Jauron's fate? 11:34 I could see them losing to the Chiefs, who are playing better lately. Don't know if losing would seal Jauron's fate, but it won't help his cause. 11:34 [Comment From BMC] I think there are a variety of reasons for Trent's struggles. The team is facing better defenses, coaches make adjustments throughout the year, our o-line has let him take a beating, his #2 (Reed) has been out, lack of a running game...the list is long 11:34 The list is long and you did a great job of pointing out the key reasons. 11:34 [Comment From Rob] When are you guys going to stop making excuses for how bad Edwards is? Why was he even still in the game? Does he give such a great interview that you and the rest of the media cannot admit the kid sucks? 11:36 First of all, I have never come out and said the kid was great. You have me confused with Jerry Sullivan. I've never had a forum to express my opinion on Edwards. If I did I would have said what I've told friends and colleagues: That I need to see more before I'm convinced. Please don't put all media under the same umbrella. 11:37 [Comment From Chris] They seem to always find a way to lose close games, that's the sign of a losing franchise 11:37 Can't argue with that. 11:37 [Comment From xman] the sad part about that culture of losing is I have watched it now for 30 years...god thats sickening... 11:38 I won't go that far. They didn't win a Super Bowl, but they were one of the dominant teams in the NFL during the late 80s and early 90s. And they did win two AFL titles. 11:38 [Comment From Tex from Boston] What's your view on the three straight runs to set up the FG? Also, do you think the coaches called play-action at any point? Or did Edwards merely not execute? 11:39 Too conservative at the end. Maybe they were afraid to let Edwards throw. They tried some play action passes, but the Browns didn't bite. 11:39 [Comment From Dave] You guys should do an enterprise on how often the Bills have been beaten over the years by clutch kicks. It seems as though the other team never misses. I'm sure it has happened, but I cannot think of a single instance right now. Also, I know Edwards is struggling, but another issue nobody brings up is the fact the Bills receivers haven't been able to get any separation. That means Evans, too. And I hate hearing excuses about double teams and Cover 2s. Braylon Edwards is a star and he always seems to get good separation. 11:40 The Bills had open receivers last night. Edwards has to do a better job of finding them. Also they need to run more crossing routes to get Evans away from double teams. 11:40 [Comment From Patrick in Buffalo] Most important position to upgrade this offseason: defensive end, tight end, or linebacker? 11:41 Of that three I'd say linebacker. They need someone better than Ellison in the starting lineup. 11:42 [Comment From gimmeabreak] We're between a rock and a hard place. As long as Ralph Wilson owns this team, it'll be in Buffalo. As long as Ralph Wilson owns this team, it'll be mired in mediocrity. If longevity is a criterion for the HOF, he deserves to be in but unfortunately for him, everyone in pro fottball knows he is a nitwit. Any owner who couldn't get a long with THE premier GM in the league, Bill Polian, ought to have his head examined. The Bills haven't been the same since. 11:42 I like Ralph, but his coaching and front office decisions have been dubious. 11:42 [Comment From thomas] how about Jim Fassell 11:43 Good coach, but again, is Ralph willing to pony up $5 million a year. He hasn't shown that willingness yet. 11:43 [Comment From Guest] What makes it hard is there are no quick fixes. The Oline and Dline both need two new starters and its not like they haven't spent the money. I want to know who is evaluating the talent. Whoever it is seems to do well at picking the small guys but misses on the big men. I know they talk about speed on the Dline but can 11:44 This team needs a lot of things, not just better O-line and D-line. 11:44 [Comment From DR from Raleigh] Sorry this team has alot of talant,with some holes. Good coaching can help fill them holes. 11:44 You obviously see more talent on this team than I do. 11:44 [Comment From Zach from VA] Changing coaches assures the Bills of yet another losing season in 2009, and perhaps 8-8 in 2010. A coaching change might do the team worse in the short term. 11:45 At some point, Ralph has to stick with a guy and ride it out. But if the Bills continue collapse, it might be hard to stay with Jauron. 11:45 [Comment From Will from Virginia] I honestly do not feel, even if the Bills end up at 5-11, the team will dump Jauron at the end of the year. Jauron just signed just a 3 year extension, and Ralph, being as frugal as he is, at least when it comes to paying for top-notch coaching over the years – will not want to give up 3 years worth of $$ for doing nothing (since fired coaches keep getting their pay until their contacts expire) – what are your thoughts? 11:46 We THINK Jauron signed an extension. Nothing official from the Bills acknowledging that. 11:46 [Comment From Scott] Does Jim Kelly talk to Trent Edwards and the other Bills' quarterbacks? Kelly was never afraid to throw down field after an interception, and maybe a talk with Kelly would help Edwards regain his confidence. 11:47 Kelly is not a coach and besides that all the talking in the world is not going to change things. 11:47 [Comment From Bill from Cali] It seems like the toss left or toss right works evry time for big yards. It gives Marshawn room to run. Is there a reason why the offense only runs it once a game? 11:47 I can't answer that one. 11:47 [Comment From thomas] Give Hamdan a try at QB 11:47 Let's not get carried away. 11:47 [Comment From Belo Joe] I noticed Lee Evans did not speak to the media after the game. Do you think he may have an outburst sometime soon? 11:49 That's not Evans' style. I'm sure he's frustrated, but he would never throw anyone under the bus. 11:49 [Comment From Alex] The bottom line is by and large this decade, the Bills have done an awful job in the college and pro player personnel department. The have missed on a ton of first round picks, traded to get back into the first round to draft lousy plyers, Losman/McCargo, and compound their problems by giving exhorbitant contracts/extensions to mediocre players...denney, Kelsay, Schobel, Dockery, Kyle Williams, etc. It makes you long for the days of Polian, AJ Smith and the late John Butler...all guys Ralph had but ran out of Buffalo. 11:50 Can't argue with you. 11:50 [Comment From Kevin] Playing to stay close or to not lose caught up to jauron last night. problem is, not showing any confidence on the final drive, and at least trying to move the ball closer, didn't just cost the Bills a game, but the season. Is his vision that short? This is depressing. 11:50 That is how Jauron has always coached going back to Chicago. 11:51 [Comment From jeff] It definatley seems like the team is outcoached week in and week out? Who is the most to blame? 11:51 Take your pick. There is no wrong answer. 11:51 [Comment From Guest] I don't get it. If I perform like the Bills do year in and year out I am fired from my job. How long has Tom Modrak and John Guy been with the team. A successfull company gets rid of dead weight. 11:52 Personnel decisions have been hit or miss over the years, but Modrak and Guy are top football men. I can guarantee they would find a job tomorrow if they were let go. 11:52 [Comment From Dan] Two questions....(1) why didnt they change QBs after three picks?? and (2) Why didnt they settle for a 47 yard attempt--why didnt they get 10 yards closer, pick up a first down and make the field goal attempt the last play of the game?? Kickers undr 40 are clo atomatic, longer than 40 is when they miss. 11:54 I've already addressed the second question. As for the first one, the Bills were right not to bench Edwards because they were only down by two field goals after the picks. They still were in the game. 11:54 [Comment From CORTO57] I understand that Trent threw three picks in his first 7 tries but everyone knows that Lindell is money inside 40. Go for a pas instead of running it right into Rogers. Besides that, I just wanna make a quick point, not sayin that its all him, but whenever a kick or a punt is returned for a TD, Jon Corto makes the second effort all the time. Whenever they show a replay hes out there laying guys out, usually the one in pursuit. Do you think he will have a chance to play defense in the future or will he only be a special teamer? 11:55 At this point, a special teamer is only way on the field until he gets bigger. 11:55 [Comment From jeff] I think too much pressure is on trent due to lack of running game, would you agree? ML had good good game but he is not an elite back. 11:55 You obviously weren't watching the game Lynch had last night. Imagine what he'd do with some blocking. 11:55 [Comment From jeff] With ML struggling last few weeks, why havent they gone to the tight ends or fred jackson more? 11:56 Because it's not Lynch's fault. He and Jackson have to get yards on their own because the O-line has been poor. 11:57 [Comment From jeff] I think the Bills have to bring in a winning coach, there is too much of a losing attitude surrounding the team. 11:57 You get what you pay for with coaches. 11:57 [Comment From arwen] why doesent jim kelly bcome the quarterback coach??? 11:58 Just because Kelly was a great player does not mean he would be a great coach. Besides, he has absolutely no interest in coaching. 11:58 [Comment From Jimi B from Olean, NY] I don't even want to speak about this BAD team. I would like to commend all the fans in Sec 330 for being loud and having fun without being ignorant. Nice job FANS! 11:58 A rarity in that stadium. 11:58 [Comment From Zach from VA] Teams are consistently dropping 8 and rushing 3 on obvious passing downs. Trent admits that it makes it harder to complete a pass. If that were the case, every team would drop 8 guys. What is it that Trent is doing wrong when he has all day to throw and 8 guys in coverage? 11:59 This is a copy cat league and since the Dolphins had sucess dropping eight guys into coverage everyone is doing it. Edwards is so conditioned to not make mistakes that he becomes too indecisive. 11:59 [Comment From Dave] I never thought I would miss London Fletcher, since he was always driven off the ball and was great at making tackles six yards downfield, but my God... 12:00 London was great to talk to. That's what I miss. 12:00 [Comment From Todd] Get rid of Jauron and bring in Billick 12:00 Let me repeat this one last time: Ralph has to be willing to pay $5 to $7 million per year to get a big-name coach. 12:01 [Comment From xman] I dont think he sucks...BUT he does look like the rookie young qb he is...hell even farve throws ints like that... 12:01 Let's not make excuses for Edwards. Those picks are bad for a veteran or a rookie. 12:02 [Comment From Jimi B from Olean, NY] Do you think Jaron will be gone at the end of this season? We as diehard fans can only hope so. HIRE COWHER! 12:02 I answered this earlier. It depends on how the Bills finish. 12:02 [Comment From BMC] On his blog, Chris Brown posted a question indicated Hardy was benched for the 2nd half. Do you have any info on that? 12:03 No, other than I didn't see him on the field in the second half. We'll know more tomorrow. 12:06 I'm sorry I have to cut this off, but I've got to tend to my regular job. Thanks for the responses.

Man, was it nice to get to spend an entire weekend in Erie w/ my family! I got to spend a ton of time w/ my goddaughter and to see my other niece and nephew. We had a nice family dinner on Sunday and got to hang out and watch the Stillers beat San Diego. It was great. As for what happened on Monday.... As crazy as it sounds, I can't really bag on the job of the O line, for the most part. Marshawn had the most daylight he's seen probably all season and they even kept the "Same Ol' Bills"-type penalties to a minimum. That said, there were still signs of weakness (Duke Preston being put on his face a couple times by Sean Rogers and company), but that's to be expected. Our interior D line also did a pretty decent job. There wasn't much up the gut for Cleveland @ all. I even saw Kyle Williams have some pretty impressive plays in there. Now, the outside guys.....yikes! I think the word is out league-wide on Mr "I'll Follow Any Play Down The Line And Break Contain" Ryan Denney. He still seems to have trouble diagnosing and reacting to that fairly new play called the reverse. As for the edge rush....was there much of one? The heat the Bills were able to put on Quinn (I'll get to him later) was w/ the LBs blitzing up the A gap. Speaking of, nice play by Kawika Mitchell on the near pick by Simpson. Oh yeah, the secondary. Way to go, Terrence McGee! You were left on an island w/ a pretty dangerous receiver (when he doesn't have his drop spells) in Braylon Edwards and managed to have some nice breakups and provide solid coverage. When Greer went down, I heard some whining 'bout the secondary from some fans, but I thought McKelvin did a decent enough job when in there. Just catch those INTs when they come your way!! As long as you stay in Buffalo, you won't see many of those chances (see Pass Rush, Lack Of). Oh, and Reggie Corner, when you go in on a blitz, try not to overshoot the target: the quarterback. That's the whole point, man. I don't know 'bout you all, but I still see the wideouts having some trouble getting open, especially on the underneath routes. Still, there were plenty of times when there seemed to be something open down the field (James Hardy in particular but also a few times w/ Steve Johnson) and it was missed by the QB. Even the fans were trying to point out when there were open guys down the field deep. But....Trent didn't see it. It was almost like watching guys like Rob Johnson, Drew Bledsoe, and JP Losman w/ the pat, pat, pat...sack stuff. Ugh! I'd love to see the Bills try to throw deep, even if it doesn't work. They have to try to loosen coverage. They're wasting the main aspect of the receiving corps: speed. I don't get it. And as for the Golden Boy who won the game, Mr Quinn? Yeah, he was sensational. I don't know what impressed me the most of his performance: the 14 of 36 completion ratio, the overwhelming 26 minutes and change he and the Browns were able to grind up on the clock, or the 3 out of 13 third downs they were able to complete w/ him @ the helm. I guess it was the zero turnovers he had thanks to a couple near misses by McKelvin and Simpson. Oh well. Let's just call him great 'cause he was able to lead his team to victory blah blah blah blah. I will give props to the Browns' real hero: Phil Dawson. Sitting in the endzone/tunnel side, I had a feeling of deja vu as I saw that FG go in w/ room to spare, just as Nick Folk's TWO FGs did last year in the Monday night game. Same endzone, too. Aren't I and many others (End Zone Crew, cablelady...you know what I mean) lucky? Notice how I didn't start this time w/ the "All is well!" crap? It isn't. The more I see of the Bills, the more I realize how far they are from being a true contender for a championship. There's no quick fix here, folks. We're in for more of the same: waiting for things to get better. Good thing I keep that "there's always next year" handy. Oh, and one last thing: someone was certainly right a week or so ago when they posted how Marshawn Lynch was such a bust. What a pathetic performance by a useless first round pick. Well, when his Emancipation Day arrives (the day his contract ends), I'll wish him the best and I'll look to see the first of his string of 1,500 yard rushing seasons behind a line that can get push to someplace other than the front door of the Big Tree Inn. Your time is coming, Beast Mode. I just wish it could come in Buffalo.

He's been playing very good. And good this whole season. People like to rag on him, but what do you expect from any center that is going up against Shaun Rogers, Kris Jenkins, Vince Wilfork, Jason Ferguson, and Jamaal Williams right over your face in consecutive weeks? Sometimes, having a good game can simply mean not having a bad one. The fact that he didn't get completely blown up time after time is impressive. Did anyone see what Jamaal Williams did to Jeff Saturday, probably the best center in football, yesterday? Duke has held his own, and done a very, very good job.

Yeah and they'll be screaming for Brandon Spikes (LB, Florida), Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma), Duke Robinson (OG, Oklahoma), Juaquin Iglesias (WR, Oklahoma), Phil Loadholt (OT, Oklahoma), Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma), Demarcus Grainger (DT, Oklahoma), Tim Tebow (QB, Florida), and Lord knows who else after this game. They might even be screaming for Urban Meyer or Bob Stoops to take over for Jauron Harvin is definitely an impact player though.

ROUND TWO 33. Detoit Lions: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State Not only do the Lions get their quarterback of the future here, they also get the quarterback with the most upside in the draft. 34. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech A physical freak who, on talent alone, is worthy of a top-10 pick. 35. St. Louis Rams: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest The Rams need to add talent to their cornerback position, and Smith can come in and start from day one. 36. Cleveland Browns: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh McCoy gives the Browns a more dynamic and explosive threat on the ground. 37. Seattle Seahawks: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College The undersized Seahawks defensive line needs to add some girth up front; Brace fits the bill. 38. Cincinnati Bengals: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa The kind of blue-collar running back the Bengals need in order to take pressure off their passing attack. 39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Max Unger, C/G/T, Oregon The Jaguars need help across the offensive line, and Unger has the versatility to fill any of those roles. 40. Oakland Raiders: Jamon Meredith, OT/OG, South Carolina An ideal fit at either guard or tackle in the Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme. 41. Green Bay Packers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU Should become an immediate starter in the Packers’ new 3-4 defense. 42. Buffalo Bills: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss The kind of vertical threat the Bills’ offense desperately needs at tight end. 43. San Francisco 49ers: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State An ideal five-technique defensive end who has been soaring up draft boards the past couple weeks. 44. Miami Dolphins (from WAS): Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan The class’ top safety prospect should instantly upgrade Miami’s secondary. 45. New York Giants (from NO): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers Expect the Giants to address their receiver position in the second round with a big target like Britt. 46. Houston Texans: Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State An impressive corner who was a real standout at the Senior Bowl and is starting to climb up draft boards. 47. New England Patriots (from SD): Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon An instinctive zone corner who should fit in nicely in the complex New England defense. 48. Denver Broncos: Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia The kind of athletic rush linebacker the Broncos need for their 3-4 defense. 49. Chicago Bears: Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn A quick-twitch lineman ideal for the Bears’ one-gap scheme. 50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee The Buccaneers need to infuse young talent along their defensive line. Ayers fits the bill. 51. Dallas Cowboys: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma The kind of big, physical lineman the Cowboys seem to build their offensive line around. 52. New York Jets: Asher Allen, CB, Georgia A tough, instinctive corner who will help upgrade the Jets’ secondary. 53. Philadelphia Eagles: William Moore, S, Missouri An eventual replacement needs to be brought in for FS Brian Dawkins. 54. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Davis, QB, Ball State With a lack of talent at the quarterback position, expect the Vikings to take a shot on Davis at the end of round two. 55. Atlanta Falcons: Fili Moala, DT, USC A big, physical lineman who might be able to fill a need at nose tackle for Atlanta. 56. Miami Dolphins: Derrick Williams, WR, PSU Williams adds some much needed talent and depth to the Miami receiving corps. 57. Baltimore Ravens: Connor Barwin, OLB/DE/TE, Cincinnati A hard-working, blue-collar athlete with an ability to play on both sides of the ball. 58. New England Patriots: Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane A smooth pass blocker who adds much needed youth to the Patriots’ offensive line. 59. Carolina Panthers: Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri The Panthers have lacked consistent production from the tight end position since Wesley Walls. 60. New York Giants: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut The Giants may need to find a replacement, or two, for running backs Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs. 61. Indianapolis Colts: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma A smooth route runner who should fit nicely in the Indianapolis offense. 62. Tennessee Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri An explosive tackle who might end up replacing Albert Haynesworth if he isn’t re-signed. 63. Arizona Cardinals: Paul Kruger, OLB/DE, Utah The type of hybrid pass rusher the Cardinals love to use off the edge. 64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Herman Johnson, OG, LSU A massive in-line blocker who should create some big holes in the Steelers’ run game.

I checked on Tupou's run-in with the NCAA (taking money from an agent). Turns out it was $110, and Tupou was suspended for Game 1 of this season. He had to repay the money to a charity of his choice. He's OK by me. Tupou will likely play Guard in the NFL, but he was the big reason you didn't hear Selvie's name much in the Ducks' win over South Florida. Let's pick him. The results: Round Pick Team Selection Psn School CRI Delta ReachValue 1 1 Detroit Andre Smith OT Alabama P1 +0 Value 1 2 St Louis Eugene Monroe OT Virginia P1 -3 Reach 1 3 K City Matt Stafford QB Georgia P2 +1 Value 1 4 Seattle Michael Oher OT Mississippi P1 -3 Reach 1 5 Cleveland Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest P2 +2 Value 1 6 Cincinnati Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia P3 -2 Reach 1 7 Oakland Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech P2 +1 Value 1 8 Jville Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State P5 +4 Value 1 9 Green Bay Brian Orakpo DE Texas P2 -3 Reach 1 10 San Fran Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech P3R -4 Reach 1 11 NY Jets James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State P3 +2 Value 1 12 Denver Rey Maualuga ILB USC P2 -4 Reach 1 13 Washi George Selvie DE South Florida P1 -8 Reach 1 14 NOrleans Vontae Davis CB Illinois P3 +4 Value 1 15 Houston Taylor Mays FS USC P4 +4 Value 1 16 San Diego Brian Cushing OLB USC P3 +1 Value 1 17 Buffalo Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma Grab +0 Value 1 18 Chicago Everette Brown DE Florida State P1 -9 Reach 1 19 TBay Chris Wells RB Ohio State P3 +6 Value 1 20 Detroit SenDerrick Marks DT Auburn P2 +2 Value 1 21 Arizona LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh P2 -8 Reach 1 22 Philphia Jason Smith OT Baylor P1 -2 Reach 1 23 Minnesota Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma P3 +1 Value 1 24 NEngland Brandon Spikes ILB Florida P3 +5 Value 1 25 Atlanta Peria Jerry DT Mississippi P2 +2 Value 1 26 Miami Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest P1 -4 Reach 1 27 Baltimore Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland P2 +2 Value 1 28 Indipolis BJ Raji DT Boston College P1 +0 Value 1 29 Philphia William Moore FS Missouri P3 +9 Value 1 30 Pittsburgh Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma P2 -12 Reach 1 31 NY Giants Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri P3 -3 Reach 1 32 Tennessee Tyson Jackson DE LSU P2 -9 Reach 2 33 Detroit Clint Sintim OLB Virginia P3 -3 Reach 2 34 KCity DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt P2 -6 Reach 2 35 St Louis Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri P2 +2 Value 2 36 Cleveland Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma P2 -2 Reach 2 37 Seattle Percy Harvin WR Florida P2 -6 Reach 2 38 Cincinnati Eben Britton OT Arizona P1 -6 Reach 2 39 Jville Clay Matthews OLB USC P3 -9 Reach 2 40 Oakland Maurice Evans DE Penn State P2 -14 Reach 2 41 Green Bay Fili Moala DT USC P1 -6 Reach 2 42 Buffalo Greg Hardy DE Mississippi P2 +2 Value 2 43 San Fran Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State P3 -3 Reach 2 44 Miami Dannell Ellerbe ILB Georgia P3 +7 Value 2 45 NY Giants Ciron Black OT LSU P3 -5 Reach 2 46 Houston Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech P3 +1 Value 2 47 N England Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State P3 -4 Reach 2 48 Denver Javon Ringer RB Michigan St P3 +9 Value 2 49 Chicago Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina P3 -3 Reach 2 50 TBay Evander Hood DT Missouri P3R -15 Reach 2 51 Dallas Patrick Chung SS Oregon P3 -4 Reach 2 52 Arizona Max Unger OC Oregon P2 +20 Value 2 53 Buffalo Alex Mack OC California P2 +18 Value 2 54 Philphia Andy Levitre OG Oregon State P2 -8 Reach 2 55 Minnesota Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St P3 +29 Value 2 56 Baltimore Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati P3 -2 Reach 2 57 NEngland Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina P2 -12 Reach 2 58 Atlanta Darius Butler CB Connecticut P2 -12 Reach 2 59 Miami Derrick Williams WR Penn State P2 +6 Value 2 60 Pittsburgh Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas P3R -13 Reach 2 61 Carolina Matt Shaughnessy DE Wisconsin P3 +1 Value 2 62 Indianapolis Keenan Lewis CB Oregon St P3R -13 Reach 2 63 NY Giants Mohamed Massaquoi WR Georgia P5 +7 Value 2 64 Tennessee Tim Tebow QB Florida P3 +33 Value 3 65 Detroit Conner Barwin DE Cincinnati P1 -15 Reach 3 66 St Louis Antonio Coleman DE Auburn P2 +0 Value 3 67 Kansas City Trent Williams OT Oklahoma P2 -12 Reach 3 68 Seattle Devin Moore RB Wyoming P3 +4 Value 3 69 Dallas Rashad Johnson FS Alabama P3 +2 Value 3 70 Cincinnati Larry English OLB Northern Illinois P3 +11 Value 3 71 Oakland Herman Johnson OG LSU P3 -9 Reach 3 72 Jacksonville Mark Sanchez QB USC P4 +23 Value 3 73 Green Bay Tyrone McKenzie OLB South Florida P2 +5 Value 3 74 San Francisco Rico McCoy OLB Tennessee P3 +2 Value 3 75 Buffalo Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon P2 +0 Value 3 76 New Orleans Chase Coffman TE Missouri P5 +15 Value 3 77 Houston CJ Spiller RB Clemson P5 +3 Value 3 78 San Diego Brandon Graham DE Michigan P1 -3 Reach 3 79 Denver Michael Hamlin SS Clemson P2 +8 Value 3 80 Washton Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky P2 +4 Value 3 81 T Bay Morgan Trent CB Michigan P5 -6 Reach 3 82 Detroit Gerald McRath ILB Southern Miss P3 F 3 83 Arizona Greg Middleton DE Indiana P3 -2 Reach 3 84 Green Bay Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma P4R -5 Reach 3 85 Chicago Louis Delmas FS Central Michigan P4R +7 Value 3 86 Philaphia Xavier Fulton OT Illinois P1 -6 Reach 3 87 Minnesota Kenny Britt WR Rutgers P5 -2 Reach 3 88 Miami Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU P2 +4 Value 3 89 Balt Nic Harris SS Oklahoma P3 -14 Reach 3 90 N England Brian Robiskie WR Ohio State P3 +4 Value 3 91 Atlanta Augustus Parrish OT Kent St P2 -24 Reach 3 92 NY Giants Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin P5 +9 Value 3 93 Pittsburgh Bruce Johnson CB Miami P3 -1 Reach 3 94 Carolina DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati P5 -3 Reach 3 95 Indipolis Dominique Johnson CB Jackson St P4R -15 Reach 3 96 Tennessee Louis Murphy WR Florida P3 +8 Value

Assuming he couldn't do anything with the coaches: Free Agency: Angelo Crowell - Why? Because he is a known quantity, he's a great tackler, he has a nose for the football, he knows our players and our scheme, and he will come cheaper than most linebackers in free agency. He tends to have contain issues at times, but this is a HUGE upgrade over ellison. Oshiomogho Atogwe – Great free agent grab here fortifies our secondary alongside Whitner. Trades: Jason Peters and Roscoe Parrish to Lions for #20 pick, 3rd round pick, and Jon Kitna - I know this is getting old talking about this, but don't let it get old. Peters sabotaged the team last season by holding out, has a terrible attitude ("Getting to Hawaii is why we play the game"), and he can get us a great trade in return. We move Walker to LT and Chambers to right tackle. Plus we have Demetrius Bell who showed great promise last season. Parrish hasn’t been utilized enough here to merit his contract. Kitna could be an excellent backup for Trent going forward, and could step in and play well if Trent went down. Sign and trade Jabari Greer to Browns for Martin Rucker and 3rd round pick – I know Greer showed lots of promise for us last season, but TE is one of our biggest needs. McKelvin can step in now in his spot, and Corner and Youboty will be there as well. Rucker was injured early last season, but has a ton of upside. He is the one dimensional pass catching TE we need with Fine being our solid all around guy. Draft: Round 1 (1st pick) – Jeremy Maclin WR - I know some won't like this pick, but this guy would be a real threat opposite Lee Evans. This guy is loaded with talent, AND could return punts in place of Roscoe. Round 1 (2nd pick) – Everette Brown/Greg Hardy/Tyson Jackson (Best DE available) - Develop our DE of the future and get him in the rotation to make a difference right away. Round 2 - Alex Mack/Max Unger/Jonathan Luigs (Best C available) - Center will fortify this o-line. Round 3 (1st pick) – Alex Magee DT - More help in the rotation for Williams, Stroud, and Johnson. Round 3 (2nd pick) – Trevor Canfield/Craig Urbik (Best OG available) - depth at OG that we need. Round 4 – Chase Daniel QB - late value pick and potential future QB should anything happen to Trent. Round 5 – Brannan Southerland FB - we've needed help here for a long time. 2009 Starting Lineup Offense: QB: Trent Edwards / Jon Kitna / Chase Daniel WR1: Lee Evans / Steve Johnson WR2: Jeremy Maclin / Josh Reed / James Hardy TE: Martin Rucker / Derek Fine / Derek Schouman RB: Marshawn Lynch / Fred Jackson / Xavier Omon FB: Brannan Southerland LT: Langston Walker / Demetrius Bell LG: Derrick Dockery / Trevor Canfield C: Alex Mack / Duke Preston RG: Brad Butler / Duke Preston RT: Kirk Chambers / Demetrius Bell Defense: CB: Terrence McGee / Ashton Youboty CB2: Leodis McKelvin / Reggie Corner SS: Oshiomogho Atogwe / Bryan Scott FS: Donte Whitner / Ko Simpson SLB: Kawika Mitchell / Alvin Bowen MLB: Paul Posluszny / John Digiorgio WLB: Angelo Crowell / Keith Ellison DE: Aaron Schobel / Everette Brown DT: Kyle Williams / Alex Magee DT: Marcus Stroud / Spencer Johnson DE: Chris Kelsay / Chris Ellis Ladies and gentlemen, this is a winning team.

The results: Round Pick Team Selection Psn School CRI Delta ReachValue 1 1 Detroit Andre Smith OT Alabama P1 +0 Value 1 2 St Louis Eugene Monroe OT Virginia P1 -3 Reach 1 3 K City Matt Stafford QB Georgia P2 +1 Value 1 4 Seattle Michael Oher OT Mississippi P1 -3 Reach 1 5 Cleveland Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest P2 +2 Value 1 6 Cincinnati Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia P3 -2 Reach 1 7 Oakland Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech P2 +1 Value 1 8 Jville Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State P5 +4 Value 1 9 Green Bay Brian Orakpo DE Texas P2 -3 Reach 1 10 San Fran Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech P3R -4 Reach 1 11 NY Jets James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State P3 +2 Value 1 12 Denver Rey Maualuga ILB USC P2 -4 Reach 1 13 Washi George Selvie DE South Florida P1 -8 Reach 1 14 NOrleans Vontae Davis CB Illinois P3 +4 Value 1 15 Houston Taylor Mays FS USC P4 +4 Value 1 16 San Diego Brian Cushing OLB USC P3 +1 Value 1 17 Buffalo Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma Grab +0 Value 1 18 Chicago Everette Brown DE Florida State P1 -9 Reach 1 19 TBay Chris Wells RB Ohio State P3 +6 Value 1 20 Detroit SenDerrick Marks DT Auburn P2 +2 Value 1 21 Arizona LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh P2 -8 Reach 1 22 Philphia Jason Smith OT Baylor P1 -2 Reach 1 23 Minnesota Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma P3 +1 Value 1 24 NEngland Brandon Spikes ILB Florida P3 +5 Value 1 25 Atlanta Peria Jerry DT Mississippi P2 +2 Value 1 26 Miami Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest P1 -4 Reach 1 27 Baltimore Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland P2 +2 Value 1 28 Indipolis BJ Raji DT Boston College P1 +0 Value 1 29 Philphia William Moore FS Missouri P3 +9 Value 1 30 Pittsburgh Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma P2 -12 Reach 1 31 NY Giants Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri P3 -3 Reach 1 32 Tennessee Tyson Jackson DE LSU P2 -9 Reach 2 33 Detroit Clint Sintim OLB Virginia P3 -3 Reach 2 34 KCity DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt P2 -6 Reach 2 35 St Louis Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri P2 +2 Value 2 36 Cleveland Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma P2 -2 Reach 2 37 Seattle Percy Harvin WR Florida P2 -6 Reach 2 38 Cincinnati Eben Britton OT Arizona P1 -6 Reach 2 39 Jville Clay Matthews OLB USC P3 -9 Reach 2 40 Oakland Maurice Evans DE Penn State P2 -14 Reach 2 41 Green Bay Fili Moala DT USC P1 -6 Reach 2 42 Buffalo Greg Hardy DE Mississippi P2 +2 Value 2 43 San Fran Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State P3 -3 Reach 2 44 Miami Dannell Ellerbe ILB Georgia P3 +7 Value 2 45 NY Giants Ciron Black OT LSU P3 -5 Reach 2 46 Houston Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech P3 +1 Value 2 47 N England Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State P3 -4 Reach 2 48 Denver Javon Ringer RB Michigan St P3 +9 Value 2 49 Chicago Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina P3 -3 Reach 2 50 TBay Evander Hood DT Missouri P3R -15 Reach 2 51 Dallas Patrick Chung SS Oregon P3 -4 Reach 2 52 Arizona Max Unger OC Oregon P2 +20 Value 2 53 Buffalo Alex Mack OC California P2 +18 Value 2 54 Philphia Andy Levitre OG Oregon State P2 -8 Reach 2 55 Minnesota Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St P3 +29 Value 2 56 Baltimore Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati P3 -2 Reach 2 57 NEngland Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina P2 -12 Reach 2 58 Atlanta Darius Butler CB Connecticut P2 -12 Reach 2 59 Miami Derrick Williams WR Penn State P2 +6 Value 2 60 Pittsburgh Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas P3R -13 Reach 2 61 Carolina Matt Shaughnessy DE Wisconsin P3 +1 Value 2 62 Indianapolis Keenan Lewis CB Oregon St P3R -13 Reach 2 63 NY Giants Mohamed Massaquoi WR Georgia P5 +7 Value 2 64 Tennessee Tim Tebow QB Florida P3 +33 Value 3 65 Detroit Conner Barwin DE Cincinnati P1 -15 Reach 3 66 St Louis Antonio Coleman DE Auburn P2 +0 Value 3 67 Kansas City Trent Williams OT Oklahoma P2 -12 Reach 3 68 Seattle Devin Moore RB Wyoming P3 +4 Value 3 69 Dallas Rashad Johnson FS Alabama P3 +2 Value 3 70 Cincinnati Larry English OLB Northern Illinois P3 +11 Value 3 71 Oakland Herman Johnson OG LSU P3 -9 Reach 3 72 Jacksonville Mark Sanchez QB USC P4 +23 Value 3 73 Green Bay Tyrone McKenzie OLB South Florida P2 +5 Value 3 74 San Francisco Rico McCoy OLB Tennessee P3 +2 Value Players Still There: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers Chase Coffman TE Missouri CJ Spiller RB Clemson Brandon Graham DE Michigan Michael Hamlin SS Clemson Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky Morgan Trent CB Michigan Gerald McRath ILB Southern Miss Greg Middleton DE Indiana Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma Louis Delmas FS Central Michigan Xavier Fulton OT Illinois Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU Nic Harris SS Oklahoma Brian Robiskie WR Ohio State Augustus Parrish OT Kent St Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin Bruce Johnson CB Miami DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati Dominique Johnson CB Jackson St Louis Murphy WR Florida Your RD#3, Pick #75?