Bills Will Surprise

[uncle flap]

Winning in the NFL, IMO, is

 

1] 2-3 great players...

2] Surrounded by solid to good players...

3] Coached up...

4] in schemes, game-plans and play-calling to put them in a position to succeed, score (or stop scores) and win.

 

The Bills coaching has been so terrible for a decade, and drafting/signing players has been so spotty if not piss poor, that we don't even know what we have.

 

To me, the Gailey signing (and the coaches he brought to the Bills) was an uninspired, and uninspiring choice. However, I am warming up to his style, what he says and does, and his football knowledge. The Bills are really going to go as far as Chan Gailey and George Edwards takes them, because coaching is so important in the NFL.

 

None of us has any idea how good a coach those two are going to be. We have some decent players. We have a couple who could be stars. We have some talent at skill positions. If Gailey is good, we could be good. I'm not betting on it, but it's a possibility.

 

good post. i too think that coaching is going to be the most crucial component to the bills success, especially when one considers the numerous coaching blunders over the past few years.

 

that said, it sure is going to be tough for gailey and edwards to succeed with the lack of proven talent, but i can't complain about anything they've said or done so far and i am optimistic about our chances to make some (positive) noise this year.

[Billsguy]

We'll see who is more accurate.

 

I could offer a rebuttal for all your points, but it would obviously be a waste of time. The logic of your arguments drifts all over the place and your assumptions are based on hope and not reality.

[T master]

Every year its like a broken record. As the memories of the last disappointing season fades, the Kool-Aid crowd starts with all the chest thumping on how great the Bills will be in the upcoming season.

 

Start thinking with your head and not your heart.

 

The offensive line is completely unproven with huge question marks and it is going to be a giant work in progress.

 

The defense is going to be completely overhauled with an entirely new scheme and about 5 or 6 players playing out of position and/or learning a new position. Every returning player has to learn a new system from scratch.

 

The coaching staff is completely new and they have never worked as a group before.

 

The QB position is completely unsettled with no clear quality starter or backup.

 

The competition in the division is far superior to the Bills.

 

My head tells me that this is not a recipe for success.

 

I hope the optimists enjoy their dreams of glory in May because the cold harsh winds of reality are schedulesd to arrive this fall.

 

 

Keep in mind Fan is short for "Fanatic" if my memory serves me correct ??

[stuckincincy]

Keep in mind Fan is short for "Fanatic" if my memory serves me correct ??

 

 

[Billsguy]

To Chandler#81

 

Start thinking with your head and not your heart. OK

 

The offensive line is completely unproven with huge question marks and it is going to be a giant work in progress. Not according to my 'head'. Hangartner IS NFL proven, Levitre is all-rookie and we saw enough of Wood to believe he'll become the best of the 3. Improved tackle play is needed but it's not a Giant work in progress. Are you serious? The offensive line you describe is fantasyland. The OL is a mess to everyone in the league but you apparently. You describe those three players like they are Pro-Bowlers. NOT. What does a giant work in progress look like to you? Yikes!

 

 

The defense is going to be completely overhauled with an entirely new scheme and about 5 or 6 players playing out of position and/or learning a new position. Every returning player has to learn a new system from scratch. And this is terrible? Are you advocating we stay the same?? An experienced LB and DB are just that: experienced. Their transition will be smooth. Responsiblities remain largely the same as well as the mission: Tackle the guy with the ball! Since when does a complete overhaul automatically translate into success? It usually takes years. You are unrealistic to believe the defense will be a finely tuned machine. No, I am not advocating remaining the same, but I know (unlike you) that it takes time.

 

 

The coaching staff is completely new and they have never worked as a group before. Nope! http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3...12-e28749931a34

 

The coaching staff has never worked as a group before. You are factually wrong. Even the link you provided proves you are wrong. When was the last time this collection of coaches worked as a complete staff together? Never.

 

The QB position is completely unsettled with no clear quality starter or backup.[no response] I guess you are not worried about that minor situation?

 

The competition in the division is far superior to the Bills. Mere conjecture on your part. We split with 2 of them and damn near all 3, last year. NYJ's playoff run was an illusion.If the Colts chose to go undefeated, Jets were toast. Miami? Seriously?Do you know what specious arguments are? You just made them. I'll take the Jets,Patriots and Dolphins heads up against the Bills this year in every game. You can name your price! Six games total. How much do you want to lose. Put up or shut up.

My head tells me that this is not a recipe for success. Then create a new recipe for your head..

 

Oooo! good witty answer! Time will tell.

[EastRochBillsfan]

God forbid anyone thinks positively around here.

I wasn't disagreeing with what he said(though it was all pretty obvious). he got blasted the day before with "behoven" and this new post I figured he was going to get destroyed with the negative guys on here. I am one of the most positive guys on this board. I would much rather read what he wrote than what the regular bills bashing negative ones always have to say. I didn't mean to come off the way I may have sounded.

[Jerry Jabber]

I agree that the Bills will surprise a bunch of people. IMO, the defense will be the strength of the team. Getting bigger up front will help make our run defense (which ranked 30th) get better, to go along with our #2 pass defense. I can see the offense getting better (ranked 30th) but I'm not expecting miracles. I'm still worried about the LT position and also about how effective Eric Wood will be coming back after his horrific injury. With better strength & conditioning coaches, the injuries should be significantly less and that should help players build chemistry together. I can see the Bills improving anywhere from 8-8 to 9-7.

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Indeed...I think the Bills will be something to behoven!!!!!

 

Score one for the Country Clubber.

 

[stuckincincy]

I agree that the Bills will surprise a bunch of people. IMO, the defense will be the strength of the team. Getting bigger up front will help make our run defense (which ranked 30th) get better, to go along with our #2 pass defense. I can see the offense getting better (ranked 30th) but I'm not expecting miracles. I'm still worried about the LT position and also about how effective Eric Wood will be coming back after his horrific injury. With better strength & conditioning coaches, the injuries should be significantly less and that should help players build chemistry together. I can see the Bills improving anywhere from 8-8 to 9-7.

 

Umm - new staff. Changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Poor OL, still unsettled. Little idea if the bunch on IR will be able to come back, and most of them were - not exactly All-Pros. On paper, an upcoming tough schedule. Questions about who will be the QB. A wr corps that doesn't scare anybody.

[Spiderweb]

Indeed...I think the Bills will be something to behoven!!!!!

 

HG, just can't let that one go, eh?

[mike oxhurtz]

Umm - new staff. Changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Poor OL, still unsettled. Little idea if the bunch on IR will be able to come back, and most of them were - not exactly All-Pros. On paper, an upcoming tough schedule. Questions about who will be the QB. A wr corps that doesn't scare anybody.

 

Umm...Dick Jauron, playing not to lose, it's hard to win in the NFL, deferring kicks, the bend-don't break Tampa 2 defense, 10+ players every year on IR.

[mpl6876]

I can't help but to laugh when I read post from all you Bills fans who have such "high expectations" about the Bills future. Several of you guys slam anyone who has anything negative to say about the front office decisions, Bills as an organization, coaches decisions, and player personnel or lack of... Guys, I live in San Diego and I am a avid Bills fan. It is virtually impossible to defend "my Bills" when the San Diego fans mock the Bills. Why? Because this organization is a joke! Almost a fraud! Like the TO signing. What was that all about? Wake the "F" up! Why do we not hold this organization accountable for being one of the worst football organizations in ten years. Now, I know you (Mark) going to talk about our past record and our record isn't close to teams like St Luis, Detriot, Etc. I don't buy it...You can if you want. Instead, you guys talk about how the Bills are on the right path, I like where we are going, I like the coaches attitudes, I like this I like that. You guys have been saying the same old crap for ten years. I know I won't be able to change your minds. I am not trying too. But, don't you get tired of eating and smelling your own poop? I remember the Dick Jauron ban wagoners. He is a defensive guru, I like the way he communicates with his players, etc. The same goes for Malarkey and Donahoe. They are Pittsburg guys and winners. We are on the right path. Isn't that what you thought Mark? Watch and see in 3 years. You guys will be singing the same ole song over and over. For me the song is worn out, outdated, and out of tune...

 

How can the Bills win with very weak lines on both sides, no QB, very weak WR, subpar linebackers, and a non exisistent pass rush. Not to mention, a new coaching staff and new defensive scheme. I ask how can you be so optimistic about the Bills future???

 

Positives good running backs, very good secondary, and excellent kickers. You think we can win 10 games on that?

 

"You can't make shi_ smell like ice cream." How appropriate of a quote is this for the Buffalo Bills? Nevertheless, the sucker in me will defend the Bills, buy the Nfl ticket and watch them play every week. Once again my heart will be ripped to threads holding on to the hope that maybe just maybe one day in my lifetime we can win a superbowl. Is this asking too much from a team that goes way back to the AFL days. I just suppose I'm a pessimistic Bills fan tired of losing and hearing false hopes. If this was a stock I belive all of us would have sold the stock by now.

 

Let the hate mail begin.

 

Mike, a Bills realist.

[tonyjustbcuz]

To Chandler#81

 

Start thinking with your head and not your heart. OK

 

The offensive line is completely unproven with huge question marks and it is going to be a giant work in progress. Not according to my 'head'. Hangartner IS NFL proven, Levitre is all-rookie and we saw enough of Wood to believe he'll become the best of the 3. Improved tackle play is needed but it's not a Giant work in progress. Are you serious? The offensive line you describe is fantasyland. The OL is a mess to everyone in the league but you apparently. You describe those three players like they are Pro-Bowlers. NOT. What does a giant work in progress look like to you? Yikes!

 

 

The defense is going to be completely overhauled with an entirely new scheme and about 5 or 6 players playing out of position and/or learning a new position. Every returning player has to learn a new system from scratch. And this is terrible? Are you advocating we stay the same?? An experienced LB and DB are just that: experienced. Their transition will be smooth. Responsiblities remain largely the same as well as the mission: Tackle the guy with the ball! Since when does a complete overhaul automatically translate into success? It usually takes years. You are unrealistic to believe the defense will be a finely tuned machine. No, I am not advocating remaining the same, but I know (unlike you) that it takes time.

 

 

The coaching staff is completely new and they have never worked as a group before. Nope! http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3...12-e28749931a34

 

The coaching staff has never worked as a group before. You are factually wrong. Even the link you provided proves you are wrong. When was the last time this collection of coaches worked as a complete staff together? Never.

 

The QB position is completely unsettled with no clear quality starter or backup.[no response] I guess you are not worried about that minor situation?

 

The competition in the division is far superior to the Bills. Mere conjecture on your part. We split with 2 of them and damn near all 3, last year. NYJ's playoff run was an illusion.If the Colts chose to go undefeated, Jets were toast. Miami? Seriously?Do you know what specious arguments are? You just made them. I'll take the Jets,Patriots and Dolphins heads up against the Bills this year in every game. You can name your price! Six games total. How much do you want to lose. Put up or shut up.

My head tells me that this is not a recipe for success. Then create a new recipe for your head..

 

Oooo! good witty answer! Time will tell.

 

 

Best post of the day!! I agree with everything you said and that is a rarity for me!! I don't know what people are thinking when they are over optimistic. It reminds me of a dog that you tell to get out of your yard...you kinda chase him away...and he keeps coming back wagging his tail and crapping all over your lawn. I love to be optimistic as well...but jeez why not base it on some logic people! I get these weirdos that respond sometimes that don't even make sense. One of them made my point for me with his response and didn't even know it. The Bills are a 5-11 team this year (+ or - 1)...and that's the jist of it really! I am concerned after another strange draft and off-season that this team may actually remember the glory days of Jauron...lmao...as if the Bills were actually good!! I think you could be looking at 3 to 6 wins this year and next year! I like C.J. Spiller's game, but what the heck are they doing picking a RB when you already have Fred Jackson and M. Lynch in the backfield? If they unloaded Lynch and got a OT or something of value then I can see it (Lynch for Gaither sounds nice to me!)...but I don't think that'll really happen. Besides the positional weaknesses on the offensive line and QB...we really don't have much for WR's once you get past Lee Evans. Hardy's been injured and non-productive, Stevie Johnson disappears after pre-season, Easley is a rookie who never had any production until the last 8 games of his college career for some little school that plays inferior competition. They let T.O. go and Josh Reed....So what do they have? Um...Lee Evans! Anyways, it looks like another fine mess Modrak got us into...Just like last year when they took Maybin over Orakapo at DE...what were they thinking???

[JPS]

This is a joke right? The Bills overvalued Troup & Carrington and seem to overvalue the DE's that they have drafted in the early rounds three years in a row! Chris Ellis is a bust who hardly plays and is forgettable, Aaron Maybe Maybin is a undersized tweener who so far has been a bust and was overvalued by the Bills who passed on the highest rated DE in the

draft Bryan Orakapo that the rest of the leaugue held in much higher regard and has so far passed the test. This Year selecting A. Carrington seems like a similar over value in the Bills assesment of Carrington's perceived talent. I think they

screwed up on the DE selection which remains to be seen. Aaron Schobel has sold his house in O.Park and will likely be

retiring. Schobel has consisitently been a bright spot at DE and will be missed. ©

 

Offensive line got addressed late in the draft and selected a guy...Wang..who has been a disappointment to date. He has some of the attributes you look for in a OT but has not performed nor shown the williness to perform up to his potential. (Sound's like a poor man's Mike Williams in my book).... Eric Woods has not been cleared to practice and is not yet able

to practice due to his potential career ending injury last year. It was a severe ACL/MCL injury that he may never recover from. Levitre is a little undersized but is a fairly sound player that can play multiple positions on the line. He may be a solid pick and a good player. He probably will never be the caliber of a probowl player but he's okay...and if Wood continues to

progress he has probowl potential. There is still questions at left tackle and the position is still a weakness. (C-)

 

The QB position is a postion of weakness and competiton on the Bills. There is no clear cut choice for QB and most everyone has a QB on the Bills that they wished were released, but few people have a favorite. Trent Edwards is shell-shocked ever since his first concussion. He has had maybe one or two good weeks since and many horrific performances.

T. Edwards looks at his initial read and if the receiver is covered this is when Trent Edwards becomes undone. Most of the

time Trent Edwards falls into a panic mode and just dumps the ball off to the closest receiver, tight end, or running back. The net gain is usually negligible. Trent Edwards also has difficulty sensing pressure on the edge or for that matter pressure

coming right up the middle. Once T. E. gets into a panic mode he has a tendancy to fumble snaps and take sacks. In the

duration of Trent Edwards career in Buffalo it has unfolded that there has been a steady decline, a loss of confidence, and

an unwillingness to take the blame. Trent Edwards also supposedly had a hand in Turk Schonert's dismmisal as the Offensive Coordinator and hid beneath the protective cover of Dick Jauron last season. When things continued to get ugly

and Alexander Van Pelt was fired as Offensive Coordinator and Dick Jauron as coach, Trent Edwards blamed both coaches

for the offensive blunders last season. In my humble opinion Trent Edwards needs to be released prior to the regual season!

 

For the other QB's R. Fitzpatrick is a adequate at best back-up QB. He has bright moments, but is mostly plagued with poor

Quarterback play. There would be no ramifications for releasing Fitzpatrick as he is not a potential starting QB in the NFL and with his many years in the NFL and is expendible.

 

The smartest move(s) the Bills could make this off-season/pre-season is to continue to evaluate the talent/or lack of at the position. Determine which QB's have a long term future with the Bills. I think when it all plays out that B. Brohm and Levi Brown will remain on the team due to their youth, and potential that they have. With Edwards and Fitzpatrick what you see is what you get. If Edwards blinks the wrong way this off-season he will be a roster casualty! I think the Bills are in the process of carefully evaluating QB Free agent's, and potential free agents that may be cut prior to the regular season.

I don't know which veteran Free agent they should go for (Mark Bulger??) but I think that they desperately need a QB that

has had a healthy dose of victory at some juncture in his career. They need someone with the experience that can help mentor the 2 young QB's they have on this roster so this doesn't occur again in the future like it did with Lossman & Edwards. (D)

 

The Bills haven't shown much in Tight End even though I was excited last year about the prospects of Shawn Nelson. He hasn't had the impact yet that he is capable of which should hopefully come to fruitation this year. The other TE's are

marginal. Overall this position has average talent. ©

 

 

Wide Receiver is not a positon of strength to date. Hardy has hardly been a impact player in anyone's opinion to date. He is hardly used due to multiple injuries and may be a bust. Stevie Johnson has great training camps but has not been an impact player in the regular season. I feel he could be a good WR, but can't be taking seriously until it happens. Marcus Easley gives me hope based on about 7 or so games in his senior year of college. Prior to that the offense was not a passing offense and he had no impact. Which Easley are we getting remains to be seen and the talent level in the NFL is far greater than his little school. Lee Evans is a solid wide receiver and will be again this year barring injury. He hasn't had the opportunity to excel due to the floundering Quarterback positon and the lack of multiple receiving threats the Bills have had in past years. T. Owens should have been retained in my opinion at a lower cost, but obviously there must be more

going on behind the scenes on this front than the general fan is aware of. Sure, he lost a step, drops passes some, doesn't dive for a catch..but he is still a force that would a dimension to the Bills offense. Seeing that the Bills already issued #81

this season he probably isn't coming back to the Bills. Josh Reed isn't great but he's been fairly solid for the Bills overall. All receivers stats suffered last season and I only hold Reed partially responsible. I think it would be smart to resign Josh Reed if he is still available? Overall, this position is one solid receiver short (C-)

 

The running back positon was a positon of strength overall prior to the draft. It seemed foolish to me despite the talent of C.J. Spiller to draft him with the Bill's #9 pick in the draft. This was a luxury pick that the Bill's didn't have! The Bills already have the highly productive Fred Jackson and with a better attitude M. Lynch is a highly capable back who just needs

to get his head screwed on right, while he still can! If the Bills trade Lynch prior to the regular season for needed positional

talent at another position then the whole scenario makes sense and I will praise the braintrust of the Bills instead of mocking them. But, to date I will stick with the latter and tell you that if they keep Lynch that the Bills don't need 3 starting runningbacks and one will probably be the odd man out on the bench and that will probably be Lynch. By drafting C.J. Spiller the Bill's also showed Fred Jackson a lack of committment and trust in his abilities and the coach already said that he isn't in the business of worrying about players feelings, that he only worries about wins! This is a good attitude for a coach to have, but maybe not to convey to his players. Gailey's & Nix's lack of confience will probably catch up to them at

free agency time down the road. (B+)

 

Kickers are important, but not important enough to try to sell your season ticket holders on purchasing tickets for the upcoming season. Especially when they send a portrait to potential season ticket holders of Moorman punting during the horrific Cleveland Brown's game last year! Not a good marketing move!! Of course we know that Lindell/Moorman are a

super tandem of kickers and the grade reflects (A)

 

I'm running out of time..and the D line still isn't up to par! Surprise...okay, but yes it is improved with Dwan and Troup

will probably be an adequate upgrade. I don't think he was the best selection, but okay. Overall I'll give the D-Line

average marks which a marked improvement (C+)

 

Linebackers is intersting..alot of new personnel including undrafted DE's and OLB's that may fit the 3-4 scheme. Carrington

is intersting with upside. I don't have a lot of confidence in Pozluzny like some of you as he seems injury prone. Mitchell

has not had the anticipated impact either. I think once the Coaches figure out what personnel fits and where to make the

cuts this unit could be a unit of strength. I'll give it a (C+) for now but expect them to be a (B) by season's end when they

gel as a unit and become more accustomed to the 3-4 defense.

 

Defensive back has consistently been a positon of superiority for the Bills. I think that will continue and give the Bills

a (A-) at that position. I hope Byrd can have as productive of a season as last year and won't have a touch of a sophmore jinx. I hope Leodis McKelvin continues to grow as a player as I think he has the potential to be a great player! (A-)

 

 

General Manager (C+)

Head Coach (C+)

Marketing (D)

 

But, until they snap the ball these grades are based on interaction with the team, the fanbase, and the media, and drafting, and finding personnel to fill their roster.

 

Overall, I see the Bills have an unusual year, with a horrific first five games. I think when the Bills gel as a team there will be marked improvement, but a little too little too late! I think when all is said and done that Brohm OR Brown will become

established as the quarterback of the future! I think it will likely be due to injury when one of the two get their shot and I think they will show promise, keep us tuned in and give us a reason for hope providing their is a season in 2011. I was not

thrilled by the draft, but their are some potential gems that have high risk/high reward potential. If things work in the Bills favor they may be a 8-10 game winner in 2011! But, with new coaching, systems, players, and a tough schedule my prediction for the 2010 Buffalo Bills is: 5-11

ditto

[JPS]

Seriously, WHO WRITES THAT MUCH!!. If you have a case of diarrhea, go to the bathroom.

[iinii]

God forbid anyone thinks positively around here.

no kidding

[Jerry Jabber]

Seriously, WHO WRITES THAT MUCH!!. If you have a case of diarrhea, go to the bathroom.

 

Lol!!! That clown, Tonyjustbcuzimajabroni, likes to bust other people balls about writing lengthy posts, but his posts are the longests on the board and expects people to read them.