The Trent situation was not handled well

[Buftex]

Wasn't Edwards a team captain too?

 

Your take makes sense to me. I do think the situation wasn't handled very well at all... but I don't really care anymore either, I'm just waiting for new ownership.

 

 

Agreed!

[The Dean]

Completely agree. Gailey never said that it was entirely his decision. He actually praises Trent as a professional and for having given everything he had to give to the team. Who does that after a very abrupt about-face decision? Nobody. If this was the Raiders, Al Davis would be snarling and fuming, contradicting himself as he spins laughable conspiracy nonsense.

 

Everything about that press conference said this wasn't truly Chan's decision, but something that came down from on high.

 

It wouldn't be Chan's decision to cut Trent, Chan is the HC. He would have input of course, but Buddy Nix is the GM. I can certainly see Ralph and Buddy (and the others in the FO) deciding this guy should never have the opportunity to put on a Bills uni again.

[Peter]

That is the sense that I get. Trent also was voted captain by his teammates.

 

It is going to be interesting to see how this all plays out (especially between those who believe that Trent was being made a scapegoat and at least one guy who has been working to undermine him the past few years).

 

The good that comes out of this is that maybe, just maybe, the Trent haters on this board can finally admit that we have as bad of an offensive line as there is in the NFL. If these guys don't get better (or we bring better players in), it is just going to be more of the same.

 

From what I heard, perhaps one of the best liked current Bills players, Brian Moorman and George Wilson (two team captains if I am not mistaken) were among the most vocally upset by the way things went down with Edwards. FWIW... there is a sense, among many, that Trent has become a scapegoat for a lot of inadequacies on the offense.

 

My own two cents... a lot of these guys have been playing together, and underachieving together, for 4 or 5 years. It is only human nature to form a strong opinion about the problems with a team, when things aren't going well.

 

The notion amongst Trents' supportive teammates was that he was a tireless worker, who led by example, and should have been treated a little more respectfully. He was released early in the morning, and gone before any of his (former) teammates and coaches showed up for work. He wasn't given the opportunity to speak with anyone. And, he was pretty upset.

Edited September 28, 2010 by Peter

[FightinIrishBills]

A player (college or pro) with a head on his neck, and a neck on his shoulders should appreciate that fact that the new regime is about performance on the field, progression in professional skill, and being men- tough and fearless. The game of football is war. We don't need guys who enlist because they want to cook for the boys and see them naked in the shower... we need infantrymen, fighters, skilled specialists and generals who battle alongside their troops. Trent is none of these things, and never will be (except a prep cook).

 

So beat it with the feel sorry, democrap view, special touch, pink lace hankerchief poetry. This is (American) football.

 

Cogent political analysis. Thanks for bringing your thoughtful discourse to a Bills message board.

 

Anyways, what would you want Gailey to have done? I bet dollars to doughnuts that he had a private conversation with Edwards and told him something akin to this: "Here's your last shot with this organization. Either you're able to thrive in my system or not, but we don't have time to ride it out anymore. This is your 4th year in the league, get it together." And initially it did look like Trent had his act together, but once the games went live, Gailey had seen enough that Edwards was no longer redeemable as a QB in his system.

 

Honestly, this is in the best interests of both the team and the player. Imagine if they kept Trent around all year and he kept looking like he did the first two games. Do you think that even any USFL teams would come knocking at his door? Certainly no NFL teams would. It allows Edwards to save a little face and make a roster somewhere else, and it also eliminates a potential locker room problem between Fitz and Edwards.

 

Finally, it sends a message to both Bills fans and players. The new regime isn't afraid to make bold decisions and separate the wheat from the chaff. Gailey and Nix have the unenviable task of trying to rebuild this team while keeping them competitive. Edwards wasn't useful for either objective and at this point, his presence would only be detrimental to both parties.

 

Happy trails Trent. Hopefully you find a better situation for yourself.

[Sisyphean Bills]

How can dumping your worthless QB be a bad thing?

Speaking of shallow thinking: if 6 to 10 teams put a waiver claim in, is he really "worthless"?

 

Teams are never built in late September. Gailey spilled the beans that this wasn't a move to clear a roster spot and bring in someone to help the team. It was purely a dump to get rid of a guy. Even if you suppose a player is "worthless" (which he clearly isn't), how does a plan to replace a consummate pro with nothing but vacuum in late September IMPROVE a team? Answer: it doesn't.

[BillsFanInLV]

Of course. Except when the Bills do it. Then it is a lack of class.

 

What a crock. This is a totally BS argument.

 

[UConn James]

For what it is worth, my insider tells me there are some very angry Bills players today... Trent was well liked, and respected by many of his teammates... Gailey might be losing some of these guys... I suspect there are going to be many, many changes... that might be a good thing.

 

So was Bobby Shaw. But, that cut by Mularky seemed to light a fire under some asses that season.

 

I think it was the right message to send. Trent had 4 seasons. Four. It says, you'll get a fair shot. But no matter how well you practice Monday through Saturday (or play during the preseason), if you can't produce on Sundays when games matter, you're gone*.

 

I think most NFL players will respect that a coach is trying to do a job as well, that he's taking steps that he believes will make the team better, and they know that his ass is on the line too.

 

* unless your name is Chris Kelsay. Then, you're given extensions for tens of millions of dollars.

[BillsVet]

Coincidentally, the team represented by my avatar is 62-94 right now. They've been playing decently of late, though, so they might end up with the same exact record as the Bills very soon.

 

I'm a Yanks fan, but I remember the late eighties/early nineties when people were happy that Steinbrenner had been suspended. GS is lauded now, but those years set them up long term. Thing is, I don't get the sense that RW is much different than Angelos right now, despite the latter having hired a GM who seems to have some say.

 

Rico mentioned the change in ownership. I think that's the light at the end of the tunnel. Or, the proverbial train coming. Either way, when you watch other successful NFL teams, you don't see these sorts of moves. I'm miffed at the timing and believe this move will not be forgotten by the players. Then again, Chris Kelsay probably won't mind.

[BobbyC81]

This team needs new and better talent. Buddy deserves time, but going into the season with no upgrades through the draft or with free agents at QB, offensive tackle, WR and outside linebacker make me wonder.

 

Yes, and I've said it several times: Why make a switch to the 3-4 defense when your offense was the bigger problem and your new head coach is offense-minded?? As a result, the top 2 free agent acquisitions in A.Davis & Edwards were brought in because of their familiarity with the 3-4. Two of the top 4 draft picks were for the defensive side.

 

It has been said that you couldn't make this team a playoff contender in one offseason but I disagree. If the Bills stuck with a 4-3 defense, they could have focused on the offense in free agency and the draft. McNabb was acquired by Washington for a 2nd and a conditional 3rd or 4th in 2011 so, they could've gone that way for a veteran QB & drafted one. The QB position would've been in a lot better shape than what they started the season with.

Edited September 28, 2010 by 0forought

[Sisyphean Bills]

It wouldn't be Chan's decision to cut Trent, Chan is the HC. He would have input of course, but Buddy Nix is the GM. I can certainly see Ralph and Buddy (and the others in the FO) deciding this guy should never have the opportunity to put on a Bills uni again.

Maybe in Buffalo.

 

Elsewhere, the head coach makes the decisions on the starters, the roster, and his coaching staff. That's why he's called the Head Coach.

 

Gailey never said, "Buddy and I" like he normally does. He used a more ambiguous "we" and he used it over and over again.

[The Dean]

Maybe in Buffalo.

 

Elsewhere, the head coach makes the decisions on the starters, the roster, and his coaching staff. That's why he's called the Head Coach.

 

Gailey never said, "Buddy and I" like he normally does. He used a more ambiguous "we" and he used it over and over again.

 

 

Starters, yes. Mid-season cuts? You bet your ass the GM (and probably owner) are involved on EVERY NFL team.

[GG]

So was Bobby Shaw. But, that cut by Mularky seemed to light a fire under some asses that season.

 

I think it was the right message to send. Trent had 4 seasons. Four. It says, you'll get a fair shot. But no matter how well you practice Monday through Saturday (or play during the preseason), if you can't produce on Sundays when games matter, you're gone*.

 

I think most NFL players will respect that a coach is trying to do a job as well, that he's taking steps that he believes will make the team better, and they know that his ass is on the line too.

 

* unless your name is Chris Kelsay. Then, you're given extensions for tens of millions of dollars.

 

Wouldn't you agree that cutting a 4th string WR who was a locker room cancer in midseason is a bit different than letting go of the starting QB, who was a captain?

 

This was a very awkward move that has very little logical reasoning behind it to anyone who is not familiar with Ralph Wilson's ownership tenure.

 

Welcome to Buffalo Mr. Gailey. You really have no control over your roster.

[The Dean]

Yes, and I've said it several times: Why make a switch to the 3-4 defense when your offense was the bigger problem and your new head coach is offense-minded?? As a result, the top 2 free agent acquisitions in A.Davis & Edwards were brought in because of their familiarity with the 3-4. Two of the top 4 draft picks were for the defensive side.

 

It has been said that you couldn't make this team a playoff contender in one offseason but I disagree. If the Bills stuck with a 4-3 defense, they could have focused on the offense in free agency and the draft. McNabb was acquired by Washington for a 2nd and a conditional 3rd or 4th in 2011 so, they could've gone that way for a veteran QB & drafted one. The QB position would've been in a lot better shape than what they started the season with.

 

 

The Bills TRIED to get McNabb.

[Sisyphean Bills]

Starters, yes. Mid-season cuts? You bet your ass the GM (and probably owner) are involved on EVERY NFL team.

You clearly don't know the inner workings of every NFL team. Keep trying.

 

Say, are you still defending the Marv Levy GM hire?

[Peter]

I am trying to figure out what is worse: (1) the Bills in Buffalo and being tortured year after year; or (2) the Bills going somewhere else and, as result, relieving me of the torture and freeing up all of my Sundays and the time I spend on this board.

 

Obviously, I want the Bills to stay in Buffalo, and I wish Ralph a long, happy life. I just cannot wait to see something on the field and management and ownership that will make me believe that we can repeat the success that we have had in the late '80s and early 90's.

 

In the meantime, get rid of these horrible unis.

 

Wouldn't you agree that cutting a 4th string WR who was a locker room cancer in midseason is a bit different than letting go of the starting QB, who was a captain?

 

This was a very awkward move that has very little logical reasoning behind it to anyone who is not familiar with Ralph Wilson's ownership tenure.

 

Welcome to Buffalo Mr. Gailey. You really have no control over your roster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why would he or any other QB who has a choice in the matter want to play behind this piss poor offensive line.

 

 

 

The Bills TRIED to get McNabb.

 

 

 

 

 

[thewildrabbit]

You mean like Lee Evans? I bet he helped Trent empty his locker and called him a cab.

 

PTR

Yea, that is why they voted him a captain on the offense...

 

 

This move clearly shows me that the FO didn't wanna pay him 1.6 mill to be 3rd on the depth chart, Chan might just have cut his own throat with this move... sok by me

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you want to send a message to the team that bad play is unacceptable... cut that overweight complete waste of a roster spot Cornell Green

Edited September 28, 2010 by Harvey lives

[Buftex]

So was Bobby Shaw. But, that cut by Mularky seemed to light a fire under some asses that season.

 

I think it was the right message to send. Trent had 4 seasons. Four. It says, you'll get a fair shot. But no matter how well you practice Monday through Saturday (or play during the preseason), if you can't produce on Sundays when games matter, you're gone*.

 

I think most NFL players will respect that a coach is trying to do a job as well, that he's taking steps that he believes will make the team better, and they know that his ass is on the line too.

 

* unless your name is Chris Kelsay. Then, you're given extensions for tens of millions of dollars.

 

I get your point, and I don't necessarily disagree, but using Bobby Shaw as a comparison is really silly. I can't recall the circumstances now, but Shaw did something, beyond under-performing on the field, when Mularkey cut him. Shaw also got cut from the Steelers for disciplinary reasons. In fact, cutting Shaw sent the right message...cutting Edwards, you can argue, sent the exact opposite message. I think that is why Moorman and Wilson were upset...if you were just cutting guys because they suck (and I am not arguing that Edwards hasn't been awful), there were probably better candidates that would have sent a better message to the guys who work hard.

[Talley56]

Yea, that is why they voted him a captain on the offense...

 

 

This move clearly shows me that the FO didn't wanna pay him 1.6 mill to be 3rd on the depth chart, Chan might just have cut his own throat with this move... sok by me

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you want to send a message to the team that bad play is unacceptable... cut that overweight complete waste of a roster spot Cornell Green

I think it's a little extreme to say Chan cut his throat with this move. I completely agree with the move. We drafted Trent and tried to bring him along for 3 + years. Granted he never had a great offensive line but Fitzy looked solid behind that very same line. It was about time to let Trent go and start looking around for another number 3 who maybe hasn't had a chance to show himself yet.

Edited September 28, 2010 by Talley56

[Captain Hindsight]

Players get cut in the NFL all the time. The new Bills regime gave him a shot, it was clear as day TE wasnt going to produce and he was not part of their future, and the organization quickly cut bait with him. No muss, no screwing around. He had no future in Buffalo....so he was quickly cut, as is the team's right.

 

Im not sure what your beef is. if anything, IMO it shows decisiveness and quick moving on the part of the front office.

+1

 

 

People are saying the Bills cut their starting QB? 2 weeks ago he was the worst starting qb in the league accoriding to the experts....where is the loss here?

 

I glad the Bills said hey he isnt in our plans his contract is up at the end of the year...lets give his reps to someone in our plans Brian Brohm and Fitzy. If anything i think the front office looks competant for doing this and doing it quick

 

Its not like he was gonna come off the bench and lead us to the super bowl...he was awful, atrocious pathetic...pick an adjuctive...i dont see any negative effects of this move except for the sorry team that has to pay him next

[Sisyphean Bills]

I get your point, and I don't necessarily disagree, but using Bobby Shaw as a comparison is really silly. I can't recall the circumstances now, but Shaw did something, beyond under-performing on the field, when Mularkey cut him. Shaw also got cut from the Steelers for disciplinary reasons. In fact, cutting Shaw sent the right message...cutting Edwards, you can argue, sent the exact opposite message. I think that is why Moorman and Wilson were upset...if you were just cutting guys because they suck (and I am not arguing that Edwards hasn't been awful), there were probably better candidates that would have sent a better message to the guys who work hard.

And why would you say that "he gave it everything he had" in the PC about the release? Is that some sort of double reverse psychology to get people that want out of Dodge to work harder?