bbb Posted September 1, 2012 Posted September 1, 2012 Where is our Ray Lewis and Ed Reed? Where was the 2000 Ravens' Ed Reed?
Homer Posted September 2, 2012 Author Posted September 2, 2012 Even thought I feel this team is better and applaud Nix's reloading effort over the past 3 years, I feel we are finally in a position to make real strides next year, maybe a QB or LB but maybe we'll see that this team is "for real" and be able to get one of those "luxury picks" and actually feel good about it...unlike the Spiller pick (which I actually liked).
Pirate Angel Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 Where was the 2000 Ravens' Ed Reed? the post said of old not specifically 2000. So we are still short a Rod Woodson, Peter Bouleware, and Chris McCalister
thewildrabbit Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 Hopefully the defense is much improved...
Homer Posted September 2, 2012 Author Posted September 2, 2012 Hopefully the defense is much improved... If the offense, even with the addtions, remains the same and the Defense with the strong additions is better, then logically the team should be better. The big question is...does fan logic apply to football?
HOUSE Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 Lets see how the Bills play when they are not the Misfits of 2011. If the team believes they can sit back and just compete in every game, I have my doubts
Homer Posted September 2, 2012 Author Posted September 2, 2012 Lets see how the Bills play when they are not the Misfits of 2011. If the team believes they can sit back and just compete in every game, I have my doubts After a dozen years of frustration ...who wouldnt?
sllib olaffub Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 I believe the Bills are better now than at any time in the last 10 years. I also think our schedule this year is better than its been in probably that long. Although we have improved, personnel-wise, and we're better coached (Wannstedt, Lee), there are still a few spots on this team that have very questionable talent. It's unfortunate that one of them is QB, a position that in and of itself can influence the entire outcome of the season. So - if we see a Fitzpatrick who plays with fewer mistakes, behind a more consistent run game, with better starting field position, and not so often from behind, then I think our success this year will be better than we've had since the music city miracle. I think this is the year Fitzpatrick takes us to the playoffs, or we'll have another QB next year. Next year's team should be without any major holes - and we should all be looking forward to a few years of playoff football. So, we're better than before and heading upward. I hope Fitz can pull it off - and I hope Gailey helps him with smart game plans and play calling, and we finally see the playoffs!
Thurmal34 Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 CJ Spiller - for a first round pick still has shown nothing. Incorrect. Either you missed the last six games of 2011 or you have chosen to ignore them. Spiller's production over that span was elite level.
Best Player Available Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 I think this is the year Fitzpatrick takes us to the playoffs, or we'll have another QB next year. Next year's team should be without any major holes - and we should all be looking forward to a few years of playoff football. So, we're better than before and heading upward. I hope Fitz can pull it off - and I hope Gailey helps him with smart game plans and play calling, and we finally see the playoffs! This year the players that cannot cut it will be exposed. That being Quarterback, receivers, linebackers, TE 's and good NFL caliber depth. Next year's team should be without major holes, if we have to give up half our picks for a QB prospect then so be it. We will know the remaining weak spots by seasons end. I'm hoping coaching isn't one of them. It's crazy there is no viable quarterback is being groomed for the future. Gailey's game planning and Fitz's execution are huge in where this team goes this season. I'm still hopeful for 10-6 with playoffs even as a wildcard a bonus. Also, thinking the Jets will be crushed because of Gailey having a lot of time to game plan.
Dragonborn10 Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 Last year the linebackers and cornerbacks were weak links. This year there are some new players in those positions that are probably an upgrade, but they are inexperienced and time will tell. The new D-Line should make a huge difference in terms taking some of the pressure off the linebackers and DBs. I am optimistic, but I feel that the middle of the defense is still a work in progress. The linebackers are a god awful mess and will negate all the good that the upgraded DL will generate
reddogblitz Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 If we win at least 8 games, then I'd say yeah. Otherwise, no. We look way better on paper.. I just hope we look better on the field of play.
Maury Ballstein Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 (edited) Sorry, I know this is not going to sit well, but I see a 6 - 10 season. The current front office and coaching staff is not going to take this team to the playoffs, let alone the SB. Nor is Fitz the QB that is going the distance. We have no depth, as much as I love Freddy Jackson he is 32 and coming off an injury. CJ Spiller - for a first round pick still has shown nothing. Granted Wannstadt built a SB defense in Dallas and is definitely a bump up from Edwards, but I still see them giving up plays on third and long. Still waiting to see if Mario comes through, he does have detractors in NO. A decade of poor drafts and FA aquisitions is still keeping this team average at best. Your gonna have to watch a bills game sometime before you post these things "spiller has shown nothing as a first round pick."? From 12/4 to 1/1 CJ killed it I just looked at game stats. Transpose that to 10-6. Fitzs footwork looks improved (David lee thank u) both Rb's are absolute studs and also you gotta show some love for the dominant dareus/kw tandem.....look around most teams struggle to have one good DT. Edited September 2, 2012 by Ryan L Billz
cage Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 DB’s= +1. I think Florence was cut for a reason more than just salary and will not be back…apparently Denver felt the same. I think that when McGee is healthy he is the best corner on the team and always plays his heart out either in pass or run support. I think Gilmore is an important addition and will go a long way to making this team better but may have general rookie mistakes along the way. I feel McKelvin has finally found his spot and has become very valuable on ST. Byrd and Wilson should have a good year but I’m kind of worried about fall off from Wilson who is getting older and I’m starting to wonder about Searcy’s ability to come on not to mention we kept Howell who I understand had a good preseason but still have to think (who?) when ever his name is mentioned. I kind of worry about AJ Williams and feel he may be the weak link which may not matter as much if McGee is healthy. All in all I feel as though the DB’s have gotten better. I agree with everything except the DBs. I think they should be a 0 or could even be a -1 going into the season based on inexperience. They gave up alot during the preseason. I'm happy with starting Gilmore and Williams, but need to see some plays from them before going above a '0'. Again in the first half of the season, this could be a -1, particularly if McGee isn't healthy
8-8 Forever? Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 (edited) This is about where I am. Good take. The true crux of all of this analysis is: Do we have the Fitz of the first 6 games or the Fitz of the second half of the last season? If others pick up our cuts, that tells you we might have decent depth, which is critical as otherwise we need to be as healthy as the 49ers were last year to get 10 wins. Watch closely.. if the 49ers have a bunch of guys go on IR like the Jags had two years ago, a suddenly "up and coming" "dominant" team goes 7-9 and everyone wonders what happened. Season ending injuries to 5 or 6 impact position starters (OLine, QB, pass rusher) basically tank your season. Other than the top 6 or 7 teams who have hall of fame type skill players, especially at QB , there is parity in the NFL, with turnovers largely deciding games and severity and number of injuries to key players determining the outcome of seasons. Fitz broke his ribs in the Skins game and was never the same. Jackson, Wood, Williams, Jones all out for the season by mid season. Their backups were not nearly the same player and Fitz had to play as Pigpen is a huge drop off and Fitz just signed a big contract. I know its boring, but its all about turnovers and injuries. Those are the two things the league cannot create parity around. There are only so many impact players to go around and the games cannot be free for alls. Go Bills. Stay healthy!. No turnovers! More takeaways! Edited September 2, 2012 by 8and8Forever
Green Lightning Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 I don't disagree, but the Fitz in the Pittsburgh game a few weeks ago looked a lot like the Fitz post ribs and OLine injuries. He's gotta show consistency for an entire season to convince the skeptics.
Hapless Bills Fan Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 If the team believes they can sit back and just compete in every game, I have my doubts That's true of every team in the NFL. Sit back and expect a gimme, and you can get burnt.
Fan in San Diego Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 The linebackers are a god awful mess and will negate all the good that the upgraded DL will generate Unfortunately I agree, the LB's are the weakness of this defense. They have given up to many big plays in pre season. I hope I'm wrong but we will see next Sunday.
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