Russ Brandon named President/CEO

[Dawgg]

Some of us feel that coaching had a lot to do with it. Buddy really should have done more at lb but we all know that.

 

Nobody is suggesting that coaching has "nothing" to do with it. Of course coaching is a factor. But at the end of the day, Buddy shopped for and provided the groceries and despite tremendous resources, he screwed it up. That alone should get him fired.

 

- Spent $140M on the DL.

- Drafted Sheppard to be the MLB of the future. Sheppard has thus far been unable to hold this position down with consistency.

- Signed Nick Barnett after the Packers deemed him dispensable. Barnett played rather poorly.

- Claimed and signed Merriman, confidently boasting that "I know this guy" with the expectation that he'd return to form. He clearly didn't and was cut prior to camp.

- Drafted Moats and thrust him into starting duty. Moats is not a starting caliber player.

- Drafted Brandham and Tank Carder. Carder couldn't crack this terrible LB corps and Brandham too early to tell.

- Drafted McKelvin (good) and Aaron Williams (bust so far). Retained past-his-prime veteran McGee, while cutting the more reliable veteran in Drayton Florence.

 

Defense remains the weakest unit on the team.

[thebandit27]

Nobody is suggesting that coaching has "nothing" to do with it. Of course coaching is a factor. But at the end of the day, Buddy shopped for and provided the groceries and despite tremendous resources, he screwed it up. That alone should get him fired.

 

- Spent $140M on the DL.

- Drafted Sheppard to be the MLB of the future. Sheppard has thus far been unable to hold this position down with consistency.

- Signed Nick Barnett after the Packers deemed him dispensable. Barnett played rather poorly.

- Claimed and signed Merriman, confidently boasting that "I know this guy" with the expectation that he'd return to form. He clearly didn't and was cut prior to camp.

- Drafted Moats and thrust him into starting duty. Moats is not a starting caliber player.

- Drafted Brandham and Tank Carder. Carder couldn't crack this terrible LB corps and Brandham too early to tell.

- Drafted McKelvin (good) and Aaron Williams (bust so far). Retained past-his-prime veteran McGee, while cutting the more reliable veteran in Drayton Florence.

 

Defense remains the weakest unit on the team.

 

A few issues with the statements above:

 

- The money spent on the DL did pay off somewhat...the team jumped from 29 sacks in 2011 (27th in the NFL) to 36 in 2012 (18th), despite 1 of the 2 big $$ DEs playing less than 1/4 of the season

- Agreed on Sheppard

- Barnett played very well in 2011, but showed his age this year...I think the team expected to get another year or two out of him, and I can see why based on his 2011 play

- I can't fault him for taking a chance on Merriman...it was a risk/reward move that didn't pay off

- Moats didn't start a game until year 3...he played in spot duty as a pass rusher and flashed some ability...not bad for a 6th round pick from Div I-AA

- I like the fact that Bradham is physically very talented...he may end up a quality starter for this team, but yes, Carder was a miss

- Nix didn't draft McKelvin, that was 2008.

[Thurmal34]

Nobody is suggesting that coaching has "nothing" to do with it. Of course coaching is a factor. But at the end of the day, Buddy shopped for and provided the groceries and despite tremendous resources, he screwed it up. That alone should get him fired.

 

Why would you fire your GM in the middle of a coaching search?

[Chilly]

I think we'll ultimately have to agree to disagree on this one WEO.

 

I have a few problems with this thinking. First, the defense Buddy has put together the past few offseasons was to have been one of the best in the league this year. So why wouldn't Nix be looking to beef up at QB this off season in the draft? The new QB would have been playing in that same "context".

 

Which was not only due to the free agent signings, but also the draft picks he had spent on defense (including A Williams).

 

Second, the logic of picking Graham over Wilson is flawed. It would only work if Graham was a highly regarded WR. He wasn't really. Most agreed Nix reached up at least a round to get him. Obviously Nix "liked" a new WR more than he "liked" a new QB. This is also strange because Nix absolutely knew the physical limitations of his QB, yet was hell bent on picking up a track star who had modest receiving skills. For this reason the pick, and all of the reasoning behind it, never made any sense.

 

This misses, though, the strategy involved in drafting, including where you think other teams ranked players compared to your own. I don't think we can say whether Nix liked Graham more than Wilson; it very easily (and reading between the lines from statements he made this year, I'd speculate it's true) could be that he didn't think any other team had him at a 3rd round grade, and he could get him at the end of the 3rd with a trade up or at his fourth round pick. We don't know.

 

Third, "franchise QBs" aren't labeled accurately in the draft. And as far as a QB coming in and turning this team into a playoff team overnight, well so what? It's an intersting comment to make--especially since Buddy, facing his own GM mortality, has suddenly found Jesus---announcing recently that drafting a QB is his new priority. Well, guess what? The crop of QBs he has to chose from this draft is not as good as the ones he has already passed on, so the likelihood of finding one who will turn this team into a playoff team overnight is even less likely. But he's going to pick one in the 1st or 2nd round anyway?

 

The only heavy lifting a GM has to do in the course of his job is to hire the right HC and QB. That's it. Buddy whiffed on the first (although the spectre of Ralph made his choices very limited) and he didn't bother with the second. That's why he shouldn't be here anymore as GM.

 

And this misses the comparison of what you think the ceiling is on those quarterbacks versus what Fitzpatrick's ceiling is. There are absolutely QBs correctly labeled as franchise QBs all the time, QBs that fit the bill in Nix's tenure are:

 

2010: None

2011: Newton

2012: Luck, RGIII

 

That's it. There was also one QB who I think the jury is still out on given how poor his supporting cast was, but is trending toward not being one (Bradford). All other QBs had question marks, including all the ones listed earlier. You can throw Gabbert into "franchise QB mistake" if you want but I don't think people were really sold on him.

 

I also don't think we know if this crop of QBs is worse than the ones we already passed on, at least not until we start seeing the Senior Bowl, combine results, etc. We've passed on a lot of mediocre QBs so far, who have played well enough combined with good defenses to take their teams to the playoffs. I don't think any of the Dalton, Kaepernick, Wilson, etc. QBs can be called "the longterm answer" at this point, although they are good enough in the short term to get more playing time, with Wilson being the most promising.

 

What I do know, is the Bills think they have the talent on defense to be able to invest resources into the QB position now, and I tend to agree with them - the defense will be better with better coaching.

 

I do agree with you on the criticism for head coach. He was in a tough spot, but that doesn't excuse him for hiring someone who completely mismanaged games, mismanaged the defense over three years, and mismanaged fjax/spiller. He whiffed on that one and deserves full responsibility for it.

 

His job is a LOT more than just QB though; as the numbers and this years playoffs show, you can win with mediocre rookie/2nd year QBs if you have a damn good defense to go along with it. That's what he was trying to build with the Bills D + Fitzpatrick. He wasn't far off with Fitz (his big downfall was the turnovers - which is why he needs to go), but he deserves 100% blame for not getting the D right, starting with the HC and DC.

[JPS]

I think SF (playoff team), Cincinnati (playoff team) and Seattle (playoff team) think they have their franchise QBs in Kaepernick, Dalton and Wilson. Denying their quality is laughable to me. If Buddy gave up our current 1st rounder for any one of them, I'd be ok with it.

[KOKBILLS]

Why would you fire your GM in the middle of a coaching search?

 

You're right...They should have fired him before it...

[JPS]

The problem with this oversimplified logic is that no draft pick happens in a bubble. There's an opportunity cost when drafting any player. Do you take a chance on a mediocre QB like Dalton or Kaepernick, on a year when Fitz has showed enough to give him a chance at a mediocre starter with a similar ceiling, or do you take a CB like Aaron Williams that you think has a chance to be a really good CB?

 

With Wilson, my bet is he got surprised when he went in the 3rd round. It's not just a "T.J. Graham over Russell Wilson" here. It's a "How much do we like T.J. Graham", "How much do we like Wilson","How much do we think other teams like Graham and Wilson, and will Wilson or Graham last to our next pick?" discussion. I think Buddy would have suspected Russell would last till his next pick, hence his "and you better draft them a round earlier" comment this year. On this, Buddy misfired, but I understand his logic. I also think that with a QB who can throw long balls, T.J. Graham could be pretty good. Fitz couldn't hit him this year.

 

I totally get the criticizing of Buddy for not putting more resources into the most important position. If I'd criticize him for anything, it's underestimating how much other teams liked Wilson, I get and agree with the criticism there, he missed the boat and it's a damn big boat.

 

I can't, though, get too mad at him for not wanting to take QBs who aren't franchise QBs. Kaepernick, Dalton, Gabbert, Locker, Ponder, etc aren't going to turn this team into a playoff team overnight.

 

You say that Kaepernick, Wilson, and Dalton being playoff QBs seals the deal, but again - you're taking those QBs out of the context that they are currently in. If you look at the numbers between all four of these teams, it becomes pretty clear that the biggest difference between the teams was defense:

 

Defensive Rankings (Yards):

Seattle - #4

San Fransisco - #3

Cincinnati - #6

Buffalo - #22

 

Defensive Rankings (Points):

Seattle - #1 (245)

San Fransisco - #2 (273)

Cincinnati - #8 (320)

Buffalo - #26 (435)

 

Offensive Rankings (Yards):

Seattle - #17

San Fransisco - #11

Cincinnati - #22

Buffalo - #19

 

 

Passing Rankings (Yards):

Seattle - #27

San Fransisco - #23

Cincinnati - #17

Buffalo - #25

 

Passing Touchdowns:

Seattle - #8 (27 TDs)

San Fransisco - #16 (23 TDs)

Cincinnati - #7 (28 TDs)

Buffalo - #13 (24 TDs)

 

At least part of the reason their defenses are better is their QBs take care of the ball better, make more plays, and control the clock. If you make any defense play more, they are going to give up more. Our spread offense and it's propensity to produce 3 and outs makes the defense worse than it would be if the Bills had a qualified QB. Not pulling the trigger on a prospect in 3 years is indefensible.

[thebandit27]

At least part of the reason their defenses are better is their QBs take care of the ball better, make more plays, and control the clock. If you make any defense play more, they are going to give up more. Our spread offense and it's propensity to produce 3 and outs makes the defense worse than it would be if the Bills had a qualified QB. Not pulling the trigger on a prospect in 3 years is indefensible.

 

I agree, Nix should've drafted a QB prospect at some point.

 

I also understand why he didn't. He simply felt that the team had too many other needs to draft a guy that he wasn't--in his estimation--100% certain could be the franchise QB for the next 8-10 years. Again, I don't agree with that philosophy, but that's how Buddy felt, and--in a way--it does make sense to me. I think it also has to do with Nix respecting Gailey's opinion that he could win with Fitz. Again, right or wrong, that was the methodology.

 

I think it's reasonable to believe that Nix would've drafted Newton, Luck, or Griffin if he'd had the chance. Where I can fault him is not taking a shot at either Dalton or Kaepernick; Wilson I can't get on him as much for since he spent some time away from football and is a bit small. If you're willing to humor me and look at it that way, I'm curious to know what you think...is that one mistake (passing on Dalton and Kaepernick for Aaron Williams) enough to fire the guy?

[Malazan]

At least part of the reason their defenses are better is their QBs take care of the ball better, make more plays, and control the clock. If you make any defense play more, they are going to give up more. Our spread offense and it's propensity to produce 3 and outs makes the defense worse than it would be if the Bills had a qualified QB. Not pulling the trigger on a prospect in 3 years is indefensible.

 

Are you saying the Bills defense would be as good as San Francisco, Seattle and Cincinnati if Fitzpatrick played better?

[Dawgg]

At least part of the reason their defenses are better is their QBs take care of the ball better, make more plays, and control the clock. If you make any defense play more, they are going to give up more. Our spread offense and it's propensity to produce 3 and outs makes the defense worse than it would be if the Bills had a qualified QB. Not pulling the trigger on a prospect in 3 years is indefensible.

 

In 3 years:

• 14 out of 27 picks were spent on the defense.
  
• Over $120M in free agency commitments dedicated to the pass rush.
  
• Commitments to past-their-prime veterans in Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman
  

And what has been the result? One of the worst-performing defensive units in Buffalo Bills franchise history.

 

In any other NFL city, this alone, coupled with an NFL record playoff drought, would get a GM fired. And more often than not, it would also get his sidekick assistant GM fired. In Orchard Park, everyone gets raises and promotions under the guise of "continuity"

 

Are you saying the Bills defense would be as good as San Francisco, Seattle and Cincinnati if Fitzpatrick played better?

 

Please don't be ridiculous. (S)he is not saying that. (S)he is simply stating that QB play does undoubtedly have an effect on the defense.

[Bills of Boston]

Is the pats run defense good or are they up 10+ due to their offense which forces other teams to throw more often?

[JPS]

I agree, Nix should've drafted a QB prospect at some point.

 

I also understand why he didn't. He simply felt that the team had too many other needs to draft a guy that he wasn't--in his estimation--100% certain could be the franchise QB for the next 8-10 years. Again, I don't agree with that philosophy, but that's how Buddy felt, and--in a way--it does make sense to me. I think it also has to do with Nix respecting Gailey's opinion that he could win with Fitz. Again, right or wrong, that was the methodology.

 

I think it's reasonable to believe that Nix would've drafted Newton, Luck, or Griffin if he'd had the chance. Where I can fault him is not taking a shot at either Dalton or Kaepernick; Wilson I can't get on him as much for since he spent some time away from football and is a bit small. If you're willing to humor me and look at it that way, I'm curious to know what you think...is that one mistake (passing on Dalton and Kaepernick for Aaron Williams) enough to fire the guy?

No, taking Aaron Williams over Dalton/Kaepernick is not enough to fire Nix, but I think it's just part of the story that suggests Nix should be ousted. It's playing the whack a mole game with RBs and DBs. The only reason they had holes were they let qualified players go.

 

Save CJ Spiller and maybe a COUPLE of others, there are very few players Nix drafted that are worth a damn. While Cincy has a franchise WR in Green and AZ has an All world CB in Peterson, we have the only question mark out of a top 5 pick. Were currently in the position to overpay or lose one of our best players in Byrd or Levitre. There are many reasons that Nix should go in my view, but the biggest reason is on the field. For all the "talent" assembled on the field, their D-line was pedestrian against good teams and their defense was horrible despite all of Nix's great scouting.

 

No QB. Bad defense despite major investments. I'm sorry, but I think they should move on.

 

Are you saying the Bills defense would be as good as San Francisco, Seattle and Cincinnati if Fitzpatrick played better?

 

Of course not, but they would have been better because they would have been on the field less. I'm a "he" BTW.

Edited January 3, 2013 by JPS

[Dawgg]

This misses, though, the strategy involved in drafting, including where you think other teams ranked players compared to your own. I don't think we can say whether Nix liked Graham more than Wilson; it very easily (and reading between the lines from statements he made this year, I'd speculate it's true) could be that he didn't think any other team had him at a 3rd round grade, and he could get him at the end of the 3rd with a trade up or at his fourth round pick. We don't know.

 

BlueFire, I want to address this flawed point of yours. First off, you are probably right -- that Buddy had a 4th round grade on him and expected him to be there in a later round. But what difference does it make? The ability to place an appropriate value on a player, considering all factors, lies at the core of a general manager's job. The ability to time these moves properly and make the appropriate assessment as to where these players sit on other teams' boards is the very essence of a GM's job.

 

In an earlier post, you suggested that Russell Wilson was surprised to be going in the 3rd round. You are wrong in this assertion. In fact, most draft pundits had him projected to go right around where he was selected or even earlier. ESPN's camera crew was even focusing on him during the 3rd round while he waited at home to be drafted, interviewing him before, during and after his selection.

 

Even if your suspicion is correct (which I think it is), it offers further evidence that while Buddy Nix is a very very good scout, he is a terrible General Manager. He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation.

[thebandit27]

BlueFire, I want to address this flawed point of yours. First off, you are probably right -- that Buddy had a 4th round grade on him and expected him to be there in a later round. But what difference does it make? The ability to place an appropriate value on a player, considering all factors, lies at the core of a general manager's job. The ability to time these moves properly and make the appropriate assessment as to where these players sit on other teams' boards is the very essence of a GM's job.

 

In an earlier post, you suggested that Russell Wilson was surprised to be going in the 3rd round. You are wrong in this assertion. In fact, most draft pundits had him projected to go right around where he was selected or even earlier. ESPN's camera crew was even focusing on him during the 3rd round while he waited at home to be drafted, interviewing him before, during and after his selection.

 

Even if your suspicion is correct (which I think it is), it offers further evidence that while Buddy Nix is a very very good scout, he is a terrible General Manager. He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation.

 

That's not what Nix said. He said that--at the time--he thought that the 3rd round was too high for Wilson. He also said that he learned from it that if he feels it's too high to take someone, but likes them, that he should take them anyway. What do you want him to say? "I'm an idiot"?

[1B4IDie]

BlueFire, I want to address this flawed point of yours. First off, you are probably right -- that Buddy had a 4th round grade on him and expected him to be there in a later round. But what difference does it make? The ability to place an appropriate value on a player, considering all factors, lies at the core of a general manager's job. The ability to time these moves properly and make the appropriate assessment as to where these players sit on other teams' boards is the very essence of a GM's job.

 

In an earlier post, you suggested that Russell Wilson was surprised to be going in the 3rd round. You are wrong in this assertion. In fact, most draft pundits had him projected to go right around where he was selected or even earlier. ESPN's camera crew was even focusing on him during the 3rd round while he waited at home to be drafted, interviewing him before, during and after his selection.

 

Even if your suspicion is correct (which I think it is), it offers further evidence that while Buddy Nix is a very very good scout, he is a terrible General Manager. He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation.

31 other GMs passed on Russel Wilson multiple times. Actually I think only the Redskins and Raiders based on him less than twice.

 

So should all 31 other GMs be fired because they pased on a 5'10" QB?

 

Also this is just one year, remember Derek Anderson's awesome one year?

 

The book isn't written on Russel Wilson.

 

I will put money on him this Sunday. I think the Seahawks will take down RGIII and the Redskins.

 

That still doesn't justify taking a risk on one of the shortest QBs to start in the NFL in the last 20 years and yes height is important when you're standing in front of atleast 8 people that average over 6'3" and average over 270 pounds (The average of an offense line and defensive line.)

 

Russel Wilson is an anomaly.

[Kelly the Dog]

BlueFire, I want to address this flawed point of yours. First off, you are probably right -- that Buddy had a 4th round grade on him and expected him to be there in a later round. But what difference does it make? The ability to place an appropriate value on a player, considering all factors, lies at the core of a general manager's job. The ability to time these moves properly and make the appropriate assessment as to where these players sit on other teams' boards is the very essence of a GM's job.

 

In an earlier post, you suggested that Russell Wilson was surprised to be going in the 3rd round. You are wrong in this assertion. In fact, most draft pundits had him projected to go right around where he was selected or even earlier. ESPN's camera crew was even focusing on him during the 3rd round while he waited at home to be drafted, interviewing him before, during and after his selection.

 

Even if your suspicion is correct (which I think it is), it offers further evidence that while Buddy Nix is a very very good scout, he is a terrible General Manager. He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation.

It's not a flawed theory at all, and it made a lot of sense at the time. In retrospect it was a terrible decision because we know what happened with both players. Nix made the wrong call and he is basically paying for that call with his job. At the time, however, Nix was faced with this: His coach said he could win with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Nix had just signed Mario and Mark Anderson and they expected, with Wanny, to be a top defensive team. It was year three, and they expected to go to the playoffs.

 

They knew they needed a speed WR to complement Stevie, as well as David Nelson and Scott Chandler in the middle, and they missed out getting him when Meachem signed with SD. Russell Wilson, by EVERYONE'S estimation, was not going to come in and be a starting QB, he was going to be a back-up with potential to be a starter down the line. So Nix, Whaley and Gailey's decision was, do we draft a guy we like with world class speed who can help us right now get to the playoffs, even if he doesnt start and even if he is raw because his speed will have to be accounted for, thereby opening up the field a little for all of the other players, something that may put our offense over the hump -- OR -- do we draft a kid we love with a height problem to be our back-up QB we will groom.

 

It's a difficult choice, especially because Graham was raw. But it makes a ton of sense and I'm sure GMs you love (or I should say don't hate) would have made that same determination. They blew it so far with Graham, and Wilson is a star. So inarguably, it was the wrong decision. But it doesn't AT ALL mean they disregard QBs or hate them or had no plan. It means at that point in the draft, with the needs the team had, they made a very logical decision.

[Dawgg]

That's not what Nix said. He said that--at the time--he thought that the 3rd round was too high for Wilson. He also said that he learned from it that if he feels it's too high to take someone, but likes them, that he should take them anyway. What do you want him to say? "I'm an idiot"?

 

Buddy Nix's Core Assumption: 3rd round is too high for Russell Wilson. Thus, we should trade up for TJ Graham instead.

 

His core assumption was wrong in 2 major (and rather concerning) ways:

1. Buddy Nix failed to anticipate that other teams would have Wilson valued as a 3rd rounder. Seattle clearly did. As did Philadelphia and Washington, all of whom were picking ahead of the Bills' next selection. See Adam Schefter article here.
    
   
2. With no developmental QB on the roster and a plethora of WRs, Buddy Nix and his staff did not grade Russell Wilson high enough to justify the use of the team's 3rd round pick.
   

GMs get paid big bucks to make these calls and Buddy straight up blew it. It's very concerning that he is our GM. Great scout, terrible GM.

[thebandit27]

Buddy Nix's Core Assumption: 3rd round is too high for Russell Wilson. Thus, we should trade up for TJ Graham instead.

 

His core assumption was wrong in 2 major (and rather concerning) ways:

1. Buddy Nix failed to anticipate that other teams would have Wilson valued as a 3rd rounder. Seattle clearly did. As did Philadelphia and Washington, all of whom were picking ahead of the Bills' next selection. See Adam Schefter article here.
    
    
   
2. With no developmental QB on the roster and a plethora of WRs, Buddy Nix and his staff did not grade Russell Wilson high enough to justify the use of the team's 3rd round pick.
   

GMs get paid big bucks to make these calls and Buddy straight up blew it. It's very concerning that he is our GM. Great scout, terrible GM.

 

Nobody is arguing that his assumption wasn't wrong.

 

You said, and I quote:

 

He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation

 

You're implying (actually, flat-out saying) that Nix is being defiant in the face of his incorrect assumption...he's not, as I pointed out to you. You can lambaste him for being wrong, but blaming him for not realizing it is totally incorrect, since he stated that he now knows that he should take a QB earlier than he expects to if he likes him...what more do you want him to say about it? And if what he says afterward isn't an issue for you, what's with the statement above?

[Kelly the Dog]

Nobody is arguing that his assumption wasn't wrong.

 

You said, and I quote:

 

He even had the gall to state in an interview that he felt the 3rd round was "too high" for a player like Russell Wilson. Rather than admit that he was wrong in his assessment, he has the arrogance to imply that his draft board is the source of truth when it comes to player evaluation

 

You're implying (actually, flat-out saying) that Nix is being defiant in the face of his incorrect assumption...he's not, as I pointed out to you. You can lambaste him for being wrong, but blaming him for not realizing it is totally incorrect, since he stated that he now knows that he should take a QB earlier than he expects to if he likes him...what more do you want him to say about it? And if what he says afterward isn't an issue for you, what's with the statement above?

Furthermore, Russell Wilson was a complete aberration and that was known to everyone around the league. He had a physical issue that would never change. EVERYONE loved him as a prospect and with very good reason. The ONLY issue whatsoever with Russell Wilson was whether or not his height would not allow him to play in the NFL the way he did in college. That was the only issue, otherwise he is a top 5 #1 pick, and all GMs had to make the determination of whether or not you want a 5'11" QB.

 

He had a cannon, he was incredibly smart, he had huge hands, he had accuracy short medium and long, he could run, he was a great leader, he was a winner, he played professional sports, he was a film geek, a great personality and everyone loved him. There was nothing about Russell Wilson not to love except his height. The fact that Buddy Nix assigned a 4th round grade to the height issue when others assigned a 3rd round grade to it means very, very little concerning his abilities as a GM and talent evaluator.

 

I've said it before here. People should really take Russell Wilson out of all conversations regarding draft order because he is a total fluke.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Kelly the Dog

[NoSaint]

 

 

Nobody is suggesting that coaching has "nothing" to do with it. Of course coaching is a factor. But at the end of the day, Buddy shopped for and provided the groceries and despite tremendous resources, he screwed it up. That alone should get him fired.

 

- Spent $140M on the DL.

- Drafted Sheppard to be the MLB of the future. Sheppard has thus far been unable to hold this position down with consistency.

- Signed Nick Barnett after the Packers deemed him dispensable. Barnett played rather poorly.

- Claimed and signed Merriman, confidently boasting that "I know this guy" with the expectation that he'd return to form. He clearly didn't and was cut prior to camp.

- Drafted Moats and thrust him into starting duty. Moats is not a starting caliber player.

- Drafted Brandham and Tank Carder. Carder couldn't crack this terrible LB corps and Brandham too early to tell.

- Drafted McKelvin (good) and Aaron Williams (bust so far). Retained past-his-prime veteran McGee, while cutting the more reliable veteran in Drayton Florence.

 

Defense remains the weakest unit on the team.

 

i understand and agree with some but....

 

1)as others noted, a big chunk of that was injured with anderson playing little, mario having his issue, kyle having his issue... dareus having his brother.... and they were still better than what we had

 

2) drafted shepherd to be an ILB in a 34 not the MLB of wannys 43.

 

3) signed barnett to be an ILB in a 34 not the OLB in wannys 34. also a known stop gap, not long term solution given his age.

 

4) claimed merriman - a low risk move, which perhaps buddy knew that SM would work his butt off to recover, not that he would. im guessing buddy knows more about work ethic than the medical side of it with that comment. also cut after switching his position from 34 olb to 43 DE. noteworthy but unmentioned.

 

5) were talking about late in the draft linebackers. few make it past special teams, you have to keep reasonable expectations. especially early on with bradham. they were asked to do to much for sure, as we didnt have anyone else with the scheme switch (notice that issue coming up often in assessing our linebackers?)

 

6) wasnt mckelvin drafted before his taking the GM role?

 

i understand your frustration but i think its clouding your assessment on some of the situations. mistakes made for sure, but i think you are grasping at the symptons displayed after those mistakes, not causes which is what has to really be addressed.

Edited January 3, 2013 by NoSaint