Jump to content

The press speculates on EJ's future


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 496
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

 

 

I have mutual friends with him so I don't want to criticize him too badly, but he's awful at his job.

i like him too but he's best talking CFB. He usually doesn't know anything about any team he didn't play for in the NFL. And he is best friends with Romo so won't say anything critical about the Cowboys, ever. His story last week about how Belichick cut him, though, was gold! Edited by YoloinOhio
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would it be that different from Gabbert getting traded if we dangle him out there for a 6th/7th?

 

It would be exactly the same. Doesn't mean that it's not a news story, which is what I thought the argument is about?

That's not really what JB said though, that is what Carrucci said. JB said if he doesn't show good progress, he may not be on the team. Well, duh...

 

Some of his points in the article are absolutely accurate about EJs problems. But it's also the 95th time he has written or said the same thing.

 

I think you're splitting hairs on this one. Both are basically saying the same thing - EJ needs to win the starting job, otherwise his spot on the team is shaky.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pardon me if I disregard a list that says Tannehill is a better situation than Rivers, Flacco, or either Manning

To be fair to the piece, it's a forward looking piece and is assuming that Rivers may not be in SD next season. It's not just about next year. Tannehill is good and has a long future ahead of him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pardon me if I disregard a list that says Tannehill is a better situation than Rivers, Flacco, or either Manning

 

Or that Browns are in a better spot than the Bills.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's not really what JB said though, that is what Carrucci said. JB said if he doesn't show good progress, he may not be on the team. Well, duh...

 

Some of his points in the article are absolutely accurate about EJs problems. But it's also the 95th time he has written or said the same thing.

What's different is that he says that he spoke with a bunch of people, presumably some of whom are with the team. We don't know for sure who they are, but assuming he's not lying that strikes me as relevant.

 

I gotta say, this board gets so defensive when the media criticizes the team or players on the team. I get that internet board posters hate the media (I don't include myself here), but come on. The piece isn't that objectionable. As GG says above, this story is coming out in a lot of places, and usually (not always), where there's a ton of smoke there's some fire. If I had to predict, he'll be on the team, but if he's not I will not be surprised at all.

 

Regardless, this can't be good for Manuel's confidence - I can guarantee you that. You can bet he's aware of the rumors, and there's no way they're doing him any good. He doesn't appear to be a guy with a ton of confidence right now anyway.

 

The Bills' QB situation is such a clusterf**k. I can't wait for the day when they finally have a normal QB situation. It's been for freaking ever since that was the case.

 

Or that Browns are in a better spot than the Bills.

Well, it bears remembering that the Browns beat out the Bills for McCown. That is a fact, regardless of how the Bills might be trying to spin it now. Cassel was their second choice. Factor in that I think Cassel is a lousy QB at this point in time.

Edited by dave mcbride
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Well, it bears remembering that the Browns beat out the Bills for McCown. That is a fact, regardless of how the Bills might be trying to spin it now. Cassel was their second choice.

 

Possibly, but McCown wouldn't have cost any draft picks.

 

My conjecture is that Bills' primary target was Bradford, but between EJ and no No. 1 draft pick they didn't have enough ammo to entice the Rams. I also don't know how serious the talks about Rivers were.

 

After that, I imagine that Cassell was ranked ahead of McCown, but Bills didn't want to lose draft picks if they didn't have to. The only reason I'm thinking this is how quickly the Cassell deal happened after they lost out on McCown. I think that deal was basically done at the same time and they were waiting for the outcome of McCown's decision.

 

That's why I'm not sold that Bills are in a worse QB position than Browns because they lost out on McCown.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Possibly, but McCown wouldn't have cost any draft picks.

 

My conjecture is that Bills' primary target was Bradford, but between EJ and no No. 1 draft pick they didn't have enough ammo to entice the Rams. I also don't know how serious the talks about Rivers were.

 

After that, I imagine that Cassell was ranked ahead of McCown, but Bills didn't want to lose draft picks if they didn't have to. The only reason I'm thinking this is how quickly the Cassell deal happened after they lost out on McCown. I think that deal was basically done at the same time and they were waiting for the outcome of McCown's decision.

 

That's why I'm not sold that Bills are in a worse QB position than Browns because they lost out on McCown.

I dunno Gerry. I think that when you're talking about a starting QB, a 6th round draft pick is irrelevant. I honestly think they wanted McCown more than Cassel (coming off a broken foot too, btw). Generally speaking, teams go after the guy they really want first. If they wanted Cassel, why engage in a charade bid against Cleveland? It makes no sense.

 

They wanted McCown and didn't get him, for whatever reason.

 

My theory? I think they figured they'd soldier through this season with a bad situation and try to win through rushing, defense, and top offensive talent on the edges. In a perfect world that gets you to 10-6 (Rex's high bar) and into the playoffs. They will target a qb next year, I think. They have to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's different is that he says that he spoke with a bunch of people, presumably some of whom are with the team. We don't know for sure who they are, but assuming he's not lying that strikes me as relevant.

 

I gotta say, this board gets so defensive when the media criticizes the team or players on the team. I get that internet board posters hate the media (I don't include myself here), but come on. The piece isn't that objectionable. As GG says above, this story is coming out in a lot of places, and usually (not always), where there's a ton of smoke there's some fire. If I had to predict, he'll be on the team, but if he's not I will not be surprised at all.

 

Regardless, this can't be good for Manuel's confidence - I can guarantee you that. You can bet he's aware of the rumors, and there's no way they're doing him any good. He doesn't appear to be a guy with a ton of confidence right now anyway.

 

The Bills' QB situation is such a clusterf**k. I can't wait for the day when they finally have a normal QB situation. It's been for freaking ever since that was the case.

You and GG make good and reasoned responses, from good and reasonable posters. My point, however, is that there aren't a lot of reports coming out that EJ is likely to be gone. There is one or two. And the second, by JB, is from a guy who hates EJ. The first, if you read between the lines, sounds like Vic thinks EJ is not only not going to be cut, but he is the likely starter. Why isnt that the headline. He says flat out he doesn't expect Cassell to start, then barely mentions Taylor, and when he does, he says "or even Taylor" as the starter, which does not at all sound like the guy.

 

Then Florio and other writers pick up on this headline and suddenly you're saying it's all over. Carucci is wired in with the Bills. He's a good reporter and he doesn't report rumor as fact. If I had to guess who he thinks the starter will be that guy would be EJ. That's more of a story than if he doesn't substantially improve from playing like crap, he won't make it. That is not news.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I gotta say, this board gets so defensive when the media criticizes the team or players on the team.

If more members of the 'media' actually worked hard and came up with relevant information (or even well-reasoned opinions, based on more than what they had to eat for lunch that day)--rather than spitting out speculative spit balls to generate clicks--I think there would be less need to question their work product...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You and GG make good and reasoned responses, from good and reasonable posters. My point, however, is that there aren't a lot of reports coming out that EJ is likely to be gone. There is one or two. And the second, by JB, is from a guy who hates EJ. The first, if you read between the lines, sounds like Vic thinks EJ is not only not going to be cut, but he is the likely starter. Why isnt that the headline. He says flat out he doesn't expect Cassell to start, then barely mentions Taylor, and when he does, he says "or even Taylor" as the starter, which does not at all sound like the guy.

 

Then Florio and other writers pick up on this headline and suddenly you're saying it's all over. Carucci is wired in with the Bills. He's a good reporter and he doesn't report rumor as fact. If I had to guess who he thinks the starter will be that guy would be EJ. That's more of a story than if he doesn't substantially improve from playing like crap, he won't make it. That is not news.

I thought the Whaley quote about what he's looking for in a QB (everything Manuel allegedly isn't) in the JB piece was very interesting. I don't know if it was taken out of context though.

 

I honestly don't think they see him as the answer. My gut tells me that Cassel will start, but who knows. It's all bad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is playing out pretty much exactly how anyone with two brain cells to rub together would expect. Year 1 he gets hurt. Shows some signs when he does play that he might be able to be the guy. Year 2, he doesn't really progress and maybe even regresses a little bit and gets benched. Year 3, his butt is on the line, and as it should be. I'll even add that that should be the case especially if he can't even get his stuff together in camp/practice. That's what we're talking about here. Sorry to say it, but first round draft pick quarterbacks should not be sitting on the bench holding a clip board in their third season. I wanted Manuel to succeed. I thought it was a mistake to bench him last season. However, if he just doesn't get it at this point, I want the team to move on. In terms of Tyrod Taylor, he's been in the NFL for 4 years. If he was really going to break out and be a starter or show starter potential, he would have. When you start talking Cassel, McCown, Orton or any other journeyman cast off, you've lost me. I would prefer they just draft another guy next year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You and GG make good and reasoned responses, from good and reasonable posters. My point, however, is that there aren't a lot of reports coming out that EJ is likely to be gone. There is one or two. And the second, by JB, is from a guy who hates EJ. The first, if you read between the lines, sounds like Vic thinks EJ is not only not going to be cut, but he is the likely starter. Why isnt that the headline. He says flat out he doesn't expect Cassell to start, then barely mentions Taylor, and when he does, he says "or even Taylor" as the starter, which does not at all sound like the guy.

 

Then Florio and other writers pick up on this headline and suddenly you're saying it's all over. Carucci is wired in with the Bills. He's a good reporter and he doesn't report rumor as fact. If I had to guess who he thinks the starter will be that guy would be EJ. That's more of a story than if he doesn't substantially improve from playing like crap, he won't make it. That is not news.

 

The reason that everyone is jumping on this is Joe B is out front with his views about EJ, while Carucci's is more subtle in his commentary. He goes through an entire breakdown of how fair the competition is going to be, but then lays down the hammer "If Cassel, or even Taylor, wins the starting job, I would expect the Bills to attempt to trade Manuel before cutting him. Either way, if he isn’t starting, I don’t expect him to be here this season."

 

To me, both are saying the same thing in a different way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought the Whaley quote about what he's looking for in a QB (everything Manuel allegedly isn't) in the JB piece was very interesting. I don't know if it was taken out of context though.

 

I honestly don't think they see him as the answer. My gut tells me that Cassel will start, but who knows. It's all bad.

If Whaley didn't think that EJ had a legitimate chance to do everything needed to be a star, he wouldn't be on the team now, and he likely wouldn't have been drafted. There is zero question that Whaley thinks he has a decent shot at being a starter. There is a lot of question in mine, and Whaley's, and yours, and everyone else's minds as to whether he will. You think he has very little chance. I and I think Whaley think he has a decent chance, even if it is less than 50-50.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If more members of the 'media' actually worked hard and came up with relevant information (or even well-reasoned opinions, based on more than what they had to eat for lunch that day)--rather than spitting out speculative spit balls to generate clicks--I think there would be less need to question their work product...

Now this is what I'm talking about. Buscaglia starts the piece with this:

 

"As a football reporter, you check in with everyone you can to try and get a feel for what the team you cover will do with their selections. Sometimes, a byproduct of that is hearing things about the team that you didn't believe would be an option. And then you start asking more and more people about that topic, and eventually it becomes something you can't ignore. This year's digging led to one conclusion:"

 

Let's assume for a second that he's NOT lying. From that, let's assume that he actually dug - spoke to people in the organization, people on other teams who are aware of the situation in Buffalo, etc. That's not an opinion. That's informed speculation based on reporting work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If EJM isn't the starter, WHO CARES if he is on the team or not? The article doesn't say he is about to be cut. Really, if he doesn't improve enough to beat the level of competition on the roster right now, I don't care what they do with him.

Edited by HoF Watkins
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

The reason that everyone is jumping on this is Joe B is out front with his views about EJ, while Carucci's is more subtle in his commentary. He goes through an entire breakdown of how fair the competition is going to be, but then lays down the hammer "If Cassel, or even Taylor, wins the starting job, I would expect the Bills to attempt to trade Manuel before cutting him. Either way, if he isn’t starting, I don’t expect him to be here this season."

 

To me, both are saying the same thing in a different way.

They are. If EJ sucks and doesn't improve, he is gone. Who doesn't know or even want that?

 

I like EJ a bit. I hope he wins the starting job. I don't expect him to, if I had to bet, but even if I like him, if he doesn't substantially improve, I want him cut. Who needs a skittish average QB that hasn't improved in three years? I expect him to improve a lot. What I don't know is if he will improve enough to make him good. And we aren't going to know that until the real bullets fly.

 

The person I trust the most about the QB position so far is Sammy Watkins, with a shout out to Corey Graham, too. Those are two who would seem to know something who have spoken.

 

I frankly, don't think Rex, Roman, Whaley, or any of the three QBs know who has the better chance to start as of today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...