John Warrow’s High Praise For Beane & McDermott Regime

[GG]

11 hours ago, K-9 said:

You owe JW an apology and if I had the power to do so, I’d ban your ineffectual ass until you do so. 

 

 

 

Or at least move the thread to PPP for the full discussion to unfold

[K-9]

10 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

K-9, you think that he owes JW an apology and that this poster should be banned.

 

I think that we should leave decisions about who is banned in the hands of SDS who built this site and the mods who run it. If we all start calling for the banning posters because we dislike their views or even style of delivery, we will be "telling on each other" and resemble a first grade class.

 

This site didn't become great by all of us sitting around spewing the same views over and over. I have good relationships with posters (one in particular who is in this thread) who I have disagreed with on numerous issues for years. And ya know what? Sometimes I was dead ass wrong and other times I was 100% on the money.

 

Its all good.

 

 

 

 

I appreciate the sentiment.

 

Isn’t “I think” implied in every post as we are all dealing in opinion here? 

 

If it puts you at ease, I’ve never had the urge to run to a mod like he was some hallway monitor. I’d rather just state my stance and move on. But yeah, they’d be busier than one legged flamenco dancers if we all ran to them to mete out justice every time we perceive a slight. 

 

Sometimes this place can resemble that first grade class. Heck, that might be an insult to first graders as this place can resemble a zoo (no insult to animals intended).

 

In this thread certain lines were crossed and I’ll leave it at that. I’m out of the fray. 

 

For now.

 

 

[BringBackFergy]

When I first read JW’s material years ago I could sense his journalistic integrity and professionalism. He expressed concerns re. Rex Ryan’s coaching, hiring practices, stories re. The future of the Bills franchise upon the passing of RWJ, and other well written articles. I imagined him as one of those “old school” reporters who didn’t rely on a laptop or cassette recorder to note the story/interview. He’d take notes in pen on (shorthand) on a small paper notebook I pictured him as a 1940’s beat journalist wearing a plaid sport jacket, a wide striped tie, a shirt with mustard stains because he eats hot dogs on-the-go, and a black fedora hat with a small white placard that says “PRESS”. I had the pleasure of meeting JW at a tailgate last year....and that image was confirmed. 

 

He’s not a shill. The guy writes a good story. Y’all need to relax.  We have bigger fish to fry, such as: What the hell is wrong with Dawson Knox??!!

[Gugny]

11 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

When I first read JW’s material years ago I could sense his journalistic integrity and professionalism. He expressed concerns re. Rex Ryan’s coaching, hiring practices, stories re. The future of the Bills franchise upon the passing of RWJ, and other well written articles. I imagined him as one of those “old school” reporters who didn’t rely on a laptop or cassette recorder to note the story/interview. He’d take notes in pen on (shorthand) on a small paper notebook I pictured him as a 1940’s beat journalist wearing a plaid sport jacket, a wide striped tie, a shirt with mustard stains because he eats hot dogs on-the-go, and a black fedora hat with a small white placard that says “PRESS”. I had the pleasure of meeting JW at a tailgate last year....and that image was confirmed. 

 

He’s not a shill. The guy writes a good story. Y’all need to relax.  We have bigger fish to fry, such as: What the hell is wrong with Dawson Knox??!!

 

Well said.  Speaking to John at the TBDHOTs was always a personal highlight.  I've opined multiple times over the years that he's the best at covering the Bills.  I still feel the same.  I appreciate his input/interactions on this site and I hope they continue.

 

Unless it's about music.  The Replacements??  Really??

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, ScottLaw said:

Yep.

 

The OP is JWs opinion on the state of the team and how he feels about them which is fine.... but then he presented moves made by the organization as if they had no other choice, which is completely false.

We have been down this road so many times that it is exhausting. No one is arguing that there weren't different avenues to take in running the team when this new regime took over. As Gunner and others have pointed out McDermott had a blueprint on how to run the organization if he were selected for the job. His strategy was to dramatically remake the roster and cap structure. That's exactly what he has done. And as Gunner has pointed out it was done in a short time frame. 

 

As Gunner and others have  pointed out there were different strategies to take. They weren't compelled to take one approach over another. They chose the approach that best suited their vision on how to run a franchise. It's not surprising that they selected an approach that was the antithesis of the Whaley approach. That's why the owner found McDermott appealing and hired him and empowered him. 

[oldmanfan]

7 minutes ago, JohnC said:

We have been down this road so many times that it is exhausting. No one is arguing that there weren't different avenues to take in running the team when this new regime took over. As Gunner and others have pointed out McDermott had a blueprint on how to run the organization if he were selected for the job. His strategy was to dramatically remake the roster and cap structure. That's exactly what he has done. And as Gunner has pointed out it was done in a short time frame. 

 

As Gunner and others have  pointed out there were different strategies to take. They weren't compelled to take one approach over another. They chose the approach that best suited their vision on how to run a franchise. It's not surprising that they selected an approach that was the antithesis of the Whaley approach. That's why the owner found McDermott appealing and hired him and empowered him. 

It's good to see logic on this board.  McD and Beane have a plan on how to build a consistently successful championship football team.  They are implementing their plan.  Their plan involved getting rid of players they didn't think fit and taking a cap hit quickly to do so, then using their dollars to get guys they want.  If their plan works they'll be heros.  If it doesn't they'll get fired.  That is reality.

 

The other reality is if they had done what some wanted and just retooled a bit, worked around the edges, etc.  the naysayers would be on here moaning about how they should have stripped everything down, taken the cap hit all at once, etc.  Because the agenda is to argue against whatever the Bills do to look cute on a message board.

[GunnerBill]

13 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

It's good to see logic on this board.  McD and Beane have a plan on how to build a consistently successful championship football team.  They are implementing their plan.  Their plan involved getting rid of players they didn't think fit and taking a cap hit quickly to do so, then using their dollars to get guys they want.  If their plan works they'll be heros.  If it doesn't they'll get fired.  That is reality.

 

The other reality is if they had done what some wanted and just retooled a bit, worked around the edges, etc.  the naysayers would be on here moaning about how they should have stripped everything down, taken the cap hit all at once, etc.  Because the agenda is to argue against whatever the Bills do to look cute on a message board.

 

There are certainly some who would criticise them whichever approach they had taken. Their are others who would have claimed that the only route was the one they had taken (whichever that was). The only sensible way to approach it in my mind is to fairly and objectively set out the options that were available to them, recognise that their decision was fundamentally a choice and then judge them against whether that choice works out.

[Royale with Cheese]

27 minutes ago, JohnC said:

We have been down this road so many times that it is exhausting. No one is arguing that there weren't different avenues to take in running the team when this new regime took over. As Gunner and others have pointed out McDermott had a blueprint on how to run the organization if he were selected for the job. His strategy was to dramatically remake the roster and cap structure. That's exactly what he has done. And as Gunner has pointed out it was done in a short time frame. 

 

As Gunner and others have  pointed out there were different strategies to take. They weren't compelled to take one approach over another. They chose the approach that best suited their vision on how to run a franchise. It's not surprising that they selected an approach that was the antithesis of the Whaley approach. That's why the owner found McDermott appealing and hired him and empowered him. 

 

Thank you.  Scott seems to have this strong stance that McDermott can't have his own blueprint.  He needs to make it work with the previous regimes players.

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

It's good to see logic on this board.  McD and Beane have a plan on how to build a consistently successful championship football team.  They are implementing their plan.  Their plan involved getting rid of players they didn't think fit and taking a cap hit quickly to do so, then using their dollars to get guys they want.  If their plan works they'll be heros.  If it doesn't they'll get fired.  That is reality.

 

The other reality is if they had done what some wanted and just retooled a bit, worked around the edges, etc.  the naysayers would be on here moaning about how they should have stripped everything down, taken the cap hit all at once, etc.  Because the agenda is to argue against whatever the Bills do to look cute on a message board.

Right from the start McDermott and company were very open and explicit in stating what their intentions were. And everything they have done starting with trading Watkins demonstrated that this regime was determined to implement its plan. There was no hidden agenda. There was little mishmash in their approach. The hymn book they were singing from was an open book that everyone can see and hear. 

 

Those who argue that there was more than one way to run the operation are creating a false argument. Of course there were different approaches to take. Who is saying otherwise? When you decide to take a route and take it what is the purpose of continuing to harangue that there were other routes to take? It's a pointless discussion. 

[K-9]

1 hour ago, BringBackFergy said:

When I first read JW’s material years ago I could sense his journalistic integrity and professionalism. He expressed concerns re. Rex Ryan’s coaching, hiring practices, stories re. The future of the Bills franchise upon the passing of RWJ, and other well written articles. I imagined him as one of those “old school” reporters who didn’t rely on a laptop or cassette recorder to note the story/interview. He’d take notes in pen on (shorthand) on a small paper notebook I pictured him as a 1940’s beat journalist wearing a plaid sport jacket, a wide striped tie, a shirt with mustard stains because he eats hot dogs on-the-go, and a black fedora hat with a small white placard that says “PRESS”. I had the pleasure of meeting JW at a tailgate last year....and that image was confirmed. 

 

He’s not a shill. The guy writes a good story. Y’all need to relax.  We have bigger fish to fry, such as: What the hell is wrong with Dawson Knox??!!

Well done, BBF.

 

It helps to familiarize oneself with his work before spouting off and insulting his professionalism. 

[teef]

this thread turned into quite an abortion.  nicely done.

[oldmanfan]

19 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

There are certainly some who would criticise them whichever approach they had taken. Their are others who would have claimed that the only route was the one they had taken (whichever that was). The only sensible way to approach it in my mind is to fairly and objectively set out the options that were available to them, recognise that their decision was fundamentally a choice and then judge them against whether that choice works out.

Exactly.  They are no different than any other team.   They have a plan and we'll see if they're right or wrong.

[eball]

20 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

Thank you.  Scott seems to have this strong stance that McDermott can't have his own blueprint.  He needs to make it work with the previous regimes players.

 

Is that BADOL's name -- Scott?  That's hilarious, since ScottLaw is the puppy always nipping at his heels for approval!

[K-9]

46 minutes ago, JohnC said:

We have been down this road so many times that it is exhausting. No one is arguing that there weren't different avenues to take in running the team when this new regime took over. As Gunner and others have pointed out McDermott had a blueprint on how to run the organization if he were selected for the job. His strategy was to dramatically remake the roster and cap structure. That's exactly what he has done. And as Gunner has pointed out it was done in a short time frame. 

 

As Gunner and others have  pointed out there were different strategies to take. They weren't compelled to take one approach over another. They chose the approach that best suited their vision on how to run a franchise. It's not surprising that they selected an approach that was the antithesis of the Whaley approach. That's why the owner found McDermott appealing and hired him and empowered him. 

C’mon, John. Don’t you know that if they choose an option we don’t agree with, it’s automatically the wrong choice? And that there is no need to await the outcomes?

 

Seriously though, good post. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, teef said:

this thread turned into quite an abortion.  nicely done.

Thank God we are not in Alabama then. 

[K-9]

23 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

There are certainly some who would criticise them whichever approach they had taken. Their are others who would have claimed that the only route was the one they had taken (whichever that was). The only sensible way to approach it in my mind is to fairly and objectively set out the options that were available to them, recognise that their decision was fundamentally a choice and then judge them against whether that choice works out.

Absolutely. 

 

Question: do you think the Bills braintrust set out and analyzed the options available before deciding on their ultimate course of action? 

 

“Whether the choice works out” is an interesting concept as it depends on one’s own preferable time frame for it to work out. For some it was yesterday, for others it must be this season, still others might give them several more seasons as additional pieces are added. 

2 hours ago, GG said:

 

Or at least move the thread to PPP for the full discussion to unfold

I don’t think it needs to go there. Especially since several posters would refuse to enter that cesspool to continue the discussion. 

[oldmanfan]

Just now, K-9 said:

Absolutely. 

 

Question: do you think the Bills braintrust set out and analyzed the options available before deciding on their ultimate course of action? 

 

“Whether the choice works out” is an interesting concept as it depends on one’s own preferable time frame for it to work out. For some it was yesterday, for others it must be this season, still others might give them several more seasons as additional pieces are added. 

Of course not.  Don't you know that the Bills organization doesn't think about things?  They just come up with ideas in a dream and then put them into action with no forethought at all.  And that stands regardless of the GM, owner, etc. etc.  Because Beane is Whaley is Nix is Brandon is Marv is Donahoe is Butler is Polian, and on down the line.  Much like Pegula is Ralph.  And how McD ultimately is the same as Buster Ramsay.  Because the faults of any previous Bills coach, GM, owner, etc.  are to be blamed on whomever occupies the positions currently.  It's why the naysayers continue to evoke memories of the past to curse the guys there now.   

[JohnC]

2 minutes ago, K-9 said:

C’mon, John. Don’t you know that if they choose an option we don’t agree with, it’s automatically the wrong choice? And that there is no need to await the outcomes?

 

Seriously though, good post. 

 

 

It's the yin and yang syndrome. When one person says up the other person instinctively says down. 

 

What is surprising about this topic is how people perceive success vs failure. In my eyes entering the third season this regime has dramatically remade the roster and restructured the cap that has given this franchise the flexibility to engage in the market. In the first year of McDermott's tenure he took a stripped down team into the playoffs for the first time in a generation. In the second year of operation this regime successfully maneuvered prior to the draft and during the draft to acquire its franchise qb. This organization didn't have a franchise qb for nearly a quarter century, since the Kelly era. And it is noticeable that outside commentators are finally describing our franchise in positive terms instead of bleak terms. If that is not progress then I don't know what it is. 

[Bill from NYC]

1 minute ago, oldmanfan said:

Of course not.  Don't you know that the Bills organization doesn't think about things?  They just come up with ideas in a dream and then put them into action with no forethought at all.  And that stands regardless of the GM, owner, etc. etc.  Because Beane is Whaley is Nix is Brandon is Marv is Donahoe is Butler is Polian, and on down the line.  Much like Pegula is Ralph.  And how McD ultimately is the same as Buster Ramsay.  Because the faults of any previous Bills coach, GM, owner, etc.  are to be blamed on whomever occupies the positions currently.  It's why the naysayers continue to evoke memories of the past to curse the guys there now.   

Why don't we simplify things.....give us a list of what we are allowed to think and post so we all can make sure we meet your standards. If we have any questions we will seek clarification so please stay on call.

Thanks.

[oldmanfan]

1 minute ago, JohnC said:

It's the yin and yang syndrome. When one person says up the other person instinctively says down. 

 

What is surprising about this topic is how people perceive success vs failure. In my eyes entering the third season this regime has dramatically remade the roster and restructured the cap that has given this franchise the flexibility to engage in the market. In the first year of McDermott's tenure he took a stripped down team into the playoffs for the first time in a generation. In the second year of operation this regime successfully maneuvered prior to the draft and during the draft to acquire its franchise qb. This organization didn't have a franchise qb for nearly a quarter century, since the Kelly era. And it is noticeable that outside commentators are finally describing our franchise in positive terms instead of bleak terms. If that is not progress then I don't know what it is. 

But,but but but - you have to show me the baby!!!!!

Just now, Bill from NYC said:

Why don't we simplify things.....give us a list of what we are allowed to think and post so we all can make sure we meet your standards. If we have any questions we will seek clarification so please stay on call.

Thanks.

You can think and post what you want.  I can comment on them.  Quit being ridiculous. 

[K-9]

2 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

Of course not.  Don't you know that the Bills organization doesn't think about things?  They just come up with ideas in a dream and then put them into action with no forethought at all.  And that stands regardless of the GM, owner, etc. etc.  Because Beane is Whaley is Nix is Brandon is Marv is Donahoe is Butler is Polian, and on down the line.  Much like Pegula is Ralph.  And how McD ultimately is the same as Buster Ramsay.  Because the faults of any previous Bills coach, GM, owner, etc.  are to be blamed on whomever occupies the positions currently.  It's why the naysayers continue to evoke memories of the past to curse the guys there now.   

While my question was rhetorical, I’m glad you embellished the absurdity of it. 

 

But i don’t want @GunnerBill to get the wrong impression of my rhetorical question as he is one of the most level headed contributors to this forum.