Arkady Renko Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Do you all really want to put the man in the position where he has to keep commenting on a colleague at ESPN?
Steely Dan Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Do you all really want to put the man in the position where he has to keep commenting on a colleague at ESPN? Let it go. Leave the Mort stuff for the rest of the board. He's not gonna throw a co-worker under the bus and he shouldn't. Move on to another topic and don't broach this one again. JMO
Lori Posted March 10, 2009 Author Posted March 10, 2009 Do you all really want to put the man in the position where he has to keep commenting on a colleague at ESPN? Let it go. Leave the Mort stuff for the rest of the board. He's not gonna throw a co-worker under the bus and he shouldn't. Move on to another topic and don't broach this one again. JMO I agree completely.
TimGraham Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 I guess that in and of itself is a reason to avoid drafting a safety in the Top 10 when you have other needs. Ed Reed would not look average on the Bills defense... that guy is a straight up freak. But I do agree that Whitner would benefit strongly with better talent around him. Thanks. Also have you heard anything on whether T.O. is going to get to wear #81? James Hardy currently wears that number for the Bills. Ed Reed is a straight up freak because he had guys like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott in front of him. Rex Ryan then unleashed Reed to gamble. Without that personnel and Ryan's philosophy, Reed doesn't do the same things. Sure, he can return a ball when he intercepts it no matter who he's playing with, but those chances dry up in a less dynamic defense. As of this afternoon, the Bills weren't even sure who was going to wear what number. There was the idea Owens might switch to 18 if he didn't insist on taking Hardy's number.
The Dean Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 I like Donte Whitner. The thing about safeties, however, is that no other position's naked-eye performance is as dependent on the overall strength of a team's defense. Put Ed Reed on the Bills defense, and he'll look average. Thank you. I'm wouldn't go so far as to say Ed Reed would look "average", but he wouldn't be given the freedom to do what makes him special in Baltimore. EDIT: Let me clarify that by saying that Ed's skills are not average, so he would be making plays at an above average level...but not produce "big plays" anywhere near the level he does in Baltimore. In reality, Ed might look terrible at times, if he played with Buffalo, as he is a sub-standard tackler, and doesn't have the support of a suburb cast to make up for it.
TimGraham Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 C'mon Tim, Polian was a HUGE Wilson mistake...but Mularkey was not taking this team to the playoffs because he'd still have Losman at the helm who is sitting alone in free agency and may be out of the NFL for good. Donahoe drove this franchise into the ground from Johnson to Bledsoe to Losman, to the Mike Williams bust, to firing Rusty Jones, to letting Pat Williams walk, to confiscating fans signs the last few games. That was all Donahoe, and Wilson rightly ran him out of town. Mort needs to check his feelings for Wilson at the door when he walks into work and lose the cheap shots. Bills fans are tired of hearing about Donahoe every time the Bills are mentioned. Edit: TD didn't release Smith/Reed/Thomas, my bad. This debate is illogical. You're speculating about where the Bills would be today based on your opinion of Mularkey, Donahoe and Losman. And then you say Mortensen needs to check his feelings at the door. No, he doesn't. He gets paid to have educated, strong opinions. He generates his opinions from spending practically every waking hour of his day talking to people in the NFL. If you disagree, fine. If you choose to be irritated, fine. But I would suggest you accept one man's opinion as an opinion and not let it ruin your day. But I will say this: For those so pumped up about the T.O. signing, it's straight out of Donahoe's managerial playbook. People are ecstatic the Bills are trying something so creative and daring. Isn't that what Donahoe was best at?
Steely Dan Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Tim what is your opinion on the chances of an uncapped 2010 season or a possible 2010 lockout. The union has threatened to decertify and I would think if the NFL declared bankruptcy it would nullify all pre-existing union contracts. How ugly do you see this getting?
The Dean Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Tim what is your opinion on the chances of an uncapped 2010 season or a possible 2010 lockout. The union has threatened to decertify and I would think if the NFL declared bankruptcy it would nullify all pre-existing union contracts. How ugly do you see this getting? How could the NFL declare bankruptcy?
Dan Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Ed Reed is a straight up freak because he had guys like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott in front of him. Rex Ryan then unleashed Reed to gamble. Without that personnel and Ryan's philosophy, Reed doesn't do the same things. Sure, he can return a ball when he intercepts it no matter who he's playing with, but those chances dry up in a less dynamic defense. As of this afternoon, the Bills weren't even sure who was going to wear what number. There was the idea Owens might switch to 18 if he didn't insist on taking Hardy's number. Me, personally, I think it'd be pretty cool for TO to not wear 81 as a Bill. Perhaps it could signify a change in scenery, a change in attitude? If you get a chance to interview TO, I'd be interested to know if he has started to think about his legacy in the NFL. He's certainly put up HOF numbers thus far in his career, but right now most people don't seem to mention him as a lock for the HOF (perhaps I'm wrong; I haven't really followed all TO's press clippings - if so, ignore all this). So, is there a chance he makes a conscience effort to tone down his rhetoric, concentrate on his play and try to be part of turning a franchise around - all in an effort to leave a more favorable lasting impression on HOF voters in the future? Just a thought as hopeful and perhaps as selfish as it may be.
TimGraham Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Thank you. I'm wouldn't go so far as to say Ed Reed would look "average", but he wouldn't be given the freedom to do what makes him special in Baltimore. EDIT: Let me clarify that by saying that Ed's skills are not average, so he would be making plays at an above average level...but not produce "big plays" anywhere near the level he does in Baltimore. In reality, Ed might look terrible at times, if he played with Buffalo, as he is a sub-standard tackler, and doesn't have the support of a suburb cast to make up for it. I guess I should clarify ... He wouldn't be an average player, but his chances to make big plays would be so limited, he wouldn't be nearly as noticeable. Just like Donte Whitner or Jim Leonhard looked behind the Bills' defense. Put some better talent in front of them and you'll see a different player.
The Dean Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 I guess I should clarify ... He wouldn't be an average player, but his chances to make big plays would be so limited, he wouldn't be nearly as noticeable. Just like Donte Whitner or Jim Leonhard looked behind the Bills' defense. Put some better talent in front of them and you'll see a different player. That's what I'm saying, as well.
Lv-Bills Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 This debate is illogical. You're speculating about where the Bills would be today based on your opinion of Mularkey, Donahoe and Losman. And then you say Mortensen needs to check his feelings at the door. No, he doesn't. He gets paid to have educated, strong opinions. He generates his opinions from spending practically every waking hour of his day talking to people in the NFL. If you disagree, fine. If you choose to be irritated, fine. But I would suggest you accept one man's opinion as an opinion and not let it ruin your day. But I will say this: For those so pumped up about the T.O. signing, it's straight out of Donahoe's managerial playbook. People are ecstatic the Bills are trying something so creative and daring. Isn't that what Donahoe was best at? OK, so look at it this way. Based on what Bill in NYC says, he's basing his "guess" on how the Bills would fare with a busted QB, a Head Coach that was less than stellar, and a GM that lost a power struggle and was let go in Pittsburgh, and who was terrible in Buffalo and run out of town, and who never got another job in the NFL. Now, Mort tells us different, and defends Donahoe like he's his dad or something. There's no basis to anything Mort says about Tom Donahoe. I mean, why does TD not have a job in the NFL? Which one of the above guys....Bill in NYC or Mort are going on logical facts? At least Bills fans have a basis for their guesses, on where the Bills would be with TD, JP and Mularkey here. The reason most Bills fans are sick and tired of Mort's act is that he throws Tom Donahoe's name in anywhere he can. And we get lectured on not letting Mort's opinion's ruin our day. I think Mr Mortensen should take the same advice and MOVE ON.
TimGraham Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Tim what is your opinion on the chances of an uncapped 2010 season or a possible 2010 lockout. The union has threatened to decertify and I would think if the NFL declared bankruptcy it would nullify all pre-existing union contracts. How ugly do you see this getting? I have to admit this subject is beyond my grasp at the moment. The NHL lockout was the same way to me about a year out. I'm so focused on the day-to-day coverage of actual football, that the thought of trying to figure out such a broad and uncertain concept totally overwhelms me. But, as the NHL lockout became inevitable, I turned into an expert on it. As the uncapped year gets closer, I'll be able to comment more intelligently.
Dawgg Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 The reason most Bills fans are sick and tired of Mort's act is that he throws Tom Donahoe's name in anywhere he can. And we get lectured on not letting Mort's opinion's ruin our day. I think Mr Mortensen should take the same advice and MOVE ON. Lead by example.
The Dean Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Lead by example. Seriously...enough with the Mort, already.
Steely Dan Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 How could the NFL declare bankruptcy? Figures don't lie but liars can figure. I think if they did that they'd have to open their books publicly and that puts the kaibash on that. I didn't think about that when I first posted it. OK, so look at it this way. Based on what Bill in NYC says, he's basing his "guess" on how the Bills would fare with a busted QB, a Head Coach that was less than stellar, and a GM that lost a power struggle and was let go in Pittsburgh, and who was terrible in Buffalo and run out of town, and who never got another job in the NFL. Now, Mort tells us different, and defends Donahoe like he's his dad or something. There's no basis to anything Mort says about Tom Donahoe. I mean, why does TD not have a job in the NFL? Which one of the above guys....Bill in NYC or Mort are going on logical facts? At least Bills fans have a basis for their guesses, on where the Bills would be with TD, JP and Mularkey here. The reason most Bills fans are sick and tired of Mort's act is that he throws Tom Donahoe's name in anywhere he can. And we get lectured on not letting Mort's opinion's ruin our day. I think Mr Mortensen should take the same advice and MOVE ON. Let it go.
Lori Posted March 10, 2009 Author Posted March 10, 2009 This debate is illogical. You're speculating about where the Bills would be today based on your opinion of Mularkey, Donahoe and Losman. And then you say Mortensen needs to check his feelings at the door. No, he doesn't. He gets paid to have educated, strong opinions. He generates his opinions from spending practically every waking hour of his day talking to people in the NFL. If you disagree, fine. If you choose to be irritated, fine. But I would suggest you accept one man's opinion as an opinion and not let it ruin your day. But I will say this: For those so pumped up about the T.O. signing, it's straight out of Donahoe's managerial playbook. People are ecstatic the Bills are trying something so creative and daring. Isn't that what Donahoe was best at? Straight out of his playbook ... and they're certainly selling tickets. And wise counsel in the bolded line. I guess I should clarify ... He wouldn't be an average player, but his chances to make big plays would be so limited, he wouldn't be nearly as noticeable. Just like Donte Whitner or Jim Leonhard looked behind the Bills' defense. Put some better talent in front of them and you'll see a different player. A pass rush? I forget what one of those looks like. Fifty sacks in the last two seasons combined? To compare, Bills QBs from RJ to Bledsoe to Losman have endured 47 or more sacks in ONE season four times since 2000.
TimGraham Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 OK, so look at it this way. Based on what Bill in NYC says, he's basing his "guess" on how the Bills would fare with a busted QB, a Head Coach that was less than stellar, and a GM that lost a power struggle and was let go in Pittsburgh, and who was terrible in Buffalo and run out of town, and who never got another job in the NFL. Now, Mort tells us different, and defends Donahoe like he's his dad or something. There's no basis to anything Mort says about Tom Donahoe. I mean, why does TD not have a job in the NFL? Which one of the above guys....Bill in NYC or Mort are going on logical facts? At least Bills fans have a basis for their guesses, on where the Bills would be with TD, JP and Mularkey here. The reason most Bills fans are sick and tired of Mort's act is that he throws Tom Donahoe's name in anywhere he can. And we get lectured on not letting Mort's opinion's ruin our day. I think Mr Mortensen should take the same advice and MOVE ON. You're saying Chris Mortensen has no basis for his opinion on the Bills. Based on that statement alone, I can't even begin to have a reasonable conversation with you. Mike Mularkey has been considered a brilliant coach everywhere he has been except Buffalo, and Marv Levy wanted to retain him. Those are facts. The common thread to Bill Polian, John Butler and Tom Donahoe leaving is Ralph Wilson. Those are facts. Why doesn't Tom Donahoe have a job in the NFL? Why doesn't Mike Shanahan? Why doesn't Steve Mariucci? Why doesn't Jim Fassel? Why doesn't Dennis Green? Stuff happens. Clearly you're set in your opinion. I respect you as a passionate fan. But I'm not going to get into a debate about whether or not Chris Mortensen has proper credentials to have an educated NFL opinion.
The Dean Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 You're saying Chris Mortensen has no basis for his opinion on the Bills. Based on that statement alone, I can't even begin to have a reasonable conversation with you. Mike Mularkey has been considered a brilliant coach everywhere he has been except Buffalo, and Marv Levy wanted to retain him. Those are facts. The common thread to Bill Polian, John Butler and Tom Donahoe leaving is Ralph Wilson. Those are facts. Why doesn't Tom Donahoe have a job in the NFL? Why doesn't Mike Shanahan? Why doesn't Steve Mariucci? Why doesn't Jim Fassel? Why doesn't Dennis Green? Stuff happens. Clearly you're set in your opinion. I respect you as a passionate fan. But I'm not going to get into a debate about whether or not Chris Mortensen has proper credentials to have an educated NFL opinion. "Mike Mularkey has been considered a brilliant coach everywhere he has been except Buffalo"...and Miami.
Lori Posted March 10, 2009 Author Posted March 10, 2009 "Mike Mularkey has been considered a brilliant coach everywhere he has been except Buffalo"...and Miami. Tim covered that team as a beat writer for the Palm Beach Post. I suspect he has his own ideas of what happened there ...
Recommended Posts