If anyone said they’d be four and one before the bye, I’d have chuckled to myself.  “Silly fools” is what I would have thought.  I would have applauded their enthusiasm, and laughed behind their backs.  Silly me….

Anyone notice Justin Bannan is now a starter on the Raven’s D?  I was never crazy about him.  I like the way they play D.  If he can play with them, it makes me think with a little more time here, he may have been a contributor.

Same for Sammy Morris.  I think he would look good here as the FB/3rdHB/STs guy. 

I’ll admit being wrong about our DL.  I thought for sure the additions of Stroud and Johnson, along with the improved play of McCargo and Williams, would boost the DE play.  Stroud is hurt (from what I see – he’s not the same guy from the Seattle game), Johnson is not an every down player, McCargo seems to have regressed, and Williams is just above average, although I applaud his effort.  Granted, while it’s still better than the play from last year’s foursome, it’s still lacking.  And that has had an effect on our DEs…

I won’t go much into the poor DE play here – after all, many of you guys have covered it already.  And I agree for the most part.  The part where I disagree is that many of you clamor for a speed rushing DE.  Allegedly, that’s what Schoebel and Kelsay were supposed to be.  I ask/wish for better DE play too.  I just wonder why so many of you are so adverse to larger DEs.  They can rush the passer too, and they usually play the run better.  You play the run better on 1st/2nd downs, I guarantee you have a better pass rush on 3rd downs…

Now, if you are going to address improving the DEs, please tell me how you are going to do so.  Don’t just say, “We need better DEs.”  Contractually, they are bound to the ones they have right now.  Just playing Ellis is not the answer.  Keep in mind, this is a guy who can’t beat out a guy named Copeland for a roster spot.   If you’re going to bring in another guy and let one of these guys go, you will take a hit to the cap.  That’s not in line with this regime’s accountants…

I like Ellison.  I really do.  But, I don’t think he’s a starter.  And more importantly, I don’t think the Bills do either.  Given how Zona gave up the blueprint on how to beat the Bills, I think it’s safe to say we may see a lot more nickel coverage going forward, sans Ellison. 

I really am growing impatient with Hardy.  I understand that it takes time for a rookie WR to learn the pro game.  But to me, it just seems like he lolly-gags it too much.  I never see him play with a sense of desperation.   But I guess why would you, when your leader is…

Lee Evans.  Class act.  I won’t argue that whatsoever.  But does he really merit 9 million a year?  Not at all.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – he’s not a number one WR. 

As to the Gonzalez rumors, I’d love to have him here.  But, I wouldn’t give up a day one pick or a “player” for him.  I know the Bills need improved play from the TE spot.  But first and foremost, they need improved play from the WR spot.  Reed has been ok so far, but we all know he’s not the answer.

In the old “If I knew then what I know now” category….

Would the Bills have drafted McKelvin had they known Youboty would have stepped his game up a notch?  For that matter, would Reggie Corner been picked as well?

If they really didn’t “like” Crowell, why didn’t they address this spot more through FA and/or the draft?  Why didn’t they try and get something for Crowell?  Please don’t say drafting Alvin Bowen was the answer.  And please don’t say it was something that came up suddenly.  When you don’t like someone, you know it right off of the bat.  They didn’t decide to not like him the week before the opener..

If you could do the draft again, would you really go McKelvin, Hardy, Ellis, Fine, and Corner?  I don’t think I would….

Why did JP abandon buffalolives.org?  I’ve asked this question several times.  No one wants to answer it.  Please, someone have the guts to do so.