As the fourth quarter unfolded, I said to myself … “we’ve got a quarterback”. This kid was on the money. And the next time I hear about arm strength I’m going to scream. His ability to nail the 17 yard out (or in) has been killing defenses. I think back to last year’s pass against the Redskins and all offseason I wondered if that was one flukie play or was it a sign. Then there was the preseason Steelers game. Then the key passes to Evans in the opener. Then last week and this week. This kid has a basket of those “Redskins” throws uder his belt now. He’s for real! When you listen to him describe it after the game, he has an incredible grasp of where everyone is supposed to be (our guys and their guys). I’m not sure you can teach that skill. Studying will hone it, but some guys will never acquire that skill. He’s 24, he’s got it, and he’s going to a Bill for 12 years.

In the Jags and Raiders games, the Bills offense has run a combined 15 times and passed 30. The opponents have stacked the box 8 times (53.3) and blitzed only 4 (13). The defenses have been allowing Edwards time to look at the coverage, go through multiple reads, make the correct decision, and step into accurate throws. Defenses will start bringing the heat on Edwards in the 4th quarter during close games. Buffalo certainly didn’t handle it very well early in the Raiders game…

If you really want a reason for optimism, think about the fact that Edwards dropped back 47 times yesterday. 47! He didn’t have an INT (Evans’ two fumbles weren’t on Edwards.) or even really come close to having an INT. The only time I can recall a Raider even having a shot at the ball was when Evans ran a different hot route than Edwards was expecting and, even then, the defender was facing the pass and still couldn’t get close enough to keep it from one-hopping to him. When Edwards made his decisions they were the right ones. When he threw the ball it was generally accurate, three overthrows and a couple of knuckleballs aside.

If your’e looking for an expression of pessimism, head on over to www.despair.com and check out their Demotivators and Pessimist’s Mug.

I was watching a little of the ESPN pregame stuff (I flip between the big 3, and when 1 gets too annoying I switch to one of the others), Steve Young commented on how good Trent has looked and even went as far as to say, “Don’t be surprised if Trent Edwards makes the Pro-Bowl”

Young seems to be one of the few guys in Bristol who I can stand, (he coined the phrase J-E-T-S – JUST-END-THE-SEASON) But it may be a little early for that kind of talk. I do like it though.

Trent seems to have a knack for getting it done in the fourth quarter. Good thing to have in a QB, just wish that they didn’t wait until the 4th to score all those points. That said, it was a good win, reminiscent of the Bills teams from the late ’80’s & early ’90’s.

I was hoping for no-huddle from the middle of the 3rd quarter on. Although the Bills didn’t go that far, they did seem to play at a faster pace. This helped Trent get into a rhythm and wind the previously superb Raiders D. I don’t understand why they didn’t do it sooner.

Also, they took too much time to run a play after the tipped ball interference call. Reversing the call on the field was correct, but they (Trent/Turk) should have been aware of the situation and run a quick play. I don’t like the idea of taking advantage of a bad call, but it works both ways in the course of a game (e.g. Hall’s ripping the ball out of an obviously downed Lee Evans).

Trent is taking an Eli Manning-esque road to stardom. He looks solid or decent for much of the game, will have his fair share of mistakes, but amazingly turns it on in the 4th Q and becomes a HOF’er. I absolutely LOVE IT! Good QB’s perform best when the lights are brightest and Trent seems to be doing just that.

He does have a ways to go though. Early in games, he seems to struggle a bit more with his accuracy. Not sure why, but he’s had one excellent start and two poor starts thus far this year.

I really want to see the slant incorporated in this offense more. I think that’s a pattern Trent and our WR’s would excel at once they get enough experience doing it enough times….