A few fleeting thoughts I need to get out of my head

Jeff Garcia doesn’t know the offense and you simply cannot put him in the same locker room with TO. TO gets a lot of flack for being a disruption, but Garcia doesn’t have a good reputation of being a team guy in the locker room either.

I actually think Tebow is the prototypical QB. Great size and athletic ability and probably has the strongest arms of all the QBs who are likely to declare. The problem with Tebow is that he is a third round prospect, but it seems like some team is going to fall in love with him and draft him in the first round. If Pat White can go in the 2nd round, than Tebow probably won’t be there in the third. I think he’s a third round prospect because his footwork is atrocious (and I mean his ability to step towards his receivers when he throws and not that he plays in a shutgun), his mechanics are slow and a little funky and most importantly, not only does that Florida offense leave him very unprepared to learn an offense and read defenses in the NFL, he’s going to have to unlearn that UF offense before he can make any real progress on reading defenses.

I think the Bills would be nuts to pass on a potential franchise QB in the first round. I’m not saying I definitely want them to go QB, but if a QB is anywhere near being the best player available, I think he’s an easy choice.

Watch out for those Spurs too. Ginobili and Parker are healthy, Jefferson and McDyess were good additions, they’ve got some good young players on their bench (Roger Mason, George Hill) and some quality vets too (Michael Finley, Matt Bonner) and Tim Duncan is still a great player. Portland has a shot, but I think those young guys need to continue to improve for them to challenge LA or SA.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 28, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Kobe factor

is too intense. I just don’t see anyone on Portland’s team that body up to Kobe and make him work the last five minutes of a playoff game when Kobe decides to take over and then with Ron Artest . . .lights out. I hate the Lakers too and worshipped Portland. I was the biggest Drexler fan ever. I like San Antonio with the depth they’ve added. I still think, though, that Boston will be hard to beat.

BTW, Edwards is a much better gamble than anyone coming out of college. All we need is a for this line to grow up and Edwards will always throw a high percentage and manage a game well. I haven’t come close to giving up on the kid. He’s the type who gets better with age.

by Ono on Oct 28, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on Kobe. Especially the way the rest of that roster can wear you out all game long, it almost becomes too easy for Kobe to win games late.

Edwards is a much better gamble than anyone coming out of college.

I guess that’s true, but it’s true in the same sense that betting on red or black gives you a better chance of winning in roullette than picking a number does. Edwards has a good shot grow into a solid starter, but I think all of the top college guys have a better shot at winning a Super Bowl than Edwards.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 29, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto on the Garcia comment from Kaisertown.

Don’t like Tebow or any QB in college that is a “winner” by scrambling around and getting TD’s with his feet. I like the prototypical Pocket passer. Slow, 5.5 40yd dash, can make ALL the throws on the field and has decent mechanics (delivery and footwork). I am a firm believer you dont pass on a franchise QB, but I also believe this really only applies to the first 10 picks (or 11 in our case).

Scrambling QB’s in college get used to winning by running when things get rough. In the NFL you may win some games with your feet. But in the end, you need to be able to make throws in a collapsing pocket. I’m not saying college scramblers can’t become good QB’s (ie McNabb), but i think the bust rate is higher (Vick, Young) with this prospect type. I think the above avg arm college QB who shows decent mechanics with clutch wins by throwing for TD’s is my kind of guy. Obviously I just described the dream QB prospect, but I think some of these types of Qbs can be had later in the draft. When interviewing them they need to have the “it” factor (like RRyan saw in Sanchez) and some swagger.

QB’s who fall past the first 10 picks usually have more “risks” asociated to there game than the Top picks. If they didnt, teams would trade up for them (pro point Cutler, con point Boller). I Think teams get to enamored with the rocket arm and tend to think they can teach “leadership abilities”. I believe the “It” factor comes with winning clutch games. To me, college QB’s from losing teams will take longer to come along.

How many years can we go without making the playoffs...eventually the odds go in your favor.........right?!?!?

by Rudy916 on Oct 28, 2009 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man..i eff ing HATE the Lakers…and anybody who wears Laker gear for that matter

Ok..seeing that we need a new QB on deck next season..N.O. wont part with Drew Brees i bet next year but i def..would give a LONG and HARD look at bring Tebow on board…however we’d have to trade up to get his pick cuz i’m sure he’ll be gone with in the first 5 picks…10 would be a gasp for his high profile name
I would NOT pick bradford..his arm might fall off in Mini Camp..then what good would he be to us…NONE

to the coachs…um i think Dick should get his pen ready to sign those papers if the Bills dont step it into high gear…and any coach that wants a job or looking for a new club can toss their card toward 1Bills Drive cuz they may get called for an interview….

Malcom De King Numba 70 DE yaaadddaamean!

by nyckidd on Oct 29, 2009 1:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1.) Like Kaiser said, you cant put Garcia and TO in the same lockerroom – didn’t TO publicly tell reporters he thought Garcia was a homosexual and then chide him for it? The last thing we need is that type of 6th grade back and forth in a pro locker room.

2.) I would definitely use a second roudner on Tebow. I think he gets downplayed as this bizarrely terrible pro prospect and I dont agree. I think he is worth a flier especially in tihs draft. Why? I don’t think there will be any QBs worth using a first half of the first round pick on. I think the QB class isn’t that great and I can’t really think of a QB off the top of my head I would definitely love to have in the first round 2010. That scares me.

In the first round I want to go defense. Some players I like in rounds 1 and 2: Sergio Kindle, Greg Hardy, Sean Witherspoon, Terrence Cody, George Selvie, Brandon Graham. Obviously Suh but we wont get a pick that high .

Knicks will get Lebron.

The no huddle is gone, please sign tackles Runyan, Jones or Walker

by poz on Oct 29, 2009 3:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s more imporant that we handle a Tackle and a QB before we hit defense in the draft. Probably just a couple decent Linebackers and maybe a DT or two will fix us up fine.

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Oct 29, 2009 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A 2nd round pick isn't "a flier" though

Especially picking in the top third of that round

Everyone talks about Tebow being this amazing leader, and I’m not disputing that, but how will that work out on a team that isn’t superior athletically or skill-wise to its opponent like Florida is every week? His skills, which include mediocre passing skills and poor mechanics, have to be able to get the job done and elevate his team. I’m not sure he has those abilities, yet. His leadership skills can only take him so far in the NFL.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Oct 29, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m wondering about those leadership skills too. How is an NFL team going to respond to a strong leader if Tebow is forced into action early, overwhelmed by being unable to read an NFL defense and taking off, relying on his legs every other play. I don’t think veteran players will rally around Tebow until he proves he can succeed.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 29, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t foresee Tebow coming into a pro team and acting as he does now.

Let’s say he’s drafted by Buffalo and Edwards remains the starter. He was in a similar situation his freshman year with Chris Leak: he was second string behind an average starter who he was clearly more talented than. But he recognized his role and that it was Leak’s team.

To me, leadership is vocal and actions, not one or the other. Tebow has a history of performing well under pressure, and I think he’s mentally tough enough for what he’s about to do in the NFL. And he’s smart- so he knows that he can’t be the UF Tebow until he actually does something.

I kind of see him progressing as such:

rookie year: 3rd string, clipboard in hand, fixing his flaws, learning and staying quiet.

2nd year: still learning, 2nd string with a shot at starting depending on the situation.

3rd year: ready to play, but with the sophomore Tebow attitude- vocal but not the vocal leader we see now, but becoming more vocal as he proves himself and responds to pressure.

by Der Jaeger on Oct 29, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That makes total sense. You’re right, Tebow shouldn’t have any problems fitting into a locker room. I’ve seen some people bring up the christian thing, but I think the NFL has a much bigger religous core than people think. Although a different league, Dwight Howard is a guy who comes to mind who was super religous when he entered the NBA and people expressed concerns that it could rub guys the wrong way, but it doesn’t seem like it has in the slightest. I don’t think Tebow will have any problems doing or saying the right things and I think if a coaching staff handles him correctly he isn’t that risky.

My concern is about what will happen if a coaching staff doesn’t handle him correctly. What if Buffalo drafts him and the fans are calling for him to start halfway through the preseason? He is going to be such a loved player that any team with a bad starter is going to have a very difficult time keeping him off the field. And I actually don’t think that Tebow will be smart enough to not take off and slam himself into a linebacker every other play if he’s playing during his rookie year. If Tebow is asked to play early, I think he could be a mess and depending on how bad it goes, it could hurt him long term.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 30, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

heres what im thinking

if we do draft Tebow it probably means we have a new coaching staff. In my opinion, a new, first time coach wont take the gamble on Tebow and probably wouldn’t be able to handle the fan pressure to play him. If we get a Shanahan in here – or even a strong, experienced GM – I think they will be more inclined to draft him and not cave to fan pressure knowing their resume buys them the seasons they need to build a winner from the owner.

The no huddle is gone, please sign tackles Runyan, Jones or Walker

by poz on Oct 30, 2009 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree..

… that the team that picks Tebow needs to have everything lined up perfect:

1.) Starter in place for at least one season

2.) HC and offensive staff that’s going to be around at least three years.

3.) Create an NFL type system on offense (no tailoring to Tebow initially) and don’t change it.

McNabb’s progress really beneifitted from 2 and 3 in Philly.

by Der Jaeger on Oct 30, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually,

Tebow is the only potential QB in this draft class that I kind of like. Why? Because I wish this offense were already tailored to fit his game. I wish that we had a power-running Pittsburgh stereotype of a team that didn’t ask for the QB to do too much, especially in the second half of the season when the weather turns crappy. We have two great running backs that we are barely using at the moment, and our secondary looks to be ready to go for the next few years. We have some young maulers up front on the offensive line that will grow together, although obv. our OT’s leave something to be desired.

To be honest, QB is kind of low on my priority list, but I think a guy like Tebow could come in and sit for a year and then succeed if we shore up our lines. If we focus on our defensive front seven and build ourselves up into a semblence of a punishing, Baltimore/Pitt style D and get the running game going I think any college QB with a lick of confidence, smarts, talent and a wee bit of coaching could be set up for success. Too much to ask?

by k8 on Oct 30, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good points

I think Tebow is smart enough to know understand that he can’t be a FB-style runner in the NFL. McNabb really harnessed his skills as a runner to keep plays alive as a passer. Jay Culter had over 100 rushing attempts every year in his college career, and ran for over 1,000 yards in college, but has abandoned deliberate QB running in the NFL. Tebow will transition his skills similarly IMO.

Addressed leadership with Kasiertown below.

by Der Jaeger on Oct 29, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or above

by Der Jaeger on Oct 29, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. Does anyone here really want the Bills to make the playoffs? That would probably keep Jauron around and screw our draft up.

2. If Tebow is a Buffalo Bill next year I’m switching to the Broncos. That would definately be the last straw. That guy is going to bust so hard it’s going to hurt his ancestors. He’s in a shotgun spread offense, has the wonkiest mechanics I’ve ever seen, runs every damn play and is an intolerant holier-than-thou douchebag otherwise.

3. LOL TRAILBLAZERS. You really think you guys can compete with the Nuggets with Glass Knees Oden leading your team?

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Oct 29, 2009 4:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Judging from statement 1,

Does anyone here really want the Bills to make the playoffs?

and statement 2,

If Tebow is a Buffalo Bill next year I’m switching to the Broncos.

Why don’t you switch now? If the drafting of one player breaks your fandom, might as well release the burden of being a Bills fan now, save your sanity. We here obviously hope the Bills make the playoffs, regardless of the draft position. Realistically speaking a lot has to turn around for that to happen, but we still hope for it. Even to get a taste of the playoffs would bring such joy to my heart.

by syrbillsfan on Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Bills make the playoffs, why wouldn’t you want them to keep Jauron? Wouldn’t he have accomplished what you hoped a Bills could could accomplish?

I don’t get the mentality of people who want a team to lose to be rid of a coach. Who’s to say that even if the Bills landed a “Bill Cowher” they’d succeed. He could flop, just like Joe Gibbs did as Redskins Coach pt. 2.

Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.

by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 29, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I want them to make the playoffs, even if that means keeping Jauron for another year. I’m sick and tired of meaningless January’s. It’d be nice to be relevant again.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Oct 29, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d rather take another season off from the playoffs than ruin any long term hopes we might have of SUSTAINING a playoff caliber team.

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Oct 29, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some might say a playoff berth means a lot for the future of this franchise….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Oct 29, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, if we make the playoffs it won’t be on the backs of cagey old vets looking to eke out another year of significance. It’ll mean that our young defensive core has gotten better and the O-line has improved drastically.

by Dr. Brackish Okun on Oct 31, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly. It would mean we got some decent QB play too. At least it would be good enough that Buffalo wouldn’t have to reach on one in the draft or force a rookie into action early next season. Unless you really hate Jauron, I don’t see how making the playoffs wouldn’t be a great thing.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 31, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone here really want the Bills to make the playoffs?

Yes. The Bills won’t make the playoffs the way they are playing now, so for them to make the playoffs, they will need to improve and that is a very, very good thing.

I’m not a fan of Tebow as a prospect, but I actually think he would be a really easy guy to root for. I’m sure I could get behind a Tebow led Bills team.

Gotta love Mello. He gave us Cuse fans a really special season.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Oct 29, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Portland made a nice signing in Andre Miller. He should definitely help that young team out. Roy is excellent and Aldridge has developed into a nice player. I like their young players in Fernandez, Webster and Outlaw. However, I feel that that team is missing another scoring presence. How do you feel about Oden? I think he stinks.

Tonight’s game against Denver is going to be a good one. I don’t normally look forward to many NBA games, but that’s one of them. I enjoy watching Denver play and follow them a bit, so I’m definitely interested. I think Portland is probably fighting for the 4th/5th seed again against the likes of Houston, NO and maybe Utah with LA, SA, Denver ahead of them for now. That’ll be a nice division race between them, Denver and Utah though.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Oct 29, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Between Steve Blake’s decent 3-point threat, Joel Pryzbilla’s hustle points, and all of the guys you mentioned, I think the offense has enough scoring potential to keep up with almost anyone this year…if they can stay out of foul trouble. They are quite able to beat themselves right now, as we saw last night. Denver is a tough bunch, though. I take nothing from them.

As far as Oden goes: (watching almost every game last year helped me get to know his tendencies, and) he does show promise. The problem is his propensity to be streaky. The kid can get 4 fouls in the first 8 minutes, and then be a non-factor (even a liability.) He doesn’t seem to have the mindset that gets him past plateaus, so when he is down, it usually takes a while for him to build up a head of steam. The guy is a gentle giant…someone to cheer for in life, and hope for his development.

On the other hand, he is deceptively athletic, and is learning how to get the little things done more consistently. As he gains respect from the referees, he has potential to be one of the better inside defenders in the league. He hasn’t shown any special range with his shot, but close-in, he has quick, powerful moves. All-in-all, it’s hard to say that he will be the glue of the franchise, but in a few seasons, he could be the rock in the middle of a champion team.

Sweet home Orchard Park.
jb

by thurman on Oct 30, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good comments - forgot about the Garcia / Owens feud

Yeah, don’t want that kind of drama or distraction. I was just thinking of what QB out there might help Jauron keep his job. I’m not a huge Jauron fan, but if somehow we make the playoffs, then I can change my mind. I want us to make the playoffs, and I always want the Bills to win every game. What I don’t want is going 9-7, 8-8 or 7-9 and keeping Jauron. Playoffs or wholesale changes please.

UZ, Oden is not our leader. It’s Brandon Roy. He is a stud. Seeing him operate in person is awesome. I’ve seen him win games on both offense and defense. He is strong willed and wants to win no matter what. We’ll see tonight how Portland and Denver stack up this year. Oh, and UZ, I’d take a clean, good guy who can play any time. I’d rather have Kurt Warner’s talent and preaching than someone who’s getting in trouble or bringing a lot of turmoil.

by o.c.blazerfan on Oct 29, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs