Titans 41, Bills 17: Week 10 Film Session

by Brian Galliford on Nov 16, 2009 8:32 AM EST in News Comment 94 comments

John Russell - AP

Call this ripping the band-aid off quickly, or pinching your nose to avoid the bad taste. I typically run film reviews on Tuesdays, but I couldn't force myself to watch a second of Buffalo Bills football on an otherwise valuable Monday evening. So this is the short, get-it-over-with-quickly version of what we usually do on Tuesdays. I sincerely doubt many of you will mind, given the sad state of affairs that was the Bills' 41-17 loss yesterday to the Tennessee Titans.

To discuss (briefly): Trent Edwards and the quarterbacks, Alex Van Pelt, the offensive line, John McCargo, the linebackers, Jairus Byrd and Dick Jauron.

On Trent Edwards and the quarterbacks. Edwards' numbers weren't as awful as they've been before on Sunday (18/28, 185 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), but if you watch closely, you see a quarterback that is completely and utterly shell-shocked, and it's leading to breakdowns in his game. He's even struggling to take the snap and cleanly get into his drop consistently. His throws, particularly in the second half, were erratic and lacked precision. Edwards doesn't play like he trusts anyone - his line, his receivers, or himself. Yes, he made a few big plays in the passing game - and yes, he's still clearly a much better quarterback than Ryan Fitzpatrick - but I'm ready to officially declare him the latest in a long line of failed experiments at quarterback in Buffalo.

On the Wildcat and Alex Van Pelt. Folks - it really, really sucks to be Alex Van Pelt. Get that into your head. The man has proven this season that he knows how to set big plays up. Terrell Owens' reverse for a TD? Set up by Van Pelt's faking the reverse. Fred Jackson's Wildcat TD throw to Lee Evans? Set up by Van Pelt's extended use of it on back-to-back plays over the last two games. The man clearly has a knack for setting the table for his players to execute. But his players rarely execute, and his offensive line's enormous amount of miscues and terrible quarterback play overshadows his solid play-calling. As you recall, Van Pelt was made the offensive coordinator just days prior to this season after the firing of Turk Schonert. Now, with Dick Jauron's tenure in Buffalo likely to last only another seven games, Van Pelt's one shot to be an NFL coordinator might be wasted despite his putting in some good efforts.

On the offensive line. No, Andy Levitre was not OK at left tackle, folks. There's a reason the Bills drafted him to play guard - he's a good player, but he's not an NFL-caliber tackle. He struggled on the edge. But to be fair, Levitre wasn't the only one who struggled. Edwards was sacked twice and forced to scramble or throw the ball away at least another half-dozen times. The line as a whole committed another five false starts, which has gotten to the point where the penalties are so redundant that it's laughable. There is solid talent up front, but when are these guys going to start showing that they get it?

On John McCargo. Given this was the ninth game in McCargo's fourth season as a pro, it's probably too late to expect him to stay in Buffalo based on any of a number of solid performances he has a chance to put up the rest of the season. He's been a complete non-factor after the Bills drafted him in the first round in 2006, but to his credit, he came to play on Sunday. McCargo may have been Buffalo's best defensive lineman in Tennessee; I realize that isn't saying much, given the dominant performance of Chris Johnson, but McCargo piled up five tackles and was far more active than he's ever been in his career. Clearly, the performance will likely fall under the "too little, too late" umbrella, but McCargo is good enough to kick around in this league for a while as a reserve.

On the play of the linebackers, Poz in particular. I know everyone here is very anti-Paul Posluszny at the moment. Poz had another typical week, finding himself behind plays far too often and making himself a factor in the backfield far too infrequently. Many will continue to point out his ugly missed tackle in the fourth quarter that led to Johnson's second TD, which also happened to be the game-winning points. He's very obviously having an awful season. I still think he's a legitimate NFL-caliber starting linebacker. He might even be able to do it at middle linebacker, but the Tampa 2 is not his friend. His talents are wasted in a gap-control defense. Poz needs to be in a system similar to Minnesota's, where he's got massive tackles in front of him and can flow to the football in a more natural manner. He'll never be a dominant defender, but we don't have enough information to condemn him further than "he's having a bad season."

As for the rest of the linebackers? Not much to say. I thought Bryan Scott did about as well as could have been reasonably expected playing a new position. Even with the healthy return of Kawika Mitchell in 2010, this position is still very obviously the Achilles heel of Buffalo's defense.

On Jairus Byrd. Go vote this kid into the Pro Bowl. He's now got eight interceptions on the season after picking off Vince Young, giving him the NFL lead as well as picks in each of his last five games. He might be the elite ball hawk in the NFL, at least this season. Rarely do you see rookies make the most of their opportunities. Byrd is still very much a one-dimensional presence - he struggled against the run once again yesterday - but Buffalo might actually have an elite player on their team. He just produces.

On Dick Jauron. After guiding the Bills to a 24-32 record in his first 56 games as head coach of the Bills, this game may have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Jauron. No, the team didn't look discernibly better or worse than it has all season, but for the first time with the team, Jauron coached as if he had little to no confidence in his team on the whole. The decision to decline a holding penalty and let Rob Bironas kick a 51-yard field goal to give the Titans a 27-17 lead spoke solely of a complete lack of confidence in his defense. The decision to pull Edwards late in the fourth quarter for no glaringly apparent reason spoke of a man who literally has run out of options at the game's most critical position and is just flying by the seat of his pants. Jauron is a professional, and he'll get all he can from his troops over the next seven weeks. After that, the odds of Jauron being in Buffalo are astonishingly small.

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a. do you assume that when jauron goes, avp goes too?

is it possible that poz just isn’t preparing enough? I saw several times yesterday where both him and scott went left with just the slightest glimmer of a playfake, and then the ball was run back to the other side through the giant gaping hole that he left. I would think some of those things are correctable in the case of a guy who watches a ton of tape.

c. Assuming that mitchell comes back healthy – that injury, at that position, usually takes some extra recovery. See sean merriman in san diego. (in before BUT THAT WAS STEROIDS!!!!)

d. listening to rich gannon mutter “unbelievable” about 15 times into an open mic yesterday was all you need to know about the amateur status of our team. For our lineman to be woefully inept at blocking and not cohesive as a unit is one thing. For them to take, what, 5 or 6 false start penalties every game? That just means they don’t belong.

by quantumuprising on Nov 16, 2009 8:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

oh stupid b.

by quantumuprising on Nov 16, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s a foregone conclusion that AVP goes when Jauron does. For a new coach to come in and retain AVP would be an odd choice to say the least. He has shown promise as a play-caller, but his offense still ranks about dead last in every category. That’s not good for him.

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Nov 16, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It wouldn’t be overly strange if AVP was retained as the QB coach, though. Probably still unlikely, but not out of the question.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 16, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True

He isn’t really in any position to turn down any job offered to him at this point.

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Nov 16, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cause he did a great job with Trent, Fitz, and J.P.?

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG

by MattRichWarren on Nov 18, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know his stuff. He’s done some things as OC – perfect setups on Owens’ reverse TD and Freddie’s Wildcat TD toss, for example.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 18, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But you’re not talking about him retaining that job, are you? :-) I really like AVP. I’m just saying I don’t know if he is the most qualified guy since he has to this point been unsuccessful.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG

by MattRichWarren on Nov 18, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In reaction to B, that’s been the problem all year. Every single time a player goes to one side the entire Defense seems to commit to that side,so playfakes work for 5-20 yards every time against our D.

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, but the plays in question that i saw weren’t even real playfakes. There were a couple where vince turned around to hand the ball off; poz went left for some reason, and then johnson was free.

by quantumuprising on Nov 17, 2009 8:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone know

What T.O. was blowing up about on the sidelines after he got called for the motion penalty (I think in the second quarter)? He just seemed out of it completely on that play, and then was furious about something when he got off the field.

The whole thing just screams dysfunctionality, and I have to think a lot of this comes back to the coaches. For example: The OL is not really gelling. OK, there have been injuries, but the penalties just keep coming. Edwards has officially regressed, just like the guy before him. We are getting blown out in the second half/fourth quarter of games.

And there are just so many needs on this team for us to be really competitive, just in our own division. It’s hard to tell where to begin.

by Applsoss on Nov 16, 2009 8:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think TO was mad about not being included in the play….trent called the play and stepped up to the line without really letting TO know what was going on, so instead of adapting, terrel was just walking around trying to find the right spot.

by quantumuprising on Nov 16, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Owens put his hand up to the ref in an inquiry to see if he was lined up properly. The ball was snapped before the ref could respond, thus the procedure call. I’m certain that played a part in Owens’ irritation in that particular circumstance.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 16, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We need a new o-line coach

On the o-line not really gelling by this point in the season, it seems to me that a lot of that has to be on Sean Kugler. He needs to work with them on basics like the snap count and on how to handle stunts by the d-line they are facing, yet they are still not doing those things in mid-November. To be fair to Kugler whoever was coaching the o-line this year was going to have a tall assignment, but the situation screamed out for making sure the guy doing it had a lot of NFL experience, but Kugler is virtually a rookie himself. The real fault for having him remain as o-line coach (instead of dropping back to the assistant position where he belonged) of course belongs to Jauron.

One minor thing. I for one am willing to forgive Demetrius Bell his false start penalty. His knee injury came on the previous play when he helped clear the way for a three yard gain by Fred Jackson. If you look at the tape you will see that he came up limping. He probably should have taken himself out of the game but I’m sure he was aware that we were incredibly short on OT’s and tried to stay in, then overcompensated by trying to get a jump on his opponent. He left the field on the following play and went straight for the locker room.

by Macktruck on Nov 16, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's depressing

When you are as negative as I am. I personally find it really depressing this year because I predicted this would happen last December when DJ was retained. I knew hope would be drained from us like blood is drained by a corpse in the morgue, slowly but surely.

Let me be the first to welcome you to this side of the fence. It’s not fun but it’s what it is.

I have nothing left to say, these Bills have sucked me dry of any hope. Loosing to a team that completes 2-17 for 23y with 1 INT, that is beyond pitiful!

by keysh67 on Nov 16, 2009 9:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: It's Depressing

keys67—-you and about 90% of the Bills fans I know predicted the same out come. As for myself I hate to admit it but I felt 10-6 or 9-7 was within reach. I drank the kool-aide…

"If you don't have good habits you have bad habits there are no in between habits"

by Goose22 on Nov 16, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I figured 9-7 was possible too

Though another 7-9 was more likely. So this has been a disappointing year. Still, I’ll never feel sorry for being an optimist in September. It just gives you a springtime feeling in the fall.

by Applsoss on Nov 16, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's to hoping

for 7 more losses. The new regime needs to start out on a good foot with draft day.

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Nov 16, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I picked 5-11

because of a tougher schedule……..but it’s still discouraging to watch each week, even if I don’t expect them to win over a 16-game season. There’s always a glimmer of hope we’ll win on any given week. I’ll say this – most of our games win or lose, have been close heading into the final quarter. Nothing’s worse than looking forward to a game each Sunday and then being blown out by halftime. At least that hasn’t happened..

The most discouraging thing for me right now is that I see no hope for this team, unlike years past when we were down.

The only way the Buffalo Bills are going to win back fans this winter is by signing a really big-name coach, like a Bill Cowher, who also is given the reins to the run the show…..and Ralph won’t do that. Thus, the sellouts will stop and it’s hard tot see a light at the end the tunnel for this current organization.

by ccthemovieman on Nov 16, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My original prediction before the year was 3-13.

oops.

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I must say that having disengaged myself from this team weeks ago (Cleveland game to be exact) has made my Sundays so much more pleasant. I still watch the games and still attend the home games but I do not get mad or disgusted. The team is playing the way it needs to for Jauron to get fired and that is what needs to happen. fire jauron and hire a legitimate football GM. that will be a step in the right direction.

by gatornation on Nov 16, 2009 9:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

problem with this though.......

I have no faith that this will happen.

fire jauron and hire a legitimate football GM. that will be a step in the right direction

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually thought the Bills did a decent job against the run yesterday, with the exceptions being the misdirection plays and the option-ish plays.

Being consistently fooled on misdirection game after game and season after season is incredibly frustrating.

The Bills need more talent, but I don’t think they’re as far away as others might.

by Pistol on Nov 16, 2009 9:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

just when

you think it can’t get any worse….it does. Many of you on this site had the Bills pegged on a 5 win season and I laughed….now I’m thinking they’d be lucky to win 5 games. I’ve had enough. Edwards is a lost soul, and the front office clearly misevaluated the offensive talent on this team. I feel bad for DJ having to be a lame duck for 7 more games, and I hate the fact that we don’t have a QB of the future on this team. This franchise, has to start over, but unfortunately I don’t see Ralph doing anything but bringing in another retread….This almost makes me long for the Donahoe days

MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens

by MARVelous on Nov 16, 2009 9:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Blame Jauron, yes, I agree, but . . .

We have a real talent deficit on this team. We need linebackers. We need OL help. We need a starting QB. Our attempt at jump-starting the pass rush with our first round draft pick may pan out next year, but this year hasn’t helped at all. Even Belichick would be working hard to get this team to .500, and I don’t think even he could do it. Jauron’s gone at the end of this year, and I’ve no problem with that. But we have a whole lot more problems than the coach.

by Applsoss on Nov 16, 2009 9:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It Will Get Worst!!!

If the 3 stooges (Guy, Modrake & Brandon) in the front office are not replaced the Bills will never move forward. The last game of the season is on 01/03—-Guy and Modrake should be relieved of duties that night or first thing Monday morning. Brandon has proved that he is a marketing guru and should be reassigned to strictly handle the marketing.

This team is in the worst shape since the back to back 2-14 seasons in 84 & 85. The front office, coaching staff and talent on the field is completely sub-par!! The organization needs a total revamping. Last time it was this bad Polian took over and completely changed the losing culture of the organization. It won’t be easy to find a competent GM but staying status quo will mean the team is only going to get worst (an yes it is possible)!!!

"If you don't have good habits you have bad habits there are no in between habits"

by Goose22 on Nov 16, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Each loss increases the probability and depth of the change this organization will go through. Donahoe hires, Guy and Modrak, need to go. Brandon is in a bit of a no win situation as a pseudo boss. He needs to be given more control (to bring in his own football guy to run the on-field operations). If he’s not going to be given the reins, than replace him with a respected football guy.

Despite his faults, Jauron would have much more success with the right talent in the front office. The man needs it as he doesn’t appear to be a good evaluator of talent himself, other than the defensive backfield…which is no surprise given his experience at the position.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Nov 16, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

More talent would help, but Jauron is still a terrible decision maker during games.

by Pistol on Nov 16, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve actually liked his recent aggressiveness, even if it hasn’t worked out. The fake punt against Cleveland was a disaster, but I don’t necessarily think it was a terrible decision—that is, putting the fate of the game on the special teams unit. However, putting the fate on the game on a slow developing reverse to Justin Jenkins of all people was a huge mistake.

However in fairness to your comment, Jauron has made many more bonehead calls than aggressive calls that were poorly executed. It’s only recently that Jauron has grown a set. The bigger issue I see with this coach has to do with the regression of many players, not just at the QB position. With good coaching, guys are supposed to get better right?

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Nov 16, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think that fake punt was good aggressiveness. If you’re going to try and pick up a first down in your own territory, why not leave it in the hands of your offense?

by quantumuprising on Nov 16, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Because Brian Moorman is a better QB than Trent?

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Because the offense has proven that it sucks. Special teams doesn’t suck at special teams and has had some success with the trick play.

If I were running the team I would have punted, but I don’t mind the decision to go for a fake punt as much as how it was planned and executed. I would have trusted Brian Moorman more than Jenkins…to either run or pass for the first down. And yes, at that point in the game, Moorman may have been a better QB option for that one first down than Trent.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Nov 16, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m sorry guys, I was thinking of the fake punt in the…houston? game that was just awful.

by quantumuprising on Nov 17, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This team is in the worst shape since the back to back 2-14 seasons in 84 & 85.

In what way? They are selling out every game. They has 50k+ season tickets. Plus the Bills were pretty bad when Gregg Williams went 3-13.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG

by MattRichWarren on Nov 18, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's just another lost season

Like expected when Jauron was retained. It’s tough to get upset anymore, unfortunately. I wish I could care and get fired up about these games again, and I hate feeling nothing when the game ends. It’s depressing.

If Van Pelt is good enough, he’ll get another shot down the line. Sucks for him, but hopefully he’ll learn from this and it makes him a better coach.

I don’t understand how anybody can be anti-Posluszny all of a sudden. It’s not like he’s regressed. This is the same player he’s been since he joined the Bills…unable to make plays, shed blocks, read and react quickly, etc. He plays hard and give his all, which is commendable. He just isn’t a very good NFL player. If he had more LB talent around him, meaning he was the 3rd best starter, he’d be much better off. It’s just too bad that he was being played up as some top notch LB, that just wasn’t fair to him.

I can’t believe there is still 7 more weeks of this garbage. I was excited about this season for exactly two weeks and it’s turned into a depressing, laugh filled day every Sunday. I’m so happy I have Sunday Ticket and can watch good football being played around the league. The Bills are sooooo far away compared to many of the teams in the league, but there remains that flicker of hope that Wilson will actually hire a GM that can get things done.

At least it’ll be another fun college basketball season!

~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 Nov 16, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

7 more weeks of this garbage…plus the entire offseason to stew on it. The Benny Hill gang’s going to have a hell of a time selling this team as a winner next year, regardless of who’s coaching and playing for them.

This mess will take much longer than an offseason to fix. That’s okay, as long as they go about things the right way for once.

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

by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 16, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and I hate feeling nothing when the game ends. It’s depressing

no kidding right – that’s exactly where I am right now.

I don’t understand how anybody can be anti-Posluszny all of a sudden. It’s not like he’s regressed

well I think it’s because we all wanted him to be better than he actually was and after his injuries we all thought he could become dominant. yesterday he was pretty awful – I think most fans get that now – he’s clearly mediocre.

Also, Poz is waaaaay too slow

TO pissed me off a few times yesterday – after the throw that Trent threw about 20 yds over his head the threw one low and TO didn’t even give try for it. Sorry but I don’t care what the score is or the situation – he was a baby right there – a little whiny bitch.

I hate to rehash this – but c’mon coaches. we lead the NFL in o-line penalties and come out after our bye week and still create 5 penalties – that’s just unacceptable.

I hope Mayok is right that our guards are going to be good one day – because our line isn’t very good.

THANK YOU FOR WHOEVER DECIDED TO GIVE FRED MORE CARRIES

Fred is playing much better than Lynch right now.

Nice pick – Byrd – again….

I laughed when Trent got pulled – not sure why they pulled him there – he’s been playing that way for a long time.
Did anyone listen to the post game interviews with Trent? makes me want to puke – he was asked if he was surprised he was pulled and he says “well no, that’s the coaches bla bla bla” what a loser.

I’m officially taking Trent off of my sig – he’s got no fire, no balls and NO CHANCE.

Trent Edwards - Backup QB until furthur notice

by J2 on Nov 16, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trent

He looks scared out there, or maybe that he doesn’t care. Whatever it is, his lack of fire and emotion are no way to lead at the QB position. He just doesn’t look like a guy who can rally his teammates when things get tough. Maybe someday, but it won’t be here.

One of the few reasons to continue watching this team is to see if Byrd can keep getting INT’s!

~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 Nov 16, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The only bright star in a dark cloudy sky

I have nothing left to say, these Bills have sucked me dry of any hope. Loosing to a team that completes 2-17 for 23y with 1 INT, that is beyond pitiful!

by keysh67 on Nov 16, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously – I just wait for his pick – sure they aren’t the greatest throws – but that’s not the FS job – he’s doing pretty darn good if you ask me

I use to root for a terrible team - now I just watch other football games and enjoy football again.

by J2 on Nov 16, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And he almost had two! He just missed diving for one early in the game.

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Nov 16, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think there was a penalty on us on that play so it would have been nullified anyway.

Not that that matters, I guess.

It’s funny how all you have to do is flash a semblance of talent on the Bills to have fans fall in love with you because of our horrible lack of talent and skill.

Byrd looks great out there, always seems to be in the right spot.

by nickfeely8 on Nov 16, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fred is playing much better than Lynch right now.

Unless you mean at QB, HAHAHAHAHno

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As much as people complain about Trent and Poz, we all know is the offensive line that is the root cause of most of the problems for this team. How the FO and coaching staff could conceive of this unit being competent speaks volumes about their capabilities. Yes, the young lineman have shown flashes of talent, but manner in which the line was constructed, especially the timing, was so ill-conceived. And because of the FO structure, I don’t know if any one individual is more to blame. I do know that Jauron simply cannot evaluate offensive talent, but at the minimum, he should be given some support.

After watching portions of the Bills debacle, I made sure I watched the Sunday Night game between the Patriots and Colts so I could remind myself what an effective offense looks like. I almost forgot that 3rd down conversions can happen or that it’s possible for a team to march down the field to score in less than 3 minutes. By the way it was great seeing Belicheat’s bonehead decision blow up in his face…with no timeouts to challenge the close spot…that was just perfect!

The Bills are sooooo far away compared to many of the teams in the league

K, I think you missed a few o’s: the Bills are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo far away from the two teams I watched last night.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Nov 16, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well as this season progresses it does improve one thing – our chances of being high enough to possibly get a good QB.
Though I am still hopeful to get a DT/LB tandem in the first and second rounds.

I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City

by Ghetts on Nov 16, 2009 10:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

on voting for byrd for the pro bowl...

I would like to, but I just did the ballot on nfl.com and he’s not included at either safety spot, and I couldn’t find any spot to write-in a player…. on the plus side you can vote for jonathan scott at right tackle!

by eskimonate27 on Nov 16, 2009 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The pro bowl is for pro team players and unfortunately the Bills don’t qualify

I have nothing left to say, these Bills have sucked me dry of any hope. Loosing to a team that completes 2-17 for 23y with 1 INT, that is beyond pitiful!

by keysh67 on Nov 16, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

lol rec'd

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

I just posted the same thing below

by LABillsFan on Nov 16, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jauron's modus operendi

Jauron’s coaching is like watching House and his team diagnose the patient via autopsy. His “I need to see the film” comments are old(and obviously ineffective)

It is obvious (to me) that the coaching staff is regularly outcoached BECAUSE the opposition adjusts to what we do (albeit not much). We, however, "stick with the game plan" in a "damn the torpedoes" manner. Unfortunately, all too often our game plan is inept and team preparation abysmal. Given our 4th quarter swoons, perhaps conditioning too.
In the instances where an in game decision is needed, Jauron invariably "guesses" wrong. (Field goal attempt or penalty?). In that case, I think he sent a message to the defense, i.e. I don’t have the confidence that you can stop them. The game went soouth from there. Later, he pulls Edwards…for what? Making decisions is one thing. Making the right ones at the right time (during the game) is what coaches get paid to do. He is not doing that.
By his own admission, he is using hindsight to determine what should have been done, The sad part is, next week, he will not learn from this week. It’ll be the same s@$& different week.

by fansince60 on Nov 16, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

"I'm ready to officially declare him the latest in a long line of failed experiments at quarterback in Buffalo."

Sounds like DJ is too after listening to his post-game news conference. DJ, AVP, hopefully Brandon, Guy, Modrak, and even Ralph see that Trent is not the Franchise QB that we all hoped he’d be after the last experiment with JP Losman. Now Edwards had everything set up for him to succeed this year until the FO and Coaching staff decided to pull out the rug from under him and go with a new OL and inexperienced players.

Even with the poor FO and coaching decision making, I think Edwards really regressed last season after his first concussion… he was obviously thinking too much out there and couldn’t make plays consistently enough.

His personal lack of confidence and playmaking ability has really “sacked” our team this year. Even with a young OL and the injuries we have, some QB’s in the league can thrive in dire situations. Look at Tyler Thigpen last year… He was on a terrible KC team with no OL and running game. But this guy played at a high level in the second half of last year and make plays (some good and some not so good), but he was the guy doing it on the field… not a guy like Edwards that just seems to be “going through the motions out there…”

I blame our FO when it comes to recognizing Edwards inadequacies early enough. As soon as Pennington went down with an injury, bamm… Miami made the move for Thigpen even though they had Henne (an relatively young and unknown product), a new draft choice in Pat White, and then they go out and get a gun slinger in Thigpen.

If I were the FO, I’d be calling Miami for Thigpen and offering them a pick higher than what they gave up for him. It’d be worth it at this point because our OL isn’t getting any better and Edwards, Fitzpatrick or Hamden are not the answer for us in the future. Why not try somewhere else and see what we can do with it.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 16, 2009 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess I remain the only one on this blog who thinks it is not possible to evaluate Trent one way or another given the present conditions. That is also the opinion of Ed Kilgore (see his “As I See it” column on Matt’s round-up of web pieces on the Bills this a.m.). Kilgore says outright that the problem is pass protection and lack of a running game. As he puts it, Trent started out very well yesterday, but then “regressed” quickly in the course of the game after taking his usual pounding and facing continuous pressure. Kilgore points out that no QB could hold up well under that sort of onslaught, and I think he is right.

It’s possible that Trent is ruined as an NFL QB (the Bills have done that to a series of victims since Kelly left), but I’m not sure we can tell yet. It’s hard to recall now, but just two years ago we were all talking about how poised and cool he was under fire. People were comparing him to Joe Montana. Could he ever get back those attributes? Maybe not, but we don’t have any way to find out this year.

I would favor drafting a new QB or picking one up in FA if there is a really good one available, but I think it would be a big mistake to get a new QB purely for the sake of getting a new QB. If a top quality prospect doesn’t fall to us in the draft, I would favor sticking with Trent one more year. And in any case we shouldn’t even think of putting the new guy out there until the line has solidified.

by Macktruck on Nov 16, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m completely with you on those sentiments. I just hope Edwards didn’t get David Carr-ed already.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Nov 16, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly, he’s somewhere between Jay Peed and David Carr-ed. The great Bill Walsh must be turning over in his grave.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Nov 16, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

just two years ago we were all talking about how poised and cool he was under fire.

True, but he’s taken a lot of hits since then. Unfortunately, he’s becoming shell shocked. Even though he says he doesn’t think about getting hit, you know by now he is. He’s got a great skill set, but he’s clearly waiting to get hit back there as much as waiting for a receiver to get open. The only way to stick with him for another year is if they seriously beef up the line to protect him, then hope he can regain confidence behind them in time to lead to a winning season.

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Nov 16, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he could be

the first player in the NFL put on IR for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrom. In fact after yesterday, I think I have it too!!!

by fansince60 on Nov 16, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trent will play out his contract in Buffalo next year and that will be it...

The Bills should bring in competition in the offseason or draft a QB to compete with Edwards. I foresee that Edwards may even “win the job” in training camp and preseason, only to be hurt during the year and replaced. He’ll get another chance to play with worse results only to see his contract expire along with his time in Buffalo. Chances are though another NFL team will pick him up (rather than a UFL Vegas team)

The reason I say “Should” early on… watch the FO pull a DJ move and sign Edwards to a long term extention this year. They figure they will “get him cheap” so why not sign him. Nothing surprises me with our FO anymore so I can see then announcing the extention anyday now. (maybe they’ll sign the extention and announce it after the season like DJ).

by dabillsr1 on Nov 16, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I foresee that Edwards may even "win the job" in training camp and preseason, only to be hurt during the year and replaced.

And the funny part is all the Bleeding-heart Trent fans will still be saying he “just needs another couple games to be the man”.

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WHERE ARE THESE BLEEDING HEART TRENT FANS?????

he doesnt have any left.

"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny

by poz on Nov 17, 2009 6:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

not possible to evaluate Trent one way or another given the present conditions

I agree. I think that some of the people in here who post repeatedly, day, after day, after day, are a little too consumed and therefore are speeding up the process of team evaluation.

by KTyczka on Nov 16, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude.. consumed or not... It doesn't matter. We don't make the decisions on Edwards or this team

All we can do as fans is decide to buy tickets, watch games, buy merchandise, talk on forums like this, or NOT.

Who cares if people are too consumed and make evaluations like they do.. Their passionate people and have every right to write their opinions.

The FO is the one that makes any and all decision going forward. Unless the FO is reading our stuff day in and day out (I very highly dought), it doesn’t matter what we say.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 16, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like I struck a nerve. Perhaps you should read your own post. You are correct. Everyone in here has the right to write their opinions. Well said. I also agree with you that the front office is not basing it’s decisions on what you write in here. Although, I don’t think that I said they did.

by KTyczka on Nov 16, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.. too many nerves struck for the last 10 years...

sorry for jumping a little too much there… but would certainly like to see the inner circle show us something that could provide a little optimism for the future. The quieter they are the more nerve racking it gets.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m frustrated as well. It really is hard to believe that we have been this bad for this long.

by KTyczka on Nov 16, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. I don’t think Edwards is a top tier QB, but in the right situation he could excel as a starter.

He’d be a tremendous backup QB. I suspect that the Bills will start over next year at QB and he’ll find himself on another team. He’s not Rob Johnson or JP Losman.

by Pistol on Nov 16, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I am not going to rule out free agency for the DT or OT positions. Judgeing by our depth we will need to severly supply competition for these spots. I wouldn’t waste an early draft pick on a QB until we solidify things up front. We want a QB that can move the chains but any QB will need help with a running game to help in this.

My draft order rds 1-3 are OL, LB, OL and DL. Assuming we get an annual fourth pick in the first three rounds. F/A should be a focus on depth for all three positions mentioned above.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Nov 16, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t waste an early draft pick on a QB until we solidify things up front.

I totally agree. We need to solidify the D too.

Yeah, Edwards would be better in a better situation. It worked for Orton moving to Denver. But I really don’t think Edwards is ever going to be more than a decent back-up now. Still, given what’s available in FA (not much) and the draft strategy outlined above, it is quite possible he’ll be back as our starter next year.

by Applsoss on Nov 16, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Byrd

I don’t even see Byrd on the Pro Bowl ballot. The listed safeties are J. Scott and Whitner.

by LABillsFan on Nov 16, 2009 11:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yep – you need to write him in.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 16, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How?

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Nov 16, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

where is Maybin

We can’t get the #1 pick on the field for more than 3 plays. But it’s ok to start a safety at linebacker. They are a laughing stock.

by backchk on Nov 16, 2009 11:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Said it before when he was drafted....and I'll say it again.....

If he was drafted as a LB that woulda been a better pick……..but right now it looks like a wasted first round draft choice…….yet again.

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If thats the case the Bills should never pick in the top 32 again......

just a waste of money.

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't like the pick either

Would have gone for Orakpo. Everybody knew Maybin was the “boom or bust” pick in last year’s draft, the archetypal one-year-wonder coming out of college. Right now, it’s definitely looking like a bad move. Still, he is young and a great athlete. Something might still be made out of him. I’m not writing him off yet.

by Applsoss on Nov 16, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Before anyone objects, its true….that’s all any of the draft “experts” said about him before the draft.

by quantumuprising on Nov 16, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft question

I should have asked this a few days ago during the post about who we should draft, but it was brought up again in an earlier thread: Why doe people around here think we should draft a DT??? (not rhetorical, I am curious to people’s opinions) It seems like Stroud and Williams (when healthy) are two of the stronger points of our defense…..I know Stroud isn’t getting any younger, but still, seems like O-line, QB, LB, etc., are much more pressing needs right now….also, McCargo wasn’t terrible yesterday, although I don’t for a minute believe he could be a starter…but it’s possible he could be manageable as a decent backup

by McGee24 on Nov 16, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

When you are consistantly giving up 200 plus yards on the ground.....

Obviously something is wrong……

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

^ ding

Or defensive ends … but as poorly as the LBs have played, the line needs to be more stout versus the run. Ends or tackles, to me, the line needs some injection of youth, speed, and energy, at either position.

by sabre74kkn on Nov 16, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

McCargo shows up about twice a season

He is a rotational player on the DL. He is not a difference maker. Difference makers need to be players we choose in the first round. We should let him play out his contract or try to move him again. Bad choice on a draft pick by FO and Modrak.

Byrd and Poz are about the only impressive playmakers with any of our higher defensive picks in the last several drafts (and he lacks some tackling skills). Whitner, McKelvin, McCargo, haven’t done enough from a playmaker/difference maker for where they were drafted.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 16, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Byrd is the only Bill that scares me

Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23

Sparano: Joey Porter, What is best in life?

Porter: To crush The Jets, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of Mark Sanchez

by Patssuck456 on Nov 16, 2009 3:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

moorman?

Never put salt in your eyes

by J2 on Nov 16, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh there is another Bill to be worried about if I was a Pats fan......

Belichick…

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ZING!

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

by UZ on Nov 16, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty sure he’s a ’Fins fan

Never put salt in your eyes

by J2 on Nov 16, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I know that......

but it just seemed appropriate the name “PATSSUCK” made me think of Bill Belichick….

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 16, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

expectations

When the Bills redid their offensive line and fired Schonert, this is pretty much what I expected out of this season. I was pleasantly shocked when I saw the young line blocking so well in the New England game. I’m not sure I would expect the line to gel yet. Bringing in TO after redoing the offensive line seemed like a very strange decision. Now, I think it’s pretty clear that it was a total PR move to sell tickets in T,O. The more blowups, the more tickets. I’m kind of surprised he’s been on such restrained behavior for so long. I worry, however, that TOs tantrums stunt the growth of many players, Trent Edwards in particular. I really liked your comment, Brian, about how Trent looks like he has no trust in anyone. I kind of feel like if there was a bit more consistency in personnel (i.e. no injuries), things could go a lot better. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re in for another off season of massive upheaval which means starting again from scratch.

by williamsDT on Nov 16, 2009 7:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Now, I think it’s pretty clear that it was a total PR move to sell tickets in T,O.

I don’t get how anyone comes to that conclusion. It’s not like he’s been standing on the sidelines doing nothing but yelling. They’ve been trying to get him involved in the offense. They threw to him deep twice. They have run him on reverses. They want him to have the ball not sell tickets.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG

by MattRichWarren on Nov 18, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Arrived late at this post

but I commend our distinguished leader for his appraisal of the performance of #51 to date . This must not have been easy. For a year he has characterized critics of #51 as “haters.” Believe me please, no hate, just disappointment. Anything I say is in the context of “so far” in a young career. #51 is the wrong player in this scheme (which is a scheme I do hate.) Read and react is not for him. He is too slow in his reactions and does not have the speed to compensate. Maybe he could thrive in an attack mode like Matthews in GB. Hopefully we will see next year when a new scheme is instituted.

by jpheff on Nov 16, 2009 9:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

For a year he has characterized critics of #51 as "haters."

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever used the word “hater.”

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 17, 2009 6:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

go back and look at the chat that went on during the last game and you will see

by jpheff on Nov 17, 2009 7:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah yes, you refer to me saying that you have an irrational hatred of Poz. I recall now.

Perhaps I misspoke. I was merely pointing out that you rarely waste an opportunity to, er… speak your mind on 51.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 17, 2009 7:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

correct

and as long as this blog allows participants to speak their mind and express opinions I will continue to do so. As far as your characterization of opinions that disagree with yours as “irrational”, I would hope you might rethink that. It is not as if fans who question #51’s effectiveness are criticizing Lawrence Taylor.

by jpheff on Nov 17, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trent Edwards

Everyone is really tough on this guy. He is playing behind an offensive line that might be good enough for the UFL or a Division I college. They continually get false start penalties making 3rd and 2 suddenly 3rd and 7 or 1st and 10 now 1st and 15. Even when Trent makes good passes ,guys like Evans, Fine, and TO drop the balls. The team is giving up 5.1 yards per carry which certainly limits the amount of time the offense is on the field. That is not the offenses fault but the defenses. In regards to Capt. Checkdown he is actually averaging more yards per attempt passing then the Bills opponents (6.5 compared to 6.3). I believe if the man had an offensive line and a defense you would see a more than competent QB. Drafting a young QB means another 3 years of losing at a minimum.

by jcfairport on Nov 17, 2009 11:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Drafting a young QB means another 3 years of losing at a minimum.

Again – that’s over-generalizing. Drafting a young QB and expecting him to immediately turn around the shell of a team we have right now? Yeah, that means more losing. But drafting a young QB, letting him play AND giving him a competent O-Line and an opportunistic defense? It’s worked for plenty of teams recently.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Nov 17, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs