The Remaining Games

Since this week brought us the demotion of our QB and firing of our HC, I wanted a little conversation on what I wanted to see during the remainder of our season.  If you recall, we still have some football games left to play - starting this week in Jacksonville.

Obviously, winning becomes an after thought from all the recent changes at OBD.  I say that because, well winning should be secondary.  Developing younger players that might make mistakes is a top priority (and for those of us that want better draft picks - losing isn't as big of a deal).

Injuries: 

I honestly don't know what the deal is with the Bills and injuries - chalk it up to bad luck or bad strength and conditioning coaches - but it happens all the time in Buffalo.

I want to see Bell, Hardy, Nelson, Poz, Youboty and Whitner stay healthy and play the remaining games - I know Bell and Youboty are out 2 more weeks at least - but when they get back - I want them to stay healthy.  Easier said than done - but it's very hard to evaluate talent when they are on the bench. 

Developing young talent:

Sorry T.O. or Josh Reed - but I'd like to see Hardy and S. Johnson get more reps on the field.  Obviously this season is a wash - T.O. won't be here anyways (see Keyshs' answer) - so let's see what these guys can do on the field.  This will only help the new coaching staff next year determine who will fit into their schemes and who is expendable. 

Bell, Wood, Levitre and Nelson need to see extensive playing time.  It's almost a saving grace that Derek Fine went on IR because Nelson is almost asuradely the starter from here on out.  I want our O-line to be evaluated against NFL teams and I want them to learn from their mistakes.  The only way that is accomplished is through playing - obviously these guys have been playing - but don't yank them if they perform badly - let them play and learn.

Harris and Palmer should also see extensive action - just to see what we have there.  I know LB injuries pretty much are forcing their hand - but Draft can sit the pine for a while and these guys can see some reps.  I think it's pretty sad that our starting SS is now our OLB as well - is he the best player there?  maybe - but I want to see these guys get more reps for the future.  Obviously Scott isn't going to be an OLB for us in the future - so why play him now?  Let the young guys develop.

Play aggressive:

Now that Fewell is running the show - i'd like to see an attitude change around here a little bit.  Guys are fighting for their jobs right now - everyone knows that.  I want to see these guys play with passion and heart and not worry as much about making mistakes.  This team has a lot of young talent - they are going to make mistakes - I want to see them get fired up and give it their all.

I don't want to see the coaches play conservative football because of the situation.  If anything - push that pedal down harder and push these guys more.

Don't fall apart:

For Fewells sake - and the Bills fans - I really hope this doesn't turn ugly.  I know some games have the potential to get ugly (See NE) - but I hope they work together as a team and fight through this difficult period (eh hem - T.O. (shut yer mouth)).

Nothing is more embarassing than players and coaches losing it on the sidelines during games.  Keep your cool and when something bad happens - put it in the back of your mind and press forward.

Leaders:

Now is the time for some of the Vets to step up and take some of these young guys under their wings.  Leadership is needed from the players - guys like Poz, Stroud, Lee and Schobel need to step up and become leaders during this stretch of games.  This can show the next staff who they can count on during tough times - us fans as well.

I don't want to see whining or complaining Terrell Owens.

Have fun: 

After all - isn't that why they started playing football to begin with? (well multi-million contracts helps as well).  But go out there and have some fun - jump up and down - get excited when a good play happens.  Everyone knows the situation - everyone is going to have to deal with it one way or another - my suggestion is to go out and just play as a team and try to get a few wins for Fewell and the fans. 

No one is pressuring the players anymore to win games and go to the playoffs - it's time to get fundamentals down, keep learning and have fun in the process.

Win some games underdawg style:

Oh boy would I love to see a dysfunctional Bills team beat NE - play the spoiler (unless it's the last Colts game and they are going for undefeated - if nothing else just because I don't want NE to get that honor of the only 16 wins in  a season)

This team still has talent - QB position is of concern - but they can all still play football in the NFL or they wouldn't be here - they can still beat some teams - lets go out and do this.

Message to Ralph and Russ:

Don't do something stupid - bring in a smart football GM - a football guy - and a good HC.  You can do this - you can build a winner.  Take your time - think about it - have a plan and execute it.  You have the time now - make the fanbase beleive once again - please.