Bills' Perry Fewell making a name for himself
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 11:30 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThe Buffalo Bills are 1-1 under the direction of interim head coach Perry Fewell. Thrust into the limelight after replacing Dick Jauron as the head man on November 17, Fewell's Bills have started to differentiate themselves from Jauron's Bills, mostly in positive ways. The team is playing more competitive football. They've cut down on key mistakes (penalties and turnovers), they're playing more aggressive football, and they appear to be a more confident group.
Give Fewell a lot of credit, folks. He's dealing with many of the same issues Jauron did - injuries, an offensive line in flux, and all of the other problems we've discussed thoroughly in this space - and producing with that group. He's making smart decisions, personnel-wise and game situation-wise, and thus far, they've mostly paid off.
Amidst Buffalo's ongoing coaching search - which has extended to just about every prominent coaching name currently available - those in the loop, ESPN's Adam Schefter chief among them, have insisted repeatedly that Fewell would be given every opportunity to earn the full-time head coaching gig in Buffalo. Whether that comes to fruition or not remains to be seen, but interim coaches earning the job has happened before (see: Mike Singletary). Right now, Fewell's star is rising, and the possibility that he enters 2010 as the Bills' head coach is at least worth considering.
Don't confuse philosophy with scheme
Fewell has always been a lightning rod of controversy amongst Buffalo's fan base because of the Tampa 2 defense he preaches. He's the man responsible for using this defensive scheme - a scheme that requires lighter, quicker defenders. Buffalo's been banged up defensively, and they've brought in players that aren't completely snug fits for the scheme. The Tampa 2 itself is also quickly becoming outdated as NFL teams get more and more proficient at throwing the ball.
His defensive background should not be as relevant to whether or not he becomes Buffalo's next head coach as several other much more important factors.
Good head coaches make tough decisions. Fewell's made those decisions well, handing starting jobs to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson despite the team having significant investments in Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch. (That's just one example, by the way.)
Good head coaches are leaders, teachers and motivators. Fewell has rallied the troops; these past two weeks have been Buffalo's most inspired performances of the season. And say what you want about Jauron, but every single assistant head coach he's ever hired, for all of their faults, have been excellent teachers. Fewell is an excellent teacher.
Good head coaches preach philosophy before scheme. Schemes exist because they work; if a scheme doesn't work, it will cease to exist. Forget about the 4-3 versus the 3-4 argument, because both schemes can be successful. What really matters is the type of football a coach prefers. It's become obvious in a very short amount of time that Fewell prefers fast, energetic, aggressive, smart football - and he's gotten the Bills to play that style of ball. If Fewell's as smart as he's looked, he'll bend scheme to fit his philosophy. We've seen him give teams 3-4 looks over the past two weeks; don't pigeon-hole him as a Tampa 2 guy. He's a fast, energetic, aggressive, smart football guy.
Fixing the real problem
Fans have fallen in love with the idea of Buffalo bringing in a big-name head coach to right the ship. I remain adamant that reeling in the biggest fish possible isn't a sure-fire cure. Buffalo's big issue has, and will remain, talent acquisition. Coaches coach players. Buffalo doesn't have enough good players; the Bills' single biggest need is in a front office voice to make final personnel decisions.
Before you marry yourself off to your "ideal candidate," keep that in mind. Head Coach isn't the biggest need area in Buffalo. The team should be looking at GM candidates, not talking about throwing tens of millions at head coaching candidates who will end up with too much power.
I like Perry Fewell's football philosophy. Who wouldn't? It's exactly what all successful NFL teams preach. If Buffalo was able to find a General Manager from outside the organization that had the same philosophical beliefs as Fewell, why couldn't that tandem be just as effective - or, ideally, more effective - than giving the reigns to one big fish? Fewell is the type of coordinator candidate that up-and-coming GMs love - he's high-energy, passionate, and a guy that can grow with the GM. I'm not saying it's likely that a GM would keep Fewell around, but it's not out of the question, either. So don't marry yourself to Fewell, either - the big problem needs to be fixed first.
The bottom line on Fewell
Don't call me over-excited, because I'm not. I'm fully aware of the fact that Fewell has exactly two games of NFL head coaching experience under his belt. I'm fully aware that the Buffalo Bills as an organization have a laundry list of problems to fix. I'm not advocating anything concrete here - but I am advocating that fans consider Fewell the legitimate coaching candidate that he's been all along.
Fewell is a good coach. He's got some moxie, he's a quick study, and he is making a name for himself. If Buffalo keeps playing up to opponents and exceeding expectations, you can bet that more than just the folks at One Bills Drive will notice. Buffalo won't be the only team with a coaching vacancy this year, and Fewell's star is rising.
I don't know what the future holds in Buffalo. I don't know how vigorously the team will pursue GM or big-name head coaching candidates. I don't know how the Bills will fare in their final five games. What I do know is that I really enjoy rooting for Perry Fewell's Buffalo Bills, and I don't believe I'm alone in that territory. We can talk about big names, re-building philosophies and all that jazz, but Fewell needs to be part of those conversations, folks. It's time to consider Perry Fewell a legitimate contender to be Buffalo's head coach in 2010.
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It’s at least more exciting to watch. I’m not sure what the difference is – but something is different.
We’ll see how the next 6 games play out – but i’d be more for Fewell as HC with a good GM then giving Shanahan or someone the keys to everything (I think that’s a setup for failure).
I loved the T.O. bomb TD – not sure who called that – doubt it woudl have been called if DJ were running the show and I absolutely LOVE to the fact that Jackson is starting instead of Lynch. He’s just playing better
Never put salt in your eyes
something is different
IMO Jauron had/showed little confidence in the team. It affected play calling and he was being ultra-conservative(even for him). By Fewell letting Fitz audible or Lindell campaign to kick a 56 yarder, he is saying – " Hey you’re out there on the field. If you think you can do it, go for it". “If you believe in you, so do I”
In doing so, he might be putting his future career on the line, but, he might be solidifying it too. A 3-7 team (before yesterday) has little to lose and everything to gain – most notably some sorely needed self-confidence.
6 games?
so you’re saying we’re making the playoffs and losing in the first round?
Nice.
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 30, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
the cake is put away for now......
Im not sad at the moment……..but its never to far away.
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 30, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
It is really interesting
Because I remember when everyone was talking about getting rid of DJ in week 3, and I thought about the assistant coaches and I said though the defense isn’t great i like what Fewell does with them. And I completely agree with you about the main problem is lack of talent.
I would love to see a coaches attitude like Fewell in Buffalo. It is going to be a tough couple years with some rebuilding, but if the Bills are coached to play tough, then they will at least be fun to watch.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
OK, I’m officially announcing.....
that I’m on the bandwagon for hiring Perry Fewell as the HC for next year. Anybody that could take that kind of talent on the offensive line and still beat a solid Miami Dolphin team has my respect!!!
The man commands respect (not demands it), prepares well, plays to win (not to not lose), and is emotionally involved without going over the line. He reminds me a lot of Mike Tomlin the HC for the Steelers (not a bad HC himself). We could do a lot worse and the transition would be smoother than with someone who comes in and blows the whole thing up in order to start from scratch.
Great game planning and use of the talents of his players. Kudos!!!!
I agree with the Mike Tomlin comment, I thought that all along, they both have the same demeanor (swagger). I have to say that Fewell is everything I was calling for in a coach after the MNF loss to the Pats. I would really like to see him succeed in Buffalo.
They are hard to play but not hard to beat.
- Mike Lombardi on the Buffalo Bills
Tomlin is an interesting name.
He, too, is a Tampa 2 disciple. He comes directly from the Tony Dungy coaching tree as well. But it’s his philosophy that applies so well to Pittsburgh’s football team, and not his scheme – they still run LeBeau’s 3-4 defense.
Tomlin, in short, preaches philosophy before scheme.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
As I stated below...
this was partially tongue in cheek and I have rec’d Poz below. But I’m certainly giddy at the moment- LOL.
too soon
I think your a little too early on that bandwagon. Teams have nothing to prepare for against this team yet with a new coach except old DJ tape and it’s not the same team and on the other side Fewell has the tape on the opponents to prepare for.
Now I am not saying that he is not worth a look, even winning against a decent Miami team earns him that, I just want to see how he can adjust when teams have more to go on.
Nice read Brian...rec'd
I wish someone would ask Fewell what his vision for improving the defense is. I know he made a comment about bringing in a bigger NT type DT and that is a positive sign, but I would like to hear him talk about patterning his defense after the Vikes.
Buffalo’s big issue has, and will remain, talent acquisition.
Fewell is weak in this area. Even if he keeps doing a great job coaching the Bills for the rest of the season, Fewell will still not be able to compete with the big names coaches in attracting FAs. There are other more important factors, which we have discussed, to attracting FAs, but hiring Fewell as HC adds one more. He just hasn’t proven himself yet. I am not saying this should rule Fewell out, but it is a strike against him.
I think Polian must have put a curse on the Bills when he left. Anyone know where we can get a live Buffalo to sacrifice on the 50 yards line? Or, maybe we should use a Dolphin ??? Preferably, Nick Buoniconti
“Fewell will still not be able to compete with the big names coaches in attracting FAs.”
That is a good point. Similar $ offer from two teams, one with a HC with a good track record and another with something to prove…
You think 6 more games is enough to at least lay the foundation of a reputation? If PF can take this team and make the impression that the Bills are on the rise, I think this issue is mooted to a large degree.
I like me some PF so far.
yea but if we spend big $ on a HC then there is little left for FA's
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Not if Ralph is throwing cash to cap in the crap pile.
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
I don't think Fewell can boost his rep that much with the time left
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
What if the Bills end the season at 9-7? ;)
That means beating the Patriots and the Colts.
If the Bills did that, I’m pretty sure Fewell’s name will be boosted immensely, and will be the Bills HC for 2010.
Bills fan half way around the world
rec'd
quite a change from the “replacing the HC mid-season makes no sense” that was being preached. We have a few more games to judge Perry’s coaching ability, but he looks very capable at this point. A young, smart, aggressive GM could possibly help the Fewell-led Bills get into contention. Personally, I’d prefer we get a new OC though.
most of my posts get deleted :(
What if AVP called the bomb to TO?
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
that’s just one play. I think Fitz’s enormous head could be filled with knowledge of offensive strategy. AVP’s head looks to be filled with more knowledge of food. AVP was QB’s coach for some of the greatest QB disappointments in Bills history. Call me crazy, but I think there’s a connection there.
most of my posts get deleted :(
lets not get ahead of ourselves
I think all along Perry Fewell was in the top 5 to 7 candidates on many of our lists and top 3 on our realistic lists IF he won. Perry has always been a head coaching gig waiting to happen in many people’s eyes. Do I love what i see out of the Bills? yes. Do I love the common sense decision to get TO the ball? yes.
NONETHELESS
The Bills are playing a new style with new personnel and its going to catch teams off guard. Its why people always say what a good job guys like Haslett do when they interim and the team plays hard. The team is likely playing just as hard because their leader was just canned and they know their jobs are on the line and Ralph has had enough just as much as they are playing hard for Fewell. Playing in the moment means a lot right now and the moment is a big andrenaline rush of “our coach was fired, new QB, owner looking for new GM, new coach”. A lot of these guys know that Perry is more likely to keep them around than a new administration. I think self-interest and employment has a lot to do with this inspired play just as much as Fewell.
I’m all for keeping Fewell IF HE EARNS IT. He has not. We lost to a Jags team that got smoked by the 49ers and stinks on defense. We beat up the Dolphins at home so I get that everyones excited but slow down guys. Everyone was crying yesterday about being 3-7 and what a laughing stock joke we are and which QB and which coach we want and one big win against the Dolphins has us all giddy. Am I really reading suggestions all over this blog that Fitzpatrick start next year when a rookie learns? Am I really reading that Perry Fewell has us excited to keep winning. A big percentage of you were debating whether it would be good for us to just lose out for a draft pick. I was never one of those voices and I won’t jump on a bandwagon until it has some wheels and a few horse to pull it. We are 1-1 with Fewell. We were also 1-1 with Jauron to start the year.
IF Perry finished us strong at 6-10 I would probably be for keeping him and reeling in a Holmgren type to GM. But until then I am still staunchly for chasing down Shanahan, bringing in a new GM, dumping the extra roster weight and establishing a new identity on this team. I love Fewell and what hes done, believe me I do. But we havent been to the playoffs in a decade and frankly, this team stinks. I better be dang convinced that Fewell is going to turn this thing around for me to even begin talking about him as a candidate. And one win at home just ain’t cutting it for me right now.
"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 30, 2009 11:59 AM EST reply actions 8 recs
I agree completely.
Any decent team should beat a .500 team (playing without their best player) when they’re playing at home.
It’s a nice improvement, but let’s see them beat the Pats at home or Falcons on the road (or Colts if they’re not playing backups) when those teams are playing for something.
I have to be honest poz
Fewell was not on my list….any list of HC candidates. I didn’t like the style of defense he was playing (being forced to play????) under Jauron. I like what I have seen so far. Does he have a lot more to prove? Abso-freaking-lutely!!! But, he is someone who would take the job, as opposed to Shanny and Co., who will most likely turn us down ever so politely.
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
“Jets crash and burn as Fewell’s Bills expode offensively " – So let it be written…so let it be done.
Ha! What do the Bills do? Is that legal in Canada?
...make me wan'na shout!
Everything is legal in Canada, right CBF :-)
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
The team is likely playing just as hard because their leader was just canned and they know their jobs are on the line
I don’t know that I agree with that – I think different personnel (jackson, fitz, Wilson, Draft) and more aggressiveness by the HC would be the 2 primary reasons that I see.
every NFL player knows that their job is on the line every game (save a few obviously) – any player should always be playing balls out every play.
I see Fewell as having more swagger and being more vocal – NFL players more or less are very close in talent – having a little more edge and attitude can make a big difference.
A lot of these guys know that Perry is more likely to keep them around than a new administration
well i’m not sure about that either – remember Kelsay saying that major and big changes to everyone at OBD was going to happen. they know this – everyone knows this. when you fire your HC in the middle of the season you can usually expect a major roster purge.
I think self-interest and employment has a lot to do with this inspired play just as much as Fewell.
self interest definately – because they are auditioning for 32 teams right now – everyone on the team is.
I better be dang convinced that Fewell is going to turn this thing around for me to even begin talking about him as a candidate
that’s why I thought Brians article was good – because he conveyed that message. all he is saying is that he should be taken into consideration – not the first chioce as HC – but an option.
And one win at home just ain’t cutting it for me right now.
lol – well I would hope not!
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Nov 30, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
I think there is alot to say for thge fact that Perry has "been there" with these guys
I was watching the post game stuff over at the Bills site and one of the players was talking about Perry and how he knows them and they know him, that he has weathered the storm with them. If you bring in someone new like a big name Sanahan then they have a new guy looking from the outside in who has no idea what these guys are like and they haved to start all over.
I think this is why i prefer a GM who knows how to manage guys like Perry and who knows how do draft and build.
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Yeah. As funny as it is to say, continuity is an asset to some extent. The coaching constants during the Jauron era have been Fewell and April, coaches of the better and more consistent units of the team. We’ve said it repeatedly, but the revolving door at OC has done us no favors. That said, we still don’t have a legit OC and Fewell is doing the HC and DC job right now. So who knows what happens in terms of coordinators if Fewell were to win the HC job.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
your right too early
but that doesn’t mean we can’t praise what we have seen so far. I think Fewell as coach should stay in the bag for awhile, but nothing wrong with pointing out the differences we are seeing with Fewell after a huge division win.
This space held in honor of Robert Royal known to his friends as "Sweet Cream Style Corn" March 11 2006- February 26, 2009
One win and people lose their minds
and go crazy. Fewell is only doing what anyone else on this board has been saying to do for several years (play Freddie more, get a different QB, gamble more on offense, etc.). Anybody will look bold after following Dick Jauron’s act.
Let’s get control over ourselves, folks. See what the picture is after the season.
by ccthemovieman on Nov 30, 2009 12:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
But its the dolphins!!
totally agree with lets see after the season though
Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale
rec
Anybody will look bold after following Dick Jauron’s act.
Ain’t that the truth.
It’s two games people!
~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."
I’m by no means on the Perry Fewell-bandwagon. I think he’s a good coach, but he shouldn’t be our HC, because then the likes of John Guy – the worst pro personel guy in the NFL – and mediocre Modrak will likely stay, too.
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Nov 30, 2009 12:10 PM EST reply actions
You and ccthemovieman missed the point of the article.
I mentioned right in the piece that I am NOT advocating that Fewell get the job. Just that he be considered. I also said, for those who do like him (I am in that group), to not marry yourself to the idea of him being here, because the front office situation MUST BE FIXED.
The point was to emphasize what many were writing off: Fewell is a legitimate head coaching candidate, not just in Buffalo, but league-wide.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn't referring to your article
but some the posts since yesterday’s game, like the one up here this morning where they guy says “I am officially announcing I am on the bandwagon……”
by ccthemovieman on Nov 30, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
CC...
That was partially said with tongue in cheek. Of course, I’m reserving the right to jump off the bandwagon at a moment’s notice- LOL. I should have added the LOL to my first post.. But seriously it is nice to see the team play with heart and poz has the whole situation nailed. Show me the money!!!
Dzil.....
this was exactly what I was implying with my original post. Getting caught up in the exhiliration of beating your hated rival can do that to you. Then the realization sets in mid-week that you’ve got more games to play and you are likely to end up 7-9 again (ha ha).
that’s why it’s called a bandwagon. jump off, jump on.
Fewell is a legitimate head coaching candidate, not just in Buffalo, but league-wide.
I don’t doubt that he has a lot of respect, but if Fewell’s not the head coach in Buffalo he’s not a head coach in the NFL next year. If there’s 6-8 openings (which might be high) you’re going to see 3-5 filled by the ‘name’ coaches currently not coaching and the rest will be prominent coordinators on playoff teams. No one’s going to be interested in a defensive coordinator of a mediocre defense over 4 years, even if he does well the rest of the way as interim head coach.
And when I say interested I mean interested enough to hire Fewell. He probably would get interviews.
And when I say interested I mean interested enough to hire Fewell. He probably would get interviews.
Of course he will be interviewed because he fills a need that is out there, he is black. I feel that he may prove over the remaining games that even if not winning at least not losing. Many of the teams we play should beat us as we are not very good. so being beaten by a better team is fine just so he teaches the team to not throw the game away, and just because he is not a big name we should not cast him away, I admit I like the enthusiasm of this guy. But i still do not trust Uncle Ralph to be honest.
Ha – I said head coaching candidate league-wide. Jason Garrett was a head coaching candidate last year.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
has anyone suggested we DON’T need a new GM? I would expect that GM to be making the decisions regarding Modrak and Guy, not a rookie HC
most of my posts get deleted :(
by dzil on Nov 30, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great Article
I strongly second everything Brian says and would add a few points to back up or amplify his argument that Fewell should be considered as a contender — but not a lock — for permanent HC based on how the team performs the rest of the year.
First, it’s worth noting that the Bills are not highly charged just because there has been a coaching change or they are trying to save their jobs. Perry Fewell’s defenses have been “fast, energetic, agressive, smart football” for four years now. That’s his basic style. It’s who he is. There’s a track record to prove it. If he takes over as HC next year it is safe to assume that that is the character he will try to impart to the team on a long-term basis.
Second, I’m beginning to wonder if Fewell may actually be more talented as a HC than as a coordinator. DC’s are in charge of drawing up gameplans and teaching techniques, while HC’s are responsible for taking command of a team and endowing it with unity and purpose. So far (note the big qualification) Fewell has demonstrated that he is exceptional in doing just that. The evidence so far indicates that he is one of the relatively small number of coordinators who can make the successful transition to being the guy in charge.
And third, while everyone seems to want a top-to-bottom housecleaning, I would argue instead (and I wonder if Brian agrees with me here) for as much continuity as possible. Teams that keep starting over never get anywhere. The ones that make it to the Superbowl keep building on what they have. There is in fact a lot of talent on the present roster and even coaching staff (with the obvious exception of a certain o-line coach who needs a lot more seasoning and has seemed to be in over his head this year). Give Fewell the job and I’m certain he will make some significant changes — he has already shown that he has the stomach to do just that. But if we can avoid blowing up the whole team the playoffs are going to be a lot closer than they would be otherwise. Bring in a really high quality GM to help identify the positions where change is needed and then fill them and we could be a lot closer to football nirvana than most folks think. Keeping on Fewell — IF he shows us he’s for real over the next five games — could help make that possible.
by Macktruck on Nov 30, 2009 12:54 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
On Housecleaning
I’m with you – if its required we ought to do it, but if something works, we ought not “fix” it.
Over the last few weeks I’ve read comments about not hiring the next HC from within, no matter how it turns out because it would mean some vestige of the losing legacy of DJ would remain. So far, I think PF is making a strong case that those demons have been exorcised. GRANTED its only two games and very possible that the “loser” cancer could regenerate.
Looking forward to see how PF runs the team for the rest of the season. THAT in itself is a plus for me because 2 weeks ago I was looking forward to nothing but the off season.
Rec'd Mack
The addition of “There is in fact a lot of talent on the present roster”. That comment sealed it for me. I think we are beginning to see some of this talent. I also believe that Fewell is alittle more open minded when it comes to soliciting ideas from his coaches and then implementing these ideas into the game plan. Good Read Brian, we must all agree that it is to early to jump to conclusions here. Poz your comments were flawless as well. Except in my opinion holding on to the Shanahan idea is just as hasty as not waiting to see what will happen in the next few weeks but your point is justified because of his past.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
Talent
Playing against a team like Miami that has mediocre talent, at best, doesn’t really prove anything regarding the talent on the Bills roster. It proves Miami and Buffalo’s talent is very similar, I suppose.
If we want to see proof that this team has more than just poor talent, we’ll need to see results against the Jets (defense), New England, Atlanta and the Colts if they play the starters.
~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."
I like the article
I didn’t see the sense of firing Jauron midseason and am now pleased to admit having been wrong. Assuming that Fewell continues to impress, I would be happy to see him as HC next year under a new GM with proven ability. But as stated, that’s unlikely.
What would fill me with dread would be to keep Fewell as HC and leave the front office alone. Are we sure that the Bills are seriously looking for a good GM? Or are they just looking for a big name who can sell hope and tickets?
I meant to write, or are they just looking for a big-name coach who can sell hope and tickets?
by Sixteenthback on Nov 30, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Peppermint Perry has my support through the end of the year.......
once I see how the next 5 weeks play out……then I’ll re-assess…….but Im more excited to watch this team this week than I was last week, and more so then the week before…..I would love for PF to earn the job……..
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 30, 2009 12:55 PM EST reply actions
I was talking to this girl I am seeing and telling her about the new coach.....
and she though I said “Patty Fewell” and then she said……like “Peppermint Patty?” and I was like uh…..no……but now she refers to him as Peppermint Perry……and thus here we are.
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 30, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
she refers to perry fewell on a regular basis?
sounds like a keeper! Lock her up!
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
LOL no I talk to her about the Bills
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 30, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
Agree on all points
but think it is hard to say that new GM will be a Perry guy and give him the job. Most important thing Perry can do is beat a decent team on the road.
I’d say that if he leads his team to a win over New England, Perry Fewell will be high on Ralph Wilson’s list.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 30, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Nevermind a road win -- ANY win is an accomplishment with our patched together line of scrubs
A decent team on the road? That would have to be Atlanta. That should be very tough. The only other road games are KC — who beat the reigning SB champs last week — and NYJ in three days (sadly, a road game for us.) If by some crazy miracle we beat NE, it might be hard NOT to keep Fewell. Seriously, the O line we have is such a handicap that any win is an accomplishment. I think our best chance to win again might come this week, if we can get Sanchez into his INT mode again.
by Sixteenthback on Nov 30, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think our best chance to win again might come this week, if we can get Sanchez into his INT mode again.
That means Fitz can’t throw picks to put us behind like Jake “the joke” DelHOMEY did yesterday! Then Sanchez can just manage the game, instead of having to earn the game.
They are hard to play but not hard to beat.
- Mike Lombardi on the Buffalo Bills
A new GM is a must, and some other shake ups if Fewell were to be retained. At this point Im not against it….after some more wins and one over NE if possible….he’ll be Mr. Popular in a lot of fans eyes…as well as Fitz….who is a young player with a lot of heart…..and i guess gonads
Good Luck With Your Firings Mr. Wilson….Go Bills!
Fitz….who is a young player with a lot of heart…..and i guess gonads
and strife. If you don’t know about gonads and strife, Google it and prepare for some fantasticly childish humor.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 30, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
oh my goodness i haven’t seen that in forever
by quantumuprising on Dec 1, 2009 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
This was my concern
My main concern in firing DJ during the middle of the season was that he would be replaced by an interim nobody, who would do well enough (as Jauron could have (he’s 1 and 1!), and Wilson would latch on to that fact and go cheap. Fewell is a band-aid. So what if he stopped the bleeding a little bit. Fewell wins a close game, and he is our next great hope. Please, please lets give some of the great minds in football a shot — I like the idea of Shanahan, and I also think Martz might be good for the offense. B/t/w, I think it is not quite true that Fewell deserves the credit for handing the ball to Fitz and Action Jackson — Jauron did that, even when the forces were against him doing it (I, for one, was against Jaron giving the ball to them so much, so I remember); I don’t think Fewell would have done it if Fitz and Jackson had not been given so much of the plays before he took over.
I think the NFL has seen the best of Mike Martz, i’m not sure the same can be said of Fewell. He’s put together a damned good defense in spite of their injuries. Are they a top unit? Nope, not even close. Do they play above their talent level? Yes, most certainly they do.
I want the team to stay far far away from Mike Martz. He’s had opportunities in San Francisco and Detroit and come up far shorter than someone of his level should.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 30, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I think it is not quite true that Fewell deserves the credit for handing the ball to Fitz and Action Jackson — Jauron did that, even when the forces were against him doing it (I, for one, was against Jaron giving the ball to them so much, so I remember); I don’t think Fewell would have done it if Fitz and Jackson had not been given so much of the plays before he took over.
huh? Lynch was suspended and Trent had a concussion – Jauron had no chioce
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Nov 30, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Not true. Fitz was given another shot because he had the “hot hand” after Trent recovered from the concussion. Jackson was given a lot of the ball and shared with Marshawn after Lynch’s return.
Fitz wasn’t given Edwards job because he had a hot hand – it was because Edwards was so bad. remember – Edwards was to be the franchise QB – now he’s nothing.
remember on Lynch – it was the plan all along to have both of them basically split the carries or go with who was having a better day. DJ & Co. said that from the preseason
Fewell gets credit because he stuck with Fitzy when he could have changed any job as soon as he took over – he could have gave Edwards his shot – but he didn’t.
he also started Jackson and didn’t even look back when he couldhave started Lynch.
he’s making these calls – he deserves credit for those moves
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Nov 30, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t disagree with what you said, but that is not what you said earlier — “Lynch was suspended and Trent had a concussion – Jauron had no chioce.”
because you said forces were against DJ putting them in – I didn’t see that
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Nov 30, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Fitzpatrick wasn’t given a shot after Trent recovered because of the hot hand. His last game was the Texans game, a game that Edwards was inactive for. He struggled in that game, Jauron put Trent back in as starter for the Titans game two weeks later (after the bye), then pulled him for Fitz right at the end of the game.
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"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
here’s a quote from Fewell on Jackson
“I made that decision [to start him] really during the course of the week, just watching us practice, watching our tempo and just gut instinct,” Fewell said. "Fred has been very productive for us and it was just a gut, again, to help our football team
from Buffalo news
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Nov 30, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just pissed that the Bills wasted an incredibly productive year of Fred Jackson’s football life. The offense has been so much better this year when he’s the fulltime back. He made the offense go that first drive of the 2nd half when I was scared the Bills were going to 3 and out and start losing the TOP bigtime again. What would have happened if Freddy had stayed fulltime back after Marshawn came back?
Brian made the comment in his film session that Marshawn made the play to get the Bills back into FG range, but he was also in for the couple of previous plays when the Bills went in full reverse mode with sacks and penalties.
The Dolphins were missing Ferguson, who’s an incredible run stuffer, and that definitely takes something away from Freddie’s performance, but I truly hope that Fewell’s gut continues to tell him Jackson should get the bulk of the carries.
Brian made the comment in his film session that Marshawn made the play to get the Bills back into FG range,
Lynch did nothing on that play except catch the outlet pass and dance around. How that is playmaking, I’m not quite sure.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Dec 1, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
YES
If we interviewed Shanahan as a possible GM, then that’s fine. I have little interest in the big name head coach carousel. If Fewell proves his mettle the rest of the way, and we hire a top-flight personnel man as GM, I have no problem with Fewell taking the HC reigns.
The Dick Jauron version of the K-Gun...the Squirt Gun.
by ChipShot on Nov 30, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The trouble is that he will probably insist on being both again.
by Sixteenthback on Nov 30, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Fewell
At the very least, the team’s play under Fewell has proven that the contention that replacing Jauron midseason could serve no purpose was wildly off base. Quite frankly, Fewell is making himself a candidate through a unique interview process that could never have been conducted with Jauron still in the way and the second half of the season is accomplishing something tangible in the process.
Buffalo shouldn’t get carried away like they did in extending Jauron midseason last year. Let the season play out and use it as a look into how Fewell manages a team. My guess is the team finishes no better than 3-4 under Fewell and then, his candidacy would be fairly hollow. But who knows? The Jets and Chiefs are below average teams just like Buffalo. At 6-7, heading into a game with the Patriots, Buffalo might have their coach if they finally beat New England to get back to .500.
Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder
Great write up Brian. I like the distinctions you make.
I second Macktruck’s comment in response to the write up.
I’m for keeping Fewell. I would be since I felt that we have a very talented team to start with. We have luck issues. I think I heard that Minnesota has not lost many starters on both sides of the ball. so loosing Winfield was different for them. We, on the other hand, have lost a significant chunk of our starting defense. things like that make a difference.
I think the continuity of keeping Fewell is worth it. We have a playoff caliber core and we can chose to go impact player in the draft plus a couple of impact FA and we are in good shape.
I say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, because as Bills fan we never like who we have. We gave Marv Levy hell during his tenure. If you recall we chewed Levy out because he could not pick a DC to save his life and was horrible at in game adjustments which the great ones like Parcells, Johnson and Gibbs were adept at.
We’ve just about run every HC, DC and OC out of town. Here we are now throwing around Gilbride’s name and hated him when he was here. We hated Fairchild, Schonert, etc. All I’m saying is stability and talent are worth a lot more than we give credit for. Firing DJ has reinforced the revolving door culture of the Bills and now we are desperately seeking a quick fix.
We need to take a deep breath and continue on the path that we are on with Fewell. Remember that it took a miracle set of circumstance for New England to beat this team at its best.
this paragraph sums it up:
Fans have fallen in love with the idea of Buffalo bringing in a big-name head coach to right the ship. I remain adamant that reeling in the biggest fish possible isn’t a sure-fire cure. Buffalo’s big issue has, and will remain, talent acquisition. Coaches coach players. Buffalo doesn’t have enough good players; the Bills’ single biggest need is in a front office voice to make final personnel decisions.
By the way, did anyone else notice CBS getting a good shot of Vincent Gallo’s mother in the stands yesterday? No? I was the only one… Figures.
by Michael_Necci on Nov 30, 2009 2:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
it's nice to see
the bills playing to win instead of playing not to lose. That is the huge difference between Fewell and Jauron.
Fewell as HC
I think he’s done a good job the last 2 weeks…he definitely has the team playing with a lot more energy than the personality-challenged Jauron, and he seems to have a much more agressive style. He’s definitely connected better with TO and has gotten more out of him.
That being said, unless he does something outstanding, like winning out or at least winning 4 of 5 and beating New England, I’d still consider him a last resort as a head coach. Think about his credentials prior to the last 2 weeks. His only DC job has been running a defense that’s consistently at the bottom of the league. Would any other team with a vacancy consider him as their head coach? If the answer to that is no, then our answer should be no as well.
by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Nov 30, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions
I don't want anybody in our current front office naming Fewell the HC
If he inspires the team and they win games this year, and we hire a GM and they choose to keep him then so be it.
But in no way should Fewell be given the job and we risk not being able to bring in fresh strong front office talent. We need a strong front office first, coach second.
New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com
by BillsNYC on Nov 30, 2009 4:04 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
LOL – Exactly my opinion, though more succinct than I could have phrased it.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
LOL – I had something else totally different written, didn’t like it after I got it out, and wrote that instead.
New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com
agreed...rec'd
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
If the Bills really do hire an excellent GM,
then the new GM should be able to see Fewell’s talent as a HC.
If Fewell does really well the rest of the year, I don’t think the fans should be worried whether the new GM will keep Fewell or not. A good GM will solve the coaching problem in itself. Which is why the Bills’ #1 priority is still solving the GM issue first.
Bills fan half way around the world
Any word yet about whether Thursday's game
is a sellout and will be on local TV?
Thanks.
I don’t think the sellout is the problem. I would love to know if they’re going to show it on local TV. They did this once before for the Bills game, as it was an agreement set up by the NFL for fans being able to see their home team.
I have better beer at home that cost me less. I don’t want to watch the game in a bar.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 30, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
Technically they have to sell out
That’s the rules. Wilson has bought out the remaining tickets many times to allow local fans to watch. Last year, Rogers, the owner up in Toronto, bought the rest of the tickets – and there were quite a bit left, I heard – and then gave them away…..but he passed away and I don’t know if his kids, or whoever is in charge now, will do the same. They charge big bucks to see the game up there…..way too much, and people aren’t buying it.
I agree with you about the bar situation. I’ll listen on the radio, if I have to. Hopefully, something will be worked out, though, and we’ll see it.
by ccthemovieman on Nov 30, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
We will see it
According to the local TV news tonight, “few people are buying tickets but there is no way the Rogers Corporation is going to NOT let area fans see it, if they have to give away a bunch of tickets like last year”…… so that’s GOOD NEWS.
by ccthemovieman on Nov 30, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
It was just declared a sellout. Fans that get Buffalo stations will be able to see it. I am in Rochester and won’t.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 30, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
Go to the bar then!
~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."
This is why it’s nice to live out of the area, no local blackouts!!
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Dec 1, 2009 1:34 AM EST up reply actions
It wouldn’t be blacked out if I had Direct TV or satellite.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 1, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
I've had DirecTV...........................
…………………for 12 years because I have had to move a lot. Got tired of watching the Cowgirls every Sunday.
I want to watch my Bill…………………… even though it is painful sometimes.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 1, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
My wife doesn’t like it when I’m not home at night. She’s unsettled since I’m so tough and strong. I’m going to go to the bar I just think it’s silly on principle.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 1, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
But the games
My wife doesn’t like it when I’m not home at night.
are mostly in the afternoon? Unless it is dark by the time you crawl back home :-)
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
Um, Jets game, Thursday night…
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Dec 1, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Oppps....got confused....thought this was the DirectTV thread :-)
Either way…..Matt can just buy a flatulent dog to sit in his recliner. She won’t even notice he is gone :-)
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
Matt seems like a cat guy
Although I have no idea what that means.
~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."
Hahahahaha...nice one (no way I can finish that without getting banned)
Matt seems like a cat guy……
Matt, with friends like us ………. :-)
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
My wife has a cat that lives in my house. We want a dog but right now without kids we like the freedom to go away for a weekend or stay out late. With a dog you can’t really do that.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 2, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I watch 99.9% of the games at home.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 2, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
If we do hire a GM
Wgat are they gonna do with Brandon. Is he going to stil be part of the Circle of Life? Or will they slide him over to a purely marketing role?
I feel like the "Inner Circle" is probably finished
at least in the role we know it for today. If we have a GM, he’s the guy who has the final say, not the circle. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Brandon have precious little to do with the football operations part as it stands now? His title might change, but I bet his role doesn’t.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Brandon have precious little to do with the football operations part as it stands now? His title might change, but I bet his role doesn’t.
You’re exactly right. Brandon would maintain his role as C.O.O. but lose his GM title which was really just thrust upon him. He’s in charge of marketing and is the go-between Wilson and his other staff members. He’d still do all that.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 30, 2009 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
But wait
Who’s heading the coaching search if not Brandon? I mean he’s the one pitching the Bills. It seems to me like he’s still got a bunch of football related duties.
He doesn’t pick players is what I meant. Yes he is in charge of hiring the new GM and/or coach right now. If he hires a GM first the GM will hire the coach. If they hire one guy to do both jobs, Brandon would be the one doing the hiring. Otherwise he would have been fired the same day as Jauron.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 1, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Here's what confuses me about Fewell's future.
If he’s not a head coach next year he’ll be a defensive coordinator, right? Defensive Coordinators have schemes, right? You don’t hire Dick Lebeau to run the 4-3.
In terms of scheme, he’s a tampa 2 guy. The tampa 2 is rapidly vanishing. I’d be really surprised if anybody decided to install the tampa 2 this coming offseason. So my question is, does anyone hire him as a DC? I don’t think so, because nobody would want to run the scheme he knows, the tampa 2.
So what’s next for Fewell? My guess is that he becomes a DB’s coach for a good team, or maybe even a college head coach (though this is less likely)…
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
because I think a good team will want him
and i just think it’d be weird if he came back to this team after being DC and head coach to work under another DC…it’d be like Jauron being the DC next year, or Mularkey being Jauron’s OC.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Put another way
imagine if Candidate A and B are in tight competition to get the HC job. Candidate A gets it, and hires B as his defensive coordinator. As soon as A does anything wrong, fans would clamor that candidate B should have been picked, and that they should fire A and promote B, etc etc. If the bills hire someone else, there will probably be serious growing pains next year. I’d be really surprised if the new coach (if it isn’t fewell) would want a guy who was runner-up (or 3rd or fourth) and a fan favorite lurking in the shadows.
But my primary reason goes back to that I don’t think Fewell would take a demotion to stay in buffalo. It just doesn’t seem to be the way it’s done.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Nov 30, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
good read
I think Fewell should definitely be considered a legitimate candidate should this team continue on the steadily progressive path it appears to be on now. An earlier post mention Mike Holmgren’s name as purely a GM, that idea is a very interesting idea. Couple him with a young, passionate HC with strong teaching skills an you may have something to build on with some key talent acquisitions.
As of right now…. the old adage that the team takes on the personality of their HC is coming true. The team seems to be playing with more fire & enthusiasm (see TO as an example) as opposed to looking like zombie extras in Micheal Jackson’s Thriller video. I truly believe, IMHO, that Fewell brings the passion and DJ was big on brains, short on pulse.
It rubs the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again
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