It's official: Brohm to get his first Bills start

by Brian Galliford on Dec 27, 2009 10:49 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

With opening-day starter Trent Edwards reportedly on his way to IR (that has not happened yet, by the way - either way, he's not playing any time soon) and de facto starter Ryan Fitzpatrick dealing with an ailing ankle, second-year quarterback Brian Brohm will start for the Buffalo Bills today in Atlanta. It will be Brohm's first career NFL start. Jason La Canfora first broke the news via Twitter.

Signed by the Bills off of Green Bay's practice squad on November 19, Brohm will take the reigns of Buffalo's offense with less than six weeks' worth of (mostly scout team) work in offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's system. He'll also be playing behind the eighth starting iteration of Buffalo's offensive line; Bills quarterbacks have thus far been sacked 44 times this season.

A second-round draft pick of Green Bay in 2008, Brohm found himself on the Packers' practice squad to begin this season after he was beaten out for backup quarterback duties by draft classmate Matt Flynn, a seventh-round pick last season. Upon Buffalo's firing of Dick Jauron, the Bills signed Brohm to be their third quarterback - a project player that, ideally, would never see the field in 2009.

2009 has been anything but ideal for Buffalo, however, and Brohm will get the nod in Atlanta. In his only extensive work this season - which just happened to be pre-season football in Green Bay - Brohm completed 39 of 62 passes (63%) for 299 yards, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 54.4. His potential does, however, remain solid, as he has a considerable amount of talent and set several passing records in four seasons at Louisville.

In light of Brohm's starting nod, we would like all of our dear readers here at Buffalo Rumblings to verify that you have read the below pledge and agreed to its terms.

I, faithful Buffalo Rumbler, pledge that I have read the below terms, fully understand them, and will abide by them in future interactions on this most excellent of blogs.

As the odds against Mr. Brohm are longer than Buffalo's current playoff drought, I vow to never speak a word against the man if he flops horribly in this game, or in any other games he plays for the Buffalo Bills in 2009.

As Buffalo's quarterback position currently carries a powerful curse, I vow to not get too overwhelmingly excited if Mr. Brohm flashes even a few seconds' worth of competence, for fear of subjecting him to said curse.

In accordance with the above two terms, I am fully aware that we will learn absolutely nothing of true value about Brian Brohm in this start, and vow to make this known by reply comment to this thread.

Signed,

[Insert your name]

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Signed

Dabillsr1

Good Luck Brian Brohm

by dabillsr1 on Dec 27, 2009 10:57 AM EST reply actions

I pledge allegiance

I couldn’t agree more with every word of that pledge. It’s not just humorous — it’s highly realistic and every Bills fan should take it and stick to it.

by Macktruck on Dec 27, 2009 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Why NOT?

Give Brohm a shot, God knows this team has nothing to lose. He probably cannot do any worse than Edwards or Fitz. And he has the size regardless. Bruce Gradkowski was given a chance by the Raiders and looked a lot better than Jamarcus Russell.

by BuffaloWhiner on Dec 27, 2009 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Why can't he?

Just once I want someone to explain to me how it couldn’t get worse than Edwards or Fitz.

All your tshirt needs.

by twoeightnine on Dec 27, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

It won't be any worse

Which is the sad part, although this situation isn’t the best for Brohm…

~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 Dec 27, 2009 12:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Any significance to Brohm choosing #4?

Obviously Parrish wears #11 what he wore in GB. Kelly’s #12 is retired. Just interested to see if there is a story behind #4.

by dabillsr1 on Dec 27, 2009 11:02 AM EST reply actions

his position on the depth chart?

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

Not anymore!

Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner

by Ron From NM on Dec 27, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

He came from GB

As did the traitor Favree

by tkiller314 on Dec 27, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

Farve was thrown away like some old cheese. GB got exactly what they deserved!

"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf

by Joe P. on Dec 28, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions

Agree to terms

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 11:03 AM EST reply actions

I love this pledge! This is a first of it’s kind on this site, correct BG? Nice work; I applaud the originality. And of course, I do so also pledge…

Signed,
krytime

by krytime on Dec 27, 2009 11:11 AM EST reply actions

I gfbillsfan do solemly swear

to abide by the above terms…

good luck Mr. Brohm, hope you come out of this one in one piece!

GO BILLS!!!

by gfbillsfan on Dec 27, 2009 11:15 AM EST reply actions

I’m actually pleased to see Brohm get the nod instead of Fitzy. Whatever your opinion of Edwards may be it’s pretty clear that Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a back-up….and an argument could be made that 3rd string is an even more accurate assessment. Why not let Brohm get some live game reps? Like the pledge says, even a stellar game by Brohm (I like my odds of hitting 3 consecutive straight up bets at the roulette table better than Brohm’s chances of throwing for 400 yards, by the way) won’t mean that he’s the long sought answer at QB. However, if he shows any promise at all then Buffalo will know to keep him on the roster in 2010.

On a related note, did anyone else see a nugget about Josh Reed in the links MRW helpfully posted this morning? Basically, Chris Brown (bb.com) stated that TO would almost certainly not be back unless he had no other options (which he may not given the quiet year Buffalo’s ineptitude secured for him) but he went on to suggest that Josh Reed may not be back next year either. That kind of surprised me. First, Reed is unlikely to generate a great deal of interest from other teams meaning that—possibly like TO—Buffalo may be his best option. Second, Reed is affordable which should make him attractive to Buffalo. Third, Buffalo must, at long last, have come to realize that Reed is not a #2 receiver and won’t try to plug him into that role. Finally, there’s the loyalty angle—Reed’s been an okay player who has put the team first and kept his mouth shut.

by Ron From NM on Dec 27, 2009 11:16 AM EST reply actions

I don’t think Reed not coming back is surprising. New coach. Rebuilding. He won’t be a part of the next playoff team so why re-sign him? I get that. He might be an after draft signing if they only have Evans, Hardy, Johnson on the roster by then.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 27, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

Every Bills FA is a solid bet to not return.

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

by kaisertown on Dec 27, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

I would bet on that more than any of them returning.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 28, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

So that leaves you with no slot receiver at all? That makes sense. Not saying it won’t happen, just that it would be stupid. Sign him to a modest 3-year deal and if something better comes along, bench him or dump him.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 29, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

He’ll be 30 by training camp. I like Reed, too. I don’t see him as a long term solution for this franchise in any role other than in the slot. That’d be fine by me.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

Like the pledge says, even a stellar game by Brohm (I like my odds of hitting 3 consecutive straight up bets at the roulette table better than Brohm’s chances of throwing for 400 yards, by the way) won’t mean that he’s the long sought answer at QB.

It must be nice living so far away from Buffalo. You see, if he does have a stellar game today he will automatically become the next Jim Kelly in the minds of 95% of Bills fans.

All your tshirt needs.

by twoeightnine on Dec 27, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

this is not a knock towards you, but im venting on josh reed

Josh Reed is all that is wrong with this organization. He is an OK player at best. He drops important passes, ever since he was on the team. Never makes an impact or a special play. And he has been a starter for most of the time he has been on the team. There is no way this organization can be successful if they are complacent with players of Josh Reeds caliber (read: Chris Kelsay or Keith Ellison).

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

Josh Reed is everything that is wrong with Bills fans.

They expect every player to be spectacular, refuse to accept the fact that some players are role players and take their frustrations out players based on fiction not fact.

He had zero drops the last two years and only 1 or 2 the years before that. He’s only had two seasons where he was the starter, 2003 and 2008. He’s regularly led the team in first downs but I guess those have no impact.

All your tshirt needs.

by twoeightnine on Dec 27, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I’m not asking for him to be spectacular. And I am well aware of role players and their positions on the team. But considering he has been a mainstay on a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in 10 years is saying something. The Bills need to keep upgrading their players in order to stay with the rest of the league. By starter I meant, either #2 or number #3 receiver. Apparently I am wrong with the drops, but it seems to me that his role on the team can filled by another, more talented player who can actually make a play. Catching a 6 yard out for a first down is wonderful and all, but can’t we replace him with someone who is better?

Would I rebuild a team starting with the #3 reciever? No. But taking a look at every player and deciding if they can be replaced with a better product is something that I would do.

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

I now have a great excuse to watch the game today.

Brohm gives us something different to check out (well, at least a different guy throwing footballs).

I saw Josh Reed isn’t with the team, who gets the start in his place?

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

"Am I a hero? I really can't say, but yes - I am."

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 27, 2009 11:19 AM EST reply actions

Steve Johnson will likely split third WR reps with Roscoe Parrish. Hardy’s never worked the slot.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 27, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

I’ll be anxious to see Steve Johnson play, and play well.

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

"Am I a hero? I really can't say, but yes - I am."

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 27, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

won't sign.

I refuse to waive my right to criticize the poor guy, regardless of whether or not he deserves it.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 27, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions

Gotta join in

w/ JPH and Sireric… DJ, the bane of QBs in Buff is gone, long live Brohm!!!!

by Cinga on Dec 27, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions

I think we should sign Vick for next year, especially if our O-Line necessitates a running quarterback. I’ve worked with a lot of ex-cons before and they were all reformed. Most of their problems happened because they were young and stupid.

by Bill Frank on Dec 27, 2009 11:47 AM EST reply actions

That must have been quite a prison. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t the majority of the population in prison repeat offenders? Not saying Vick is going to go out and buy some pitbulls, but to say all ex-cons are reformed is bold.

And young and stupid shouldn’t be an excuse for anything. There is right and wrong and everyone should know the difference. Especially if the consequences are cinder block walls and steel bars.

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

I said all the ones I worked with were reformed though a great after-prison program called Ready Willing and Able. Also I am not saying being young and stupid is an excuse. I am saying it is a fact that most crimes are committed by the young and stupid. By the time someone reaches 25 their testosterone levels are way down as well as their impulsive-no-tomorrow-“I am invincible.” type crimes.

I agree that everyone Should know the difference between right and wrong but never ever in all of history has that ever been the case. We have to live in the world as it is. There are no more Australias or Georgias where we can send our prisoners.

by Bill Frank on Dec 27, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Fair enough. good points. nice conversation. :)

But I will disagree with signing Vick. I don’t think signing him will be best for the franchise. Guys like Rob Johnson and JP Losman set the franchise back a couple years. I think a move to Vick would end in the same fate. I feel that with a better O-line, one of the current QBs can be serviceable for one more year, then move on to a QB in next years draft. I am a big proponent of making the Lines better. A good O-line will make every RB better and most QBs better. A good D-Line makes LBs better as well as the CBs via pressure on the QB. just my opinion though

by BillsfanDan on Dec 27, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

Brohm is a 51 in the updated Madden rankings

which is what I expect his completion % to be this game. Lots of Lynch/Jackson hopefully.

signed.

"always thinking one step ahead, like a carpenter...who makes stairs..."

by dragonwag0n on Dec 27, 2009 12:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions

You expect it to be that high?? :-)

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 27, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

I almost think it will be higher. Cause he’s going to check down all day

by kaisertown on Dec 27, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Bills fans, please, please don’t try and read into this game. Even if he plays well, his play is largely meaningless. It’s one game.

Be prepared for more check downs than you’ve ever seen a Bills QB throw (Yeah, I know).

by kaisertown on Dec 27, 2009 1:03 PM EST reply actions

K's keys

Nice call

by radan on Dec 27, 2009 1:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Brohm

Hey I think he did a ok job for his first start, with what he had to work with.

by Jantheman on Dec 27, 2009 7:29 PM EST reply actions

Censorship! Censorship! Censorship!

Sorry, couldn’t help it…

In all honesty though, I don’t think that why really can give Brohm a real shot in this game. We really aren’t expecting much from him and whatever he gives us is a nice surprise, but should not be taken seriously. Our team stinks right now folks, theres no us putting the blame on a second year player that we signed off a pracise squad.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 28, 2009 1:36 AM EST reply actions

The Pledge

Wow Brian. The Rumblings Pledge is filled with insightful, well thought out idea’s and conditions… and I whole heartily reject them all. Much the way I reject the idea that Brohm (another West Coast system QB) will do any better in our offensive system than our other West Coast System QB (Edwards.)

Bill Walsh liked Edwards and since his football mind was greater than anyone we currently have at OBD why don’t we try to build around him a little before we toss him out like a Matthews Sunday column. Step one, get him a real offensive line (although I love the Wood kid and I hope he comes back strong.) Step two, develop a system that lets him use Freddy Jackson in a Roger Craig type role. Step three, TO is on his last legs. We need younger help at WR. Johnson’s showed something. Why not see if he can really play?

by Moose68 on Dec 28, 2009 3:22 AM EST reply actions