Fitzpatrick still the right call for Bills at QB
by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 9:00 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintAmidst one of the worst seasons to witness as a fan of the Buffalo Bills in the past decade - and as the entire decade's been bad, that's saying something - calls for the Bills to change quarterbacks occur on a seemingly weekly basis. With Buffalo all but eliminated from playoff contention and awaiting organizational direction in the form of new football decision-makers and a new coaching staff, Bills fans are making their voices heard about the quarterback position.
It's tough for me to understand why. Buffalo doesn't have a desirable starting quarterback option on its roster. The man with perhaps the most vocal fan support at the moment, Brian Brohm, has been with the Bills for less than three weeks. Starter-by-default Ryan Fitzpatrick has put up some truly horrendous stat lines this season, to the point where even Trent Edwards, who fell out of favor quickly after a slow start in his third season, is the choice candidate in some circles.
Ultimately, however, it's Fitzpatrick that should stay in at quarterback for the Bills. I understand completely that that's not exactly the best news in the world. The reasons behind that opinion aren't great, but they're better than the reasons for starting Edwards or, far more importantly, Brohm. Buffalo has bigger fish to fry than trying to find a franchise quarterback this month.
The argument against Brohm
Since he became a Bill on November 19, infatuation with the second-year player out of Louisville has grown each week he's been on the sidelines as the Bills' emergency quarterback. (He's done it twice, by the way.) Once heralded as a sure-fire Top 5 pick and one of the more prolific college passers of recent memory, Brohm was a huge flop in Green Bay, failing to impress the coaching staff that developed Aaron Rodgers, losing confidence more rapidly than Edwards himself, and landing on the practice squad in just his second year while 2008 seventh-round pick Matt Flynn became Rodger's undisputed backup.
Yes, the talent is there with Brohm. He's not a blue-chip prospect, but his raw talent says he's capable of being a productive player in the NFL. But his psyche is fragile, he doesn't know the playbook yet, and even if he started all four games, we likely wouldn't learn anything definitive about him. He might end up playing an entirely different offensive scheme next year. If he played great, that'd be awesome, but that's incredibly unlikely given the Swiss Cheese nature of our offensive line. Do we really want to be putting a player who may or may not have the mental fortitude for the position into the lineup just to "see what we have" when the negative effects of the move could ruin yet another young quarterback in Buffalo? How, exactly, is that a good idea?
Seriously, what might we learn? That Brohm might be a good player? Can't we make the same claim right now, with Brohm stuck on the sidelines? Yes, it's the conservative approach, but there is absolutely no reason for the team to be aggressive in bringing Brohm along, nor is there a good reason for the fan base to want them to.
Here's the biggest reason that Brohm seeing any field time is a bad idea: Perry Fewell is his head coach. More accurately, Perry Fewell is his interim head coach. Like it or not, Fewell is three weeks into a seven-week job audition. If Fewell were to insert Brohm into the lineup, no matter how prepared or not he might be, Fewell would be asking Brohm to save his job. Fewell's coaching for a permanent head coaching gig. He's not coaching to groom talent, and his players realize it. Brohm would be in the lineup to play lights out and prove that his coach is the right man for the job. Fewell wouldn't do that to Brohm, and if he did, it'd be a severe blow to his head coaching chances, no matter how well Brohm performed. It's just not going to happen, folks, and y'all should be glad it won't.
Fitzpatrick still gives the Bills the best chance to win
Nothing against Trent Edwards. I'm not nearly as anti-Edwards as the venomous corner of the Bills' fan base, but he shouldn't be on the field unless playing in injury relief. Nothing would be better for Edwards at this point than a change in environment. He's proven himself to be dysfunctional as a starting quarterback in the current environment. His career is in a holding pattern; whether or not it continues in Buffalo remains to be seen, but throwing him back into the fire would do him nor the team any good at all.
That leaves Fitzpatrick. His play is incredibly hit-or-miss, but he's the choice starter of the offensive unit, he plays smart football, and for all of his flaws, he at least is capable of keeping the Bills competitive in games. Those are hardly glowing arguments, but it's the best we've got. He's the best choice for Fewell, who needs wins to remain here as the head coach. He's the best choice for the team, who at least are still playing with some small semblance of confidence.
Fitzpatrick obviously isn't the long-term answer at quarterback for any team, including the Bills. He's a good backup quarterback at his best, and with two more years on his current contract and some solid performances in the last two years under his belt, it's likely he'll stay as a backup quarterback for at least 2010. He's the best the Bills have right now, and he's the best choice for Perry Fewell. Like it or not, Fitzpatrick should, and very likely will, close out 2009 as Buffalo's starting quarterback.
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You’re implying there’s a “right” choice…I think “least wrong” is probably more accurate. Sadly.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Dec 8, 2009 9:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Ha. Yep – that’s fair.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
I voted fitzpatrick because thats what I think will happen. Id like to see Edwards come back and be strong, and if he just isn’t good enough now, I certainly wouldn
t mind seeing Brohm for curiosity’s sake.
In my opinion, if I were Fewell, knowing my job were on the line, I would do this… start Fitzpatrick this week… do we win? Who cares… but even if we do, then have a press conference and say that for the last three weeks, each QB will get a shot, starting with Edwards, Fitz one last time, and then Brohm the last game. Indy or not, just let the kid get his feet wet, and then move onto the next season. If Fewell acts like he’ll be here next year, then maybe he will be. (Not that I want him too) but on the other hand, losing games means a higher draft choice, which means more money spent, which ultimately means the old hall of fame owner won’t be happy
Good Luck With Your Firings Mr. Wilson….Go Bills!
I kinda like that idea. Give each of them one more game after KC...
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
Perry Fewell
Great point on Perry Fewell. He is going to do whatever it takes to win. Even if he does not get the Bills job (which I hope he does not because this organization needs a breath of fresh air), he is still auditioning for another job in the league. What does he have to lose? Unfortunately, Fitz goes give us our best chance to win. I admit it’s ugly to watch, but atleast he is willing to throw the ball to our wide receivers, something Edwards seemed to have a problem doing.
For me it was Edwards, but that was before he lost the team. i voted Fitzpatrick.
I’ve argued all year (until Tennessee) that, as frustrating as it was, we should stick with Edwards all year. The reason I’ve changed my mind is that Trent has clearly lost the team. If he had not, it’d be reasonable to allow him to finish the season to see if he could put it all together. But since he has, it’s not fair to evaluating the rest of the team to force a guy who nobody trusts.
When it was a case of evaluating Trent + the Rest of the team, we should have started Trent. Now that it’s a case of evaluating Trent OR the rest of the team, we’ve got to go with the rest of the team. That means going with Fitzy…
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Totally agree
The team has totally given up on Edwards. Especially his receivers. It’s over for him this season.
Brian is right
I agree with everything Brian says. Edwards has already suffered a lot of damage to his psyche this season. Why cause more — and also have him run the risk of another concussion? And there is an additional, if minor, reason for playing Fitz. He is likely to be our back-up QB for the next few years. If that’s true, why not let him get some more playing experience? The more experience back-ups get, the better they are likely to perform when called upon in emergencies down the road. Normally that would be the last reason for playing one QB over another, but it’s what we have come down to in this wasted season.
I voted for Fitzpatrick. Remarkably he does give us the best chance to win at this point and I like to watch the Bills win. Three weeks isn’t enough time for a young QB like Brohm to come in and learn the system well enough to have a shot at being successful.
At this point I’m less concerned with who plays QB, mostly because I don’t think next years starter is on the roster, than I am with who is playing WR. In a way I’m happy that we are seeing Owens, Evans and Reed out there on almost every play because they are our best receivers right now. But at the same time we are looking at losing two thirds of that trio in the off-season and we potentially do have their replacements on the roster. I want the team to win and I know Perry is in audition mode but at some point we need to start seeing more of Johnson and Hardy to know what we have to work with for next year.
You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.
Wide Receivers.
I agree with you, Reed is gone after the season. I know that he has been with the franchise for a long time, but you have to give one of the other WRs experience. I think Johnson could be a nice third WR. He showed some good things last year, so why not give him a shot to show what he can do…although protecting the QB long enough to get him the ball is a whole different story
agree
Stevie J looked real good last year. I’m a fan.
by EmpoBeastMode on Dec 10, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
I don't expect Brohm to start as Fewell is coaching for himself and a job, which I can't blame him for.
But this team is out of the playoffs and the right move is to use this time to develop players and get a head start on next year, which means finding out what Brohm has. Brohm should be starting if you care about the team’s long term success.
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Brohm should be starting if you care about the team’s long term success.
That’s bold, and kind of accusatory, my friend.
Again, I ask: what the hell are we gonna learn about Brohm in four games that makes it IMPERATIVE that he start?
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
It is accusatory, but I don’t blame Fewell for it, he’s gotta work for his future. Its one of the downsides of having an interim coach that’s a candidate for the job. I still remember being at the Jets/Bills game at the Meadowlands in Mularkey’s last year when he started Holcomb over Losman even though we were out of the playoffs. Losman could have used that experience.
You’ll learn more than watching him in practice. You know, the team that claims it practices well yet sucks on the field.
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You’ll learn more than watching him in practice.
I suppose fundamentally that’s true, but when there’s a 99.9% chance that what you’ll learn won’t be desirable because you’re putting him in a bad situation, why is that better than letting him do good work on the practice field?
We don’t have to learn anything about Brohm this year. A new regime is going to have a different take on him, anyway.
I still remember being at the Jets/Bills game at the Meadowlands in Mularkey’s last year when he started Holcomb over Losman even though we were out of the playoffs. Losman could have used that experience.
I don’t like that comparison. Losman had been in Buffalo’s playbook for two years and accumulated eight starts at that point. You’re right – Losman should have started that game. But he’d played in the NFL before. Brohm hasn’t, and he’s been in Buffalo’s playbook for three weeks. Those are VERY different situations.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Agree, but in the end we’re in this situation because the FO refused to bring in a backup with starting potential, instead signing a career backup and retaining a clipboard holder.
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I don’t disagree with that in the least. I just don’t like using that as the basis for throwing a too-green QB into the fire.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
How about starting him against Indy, who will likely be resting some starters?
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I think there’s a little more to it there, but it’s not much different for Fewell and for the team.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Beating a team resting Manning and other starters doesn’t do much for Fewell either.
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It does more than experimenting with a quarterback that he’ll never coach long-term.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Plus nobody knew that was going to be Mularkey’s last year, remember? He quit after his second season when they brought in Marv.
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 10, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
i think the best argument that could be made for brohm by frustrated bills fans is that he’s not fitzpatrick or edwards – we may not learn anything about him, but we already know what we need to know about the other two (that they aren’t our future).
I think the bottom line is that, if we let brohm play, there’s a small (very small) chance he could shine. If he doesn’t, then we just have what we already have in edwards or fitz – a mediocre qb that won’t be around in coming years.
Besides, if he REALLY bombs, that puts us closer to the top of the draft.
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
You can do a lot of damage to a young player if you put him in a position where he isn’t likely to succeed. Especially a QB. Maybe if he was here through training camp I’d agree but how many snaps do you think he’s had in practice the last three weeks. It’s just not enough time for a very raw QB, especially when it comes in the middle of the season like this.
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by PerryTuttle22 on Dec 8, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
100% disagree, any game time is valuable to a young player. Its not like he’s a rookie, he’s been through two training camps. I’m tired of treating these guys with kid gloves, see Edwards.
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who treated edwards with kid gloves?
The last guy who got brought along slowly that I can remember was Aaron Rodgers. That worked out pretty well.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
By not only signing, but targeting a QB that was a career backup and would not challenge him for the starting job. Hence, when Edwards fell apart the team was doomed.
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that was dumb, but it's not really comparable in any way to what we're talking about...
you were talking about giving a young player PT…your example actually provided Trent with more playing time…
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Edwards was going to fail regardless
Not having some slightly better backup pushing him isn’t the reason his tenure in Buffalo is almost over. He wasn’t very good to start with.
~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 less down on Trent’s actual abilities than I am on the way he was developed by the coaching staff. IMO, he shouldn’t have even been anywhere near a game situation in his first year. He shouldn’t have come into that Pats game when Losman got Wilforked. He should have been learning the playbook and getting acclimated to the pro game. Nobody should have uttered the name Trent Edwards until at earliest mid-last year. I mean, look at how careful the Dolphins were with Henne. He didn’t even sniff the field last year and he was a second rounder. Trent was taken in the third.
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But Chad Henne was Miami’s backup last year. If Pennington had gone down like Losman Henne would have played.
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 10, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t understand how you think Brohm could be ready to start in the NFL when he wasn’t even ready to be a third string QB in Green Bay after two training camps with them. He was released in September and we picked him up off their practice squad. Clearly he needs some work.
You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.
by PerryTuttle22 on Dec 8, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe if he was here through training camp I’d agree but how many snaps do you think he’s had in practice the last three weeks.
He has been running the scout team. So none with the first or second team offense.
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 10, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree
Putting any QB behind that line will not allow you to learn anything, except, does he know how to run for his life?
Fitz’s style of QB fits into this line, because he can pick up some yards instead of being sacked. Edwards completely started to regress the more he got hit – and I would expect the same thing to happen with any QB.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
Fitzpatrick
This isn’t an excuse but only having three days between games had alot to do with their performance last Thursday against the Jets. Even our secondary was beaten on multiple occassions. Our team is so young they need that extra day or two to prepare. Fewell needs that extra day or two to prepare.
Fitzpatrick plays, Brohm gets a training camp to show his stuff and we either draft or bring in a vetran FA into the mix. Getting a franchise QB at this point is not impossible but very unlikely by this time next year. Building a running game is more desireable at this point in our rebuilding.
Fewell knows his fate at the end of the season, we are speculating what if’s. Lets wait and see what happens in Arrowhead this Sunday. Let’s see how the TEAM responds before throwing Fitz under the bus.
With Owens, Reed and Parrish going next year, we will need to replace at least two WR’s assuming Reed doesn’t sign a one year deal.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
against the flow
IMO I would play all three. While I think it’s wrong, human nature says that Fewell is looking out for Fewell. For the greater good, though, I think it was AfghanTwilight who worte we need “one final assessment”. I agree. Why sign Brohm if you aren’t going to let him have a snap. I would treat the remaining games as you would the preseason. Evaluate and assess everyone.
It’s painful enough to be 4-8. Watching Fitz throw only answers one question, “Can he?” and the answer appears to be no. At this point, “fighting to the end” is a useless exercise. There is much more to be gained either by Fewell or whomever takes over. Fewell should do that which is for the greater good.
How come you weren't asking for Hamdan to play?
We signed him and he never got a snap.
by twoeightnine on Dec 8, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
we didn't
have 4 games to go and weren’t 4-8. If he were here, I’d say give him some time.
In fairness, I’d much rather people call for Brohm to start than for Hamdan.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, even though Hamdan would probably do much better than Brohm at this point.
by Sixteenthback on Dec 8, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
I voted Fitz
Clearly Brohm’s confidence got ruined in Green Bay and allowing him to get beat up behind our O-line I think is illegal.
Edwards has completely lost this team and we won’t learn anything or gain anything if he is out there.
So by default it is Fitz.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
Me too.....same reasons. I am shocked by the number of votes Brohm is getting
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
You know what?
I want Brohm to play just to shut everyone up. When his first read is to check down every play because he plays scout team every week (and he’s been here for weeks now!) and couldn’t master the Packers playbook after being in their organization for a year and a half, I’ll just continue to laugh.
People keep on asking what's the worst thing that can happen?
They’ll get their answer.
by twoeightnine on Dec 8, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Hahah so the worst thing that can happen is he plays like Trent Edwards?
I don’t think people will be that alarmed…
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
No, he'll make Trent look competent.
Instead of Fitz’s mind in Trent’s body we’re gonna get Trent’s mind in Fitz’s body.
by twoeightnine on Dec 8, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
People forget
Remember when Trent looked so good compared to Lossman? Checkdowns are not the worst thing for a qb if he can complete them. Just a guess, but I don’ t think that Edwards would have been demoted to the practice squad in GB. Brohm is a long-term project here, nothing more.
by Sixteenthback on Dec 8, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Checkdowns arent bad...
But when its your only throw they are. 3rd and 12 you cant throw a 2 yard out… and he did that consistantely.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
I voted Brohm.
Because @ this point w/ the playoffs being a wash, I already know that the other 2 stink, and I’d rather see what the 3rd guy can do.
buddy of mine said he looked good warming up, Brohm that is, and better than the other two. But take that for what it is… notmuch considering JP Losman was like Steve Young in practice
It's not all that bad.... Go Bills 2010 !!!!
and i scored 40 points a game in highschool….in the layup line
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Also, with the patchwork line, there’s probably a good chance we see all three in action, regardless what the decision is.
I’m just now realizing how incredibly pessimistic I sound. Sorry, all.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Dec 8, 2009 11:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I voted Edwards.
This is just my opinion, but: He should be given an opportunity to “rise from the ashes” and find out if he has the “gonads” to lead this team. He’s too young to throw away, and this team has a great history of doing just that to starting QBs. Is there a more-loved position on the Bills than the unproven backup QB?
For me, I don’t necessarily believe that putting Edwards back in means we see the same results. We all know what Fitz is, we’re still learning what Edwards might be.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 8, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions
that's the argument I'd make except that Edwards lost the team a few weeks ago.
For me, that’s what changes the equation.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Did he lose the team or just Owens?
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 8, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
He lost the team
First he lost Owens, but then nobody backed him up. They all took Owens’ side. Even Jauron.
Yeah I think he lost the team.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 8, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
It’s shocking how many people voted Brohm. Great article Brian, you spelled out why it’s such a bad idea to force him onto the field. Next year’s coaching staff literally learns absolutely nothing about Brohm if he plays. He’s been in the playbook for less than a month and hasn’t gotten any first team reps at practice. Brohm was terrible when in a good situation in Green Bay, how can everybody not agree that asking him to play in this situation is bad for him? Playing Brohm is an awful idea. I literally can’t imagine a worse personel decision that Buffalo could make this season that doesn’t involve contracts.
At this point, the Bills have no choice, but to roll with Fitz and start him every week regardless of how he plays. Personally, I never would have benched Trent in the Tennessee game and I would have given Edwards more time (probably at least another month) to get back on track.
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
I agree about Brohm, but not about Edwards
Forget the fact that Jauron was coaching for his life. Edwards had lost the team. You could feel things reaching critical mass. I think Edwards was broken, both physically and mentally. I hope Edwards does well, but it will have to be on another team.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Stop voting for Brohm!!
The kid was beyond terrible in GB, couldn’t stick on their roster and landed on the PS. He’s been in Buffalo for a few weeks now and has only gotten scout team reps. Now some of you expect him to have the playbook mastered AND be ready to take live NFL snaps? Not happening.
How does this help Fewell? He wants to win games. How does this help Brohm? Throwing him to the lions for 4 games, where he would fail miserably, does him no good. If he stinks it up for 4 games, his fate might already be sealed in Buffalo, especially with the fickle fans.
Really, some of you must see his 2nd round draft status and think he’s some sort of future stud. If Brian Brohm was drafted in round 5, would anybody really care to see him in games anytime soon…or ever? There’s a reason GB dumped him so quickly….
This whole discussion is meaningless anyhow. The new staff/regime will want to bring in their own QB, and some former PS guy isn’t going to be who they choose.
~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 8, 2009 12:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
a quick answer: yes, even if he was a 7th round pick, i’d like to see him, for one simple reason: he’s not edwards or fitzpatrick.
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
That’s not a good reason. It’s an understandable reason, believe me, but it’s not a good one.
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
i agree its not a good reason, but it’s all we have left….
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
what i mean by that is, realistically, there’s nothing to lose but more games, and we’re going to do that anyways.
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Still, that’s not a good reason. Again – understandable, but not good. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 8, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I think there’s plenty more to lose. Putting a 24 year old QB with an already fragile and injured psyche into a regular season NFL game, behind this dreadful OL, after being on the roster and in the playbook less than a month and only receiving practice time with the backups running the scout team is about the best recipe for disaster I’ve ever seen. You’re only hurting Brian Brohm’s future by playing him.
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
but everyone is saying he doesn’t have a future anyways, so what’s the harm? If you don’t give him a chance now, he’s never getting one – if some big name coach comes in, do you think he really gives brohm a shot? i doubt it.
by quantumuprising on Dec 8, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Who is saying he doesn’t have a future? At the very least, Brohm will be brought into training camp next year where he will have the chance to impress. I’m not saying Brohm has a shot to win the job as a starter next year, but that doesn’t mean he can’t work his way into the long term plans as a backup. Maybe he’ll pull a Matt Schuab or Rob Johnson and string together a couple great preseasons, play well for an injured starter for a game or two and bring back something in a trade. Or maybe Brohm can spend some time learning and the bench and gaining confidence (you know who they say everybody’s favorite player is) and can take over if the rookie Buffalo drafts this year is a bust. There are lots of ways that Brohm can succeed, but none of them are happening any time soon, especially this season.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
Wait how is it not a good one?
Brohm starting over te and fitzy just means a diff look. I can’t imagine he’s that dumb not to learn enough plays to play a couple series out there at least. I think it’s funny people are debating who is better to lead us to a win. Who gives a crap? No offense but what does winning do for this team besides give it a worse draft position? They signed brohm, let him throw a couple in game time sich. Not like there’s anything to lose! I think fitz should be the last on starting because I don think there is one person with the misconception that he is the qb of the future. Te had his chance and lost the team/confidence needed to play qb in the NFL. Brohm is the only unknown (even if you think you know, we haven’t seen him take a snap yet). I vote brohm, because honestly, what’s left to lose? Most likely a new qb is coming in to take the reigns anyway. Who cares if brohm implodes, he’s third string!!! And probably will stay that way regardless!!
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
by silverstreak3k on Dec 8, 2009 3:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not like there’s anything to lose!
You’re hurting Brian Brohm’s future by playing him. He hasn’t practiced with our starting WRs and doesn’t even know the playbook. You’re not learning anything by playing him. If you put him in a game he is going to suck and his play won’t mean anything. His confidence has got to be hurting after being cut in Green Bay and combining that with this OL and Brohm’s lack of knowledge of the offense and familiarity and timing with the players can do long term damage to his psyche. He’s not a bad prospect, so let’s give him an actual opportunity to make something of his career next training camp.
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
I can’t imagine he’s that dumb not to learn enough plays to play a couple series out there at least.
Have you ever looked at an NFL play book? They’re not just Run 1, Pass 1. And what happens if you give 10 plays to run and on the 1st drive we have a false start followed by a hold? All of a sudden it’s 3 and 25 and there’s no play call available for that situation. What have we learned from that?
Dude, those Tecmo Super Bowl playbooks only had 8 plays – 4 rushing, 4 passing – and I always did fine on that game with Thurman Thomas and “Bills QB”, whoever that guy was.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 10, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
LOL!!! NIce.....rec'd
Stop voting for Brohm!!
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Seventy Percent voted against Fitzpatrick
Simply amazing, key word simply. He provides the best chance for this team to succeed. Key word is TEAM. Lets foucus on the 53 man roster Vs One or Two people. There are more opportunities to evaluate other members of this team with Fitzpatrick playing than satisfying a personal agenda.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
by VanScottM on Dec 8, 2009 12:57 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
There are more opportunities to evaluate other members of this team with Fitzpatrick playing than satisfying a personal agenda.
Great point.
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
maybe we can evaluate members of the defense as well as Moorman
because with a sub 45 passing rating, there won’t be much to evaluate on offense. Fitz’ accuracy is certifiable. Our TOP and 4th qtr. production are abysmal. We’ve beat to death the fact that the QB position is critical. We can’t go out post season and get 3 QBs. So, shouldn’t we determine once and for all who else to retain? Could there be a chance that Edwards and Brohm are products of their environment as many have said? I honestly don’t see how it can be said unequivocally that both are “done” , “washed up” without further evaluation.
I voted Edwards
He is clearly the QB with upside. He has fallen out of favor with the fan base but we have a quality QB in Edwards and I think teams will scramble to get him when he is available. I predict a team like New England or Indianapolis would be very interested.
I believe the TO signing was the worst thing we could have done. It forced us to change how we design and call games because we now feel like we have this great talent that we must use. The fact is that Edwards does better with the sure handed mid range guys like Steve Johnson, Reed, Schouman, etc and then Evans can provide the deep threat. Laverneaus Coles would have been a much better choice because I see him more like a Santana Moss, who does a ton a very quick slants that are more like screens—the ball arrives within a yard or two of the LOS and then he moves.
I would start Edwards for the rest of the year. He’s our investment and besides, TO, we have no reason to give up on him. I don’t believe he’s lost the team. I believe he’s lost TO but TO is not as invested in the Bills as say Evans or others.
I used to be a Houston Rockets fan in the days of the Dream. And I remember the season when it was all but a done deal that Olajuwon was leaving and he even developed new moves to help him in another team but somehow it got worked out. Edwards is no reincarnation of the Dream but he can be a solid NFL starter and we are giving up on him far too soon.
The Bengals signed Coles for more than we gave T.O. and we offered him a contract, too. Our WRs don’t do slants not becuase of themselves but because of the QB play.
I believe the TO signing was the worst thing we could have done
This argument may be the most flawed on this whole thread. You really wanted Josh Reed starting on the outside again?
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 10, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Lets just only play defense and special teams. Punt it away on 1st down.
Fitz – career backup
Edwards – career backup
Brohm – dont know, not enough time in system
Too injured on the O-line anyways. Levitre will end up getting hurt.
“Punt like hell, and play D”
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
I did that to some poor guy in Madden online last night.
I offered “mercy” when I was up 31-7, he sent me a message calling me a not nice name, so I punted the ball back to him everytime I got it for the rest of the game on 1st down. He was totally rattled.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 8, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
haha.
Well then maybe we can rattle KC, NE, ATL, and Indy. Because we know our normal attack hasnt rattled anyone in a long time haha.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
He’s proven himself to be dysfunctional as a starting quarterback in the current environment.
That sentence alone sums up the current situation with Trent. I voted Fitz, “not because he gives the team the best chance to win”, but because it would be a horrendous situation for Brohm to step into at this point. If the line shows some semblance of improvement over the next few games, then maybe Brohm should get a start against the Indianapolis scrubs.
Fitz has proven two things:
- He can handle himself behind one of the worst offensive lines (mostly due to injury and inexperience) the Bills have fielded in recent memory
- He is a third string QB at best
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
Fitzpatrick has already proven he is better than a third string QB.
He has kept us in every game he has played. He also nailed one shut against Miami.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
This is like politics
Nobody is really voting for Brohm so much as they’re voting “no confidence” in Edwards and Fitz. Any poll that you put up here, people are going to go with the unknown commodity because it’s something, anything different from what we know doesn’t work.
by Frank Reich Revolution on Dec 8, 2009 1:56 PM EST reply actions
Fitzpatrick
I voted for Fitz, not because I think he will be our starting QB for next years. It’s pure and simple no other option left.
Trent had his oportunity and showed that he can’t carry this O.
Brohm is not ready to see the field. Let’s be realistic here, Bills only signed Brohm to take a good look at him in next preaseason. Start Brohm now would be bad for the team and specially for him. Let’s give the kid some time to develop and next preseason see where he could go.
When I voted, I realize that a team who need choose between those QBs, who would never see a field in 95% of teams, means that needs to find solutions for this position.
Well, at least I was convincing to 53% of people who read here.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
LOL!!! Probably not that high......most of us probably agreed with you to begin with :-)
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Brohm
We’re 4-8. So they should run an uber simplified offense with a few plays for Brohm, and we’ll see what he is made of. For whatever reason he got bumped to 3rd on the list here in the land of the frozen tundra, but one man’s trash is sometimes another’s treasure. Fitz is exactly what we thought he was, a reasonable backup. If we’re done with Edwards, then we have four games to decide whether there is anything worth developing in Brohm. If not, we start at square one next year with our QBs. Fitz stays, and we draft one high and one developmental.
So they should run an uber simplified offense with a few plays for Brohm, and we’ll see what he is made of.
UGH. My God, can’t you see the complete lack of logic in that sentence?! Who the hell wants to make declarations about a player at the game’s most important position based on how he performs in a 98% watered-down NFL offense?! What the hell does that even prove?!
[facepalmheaddeskfistwall]
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 9, 2009 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
But isn't that how young QBs are developed anyway(s) :0)
Start with a smaller, bite-sized offensive scheme that expands as the youngster gets experience? Clearly I didn’t see “the complete lack of logic in that sentence?!” I appreciate the outrage, though. Obviously you feel strongly enough about this to punch walls.
No that's not how you develop a QB....
throwing him behind the worst OL in the league, with no run game, a coaching staff that’ll be brand new next year and only 3 weeks under his belt in this offense. That’s just asking for poor results.
~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."
Ha. I try not to lose my cool, and sometimes, that leads to one massive outburst every 6 months or so. You won the lottery. :)
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 9, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Fitz stays
We draft one but not high. We bring in a F/A to compete with Fitz and compete hard. Fitzpatrick needs an offseason, trainging camp to compete for a starting position. He has never had that. Drafting a QB high or in the seventh round is not going to seal the deal next year. Fitzpatrick is a very smart man. He will need to be challenged by a veteran FA that can challenge his intellect and skills. Not a rookie with tremendous upside.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
Fitzpatrick needs an offseason, trainging camp to compete for a starting position. He has never had that.
Why? All of Fitz’s weaknesses stem from a lack of physical ability. No number of offseasons or training camps will change that.
Fitzpatrick is a very smart man. He will need to be challenged by a veteran FA that can challenge his intellect and skills. Not a rookie with tremendous upside.
You make it sound like we’re trying to defeat Fitz. We’re not. We need to find a quarterback who is better than he is for next season. It’s not about challenging him to improve. He’s not going to improve. It’s about finding someone who is better than he is for starting next year, and finding the quarterback of the future, be he Brohm or a draft pick.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 9, 2009 1:13 AM EST up reply actions
I voted for FitzPatrick
However if were down big in a game and theres only 3 or 4 minutes left in the game why not put Brohm in? It keeps Fitz healthy gives Brohm some PT and everyone goes home happy.
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