Bills' Florence should consider suspending his Vick campaign

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 9:00 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills Opinion

On Monday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell granted a conditional reinstatement to former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Per the terms of the reinstatement, Vick is eligible to sign with any team immediately, participate in training camp immediately, play in the final two pre-season games, and will be eligible for full reinstatement by Goodell at any point before Week Six of the regular season.

Within hours, players across the league were voicing their opinions on the news. Three of those players are members of the Buffalo Bills - WR Terrell Owens, FS George Wilson and CB Drayton Florence. Players are entitled to their opinions, and all three men have publicly voiced support of Vick. Owens and Wilson have said they wouldn't mind having Vick as a teammate. Florence, however, has escalated the story to an entirely new level by attempting to rally a fan campaign in support of the Bills signing Vick.

Drayton - may I call you Drayton? - you probably shouldn't have done that.

Before I get into why, I need to make a few things quite clear. I am in no way disagreeing with the general sentiment of Florence's opinions (or those of Owens and Wilson, for that matter). As I said up top, players are entitled to their opinions. They're allowed to wonder what it would be like - how exciting and intriguing it might be - to have Vick as a teammate. In Florence's case, he's at perfect liberty to wish for Vick to come to Buffalo. That doesn't mean his wishes need to be public, nor does it mean I have to agree with it - and I'm certainly not making a case either way here - but a man's got to have opinions.

Voicing those opinions publicly isn't a bad thing, either. We, the fans, are not NFL players. NFL players are essentially a gigantic fraternity. I sincerely doubt any player in public support of Vick condones his past misdeeds. But lots of players around the league have been given extra opportunities. Most realize that this is Vick's last shot, and again, they're at perfect liberty to show him support upon his reinstatement.

Openly campaigning for a player to join your team isn't necessarily bad, either. In this case, it's very ill-advised. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more pressure-packed situation in the entire league than the one in Buffalo right now - and that's before players begin fan campaigns to sign by far the most divisive personality in the sport right now. Florence's comments were ill-advised for several reasons.

It creates the perception the Bills might actually be interested in Vick. That doesn't mean most Bills fans would believe it. We have heard Tim Graham report this off-season that a Bills official laughed at him when asked if the team would be interested in Vick. That's highly consistent with everything I have heard as well (as if a lowly blogger needs to validate reports from Tim Graham). Yet when fans are carrying signs around training camp practices that promote some form of "Sign Vick!", it gets people discussing the possibility. I'll repeat what I've said on numerous occasions: the possibility is beyond remote, folks - no matter how hard Florence's campaigners lobby.

It undermines the team. Florence's public campaign in no way, shape or form divulges anything about his feelings regarding the talent level of his current team. What he has seemingly failed to understand is that, again, it creates a perception (we'll be using that word again, don't worry) that he, and perhaps other players, don't believe the Bills have what it takes to make a playoff run this season. In case you haven't been paying attention, the Bills have been doing a lot of good things thus far at training camp. Bills coaches have a lot on their plates at the moment - as does management, as they try to sign three more rookie holdouts. Public campaigns for any player at this point in the game undermines a coaching staff trying to prepare for a season with a roster it likes, and it puts unneeded pressure on a front office that's already under the gun - if only from a perceptual standpoint.

It undermines Trent Edwards. Buffalo has a quarterback, folks. This is Trent Edwards' team, for better or worse. The Bills have already made a full-out commitment to building around the third-year signal-caller. I can fully understand and appreciate the idea of adding any quarterback that's proven he can perform in this league in the event that Edwards falters - particularly one that can help a team in other ways. X's and O's, it makes a lot of sense. Hell, I can understand why any veteran player would think that too - but keep it to yourself! Owens, to his credit, has gushed over Edwards' potential, and the two have been dynamite through five training camp practices. I don't know how Drayton Florence feels about Edwards, or whether he's bought into the idea that No. 5 can lead his new team to the playoffs. I do, however, know how his Vick campaign can be perceived (told you we'd use it again) in relation to Edwards.

Florence has already got a job to do. I hate to be harsh here, but Florence is a veteran cornerback. He was signed to a two-year, $6 million deal after the Bills failed to agree to terms with now-Saints CB Jabari Greer in the off-season. Florence has been a productive player in the league, and he's expected to contend for the nickel corner job. Right now, however, he's getting blown out of the water by second-year man Reggie Corner and injury-prone vet Ashton Youboty. If the season were to start tomorrow, there's a good chance Florence would be a reserve at both nickel corner and outside. He might not see any playing time at all. I don't know personally how seriously Florence is pursuing his opportunity with the Bills - by all accounts, he's worked as hard as his teammates and performed well at camp - but I do know how he feels about Michael Vick. Again, that's a problem. He's got to worry about himself first. Can we really be sure of his agenda?

I like Drayton Florence as a player. I hope he does well in Buffalo. But I'm not a fan of any situation in which I think to myself, "Yeah, it's time for Dick Jauron to have a little word with his players." Buffalo has a job to do - and for any team in training camp, unity of purpose is a must-have. This Vick thing can be a minor pre-season hiccup if Florence's self-started fan campaign for Vick ends now. If the perception that the team isn't confident in itself or Edwards persists, however, all hell could break loose. If the campaign continues, a non-story will turn into a monster - and we've got enough headlines to be dealing with right now, thank you very much.

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Comments

Edwards

I agree it is not Florence’s place to promote the Vick to Buffalo move. Hyowever, as you stated it does make you wonder what his thoughts are about Edwards, and if others share his belief that we need a better insurance policy. I am very skeptical of Edwards and this certainly raises eyebrows about whether or not his teammates have faith in his abilities.

by Berg79 on Jul 28, 2009 9:15 AM EDT reply actions

MRW asked him what he meant and it seems he wants him for a wildcat QB.

Aside from Kasier’s point about Vick and the potential to upstet the fanbase (which was spot on) I just don’t think he’d be good here.

I’ve never thought he was a good QB – so having him as a backup QB doesn’t really thrill me at all.

If he did come here it would be for a WR or RB role and we’re completely stocked in those areas.

I guess he could return kicks/punts and run the wildcat. I’m not sure he’d be worth the headaches that would come with him for that small of a ROI.

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

by J2 on Jul 28, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Aside from Kasier’s point about Vick and the potential to upstet the fanbase (which was spot on) I just don’t think he’d be good here.

What is Kasier’s point? It must be on the Bilsoferie fanpost…

Sweet home Orchard Park.

by Undee on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

yes it is

I honestly like the idea of signing Vick …. on a conceptual level. Adding a dynamic player who would give us versatility and the ability to get creative would be so fun to watch. You can never have an exciting enough product. But one of the things I love so much about the Bills is the bond between the fans. And part of what makes this site so great is the intelligence and civility. And never in a million years would I risk those things to sign Michael freakin Vick. Guy’s a loser and as exciting as he could be, I don’t want to deal with the arguments that would become so personal and stray so far from football. I would never want to go to a game and deal with protesters. Buffalo has one of the best fanbases in sport and keeping that foundation strong is more important than anything Vick would bring to the team.

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

by J2 on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks

and that is stated well, Kasier.

Sweet home Orchard Park.

by Undee on Jul 28, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Perception and Reality

“Reality is what we take to be true.
What we take to be true is what we believe.
What we believe is based upon our perceptions.
What we perceive depends upon what we look for.
What we look for depends upon what we think.
What we think depends upon what we perceive.
What we perceive determines what we believe.
What we believe determines what we take to be true.
What we take to be true is our reality.”

~ Gary Zukav ~

"I BET YOU IF WE PUT A 12 DOZEN GLAZE DONUTS AT THE OTHER END ON KICK RETURN JAIME DUKES WILL BE OUR NUM # 1 RETURNER …… HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES DUKE APPLE PIE PUNKEN EATER DWINKE SMASHER DING DONG FLABER" - abayarde

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 9:27 AM EDT reply actions

“Reality is the only word in the language that should always be used in quotes”

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions

There are things in this life that are true (and real) no matter what.

Gravity, death, and taxes are true, regardless of what we believe. While Zukav’s poem sounds nice, I have to disagree at least partially with it.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Jul 28, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

That is your reality

take death. Nobody is denying the existence of death, but what is the reality of death? Some say it is the end, some the beginning.

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow Joe P, you just blew my mind man…I think I need some time to think about that…

"Potential just means you haven’t done sh## yet"

by willgarr15 on Jul 28, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's how the American Heritage dictionary defines "reality"

NOUN:
pl. re·al·i·ties

1. The quality or state of being actual or true.
2. One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual: “the weight of history and political realities” (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.).
3. The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
4. That which exists objectively and in fact: Your observations do not seem to be about reality.

IDIOM:
in reality
In fact; actually.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Jul 29, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

What, is Edwards a pansy?

If Vick makes the team better, then sign him. If he doesn’t, then don’t. He paid his debt to society so who cares about his past, all I care about is having as many high talent players as possible.

Its simple as that, I’m tired of Edwards being treated like a sensitive little girl, if he’s the best QB on the team then he’ll be the starting QB, simple as that.

New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com

by BillsNYC on Jul 28, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

Who said anything here about Edwards’ confidence?

That wasn’t the point I’m trying to make. Edwards can be confident all he wants, but if his team doesn’t reciprocate it, will it really matter? Your team needs to rally behind their leader.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

But he also has to prove he’s the right leader for the team.

~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 Jul 28, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes – and that’s almost entirely unrelated. Right now, there is no reason for his teammates to not have his back. It’s July, and he’s tearing apart his defense in camp.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Um. Where are you reading that he is “Tearing apart” the D. It appears to me he has had big plays but lots of inconsistency over the first 3 days. In fact from what I read Sat he looked fairly weak and missed quite a few throws. And then on Sunday he was better but a couple plays which were big plays might not have been as he could have been sacked had it been live action.

by Berg79 on Jul 28, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I was at the Sunday AM practice, and aside from one LB blitz, Trent was having his way with our secondary during 11 on 11…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Very interesting. Don't recall Chris Brown making note of that.

Not that I like seeing our D manhandled. Just that the offense might actually be waking up.

by Defensewinsgames on Jul 28, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

You might have missed it…

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/practice-notes—-day-2/2484048d-2ee1-49b3-a59e-602d862c1ea3

Here’s the meat of the concept of you don’t want to read the whole thing…

“Morning highlights
Lee Evans and Terrell Owens were again busy men in practice as they have been on the receiving end of the bulk of the pass plays with the first unit. Evans has been working in the intermediate area a lot through the first few practices, but did pull in a 40-yard bomb down the far sideline from Edwards as he got behind Leodis McKelvin and Donte Whitner for what would have been a touchdown.

Edwards meanwhile found Owens wide open on a deep crossing route on a busted coverage that would have resulted in a touchdown as well. Owens also pulled a double move to get open for a 30-yard reception from
Edwards."

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

This was also in that article:

There were some instances however, when the defense got to Edwards and the other Bills signal callers for ‘would be’ sacks. Copeland Bryan made a nice move off the right side to get to Ryan Fitzpatrick before he could deliver the ball. Edwards was surrounded on another play where it was questionable as to whether he would have gotten the ball off under live conditions.

Sounds like a relatively even day, but I wasn’t there to watch it.

by Berg79 on Jul 28, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Given all the question marks surrounding our O-line this offseason I was very happy with how they were handling the first team defense, minus Stroud, of course…

I think that’s the caveat right there….Our “horrible” o-line (as it’s been called) only had a couple of down plays…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Paying one’s “debt” to society doesn’t make them clear of their past. Actually changing does. Even then it’s a little grey.

If someone kills something you love, are you going to forget once they’ve paid their “debt.”?

I want to see movies of my dreams. - Built to Spill.

by jj24 on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

It is just a unnecessary public comment by a possible bubble player on a new team. Florence may not even be well liked around the locker room, and to lobby for Vick to come to the team seems like a lapse in judgement on his behalf. He should focus on what happens on the practice field, not personnel issues. I guess he can say what he wants, but to me, it makes him look foolish

The Bills CAN win any game

by killascript on Jul 28, 2009 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

i really

don’t think it is that big of a deal. He just has Vick’s back and is stating what he thinks….plus I am all for it….might as well make it a circus if you got a main act “T.O.” and a reason (8 years without playoffs). I like Trent, but he will continue to lack consistency to win enough games with a new OL and a undominant defense. Vick would be a great fit in Buffalo, and I don’t care about Trent’s feeling’s, the control of the team, or any of that, because it would be a 1 year experiment.

But that’s what I really feel. I really do think Vick is a good idea. I agree that the focus of this team needs to be on getting better each day and not on twitter updates. But that said, I will contend Vick would only help this team despite the circus that would ensue and especially despite hurting a few feelings of Cali product, Mr. Edwards

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

by MARVelous on Jul 28, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

How would bringing a guy that hasn’t played a game in tow or three years help Trent’s development? Like it or not, the future of this franchise is right now, and that future is Trent Edwards…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

From

Michael Lombardi’s column on where Vick could land, he list the Bills as #4 team most likely:

Buffalo — When they signed Terrell Owens, I was surprised, but clearly they are going all in to make the playoffs. With Ryan Fitzpatrick as your backup and starter Trent Edwards being prone to injury since he’s been in the pros (and in college), Vick might be a viable option for the short and long term. If this move appeals to owner Ralph Wilson, he’ll make the move. By bringing in Owens, the Bills have created hope (there’s that word again) and excitement.

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

by MARVelous on Jul 28, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

There is the small matter of what this guy did that landed him in prison.

I hesitate to bring this up because it probably will inflame some folks primed to defend the guy.
But, hell, this is a blog, right? It’s not really football season yet, so we have to deal with what’s in front of us.

It’s not about offending Edwards. Edwards is a football player. He can take criticism.

Without going into great detail on the specifics of his (many) crimes, which is not necessary here, it’s about playing for a team led by a guy who has done the things that Vick has done, or at least allowed to be done in his name. Would you not question the kind of man he is? Ask yourself if you’re Andy Levitre or Geoff Hangartner: would you really go all out to, say, block a 360-pounder play after play for a guy like that? If it were my job to protect Michael Vick, it would at least cross my mind.

Yeah, I get it, it’s all about performance on the field, who’s got the best attributes to take us to the playoffs, and like that.

But at some point, these guys have to function as a team, they have to at least respect each other and have each other’s back. They have to be willing to go into battle with their teammates.

I don’t think I’d be willing to make that kind of commitment if I were on a Bills roster that also included Vick.

by Defensewinsgames on Jul 28, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

If it were my job to protect Michael Vick, it would at least cross my mind.

It doesn’t matter who is QB. If an OLineman doesn’t do his job, he won’t have his job much longer. I doubt any player along an OL would miss blocks or not try as hard if Vick were the QB.

~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 Jul 28, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Disagree.

You’ve got to at least have a basic respect for a guy you’re going into battle with.
Yeah, there’s your job to do. You do it or you’re out. No argument there. That’s pro football.
What I’m saying is bringing in an ex-con like this destroys what Jauron and Edwards, Turk and Fewell are trying to build.
The things Vick did, or allowed in his name.. I don’t know, man. I wouldn’t want to be in the same locker room with him. What kind of a guy thinks that kind of thing is okay?

by Defensewinsgames on Jul 28, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I disagree with that – they’d be hurting the team if they didn’t block for him.

what ever happened to second chances? probably went the way of innocient until proven guilty

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

by J2 on Jul 28, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree with that – they’d be hurting the team if they didn’t block for him.

See Peters, Jason…AKA Mr I didn’t know I gave up 11.5 sacks last year…The guy that totally gave up his blocking assignment on the now infamous rollout vs the Jets. Sorry, could resist that one J2…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

lol – what?

so…..Peters had it in for Edwards because of something Edwards did and thats why he gave up that sack?

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

by J2 on Jul 28, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

No, no, no…I was joking about the play where Losman rolled out, and Peters didn’t bother blocking, man…

It seemed to me that we had two different lines…The one that blocked (or tried to) for Trent, and the one that didn’t for JP…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

it matters

Trent or Vick? If its Vick he would be able to make more plays with his feet than Trent obviously….A package of 10 Vick plays a game at QB, I would definitely be down with that

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

by MARVelous on Jul 28, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Vick > Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick = Suck.

Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.

by taskersd on Jul 28, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

As bad as the reports of Fitzpatrick have been, I would still take him over a QB that can barely complete 50% of his passes, can’t read an NFL playbook longer than 10 pages, and hasn’t played in a football game in 2.5 years.

If you want a QB with a rocket arm that hasn’t played in ages, we could always give Jeff George a call. At least if we signed him, I wouldn’t have to fight through the human PETA wall that is likely to surround the stadium of any team that is stupid enough to give Vick another chance.

If the glove don’t fit, it couldn’t be Whit...

by thatguy34 on Jul 28, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree with you, thatguy34. People are underestimating the impact of all that time away from the field on Vick.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Jul 28, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it’s ridiculous that people think he’s going to step onto the field after a 31 month layoff and instantly become a reliable backup. He wasn’t reliable when he was playing week-in, week-out. Why would he be one now after not sniffing the turf for such a long layoff?

If the glove don’t fit, it couldn’t be Whit...

by thatguy34 on Jul 28, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Vick = Suck, so by logic, Fitzpatrick must = supersuck.

My thoughts on a back-up would be to wait and see if Favre picks up with the Vikings, and if he does, make a move for Sage Rosenthal. Guy can play and has a penchant for late game heroics.

by thejimbo on Jul 28, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Guy can play and has a penchant for late game heroics.

You mean anti-heroics, right?!?!

~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 Jul 28, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

How many guys get traded twice in one offseason?

Not many… that Lions DT is the only one I can think of. Not happening.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Jul 28, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh yea, I know damn well it won’t happen, and yes Kurupt I remember the disaster against the Colts last year (but still heroic, that was a sweet helicopter), but I also remember him almost mounting a pretty huge comeback against the Bills when he was on the Dolphins a couple years back. He had some great games with the Texans too. I’ve just been impressed with his play when I’ve seen him and I think he’s one of the better back-ups around the league right now.

One thing is for sure, there were (and still are) tons of players available that I think would make a better back-up than Fitzpatrick.

by thejimbo on Jul 28, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t really personally have a problem with Drayton Florence saying that he would like Mike Vick as his teammate here in Buffalo, but if I were Florence, I would probably think twice before making such comments, especially given the situation he is in on our depth chart (right now it looks like he’s fifth CB on our team).

As I mentioned initially, I tend to agree that Mike Vick would be a very intriguing player on our team, though I wouldn’t at all like the added media attention we would by – hypothetically – doing so (as if we didn’t have enough media attention already with T.O. in town). He’s a capable backup; there’s zero doubt in my mind about that and he would be an inexorable threat if we were to run a bit of Wild-cat offense, but all in all I wouldn’t contemplate signing Vick. There are just too many negatives involving such decision, particularly the bad publicity and added media attention.

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Jul 28, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t really personally have a problem with Drayton Florence saying that he would like Mike Vick as his teammate here in Buffalo

Neither do I! And I feel I really need to hammer home this point – Owens has made a similar comment, and that’s fine. The fan campaign is what I take issue with. Actively seeking to alter opinions on the matter, and trying to effect the change, is what I’m saying needs to stop.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Dear Mr. Vick

Congratulations on your recent conditional reinstatement into the NFL. You are now entering a point in your life that not many have the opportunity to experience. The so called “Second Chance” at resuming your career. You should find that most of society will support you as you proceed in this endeavor.

You will begin to experience many opinions as you proceed. One approach would be to be silent and allow things to take their course. Another approach would be to step forward and instruct all to focus on their own rolls in life. Allow the system of the NFL to help you reach your goals. Show some support for the system.

You will be gaining support from many sources as you get closer to your goal. Now is the opportunity for you to step forward and put some issue to rest. Show support to the system you desire to work in and inform everyone to allow things to develop naturally.

Public opinion is inevitable, you have the opportunity to stop it before it gets worse. Send a message that you are in support of the Legal system and the decisions of the NFL. Your plan is to proceed with as minimal distraction as possible. You appreciate the support and respect the criticism of everyone but you need to deal with this without fan fare.

Good Luck to you and Best Wishes.

NFL Fans

by VanScottM on Jul 28, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Out of nowhere, the Dolphins swoop in, take Vick, draft Tebow next year, and use Tebow, Vick and Pat White as their backfield/receiving corps in the wildest Wildcat yet.

Because I imagine that the Wildcat gets progressively wilder, like Girls Gone Wild videos.

Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet. -jesse. @ BSD

by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jul 28, 2009 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

like Girls Gone Wild videos.

When can we expect Snoop Dogg to join the wildcat then?

If the glove don’t fit, it couldn’t be Whit...

by thatguy34 on Jul 28, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

2015

Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet. -jesse. @ BSD

by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jul 28, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I think this whole situation is being blown out of proportion. Florence and any other player who wants to comment on the subject can, and should if they feel the desire too. Maybe Florence went overboard suggesting the signs, but I hardly find this to be something to be all up in arms about. I don’t think he’s undermining the team or Trent or making anyone believe the team has any interest in Vick. And if that last part is such a problem, maybe the team should release a statement saying they have zero interest in Vick. Bills fans from all over have made this subject a heated debate already.

I personally have no issues with what Florence said and find it a little much that people are suggesting he should be dumped for making his opinion known. I also don’t see this as inhibiting Florence from his job in any way.

~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 Jul 28, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t think he’s undermining the team or Trent or making anyone believe the team has any interest in Vick.

Nor do I. But you used a key word there – think. I guarantee you that there are fans out there this morning that, after hearing what Florence advocated, began to wonder.

And again, the key point here, which I tried to emphasize, was that the ONLY thing that I believe Florence should have avoided was the campaign. As I said – he has the right to his opinion, as does T.O. and George Wilson. If he wants to say he’d support Vick as a Bills teammate, that’s fine. Campaigning for the move to actually occur is where my issue lies.

find it a little much that people are suggesting he should be dumped for making his opinion known.

Agreed. He’s not going anywhere because of this.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh I agree

that he probably shouldn’t have thrown the sign thing in there, but I didn’t find a problem with it. Of course, others did.

~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 Jul 28, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Brian: If he had a tenure with the team…lets say Schobel or Reed would you still have a problem with him campaigning for the move?

by Berg79 on Jul 28, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes I would. Not sure why tenure would factor in; they’d still be undermining the team.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough. Wasn’t sure if you thought he shouldn’t call out fans bc he was in his first year and unproven with the Bills or because no player should do that.

by Berg79 on Jul 28, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I think this whole situation is being blown out of proportion.

I agree 100%.

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I really wish he would concentrate any and all of his football efforts on making this team. As of right now a 2nd year late round draft choice is taking approximately 50% of the reps at the nickel spot …This spot should be his for the taking, yet he seems more concerned with an offensive player (no pun intended, honest) that isn’t even on the roster. I truly hope that he wakes up before he finds himself watching games from his couch this fall.

With all this Vick talk no one is bringing up the other part of the equation…Doesn’t Atlanta still hold rights to this player?

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

With all this Vick talk no one is bringing up the other part of the equation…Doesn’t Atlanta still hold rights to this player?

No – Atlanta released him months ago. He’s a free agent.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks…I must have missed that when I started tuning out all the Vick news…The last I remember the Falcons had issued that statement saying that they still held rights…

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Vick

I’ll take Michael Vick any day of the week

by youkk20 on Jul 28, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Vick could be used for Bad Weather

As much as Michael Vick might be a bad answer for the Bills, he could also be part of the solution. Reading what most people say, he as a person will be hard to like for WNY fans, but I still think he can bring a lot to this Bills team. People bash his quarterback play (which I agree can look suspect) but what is his record as a starter? How many times has he taken ATL to the playoffs? He wins period. That says a lot more than all the QB’s we have had for the past decade.

The reason I think we need Vick is for the really bad weather games. Looking back on the past 2 years, we have had 3 awefully bad weather games, and yes, the Bills lost them all. They were the Browns and Giants games two years ago and the Patriots game last year. Edwards hasnt shown any improvement or the ability to handle poor WNY weather. Having Vick would allow us to run more of a Wildcat or option package to help combat the weather and help during those games. For that reason alone, Vick is worth it, but if he impoves, then it allows for opposing D-coordinators to spend time thinking about Vick. Do you think that happens with Hamden or Fitzpatrick?

by DukeOfDunkirk on Jul 28, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

I have to take issue with this article Brian

I think, like some others, that you are unfairly chastising Drayton Florence and by doing so, in yourself creating perceptions I do not think exist.

It creates the perception the Bills might actually be interested in Vick.

To whom? I think everyone over at ESPN and NFL.COM would fall off their seats laughing if I told them the Bills will sign Vick. It makes known the opinion of Florence and probably Bills fans who agree with him.

it creates a perception (we’ll be using that word again, don’t worry) that he, and perhaps other players, don’t believe the Bills have what it takes to make a playoff run this season

Thats outrageous Brian! Now adding talent to your team means you don’t think you can make a playoff run?? The LA Lakers won the title and went out and signed Ron Artest. The Patriots signed Randy Moss after they’d already won a title. Adding talent is never a bad thing and in no way creates the perception that Florence doesn’t believe we have what it takes, I think it creates the perception that Florence wants to win and wants to add as much talent to help us do that as possible. Thats a good thing.

Buffalo has a quarterback, folks.

I don’t think anyone, Florence included, wants Vick to be here as the starting QB. The guy has so much athleticism he can be used literally anywhere on offense and make a difference. After being an inaccurate QB before spending two years in prison I don’t think anyone has any illusions he can be a QB this season. Trent is on the hotseat at the end of the year based on whether he wins or not anyway. Vick is not a threat this season so has no effect on that. Announce hes a role player, which any team that signs him will, and thats over.

Florence has already got a job to do.

So now pllayers can’t tweet or talk or speak out on anything during camp battles or when their training? This I don’t get. He tweeted, big deal.

All in all, I think Florence made his opinion known and thats that. Its really not a big deal and I think to attribute so many consequences (or perceptions of them) to Florence is to unduly inflate his influence on a team he just joined and won’t be starting for while simultaneously bashing a guy who sounds like he wants to win.

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Jul 28, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Poz

you read my mind….and saved me 10 mins! rec’d

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

by MARVelous on Jul 28, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

EXCELLENT post poz

Rec’d x 200!

All in all, I think Florence made his opinion known and thats that. Its really not a big deal and I think to attribute so many consequences (or perceptions of them) to Florence is to unduly inflate his influence on a team he just joined and won’t be starting for while simultaneously bashing a guy who sounds like he wants to win.

My basic feelings exactly….This isn’t a big deal, nor should be treated like one, and Florence shouldn’t be getting a ton of flack. He gave his opinion and rightfully so!

~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 Jul 28, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

The first thing I’ll say in response to all of that is that I don’t believe the perceptions I’m saying are created. If I did, I’d be legitimately pissed off, whereas now I’d describe myself as “raised in the eyebrow region.” I mean, look at the headline – I used “should consider” for a reason.

I think everyone over at ESPN and NFL.COM would fall off their seats laughing if I told them the Bills will sign Vick.

Well, right off the top, the Washington Post and LA Times seem to think Vick-to-Buffalo is already possible, and the only player influence they’re referencing is Owens’. No, they’re not ESPN or NFL.com, but let’s not pretend that ALL credible media think the idea is laughable. Mike Florio has mentioned it as a possibility for months – and if you don’t think he’s taken seriously, think again.

I think it creates the perception that Florence wants to win and wants to add as much talent to help us do that as possible. Thats a good thing.

That’s a logical argument to make, and it’s very likely his motivating factor for making the comments and starting the campaign in the first place. I tend to agree with you there. But a few opinions does not a representation of the masses make. If you can prove to me that a significant chunk of the fan base thinks the Bills could be interested in Vick because of this, I’ll happily remove the article – we don’t want irrelevant postings here. :)

I don’t think anyone, Florence included, wants Vick to be here as the starting QB.

I believe that to be true as well. Yet the last time I counted, Edwards and Vick are two quarterbacks. We all know how Buffalo deals with quarterback controversies. Let’s not travel down that road.

So now pllayers can’t tweet or talk or speak out on anything during camp battles or when their training? This I don’t get. He tweeted, big deal.

Once again, let me re-iterate: I DO. NOT. have a problem with the opinion. I believe I wrote three rather lengthy paragraphs in this article alone explaining my belief that a man is entitled to his opinions as well as his right to express them. My problem, again, lies with the campaign. I don’t give a damn what Florence tweets. When he tries to start an actual movement, that’s when I get a little uncomfortable.

I didn’t write this post to make it a big deal. Not everything I write is earth-shattering, and I certainly didn’t expect this to be as controversial as it has turned out to be. Nor did I write this article to publicly state my disdain for Florence – because I don’t have any. I just think actively asking fans to campaign for Vick crosses a line, even if only by a half-step. It’s not a big deal. It’s certainly not going to disrupt the chemistry of a team as headstrong as the Bills, particularly in July. But I’m not comfortable with his actions, and though I don’t perceive it to be as big a deal as everyone seems to think I am, I felt it needed to be said.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

well its all moot now!

Im proud of the Bills for making making a quick decision either way instead of letting it fester

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Jul 28, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

OH GOD, absolutely! Russ did the right thing.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

100% behind this move by Russ

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

This is a heated subject.....

My two cents… I think Florence wants to see Vick back in the NFL and not the Bills inparticular… I think he meant that Vick deserves to be back in the NFL… has paid his dues by going to jail and would love to see him employed as a Bill or any other team… I just think it was a statement that meant one thing, but the media and public took it another way…

BILLS RULE !

by chaosthepitbull on Jul 28, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions

When a player tells fans that he wants signs at Bills camp in support of the team bringing in Vick, he’s campaigning for a new teammate. :)

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldnt mind............

having michael vick as a wildcat guy or a wideout or something other than qb.

by Lynchisin23 on Jul 28, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions

If he will make the team better, go for it

While many Bills fans are worried about his history and whether he’d “fit in”, I bet New England is definitely discussing it. Why? Because they don’t care about hurting people’s feelings including the team. Brady isn’t worried about it and he wouldn’t be if they signed him. If we had a chance for Moss we would have passed on him as well. This is a football team not the Boy Scouts geez.

by telka on Jul 28, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions

... Sad

I can’t even believe that people are even discussing this possibility. Vick was never that good as both a player and as a human being. Why would we want to root for a marginal human being to succeed? This win at all costs mentality is truly disturbing. WE DON’T NEED HIM! WE SHOULDN"T WANT HIM!

Also remember that he is a player who has not put pads on in two years. Do you really think he is as “good” as he was before… I shudder to imagine a regressed Michael Vick. Think a faster J.P. Losman with a criminal?

by Adamjv on Jul 28, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

This win at all costs mentality is truly disturbing.

Teams that have that mentality aren’t the ones at home for 9 years in a row.

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Jul 28, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Tech Question

Is anyone else having trouble with pages loading? My MacBook is freezing trying to load at times. It always freezes on “connecting to ad.doubleclick.net..”

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

I blame the porn you download

~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 Jul 28, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

LOL!!

rec’d.

I love me some DB's...I might just be Dick Jauron's long lost twin!

by DBLuv on Jul 28, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Not my style.....besides, I don't need it. I have a hot wife ;-)

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

freezes on "connecting to ad.doubleclick.net.."

the ad’s always load the slowest on this site – they have to revert back to their servers which are not on SBNation’s boxes.

Might be an issue with them – depending on browser they could write a script in the add that’s having issues as well. or you could have issues in general – happen at other sites?

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

by J2 on Jul 28, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the ideas J2

I have not noticed on others sites, but I do spend the majority of my time online here. I use firefox and it doesn’t happen everytime, just enough to be annoying :-)

by Joe P. on Jul 28, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Here are the comments straight from Florence...

Let’s go get Vick who else is with that up in buffalo I want signs at practice tomm let’s start our own vick campaign

Yesterday

@DraytonFlorence no thanks on Vick. What position would he play? He isn’t better than Lynch/Jackson or Owens/Lee or Edwards.

My reply

@MattRichWarren wildcat qb sing him for min vet salary

This morning

So he doesn’t want Vick as the backup QB. He wants him for like five snaps a game at the vet minimum. I understand that. But do we really need signs for a fringe roster player like Vick? And do we really need the PR nightmare for a fringe roster player like that? I asked these questions and am waiting to hear back.