I think I speak for a lot of us when I say we want him to be successful, very successful.

He has flashed signs of playmaking ability which you point out – but he hasn’t been consistent yet. The only reason why anyone would want him off the team is because of lack of production. He’s got good size and skills – if he can get motivated and play lights out he will succeed and become a good player.

But I think most of us want him to succeed and become a great player. Not only for our organization but his sake as well. I’m sure there would be great personal satisifaction if he became an elite DT when a lot of people were calling him a bust.

I root for anyone the Bills put on the field. I’m not a TO fan, for example, but sincerely hope that he catches 80+ balls for 1500+ yards and 15+ TDs. While I’ve never had anything against McCargo (I don’t think he does sit ups in his driveway and he didn’t whine about being supplanted by Kyle Williams.) he’s been a bust. He can change that with a good year and I hope he does. Earning more playing time and being more consistent will help him get a good second contract, whether it is with the Bills or someone else.

I think everyone not only Wants McCargo to succeed, but this team Needs him to succeed. The biggest problem with our defense last year was the run defense (mostly shown on long drives and late in games) and our pass rush. With McCargo’s ineffectiveness and then injury, it left the Bills with an incomplete and/or inept rotation at DT which is crucial to a successful defense. Looking back at the great defenses of the last few years, the things I remember is a deep rotation at d-line. In the Giants Super Bowl run, they had so many defensive linemen contributing it almost seemed unfair that they had so much talent. The problem is that Stroud and Williams (and the rest of the d-line for that matter) wore out last season in games and as the season wore on. McCargo’s health and ability to contribute are the one of the biggest factors I believe in this defense this season.

I never really understood why people got so down on McCargo last year. I think people’s high hopes entering training camp and his first round draft status got fans so excited, that it was extra dissapointing when he was a healthy scratch and struggled with injuries. But like you point out, the player we saw in 2007 was pretty good.

McCargo isn’t much of a pass rusher. The sack against Cutler that you link shows some motor and some athleticism, but it doesn’t really show pass rushing ability.

Here’s a 1/2 sack that he ahd against Philly.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d805a1164/Bills-Defense-Highlight-WK-17-vs-Eagles-2007

That’s some pass rushing right there. But McCargo isn’t great at it. He only had a half a sack in his Junior and Sophomore season combined. He also won’t get the opportunity to rush the passer here. I doubt the coaches think that McCargo is a better player to have in the game on pass downs then any of the other guys on the roster.

McCargo’s most likely impact could be an indirect one. Buffalo needs to rotate all of it’s defensive lineman more. If McCargo could get on the field for 20-30% of plays, then Williams and Stroud are better. Stroud especially is a guy who Buffalo needs on the field less. If Spencer Johnson can come in for Stroud on obvious pass downs and McCargo can rotate in for Stroud, Williams and Johnson on 1st and 2nd downs then everybody can stay fresh. McCargo could also make an impact on short yardage where Buffalo puts 3 DTs on the field at once. I’d much rather have McCargo out there then Johnson on those plays.