Rumors Swirling Of High-Level Changes For Buffalo Bills?
by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 9:14 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintOn Wednesday, two different articles at two reputable establishments speculated that the Buffalo Bills may be facing significant front office changes this off-season.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk cited the team's massive number of unsold tickets of late as a reason that team owner Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. may pull the plug on the Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey experiment. Florio's take is the more reputable of the two articles, but here, it seems he's merely posing the idea for discussion, rather than reporting anything concrete - or even passing along a rumor, at that.
A blog post by NFL.com blogger Dan Hanzus also brings up the idea that the team may be looking to shake things up. Again, the manner in which it's presented seems speculative. That was preceded on Tuesday by a blurb from NFL.com's Jason La Canora, who says that a front office move is "not out of the question."
On the one hand, this regime has put up eight- and seven-game losing streaks in 30 games on the job; literally half of their games have contributed to massive runs of losses. On the other hand, Wilson and CEO Russ Brandon have repeatedly expressed their public support of both Nix and Gailey, and there has been zero concrete indication that change is afoot.
It would shock me, quite frankly, if Wilson made any major changes to his organization this off-season. We're talking about the man who gave Dick Jauron a fourth year, after all. He's not going to give Nix and Gailey only two, in my opinion - regardless of the long dry spells the team has suffered through.
There's also this consideration: Nix only recently finished putting the final touches on his pro personnel and scouting departments this past May, when he gave Assistant GM Doug Whaley more responsibility and hired cohorts Chuck Cook and Tom Gibbons to head up the college and pro scouting departments, respectively. We can question why it took Nix two full off-seasons to get to that point all we like, but if Wilson came calling, Nix would have a persuasive "wait and see" card to play right there.
Let's assume that this speculation - and the rumors that said speculation, as well as posts like this, will ultimately produce - has some basis in truth. We're assuming, then, that something might change in the front office this off-season. Allow me to pose a little speculation of my own: would anyone be surprised if the 72-year-old Nix called it quits and retired from pro football?
That's an idea that has some basis in reality - not just because Nix is 72 years old and an avid golfer (something his current job likely prevents him from getting to very often), but because the Bills went through this when Marv Levy called the shots. Levy was hired after Tom Donahoe's firing following a pitiful 2005 season; Levy hired Jauron and stayed around for 2006 and 2007, but then he retired, leaving several prominent members of the front office to operate autonomously, with no true final decision-maker, in 2008 and 2009.
Nix also went out of his way to snag Whaley from the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving the Bills their first Assistant GM in what felt like decades. Then he gave Whaley more power, provided more architecture for the scouting departments that the organization has had in years, and voila: the Bills looked like an NFL organization again, with Nix sitting atop the football department flow chart as a de facto "final say figurehead." (Yes, that term is mine.)
My belief? If you remove Nix from the equation and give Whaley the GM job, not an awful lot would change - but a GM change would certainly fit the theme of those speculative reports from yesterday.
What do you think, Bills fans? Do you expect Ralph Wilson to change anything this off-season? Are the likes of Florio, Hanzus and others (including yours truly, since I freely threw my hat into the ring) just blowing smoke? And would it shock you if Nix retired and Whaley got his job? Speculation can be fun!
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1. Not happening. Everyone will be back. They should be fired, but they won’t.
2. Isn’t Overdorf next in line for GM? Since he, ya know, made the Lee Evans trade?
No. The Assistant GM is in line for GM.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
I should say my 2nd point was sarcastic.
by Michael_Necci on Dec 22, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I only eat winning steaks. And it’s not “equal to,” I suppose, but at least it’s more than the nothing I expect Wilson to do.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I only eat winning steaks
And those come from winning cows?
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
by NolaBillsFan on Dec 22, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
We’re not entirely sure where those come from. I’ve been told to largely rule out Buffaloes, though.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Buffalo steaks are pretty good. Moose steaks are the best.
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Dec 22, 2011 10:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Elk is pretty amazeing, never had moose.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve yet to try bear steaks. I don’t know that they’d be that tasty. I do like the thought of eating an animal that would have devoured you alive, otherwise.
(…anybody?)
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
I can dig it, but bear is crazy greasey, greassy w/e. not great as a steak.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what I know of bear.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Hey Boo Boo
“Yogi is greasier than the average bear”
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
by Goose22 on Dec 22, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
bear ka bob, where do I find one.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
In the woods. Hunting you down.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
bear ka bob, where do I find one.
You don’t find one, you become one.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
Courtney Upshaw - Alabama - the answer at OLB
Vinny Curry - Marshall - the other answer at OLB.
Both can be gotten, whether Vinny Curry falls to the 2nd or we trade up in the last 1/3 of the 1st Round. Snagging one or both will help our defense immensely.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 22, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Both of these things sound like bad news, why does it got to be like that ?
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Bears like to eat. But they are susceptible to injury.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I had some after my step-dad came back from a hunting trip.
Bear, Elk, Bison, pretty much anything you can legally shoot. Haha.
Come on Buffalo, please?
How many mice would it take to make a meal, that’s my issue with this.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
They’re like chicken wings, right? I’d say twelve.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll let you know, after I catch 12 mice.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
If you ate a steak
that cow is a de facto loser right?
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
by mob16151 on Dec 22, 2011 11:37 AM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
This guy get’s it.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t see Nix or Gailey going anywhere next year, it is too early in their regime. There is a plan in place and you can’t go making emotional decisions – this is longer term than 2 years. Rule of investing – don’t let emotions influence your investment decisions. Obviously it is harder to sell tickets when you are not winning, everything was nice and peachy when we were – there was no talk about any of these issues. The only changes I could see would happen at Defensive Coordinator, and maybe get Gailey some help calling plays/gameplanning for offense. I actually feel like the Bills have some kind of direction – something I haven’t felt in a while. Give them another year, then talk high-level changes.
by agage5 on Dec 22, 2011 9:10 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I actually feel like the Bills have some kind of direction
I felt that way in Sept and Oct, but it flew long gone after Nov and Dec. I think if anything, this team has taken a step backwards, not forwards. And that falls directly on the Head Coach, fair or not.
Heck, Todd Haley won the division last year, lost his 2 best players in Eric Berry and Jamal Charles to ACL injuries, up and coming TE Moaeki preseason, Cassel a few games in and still had the team around .500 … and still got fired. This league is not friendly to everyone.
Come on Buffalo, please?
by bflo on Dec 22, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Haley got shafted, imo. Who would succeed under those circumstances?
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
agreed. i think he did an exemplary job this season, as evidenced by the green bay win.
sure, he was no longer at the helm, but he rigged the boat.
You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk. --abayarde
Team won without him against Green Bay. Could easily be seen as evidence they played harder when he was gone and not raging on the sideline which to me is his coaching MO.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought about that, too. I also think it’s the law of averages at play, with Green Bay.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
More like Injuries.
Bulaga went down in that game, Sherrod comes in for him plays 19 plays and breaks his leg. All of a sudden GB can’t protect Rogers and Tamba Hali is running loose. 1st GB Loss.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 22, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
You didn’t watch did you?
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
He had other baggage behind the scenes
I think Haley probably created his own fate. There is plenty of undercurrents about his relationships with just about everyone from the top down in the organization. Sounded to me like he’s sort of a Martz type only harder to get along with.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
agreed
like every profession. If you are liked then management will find a reason to keep you, if you are not liked, they will find a reason to get rid of you.
Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/
by Billsdownunder on Dec 22, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
Changing a coach or GM isn’t going to fill seats in December.
The biggest change we might see is getting rid of Edwards. And he had pretty shaky credentials to begin with.
by Pistol on Dec 22, 2011 9:16 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ralph Wilson isn't stupid
He knows that the reason the Bills don’t sell tickets is because they flame out every December. Changing horses in midstream isn’t going to generate the excitement that sells tickets.
Buddy and Chan get a year 3.
I like to believe this has more to do with the Bills players feeling like they can be something special. They started a year 0-8 and finished 4-4 while taking playoff and championship game bound teams to OT and 3 pt nail biters. All this with one year under a new coach and with a young roster. Im sure they can feel what they are capable of. -poz
Well if Nix were to retire, which is not out of the realm of possablilty...
Whaley should be up and ready for the job. With Nix giving him more power this past season is a nice way to set him up.
If thats the only change, then Im fine with it. Im happy with it actually.
But at the same time, like you said, Chan started his reign with an 8 game losing streak, and more than likely, hes going to end year two with a 9 game losing streak. Those are huge factors that RW Jr can use, along with the empty stadium, as factors to fire Chan. Im not saying I hope hes fired, Im not saying I hope hes kept, but I definetely would understand letting him go.
If Whaley is the new GM, hes a young guy who would probably want to put his own stamp on this team, maybe that would mean a new coach anyways, with a new coach for a losing team, usually comes a new QB.
This offseason could get very interesting.
Come on Buffalo, please?
If a Jim Harbaugh was out there I could see Chan getting the axe, but for the life of me I can’t think of any up and coming coordinaters inline for HC jobs so I don’t see the point of a change at HC.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Im not sure if Whaley has enough weight, and I doubt it, to land a "Big Fish."
like a Cowher or a Fisher.
Or maybe he goes after a Coordinator thats in the NFL now… maybe a Rob Ryan, Marty Schott, Mike Nolan, etc…
Im not going to pretend like I know a bunch of candidates so Im not sure I can really have a full honest conversation about this… but with a young GM, if it happens, he would probably want to do things his way. Especially learning in Pittsburgh, seeing the success Tomlin had coming in.
Come on Buffalo, please?
Before Chan Gailey was hired, Nix asked the Jets for permission to talk to Brian Schottenheimer. Although the Jets granted permission, Brian wasn’t interested in even discussing it. This organization was such a mess that becoming head coach of the Bills was not seen as a desirable position. We got who we could without resorting to scraping the bottom of the barrel.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 10:46 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
This is so not true brian turned down multiple offers not just the bills. He knew he was not ready to be a head coach.. Cowher likes his easy job to much and us rumored to be waiting fir a certain job. Shanny wanted the power washington would give him. He just used us in a clabo like way.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Dec 22, 2011 11:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I still can’t figure out why even a good coach would leave ESPN to go back to coaching. NFL coaching, regardless of salary has to be one of the top 5 worst occupations in sports.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
Some people like it.
The high pressure, the huge decisions, the potential success, the pubic eye.
Different strokes for different folks.
haha pubic eye? is that like the whispering eye’s other half?
i know its just a spelling error
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:02 AM EST up reply actions
I dont know ho true this report is, but I for one am glad we do NOT have Brian Schottenheimer. Too young to be a head coach, and not even that impressive as an o coordinator.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
yeah i dont get the obsession with brian schottenheimer? hes awful, its not like the jets are devoid of offensive talent. good wrs and a good te. average qb and an average to slightly below average o line. they shouldnt be as bad as they are on offense unless the fat buddha is calling o plays which is highly doubtful
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:05 AM EST up reply actions
The biggest mistake that team made was cutting loose Thomas Jones too early (in my non-Jets fan opinion). Ryan first year he couldn’t call wrong plays. That’s why if you ever want to be a head coach, you take any opportunity you can get. You never know when it will turn.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 7:54 AM EST up reply actions
OK…epic fail.
It should read: Ryan’s first year in the playoffs BS couldn’t all wrong plays.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 7:55 AM EST up reply actions
I think we’re better off with Gailey than Schotty, anyway. That guy is NOT well liked around here. They call for his head on a regular basis.
by brooklynbills on Dec 22, 2011 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’d be down for marty or Rob Ryan, I was honestly hoping for Marty when chan got hired.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Me too.
And actually when I was typing that, I meant his son, the Jets OC, Brian. But if Marty wanted to come back, he could be another name.
Rob Ryan would be interesting, the only reason I mentioned that was because it would be a completely different style, firey, passionate, that maybe this team needs after a decade of Mularkey, Jauron, Chan… all pretty low-key guys.
Come on Buffalo, please?
The last three are like, football whisperers or something.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Brian S. is someone I hope they never consider. His offensive system seems terrible.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Well, his QB is terruble that’s for sure.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. Most Jets fans want him hardcore gone, mainly because of very questionable playcalling. Don’t we already have that?
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Dec 22, 2011 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Don’t worry. The Bills already asked him once, and he didn’t even want to discuss it.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:43 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Marty Sr. wanted to come back the last time the Bills were looking....
But apparently Ralph wasn’t interested in Marty.
Colin Brown...Pancreas Yellow...
Thats not great, Maarty is a beast of a coach….too bad D-:
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
I believe it’s Ralph Wilson’s choice mainly who we choose for a coach. He has a track of not only treating his coaches like garbage but choosing a coach that he can (or could) tell what to do. This is shown not only in the past but recently too. Perfect example is when he fired and rehired Saban twice, one of the times just because he got into an argument with him. Marv was a great coach but he could also be told what to do by Ralph. The only way we could possibly get a good coach is if he’s a coordinator who has the knack for being a head coach or if ole’ Ralph opens the purse strings and lets go a little bit on the reigns if he even holds them anymore. Hopefully we can find a coach that can inspire our guys to achieve the most of themselves like Jim Harbaugh is doing in San Fran
Ralph likes to play Puppet master is what you are saying ? hope he gives that up soon.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
I believe it’s Ralph Wilson’s choice mainly who we choose for a coach.
It is — except for the time Donahoe was here.
Remember, Ralph pretty much turned EVERYTHING over to Donahoe when he hired him — and later regretted it.
Donahoe, for his part, didn’t want a repeat of Pittsburgh, where he lost the power struggle to Cowher . . . that explains why he hired not one, but two coordinators-in-training {Williams and Mularkey} who wouldn’t stand up to him or make demands or curry more favor with Ralph.
.
"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson
yeah and mularkey out right quit to back to being a coordinator somewhere else and williams was run out of town even though we had the number defense in the league…man i miss that defense. spikes, fletcher posey, sam adams, pat williams, schobel, clements, winnfield, milloy
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:11 AM EST up reply actions
Remember Gregg Williams? He was hard on the players. They responded by going 3-13.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 10:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
BAd coach good coordinater I guess.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
So were Mularkey, Jauron, Wade Phillips (to some extent), Jim Haslett, Buddy Ryan, and many other people who have been given a shot as a head coach. Some guys are good or even great coordinators, but the head coaching job is just too much for them.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I liked wade as our coach, matter of fact, this all may just be the curse of wade phillips.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I liked him too. Unfortunately, his era ended because of Ralph’s meddling. He is an outstanding defensive coordinator, and he’s also the last head coach to lead the Bills to the playoffs.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fired him after we went 9-7 if memory serves, probably told Ralph something like….Resign Ted Washington or fire me, all went south from there.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Not quite
Fired him [Wade] after we went 9-7 if memory serves, probably told Ralph something like….Resign Ted Washington or fire me, all went south from there.
Actually, Ralph told Wade to fire ST coach Ronnie Jones {who replaced Bruce DeHaven when the latter was fired in the wake of the Music City Mess.}
When Wade refused to fire his friend Jones – who had never before coached ST’s on any level – Phillips was sent packing
.
"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson
you gotta link an article to back that up. not saying your wrong or lying but you gotta prove something like that
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:14 AM EST up reply actions
That was reported EVERYWHERE when Phillips was fired. I wouldn’t have sourced it either b/c I forget that not everyone is my age (I have no idea how old you are) and might not have been as big a sports nerd as I was at that point in their lives. But here are some google results for “Phillips refuses to fire ronnie jones”:
Here in the first line.
Here (it was at the heart of Wilson trying to not pay Phillips)
and here (if you really like wikipedia)
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 8:00 AM EST up reply actions
yeah in 2000 i was a junior in highschool and had just moved to NYC from NC. as you can imagine there werent many oppurtunities to follow the bills in NC especially without all the major technology we now have at our hands. thanks for the links.
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
I definitely was hoping Marty would be the coach we hired before we called up The Chan, and if I remember correctly he was interested in Buffalo. I’m not going to say I want Chix gone, but I think if Ralph did let them loose it would make the next couple months a lot more interesting for me as a fan. I know Cowher doesn’t want the Bills HC job, but Whaley does have the Pittsburgh connection. I’m way against little Schott, and I can’t stand Rex Ryan but it would be verrry interesting if we hired Rob Ryan to see a brothers coaching battle twice a year. That would be freaking awesome actually. And I agree about getting a coach with a fiery personality… I’m so sick of these boring say the right thing guys. Not so much Gailey, I like his straight shooter mentality, but Jauron, Mularkey and so on. Boooo. Lets give Buffalo a little attitude, enough with the bland crap. Sorry for the ramble on folks.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
Rob Ryan is not his brother…. and isn’t really all that great a defensive coordinator. Romo got all the bad press for those early Cowboys losses, but really between Rob Ryan’s inability to stop blitzing and Garrett’s inability to call running plays with a lead, Romo was left in a bad position.
Rob Ryan can run a good defense, but never a great one. Who knows, he might be suited to had coaching it’s really a different set of marbles compared to coordinator.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
Rob and Rex Ryan are twins man. And I’m not saying he’s the greatest coach out there, but he does bring a fiery attitude to the sidelines and it would make some great headlines. Brothers coaching against each other in the same division. The decisions aren’t up to me, that’s why it’s fun to speculate. But yes my friend, Rob Ryan is indeed Rex’s brother.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
It would be interesting them playing off against each other. I thought it was great when the Harbaughs squared off this year. Those are a pair of good coaches. I believe that the Bills aren’t going to interest anyone too good so we should just stick with what we got and hope for the injury bug to leave us alone for once.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
I agree
I’m sure no big name coaches will be interested. That’s something that irritates me too though, I know job security plays into it, but you’d think if you’ve won a Super Bowl with one team that maybe you want to prove yourself and build another championship squad rather then be given a team that’s already stacked.. such as rumors about certain coaches waiting for the Dallas job to open up. Where is the glory in that? I guess i get it but it still drives me nuts. Aren’t there any coaches out there that want to be the underdog and give Buffalo a shot? Too me it makes them look cowardly just a tad… but that’s the opinion of one frustrated Bills fan and I’m obviously biased. Oh well, we’ll get what we get.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
by ALLaBorde on Dec 22, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
you’d think if you’ve won a Super Bowl with one team that maybe you want to prove yourself and build another championship squad rather then be given a team that’s already stacked..
People have tried that
- Mike Shanahan
- Jimmy Johnson
- Mike Ditka
- Joe Gibbs
- Bill Parcells
It blew up in all their faces . . .
.
"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson
by go_buff on Dec 22, 2011 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Plus a Rob Ryan
defense has really been Bradys/Belicheks achillies heel over the years.
Come on Buffalo, please?
please no rob ryan…i see enough of rex down here to despise that family for the egotistical, over the top theatrical divas that they are. rex is ALWAYS cashing checks with his mouth that his team usually never backs up on the filed (other than one time i believe they beat the patriots when he said they would). hes such a media whore its embarrassing, trust me. all i see or hear is jets propaganda on a team that hasnt been relevant for 30 some years until 2 years ago. yes some is due to rex but they still havent won anything despite all the hype.
the last thing us bills fans need is a flamboyant media driven coach thats gonna get everyone razzled up with guarantees and antics and then not follow through. then it all just leads to more drama than the crap that went on during the donahoe era
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:20 AM EST up reply actions
But, we’d get way more camera time and at least 1 prime time game a year with a “Battle of the Ryans” correct. Plus, Imagine the possibilites for endorsements “Extreme Makeover: Rob Ryan edition”.
I agree though, I want nothing to do with him. But, if the reason for a change is ticket sales (which I think would be an absurd reason…) he would increase interest in the team.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions
haha ok from that standpoint id be on board just to see an extreme makeover of rob ryan. man he is one ugly mofo.
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
They should stay
This irritates me, we have a good GM and good Coach.
Let them see this through, there is potential here and we need year 3 and 4 with them.
What do you think will happen if we draft a QB in the first round? Do you think magically we will make the playoffs?
NO!!!!!
This was a huge rebuilding process, people seem to forget that.
by the buffahoe on Dec 22, 2011 9:26 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Totally. Even if Elmer Fudd was the coach, I’d be pissed if they fired him after two years. This team needs to stop blowing everything up and start building something.
That said, if Nix is ready to take a lesser role because of his age/lifestyle, then whatever, happy trails. But, they can’t fire the coach already.
If you build upon a foundation built on sand
it’s going to come crashing down.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Dec 22, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
It’s the same as building one in a swamp. Once it sinks you have to build another on top of it. Repeat this until it no longer sinks.
I learned that from MP & The Holy Grail:)
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Dec 22, 2011 10:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Buffalo is the Mariana Trench.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Dec 22, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Nix retiring would be fine, but I wouldn’t be too happy with other changes. Oh, other than firing Edwards. Then never hiring anyone with the last name “Edwards” again into any leadership type role. (Not a slight at Dwan Edwards)
"Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right." ~ Ani Difranco
Okay Chan, turn all of the...eh, tools...into weapons!
I've thought for a while
that Nix would retire after this year, regardless of the team record. I hope he does. A graceful, face-saving exit. If so, I think Whaley gets the job.
As for Gailey, I think his play calling has been anything but “genius” (and, everyone has injuries to deal with). I see him as having bought Nix’s personnel decisions lock, stock and barrel. The quality and/or dearth of depth on this team is atrocious and some of the draft picks are/were questionable. Both men are exactly what their histories say they are, i.e. poor fits for the jobs they now hold. 31 other teams cannot all be wrong.
So, it may make sense to overhaul the whole mess now, before, they get any further down the road. Unfortunately, the record will again/still make any “name” coaches cringe at any offer.
IMO the “rebuild” has gotten us nowhere. Poor personnel decisions, a losing coach, a bad record, another season of missed playoffs, a poor QB… we’re in a Delorean that’s in reverse…“forward to the past”.
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
31 other teams cannot all be wrong.
Maybin? I kid, I kid…
by JustAskTheAxis on Dec 22, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
but seriously, Maybin’s situation could make one wonder if the Bills coaches are incapable of wringing the talent (such as it is) out of it’s players.
My point about 31 other teams, though, refers to Nix, at 72, getting his first GM job and Gailey not having been an NFL HC since the late 90’s and for only 2 seasons at that.
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
Jauron had problem with Maybin, I feel. Edwards just can’t seem to coach his way out of a bag. Maybin wasn’t succeeding in Buffalo. He obviously had talent, or else he wouldn’t have ever been hyped, scouted, or drafted as he was.
It doesn’t always work out. Look at Steve Young and Brett Favre. I’m sure Tampa Bay and Atlanta, respectively, wish they never traded them.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
and, I feel the Edwards situation is on Galiey. There is just too much nepotism on this team. The GT connection, the Dolphins connection. They seem more concerned with working with someone they “know” than someone who can get talent to produce or help the team..
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
There is just too much nepotism on this team
it’s rampant throughout the NFL – we’re not alone with this type of thing
by JustAskTheAxis on Dec 22, 2011 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
Maybin’s “success” has to do with the specific schemes and players of the Jets. The Jets run exotic blitzes that scramble the OL blocking, plus they have shutdown corners. The result is coverage sacks. Maybin’s plays come long after the QB ought to have gotten rid of the ball.
The Bills run un-exotic blitzes by simply throwing an extra man or two straight up the middle, and Edwards can’t seem to figure out why we have no pass rush. I can’t wait for him to get the boot.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 12:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i think the bills should use more of a 4-3 with dareus and williams in the middle of the line someone is bound to break through because you need at least two guys blocking each one on a regular basis. IMO the 3-4 for the bills doesn’t work, they don’t have good to great outside linebackers that the 3-4 requires.
They both had jobs, they weren’t just whiling away the hours waiting for someone to ask them to do something. Sure they weren’t name guys, but most new hires that actually matter aren’t. The notion that the only coaches or GMs that make a difference are the former SB winners, the Mike Holmgrens and Shanahans of the world, would basically throw out the vast majority of coaches and GMs in winning right now in the league. Given we aren’t going to get the most popular coach on the market, we can’t assume that means the guys we get are useless. Plenty of examples prove that is wrong. The way to evaluate people is to asses what they are doing is right and wrong, not assume theys tink because we hired them. If thats the case we might as well just close up shop and move to LA. Because we will never win by outspending the other teams for name guys.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
They are both, IMO, examples of the Peter principle. The Bills chose to promote these two to their level of incompetence. Others (NFL teams) seemed to know what that level was and avoided it.
The way to evaluate people is to assess what they are doing is right and wrong
Then, by definition, they should both be shown the door.
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
I really don’t think this logic of another team didnt do it works. You can keep repeating it, but by definition, we are the only person that can hire a guy to do the job here, so somehow, someway, someone else didnt.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
billy b
Belicheck failed before the Patriots snagged him, I don’t think anybody in New England regrets that.
Could they have done better? Absolutely. Harbaugh was going to succeed anywhere he went, but who knows if he wanted to come to Buffalo. Gailey deserves a 3rd year, but if you ask me what Nix and Gaileys ultimate demise will be I would say the qb situation. Fitz isn’t the guy, they don’t have a replacement, and both will be gone after next season.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Dec 22, 2011 5:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think your totally wrong. Here is why. I dont think Nix has done more harm than good long term. What (I believe) you, and many others want, is instant gratification. You want what happened to the Jets. Well here is the difference. The Jets play in a 1 billion dollar stadium, in a market of 15 million people, and have cash to throw wherever they want. They also have an owner that is stable and supports the team 100%.
The Bills have an aging stadium, a meddling owner, and not much else. In my opinion Nix has begun reworking the roster from the ground up. When less than 10 players on your roster remain from 2 years ago, there is a real good chance your team is going to be terrible. Look at the Lions. They were bad, over and over, until they got some stability. Remember that team went 0-16 two years ago, and I believe 2-14 last year, but the building blocks were there. Finally, the Bills have the building blocks. Now they need to continue to build.
If you want to argue coaching, then I think you have a valid point. Gailey has not been making adjustments, and Edwards is clearly in over his head. However, please, tell me who else the Bills will get as their coach? NO ONE wants to be the coach of this team, when they are this bad. We offered Schanahan 4% of the franchise or something, and he STILL turned it down. If the Bills fire Gailey, it only gets worse and less proven in my opinion.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Dec 22, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I new you would (disagree)
If the Bills fire Gailey, it only gets worse and less proven in my opinion.
And, if Gailey stays, Fitz stays as starting QB and maybe Edwards as DC. What’s been proven is that neither of these choices by Galiey has made it better. In fact, a case can be made it’s gotten worse. If we end the year with a 0-9 streak, it is definitely worse, despite 5-11 being “better” than 4-12.
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
@Fansince60
Nix hasn’t done as bad a job as you seem to want to believe. Part of his job was finding what players were worth keeping and letting overpriced or under performing players go. Spiller, not that he actually gets some playing time, looks good. Dareus, Williams, Sheppard, Searcy, Hairston, Rogers have all played a lot and looked good in their roles. Chris White was one of the better players on ST’s before he tore up his knee. Carrington is starting now and flashes here and there. Nelson is a big contributor.
Nix has gotten some good young players with potential. Rebuilding through the draft takes time, but is an effective way to build a good team for the long haul. See Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay for examples of this philosophy. The Patriots and Colts as well. Nix and Gailey are not responsible for the ten years of futility that we experienced before they were given the reigns. They are in year two of a seriously needed rebuild. You are not being realistic.
nothing would surprise me...
I don’t think anyone is going anywhere, but at the same time, would anyone be surprised given the play of this team and the performance of Fitzpatrick that these guys could be gone? I only bring up Fitz because I’m sure that Gailey and/or Nix had significant input as to the value they felt he brought the team.
Just Curious
Does anyone see the problem with this organization somewhere else in the front office? The Bills have been through GM after GM and coach after coach yet little has changed. Why is there no consideration that just maybe Brandon and Overdorf are the biggest problem with this organization? Is there any other organization, or corporation for that matter. that has such an abysmal record ( wins, sales or otherwise) as the Bills have had over the past 12 years that would not consider firing their CEO and top brass? I can not for the life of me figure out why these two guys are not gone. Getting rid of Nix and or Gailey does nothing but set this team back to starting over with a rebuild in somebody else’s idea of how the team should look. Fans will be right back to lets wait 3-5 years for the new rebuild to work out.
Maybe we get lucky and Ralph has changed his mind and decided to sell the team to Jim Kelly and company and that will be the change. Well at least we can dream, we are Bills fans after all, and that seems to be all we have is dreams.
by popey on Dec 22, 2011 9:45 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
The Bills have been through GM after GM and coach after coach yet little has changed.
The two far easier arguments to make there than the one you try to make here:
A) Ralph Wilson.
B) Change for the sake of change can do more damage than good.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
I don't see Brandon ever getting fired...
his job isn’t to create a football team, but to make sure the bills makes money. The job of making a good team goes to the GM/coach. With the horrible product the GM/coach have put on the field, Brandon can only be labeled a genius that he has managed to keep the team in the black all these years.
Nix/Gailey… on the hot seat.
Brandon/Overdorf… absolutely secure!
by tarvismonroe on Dec 22, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
Just added to the article a quote from a Jason La Canfora piece that MonStarr_716 pointed out in the FanShot section:
There are some rumblings that a front office shakeup of some sort in Buffalo is not out of the question.
That, folks, is a far more legitimate claim than what Florio threw out there.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 9:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
some rumblings
Is it? Perhaps you’re fueling the fire fellow Rumbler, lol :)
by JustAskTheAxis on Dec 22, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or perhaps... Brian is actually Doug Whaley...
And The “Rumblings” is taking over the Front Office with all decisions made with a Fan Poll, including draft picks, contract negotations, and Free Agency.
:-)
Come on Buffalo, please?
I am most definitely not Doug Whaley.
And yeah, the La Canfora thing is something I’d call rumor-mongering, which is a clear step above speculating, especially from someone as reputable as JLC.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 22, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
LOL.....you should really add that to your sig...
Brian Galliford….editor in Chief, Buffalo Rumblings….and most definitely not Doug Whaley :-)
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
It wouldn't be a surprise
The team has a woeful lack of talent and depth. What’s Nix done since he was hired?
QB: Fitz was here before Nix.
RB: Jackson here before Nix. Add Spiller and subtract Lynch.
WR: Johnson and Parrish already here. Add a bunch of hard working FA’s, subtract Evans.
TE: Add Chandler.
OL: Wood, Levitre and Bell already here. Add Pears, subtract Hang, shuffle deck chairs.
DL: Add Dareus, subtract Schobel (recall he retired after told he must convert to OLB).
LB: Add Barnett and Merriman, subtract Poz. Convert Kelsay and Johnson to OLB.
DB: Subtract Whitner. Watch McKelvin, Florence and Corner regress.
K: No change.
Replace a few borderline veterans who once had potential (like Ellison, McCargo, Ellis) with new borderline players with potential (Heard, Sheppard, Williams).
The team has not progressed, and in fact has gone backwards in many ways, since Nix arrived. I credit the good that has happened in the offense to Gailey. Does anyone here think that Nix has paved the path to the Super Bowl or even the playoffs since he arrived?
McCargo had potential? I don’t see it.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
McCargo had 2.5 sacks after 21 games played in his first two seasons. Carrington has two so far in 23 games. Draw your own conclusions.
I don’t like discussing either, honestly. LOL.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
It wouldn't be a surprise
McCargo sucked- went to tampa and he’s hurt again! keith ellison was too small and got run over all the time. ellis….eh, he wasn’t that good.
DB: aarom william is an improvement. justin rogers too – maybe.
we’re still rebuilding people! the improvement doesn’t just happen overnight. going on year 3 – patience. so far, so good I say. Nix is on track.
by rickyd-2011 on Dec 22, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
And these are guys we expect to be getting lots of sacks? What is this comparison supposed to mean?
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Comparisons are supposed to indicate that Nix has replace one bunch of mediocre players with another bunch. In some cases like CB, the roster has notably deteriorated. Carrington has one whole sack this year, and that happened because he came clean when the OT blew his blocking assignment. Do you consider this a solid foundation for future Super Bowl contention? Do you think a few more years of play will make him an All-Pro candidate?
I give credit where it is due, Chandler is a definite upgrade at TE. But I just call them as I see them.
I do think its a solid foundation. Where is this team going to get superstars from? Not free agency. They are going to come from the draft. Nix has players that are rookies or in year 2 right now. Superstars rarely are found in their rookie season. Even solid contributors are going to come from the draft. These draft picks need time (and I would say better coaching) to develop into players. They have yet to have that time. I think to call Nix a “bust” after 2 years on the job is akin to calling a draft pick a “bust” after their second season, as in, its premature.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Dec 22, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
McCargo was a first round pick. Carrington is a third round pick. So the expectations for their contributions are very different. Carrington I would want to be a good starter after he develops. But an All-Pro candidate? That would be the steal of this draft almost right? Where is this the bar for success?
Anyway, sacks aren’t the best judge of 3-4 DEs or 4-3 DTs. So I’m not sure why thats the way to equate these players anyway. I also don’t understand why only our players sacks are exmained and determined “insufficient” every player on every team gets sacks on stunts and offensive mistakes. They still get credit. As long as you are going to use this metric, you can’t revise it only for one player.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Reggie Corner had potential? You have no idea how happy I was when he was cut before the season started… or how disappointed I was when injuries forced the team to bring him back.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Primary starters:
2009: Edwards/Fitzpatrick, Jackson/Lynch, Evans/TO/Reed, Nelson/Fine/Schouman, Chambers/Levitre/Hangartner/Wood/Butler. Kelsay/Stroud/Williams/Schobel, Poz/Mitchell/Ellison, McGee/Florence, Whitner/Byrd.
2011: Fitzpatrick, Jackson/Spiller, Johnson/Nelson/Parrish/Jones/Easley*, Chandler, Bell/Levitre/Wood/Urbik/Pears. Dareus/Williams/Edwards, Barnett/Sheppard/Merriman/Kelsay, McGee/Florence/Williams, Wilson/Byrd.
Comparing offensive numbers, we are light years ahead of the 2009 season. Evans and TO combined for 99 receptions and 1441 yards. Johnson and Nelson already have 124 receptions for 1466 yards. Jackson barely topped 1000 yards that season (banks mostly to an all-out effort to get him there in the final game) whereas he would almost certainly have reached 1500 yards rushing this season if he hadn’t gotten injured.
Nix and Gailey haven’t been afraid to get rid of underperforming players. It’s not like teams have been clamoring for the services of Trent Edwards, Shawn Nelson, James Hardy, Josh Reed, or many of the other players that were let go. This team, as a whole, was very short on talent, and what little talent they had (Schobel, Stroud, Florence, McGee, etc.) was old and on the decline. The ability to replace so many players with late-round picks and street free agents tells you just how bad the team was.
As for Maybin, he will never be anything more than a role player. He never should have been drafted that high because he is way too small to be a 4-3 defensive end, which is what the Bills drafted him to be. As of training camp this year, he was too small to even play safety. As such, he was a terrible value to just be a role player. He was a two-thirds-year-wonder in college, not even a starter at the beginning of the season. Thanks to Modrak, we took him instead of Brian Orakpo. (D’oh!)
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:19 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
very nicely laid out.
bottom line is this team believe or not is improved upon from dick jauron. that should tell you how bad this team was even when they went 7-9. although defensively they have taken 10 steps backwards but jauron was a defensive guy if people remember.
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Looking back at the 2009 season, the last one under Jauron (with Perry Fewell taking over after a 3-6 start), here’s what we see — wins over Tampa Bay, the Jets (in OT), Carolina, Miami, KC, and Indianapolis. The Jets (8-8), Miami (7-9) and Carolina (8-8) were average teams, while Tampa (3-13), KC (4-12) were awful. Indy was 14-2, but they rested all of their starters in the final week against the Bills. The win over the Jets featured six interceptions (5 thrown by rookie QB Mark Sanchez and one on a botched field goal), yet it still took overtime to win.
This year, we started by demolishing KC and two amazing comeback against Oakland and New England. The Cincinnati game was close, we beat a talented but underachieving Philadelphia team, lost another close one to the Giants, and completely dominated Washington before the injury bug wiped out the team.
There are definitely signs of improvement, especially in terms of our ability to compete against playoff-caliber teams.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 1:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
winner winner
They’ve had some awful games (Dallas, Miami, etc) but the fact they’ve been in games with good teams and won some of those games (New England, Philly, close to the Giants and Bengals) speaks to how this team has improved.
With Jauron, it was almost like the team was just trying to hang in and not get smoked. At least Gailey has some balls. It doesn’t always work out, but I like watching this team a lot more than the Juaron era Bills.
The Bills have a long, long way to go, but at least they’re headed in the right direction.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Dec 22, 2011 6:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You shouldn't be too surprised, Brian, to see Nix or Gailey fired in the next year or so
Considering you did predict the 2010 draft class would result in either Nix or Gailey losing their jobs within 3 years from that day.
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/4/25/1443084/bills-team-building-philosophy
I agreed with you then, and agree with you now. You just cannot continue to ignore attempting to get a young, Franchise QB to be the future of the franchise, and instead try to “make due” with castaways like Ryan Fitzpatrick. You don’t win in the NFL by hoping that a guy who’s been let go by 2 other teams is suddenly the QB to lead your team to a Super Bowl.
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
I think you ought to re-read that posting again
Reread the post you cited in light of the QBs mentioned, Clausen and McCoy. Would either have been better than Fitz (who has sucked lately)? Hindsight is 20/20, so it is clear they wouldn’t. There’s a chance the Bills will be able to pick up one of them in the next year or so after he gets cut. As to the other points made, who would you rather have today, a young Spiller or a Lynch who wanted then to be gone and who would likely be gone already now. What do you think now about Troup at nose with Dareus and Williams on either side of him?
Brian’s points were valid at the time, but the situation has evolved and the plan for the team is clear, which it wasn’t then.
To be fair, at the time I was on record as wanting Tebow with our first rounder
But I’m not ready to completely write off how a guy like Clausen may have developed in Buffalo if brought along and developed differently. McCoy, I was never really into….although same situation as Clausen, who knows how he may have progressed in Buffalo.
But at least they would be trying to upgrade the most important position in sports.
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Dec 22, 2011 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
You don’t win in the NFL by hoping that a guy who’s been let go by 2 other teams is suddenly the QB to lead your team to a Super Bowl.
Yeah — I’m sure that what the Raiders were thinking when they signed Jim Plunkett . . . or what the Buccaneers were thinking when they signed Brad Johnson . . . or what the Cardinals were thinking when they signed Kurt Warner . . .
.
"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson
Just because its worked for a few teams doesn’t mean it’s the way you should go about doing it. There is a pile of more evidence that says that it doesn’t work.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
And there’s evidence to say it will work. Why should Fred Jackson be a starting RB? He’s nothing special athletically when it comes to running backs. He didn’t get drafted. He had to play in the Indoor/Arena Football League. He had to play in NFL Europe.
Why should Steve Johnson be a starting receiver? He was passed over by 31 teams for 7 rounds.
Why should Erik Pears be our RT? Oakland and Denver both dumped him.
Scott Chandler has been on 3 different teams not named the Bills.
Kraig Urbik came from the Steelers PS. The PS. There O-line is cowpie and he couldn’t even make the starting line-up.
Rian Lindell was passed over by two separate teams before being a Bill. He should have no shot at being any good.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
Courtney Upshaw - Alabama - the answer at OLB
Vinny Curry - Marshall - the other answer at OLB.
Both can be gotten, whether Vinny Curry falls to the 2nd or we trade up in the last 1/3 of the 1st Round. Snagging one or both will help our defense immensely.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 22, 2011 8:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
None of them are QBs, which is what we were talking about.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
It still demonstrates that teams don’t always know what they have in a player. There have already been cases in this thread highlighting examples of QBs that were passed over and still had success with other teams.
To say that they are merely the exception to the rule, and at the same time claim Fitzpatrick could not be apart of this group without providing any reasoning is fallacious and illogical.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
Courtney Upshaw - Alabama - the answer at OLB
Vinny Curry - Marshall - the other answer at OLB.
Both can be gotten, whether Vinny Curry falls to the 2nd or we trade up in the last 1/3 of the 1st Round. Snagging one or both will help our defense immensely.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 23, 2011 1:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
good post…i often try to make this same point that the NFL is such a dynamic and complex league unlike any other. you could have identical teams but a different qb and the entire team could perform on the field differently…and vice versa…put the identical qb in two different systems and you have two vastly different results. just cuz a player did or didnt work out on one team doesnt mean he will or wont work out on another team. too many different moving variables
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:34 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry, but that’s much harder to find with QBs than other positions, which again is what we were talking about. Of course it works at other positions more often…they’re less critical to a team’s success.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Heh
Like our O/L is good. Its better but far from good. Great bargain hunters the Bill’s have had to resort to being, kinda dumpster divers elite. We are a re-building team right?
If you didn't like my last post wait till you read the next! :) Until we draft/acquire franchise QB we'll be setting records for losing soon!
by buffalobacker on Dec 22, 2011 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
“…far from good”
seriously? they led the league in rushing until their guaranteed pro bowl running back got injured and they still have performed well for spiller AND they lead the league in sacks allowed. do you even do any research before making statements like this? oh and ps they have done all of this with their best player in Wood injured midway and Bell AND Hairston both sitting out a couple weeks each with injuries.
im not saying they’re the best o line in the history of o lines but what is it with people that are so obsessed with labeling the bills o line as bad? its in all of the media outlets and a lot of fans say this too. is it because they don’t have any top 10 draft picks on their line? is it because they are blue collar under the radar type players? i dont get it…im obviously missing something
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Seriously. O/L’s don’t lead leagues in rushing, RB’s traditional do that.:) FJ is amazing. Our O/L not. Sorry if that offends you. Research our teams W/L record because ulitimately thats all that matters! I like sports but I’m not devoting all my free time researching stats on a NFL team. You have a good time with that though:)
If you didn't like my last post wait till you read the next! :) Until we draft/acquire franchise QB we'll be setting records for losing soon!
by buffalobacker on Dec 23, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
You cannot claim that the OL is bad because of the WL record. If that were the case, then you can claim that every player is bad, and they should all be replaced, which is what has led to the endless cycle of rebuilding that you hate so much.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
There’s also this consideration: Nix only recently finished putting the final touches on his pro personnel and scouting departments this past May
In all our obsession of what draft picks look like in years two and one, this to me has been Nix’s biggest contribution and one of the reasons I really respect the guy. Organizational details matter big time and we’ve lacked them since Donahoe era. The way we tried to paper over this with Levy, who brought in no one to take over when he left and then Russ Brandon was really terrible. Thats not how any NFL front office is run and it entirely undermined our efforts to draft consistently, or be taken seriously around the league as a place for talented young folks to make a career in football ops.
Over the past two years he has rebuilt football operations, built some continuity to the future, and shaken up the scouting department. How this pans out is still very much TBD as these are the types of investments that payoff in an organizations long-term future, not the here and now. Many GMs choose to ignore these things and it costs their franchises (just like it cost ours) but it takes more than a year to put humpty dumpty back together again.
It wouldnt surprise me at all if Nix felt like he got our organization back on track, brought in some guys he knows, put Whaley in place as as the heir apparent, and then stepped aside. This always seemed like the natural thing to do. It also probably buys Whaley some time with a still rebuilding roster. Winning streaks or losing streaks aside, there are firm level changes that may be providing us with a better institution that can once again collect management and scouting talent because we prioritize having legitimate football and talent guys in the power structure that can demonstrate we will have some continuity.
Drafting a talented QB and then throwing them into a broken organization without coaching or front office continuity can be just as damaging as just never finding a QB, maybe worse.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 22, 2011 10:10 AM EST reply actions 18 recs
Good post, and I do agree with alot of this. Rec'd
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Dec 22, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I believe we have even discussed here the Whaley signing being a tell-tale sign that Nix was setting things up for his eventual step down.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
very well written
nice post. i agree with you on all of these points especially the qb one.
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
This
This post is smart. Establishing a good and effective headquarters is always just as important as the subordinate elements that work with it. Buffalo now has, hopefully, effective people manning an effective organizational structure.
The key, and Nix has said it, is long-term viability. If Nix had drafted Pro Bowlers with every pick the last two years, but left the organization the same, Buffalo would be good until the players left, and then would revert to chaos.
The franchise has a fighting chance now that it’s organized correctly.
And no, they should fire no one. Pittsburgh rarely fires folks, even when Cowher went through bad seasons. Continuity is important, and pulling the plug after two years is bad business.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
by Der Jaeger on Dec 22, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Right!
Ironic that the “press” is so focused on the game to game, day to day, play by play, that they totally miss all the good things that have happened at OBD. They just think that a team devastated by bad management and a roster devoid of talent should just start winning immediately after a new coach takes over. It doesn’t take any brains to blast a team when they’re down. I think most of the people here are more intelligent and insightful than the people who are PAID to do this.
THANK YOU
You said exactly what I have attempted to say for a long time. Nix means more to this organization than draft picks that are still too early to gauge. For the first time that I can remember following football (I am only 24) the Bills have stability and direction, and this I think is more important than any single draft pick.
Look at NE, probably the model franchise of the NFL. They have struck out time and time again in the draft recently, but because of the continuity of their front office and coaching staff, there are players available that can come in, play, and play well. That only happens when you have stability long enough to develop players for the long term, and not need instant contribution from every new player (like the Bills need now).
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Dec 22, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
really, really, really well said.
ever since nix promoted whaley ive thought hes gonna step down after the 2012 draft. hell pick one more group of players, then retire and enjoy.
the team hasnt won these two seasons, obviously, but it is very verrryy important that the FO is at least organized moving forward. that contribution to the buffalo bills was 100% buddy nix
Its fun to think quarterback, but i think the odds of nix taking one in the first are close to 0%.
not likely to happen
The best front office change that could happen would be for Ralph to sell the team to Jim Kelly and company. Ralph has never truly been interested in building a championship team. He is interested in making money, period. As long as fans continue to show up at the stadium, spend money, and drink the Kool-Aid, he’s happy. Jim Kelly would actually work toward winning a championship — the one he couldn’t get as a player.
I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if Nix retired, but I would be shocked if Ralph cleaned house, regardless of the attendance (or lack thereof) this weekend. The only major change I’m expecting is the firing of George Edwards, with Dave Wannstedt replacing him. I also don’t expect any search for the DC because Ebeneezer Wilson never wants to pay an additional salary when he already has a candidate on the payroll.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 10:25 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
He is interested in making money, period.
I wish, for one, someone would provide some sort of of evidence of this, because I think it’s crazy. He’s not interested in building a winning team? He’s 93 years old…what the hell does he care about making money? He’s been in football since the 60s, of course he wants a championship team. You may not agree with how he goes about doing it, but ti insinuate that someone who has been in the NFL that long doesn’t care as much about the Super Bowl as making money, especially someone who has money and is 93 years old anyway, is just insane.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Dec 22, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
not to mention what is wrong with making money nowadays? unless someone can prove he would rather make money than win, people need to stop spouting that crap like its gospel cuz last time i checked winning in the nfl and making money kinda go hand in hand…so yes id like ralph to make a lot of money.
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:40 AM EST up reply actions
If he gets rid of his coach after 2 years b/c ticket sales are down (and not b/c he thinks the team is headed in the wrong direction) then he is giving people a lot of circumstantial evidence for their claim.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
thats true so i guess we will see if that is the case and if it is then i will lean more towards him only worrying about the bottom line. it will be an interesting offseason for sure
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
and by bottom line i mean money…if that wasnt obvious from my post
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
Well,
I don’t know the situation w/ his kids, but Ia m sure they are interested in making money. I don’t know how much money RW has besides the Bills, a bunch I am sure, but although he is old, he maybe have quite a few family members on the “payroll”. Just speculating
Ralph would like a championship. It just isn’t his top priority.
There have been distinct periods at the end of the 70s and 80s where the team was so bad that fans were staying away in droves. That’s when Ralph finally did something. He hired Chuck Knox as head coach in 1978, and he took them to the playoffs in his second year. Knox left after the 1982 season when he and Ralph couldn’t come to terms on a new contact. When the team tanked shortly afterward, he promoted Bill Polian from within the organization. Polian was given the freedom to do what it took, and he built a dynasty. Then Ralph chased him away for reasons that still aren’t quite clear, mostly involving some issue with the organization’s treasurer. His successor, John Butler, didn’t stay long. Since then, we haven’t had a GM worth a darn. Promoting an obviously unqualified Russ Brandon to GM simply because he was already part of the organization was one of the worst personnel moves in the history of football.
I think that Ralph started to hear people sharpen their pitchforks two years ago when he named Nix as GM. But it takes a lynch mob and a stadium full of empty seats before Ralph considers doing anything beyond the status quo.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 1:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
None of that points to making money being a priority above winning a championship. Again, you have to look at it with some common sense…he doesn’t need the money, and he’s owned a football team for over four decades that hasn’t won a championship in the NFL.
Yes, he’s made many, many bad personnel decisions, but I believe he thought he was doing what was best for the team, not his wallet. Long term viability in western New York means he may think he has to cut some corners, but that doesn’t mean it has anything to do with him making money personally. If you think you can continue to be involved with something as complex as a football organization into your 90s without having a passion for it (that surpasses that as using it to collect money) than I believe you are kidding yourself. If he just wanted to make money, he wouldn’t be as involved as he is. The team makes money. He doesn’t need to be as hands on if that was his goal.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
So you think that, despite being well under the salary cap every year, Ralph is doing everything he reasonably should to construct not only a championship team, but a championship organization? And with this being an uncapped year, did you think, for even one second, that the team payroll was going to suddenly shoot up?
Well, I suppose that “gross incompetence” could be a viable explanation as well, but the only time Ralph ever does something to change the status quo is when we’ve hit absolute bottom.
Convince me otherwise. Where is the compelling argument that Ralph has persistently tried to build a winner year after year? Al Davis might not have had much success over the past decade, but at least you always knew he was trying.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 3:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Al Davis was always trying badly. That’s a bad example, because he threw his money away where Ralph is more careful with it. Your point is that Ralph prioritizes making money over building a championship team. I think that’s ludicrous. While we are under the cap every year, we’re nowhere near the bottom team (we’re usually about average). We don’t go after big name free agents, but then again, neither does any team that is successful year in and year out (see GB, Pitt, NE, Indy, Balt, NO, etc.). It’s not the way he wants to build the team, that doesn’t mean he’s cheap.
He’s an old school football mind. It’s possible that he hires people that share his football mind, but they’re not modern-thinking enough to compete in today’s NFL. That’s how I think it’s been for the better part of 15 years now.
There’s nothing to convince you of, to be honest. It’s crazy to think that someone who’s in the business this long doesn’t care about winning as much as about making money, especially someone who (as I said) has plenty of it. I believe that, yes, Ralph does everything in his power to make sure the team can compete long term and that several of his decisions (especially int he last 15 years) have been ill advised, but again that does not speak to his priorities. As has been demonstrated on this board many times, he is not cheap. He hands out money when he thinks its deserved, and Nix has said that he often talks Ralph out of the big name signing because it’s not the way he wants to build his team.
Also, we’ve been at rock bottom for 10 years, so I don’t buy that argument, either.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I'm not all about Buddy
but at some point, the fingers may need to point a little less far from their base. It didn’t help that the NFL did the Bills no favors by giving them three home games in the month of December. Even if the team were doing well, they’re competing with peoples’ need to prepare for the holidays. Many have parties on the weekends, family traditions to uphold, and responsibilities to manage.
In all the mess we’ve supported over the last decade+, one thing has remained constant despite the groundhog day effect on the team. I’m very concerned there’s dimished interest in the team and an inability to fully comprehend the mess they’re in and the necessary steps to help fix it.
What would have gone a long way with fans should have been the organization buying up the remaining tickets to lift the blackout for families to enjoy this holiday weekend. I fully believe they need to court the fanbase more than they have lately. Give them a reason to enjoy the team. Give them a reason to spend money on them.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 10:25 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Whaley
It’d be a nice to get someone on the younger end of the spectrum getting the reigns. Younger guys who have their best years ahead tend to take the risks needed to make a career. Old guys like Nix… well, they might be more motivated to just keep things steady.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
by oompaloompa on Dec 22, 2011 10:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not suprised.
I believe that the organization is being built up for Whaley’s take-over. I have no issues with that at all. I think it makes good sense, and will still provide the Bills with some continuity (that is desparately needed). The last thing this team needs is another mass management overhaul (ah, knee-jerk reaction).
Whaley, as a younger guy, should be a bit less averse to risk and be a more aggressive GM. I think he would have moved to draft Tim Tebow or Cam Newton already and won’t be looking for a “bargain” on a QB prosepct in the future.
I expect Whaley’s first acts will be to get Fred Jackson and Stevie Johnson on board for the long haul. That would put him off to a good start with this beat-up fan base, and with the current players. From there, I expect Whaley’s Bills to be “All-In” on the spring draft. By that, I think they will move up the board to get the best available QB and pass rusher in the first two rounds— even if it consts them their entire draft to do this. They have been trying to plod along at these positions for too long, and need to (finally) pony up. I am sure Chan also realizes that having his 14 IR’ed players available to him again next fall should make up for any of the later-round signings they might surrender to move up on draft day.
If they just address these needs in an aggressive no-BS manner, this will be a huge morale booster to both the fans and players alike. Winning will cure everything, and the cash will flow.
As far as Chan, I think he’s a pretty good coach. I like the mentality that he is trying to bring to the locker room. As happy as I was with the start of the season, I always thought the lack of depth would catch up with them— and it did. That’s not on Chan.
Oh, and even though it’s not part of the immediate article, there is a reason Chan brought Wannstadt in to Buffalo. Look for him to be the Ass’t Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator on or about January 2. My gut is that he is currently doing exactly what Chan wanted him to do, look, learn, observe, diagnose and then… fix.
by firstdownbuffalo on Dec 22, 2011 11:06 AM EST reply actions
wow
i hope we dont can gailey and nix………….we need to wait…………….if wilson wants tickets sold draft a qb in the first rd in this yrs draft and fans will be pumped again………..but dont can nix and gailey…..no one said this would be easy and the bills have a plan………that plan has been derailed because we have lost 4 studs to season injuries….guys that if we had would easly acount for at least 2 more wins
If this is true, Christmas has come early!
Nix once said, “show me the baby”…He has not shown me anything since he has been on the job. He has made some very dubious picks (Troup is the one that really stands out to me), he hired a coach who is a career loser in the NFL, he ignores areas of the team that vastly need improvement (QB, OLB), hands out a contract extension to Fitz when he could have waited a few more weeks to get a bigger sample size of what Fitz can (or we should say cant) do, refuses to negotiate with one of our top players in Stevie, said he was sleeping when free agency began a few years ago. We have had losing streaks of 8 and 7 going on 9. How can anybody support this guy? We are realistically looking at a 1 game improvement in the win column. Ill tell ya, one win is a heck of a lot of progress. He has predominately drafted defense in his two drafts yet our defense is among the worst units in the NFL. People are fed up with the product that Nix is putting on the field and quite frankly, thats why all the games are being blacked out. Give us hope and we will show up. Unfortunately, Nix has not given the fan base much hope and that is why the 3rd consecutive game is being blacked out
by MarkyMarkO on Dec 22, 2011 11:29 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
5-2 wasn’t hope ?
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Like Ali in the jungle…”
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
We finished with most of our starters on IR. So, rephrasing the question, do you think that this team has potential IF they can stay healthy?
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 11:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
TWSS
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
Is it really that cut and dry, do you really not see all the variables that come into play. FOr me its all combination of, good luck turning into bad luck(balls bounceing the wrong way for us), Injuries(and don’t tell me we need to be deep enough to be able to mask 15 to the IR), and bandaides falling off at bad times and the duct tape holding it all together coming off. It isn’t as simple as pointing a finger at 1 or 2 things wrong on the team. A ton of things are wrong and went wrong, what matters to me is the coachs and FO working hard to fix it all, and I think they are working there collective ass off so I’m happy with it.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
agreed
one thing you gotta understand you cannot argue with irrational and emotionally based people. logic and reason do not factor into discussions with a lot fans
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
trutru sir, but fan dosen’t always have to mean fanatic imho.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
your right. i should have clarified between fans who are passionate yet realistic and fanatics who when losing a game then go home and beat their family
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
lol
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
do people even look at actual facts any more?
Gailey was not a “career loser in the NFL”. He was 18-14 as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, taking them to the playoffs both seasons. (Jerry Jones, being an impatient owner, canned him when they didn’t win a playoff game either season. Jones has openly admitted that he made a mistake buffering Gailey.) Gailey also came highly recommended by Bill Cowher, yet another big-name coach who didn’t want the job in Buffalo. You make it sound like big-name coaches were beating down the door to fight each other for this job. They weren’t. Gailey was one of the few good options, so Nix brought him in.
Honestly, having been a die-hard fan since the early 70s, I’m just as frustrated as the rest of you. However, I think most of you have lost your ability to objectively look at the facts, and every year that we don’t make the playoffs, you simply want to nuke everything from orbit and start all over. If you’ve ever solved a Rubik’s Cube, you would see that you need to make some moves that take you a little bit backwards in order to make forward progress. I think Nix is gathering the right pieces to complete the puzzle, and the offense is considerably better than the pop-gun offense we had in 2009 under Jauron. Our current defensive coordinator is clueless and should be sacked no later than January 2nd, but that is the only major change the team needs that does not involve actual players.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 12:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 5 recs
Excellent post SiriusRed, rec’d.
It’s difficult for fans to not lump the 10 year ineptitude with this regime, you plead patience and you get thrown a decade of futility at your face.
It’s understandable to be frustrated but I think it’s misguided to credit all the bad residual effects of a failed decade to this new regime.
yes exactly the point i made above…arguing with emotional and irrational people is next to impossible. its all understandably emotional cuz thats what losing for 11 years will do to you but come on people.
take a step away from the edge and look at whats happened objectively. we lead the league in IR for a like a 3rd straight year and i dont wanna hear the argument that every team deals with injuires. NO team can lose the caliber players the bills lost this year and finish any higher than .500.
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
I do not think that I am 'emotional and irrational"
Ultimately you must ask yourself is the team getting better under Buddy Nix? After what I have seen for the last two years, the answer is No. In the NFL, you are what your record says you are. Under Nix, the teams record is 9-21. We have had two losing streaks of at least 7 games during his tenure as GM! I do not think it is irrational for someone to question a 9-21 record. Im not saying that I am expecting the Bills to go win the super bowl anytime soon, but I do not think that asking for some signs of progress is asking for too much.
by MarkyMarkO on Dec 22, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i wasnt saying you specifically but my point was basically that, understandably so, people are impatient and want results. this is leading to emotional and irrational statements of wanting to fire a gm and coach after 1.5 years. however, if only some objectivity and consideration of the facts were used then those same people might come to more logical conclusions. i know given the history of losing on this team that it all just sounds like excuses and we all want to win NOW but i don’t remember this team ever having as solid a plan as this current regime APPEARS to have. they actually are building an entire organization instead of trying to inject pieces into a puzzle that dont fit or belong to a different puzzle all together
in the end its all speculation and conjecture on our parts to fill the void of rooting for a perennial loser
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Ignore the current losing streak for a moment. If the Bills still had most of their season-opening roster playing right now instead of on IR, do you still think they would have lost seven in a row? If you think that injuries aren’t such a big factor this year, please provide a counter example of a team that has lost most of their key starters yet continued to win without them. Heck, look how far Indy went by losing only one key player this year.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 2:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
No.
I think 7-8 wins sounded about right, or a Mularkeyesque 9-7. But instead of tearing down an organization every three years, I see this group building the organization ala Polian/Levy. This is the perfect situation for a good young coach to step in as DC, build his reputation as a defensive genius, and either take over for Gailey when he retires, or become the next hot head coaching candidate.
O-Line injuries are hard to overcome unless you’ve got a deep O-Line with experience down to the 2nd and 3rd string. Look at the Chargers – great offensive talent, but they are only getting it together now because their O-Line is coming back together.
speaking of the chargers
if Norv gets axed I’d love to see him in Buffalo in some capacity.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
by mob16151 on Dec 22, 2011 11:49 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 22, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
I would too!
Norv is a great Offensive Coordinator, he’s one of the best in the league!
The fact that he’s a lousy head coach has nothing to do with his ability to run an offense. Every stop he’s made as OC he’s been terrific. His style of offense would be fantastic here in Buffalo. Pound the ball hard, then play-action and stretch the field vertically (not friggin horizontally!!)
I’d love Norv as our OC
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
IDK, seems like AJ Smith has killed everything in S.D. by firing marty and hiring norv, I see it but at the same time I don’t, even if he is just the OC/asst HC.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Norv Turner is another one of those guys who is a good coordinator but lousy head coach.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 12:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Let’s put them in a blender, then bake them together to form one great coach ?
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Unsure
Certainly these huge losing streaks are not good but I thought that more of a coaching issue. You win, then you go on huge losing streaks and Chan cannot right the ship. What concerns me more is when Gailey says “if I knew what was wrong, I would fix it”. I can see Wilson wanting a new coach as he has done in the past and the only way I could see him shaking up the front office is if Nix is rebuffing Wilson on a coaching change.
How about this for a major change?
To me the only significant change that should occur this off season that would be highly positive would be:
Ralph decides to sell 75-100% of the team.
Until this happens we are doomed to mediocrity. I never liked the Nix/Gailey signings in the first place but pulling the plug after just 2y makes no sense to me. Unfortunately when you hire a 70 year old to run the ship you need to be prepared for a short stay. So Nix stepping down seems like the most plausible event. I doubt Ralph would replace him.
I think Ralph is losing money by not selling the team. Just a few years ago the team was worth in the 900+ range and now it’s probably down in the 700 range. For Bills Nation the best thing that could happen is for Ralph to sell at least 75% if not more of the team to the local consortium of Jim Kelly & Co.
There should not be any more changes to the front office before new ownership takes over. Otherwise, we will live through a few more rebuilds before its all said and done!
Another speculative note is that John Elway seems to be doing pretty good at the helm of the Broncos, which makes me wonder if Ralph is thinking of doing the same as Pat Bowlen and hire his HOL QB to run the Buffalo Bills? Just a thought…
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Dec 22, 2011 11:53 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
agreed
Ralph has to sell the team now and get a owner who has passion, strength, and the vision to get over the hump and give this team a fresh direction
by kitchentwister on Dec 22, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Taxes
That’s the reason Ralph won’t sell while he’s alive.
by wallyvoodoo on Dec 22, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Explain that one to me if you could..
What is the tax rate for the capital gains profit on his sale?
What is the tax rate for his estate?
Presumably the cap gains tax is higher that the estate tax but my whole point is that the team has lost over $200MM in the past 2 years, which represents approx 15% of the value that was lost… Is the difference between the estate tax and Cap Gain tax that high? I seriously doubt it.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
interesting...
Speculation can be fun!
and uplifting! :)
Some of the names people come up with for their kids start the kids out neck deep in social hell.
15 on IR
It’s the S&C coaches that needs to be changed I would say Mike Boyle but the Red Sox just took him.
by The Buffalonian on Dec 22, 2011 12:16 PM EST reply actions
Agreed.
What’s Dr. Yerys doing? … wait, I have no idea if he’s still alive, let alone still working. (My old physical therapist, who had the brush-with-fame of working on Joe Namath’s knees. Okay, all I know is he can handle a quad muscle imbalance that was developing from the age of 2 to the age of 15 and stabilize it with exercise. Still, he’s someone I know can do the job :P.)
If Ryan Fitzpatrick does not take the Bills to the Big Game, ever, I will run through Harvard's campus wearing a Yale jersey. I am that sure. Or that crazy.
by Orlando John on Dec 22, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Pull the plug?
It totally depends on what type of answers this regime can provide behind closed doors. I do not expect the gameplan to be laid out for the public, but what they have laid out for the public in terms of a roster is a putrid disgrace and that bottom line is not up for debate. There is no way that Nix sold Wilson on his original game plan being at this spot two years, so there need to be answers for the lack of growth and a blueprint to fix it in the short term. If these answers are nowhere to be found now, they won’t be tehre later either.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
A 5 year play is a 5 year plan, I don’t care who you are.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 12:23 PM EST reply actions
Except "5 year plan" is an idea completely
fabricated by the fans, and not backed up by anything whatsoever.
What NFL team needs a 5 year plan after going 10 years without the playoffs? 5 years? When did Nix, etc. ever say 5 years? Why not 10? We’ve already waited this long, why not do it right?
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 22, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What does the last 10 years have to do with CHix ??? or am I misunderstanding you ? Yes, 5 years to bring a losing franchise out of the grave. People love to claim it only takes 3 nowadays but that is untrue. The Lions have building towards this years team for at least 4 years, and it helps get a top 3 pick for 8 years(maybe not 8) in a row, which buffalo has not. Next year will be a big show and tell for this franchise, hell this year was before the injuries. Next year we will see the draft picks progress and maybe the defense if we don’t turn back to the 4-3.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 22, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
But where does everyone get this whole “5 year plan” stuff from? Did Nix ever say it? The last 10 has to do w/ the organization having lost my patience with 12 years of no playoffs. That’s all. Telling me to wait 3 more until the team is any good is absurd. I’m sorry.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 22, 2011 8:45 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
well he didnt say those exact words but he did say it would take awhile to build a winner. one can interpret that to 3 yrs or 5 yrs or 10 yrs but either way just cuz some teams do it in 3 yrs doesnt mean the bills can too.
if you dont think the bills are getting better talent wise than thats your prerogative and right to feel that way but bottom line…putting stats aside this team is better than the jauron team he left behind. if our starters were healthy we would be .500 guaranteed. everyone is aware that this team lacks depth and quality depth i may add
that and a defensive coordinator will go a long ways next year if it happens
by Air Compressor on Dec 23, 2011 7:50 AM EST up reply actions
I can’t see getting rid of Gailey or Nix yet. They never promised us that year 2 would be pretty. It was always a long term plan. If Nix is ready to retire, that’s different.
Here’s the thing right now. Team played well at the beginning of the season. We beat New England for the first time in how long? 15 players on IR later, we suck. Badly. Emarassingly bad. Fine. That suggests a certain lack of depth. Which makes sense. How exactly do you build up that kind of depth from absolutely nothing in 2 years? Especially when your stated plan is to build through the draft? You can only fill so many spots a year through the draft.
As demoralizing as the past 7 games have been, it isn’t fair to judge the team only on that. I feel like our JV guys are trying to beat up on the other team’s varsity guys. I know that other teams have injury issues, too. But how many of them are in year 2 of a massive rebuild? Many of them have had time to build more depth than we have.
And honestly, if the win/loss record is scattered differently throughout the year and NOT all wins at the beginning and all losses at the end, then this team is basically who most of us thougth they were at the beginning of the year. Mediocre at best. BUT, our starters surprised everyone in the beginning. That’s encouraging. So what if we can actually add some depth next year? Maybe? Please?
So no. you can’t get rid of Gailey and Nix yet. Otherwise, it’s another coach with another philosophy changing things to meet what he thinks the team should be doing. So, he’ll be replacing the current starters with guys who fit his system better and everything that DID go right this year will mean very little. One more year. Then we’ll talk.
"...and dance by the light of the moon!"
by bflogrl on Dec 22, 2011 1:13 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
“I know that other teams have injury issues, too. But how many of them are in year 2 of a massive rebuild? Many of them have had time to build more depth than we have. And honestly, if the win/loss record is scattered differently throughout the year and NOT all wins at the beginning and all losses at the end, then this team is basically who most of us thougth they were at the beginning of the year.”
two very good points. well said
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
well put
If I could rec from my phone, I would.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 1:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
you can – you have to go into the full website but you can do it that way
by J2 on Dec 22, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Rec"d!
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 22, 2011 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
We need to keep them one more year.
Well I think we need them for a year and change, at least. And I’ll go with bflogirl here, we need depth, an OLB, depth, more targets at WR, depth, a long-term prospect at QB, and did I mention depth? (I would take Griff or Jones, or of course Luck, but I’m worried we’d be passing on someone we really need in the 1st to get to .500 or better next year.) If we can’t get depth enough in the draft and FA to compete? On notice. If we start the following year badly… to the curb with them both. I’m fairly sure we will be 10 and 6 next year, so with my track record that really means we’ll be 8-8, so this is just me talking here.
If Ryan Fitzpatrick does not take the Bills to the Big Game, ever, I will run through Harvard's campus wearing a Yale jersey. I am that sure. Or that crazy.
Assuming nothing changes through free agency, my ideal draft would start with a QB (Griffin or Barkley), then a pass-rushing OLB (or possibly DE), then a CB. A WR might be possible in rounds 2 or 3, but that depends a lot on whether or not the Bills think Easley will actually take the field next season. Good cornerbacks are usually still available in round four, whereas good QBs and pass-rushing OLBs are usually gone by then. If they can’t grab one of those QBs to start, maybe look for Ryan Tannehill or Case Keenum in later rounds, although each of those guys would be a bigger project.
by SiriusRed on Dec 22, 2011 1:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
GET RID OF THESE BUMBS
BOTH GAILEY AND NIX NEED TO GO, BRING IN JEFF FISHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unless a 1995-2005 Steve McNair (RIP) comes with him...
We’ll just end up on the other side of the same coin with an ineffective offense and a decent defense.
And most likely losing seasons.
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Dec 22, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yucky.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 22, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
I am not on the fire CHIX bandwagon, but if we could get Fisher.....
I would quickly jump on and offer to pay for the gas !!!!!!
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
4-12 to 5-11
Maybe 6-10 next year and then Just wait another 10 years and we’ll go 16-0!!!
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
Nix in Gailey out...
I actually think Nix is not all that bad, but am more excited about Doug Whaley. Was never happy about Gailey as head coach. I wish some of our past head coaches could have been our coordinators. Just goes to show you that not being able to bring in a top flight coach has everything to do with ownership.
by EricT. on Dec 22, 2011 1:53 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think
the next major shake up is with the next owner. Changing Nix for Whaley is not major. But there are “rumblings” about investor groups putting packages together to buy them.
its very simple really
i have decided to not contribute 1 cent monetarily to this team till the actually seem like they are going to playoffs…
obviously i am emotionally attached enough to keep coming back here to read and write about them but i have control over my money… not buying any bills merchandise, not going to any games in the stadium, nothing…
if more people do the same, every game will get blacked out… but i am perfectly fine with it… even if that leads to them moving out of buffalo… i dont care about that anymore…
i am glad my emotions dont have control over my money when it comes to bills… seems like more people are doing the same which is great… they want to continue with the dysfunction, i am going to continue saving my money… great
and when i say" they actually seem like going to playoffs" i dont mean the 5-2 crap they pulled… even then i was saying they wont make it to the playoffs due to lack of depth, poor defense and gimmick offense…
show some success through the 2nd half of the season and then i will think about shelling out some dough
by statcruncher on Dec 22, 2011 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
Foundation
The Bills seem to have quit on their coach. That is a huge concern. But from a personell standpoint the defense looks to for the first time be building a foundation.
DL: WIlliams, Darius
LB: Sheppard,
CB/S: Williams, Byrd.
Those are 5 young players who you can fill around. NOt to mention contributors to 2012 in Florence and Barnett.
THe offense has been awful but it is the best offense we have seen in a long time. No reason to believe they will regress next year. This is the best OL the Bills have had this decade and they have dealt with 2 of their 3 best OL being hurt Wood/Bell. THey dealt with their starting RB Jackson going on IR, their #2 & #4 best Wr’s being cut or going on IR in Evans and Roscoe…not to mention Easley. Almost every TE being hurt at some point.
I feel the current FO and coaching staff deserves one more year to make it work. Let Nix tweak the lineup and Gailey work with everyone for one more year. If you bring in a FA OLB, a Rookie defensive playmaker at either your 1st or 2nd round draft pick and a decent #2 WR you will be a team that will be in the playoff discussion next year.
Are they really that far away or did they just lose their best and most physical o-lineman(Wood)…best and most physical d-lineman (Williams) as well as their best pass rusher (Merriman) and best playmaker (F. Jackson). Let’s see them have one more offseason to stack talent on top of returning talent.
the decade is only 2 years old…just sayin
ps im totally kidding and using wordplay here
by Air Compressor on Dec 22, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Here is my problem
I don’t want them fired b/c of ticket sales. I could give a crap. I want a team built that will compete for the playoffs every year and give me hope of a championship somewhere in the future (no matter how distant). Does Wilson believe in that? I know these articles are speculative, but if a change is made b/c of ticket sales, that would be annoying and play into every conspiracy theorists hands about how Ralph doesn’t care as long as he makes money. OK……..now I’m going to take a deep breath and read through the comments.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 22, 2011 2:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Nix
I’ll go for he retires rather than being fired. Still, a 7 game skid that isn’t finished yet means someone has to be accountable regardless of the extenuating circumstances around which it had occurs – so really I guess anything is possible.
Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/
Chan is Needed Strong 50/50 D coach presence needed
Peyton Manning 18 Buffalo Bills ok Go. Thoughts?
How I would hate to see this happen to Fitzy and would love to see him get it done multiple times little guy and the Little team. But Peyton and Chan now that’s trouble and Bills whole team is a small step above colts and Peyton has 2 shots a year at Belicheat and Tom the Lady Brady and a quick 2 kicks in your nuts to Rex if still there. Even if 2 or 3 years for Ralph and the rest of us.
Big changes?
Well I’ve heard some strong arguments, and some good points made for both change and retention of Nix and or Gailey. I’m all for letting Gailey go. If Nix stays he can try and find a coach that has a similar philosophy as Gailey, thus saving some of the work they’ve put in together, if Nix retires the same thing applies, as long as Whaley steps in as the new GM. In fact I think I would like to see that a new GM, HC, & QB, I’d be on board with that, as long as the new GM is Whaley. As far as the possiblity of us getting or even going for Peyton Manning, I think that would be a bad ideal when you look at his age and no one knows when or if he’ll ever be able to play again, and if he actually does play again how long would it take for him to be back at his best, which is what at this stage in his football life. One more thing on Peyton, he would be a bigger risk then Meirriman in my oppinion, at least Shawn is ours already. Unless Peyton came as a veteran minimum, why not invest in youth ( the draft ) at that position?
I don't understand
why you would theoretically get rid of Gailey, just to get a guy with the same philosophy.
That would make firing him useless.
Similar not same. Similar could mean agressive, inovative, some use of the spread. But with his own twist, maybe more runs, or deep passes, or more passes to the TE. So again SIMILAR NOT THE SAME.
And
Could involve more talent everywhere! Aggresive talent , relentless be it a QB or a dominant pass rusher I don’t care just make my team relevant again! Give e something to believe in, is that to hard?
If you didn't like my last post wait till you read the next! :) Until we draft/acquire franchise QB we'll be setting records for losing soon!
by buffalobacker on Dec 23, 2011 2:31 AM EST up reply actions
Nix should go! Chan has fixed offense with what he has and it’s not much he has made retain able strides. I remember field goals that’s it for a decade on Sunday’s Now Nix Height weight he wants and started to get bigger not rocket science bills were small and fast defense that is changing to Big Strong stop run (in a passing league) is what he has done and the old defense and Perry kept the games closer with all those 3 and outs and no TD’s and a questionable trade value Lynch and Why Evans even if lost at end of contract Buddy’s lack of homework and performance is questionable.
My 2 cents...
I believe Nix is out of touch with the NFL of today. His philosophy is antiquated. I just hope he hasn’t indoctrinated Whaley with his “build through the draft-no name FA/UDFA” philosophy. If he does feel the heat from Ralph he just may retire instead, giving Whaley the reigns. We need some new, young blood in this organization anyway. Also, Gailey’s demise will be his loyalty to Fitz and Edwards if he chooses not to make any changes in the offseason.
Let’s talk about Ralphie. His main concern is the bottom line. These blackouts are hurting. Factor in 2 consecutive losing seasons whose records are worse than Jauron’s, PLUS the fact we’ve been out of the playoffs for 12 yrs now and he may have no option but to fire both Nix and Gailey. It won’t cause much of a problem when you think of it, and the results can’t really get much worse than what’s been for 2 yrs now. If Ralph were to fire Nix in steps Whaley; easy fix. And, if Ralph were to fire Gailey in steps Wannstedt. He’s already within the organization as the Assistant HC (with HC experience) and it won’t cost to have to locate an outsider to lure. Again, easy fix. Wannstedt will make the decision Gailey didn’t and fire Edwards, call the defense himself and look to sign our next franchise QB. All that would need to be done would be to bring in a proven OC that could allow Wannstedt to focus soley on the defense. I actually would prefer this scenario over what we have now.
His philosophy is antiquated.
I don’t think it’s antiquated. I think it’s how every current annual powerhouse was built. I just don’t think he’s proven to be very good at it.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Dec 22, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
you can do that IF...
you can do that if you have competent coaches who know how to get the best out of all of their players. Ralph obviously wants to bring some fire power to Buffalo as evidenced with T.O. (should have never let him go imo) and the spiller signing. Ralph wants excitement! Too bad his coach and GM are so monotone. I think Ralph wants to make a splash. He allowed Nix to talk him into this mess and now it’s either time for Nix to pay up or get the boot.
Good At It?
Gotta give him credit for even attempting this job with present ownership. I mean its like Buffalo’s the last place anyone wants to coach or GM, why’s that? Yeah walk Nix and Chan off the good ship “going no where” plank. Next! Nix has used waiver wire like a tweeker works recycling, relentless and fruitful. To bad he doesn’t work for a good org. that would assist him!
If you didn't like my last post wait till you read the next! :) Until we draft/acquire franchise QB we'll be setting records for losing soon!
by buffalobacker on Dec 23, 2011 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Levi has got a gun
Now to get top performance out of a stop gap Fitz and a possible champ if all the pieces come on early in your system how would you talk about him show loyal public support? How could you pass up Mallet in 3rd whe Jim Kelly was saying take him? Me too? Fitz is playing small ball with his arm (I am a fan underdog fitz as why I am a bills fan) Levi is a slow learner like Brees 5 years till a real Pro Now I hope I Billieve Levi is the secret big gun weapon we will see this off season if he becomes back up when his PC squad time is up he can grip and rip it. George Edwards I will fly up on my own dime and fire him! Ralph is on his final chapter he wants one before he goes but that’s not everything he is taking in daily now. Buddy wants a steelers defense so do I but rules and passing game you cant intimidate just hope to cover. Buddy is highly questionable.
Nix may be antiqued
But Gailey is anything BUT antiqued.
I need three years to fire a coach
I’m not ready to give up on a regime after two years. First year I’m understanding, second year I’m concerned, third year I’m alarmed. That’s how it should be.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
Chan his offense works! it his lack of Emotional take on the D of trying inspiring to take QB’s Head Off Like Rex gets across to his players in private. At the least get a motivator for the defense. Chan I have no complaints about offense except the Lee Evans Donald Jones thing and getting after them at times.
Gotta Give Him 1 More Year
The Bills lost their entire offense to IR and the majority of the productive players on defense….just the guys coming off IR alone will be a major haul plus a good draft and this team will be closer to the 5-2 team than the 0-7 team we have now.
having so many injuries also helps with the losing bit, how about getting rid of the strength and conditioning coaches, because it just seems like bills players are twigs
That’s what we all said before they got rid of the strength and conditioning coaches the first time.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 23, 2011 8:07 AM EST up reply actions
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