2011 Buffalo Bills: Playoff Drought Drags On
by MattRichWarren on Jan 11, 2012 8:30 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThe 2011 Buffalo Bills toyed with fan emotions after a 5-2 start eroded into a mid-season collapse, ensuring another season without a playoff appearance. A final record of 6-10 meant that instead of thinking post-season thoughts in December, Bills fans were thinking draft order.
Buffalo currently holds the longest active streak of playoff misses with 12 miserable finishes. The team hasn't qualified since 1999, when their season ended against the Titans in Tennessee during the wild card round. Since then, Buffalo has had a winning record only once.
The Detroit Lions also last made the playoffs in 1999, but they broke their long streak this season, finishing 10-6 for their first post-season appearance in 11 years. The next longest playoff droughts are the Oakland Raiders and the Cleveland Browns, who haven't made the playoffs since 2002. St. Louis follows, with their last playoff game occurring during the 2004 season.
Looking past the wild card round, Buffalo hasn't won the AFC East since 1995, when Jim Kelly led the team to a 10-6 record to finish one game better than the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Only Cleveland (1989) and Detroit (1991) have gone longer without winning a division title.
The streak of 12 straight years without making the playoffs is the longest in team history by far. From 1967 through 1979, the Bills made the post-season once. Their longest divisional championship drought was from 1967 to 1980 - a span of 14 seasons.
In 2004, the Bills were 9-6 heading into their final week of the season, needing only a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers back-ups to secure a playoff spot. After Willie Parker's coming out party, Buffalo fell to 9-7. That's the closest the Bills have come since the Music City Mirage.
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Ha! A picture from Gillette Stadium field. Probably the only picture available from the Bills’ last “playoff field” is analog and black & white…seems like it anyway :-(
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
I tried to crop it out but it looked really stupid.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 11, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
I thought of commenting on this story but what's there to say??
#Disappointed
by BuffaloFanFromCT on Jan 11, 2012 9:18 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Pain
Its takes more character to be a fan of this franchise than any other. That’s why when it happens we are gonna go crazy.
by itwasaforwardpass on Jan 11, 2012 9:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
So So So True
Rec
The fans are going to be so loud they are going to hear us in the next Dimension - abayarde
by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Jan 11, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
So let me get this straight
13 years with no playoffs. And we draft 1 QB in the first round during that time and 1 OL…No wonder we’ve suck this whole time….
Why can’t we just pull the trigger and get a guy we can win with??
All I need is hope….Give me hope please OBD?
by doctork44 on Jan 11, 2012 9:24 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
The miracle cure
I see it didn’t take long for somebody to seek out the “miracle QB cure”. While I agree that we need a better QB than Fitzpatrick, drafting a QB in the first round isn’t going to magically take us to the playoffs. First, Luck and Griffin will be long gone by the time we draft. The next best choice, Ryan Tannehill, is a huge risk/reach. Second, there is no way any rookie QB will unseat Fitzpatrick as the starter next year unless Fitz gets injured. Third, you still have to develop the rookie QB. Losman was never developed properly, and he turned into a bust.
Drafting a QB provides some hope for the future, but not 2012. We still have major issues on defense, so that’s where the draft will go. I’m still hopeful that they can draft a decent project QB like Case Keenum on day three.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 9:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
playoff teams...and QB's..
GB – 1st round qb
SF – 1st round
NO – early 2nd round
NYG – 1st round
Atl and Det 1st round qb
BAL 1st round
Den 1st round
Pitt 1st round
Cinci mid 2nd round
Houston and NE are the only minor exceptions and tom Brady has proven to be a once in a generation exception….
You cannot convince me any longer that drafting a qb early just doesn’t matter…you cannot ignore the above facts.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 3:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 7 recs
Your point is even stronger considering Dalton was very high second round (35th?). And considering Schaub was acquired by Houston for a package that was valued higher than 1st round pick (and he left Hoston at the top of teh AFC when he was injured) and the correlation you see is very noteworthy.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
You can’t simply draft a QB in the rest round and solve all of your problems. First, you have to draft the right QB. This year, it doesn’t seem likely that Luck or Griffin will magically fall to #10, and you can’t just overreach for somebody who isn’t a solid first round talent and declare “problem solved”. Second, the Bills still have a lot of other positions of need, as well as depth.
There might be better options next year, especially with Barkley and Jones returning to college for another year, but don’t look for the Bills to draft a first round QB this year.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 3:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don't expect one player to solve the entire problem...
But until they make the move to shore up the most important position in the game today we can expect this crappy carousel to continue to spin round and round with nothing but regret and vomit to show for it.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 3:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Hey, that's the kind of posts I'm supposed to make! : )
Rec’d em? Damn near killed em!
"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 Jan 11, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Then you might as well come back in one year
There is no way the Bills are getting either Luck or Griffin at #10, and I don’t see any way that Nix will be able to trade up for one of them. (Anybody who would trade away a draft pick that high for a can’t-miss QB would have to be getting even better value in return, no?) I simply don’t see Nix taking the next best QB — Ryan Tannehill — at #10. Tannehill only played a season and a half at QB in college, and Nix does not take players who haven’t completely proven themselves at the college level. So, unless Tannehill slides down the first round and the Bills decide to trade back in, the next best bet might be Nick Foles in round two… but I still think Nix is going defense, defense, and more defense before he even considers a QB. And, if by some miracle he does take a QB, even in the first round… our QB for 2012 is still Fitzpatrick unless he gets injured.
Yes, I want an upgrade at QB, too, but this is reality. This isn’t fantasy football. Superstar QBs don’t just fall out of the sky. There might only be one or two that look like a sure thing each year, and if you don’t suck enough to get into the top five, you probably won’t get one who will pan out.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 3:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Then you might as well come back in one year
WHO CARES?! Why do they need to win the SB next year?! Get guys that will compete for a decade, not just next year.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Everybody else seems to be convinced that either we should have reached for a QB in the first round and/or been competing for the Super Bowl already. Everybody here seems to be an expert in rebuilding the Bills in only two years and seems to think that there is a single problem that is holding the Bills back.
I seem to be in the minority here, but I do think that Nix is building up a solid foundation of players for the future.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 3:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Haha, well, I wouldn’t go that far. I think that the fringe rumblers (the move vocal group) are behaving as you have said, but I think many of us understand that the rebuild is not a 1 or 2 year process. Next year is important, there needs to be solid improvement from drafted guys, there needs to be a winning season, Fitz needs to earn his contract.
However, it is not a SB run year. It is a “yeah, we’re on the right track” year, to get Gailey and Nix another year, during which they’ll hopefully improve, etc.
However, I disagree with you about drafting a QB this year. I think it’s a necessity. I think we need to get a guy who they think can be coached into being franchise, with the #10 pick, a first-round talent, and have him sit for a year or two. That way, when the defense comes together, and the rest of the offense does as well, he can step in and have a hopefully championship caliber team.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I just don’t see it happening this year. As I’ve said, Luck and Griffin will almost certainly be gone, leaving Tannehill as the only other potential first-round QB. Given that he was originally a WR in college, I just can’t see Nix taking him that high. No other QB this year is considered a first-round talent.
Nick Foles will be playing in the Senior Bowl, along with several other QB prospects who are projected as mid-round picks. Tannehill, unfortunately, has a foot injury right now and will not play in that game — further lowering the chances of Nix taking him at #10. I am hoping that the Bills can grab a decent QB prospect, maybe Tannehill (if he falls to round two), Foles, or Case Keenum. Keenum might have unique appeal to the Bills because he could fit right into our spread offense, whereas he wouldn’t fit so well into a “pro offense” on most other teams.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 4:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
OK
But its been 12 years of losing, not 1 or 2. I’m not impatient and do agree this regime is better than past regimes in most respects. But please stop with the its only been a year or two excuse. I’m not faulting GM or HC. My puzzlement is with ownership.
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
No, people will still disagree somehow.
Although the evidence is clear. I mean, just look at that list. 8 of the 12 teams in the playoffs this year were quarterbacked by former first-round draft picks. And Drew Brees was as close as you can get, being picked with the 1st selection in the 2nd round (#32 overall).
Tom Brady is the exception, not the rule. To account for guys like Brees and Favre, guys who weren’t technically taken in the 1st round, my philosophy is take a QB within the first 40 picks, or don’t take one at all. And there is research to back this as well:
http://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/drafting-quarterbacks/
And yet, others argue against it. Or they claim that there was “nobody we liked available at our pick”!
Well, then be forward thinking….how about this: Trade your second round pick this year to a team willing to give up next year’s first rounder. Then, when next year’s draft comes along, and we are picking #10th again after a 7-9 record, and Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, EJ Manuel, Logan Thomas, Tyler Bray, Casey Pachall, or whoever it is the Bills like most , you can make a trade with your 2 first rounders to get your man.
But, I could never see Buddy Nix being so forward thinking…
"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 Jan 11, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
People just don't understand us my friend. :)
It’s okay you have me…and I have you…and that’s all we need.
From Tebow to Gailey to drafting a QB early….we are in sync….not to be confused with N’sync if course. :)
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hilarious! That's right my friend, we in this together.
(And if we are N’sync, then I call being Justin Timerlake…you can be one of the other ones. I wouldn’t mind hooking up with the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Olivia Munn, or (a) Britney Spears…)
(a) “a 2002 version of” – important note
"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 Jan 11, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
What team would trade away next year’s first round pick for this year’s second round pick?
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 3:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It happens
Just off the top of my head…
In the 2009 draft, Carolina traded their 2010 1st rounder to San Fran to pick Everette Brown at pick #43.
In 2009 draft, Denver traded their 2010 1st rounder to Seattle to pick Alphonso Smith at pick #37.
And I don’t feel like searching for more at this time
"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 Jan 11, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Good luck with that
There’s “forward thinking”, and then there’s “wishful thinking”. The odds of finding a team willing to give up next year’s first rounder for this year’s second rounder are slim. And given that the Bills still have plenty of urgent needs, I don’t expect them to give away that pick this year.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 4:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Or trade this year's 1st rounder
for a 2nd rounder this year (so we can still get 2 decent guys this year with 2 second round picks) AND next year’s first rounder.
Kinda like some of these recent deals:
2011 draft:
New England traded away: 1st rounder 2011 (#28) to New Orleans
New England received: 2nd rounder 2011 (#56), 1st rounder 2012
2007 draft:
New England traded away: 1st rounder 2007 (#28) to San Fran
New England received: 4th rounder 2007 (#110), 1st rounder 2008
Dallas traded away: 1st rounder 2007 (#22) to Cleveland
Dallas received: 2nd rounder 2007 (#36), 1st rounder 2008
I don’t even need a trade like Cleveland pulled off last year, when Atlanta gave away the farm for Julio Jones, but for the fun of it I’ll list it:
Cleveland traded away: 1st rounder 2011 (#6) to Atlanta
Cleveland received: 1st rounder 2011 (#27), 2nd rounder 2011 (#59), 4th rounder 2011 (#124), 1st rounder 2012 and 4th rounder 2012!
When you are at a competitive disadvantage like the Bills are, for all the reasons we all know (owner, money, small market, reputation, losing streak, etc), IN MY OPINION you have to think outside the box and make moves with an eye toward the future to ensure you gain an advantage at some point…even if it’s a few years down the road.
"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 Jan 11, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
That might be more realistic
It will depend on who’s available at #10. It looks like there will be more choices at QB next year, and while the Bills could really use help defensively, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of pass rushers this year, either.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 4:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Finally...a suggestion of mine that you don't hate!!
this is an important day in Rumblings history! Haha.
"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 Jan 11, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
The Raiders?
Falcons?
Skins?
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 11, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
What about...
Bears – 1st
Bucaneers – 1st
Cardinals – 2nd (Pick 36)
Chargers – 1st
Eagles – 1st
Jaguars – 1st
Jets – 1st
Panthers – 1st
Raiders – 1st
Rams – 1st
Titans – 1st
Vikings – 1st
by Falls4Life on Jan 11, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, some of them fail, we all knew that.
It’s much more telling to look at the teams that have QBs taken after the 2nd round and where they are. I’ll bet they pretty much suck.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I agree with that.
But that isn’t the topic of the post I commented on. Don’t get me wrong I for sure think we need a QB but I’m not in the “get one in the first round or else we can never win” group.
What do you mean, that wasn’t the point? Norcal showed that the playoff teams almost all had early-round QBs…you then said a bunch of teams that have early round QBs that aren’t in the playoffs. My point was that doesn’t matter, since only 12 teams make the playoffs. If you have 30 first-round QBs, and 12 of them make the playoffs, does that mean that you shouldn’t get a first round QB because 18 of them didn’t? No. What is more telling, instead of the number of teams not in the playoffs with early round QBs, is the number of teams in not in the playoffs without early round QBs.
"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 Jan 12, 2012 12:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd...I agree with you, but my guess is Buddy finds a way
"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
Let me in here
Buffalo allowed 28+ per at that rate how do you figure to get to the playoffs let alone go deep. ain’t going to happen. Aaron maybin was a bust but Buffalo isn’t done looking for the player to make Tom brady look over his shoulder
by ONEREALMAN on Jan 11, 2012 10:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
2 OL (don’t forget M. Williams!) Plus we did also trade a first for Bledsoe.
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 9:43 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
HOF owner Ralph Wilson
The Bills are the worst franchise in the NFL at this point. The longest playoff drought in the league at 12 seasons, not one league championship since joining the NFL 42 years ago, 0 division titles since 1995, one winning season since the Clinton administration, the list of futility goes on and on…The debate is no longer Bills, Bengals, Lions, Texans?; the debate is now Bills, Pirates, Clippers, Royals.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 9:28 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well the Bengals haven’t won a division title since the FIRST George Bush, and also have 0 league championships..
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 9:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
2005 and 2009 AFC North Champs…in a division with mighty Pittsburgh and Baltimore no less. The Bengals are a respectable franchise with a bright future.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Sorry, I meant the Browns.
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 9:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Browns! They’ve never even been to the Super Bowl.
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 9:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
In fact,
There are 14 teams that have never won the Super Bowl (out of 32!) There are 10 teams who have been to the Super Bowl and lost each time. There are 4 who’ve never even been to the big dance.
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 9:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
But there is only one franchise that has combined a total lack of NFL championships (pathetic past) with a 12 year playoff drought (putrid present).
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
2 AFL Championships...
…if that counts for anything.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
They mean a lot, but the fact that the AFL is an entirely different league is relevant (and I’m not taking anything away from that league; they proved to be as competitiveve as the NFL of the 60s in the end). It can’t be ignored that Buffalo has been in the NFL for 42 years and has never won a league championship…that’s a disgrace.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Superbowl ring
Since I been a youth my brothers been holding up a fist and ask “what’s this”?…a Buffalo Bills super bowl ring HAHAHAHAHA. Yeah all true Buffalo fans lived thru four losses in a row
by ONEREALMAN on Jan 11, 2012 10:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hey
Clipper’s resent that comment:)
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
We're #1......
NOBODY MISSES THE PLAYOFFS LIKE THE BUFFALO BILLS. I would like to thank Russ Brandon and the entire Bills front office, especially Mr. Wilson for all the hard work and dedication needed to get us to this point.
"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
by Joe P. on Jan 11, 2012 9:31 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
instead of a Super Bowl ring, we get a toilet bowl ring.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
by fansince60 on Jan 11, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
yeah, but Russ came with at totally awesome Toilet Brush Day promotion...
you know….the first 5000 suckers fans to buy tickets to the Bills last home game get one.
"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
Dang Guy's
Zing, Zing!
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
Sadly, we will probably be stuck in this cycle for as long as Ralph owns the team. He makes no real effort to do what’s needed to build the Bills into perennial contenders.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 9:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Playoffs What Playoffs
The scary part for me is that under best case scenario the Bills are still 2 + years away from being a contender for the playoffs.
How come I always get blamed for everything I do ?
Dennis the Menace
I think the Bills could make the playoffs this coming season, but a lot of things need to go their way. Fewer injuries and good off-season acquisitions, especially in the draft, will be key. An injury to Tom Brady early in the season might help, too.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 9:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
like we haven't been hearing this for the last five years...
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 3:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That’s just wrong. Broncos went from 2nd pick to the playoffs. Rams nearly went 1st overall to the playoffs. They need to catch a few breaks but teams go from worst to first every season.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 11, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
That’s true, but Denver plays in a much weaker division and doesn’t have to face Tom Brady twice every year. The Bills went 3-1 against the AFC West (only losing to San Diego), but 1-5 against the East.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 10:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes: Teams go from worst to first every year. Excuse time is over.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yes, but in weaker divisions. The Bills have been playing in one of the toughest divisions over the past decade thanks to the emergence of Tom Brady. The Dolphins shocked the AFC East by introducing the wildcat, but that caught up to them within a year.
The Bills did indeed show considerable improvement this year… up until the injury bug (once again) laid waste to most of the starting roster. We definitely need a few more playmakers on defense and more depth, but I don’t think we are as far away from being a playoff contender as you seem to think we are.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 12:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The Jets were 6-8 in non-Bills games. The Dolphins were 4-10 in non-Bills games. Without the doormat Bills propping up these mediocre to poor franchises south of Foxboro, the AFC East would be considered the dregs of the NFL.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The Bills only played one AFC East team while they were still mostly healthy. That was the Patriots, and they won.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 12:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Right. Other teams don’t have injuries. Since Buffalo is apparently the injury capital of the league, maybe they should plan accordingly going forward.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not to the extent the Bills have had the past few years. We always seem to lead the league in “number of players placed on IR”. They just replaced the field surface (which was always considered to be one of the worst to play on) this year, but it didn’t seem to make a difference.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree with Port
Injuries happen to every team. It’s how you build the roster, depth behind starters and adjust to the injuries. Look at Houston, they lost their QB, best defensive player, best WR for most of the year and are still playing on the second weekend of the playoffs. They built a strong all-around roster and have persevered.
If the Bills could have built a strong starting group and a deeper group of backups, they could overcome injuries too. They just haven’t been a good enough team to start with.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jan 11, 2012 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Let’s see… on offense, we lost our starting center (who was having an all-pro season), our starting left tackle and his backup, our RB who was having an MVP-caliber season, our #2 WR never even got to take the field, and almost every other WR we put at #2 got hurt. On defense, we lost our Pro Bowl DT, our starting OLB, our starting FS was out several games, our starting CB was hurt on the very first play of the season and was out most of the year after that, and our rookie CB was out much of the year. Plus, we lost about a dozen other players to IR.
We definitely need more quality depth, but few teams can survive with the ridiculous number of injuries the Bills suffer every season.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 1:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
So what's Buffalo's problem?
And why is everyone ok with the 3 year rebuild? Sorry, 5 year rebuild.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Jan 11, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The 5 year re-build is so ridiculous.
It should not take a team 5 years to re-build in todays NFL. And the fact that some fans here believe in a 5 year plan is even more insane.
I hate that I love Buffalo.
by bflo on Jan 11, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The 5 year re-build is so ridiculous.
5 year plan is so old school when teams could only build through the draft and waiver wire pick ups….
How come I always get blamed for everything I do ?
Dennis the Menace
by Goose22 on Jan 11, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The 5 year plan is blown out of proportion by bills fan. A team is not done being rebuilt till their a superbowl contender. Falcons made the playoffs but the team still needs alot of work to be cinsidered a superbowl contender. I have always thought the plan was playoffs by year three and superbowl contender by year five. Just me but that how I see a five year rebuild.
"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 Jan 11, 2012 12:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
well stated
I wonder how many teams were actually successful with the P3/S5 strategy (Playoffs in 3/Superbowl in 5). Interesting research project. Johnson Cowboys (3/4), Vermeil Rams (3/3); Ditka Bears (3/4); Ken Whisenhunt Cardinals (2/2); Sean Payton (1/4) all took over 5-11 or worse teams requiring significant rebuilding. The Bills had 5 rebuilding eras where the head coach was given 3 years or more and only one failed to reach the first objective:
- Sabin1 (3/3 AFL Champ)
- Sabin2 (3/0)
- Knox (3/0)
- Levy (3/5)
- Jauron (0/0)
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
5yr Rebuild?
RW is on the afterlife re-build program and hes not going anywhere soon:)
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
We are on year 13
of a 5-year rebuild – this team must be awesome by now
by inthegaddadavida on Jan 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Every time you clean out the front office, you reset the clock. If people want to run Nix out of town, the clock will reset yet again.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 12:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Don't want to run Nix out of town
Every time you clean out the front office, you reset the clock. If people want to run Nix out of town, the clock will reset yet again.
But we need someone that actually knows how to build a team here.Nix is a very good talent evaluator,and it ends there,He’s in way over His head as a GM from where I sit anyhow.We need a QB now..Even when we were winning the other teams could see that Fitz was a one trick pony..Short pass or no pass..The Cincinnati game showed me that much.Injuries hurt,but it showed that Fitz was limited before that happened.If Buddy has His way,we’ll draft a QB about the time that the contracts of the players that are good now,expire.Then all of those guys will get “Johnson’d”,pun intended,by Buddy saying that He wants to sign them,but we’ll have to see what they want.So the rebuild would start over again in that respect as well,yet again.Dalton would have been a steal for us last year..Trading back into the first at whatever expense this year to get Tannehill would at very least show some signs that this administration is trying to will build to win it all,imo..
by 3nOutNoMore on Jan 11, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd.....and while the clock may reset, but I keep getting older
Ralph isn’t the only one who might die before the Bills get back to the playoffs.
"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
Nice
Making excuses for ownership not fielding a winning team, no wonder RW does it. Wish I could reset clock.
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
And the fact that some fans here believe in a 5 year plan is even more insane.
and the fact that some Bills fans were told by people who work at OBD that super bowl in 5 years was the plan is still insane?
just making sure because while you might not agree with it – it happened
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 11, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Mainly because teams that go from worst to first in one year (Bengals, Dolphins, Chiefs, etc.) never stay there. Teams that are annual contenders were built methodically through the draft. So I will continue to suffer through high draft picks until some start to pan out and we have a team that actually contends annually…or moves to LA.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
not always
The 07 Falcons and Ravens are two recent last place teams that took the wild, so far away leap into the playoffs the following season and they have 7 playoff appearances between tem and are 8 for 8 in winning seasons since bottoming out. Smart personnel people get the job done. Smarter personnel people get the job done faster.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
To piggy back on SFC below me...
They took 1st Rd QB’s that seem to be the answer.
I hate that I love Buffalo.
The Ravens never bottomed out, they’ve been in and out of contention since before their Super Bowl run.
I’ll grant you the Falcons though, but they seem to be an exception (and, as bflo and SFC said, they got their QB early in their rebuild).
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I think most people realize it takes that long to build roster depth. Teams that go from worst to first get lucky in a lot of respects. It could be avoiding injuries, it could be playing teams at the right time, and it could be playing the right teams on down years. When I say they get lucky, they usually catch breaks. Still, it can be done.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 11, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Both lead by first-round QBs, may I add...
"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 Jan 11, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
You aren't going to give that a rest, are you?
Come late April, you are going to be very disappointed. The odds of Luck or Griffin still being available at #10 are somewhere close to zero, the odds of Nix trading up to get one of those guys is equally close to zero, and the odds of Nix reaching for Tannehill are probably less than one-in-a-million.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 1:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I blame it on...
“The Ghost of Quarterbacks Past”. This is the curse Ralph brought upon the team by running Doug Flutie out of town so we could have Rob “The Human Statue” Johnson instead.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 9:51 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The Rob Johnson pick to Jacksonville...
that turned into Fred Taylor. With solid players like Tra Thomas, Takeo Spikes and Randy Moss drafted not too far behind that…
I hate that I love Buffalo.
12 Seasons.
We suck……….
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 Jan 11, 2012 9:58 AM EST reply actions
The easiest way to the playoffs for the Bills is to win their division
Well they finally showed up to play and compete against NE for 3.5 quarters this year… too bad it wasn’t all in the same game (2nd half of first meeting and first quarter and half of second meeting). Before that it was 9 years of doom and gloom or “run and hide”. Granted we have feel victim to having the Brady Era punch us smack dab in the face every year as it will be a joyous day when he retires (ala they rejoiced when Jimbo retired too). Even though Brady is one player and it takes more than him to beat the Bills or other teams, the Bills have not done enough to counterpunch NE and all their moves to effectively compete in the AFC East. Conversely the Jets, stepped up their game and turned poor seasons in 05 and 07 where they were 4-12 around to land great players and talents so they could compete with NE. Miami on the other hand, has been “fumbling around” for the past decade with a 1-15 season in 07 and 4 straight losing seasons.
The Bills are the worst though… and no playoffs since ‘99 is inexcusible. They have failed at a lot and mostly with coaching, drafts, and not matching the divisional power teams like NE and NYJ. Until they can consistantly win in the AFC East, they will continue to be shut out of the playoffs. I thought the decade that wasn’t for the Bills (2000 – 2010) would be easily forgotten about with this new decade. I guess somethings haven’t quite changed and Tom Brady hasn’t retired yet.
Buffalo will only ever be attractive to big-name free agents when they are a winning team. The Jets will always be an attractive option, regardless of record, simply for the market they are in. Buffalo isn’t exactly a tourism Mecca, nor are you likely to get lucrative endorsement deals there.
Yes, Ralph has made some really bad front office moves over the playoff drought, and that left us with a talentless team. Russ Brandon should never have been GM, nor should Marv Levy, and Tom Modrak was just awful at evaluating talent. Even in the 9-7 season under Mularkey, we were still no better than a bottom feeder, losing to any team with talent. (Worse, we lost to a talented team’s second and third stringers when the playoffs were in our grasp.)
Nix is being a realist. He knows we need to rebuild primarily through the draft. He is trying to build a team that won’t just make it to the playoffs one year and disappear the next, but to build one that will be a contender every year. The big key will be retaining the home-grown talent this off-season, particularly Stevie Johnson.
by SiriusRed on Jan 11, 2012 12:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
agreed... it all comes down to signing players... which essentually means spending $
It would be bad if this team let Johnson get a way. Parrish and Bell I could see them letting go because they haven’t been able to “prove” themselves by always being hurt. The thing about retaining and signing talent is “adding to your team”. If you are replacing you are not “adding”. Draft picks aside… I’d like to see a few more free agent moves like they did at ILB last year. Nick Barnett was a player in his prime ready to make an impact whereever he landed. Then they lured in a good veteran in Kirk Morrison that can start if needed. Then drafting a few more rookies in Sheppard and White to fill a position of need and to create depth.
If we don’t do this at OLB or WR this year… that would be bad news!
More and more
The end of each season makes me wonder if the Bills will ever make the playoffs again. It’s a bit hyperbolic, but every year proves how inept this franchise is and how much of a have not it is. We can debate the GM’s moves, past drafts, the QB, coaching staff, potential free agents, etc, but realistically how close is this team? The team has depressed all for so long, so the feelings of ‘when’ are turning to ‘when if ever’. It’d be nice if this franchise could get a little luck, strike gold with some players, or have the franchise QB dropped into their laps (damn Indy, Carolina) like other franchises seem to get. When will the Bills finally get a bit of that, along with smarter decisions with personnel?
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jan 11, 2012 2:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
The end of each season makes me wonder if the Bills will ever make the playoffs again.
at this point, and this isn’t hyperbole at all, i’m not sure the Bills ever will in this city. I think Buddy and Chan are going to flop but Ralph won’t make a change and by the time he does and a new regime takes over and rebuilds again Ralph might not be around and the Bills might not be in Buffalo.
it’s sad to say – but I could see that scenario play out
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 11, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I like what Crazy Al Davis’ son is doing in Oakland.
Cleaning house and establishing a foundation for a nepotistic environment.
We don’t need that. I think we have a good organizational foundation due to Buddy, and now we have a good core of quality young players.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 11, 2012 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
I am sorry but if 1-15 teams can turn around in a year and make the playoffs or there are more
Cam Newtons to draft at #1 overall, I have to believe the Bills have a shot at winning again and making the playoffs. This team has been spinning its proverbial wheels to finish games, finish a season for a long, long time now… so many people comment on the difference between winning and losing in the NFL is a very fine line, then why are we so much under it every year. I have to believe the culture of losing and the motivational challenges that this franchise faces with always waiting for the ball to drop or something bad to happen is a HUGE detriment to our playoff drought. Sure talent has a lot to do with success… but belief in winning and watching a franchise change the culture can quickly be contageous. Just look at the 49ers did from last year to this year… and even more of an example is what the Broncos are doing with Tebow and how they have changed.
The fact that this team bottomed out to the tune of 1-8 down the stretch makes it even harder to sell the “better times ahead” bit that OBD loves so much. I see nothing significant building here whatsoever. I see a GM who doesn’t explore all avenues to improve, a middle-age QB of mediocre talent that the mediocre coaching staff has bought into unconditionally for no apparent reason, and a defense that has only gotten worse as more mismatched (or untalented?) parts have been added two years in. Giants-Packers should be fun though.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 11, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Giants-Packers should be fun though.”
Remember when this “talentless” Bills team took the Giants down to the wire and probably should’ve beat them earlier this year when the Bills were healthy?
Guess we’re still so far off..
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We almost won a game in October against a 9-7 team!!! All is well in candyland.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Well, you’re excited to see them play against the best team in the league, because it should be a good game right? So which is it, are the Giants that good or not?
Ron Paul 2012
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 11, 2012 4:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The Giants are hot right now and the Packers are the best team in football…tthere are two Super Bowl winning QBs on the field who had their finest seasons as pros…it’s Lambeau Field and two of the NFL’s most historic franchises in a playoff game…it’s recipe for good tv and huge ratings hit due to increased interest from casual fans (like myself) on a long holiday weekend (booze).
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Giants are the only one...
“Hansel, so hot right now.”
"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 Jan 11, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
agh, should be "Giants aren't the only one"
"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 Jan 11, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
but realistically how close is this team?
The first seven games proved they could do it, right? Then they bashed Tebow the Broncos late and threw the Pats all over the field. I don’t think this team is as depressing as others I’ve seen.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 11, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Big deal
The team finished 6-10. They played above their heads early in a few games, but all that matters is the final record and playing in January.
The bills lost by 4 TDs against the Pats. Is it really something to use as a positive here that they jumped out to a lead and then completely got wiped off the field?
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jan 11, 2012 4:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The team finished 6-10. They played above their heads early in a few games, but all that matters is the final record and playing in January.
You know I agree with this. But in response to you asking “How close is this team?” I think you can make a case that they are inconsistent. They have played great and crappy but when they play great, they can hang with people. Add some depth to account for injuries and a few key playmakers and I’m not sure they are that far from the playoffs.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 12, 2012 7:10 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. To start the year with a 5-2 record
And end up not making the playoffs and finishing with a 1-8 record….AND have that not be really surprising to all of us just goes to show you how much losing we’ve been through.
Seriously….what were the odds the Bills would miss the playoffs after a 5-2 start? It had to be really in our favor. But did it ever really feel comfortable? In the back of you mind, didn’t you thinking such a collapse was possible…and maybe even likely?
It’s come to this…that even when he begin to have good seasons, we come to expect historic losing streaks to miss the playoffs.
"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 Jan 11, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
missing the playoffs after a 5-2 start...
Only the Bills could find a way to do that twice in four seasons.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 3:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
haha
and to add to that only the Bills could go to the superbowl 4 straight times and not come away with just 1 win…I mean seriously not even 1?
The depressing times in Buffalo just continue.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
Yeah
Wink,wink #1 pick just fell into their lap;) Wink wink. I feel a conspiracy on Colts part. Perrenial play-off team and bam! Turn into old school Lions. Not buying it. But nice move on their part.
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
by buffalobacker on Jan 13, 2012 1:00 AM EST up reply actions
There is hope - Finally.
The team was competitive, despite a rash of injuries. But they still need to improve the defense big-time. They gave up the most rushing yards in the teams history, I do believe I read that somewhere.
And they need a pass rusher, before the need a QB. Von Miller went to Denver and Aldon Smith went to the 49ers in the first round last year.
Another good example is Pierre-Paul of the Giants.
Or go big after Mario Williams and trade a ransom to land one of the top two QBs in the draft. Improvement accelerated.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 12, 2012 7:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm a Bills fan
through and through but they have easily one of the three worst run franchises (maybe Raiders, Browns, and Jags). By any objective measure based on performance on the field (not cash registers), they are bad and they have been bad since John Butler left. All these nice ideas about next year could be playoffs and a couple of years could be SB. This team MAY have two pro bowlers. No All-Pros. Very few players in the top ten at their position. That’s right now. Where is the talent that will make this team any good? Its simply not there.
by J09 on Jan 11, 2012 3:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Buffalo never sucks enough to get good.
Think about it. Good teams stay good because they can attract big time names to their respective teams. Horrific teams improve and have drastic turnarounds because they get the best player or two from that years college class, more often than not a franchise QB. Buffalo manages to sit right in the middle; mediocre in, mediocre out. They aren’t good enough or prodigious enough to attract any sort of big names, yet they manage to win just enough to be picking away from the complete talents of the draft. Even last year, when it looked 0-16 for awhile, they managed to split the last 8 games, so instead of a top 10 QB, we got a defensive lineman (love Dareus, but at this point who would pick him over Newton?). The point is, Buffalo is stuck in an endless loop off mediocrity, and only a bit of luck will get them out of it. And I’m sorry to say, luck isn’t exactly the Bills’ strong point.
NOBODY circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.
by heff17 on Jan 11, 2012 4:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Nail....
You just hit it….upside its flat round head.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 11, 2012 5:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WAHOO!!!!!!!!!
The Bills own the NFL record for……… oh, wait.
Ugh.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 11, 2012 7:07 PM EST reply actions
Thanks Ralphie.......
NOT!
He is more interested in making a profit than winning.
The last 12 years have been brutal. He would rather have bean counters running this team and making a profit, than qualified people who don’t have to answer to the bean counters. Nix may be a qualified football guy, but if Overdorf is managing the stevie negotiations instead of Nix, it might be another 12 years without seeing the playoffs. I’m just fed up with the futility of it all.
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 Jan 11, 2012 10:33 PM EST reply actions
Tom Donahoe answered to no bean counters (except the NFL salary cap). He was a well-respected NFL “name”.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 12, 2012 7:12 AM EST up reply actions
No time to read all the comments before heading out...
Do the Bills hold the record for number of years without a playoff appearance?
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 12, 2012 7:33 AM EST reply actions
Total, I do not know? The longest streak ever is 25 years held by the Cardinals and Redskins back in the days leading up to and just after the merger.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 14, 2012 7:09 AM EST up reply actions
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