Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix Approval Poll: January 2012
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2012 1:30 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintNear the start of every month, we're going to poll the readers of Buffalo Rumblings on their state of mind regarding the chief decision-makers of the Buffalo Bills. This is your poll to state your pleasure, or lack thereof, with GM Buddy Nix. Here are some stories Nix has been heavily involved with over the last month.
- Bills finished 6-10 and were 1-4 since last poll (L 17-23 to TEN; L 10-37 to SD; L 23-30 to MIA; W 40-14 over DEN; L 21-49 to NE).
- Final offensive rankings: No. 14 overall (351.5 YPG), No. 15 passing (231.4 YPG), No. 13 rushing (120.1 YPG), No. 14 scoring (23.2 PPG).
- Final defensive rankings: No. 26 overall (371.1 YPG), No. 19 passing (232.1 YPG), No. 28 rushing (139.0 YPG), No. 30 scoring (27.1 PPG).
- Signed starting right tackle Erik Pears (30 in June) to a three-year, $9.3 million contract extension.
- Negotiations with free agent-to-be Stevie Johnson broke down again; Johnson reportedly set a $7.5M asking price in the second round of negotiations.
- The team pursued Green Bay practice squad (now third-string) quarterback Graham Harrell, who decided to stay put.
- Players added to the roster since last poll: TE Kevin Brock, TE Fendi Onobun, OG Michael Jasper, DE Jarron Gilbert, K Brandon Coutu.
- Players removed from the roster since last poll: TE Lee Smith, TE Mike Caussin, OLB Antonio Coleman, K Rian Lindell, K Dave Rayner.
Previous Five Approval Polls
73% approval August 2011 (10% disapproval; 2,929 votes)
66% approval September 2011 (15% disapproval; 2,713 votes)
79% approval October 2011 (7% disapproval; 1,886 votes)
89% approval November 2011 (2% disapproval; 2,285 votes)
55% approval December 2011 (24% disapproval; 1,638 votes)
161 comments
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Comments
Disapprove
I understand that it’s not exactly the GM’s fault for the team going 6-10 but I’m not going to have a positive outlook on anything this offseason. So, automatically, he gets disapproved.
Voting not sure
And I will continue to until either the baby is shown to me, or (insert insensitive metaphor here). This year, the personnel showed some improvement, though not as much as I would have liked. I will wait until the end of next year, where the 2010 draft class is either made or broken, and we have a better idea of the true potential of the 2011 class, before my final judgment. Until then, not sure (unless he does something to make me completely despise his leadership, which he has not yet).
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
what if he drafts another RB in the first round, will that make you completely despise his leadership?
by JJS on Jan 3, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
What if he makes Chan Gailey hire a lobster as his new inside linebackers coach?
Hypotheticals are meaningless.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
hey, my father is a lobster...
I find that insulting.
by JJS on Jan 3, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Tell him to wear sunscreen outdoors.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
my father is a lobster…
and does he smell of elderberries?
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 3, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
I would finally Approve if he allows that
~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."
Are we talking Maine Lobster or West Australian Lobster? There are significant differences to their methodologies – and one is lacking in the claw department.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
we need one with claws
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
And one that has learned to swim forwards.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know. I honestly think we should be looking at Crab for this position. They certainly have better lateral agility.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 3, 2012 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
And there
hard to get rid of lol
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."
As long as there is butter on it I’m game.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 3, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
They are most certainly not meaningless....
Ever hear of game planning? Now, whether the hypothetical is relevant and/or probable is an entirely different question.
"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
If hypotheticals are meaningless. What are you going to cover this offseason?
Since you won’t be doing or covering any mock drafts?
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Jan 3, 2012 8:22 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
He's added talent to a much deprived team.
No, he hasn’t done it as fast or in the fashion that many around here would have liked…but he’s improved this team from a talent standpoint.
He was 100% right about the offensive line when he said he thought we weren’t in as bad of shape as most people thought.
His top draft picks all look solid (minus Troup), and his later round picks have shown some great promise.
The only negative, and admittedly it’s a big one, is that he hasn’t brought any pass rushing talent to this team. Pass rush talent that can stay healthy, anyway.
I voted approve because he’s doing his job. Last August/September, I never thought this team would be talked about as playoff contenders well into the season. They were. The players and coaches are the ones who have to win games. I can’t put that all on Buddy.
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 Jan 3, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Ahh
O/L is still in need of upgrading. Fitz didn’t get alot of time to think let alone pass. Thank God Chan knows how to turn sheet into decent sheet. This team hasn’t added anything awesome except for falling into KW and a no-brainer at D/L at #3 overall. Thank goodness that CJ flashed some ability. Nix can work a waiver wire to a tee, with this franchise thats key! Sadly.
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. The only player cut was Coleman, in fact.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Same with Gailey...10-22
Not exactly inspired with confidencev for the guy.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2012 1:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Why not? They just promoted a guy to Defensive Coordinator who has zero experience with the 3-4…a defense they’ve spent two drafts transitioning to. The grand vision seems pretty ironclad to me.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jan 3, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
lol rec’d!
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t iron rust?
"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 :-)
and then break down into fragile pieces of nothing…..?
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly….then you replace and start over…wonderful
"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 :-)
but that’s only if whatever was made of iron still exists – because said structure might be relocated somewhere else….
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
lol
Not Clad iron:)
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
DW has been in foot ball for what ? 30, maybe 40 years, I’m sure he has experience with the 3-4.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Jan 3, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Kind of hard to vote approve at this point – for anyone at OBD for that matter.
Anyone got a cryogenic freezer that they can put me in for the next 6 years? Because that’s about how long it’s going to be before we hit the playoffs again – or another city…. let alone a S.B…..
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 1:58 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Change teams?
I almost did when we hired Chan, I was that upset by the hiring. My team was going to be the Chiefs. When the BIlls move I’ll move my fanship to KC, or just give up.
Chargers for me
they were my second team anyway, and now that Norv is sticking around with Smith… They have as much potential as anyone again next year. Of course, i won’t be wagering my entire fantasy football team on them… but, who can blame me?
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
Disapprove
That will not change until this team has a franchise QB, pass rush, and makes the playoffs amidst a start to better things.
I don’t see any of that happening any time soon. I have no faith in Nix to build this team up. I just don’t think he understands the current landscape in the NFL. It’s a passing league where you pass and stop the pass to win. The Bills are being built to try stopping the run with a spread, short passing game on offense. Yuck.
~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 3, 2012 2:03 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
Approve
He hasnt missed on a first rounder yet
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
by Gpluehri on Jan 3, 2012 2:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions
No he keeps breaking the record for fastest decison hand in.
"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 3, 2012 2:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He’s anxious to get back to those naps.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
lol
I wish i could rec this again.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
When your average draft position is 6th overall in 2 years…you had better not miss….and up until CJ Spiller was actually given a true chance, he pretty much was a miss sadly enough
And Spiller’s a RB. The fact that we were having discussions about him being a bust at all is concerning to me. RBs are just supposed to get it.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
And while he's looked good at the end.
He still had a couple bad weeks for a high draft pick.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
I'm ready to move on, sadly.
I just don’t think he’s done a good enough job. And now it looks like the 3-4 experiement they drafted so heavily for will be scrapped.
I’m so frustrated. I need to learn not to be. It’s just a game and this isn’t the most important thing in life.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:10 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
i dont think he has had enough time
His drafts have been good. Let them play.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Jan 3, 2012 7:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Doesn’t appear so. I didn’t see the camera shaking at all.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Whaley
I would rather see Whaley moved to GM before the draft not after. If nix is gonna retire, why not do it now?
Approved
He has the team in Year #2 of what is clearly a three year rebuilding process. Look at what he inherited. That team was a mess, with a running back who couldn’t wait to get out of town.
The O-Line is, as he said, better than we all expected and it was rebuilt with FA signings and mid-round picks. The perennial LT nightmare might even be over. The O is about average, if not a tad above (shows the rankings), and that’s with an unbelieveable number of injuries. Fitz isn’t the answer, but he’s serviceable, provided there are pieces around him.
The D is still a work in progress, but the D-Line has been completely revamped (gone are the days of “smaller/faster” – as in, “the smaller we get, the faster they run over us”) strategy of the last regime. I’m not sure how Wanny fits in with the personnel drafted, but I’m inclined to wait and see.
The drafts have been solid and the ‘11 draft may turn out to be spectacular. Spiller has redeemed the ’10 draft. If Tropp and Easley recover and contribute, it will be a very strong draft. The ’11 draft was team changing. If Nix is able to do as well as he’s done in the prior two, there will be a very nice core in place. Nix, in my mind, also deserves credit for what he hasn’t drafted. He’s said he’d take a QB if a good one was there. Newton, many assume, would have been the pick last year. When he wasn’t, there wasn’t much left to choose from. Dalton looks good… but he’s throwing to an absolute stud. There’s clearly a plan in place. All of us can identify and agree on the holes the team needs to fill. When was that last the case? Polian and Levy? He’s been patient and smart with the picks available to him. If a QB worth drafting falls to #10 (Tannenhill?) and if he can find an OLB/DE (or two), a lot of people will be signing a different tune.
by CGoetz on Jan 3, 2012 2:23 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
He has the team in Year #2 of what is clearly a three year rebuilding process.
if that 3 year rebuilding process is suppose to include a Super Bowl win or appearance then it simply isn’t going to happen – I’d be shocked at this point if we even make the playoffs next year.
The O-Line is, as he said, better than we all expected and it was rebuilt with FA signings and mid-round picks.
agreed – much more improved – hopefully we can stay healthy next year.
The perennial LT nightmare might even be over
Provided we resign Bell – if not we have a LT who is young and unproven and zero depth, again, behind him…
I’m not sure how Wanny fits in
i’m not sure OBD knows that answer right now – honestly, I don’t…
Nix, in my mind, also deserves credit for what he hasn’t drafted. He’s said he’d take a QB if a good one was there.
I definitely can get behind this – i’m not sure 100% of the reason why but it’s worked out thus far because most of the QBs we’ve passed on haven’t done squat.
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He gets
way too much credit for not drafting one of the questionable QB’s. Kudos. They were sitting at number 3 and reportedly liked Cam Newton enough to pick him at 3. He was their “10 year franchise” guy. Good organizations jump up to get the franchise QB. So I definitely hold it against Nix for not getting the guy who they wanted (and was only two picks behind).
by J09 on Jan 3, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
You can't blame Nix for not getting Newton
Why would Carolina have made any trade for THEIR franchise guy?
~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."
He
said before the draft that they are not the type of team to move up or down. They would rather just sit there and take the best guy. Is there any report that he called Carolina? There were reports that Carolina was talking about moving the pick. We’ll never know for sure, but it would have been nice to read even a rumor that the Bills were looking to move up to get him.
by J09 on Jan 3, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Well I heard a rumor Nix is trying to move up to get Andrew Luck.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 3, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
The O-Line is, as he said, better than we all expected and it was rebuilt with FA signings and mid-round picks. The perennial LT nightmare might even be over.
Disagree. Except for Erik Pears, it isn’t much different than what the Bills had when Nix took over. When Trent Edwards was QB they were awful, giving sacks by the fistful. When Fitz became QB midway last year, suddenly they were great. Right? Fitz deserves a lot more credit for “improving” the OL.
Watch the OL become bad again if there is someone else besides Fitz under center.
My uneducated guess
Is that he’ll retire next week. Just a feeling.
"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’ve been thinking this since the postponement was announced, actually. I don’t think it would be a bad thing, as long as Whaley has some idea how to continue the rebuild without starting over.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Rebuild
Wouldn’t that require something worth rebuilding? Lets attack this a different way and just stop calling it a rebuild and buy something new! This franchise is beyond repair.
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
As I’ve stated many times. I vote approve for all of the organizational improvements that are finally being made. Nothing has really changed on that front. And I feel pretty good about these drafts compared to our recent history. People who hate Nix and like the idea of Whaley are simply acknowledging that Nix has done a good job planning for the future on this front. Focus on individual draft picks all you want, but Whaley is the most important prospect in the building. Not having him would be like having a 40 year old Brett Favre and no Aaron Rodgers in the wings.
HOWEVER, the Wannstedt promotion is a troubling sign because this to me ran counter-intuitive to that plan. Maybe its just what Gailey wanted and it was Gailey’s call, so I can’t really jump all over anyone specifically. But a process of interviewing DCs is just good sense, even if you settle on DW. I also think you develop depth and talent with consistency in scheme. Now maybe all this scheme switching stuff will amount to nothing because we will stay hybrid (I’m fine with a hybrid scheme, we need pass-rushers). BUT, stability in the organization follows a plan and develops talent for a purpose. If we knee-jerk around and end up obviating the depth players we drafted like Moats, White, Batten, etc. I will have to question whether I have over-estimated the front offices long-term commitment to developing something consistent. Don;t let coaching hires destroy your depth chart over night!
Of course, it could be that Ralph demands things. But I felt like he knew Nix and Whaley needed time to get the ducks in the flaming wreck of OBD in a row. We had next to nothing for this defense and I don’t want some knee-jerk reverse course thing. Add some pass-rushers (I know its hard). Don’t start undermining the first two years of a defensive rebuild by acting like a weathervane.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
I approve
Looking at the big picture, I think there are solid signs of improvement this year. Maybe not by leaps and bounds, but at least it’s forward progress compared to the state of the roster two years ago. (Well, maybe not so much at QB.)
Looking ahead, we need to work on contracts with Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson, plug more holes on defense (OLB/DE & CB), find a WR to go with Stevie, and hopefully, find a QB that’s worth developing. We also need to clean out some of the marginal players, like Drayton Florence.
by SiriusRed on Jan 3, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
we need to work on contracts with Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson,
don’t forget Chandler, Bell, Lindell, Rhinehart and Urbik
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 3, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Lindell needs to be a priority.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
I never thought it would be so hard to replace a kicker…wow, it really is, it seems.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
To be fair, it was incredibly late in the season and all that was left was a couple of guys out of the league.
I’d still like to see a real competition at camp for once.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
Wow
Never thought talk about a kicker would be a hot topic, but with Buffalo it is!
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
bell- meh
lindell- eh
Rinehart- necessity unfortunately
Urbik= thumbs up.
Chandler= why bother? we didn’t use him anyway.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
Chandler
We used him more than all of our TEs put together last year. In fact, tight end usage almost doubled from a receptions standpoint this year. I get it, you think we could have used him more, but the TE trend is decidely up with Chandler on the roster and healthy. I think if he sticks around he gets used more snaps and receptions and thats a good thing. Keep him. Cant use tight-ends if you dont have them. If Smith can block and Chandler can improve a bit in that department, we might have real personnel at the position.
Remember when our TEs were Stupar, Shawn Nelson, and David Martin?
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
dont just think it- know it.
Plenty of opportunities lost. Look at gronk.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 4, 2012 5:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
or graham,
Or any number of large tes who can catch.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 4, 2012 5:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I dont see him as the equal of either of those guys athletically, but I think he gets used more if he stays.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
Agreed
He looked like a very capable weapon, even if limited athletically. There’s no reason he couldn’t be a Jason Witten-type chains mover. His size alone gives him an advantage over defenders and a big target for the QB. Obviously, his limited speed and quickness take away the big play potential, but that’s ok. He can still be used more frequently in the passing game effectively.
I’d like to add a more athletic receiving option alongside Chandler. Fred Davis or John Carlson would add a great deal to this offense.
~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."
@ grey- you are right, in that he isn’t equivalent to either of the two i mentioned, athletically. that doesn’t mean we can’t employ a similar usage, as he has shown he has good hands, and size.
@K- that is a lot of my sentiment- he was BARELY used, by comparison to what he COULD have been. I like both Davis, and Carlson, and have gotten into debates regarding both- but i don’t know that they should be the primary TEs. I think they more closely resemble Hernandez, and Chandler is more like #1 to me… he has size, and hands, and can block. Davis is an OK blocker, and Carlson is maybe a better blocker than receiver… but doesn’t have Chandler’s size.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
Disapprove
For every stride this team makes forward they also go backwards somewhere else. It seems that Nix has a good football brain but is in over his head as GM and would be best to hand over the reigns sooner rather than later. If they land a potential franchise QB in April I may be convinced to change my mind but otherwise I can’t see how this team will be anything other than average.
Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/
6-10, 4-12 says it all
The guy before him (OK, there was no guy) had 3 7-9 seasons in a row. Last year’s draft was more miss than hit, and even though Spiller is not a bust any longer, it was still a wasted pick.
As for this year, Dareus at #3 was a no-brainer. I like Williams in round 2, but we could have taken Andy Dalton. Best pick may have been Hairston.
Still, the real problem is still Ralph Wilson. Cheap hires at GM and HC, and not spending much in free agency.
Notice we don’t see an approval poll on ownership? That would only serve to tick everyone off.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Judging by the Polls
Most would approve of ownership as well.
I am in NC, so I am a bit disconnected, but how can anyone approve Chan or Buddy after the team goes 1-9?
Dang
Yeah ownership is class of NFL as of lately.
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Disapprove
He took a low talented squad, kicked off all the old marginal talents and restocked with young marginal talented players. Most of everyone who is good, was here before Nix/Gailey. Dareus, Barnett, Chandler, Spiller the exceptions. Is that really good? 4 reasonable players in 2 years? Dont know how some makes the argument of approval validly?
What About....
Sheppard
Williams
Rogers
Nelson
Jones
Hairston
Smith?
Is it that simple?
Shep has more upside than Ellison ever did.
Ellis… never did anything.
The guys mikeo76 lists are much better now than those other guys ever were (with the exception of Stroud).
Really
We’re really going to give him credit for adding Brad Smith? Justin Rogers? Donald Jones? They are all positional depth players. Three others Sheppard, Williams, and Hairston are not even average players right now. Nelson is a solid player. Awesome, he’s a 6 ‘4" guy who works the slot and can’t run away from anyone.
by J09 on Jan 3, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
in fact
I would hold the Brad Smith deal against him…IMO not worth the $$ we spent
"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 :-)
No Question
Brad Smith added nothing considering his contract!
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
It's amazing they didn't go after an actual legit WR instead
If the plan was to use the Wildcat sporadically at the start of the year and to mostly use him as a WR only, why didn’t they just sign a better WR?
James Jones was on the market for a while before re-signing in GB for 3 years, $9.4M. I think Malcom Floyd was also available, but may not have been looking to leave SD.
~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."
Three others Sheppard, Williams, and Hairston are not even average players right now.
right. they are above average, for rookies.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 3, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No
Their average, nobody from your list has done anything above avg. Unless your comparing to Bill’s players, than your 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 Jan 3, 2012 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
again "buffalobacker" you failed to read the posts.
I listed no one. I disagreed that the three rookies he listed were only average. To me, they exceeded the expectations I would usually have for them, based on experience and draft position. do you care to provide an explanation for your view on this, or just gonna stick with disagree for whatever personal reason, today?
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 4, 2012 5:32 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Reread
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 Jan 4, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Disapprove.
As I’ve stated multiple times over the past few years, on-field success and being an annual playoff contending team is strongly tied to quarterback play.
Attaining a top-notch signal caller can make organizations previously thought of as “incompetent” like New Orleans or Detroit and completely turn them into winners. It’s quite amazing, actually. I can’t wait to see how long it takes Carolina to make the playoffs now that they have Cam Newton. Shouldn’t be too long at all.
And as long as Ralph Wilson owns the Buffalo Bills, I have given up hope that one day the Bills organization can be a legitimately “well-run” franchise like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England, etc….teams who could win even without superstar QBs because they are so well-run. (Although, having Brady and Big Ben only helps them even more, but I think those teams could be successful with average QB play.) There are simply too many disadvantages to overcome…spending cash to the cap, not being able to hire the best coaches, not being able to attract the best free-agents, small market, unstable ownership and succession plan, etc.
So, I am left to dream that the Bills could one day acquire a young, talented, franchise QB like Indy, New Orleans, Detroit, Carolina, St. Louis, etc that could counteract all the negatives plaguing the Buffalo Bills organization. That is my only hope. The only true silver bullet in the NFL.
But to have a chance to get that guy, you have to try. And Buddy Nix has not. It’s been two full years since he took over a roster with Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards, and Brian Brohm as quarterbacks….and after two full years, we now have Fitzpatrick, Thigpen and Brad Smith. And it appears we may pass again on QB in the upcoming draft.
Thus, I will continue to disapprove until I know the identity of the QB who is capable of leading the Buffalo Bills to their next Super Bowl appearance.
And to back my point, a new article from TMQ about how offenses are what matters most in today’s NFL…check out this info: “The Green Bay Packers not only just became the first team ever to finish last in defense yet have the league’s best record — Green Bay became the first team to finish last in defense and make the playoffs, period. Last in defense, home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. This seems unprecedented until one looks over to the other conference, in which the New England Patriots finished second to last in the league in defense, yet won home-field throughout the AFC playoffs. Till the 2011 season, only two teams ranked worst or second-worst in defense have attained a first-round bye. Now in the same season, the NFL’s two worst defenses statistically attained the league’s two top finishes.”——
"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 3, 2012 3:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’m surprised that didn’t happen before this year. It’s all about the QB. He’s worth ANYTHING a team can throw at him, if he earns the label of franchise player.
Ugh. So many years. I can still see Kelly down on the turf and realizing the end of an era had arrived. I never thought a Brett Favre-sized era would pass and still have the team without a franchise QB.
I dislike this fact.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not the norm, considering it happened only twice since NFL's inception
Also take note – the two QB’s leading the offense, making up for their team’s lack of defense? Brady and Rodgers, who when its all said and done might be the best two QB’s to ever play the game.
Now youre saying you want buffalo to go draft a brady and a rodgers? Guys like that come around once every 20-30 years.
The Buffalo Billy Goats .. and the Ice Goats
by BillyGoats_DC on Jan 3, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Guys like that come around once every 20-30 years.
That can’t be true if there are two of them right now, plus a Peyton Manning and a Drew Brees. And there are guys who aren’t that far behind like Roethlisberger. And a few of the young QBs look like they could be those types too like Stafford or Cam Newton.
The problem with the franchise QBs are hard to find argument is that building a defense that can win with an average QB is just as hard or probably even harder. And it takes a ton more picks to do it than it does to draft a QB. That’s why the plan always needs to be both things. Find an elite QB and build a defense and try to do both at the same time.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
by kaisertown on Jan 3, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
In reference to teams getting 1st round byes with the worst defenses
Its happened four times since the NFL was founded, way back in 1920. Thats a span of about 90 years. 90 years / 4 occurrences = 22.5 years.
I dont think its out of line to say that QB’s who can perform at that level come around 20-30 years. That being said, it would be great if buffalo landed one. I just dont think its likely.
The Buffalo Billy Goats .. and the Ice Goats
by BillyGoats_DC on Jan 3, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
That’s not really how this math works though. Only two teams a year have the worst D in their conference, so only two QBs have the opportunity to earn a bye with the worst defense. It’s 4 of 180 single QB seasons have done it.
It’s not one QB who is at that level once every 20 years, it’s one QB at that level who also ends up with that 1 in 16 chance at having that bad of a defense.
The argument is proven incorrect just by looking at the QBs in the NFL. Any of those guys I mentioned (Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees and maybe a few others) if they had the offense they’ve got now and the worst defense five years in a row would all make the playoffs at some point and probably would do it multiple times over that time span. Did Aikman, Marino, Montana, Young, McNair, Favre, Warner, etc.. ever have the worst defense and if so, how many times? Maybe a handful of times over all those careers combined.
I’m also curious about the flip side of this argument. I wonder how many defenses have even made the playoffs over the last 20 years or so with the worst offense. Forget about receiving a bye, just making the playoffs at all. I’d guess zero. And that’s not because offense is more important than defense, it’s because a QB is just that much more important than any other position that it’s the only thing in football that can elevate the rest of a team to that degree.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
by kaisertown on Jan 3, 2012 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
No
NFL rule changes have made this a qb’s league, Brady, Manning’s I can go on. Players like that come around yrly, this team for whatever reason is to scared to take a chance or spend $$$ to buy QB, either way franchise suffers!
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I voted approve
I think the team is on the glidepath for 8-8 next year and playoffs in 2013, and that’s about right. The only thing Nix hasn’t done, yet, is draft the franchise QB that I’ve asked for for three years. Then again, Nix was part of the team that drafted Brees and Rivers, and Nix scouted Rivers personally, so I’m hopeful.
Everyone should lighten up!
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
by Der Jaeger on Jan 3, 2012 3:21 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
So the one thing you’ve wanted for three years has gone ignored, yet your sufficiently satisfied, even with them taking at least 2 more years under your scenario to sniff the playoffs?
I wouldn’t be. I respect your opinion but these two have not gotten it done.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
Just because he hasn’t done what I wanted doesn’t mean that he isn’t doing a good job. This site almost went into revolt when Nix passed on Jimmy Clausen. Seems like a good move in retrospect. I can wait for what I most want if it means that Nix hits on the QB.
It’s possible to like what’s going on, and not fully get what you want.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
by Der Jaeger on Jan 3, 2012 7:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
i only voted not sure
because there is a still a chance for approval… in my eyes.
resign fred, steve, chandler, and keep drafting 34, assuming Wannstedt can run it…. and i am back on board. Fail to resign steve or fred, or fall back into 43, thus negating some of our drafts…. and i am ready to hang up the towel… find the cryo freeze deal… and hang w J2 until 2018.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
I think the team is on the glidepath for 8-8 next year and playoffs in 2013
We’ve been slowly building up good depth on the roster. With one or two key additions in the draft/FA (Tannehill or Jeffery + Mathis?) we could make some noise. Along with this our schedule seems much easier than it was this year. We might just be able to make a strong push toward post-season play for next year.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 3, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry
But thats last thing a fan should do regarding this franchise. We as a franchise are a joke! Why lighten up? Until this franchise truly turns corner I’m all over it! And I’m not sorry for feeling that way. Let their results speak for them; And there not very impressive, unless you compare them to the Minn Timberwolves!
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 Jan 3, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
We are like gods
compared to the Pirates
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."
That much I disagree with. Seems like we have a lot in common with them, including a habit of letting talent leave the team, as well as being completely futile year in and year out.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
The Pirates haven't posted a winning record
in like 21 seasons.
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."
I'd recommend some perspective
I haven’t lived in Buffalo in over a decade. Most fans from around the league are more positive about Buffalo and Nix/Gailey.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
He's doin O.K.
He has drafted well, picked up some decent parts and with the exception of letting Edwards stay too long I think his and Chans; rebuilding are going pretty well. I feel the growing pains but, We have got some really good young players!! I am looking foward to this years draft,the kids we have improving,and with Doctor Dave working on fixing the defense we will be a much better when next season rolls around. Boom
Disapproved when hired and still disapprove. Only a 90 something would hire a 70 something to run a complex organization.
prediction for 2011 season is 5 and 11
by jpheff on Jan 3, 2012 3:46 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
At least we know the Buffalo Bills do not participate in age discrimination.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 3, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Huge disapprove
I don’t see any direction in the construction of this roster. It’s a floundering collection of mediocrities and never-will-be’s. In my opinion, the talent level throughout is at its lowest point in the past quarter century or so. That’s on Nix two years in.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 3, 2012 4:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
voted not sure
like draft selections, if we go with the 34. hate them, if we don’t.
if we don’t sign Steve, Nix will effectively end my fandom… until his departure.
I have very little to be optimistic about currently- and that is mostly based off the fact that MOST of the players i care about on this team, are not locked up long term, while junk like Kelsay, Fitztragic, and Eric Pears are signed… while players like Fred (who i suspect would hold out, if asked to finish his contract- as he should), Steve, Chandler, and even Urbik, who outperformed almost every lineman this year, are left unsigned, and just as likely to end up in free agency.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
Disapprove..
I think Nix is a top notch talent evaluator,and really has a knack to find diamond in the rough type of players,but as a GM..No way..Stevie should have been resigned at the end of last season before the lockout.Spending that kind of money on Merriman was a shabby “homer” type of move to sell tickets..I obviously can’t predict the future but a Really decent GM wouldn’t just draft a guy like Tannehill in this draft,He’d sign Sherman right up with Him to be the OC.Chan should be the Head Coach and actually run the team,not just be the OC and wonder what’s going on with the D side of the game like He’s doing now..When we traded Evans we could have gotten an older wiser WR to tide us over till the next draft but Buddy did nothing but let Ralph sit on that cap money that wasn’t spent..Signing a QB like Fitz mid season..I don’t even want to get into how unrealistic that seems..Buddy should stay with the team in an evaluator type of position,but as a GM..No..It’s Whaley time..IMHO..
I’ve been a disapprove since the Spiller pick. That pick is actually my opinion of Nix in a nutshell. At least it is now that Spiller has looked like a stud. I’ve never really questioned Nix’s eye for talent and while I’ve disapproved of his performance for awhile, I’ve never called for him to be fired. My problem is that I don’t think he’s got a good plan or is taking the roster in a good direction. I think he’s been overly focused on size and run defense. I think he’s been overpaying mediocre or broken veterans too much (Merriman, Kelsay). And while there is still time and not necessarily a huge rush, sooner or later he’s got to take his shot on a QB. I just don’t see the long term vision that I see with other organizations.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
by kaisertown on Jan 3, 2012 5:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Nix has said he is building the defense from the inside out
We have 2 great DL and 2 good ILBs, this year we draft 2 OLBs and this defense can be good. If we can get another good CB this defense can be great, if our young players play up to their potential.
You are now Watching The Throne.
Nix has said he is building the defense from the inside out
That is exactly my problem with Nix. That’s such a terrible, terrible, terrible strategy. Why would anybody build from the inside out? Or the outside in, for that matter? The strategy the Bills should employ is obvious. Look around the league and see what kind of offenses are going to stand between you and winning a Super Bowl (the obvious answer being ones that are largely led by franchise QBs, who spread the field and pick you apart that way). Then, you weigh your options of addressing each position over the offseason via the draft. Then, regardless of positions, regardless of whether they play inside or outside you take the player who will most help you defend against those elite offenses. Maybe that guy will be a CB. Maybe he’ll be a LB. Maybe he’ll be an extremely large man like Marcel Dareus. But that’s how you build, not from the inside out or in any specific order and certainly not with run defense being the priority like it’s been in Buffalo.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
by kaisertown on Jan 3, 2012 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
wow perfect timing I just looked back at my laptop ha..
But anyway I disagree with you, you have to have a plan when building a team, a house etc. His plan was to stop allowing teams run up the gut on us first- he did that with extending Williams, signing Nick Barnett and Dwan Edwards, and drafting Sheppard, Troup, Dareus, and Carrington. If you look at that list while there might be a miss or two, but he brought in some good talent to build this defense. We can argue about the effectiveness of Edwards or if Carrington will ever develop into a starter, if Shep will every be above average and if Troup will ever get an opportunity to play, but I think you can recognize they have all played pretty effectively for age, draft value, etc. (except for Troup obviously because of Injury). But you cannot deny that he has followed and effectively completed his first part of his plan.
So I disagree with those that think Nix does not have a plan, or is not executing one, or is executing one terribly because I think it is pretty clear he is and do a good job at it.
Also, it is not like they have only completed the first part, they have tried to improve in other, outside positions. Moving to OLB, they resigned Kelsay, signed Merriman and drafted Batten and Moats (moats could go at either LB but has played mostly at OLB). While everyone has beef with Kelsay, he has played decent at OLB and even good at times in run support. Personally I think they over paid him but he is a good veteran leader and a stop gap at that position. The Merriman signing was a risk, a good risk in my opinion, obviously hasn’t worked out with him getting injured, but when he did play he actually played pretty well, and may be able to contribute next year. Batten was late round picks and while Batten hasn’t played well enough to make me think he will be on the roster next year it was good try, and he didn’t play horrible for a 6th rounder. I think Moats was another 6th rounder, he has played considerably better than Batten as he has showed some ability to rush the passer and will be on the roster for another season. So while Nix has not addressed it with a big FA signing or a high draft picks he has started to build depth at the position, now we just need to draft 2 OLBs within the first 4 rounds next year and we might have our starters for years to come.
For the secondary
At safety he let whitner go, which was a good move seeing how well Wilson, Scott, Searcy have played compared to him. He drafted Searcy in the 4th this year and he has started and played ok, showed good athleticism, but made some rookie mental mistakes. He could take over as starter in a few years, or maybe just a good special teams player w/e it was a good pick up for depth. Byrd is great.
At CB he resigned Flo, drafted Aaron Williams and Justin Rogers. Florence hasnt played well but most fans would have agreed we needed to resign him at the time. Aaron Williams was a 2nd rounder who has looked great at times and not good at others, but is a rookie and looks to be one of the starting CBs for years to come. Rogers has played amazingly well for a 7th round pick, he has been a good return man and has played well at nickel corner, he could hold that spot for years to come. McGee was on the roster and played well, just is too injury prone and likely will be gone next year. Leodis was on the roster, a first round pick, seems to be a good S/T player at best. But you cannot say he has not addressed the secondary, he has with a couple draft picks and a resigning, although we still need another starter we are only 1 player away from having a good secondary.
So I hope you will read all of that as I spent 20 min on it… But I think it proves that Nix does indeed have a plan for this defense and is executing it and executing it well. This year he will address the “outside positions”, by taking OLBs early in this years draft along with a CB. Do you agree with me?
You are now Watching The Throne.
by tomcs on Jan 3, 2012 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I am going to be slightly disappointed if no one comments on this haha
You are now Watching The Throne.
Sorry, have to read “War and Peace” first. It’s a bit shorter.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 3, 2012 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha yea ik
I didn’t mean to make it that long. I just was on a roll.. Defending the Bills in anyway gets me into insanely long rants… but I think this one made sense :)
You are now Watching The Throne.
Totally disagree with you
So I disagree with those that think Nix does not have a plan, or is not executing one, or is executing one terribly because I think it is pretty clear he is and do a good job at it.
I don’t think he has a strong plan. It’s mostly band aids and trying to fix one area at a time. That’s not exactly a winning plan, to me.
And if his plan is indeed building from the inside out and shoring up the run defense, then he’s done a horrible job. The Bills run defense was still one of the bottom 5 in the league in all major categories. They still couldn’t stop anybody and are even further behind in terms of building to defend the pass. They wasted valuable resources on interior, rotational DL players. His plan has been questionable to say the least, and thus far hasn’t seen results.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
well I am at least glad you read it haha.
But I blame the poor stats on are below average OLBs. I don’t know the exact stats but I could bet our stats of teams running inside the tackles are much better than last year. The problem Nix has to fix now is to get OLBs that are actually good, because right now we have back ups at best starting. If he doesn’t do that this year then next year I will totally agree agree with you.
You are now Watching The Throne.
I actually like the inside-out building philosophy
It’s been part of my draft theory for years now. I like that Buffalo is more solid up the middle on both sides, when healthy. I think the league will trend back to run games (from my trend story a week ago) in some ways, and Buffalo might not be poorly positioned.
If Buffalo had two legit edge rushers and another CB, with Wannstadt, it might not be that bad. And Nix could do it this off-season. Anthony Spencer at strongside linebacker, Aaron Ross at CB, and draft couple edge guys like Mercilus at the end of the first, maybe Hightower, or wait later and get Vinny Curry, Chandler Jones, Cam Johnson, Malik Jackson, etc. I think that would do it.
My thing is the franchise QB, though I’m glad Nix passed on Clausen. Kind of hard to argue against Dareus, though Gabbert or Locker on the roster would be nice. All’s forgiven if he takes Tannehill.
Are you out west? You’re always on evenings for EST.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
totally agree
I think we are 3 good players from having a good if not great defense. I have been convinced that we need a Franchise QB in the first, and you have pretty much convinced me that Tannehill is that guy, although I would rather trade up for RG3 that is extremely unlikely. But if we can make those 2 off season additions and like you said get a couple OLBs in the draft we can have a good defense if not great defense next year. Which would be crazy to say looking at how awful it was this year. But it is more than plausible.
You are now Watching The Throne.
And the team is young
But I still think the Houston Texans road will be the one Buffalo travels along. The AFC East is too strong. I think Buffalo is vastly improved next year, but still finishes 8-8.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Yea, although we do have an "easier" schedule next year
But 8-8 would be good year, as long as we have our Franchise QB developing behind Fitz. If not, and we just have Fitz with an improved team (defense, WRs), going 8-8 I would be disappointed. Although I think our defense will be getting better every year, as multiple people have stated a Franchise QB can lead the team through its deficiencies and into the playoffs.. If we don’t make the playoffs next year, or don’t at least come extremely close, and don’t have our Franchise QB ready to take over the year after, I will start to question Nix, even though I think he is doing a great job at this point.
But still that doesnt mean that the year after our defense cant be top 5 and they lead us to the playoffs like the Ravens, it is just less likely that the team would win the Super Bowl because of their lack of elite QB play. And that is the Goal to Win the Super Bowl, not make the playoffs, so while Fitz can lead us to the playoffs, as you and many others have said we need a Franchise QB to lead us to the Super Bowl.
You are now Watching The Throne.
by tomcs on Jan 3, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why would the league trend back to the run game, though?
With all the rules in place to protect QB’s and receivers, what would make you believe teams would be more successful moving towards a run heavy approach? WR’s can barely be touched now, QB’s can barely be hit and QB’s rule the game right now. What indicates that might change anytime soon?
~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 4, 2012 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Statistics
Run first teams fair better than pass first
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
by Gpluehri on Jan 4, 2012 12:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Huh?
What statistics?
New England, Green Bay, New Orleans, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New York, and even Cincy are all pass oriented offenses.
Only Houston, Denver and San Francisco could really be considered run oriented offenses that have made the playoffs. Maybe Baltimore too, but they spent a lot of the year throwing the ball.
~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 4, 2012 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
With the exception to new england and green bay
Each of the other teams have a superb run game
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
by Gpluehri on Jan 4, 2012 11:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well that's just plain wrong
New England, GB, Detroit, Cincy, the Giants, Atlanta and Pittsburgh all have mediocre or poor running games.
New Orleans has had a very good run game this year, but that team is pass first, second and third.
I still have no idea how you can claim run first teams fair better than pass first teams in the current NFL when that is obviously not true. Look at the SB winners, look at the top teams in the NFL, look at who consistently wins…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
I wrote about it a week ago
The Tebow/49ers story
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Nix
Why blame Nix? Is he owner thats been responsible for this teams record for over 10 yrs? I think not. Try owner and give Nix benefit of doubt considering whom he works for.
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 Jan 3, 2012 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Approve.
The drafts look good so far, but every pick can still crash and burn.
Giving DW the Dcord job is crazy smart imho, hiring assitants that have been aroung football for 30+years usually seems to work out well.
The waiver wire and UDFAs have been nothing short of amazeing in my eyes.
The QB thing bugs me a bit. I still think with a fully healthy team Fitz can be above average. As far as drafting a QB goes, I don’t see where to complain. If you want a guy that throws for 150YPG and runs for another 50, then yeah hey be mad we didn’t take Tebow. Christian Ponder was and is a second round QB, and I don’t beleive he will succed. I have no idea how Andy Dalton will look in the future, He’s looked like a seasoned pro at times, and a rookie at others. Either way I would’ve been soso on him as a draft pick. Who else, the pickle,Colt McCoy, uuum so on and so fourth, the only guy that seems 100% worth picking was Cam Newton. Would Carolina trade out of the #1 spot, who knows. I do know we tried to sign Michael Vick. So who knows.
A lot of this is just my opinion, but it is how I feel and I am 100% behing this franchise, and have total faith that Chix and company will not take Mike Williams,Aaron Maybin,Donte Whintner or another running back in the first round(aside from The dude from Alabama). It is, the first time in 5 years I’m tottaly looking forward to the draft and beleive that Chix and company will come away with a stud in the first round and a couple other peices that matter throughout the draft.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Jan 3, 2012 5:18 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Voted not sure
I like the last 2 drafts overall, not outstanding but solid, along with him bringing in Whaley and re-working the FO on the personnel side.
The Evans trade really turned me sour to him, but Stevie did prove that Lee was expendable.
But now comes the most important part of his tenure. We have found several players who can be solid contributors for this team. We need to retain most, not all, of them for this team to truly take a step forward. If Nix lets more than 2 of the following players get away in FA then it’s disapprove for me
D. Bell
S. Chandler
S. Johnson
R. Lindell
R. Parrish
B. Scott
I’m assuming Rinehart and Urbik are safe as RFA’s for us. If we lose one of them then again it’s a failure on our part.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Good point on the FA signings. I haven’t really had it in my head to consider that what if of a bunch og guys leaving this year. If if it happens I’d be a disapprove vote, man if 5 or 6 of these guys leave we would be in bad shape. Minus Roscoe P. coaltrain.
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Jan 3, 2012 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think Roscoe and D. Bell will be the toughest to sign due to their injury history.
I like what Roscoe brings to the team. Even when all of our WR’s are healthy we don’t have a lot of speed out there right now. Roscoe isn’t really a burner in straight line speed, but his good speed and great quickness still make him a valid deep threat when he’s on the field.
He’s also made big, tough catches for us while playing inside. Hope to see him next year for a moderate price.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
I agree with what you’re saying, but I disagree with having Roscoe Parrish and Rian Lindell on your list. Also, I think you’re going to have to consider what those guys are offered before you consider it a failure. If the Bears decide Stevie is worth 9 million a year (they’re wr corp is atrocious) then I wouldn’t be upset over watching him walk. I guess what I’m saying is there isn’t a guy on that list that we must keep no matter the cost. We only have a few of those guys on the roster, and none of them are free agents.
Nix should get some credit for extending Kyle Williams. The extension was warranted and he didn’t blow the bank to keep him. Barnett was a great move, letting Whitner and Poz walk was a great move, and he didn’t blow last years draft.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Jan 3, 2012 6:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I prob value Roscoe and Lindell a bit more than others, but I see them as contributors on a playoff team.
The difference this year as opposed to last is that we now have 3 months to sign these guys before they hit the open market.
Stevie will be tought to keep, I think the fans may be running him out of town with the vitriol he is getting. But, the rest of those players will likely be willing to sign extensions for fair contracts and that’s what I want to see us do, start retaining our talent so we can build depth.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Well put. I won’t be dissapointed if what you would like to see happens.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Jan 3, 2012 10:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Disapprove...
Nix has been too conservative on draft day in my opinion. When he has had opportunities to take and field calls for trading picks at the top of the past two drafts, the picks were submitted in the 1st minute or two rather than seeing what else could be available. Could have waited to trade Lynch when a team was willing to offer more than the 4th we got because of need. Only QB’s drafted were Levi Brown (cut) and Josh Nesbitt (turned to a safety). Is more willing to “stand pat” and make picks rather than moving up or down the draft board and take players or gain picks (the mark for a “building team”). Finally, there is now a rumor that he is retiring (probably to go play golf again) after the 2012 draft: http://www.buffalowins.com/buffalo-bills/articles/source-buddy-nix-to-retire-after-2012-nfl-draft.html
Only QB’s drafted were Levi Brown (cut) and Josh Nesbitt (turned to a safety).
To be fair, the first 5 drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft:
1) Sam Bradford – only one with real promise at the moment; didn’t have a chance to draft him.
2) Tim Tebow
3) Jimmy Clausen
4) Colt McCoy
5) Mike Kafka.
The only one coming close lighting the world on fire so far is Tebow, and it’s not for his throwing ability. Personally, I’m glad OBD didn’t take anyone at QB besides Levi Brown in 2010.
2011 NFL Draft:
1) Cam Newton – had a very commendable rookie year; didn’t have a shot at him.
2) Jake Locker – hasn’t played a lot; still an unknown; lots of people against drafting him
3) Blaine Gabbert – has looked wretched; could be lack of WRs; lots against drafting him
4) Christian Ponder – has played up and down; no WRs out of oft injured Percy Harvin
5) Andy Dalton – has had a solid year; sub par completion % and average per attempt;
Unless a lot of people wanted Buddy to take Locker/Gabbert/Ponder at 3, the only sensible QB would have been Dalton or Kaepernick (who we know nothing about at the moment).
Even then, it’s possible AJ Green is making his life much easier. It’s true, we could have had AJ Green/ Andy Dalton like the Bengals, but then we’d have to give up one of the cornerstone building blocks of our defense, or draft Dareus and hope we have enough weapons for Dalton without AJ Green.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 3, 2012 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
thank you
Franchise quarterbacks are tough to come by, and Nix/Chan get one shot at it. They won’t have a leash to draft a couple of these guys, so why pull the trigger prematurely to please some bloggers? I think there are a lot of people on this site that actually think they know more than Nix. The same people that have never been to a player meeting before a draft, negotiated with an agent, or assembled a team while ensuring future success (cost Polian his job).
I’m as guilty as anyone about complaining about front office decisions, but any one of the GM’s in the NFL know more than anybody on this blog (excluding Abayarde, his knowledge knows no bounds).
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Jan 3, 2012 10:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
approve
a year later it seems he was over-abused for the kelsay signing & deserves some credit for the Oline production, especially considering how he put it together.
didn’t like the way the team was manhandled a few games, by the fish & cowboys no less.
time to retain all the quality players, rework an extremely important ones contract & have a strong draft.
"Will&Work2Win"coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Jan 3, 2012 10:34 PM EST reply actions
Yup, I approve as well
Agree that a lot of the decisions that many bloggers have been beating him up with for a while now have come around and are now looking better. I also would love a franchise QB, but I really appreciate him not jumping at every fish that can swim.
He has taken a few chances on some guys that to be honest have not panned out yet, and some never will, but he did what he could do he tried.(Merriman, T Edwards, Green) He has brought in some players that we still dont know if they will pan out or just be fringe or depth like (S.Young, T. Choice, L. Smith, R. Martin, D. Jones, K. Aiken, L. Dotson, K. Moore, R. Eddins) People say they are no good and wont amount to anything, but then again that is what they said about(Rinehart, Urbik, Pears, Nelson, Rosevelt, Hagan and Chandler). We seem to have gotten some pretty good production out of this gorup so I am willing to wait and see what a offseason will do for the rest of the list.
I totaly think there is a plan and that he has been executing it. One of the things that I think confuses people about the plan is the way he steels players from other teams and gets a lot of undrafted FA’s. This seems to not be an accepted method of finding talent for a lot of members on this site and it does look random or unorganized on this front because they pretty much are as they only require one objective. Is there a chance that this player can improve this team. I think there has been some mistakes along the way, but he is human, and no one hits on them all. The truth is that he told us from the begining that he would build the team through the draft but would use all methods to aquire talent. It is part of the plan. The thing I like the most is that he seems to be making mental decisions way ahead of his moves. He made a decision not to clean house in the first offseason, but then did not hesitate to let a few key guys go when they did not meet the standard or did not put the team first.(Trent, Lynch) He could have fired Modrak after the first draft, but he brought in his guy for a year then made the switch.(Whalley) Again as others have stated it was not easy for Chan to get a great staff in place as not many wanted to come, but Nix was able to bring in the Stache and then when Edwards proved to be unable to turn the defense around no problem we have a guy way more qualified ready to go that has a year of knowlege of what his players can do and cant do. He seems to make provisions prior to making his moves.
Nix gets a bad rap for letting some of our talent go, but IMO this is mostly built up hate from previous admn. I dont see anyone out there tearing up jack with our leftovers. Lynch, Evans, Maybin, Poz and Whitner are the only ones that have produced at all that I am aware of. Out of a long list of Hangartner, T. Edwards, B. Brohm, Lynch, Evans, J. Hardy, D. Schouman, D, Fine, S. Nelson, J. Stupar, C. Ellis M. Stroud, J. McCargo, A. Maybin, A. Youboyt, E. Lankster, Whitner, J. Wendling, P. Poz, and N. Harris Nix at least got some value for Evans and Lynch. Poz and Whitner were replaced at a better value.
Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.
by jbbillfan on Jan 4, 2012 2:33 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Great point
in that talent evaluation & ‘mining’ for talent has been nearly outstanding.
"Will&Work2Win"coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Jan 4, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
Rec'd.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 4, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Hey Yo!!!!!! Rec’d.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 4, 2012 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
Voted not sure
I think the talent acquisition has been better than the coaching.
the QB conundrum
I, like just about everybody else here, would like to see the Bills draft a franchise QB. However, I believe that Nix is taking the right approach in playing it safe. IF there is a franchise QB available in the draft who looks like a sure thing (e.g. — Luck or Griffin), then they should absolutely draft him. But if there is a marginal QB prospect (e.g. — Tannehill), we are much better off taking somebody who will be a safer pick. While I will continue to state that Fitzpatrick is not the future of this franchise, we still have a general lack of talent. The 1990 team that went to the Super Bowl had something like 10 first round picks (not all drafted by the Bills, though) who were starters, whereas I think our current roster is up to two — Wood and Dareus. While we are getting great value out of many of our late-round picks and undrafted free agents, most of those players would not be starters anywhere else. Yes, a true franchise QB would provide a big boost to this team, but we still need to stockpile talent before we can even think about the playoffs. Even with two years of experience in the USFL, Jim Kelly couldn’t manage anything better than 3-13 in his first year with the Bills. Reaching for a QB in the first round (like Losman) and having him fail will just keep us spinning our wheels.
Since it seems unlikely that either of the top two QBs will fall to #10, I’m hopeful that the Bills will take a developmental QB like Case Keenum in a later round to work on behind Fitz, and maybe he would be ready to take over next year. And if the third day pick doesn’t pan out, at least we took some lower-risk players in the first two days that should still elevate the overall talent level of this team.
If you want to stick to your preference of reaching for the best available QB regardless of risk factor, that’s your decision. All I can say to that is that I’m glad you aren’t the GM of this franchise.
by SiriusRed on Jan 4, 2012 8:58 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
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