Chan Gailey Confirms Buffalo Bills Negotiating With Kirk Morrison, Demetrius Bell
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2012 3:15 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
Email
Print
Speaking with WGR 550's Joe Buscaglia from the 2012 NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey confirmed that the team is negotiating with impending free agent linebacker Kirk Morrison to return as the team's new strong-side outside linebacker in the 4-3 defense.
Gailey also confirmed to Buscaglia that the team has been negotiating to retain the services of left tackle Demetrius Bell, as well. Paired with the news that the team will be meeting Friday with the agent for receiver Stevie Johnson, we now know of recent negotiations for three of the team's top free agents.
The Bell news is not surprising, as he is one of the top tackles available in a thin free agent market this season, but may not get many looks thanks to a long injury history. He'd return as the likely starting left tackle. The more surprising (but not unforeseen) news is Morrison, who barely played for the team in their 3-4 base a year ago, but who apparently has a starting job waiting for him should he desire it.
GM Buddy Nix will be addressing reporters in Indy today, as well, so don't go anywhere.
155 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
It’s the NFL. Everything’s overpriced.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 23, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
At the Eagles game last year, it was SUNNY and HOT on the visitor’s side of the field. Went up to get my crew some waters, four bottles, the cost $18 !!, $4.50 for a 12 oz water.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
Probably cheaper than most NFL stadiums, too. It was hot that day and I had to wear pants to be all professional with the media contingent. As soon as Goodell was done I went back into the parking lot and got my shorts on.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2012 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
Sir Eric would have been flummoxed.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice!
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 24, 2012 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
Its more news
in the fact that Chandler seems to be after those three.
“Seems to be” being the operative phrase. In reality, we have no clue what the priority looks like, or if there even is one.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
I was struck by the lack of his name, too. It’s not telling, really, just noteworthy.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2012 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
He did mention the loss of Chandler as big for Fitzpatrick late in the year, though.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2012 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Chandler is the easiest to replace and for less money,
they already have Onobun, Brock and Lee and will probably take another TE in the later rounds
Chandler is the easiest to replace and for less money,
Chandler is the easiest to replace and for less money
If it’s so easy to find a pass-catching TE, then why haven’t we has one since Jay Riemersma?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 24, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Answer
Poor management trusted with finding and obtaining talent.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 25, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Or
Owner, options get smaller its called process of elimination.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 25, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
I got an idea, how about we don’t sign any free agents and just pay to keep our team because our guys have shown us they can win!
If you being sarcastic, they arent allowed to talk to free agents from other teams until March 15.
by Xaviermw on Feb 23, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I was being sarcastic…but what I’m saying is I see them signing all of their own and then skipping out on the free agency pool saying we are only a piece or 2 away and we’ll find that in the draft and we didn’t feel anyone fit what we are looking for….the usual crap Nix feeds us
Why do you think they’re “skipping out on” the FA pool?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I didn’t say they ARE…I said it wouldn’t surprise me if they did, they haven’t given me much reason to believe anything will change..big talk but little difference may be the norm again!
skipping out on the free agency pool saying we are only a piece or 2 away and we’ll find that in the draft and we didn’t feel anyone fit what we are looking for….the usual crap Nix feeds us
Yeah because that’s worked out great for the Washington Redskins hasn’t it?
How many big free agents did the Patriots sign last year? The Giants? Or how about the Packers? You don’t win in this league by signing a bunch of big contracts. You win by drafting well and keeping your own good players. This isn’t baseball.
I wonder...
If Kirk Morrison is going to be a surprise star for the Bills in 2012 now that we’re moving full-time to the 4-3?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 3:27 PM EST reply actions
He might just surprise
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MorrKi20.htm
He was a tackling machine in Oakland.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
My worry is that he is being given the job based on tackles, but will not provide much in the way of pass rush, we have picked up many guys based on large numbers of tackles but still remain deficient in the more important stats!
, but will not provide much in the way of pass rush,
Shouldn’t this be irrelevant in the 4-3?
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Not necessarily…just because he isn’t dedicated as a 3-4 OLB, he’ll still need to stop the run, EARLY preferably, cover TE, and get to the QB on certain plays…his high number of tackles doesn’t mean that he is capable of being a starter doing all of those things well.
I’m confused. I thought we were switching back to a base 4-3. If we are, then pass-rush is very low on the totem of what a good 4-3 OLB needs to do.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Low priority maybe…but still important! My point is that his only stat line is his tackles…we don’t need high tackle numbers as much as we need ball hawkers, play disrupters, sackers, run stuffers, and football smarts!
Barnett rushes the passer well so you don’t need the other guy to be a stud when it comes to that
by jonnychicago on Feb 23, 2012 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
tell that to Von Miller and the Broncos,
he was there SAM and look how he dominated, but in this division it would be nice to have a guy that can cover Gronk and still be able to get to the QB, Morrison is a cheap insurance policy for SAM, thats why i think that if they get a really good RE in FA then they should draft Ingram at 10 as our SAM and RE
monk43085
I don’t think that they make their decisions based on the number of tackles that a player has had. I think they evaluate whether that person has the skills to do the job.
by AP22 on Feb 23, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This
If they did, Donte Whitner would have gotten a fat-@$$ contract and Poz would still be a Bill.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
I still think Whitner was the wrong fit at the wrong price… his sloppy tackling for SF almost cost them a playoff game… he might have looked great with a great pass rush and LBs in front of him, but I’d take Byrd and Wilson any day over most if not all the safety tandems in the league…
I'm waitin'..... @killascript on twitter
by killascript on Feb 23, 2012 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Wilson should have been starting over Whitner for years.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
If the Bills are comfortable going with Morrison-Sheppard-Barnett, with Merriman, Moats, and others as depth, that would let them focus on the DE or CB or WR
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 3:32 PM EST reply actions
comfortable ???
2 old starters, one back up injury prone, i’m not comfortable at all, they can focus on DE and LB first, then wr
proud to be a die hard bills fan from france
Resign stevie, chandler, bell and scott, then i will think about april
Merriman
They are pretty much gonna have to play him at RDE or SAM. Those are the only two places he is really a fit in a 4-3.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 24, 2012 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
Gailey said yesterday he will strictly be the RDE.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 24, 2012 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
The Bell news is not surprising, as he is one of the top tackles …
I bet that felt strange writing this line. :-)
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 3:32 PM EST reply actions
My thinking of all the Bell articles and comments over the past two years in which many Rumblers (like poz) openly wanted Bell gone, or bringing some other LT in from FA/trade to take his place.
Now he is listed as one of the best (in an admittedly weak LT group) in FA. Seems like a bit of a turnaround..
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
it is
but I never understood that line of thinnking on here as he has consistently handled good pass rushers and been more than serviceable in the run game. He does get injured and other players seem as good but he has never been a liable.
I'm waitin'..... @killascript on twitter
by killascript on Feb 23, 2012 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
liability… woops
I'm waitin'..... @killascript on twitter
by killascript on Feb 23, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
All Good
I’m not a vocab police.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 23, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with what you are saying, and have had this opinion all along.
Buddy Nix said it best in that Bell has the tools but his injuries is the biggest concern.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah the Bills don't spend to the cap because of cheapness.
It is to pay all the medical expenses.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 25, 2012 2:09 AM EST up reply actions
Yep
Bell’s overall body of work suggests he has injury issues, something Bill’s unfortunately excell at. He had a full season without injury but only like 6 games played in other yrs. Not a good trait. Buffalo seems to like to roll dice with injury prone players, because the use that as bargaining cheap, I mean chip:)
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 23, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
let alone that he played
6 good games in a career of poor outings playing in an offense that lived and eventually died by the quick release short passing game…..
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Feb 24, 2012 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
for the record
I still want Bell upgraded
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Feb 24, 2012 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
The PFF rankings are more a testament to Chan scheming around their liabilities. That’s why the Bills can’t use delayed hand offs, PA from under center and very few 5 and 7 step drops, because if they did….this OLine would be ranked near the back of the league. That’s why we have this dink and dink 5-10 yards/ quick strike popgun spread attack, because the Oline can’t hold up defenders much longer than that. Ask yourself? When was the last time you heard Fitzpatrick has had all day to throw from the pocket (Like 5 seconds+), you see it all the time from teams lie the Patriots where you are just screaming at the TV, CMON……someone hit marsha. Luckily the Giants punched Marsha in the nose…….again in the big one :)
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 24, 2012 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I agree with everything you just wrote BK
The oline did what Chan asked admirably but they forced a coach to play an offense that was easy to figure out as evidenced by the 1-8 finish. Though it wasn’t just their fault but also that we lacked a deep threat at WR/
I was against giving Fitzpatrick the midseason extension for precisely the same reason and I like him a lot too.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Feb 24, 2012 1:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That also should be filed under liabilites.
Though it wasn’t just their fault but also that we lacked a deep threat at WR
If you have a receiver who is a deep threat who can run a 4.3 40 yd dash, that means your OL has to hold up defenders for at least 4 second to take a shot at a deep strike.
I think Chix knew our OL wasn’t capable so they traded Lee Evans.
I chuckle at people who think we should sign DeSean Jackson, he will be just as invisible as Evans without a major OL upgrade.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 24, 2012 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
agree but isn't
Hairston, Levitre, Wood, Jasper, Pears, sounds like a decent O-line for 2012
no
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 25, 2012 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
Please give Bell some credit
other than his injuries i think he has the ability to be a quality RT at least, but if you watch game tape he can handle most guys 1on1, and consider how thin the Tackle FA market is keeping him is important if nothing more than a back-up to Hairston and Pears,
Aim Higher
You’ll always get less , aim higher.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 25, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
I gotta feelin...
that he will based on his tackling abilty and his nose for the football. I also like the fact he can play MLB in a pinch in case Shep goes down too, I just hope his pass coverage has gotten better since his days with Oakland.
I'm fine with Morrison at starting SLB
As long as CHIX is open to adding a pass rushing specialist to the LB corps who can help bring it on passing plays, too. I’m thinking draft (McClellin).
LOL
pass rushing specialist to the LB corps who can help bring it on passing plays
yeah, someone like A-a-r-o-n M-a-y-b-i-n ?
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Har har har
Yeah; Jets fans are laughing, too. Just not for the same reason. I’m not talking about investing the #10 draft pick in a pass rush specialist but considering the Bills’ biggest problem on defense is they SUCK at rushing the passer I am suggesting it might not be a bad idea to not only look at DE prospects but also an OLB candidate or two who is capable of coverage but who is also a serious pass rusher and if they find such a guy, to bring him in to replace Morrison on some pass plays and to let him get after the QB on occasion. Or is helping to solve the defenses biggest problem still a joke?
I’m on board with your recommendation.
And while I was ardent Maybin basher, I felt the Bills gave up on him because he would never be a full time starter……but he certainly could have been developed into a pass rushing specialist.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
i wanted Orakpo, having said that
thing about Maybin is that with a front-4 of Kelsay, Dareus, Williams, Johnson/Avril he could be a dominate pass rusher from the SAM position,
Why...
can’t that be Arthur Moats?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Good call, he could certainly be “Don’t Cross the Moats”
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
in 2011...
Moats didn’t really have a place in Chan’s defense. Now the Edwards is gone and Wannstedt is moving back to the scheme in which Moats performed so well, I think we could see him become a star.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
great
I’ve wanted Kirk Morrison to be a our SLB for a while now so I welcome the news that the Bills also foresee him in that role. I think he’ll excel and with he Barnett, and Shep we are set at LB.
I’d like a deal with Stevie before Bell but perhaps the rollover cap news followed by this revelation is an indication the Bills are now comfortable that a Stevie signing is already imminent and taken into account on the books.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Feb 23, 2012 4:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
wake me up when someone actually signs a contract
"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 Feb 23, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i understand that sentiment
but I wanted action on the Morrison front. This is an indication the Bills share my vision of our defense with Kirk starting at SLB, thats big for me. Good start.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
exactly Joe
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Snow White????
is that you???
let me lay a lip lock on you!!!!
Awake my Princess!!!
Yuck, spit, slobber!!! It’s only JoeP!!!
Darn, another frog….
Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!
by Cinga on Feb 23, 2012 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Me too poz.
signing him up for a 3 year 4-5 million contract should get it done. Then I would like to see them draft a young prospect in the 4th or 5th round to eventually take over.
Things I like about Morrison.
Tackle machine
Not injury prone
Expieriance
Low investment
"It’s not news, until Rumblings say its news". -Doctork44
If they would give him that kind of contract.
I would rather them be on the horn to Jarret Johnson the minute FA opens, that would probably be enough to lure him here.
Jarret Johnson > Kirk Morrison.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 24, 2012 1:28 AM EST up reply actions
Jarret wants to stay in Baltimore and he will be more like a 3-4 million/yr guy, morisson is at most a $1.75 million/yr
Thats why
I said If they are gonna pay Morrison 3 years 4-5 million, I would rather try to lure Jarret Johnson here, an extra mil a year might just do it.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 25, 2012 2:18 AM EST up reply actions
I also think
your projection of 1.75 mil a year is much more realistic than 3 years at 4-5 mil a year like jbbillfan said.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 25, 2012 2:21 AM EST up reply actions
quoting forlife
onl;y thing i don’t like about him is i don’t think he can cover Gronk
We rarely if ever disrupt TEs routes, watch every catch ever made by a TE against us and you will see a free release from the line or from the slot. I hate that about our DBs and LBs, we’re the least aggresive team in that regard.
In order to throw off opposing QBs rythm you have to disrupt the receivers routes, we’re too damn conservative with it.
I hope Wanny puts some emphasis to this big aspect of the game.
he would not be the only player with that problem.
I mentioned this on another thread and I know it is not likely to happen but who would have the physical attributes neccesary to cover a guy like Gronk? IMO onother physically gifted TE. We just happen to have one of those on our team that is on the cheap and way down on the depth chart. I am speaking of Onobun, what if the Bills trained him to be a TE cover guy. I think he has the size, speed, and power to do it, I just dont know if he can learn the mental side of it. What do you guys think of this idea??
"It’s not news, until Rumblings say its news". -Doctork44
by jbbillfan on Feb 24, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for that JB.
I think every coach/GM in the league is trying to figure out this problem.
Its going to take somebody thinking a little outside the box like this. I’m not saying this is the solution, but you gotta think outside the box.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 24, 2012 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yah that sounds like a decent lb corp. Also having two former mlb on the field to help sheppard is huge.
"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 Feb 23, 2012 4:36 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Agree
Morrison has so much more star potential now that we are running a 4-3. He was a beast in oakland and one of the best LB’s in the league back then. Our LBs are looking to be one of the better groups we have seen in years if this gets done. Brings me back to the years of Spikes, Fletcher, and Posey. Hopefully they play like those guys (if or when Morrison signs).
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
why not see what schobs is up to
Schobel left the Bills because of the 3-4 switch why not give him a call now see if we can get him into camp see if he still has it.
by Eric L Ellinger on Feb 23, 2012 4:06 PM EST reply actions
how long has he been out?
Just one year? I thought he was two years retired. My guess is his time is up.
Schobel could have signed with the Houston Texans, at that time running a 4-3, which is about 100 miles from his home, but declined. His decision to leave was not significantly influenced by the D switch. Schobel said he decided not to sign so that he could spend more time with his family. That’s the reason why, not the 3-4.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
OMG!!!
I have been so worried about the SS LB position. I really like Morrison though, I think he could do the job. Morrison, Shep, Barnett is a nice threesome at LB.
If we get DE’s with first and second round picks (Coples, Perry, or Mercilus in the first, Chandler Jones in the second) Then we’d have two hungry young DE’s competing for most sacks their rookie year, Darius and Williams in the middle.
This defense could be dangerous!!!
Prediction
If the Bills want Kirk Morrison, they will have no trouble securing Kirk Morrison.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
3rd tier FAs are Nix speciality :-)
"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
not sure i would
Call him 3rd tier.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 23, 2012 4:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was trying to be nice, but I guess 4th tier is more accurate :-)
"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
LOL
You’re being a jerk, but that was pretty funny.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I do that sometimes....
but agreeing that Morrison is a borderline 2nd tier FA was just to boring :-)
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
It certainly wouldn’t have provided the same comedy gold.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Joe P
I’m sure glad you’re not our GM. Nothing personal, but you seem to think you’re an expert on evaluating talent, and know more than the professionals who get paid to do it. But, hey opinions are like…whatever.
by mikeo76 on Feb 23, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I have posted at least one mock every year for the past 3 years on this site
and posted my opinions on most of the FAs, draft picks, and trades the Bills have made. Do I hit on them all……of course not, but I have done at least as well as the “paid professionals” we have had running our beloved Bills. Does that make me an expert? Not even close, but I can assure you that I do have a pretty good idea on what to look for when evaluating players. When the experts start making the right decisions and/or proving me wrong, I will be more than happy to admit it.
"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 Feb 23, 2012 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
right there with ya buddy.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
well said
you’re not alone, Joe.
When the experts start making the right decisions and/or proving me wrong, I will be more than happy to admit it.
I’ve said the same thing countless times. 10-22 is no proof as far as I’m concerned. In fact, a 1-8 finish accentuated what many of us mentioned, i.e. The team had no depth and marginal starting talent. That’s on the OBD “experts”. I enjoy your humor and realistic approach. Unfortunately, some here mistake realism for negativism.
Keep on keepin’ on, Joe!
"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 :-)
Unfortunately, some here mistake realism for negativism.
Ain’t that the truth.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
The real truth!
"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 nothing but the truth, so help me God?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Yes, this is Dog.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
5-2 better representation,
Fred, CJ, Meatball, Dareus, Barnett, Byrd, Wilson, Nelson and Johnson have only marginal talent? any team that loses its starting RB, C NT, SS, LT, WLB, 3 WR, K for half of the season and a total of 17 players on the IR is going to have a hard time competing,
can you find something wrong with Buddy’s 2011 draft, and this season should prove the worth of the 2010 draft, Spiller, Carrington will be starters soon enough, Easley could be amazing if he is healthy, Troupe can be quality depth now that his back is fixed and Meatballs eventual replacement, Batten and Moats are good LBs
Carrington isn’t even a lock to make the team and he’s an eventual starter to you? Uh-oh.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 24, 2012 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
The professionals who get paid to run the BIlls are failing agianst the professionals who get paid to run the other 31 teams. You don’t need to “know more” than anybody else to spot a floundering operation. Sports isn’t rocket science. if only the pros could understand the nuances, they’d be the only ones watching.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
this is something i said back when it happened
no one can say this is in hind sight, when Culpepper and Brees hit FA i was adamant about OBD signing Brees, if that had happened the Bills would have been able to compete. Think about the team Jauron had in 2009 if they had a good QB instead of Edwards, they are a playoff team,
I agree
not sure i would
Call him 3rd tier.
I’d go 4th tier.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 24, 2012 1:31 AM EST up reply actions
i think its smart of them to try to get morrison resigned, hes a solid run stopping LB he’ll probably(should) come off the field in passing situations and i think hes better than most soon to be free agent OLBs
by snakebyte18 on Feb 23, 2012 4:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Upshaw would be a de.
"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 Feb 23, 2012 4:44 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
we still need a DE that can do it all tho and upshaw could be that guy
by snakebyte18 on Feb 23, 2012 4:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if women that know nothing about football visit this site to learn more about the game. I can just imagine how confused they would be. I can imagine their reaction. “A DE (As in the letter D). What the heck is a DE?” I wonder if we, as in everyone on the site, should work together to put a kind of “Football for Dumbies” wiki on the site. Eh. Maybe not. Just thinking out loud.
One that I have to stop and figure out in comment context is the abbreviation PT. Some use it for practice time, others for playing time. Being involved on occasion in the hiring/firing world I still think of part time.
I remember the Bills had a class at Medaille College, mostly for women, that taught the basics. Wonder if they, or anybody else, still do that.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 24, 2012 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder if women that know nothing about football visit this site to learn more about the game
I know women here that know more than my guy friends. Heck k8 is smarter than most of us!
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
wow
wasn’t expecting a shout-out whilst minding my own biznaz scrolling through this thread. thanks, made my day!
Give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to know one from the other.
oh,
and everything I know about football, I learned from my mama. and Buffalo Rumblings.
Give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to know one from the other.
by k8 on Feb 24, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My wife loves the Bills and makes really awesome, sparse, comments through the year.
Some gems from last year:
“Why aren’t they throwing it to Chandler anymore!”
“What’s wrong with CJ! Why won’t they let him play?”
“Why is Brady standing there for 10 seconds!”
“Why are they so predictable on offense! Change it up!”
And last week (I was so proud of her) “Why don’t they just sign Stevie, are they stupid?”
I love my wife, and sometimes a simple diagnosis is the best.
These comments are not mine. They belong to Mrs. SMT who is NOT a football fanatic.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 24, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Mrs SMT makes some pretty clear observations, obvious or not.
Sounds like a keeper. : )
These were literally the things i was SCREAMING AT THE TELEVISION the whole season long. hahaha.
Well except for signing Steve. That came mostly after the season, and I am still amazed (appalled?) this is an ongoing topic.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I think it is time for Mrs SMT to make her own FanPost.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 25, 2012 2:10 AM EST up reply actions
If Morrison Signs...
I think they should go Michael Floyd with the 10th pick, and DE in the 2nd round. Fitz is as inaccurate as they come, if you can’t get a top tier QB, do the next best thing: Get a guy who makes your decent QB look good by catching anything in his area, and breaking tackles after that. A guy who’s a deep threat doesn’t help since Fitz can’t throw the ball deep. The be all end all would be getting Mario Williams to play alongside Dareus, and Kyle Williams. And go all offense in the draft.
unless...
we can sign someone like avril. there was that discussion going on about us needing a developmental qb. i’d go with floyd in rd 1 and brock osweiler in the second and give him a couple years to develop.
by Shadowfox524 on Feb 23, 2012 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Like this news
Bell is a satisfactory tackle. Not good but not bad. When healthy he can get the job done, just needs to stay healthy. With the Bills switching to a 4-3 the Morrison signing is pretty significant (if it happens of course). He has experience running it and the starting LB’s of Barnett, Sheppard, and Morrison looks pretty good. Hopefully that year of rest (or whatever you would call last year for him) did him well and he’s ready to come in this year and make a real impact.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
"Not good but not bad"
What exactly does that mean? I still don’t understand all the hate for D Bell. Yes, injuries are a real concern, but during the 2010 season, when he played all 16 games, after spending the off season rehabing, missing mini camps and OTAs, he played pretty damn well. Prove me wrong.
and
if he’s a back-up for us next year, he won’t have to play 16 games.he will be good to have him on the bench
proud to be a die hard bills fan from france
Resign stevie, chandler, bell and scott,
Draft 1 DE,2 LB ,3 WR,4 CB OL, 5, LB RB
I'm sorry I disagree...
If he is on the bench who starts, Hairston? D. Bell is much better than Hairston. Not to say Hairston won’t improve with more experience, but he does not play at D. Bell’s level. What I don’t understand is that Eric Wood had two major injuries too in the last two years, but nobody is hating on him. Why?
Because when he’s healthy he’s one of the top centers in the league and IMO a future All-Pro.
by Home Run Throw-up on Feb 23, 2012 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
The first injury was incredibly fluky in nature, horrifying, and yet he still managed to bounce back from that really quickly. If EJ Henderson didn’t have the same thing happen to him Wood would have gotten much more credit from that national media.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Feb 23, 2012 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
It means he's average
To below average at times. He does an okay job but you could certainly find someone better out there to play LT. He has glimpses of greatness but more often than not he’s just okay. He doesn’t have the strength to be a real grinder and drive his man back to open up holes, and he also doesn’t have the strength or base to hold his blocks for those longer deep passing routes that take 5-8 seconds to develop.
All in all he’s not good but not bad, just an okay tackle that when healthy can get you bye in the meantime until you find a great one.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
BEll got hurt during his rookie season
and couldn’t properly strength train in off-season, but still had a decent sophomore year, how about people put on some game tape of Bell, the only players that he cannot handle are the really powerful ones like Jared Allen, no one can really handle him 1on1, if he has a good off season in the weight room he can be the starting LT until Hairston (who should be a pro bowler) is ready then he could be used on the right side, Bell is actually better suited as a RT. but with Levitre, Wood and Jasper in the middle it should make life easier on the Tackles
Bell
Is entering his 5th nfl season. The excuse about his rookie season doesn’t fly, what you see is what you get. I’ve seen plenty of bell to know what he is an isn’t capable of. He does struggle against more people than just Jared Allen. Also Hairston a pro bowler? Slow down this guy isn’t even a full time starter yet let alone one of the best in the nfl. If the bills resign bell then tackle is not an immediate need but it is a position they could use an upgrade at with or without bell and Hairston on the roster.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
This is a good development.
But I’ll be happy when they are all signed (Chandler included).
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 23, 2012 5:43 PM EST reply actions
Morrison
looks so happy in that picture 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."
It was one of the few games he played in and he got his lone sack, too. It was definitely his best day as a Bill.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Good to hear.
Hopefully they get these guys done. Worry about Stevie tomorrow and get ready for a good FA pool along with a good draft.
Lets Go Buff a lo!
Very Good
I hope they get these deals done.
Just because Morrison didn’t do anything for the Bills last year and really didn’t have a great last season in Oakland, that doesn’t mean that he isn’t capable of being a quality SLB in the Bills 4-3 next season. He didn’t just have good tackle numbers at MLB in Oakland’s 4-3, he had good overall numbers (not far off of Barnett’s FF numbers at the time) and seems even better suited to play SLB than MLB.
Given the fact that Wannstedt hasn’t been known for blitzing his LBs a lot in his 4-3 system, Morrison’s pass-rushing ability may be a moot point. I would expect that, if the Bills do blitz from his scheme, they will probably bring the WLB (Barnett) or MLB (Sheppard) before calling a blitz for the SLB, preferring to have him try to jam and cover the TE to prevent the TE from being used as a “hot-read” outlet.
This almost certainly would guarantee that Merriman would be in the rotation at DE if he proves to be healthy enough to make the team.
Bringing back D.Bell also would be good. Regardless of what CHIX has said, Bell is much better suited to play LT when healthy than Hairston—who makes a good swing tackle.
I know D.Bell had his struggles, but, as a basketball player who played no football before college, he done exactly what you would hope that a developmental prospect would do: after struggling mightily at first (surprise, surprise), he has developed quite a lot—and that despite missing a lot of time due to injuries. Unlike most free agent players his age, he still has upside and could continue to get better if he can finally stay healthy for a couple of seasons in a row.
Not re-signing D.Bell would have meant requiring Hairston to take perhaps a bigger step up this season than reasonable and drafting an OT no later than the third round or signing a lesser quality free agent for nearly the same money. With Bell and a couple of healthy speed receivers, the offense can be expanded so that Fitz can at least throw the ball deep a couple of times a game, which will make things a lot easier for the RBs and underneath passing game.
The fact that Gailley didn’t mention Chandler doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested in bringing him back. But, depending on how much he is asking for, it is possible that they are looking to see what happens with some of the other potential FA TEs before committing to Chandler. This could well be a pretty good class of free agent TEs, so waiting might not be a terrible thing to do.
On the other hand, the Bills may be taking a step-by-step approach, negotiating with their cheaper FAs first to be able to determine how high they feel that they can afford to go in negotiating with Stevie (and perhaps Chandler or another TE) and any other FAs they may have targeted before they actually open negotiations with those players who are going to command not only bigger salaries, but bigger bonuses. Since they know that they will have to put aside a set amount of money to sign their rookies—once they know exactly where and how many picks they will have (compensatory picks haven’t been assigned yet), they will know pretty much exactly how much they will have to sign Stevie and any other FAs once they get these smaller deals out of the way. Just a thought….
Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
by LifetimeBillsFan on Feb 24, 2012 5:05 AM EST reply actions
Bell is good but still has to get stronger, keeps getting hurt,
Hairston is a monster of a man 6’6" 335LBS, and if you watch his game tape from 2011, you will see he held his own against Jason Babin, the Giants, Cameron Wake, he has a little bit of trouble with speed guys around the corner, but can push them around the pocket allowing Fitz the time to step up and make the throw, Hairston should be able to hold his own against the best guys in the league like Allen and Ware
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
