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What we know about the Bills

The Bills have a different feel this off-season as compared with previous. Whether this change is for the better, worse or indifferent with the same results is unknown until they play on the field. So let's look at what we know to this point.

1.) OBD is no longer reactionary: What do I mean as reactionary is that they did not let the draft or free agency come to them this off-season. They saw what they wanted and they were highly aggressive to obtain that asset. This is shown with the pick up of Brandon Spikes who has a reputation from the Patriots as being a hard player for a coach to handle. His skill set is of a 2-down thumper who may be a liability in passing downs but someone who is as good as anyone on running downs. The Bills have struggled in the running game for what feels has been over a decade. We can also see this in the NFL Draft. Whether they were foolish to trade away 2015 1st RD pick to obtain the rights to draft Sammy Watkins is irrelevant to the point that they are no longer reactionary. The reactionary action would of been to wait for Eric Ebron or Beckham to drop to them but they wanted the highest ranked offensive weapon. They saw what they wanted and they went after it. The trade up attempt for Carlos Hyde, drafting another 2-down big LB to stop the run it shows that they are aggressive in areas they deem as needing upgrades.

2.) Production V Cost is a big part of the equation: With the trade of Stevie Johnson and not becoming into a bidding war for Byrd shows that they have a set mark of cost for the production on the field. How they obtain this is up to debate and whether they are wrong is also up to debate. I remember the last contract for Chris Kelsey and I thought why are we giving this much to a person who doesn't seem to produce to the contract. The Bills have a value for the money they give you with an expectation of what it will produce. In the case of Johnson it appears OBD did not thin that Johnson produced to the amount he was earning, saw an opportunity to cash in on a 7th RD draft pick and flip it for a 4th and 3rd RD pick. In this respect they went with an approach best known as the Patriots way. Buy low and sell high and never over pay for someones service. The Bills set the value for Byrd and once he went over they pulled out.

3.) Off-field issues not such an issue anymore: The Bills are becoming the 2nd chance Bills. They 2nd RD pick on Cyrus who had possible medical issues, the selection in the 5th RD of Richardson who has all the physical tools but had some possible work ethic issues, the selection of Henderson who has pot issues. They are selecting players who have red-flags which is something they wouldn't of done in the past. Whether this is going to pay off or not is unknown but it does show a bigger willingness to give talent a chance. Perhaps the drafting of Tank Cordor is no longer the trend people who put in the time but have limitations to people who need a kick in the ass to put in the time but have the talent needed to succeed.

4.) They believe in there method of madness: The last two drafts the Bills have taken it on the chin from "experts" and the fan base. It has been said that those who listen to the fans will be fans soon enough and OBD appear to only listen to OBD. I am reminded how the Patriots do business or how the Ravens do business. Many may question there method but they stay with their philosophy. They have the rings to back it up but at one point they didn't and were questioned a lot more. I would rather have a OBD who would ignore the chatter than one imprisoned by the chatter.

Those are the 4 big things I see from this regime. Aggressive, Cost V. Production, Off field concerns not as important, and they have confidence. Your thoughts?

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.