Buffalo Rumblings: FanPosts

On Mike Shanahan and Gary Kubiak

2009-11-20T14:22:35Z

So nobody has brought this up yet so I'll throw it out there even though I don't like the idea of Shanahan as GM/HC. We'll put that to the side for a minute and talk about if he does get hired here.

Currently the Houston Texans are sitting at 5-4 and out of the playoffs in the AFC with a game against the surging Titans this week and a date with the Colts the following week. They also have yet to play the Dolphins and the Patriots at the end of the year. If the Texans lose three of those games they will certainly finish out of the playoffs potentially costing Gary Kubiak his job after four years at the helm.

When Shanahan gets hired by his new team his first call would undoubtedly be to Kubiak to be his Offensive Coordinator if he is available. Now this really intrigues me. Kubiak has been incredibly successful as an OC. Even when the Broncos defense was struggling Kubiak's offense was firing on all cylinders and with a variety of quarterbacks. Not to mention his blocking schemes opened up lanes for a menagerie of running backs' thousand-yard seasons. He seems like he'd bring an offense I'd really like to Buffalo.

3 Things We Need to Know: Weeks 5-10

2009-11-20T02:13:10Z

So this post is a week late from when I promised it, but hey, better late than never. To quickly recap my first few posts, I think there are three things the Bills need to figure out by the end of the season in order to have a competent idea of our immediate needs and to give us a jumping point for our long-term plan.

1. Is Trent Edwards a game-changing quarterback?

No.

More seriously, the hope that Edwards could evolve into more than a game-manager has very quickly evaporated since the first few weeks when he looked rejuvenated in our now defunct no-huddle offense. The guy had a 94.5 QB rating in his first 4 games, since then, it has fallen to a pedestrian 74.1. He looks lost, and though he's not totally to blame for this team's failures, it seems as though he's regressed to the point of being unsalvageable, at least in the short term. Now everybody's looking for our QB of the future, so I'll go in a bit of a different direction - for the last 2 quarters of the season, I'm changing this question to be: Which free agent or college QB can give us the greatest chance to be competetive next year?

2. Will the inexperienced offensive line prove that they're all starting-caliber players, and will they gel into an effective unit?

Well as far as gelling goes this offensive line has gelled about as much as the Jello shots I left out in the sun yesterday. To be fair, with all the injuries they've suffered, a cohesive unit has been impossible to keep around for a week, let alone an entire season. So let's look at individual players: Wood and Levitre are the best young pair of guards in the NFL, at least according to the NFL Network's Mark Mayock. Hangartner has been unimpressive thus far, though I do think he's an upgrade over Fowler. Everyone else has been too in-and-out of the lineup to make a fair judgment about their play over the past 5 weeks. Something we do know is that we desperately need reliable tackles, arguably more than any other position on the team save quarterback. Since continued focus on the issue I initially presented seems redundant, for the last 2 quarters of the year I'll be continuing to take a cursory glance at our current O-Line, but will also be looking at tackles that can help us next year, through free agency or the draft.

3. Who will emerge as our defensive play maker?

Well, I think we all know the answer to this one as well. Man these questions got answered a lot more quickly than I anticipated. Aside from Mr. Byrd, a more unsung player who has really stepped up his game this year is Chris Kelsay. In 9 games this year, Kelsay has almost matched his total stats from last year. Check out this comparison:

2008: 16 games, 47 tackles, 33 solo, 2.0 sacks
2009: 9 games, 40 tackles, 26 solo, 3.0 sacks

Kelsay is on pace to match or surpass his career highs from 2006: 61 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The entire defensive line is playing better than last year, thanks to new coach Bob Sanders, and that has helped to mask some frustration about Aaron Maybin's lack of production. I will continue to look at this question for the remainder of the year, to see how possible play makers like Poz and Whitner finish off the season.

Now that these questions are all but answered, we can begin to look ahead to the future of the team. Thanks for reading, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Bills fans, I'm coming for you...

2009-11-19T19:21:01Z

Okay maybe not just yet, but on the 29th I'll be there. I figured I could just ask these questions over at The Phinsider but I figured who would know more about Ralph Wilson Stadium and fans of the Bills then the Buffalo Bills bloggers over here. On the 29th I'll be going to the Ralph to watch my Dolphins take on your Bills, but I have some questions that really need answers so I'll be prepared. Now remember, I come in peace here. I've never started anything here and never want to because I respect you guys so lets keep these answers clean and avoid things like "oh the Bills are going to win, the Dolphins suck!!" or "Your team sucks!!" and the like. I don't think I have to worry. But on to the questions...

A disclaimer for the first one...you guys probably don't but I am a female so I don't know how this will affect the answer to this question or what but that'll be up to you. Question: Is it safe for me to wear Dolphins gear into the stadium? Or will I get beat up (not literally, I hope you know what I mean)?
How bad is the view from the 300 level?
How bad is the wind in the Ralph?
Is the Ralph easy to find where you are going once inside of it?
Are the people generally going to be accepting of me as long as I act like a kind Dolphins fan?

Alright so give me what you can as answers and any more tips you have. I really appreciate the help from you guys even though I may be a rival.

P.S. I loved the Jauron firing for you guys:)

Release of Hamdan

2009-11-19T17:56:49Z

Back when J.P. Losman was busy making his way through another messy Bills season at starting QB - Trent Edwards was there, waiting on deck. Then Edwards finally took over. And when it came time to organize the QB situation, Losman was out the door and Edwards was the full-time starter, and Gibran Hamdan was promoted to back-up.

But I always wondered why Hamdan was the back-up. He'd never proved anything that I could see that would justify him returning to the team, and then, staying with the team - and hence, becoming the number two.

But then that article came out last year where Hamdan was mentioned as a great guy and a pseudo mentor to Trent Edwards. An extra set of eyes, so to speak. A guy Edwards could confide in after-hours in the meeting rooms - Edwards'buddy. And yeah... I guess Hamdan was popular with the fans. I suppose he was and wasn't depending on who you ask. All I know is he always seemed more interested in his media career than his football career - but maybe that's just me.

But then came Ryan Fitzpatrick, and once again, Hamdan was sitting third-string - which tells you something about the coaches thoughts on his playing ability.

I guess now that Gibran Hamdan has been officially cut I realize just how far Trent Edwards has dropped. It seems that the main reason Hamdan was kept around so long was due to his relationship with Trent - and now the brass doesn't feel like Hamdan could be an asset any longer, because well, Trent is probably not going to be an asset much longer.

I'm sure, eventually, that Hamdan will end up on another team - maybe as an extra set of eyes - before finally taking his place on ESPN or some other channel's sports staff. Or his voice will ring out from the press-box doing coverage or color for some local station.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not really banging on the guy - but I don't see the big deal that he supposedly was to the team. Or the fans. Except maybe his "Hanging Ten" segment.

Maybe since Edwards won't have as much to do from now on they can change the name of the show to "Hanging Ten with Trent".

Before he leaves as well.

Two possible father/son combos

2009-11-19T17:06:55Z

I was thinking about the debate I read yesterday of the possibility of Marty Schottenheimer coming in and hiring his son Brian to be the offensive coordinator. First let me say that I am a huge fan of Marty Schottenheimer and I like the idea of seeing him in Buffalo. I think the idea of him coaching 2 years and then easing in Brian as Head coach makes a lot of sense. If this means that he would be a HC/GM and then become GM while his son takes over at HC, I like the concept.

Another possible father son combo could be Mike Shannahan and his son Kyle. I really like Kyle Shannahan and believe him to be a much superior candidate than Brian Schottenheimer. So I could see Shannahan come in as HC/GM and coach for two years while grooming his son to take over in Y3 and then becoming our GM only.

I don't necessarily agree with a HC also being a GM but in both those cases I think it could work. My though is that there is too much work for one person to do both jobs but both those guys have enormous experience and could pull it off for the first two years. What we need most in Buffalo is an identity and both these guys are known for exactly that. Both guys are well known for their power running style. Who wouldn't love to see a Bills brand of Marty-ball? Shannahan would be perfect for our young O-Line, nobody does it better than him, getting fantastic zone-blocking schemes that basically can make any back into a 100+y back - just imagine what he could do with Lynch & Jackson? with Wood & Levitre? I can understand why he'd be interested in coming to talk to Ralph.

Poll

Which combo do you like?

The Remaining Games

2009-11-19T16:11:59Z

Since this week brought us the demotion of our QB and firing of our HC, I wanted a little conversation on what I wanted to see during the remainder of our season. If you recall, we still have some football games left to play - starting this week in Jacksonville.

Obviously, winning becomes an after thought from all the recent changes at OBD. I say that because, well winning should be secondary. Developing younger players that might make mistakes is a top priority (and for those of us that want better draft picks - losing isn't as big of a deal).

Injuries:

I honestly don't know what the deal is with the Bills and injuries - chalk it up to bad luck or bad strength and conditioning coaches - but it happens all the time in Buffalo.

I want to see Bell, Hardy, Nelson, Poz, Youboty and Whitner stay healthy and play the remaining games - I know Bell and Youboty are out 2 more weeks at least - but when they get back - I want them to stay healthy. Easier said than done - but it's very hard to evaluate talent when they are on the bench.

Developing young talent:

Sorry T.O. or Josh Reed - but I'd like to see Hardy and S. Johnson get more reps on the field. Obviously this season is a wash - T.O. won't be here anyways (see Keyshs' answer) - so let's see what these guys can do on the field. This will only help the new coaching staff next year determine who will fit into their schemes and who is expendable.

Bell, Wood, Levitre and Nelson need to see extensive playing time. It's almost a saving grace that Derek Fine went on IR because Nelson is almost asuradely the starter from here on out. I want our O-line to be evaluated against NFL teams and I want them to learn from their mistakes. The only way that is accomplished is through playing - obviously these guys have been playing - but don't yank them if they perform badly - let them play and learn.

Harris and Palmer should also see extensive action - just to see what we have there. I know LB injuries pretty much are forcing their hand - but Draft can sit the pine for a while and these guys can see some reps. I think it's pretty sad that our starting SS is now our OLB as well - is he the best player there? maybe - but I want to see these guys get more reps for the future. Obviously Scott isn't going to be an OLB for us in the future - so why play him now? Let the young guys develop.

Play aggressive:

Now that Fewell is running the show - i'd like to see an attitude change around here a little bit. Guys are fighting for their jobs right now - everyone knows that. I want to see these guys play with passion and heart and not worry as much about making mistakes. This team has a lot of young talent - they are going to make mistakes - I want to see them get fired up and give it their all.

I don't want to see the coaches play conservative football because of the situation. If anything - push that pedal down harder and push these guys more.

Don't fall apart:

For Fewells sake - and the Bills fans - I really hope this doesn't turn ugly. I know some games have the potential to get ugly (See NE) - but I hope they work together as a team and fight through this difficult period (eh hem - T.O. (shut yer mouth)).

Nothing is more embarassing than players and coaches losing it on the sidelines during games. Keep your cool and when something bad happens - put it in the back of your mind and press forward.

Leaders:

Now is the time for some of the Vets to step up and take some of these young guys under their wings. Leadership is needed from the players - guys like Poz, Stroud, Lee and Schobel need to step up and become leaders during this stretch of games. This can show the next staff who they can count on during tough times - us fans as well.

I don't want to see whining or complaining Terrell Owens.

Have fun:

After all - isn't that why they started playing football to begin with? (well multi-million contracts helps as well). But go out there and have some fun - jump up and down - get excited when a good play happens. Everyone knows the situation - everyone is going to have to deal with it one way or another - my suggestion is to go out and just play as a team and try to get a few wins for Fewell and the fans.

No one is pressuring the players anymore to win games and go to the playoffs - it's time to get fundamentals down, keep learning and have fun in the process.

Win some games underdawg style:

Oh boy would I love to see a dysfunctional Bills team beat NE - play the spoiler (unless it's the last Colts game and they are going for undefeated - if nothing else just because I don't want NE to get that honor of the only 16 wins in a season)

This team still has talent - QB position is of concern - but they can all still play football in the NFL or they wouldn't be here - they can still beat some teams - lets go out and do this.

Message to Ralph and Russ:

Don't do something stupid - bring in a smart football GM - a football guy - and a good HC. You can do this - you can build a winner. Take your time - think about it - have a plan and execute it. You have the time now - make the fanbase beleive once again - please.

Jacksonville weekend

2009-11-18T20:41:02Z

Hi all,

I'm heading down to Jacksonville this weekend for what could be a very interesting game. Any information about cool places to go? Sights to see? Bars/restaurants? Anyone going and tailgating?

It is quite nice to approach the game with a fresh feeling. Anything could happen (but probably a loss) with the new coaching situation. As a fan, it will be great going in with the simple expectation of watching your team play.

Strong Kudos to Ralph Wilson

2009-11-18T20:26:08Z

This has been a very exciting 24-hours for the Bills. For the glass-half-full folks, the changes being made in the organization and the comments regarding the changes, is a much-needed breath of fresh air.

I mean, who didn't get just a little amped-up over Fewell's introduction last night? I know I did.

And for anyone who didn't catch it - today, Thurman Thomas - via tweet - mentioned a nice surprise as passed to him by Jim Kelly: ...they are going to clean house at One Bills Drive and Ralph will spend money to do it... (thank you BillsDaily).

That is the most exciting news I can recall in years from this organization. If it holds true, that is.

And Kelly's not one for dreaming stuff up - he's close to Ralph and he has no reason to speculate unless he's heard it from a reliable source.

From a usually conservative owner, this news comes as proof that Ralph is ready for some good to come to this team - for the city and for the fans. We're way overdue.

But strong kudos to Mr. Wilson if/when he does make it happen. Because if he does open the wallet and starts paying what it takes to get the big-dogs in Buffalo, then it'll re-establish my faith that he wants a winner, and that in turn would re-establish my strong backing for this team - a feeling that has been a bit misplaced the past few years.

We, as fans, have no control over the outcome of the decisions. But we can always keep hope that great things will come. And if Wilson does prove Kelly's thoughts correct then the good things could be on the horizon.

And then, I'm sure, we'll all be ready to thank Ralph for bringing some hope back to the team, and us fans as well.

Reflecting On the Edwards Era

2009-11-18T19:48:02Z

Now that Trent Edwards has officially become a healthy bench it seems that experiment is drawing to a close.

Edwards will most likely become just another statistical guy in the doldrums of Buffalo infamy - just another stop along the way on the journey to find a solid QB. It's sad, really, when I think of how much hope he gave most of us - the fans - as being the next Jim Kelly-type.

Then again, the Losman situation was sort of the same kind of thing and now he's a Locomotive.

I wonder if, under different circumstances, Edwards would have been better. If there wouldn't have been so many coaching/personnel changes, etc. - but then again, he's a pro-QB and those things happen, and you have to make the adjustment - and you don't have the luxury of having a ton of time to adjust.

All the same, I went back and looked at the video highlights of Trent and realized - in two years and some change - that he wasn't ever a big play-maker. One of the only plays I recall that he made - which was exciting - was the winning TD toss to Hardy against Jacksonville last season. But even that could be attributed to Hardy's tip-toe catch.

He did have some great tough TD runs. The Denver (or maybe KC?) game comes to mind.

Even at 5-1 last season, the wins could be attributed to many other areas that didn't involve Trent's arm. Special teams, especially, comes to mind. Maybe it was the concussion that did him in. His confidence and ability.

I think in retrospect, because that's how I basically see Trent's Buffalo career - in the permanent past - he was one of those QB's that was easy to root for when he was playing well but then all of a sudden he'd have a game (MNF - Cleveland) where he'd tear your heart out. Just too many INTs and dumb decisions.

All of us fans wear our hearts on our sleeves, surely, and it's real simple: we don't expect to go undefeated in this league, we don't have a problem fighting for a wild-card (at this point), as long as the losses are not games we "give away". Losing a well-fought battle is fine. Winning them is better. But handing them away is treacherous. NE week one - perfect example. And of course, Cleveland at home (again). And though you can't really blame Trent for those losses, he still has only had one (i think) 200-yard outing since the KC game last year, and that's simply not going to cut it in the NFL.

The Bills will likely hire a GM, a new head coach barring a Perry Fewell turnaround of epic proportions, and with that - draft a QB. I just hope the next one can do what Trent Edwards was unable to do: win consistently.

It's an exciting time right now for Bills fans. The prospects of a new coach who will shake things up and a new direction. Who knows what will happen at the QB position but I'll get behind the guy 100% like I always do.

It can't get anymore inconsistent than it is now or has been for the past few years.

Right?

And away we go! (Thurman Thomas quotes)

2009-11-18T17:31:26Z

Dick Jauron was the first head coach fired in the 2009 NFL season, which quite expectedly, set of a firestorm of speculation. Here's this afternoon's round up:

Father-son coaching duo in BUF?

With Dick Jauron out as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, we'll continue to get tips left and right as to who will be his eventual replacement. For now, it's Perry Fewell with the headset, as the former defensive coordinator was named interim coach on Tuesday.

But might the Bills take a look to their rich AFL history to select the next head man? Several pundits -- including AFC East blogger Tim Graham -- have suggested that the team may go with Marty Schottenheimer, who was dumped by the Chargers after leading them to a 14-2 record in the 2007 season, and who played for the Bills in the 1960's.

An interesting angle to the Schottenheimer hire would be that it would open the door for him to hire his son, Brian Schottenheimer, as offensive coordinator. Brian was considered a leading candidate to take over as head coach of the New York Jets following the ouster of Eric Mangini, but the team eventually hired Rex Ryan, which did not sit well with Schottenheimer at the time. Going further with this hypothetical, we could foresee the Schottenheimers setting up a progression plan in Buffalo, where Marty would coach for a set period, then the team could have an easy transition to Brian.

Personally, I'm a huge Schottenheimer fan and would love to see Marty Ball in Buffalo, but i'm not so sure I like the idea of bringing in Brain Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator as well. Would it definitely have to be a packaged deal?

Haslett the Bills' top choice?

With Dick Jauron's firing on Tuesday, the speculation began as to whom the Buffalo Bills would hire to replace him. As ESPN.com's Tim Graham noted in his rundown of potential replacements, the Bills don't exactly have a strong track record of luring high-priced, strong-willed outsiders to the organization. "[Team owner Ralph] Wilson's modus operandi has been to pursue coaches who don't command a high salary and don't expect organizational control." We'd have thought the Terrell Owens signing was perhaps a harbinger of a change in philosophy, but aside from the increased media attention on the team, Owens has been somewhat of a bust.

According to Graham, that leaves less-prominent former head coaches that have flown somewhat under the radar as the leaders, as well as up-and-coming assistants. But the leader so far might be Jim Haslett:
Haslett a sharp contrast from Jauron
"Many observers see the former New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams head coach as the perfect choice. Teams often like to go with a coach that has a different personality from the one they just fired. Haslett would be that. He's fiery. He also has a history with Buffalo. He played linebacker for the Bills from 1979 through 1985 and got his start in coaching as an assistant for the University of Buffalo."

And then there are these interesting tweets from a certain hall of fame running back that seem to confirm Brian's speculation:

I just got word today on what is happening at one bills drive. Will tell u guys at noon!!!!!! WOW is the word!!!!!!

Nobody is safe at One Bills Drive, they r cleaning house and bringing in a Football guy to run the ship. Jimbo say Ralph wil spend money!!!!

When I say clean house, I mean clean the effing house out!!!!!!

Everybody players included!!!!!!!!!

That's all I have for now, but I will continue to keep u guys informed

Stay tuned Bills fan, it's going to be a wild off-season!

Bills need whole new direction!

2009-11-18T15:32:00Z

With Jauron's firing, the Bills also need to find a General Manager who can draft better than what the organization has done for the past decade. To think, since 2000, only two of the Bills first round picks have made the Pro Bowl, and that was Nate Clements and Marshawn Lynch. They have had three offensive coordinator's in three years, which doesn't help contribute to Edwards growth as a Quarterback. They now have not made the playoffs since 1999, the longest period in Bills history. They are near last statistically in offense and defense.

Looking at this year's draft, history will show whether Bills should have drafted Orakpo, Oher, or Cushing instead of Maybin. Based on prior statement, I believe we will see those three in the Pro Bowl.

I also don't understand why Bills have players like Corto, etc., on the team, just so they can play special teams. That is why they lack no depth at key positions like linebacker, etc. If the special teams coach, Bobby April, had a say in roster decisions for special teams, I believe that was a very dumb move on Jauron's behalf.

Lastly, team needs to address offensive tackle and run-stuffing tackle in the offseason, get rid of T.O., and also draft a middle linebacker who can run. I think Poz is better suited for the outside.

Charlie Weis?

2009-11-18T04:24:32Z

Just throwing the name out there, he hasn't had much success at Notre Dame but we all know his a NFL type guy and when he gets fired at ND I hope the front office takes a shot of trying to bring him in here in some capacity I would prefer as a OC....what do you guys think?? Also if we are looking to draft a QB in this years draft his very familiar with a guy his coaching at ND now or a possibility of bringing Brady Quinn to Buffalo

Finally!

2009-11-18T03:02:39Z

Like clockwork, four hours or so after a post in which I ranted about Jauron (and eventually Edwards) departure from the Bills, voila!, Jauron is gone. Wow. I guess Ralph really does read these posts (which... I heard he does).

Okay, all joking aside - Perry Fewell is the new sheriff and I'm glad. I don't know if he'll last more than these last seven games but you gotta' love his "play like Hell and win" mentality. It sure beats that conservative, firm-lipped and non-explosive style of ol' whats-his-name. Change is good because it brings a new mentality immediately. Doesn't mean the Bills will win but they should show a real fiery disposition against the Jags. Can't wait. At this point, and until the season ends, it's all about small victories.

Now, for next season - everyone is gonna' clamor and howl for Cowher, Dungy, Shanahan or Holmgren to be brought on-board. And though I think the Bills have the coachable weapons to draw a name that big, I don't think they'll do it. It's not their style, whether it be for money or personal reasons, whatever.

But the one coach I feel could fly under the radar and land in Buffalo is Brian Billick. Though a big name in his own right, in comparison to the other coaches out there waiting for gigs, Billick is down the list a bit. I like Billick myself, always have liked his approach. He's a smart coach with good ways of doing things (except that whole Kyle Boller decision - I can only hope, if he does become Buffalo's front-man, that he and his people learned not to draft garbage at QB).

To be realistic, Cowher isn't coming to Buffalo because he's waiting for John Fox to pull a Jauron. Dungy, I don't believe, will coach at all in 2010. Shanahan is already hanging out in the doorway of Jim Zorn's office. Holmgren, according to tonight's rumor from Jim Brown, is already basically "a Brown". As far as I'm concerned, that leaves Billick and Marty Schottenheimer - and frankly - I'd take either/or at this point.

No more unsung hero coordinators (unless Fewell wins out), no more no-name no-personality stoic faces. I want a coach that gets fired up and screams during games, gets out there and becomes a part of the team - uh... a coach. Not another robot with a clipboard, who when the game-plan fails, doesn't have an answer.

It's been a long-time-coming, Bills fans. Time to get someone in here that gives a damn, and most importantly, proves to us he gives a damn. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

As of now - my vote is for Billick with Marty in a close second.

Poll: Who Do You Want As HC?

2009-11-18T02:31:31Z

Not much of an information post. I jsut wanted to see what all my fellow Rumblers want. And who knows, maybe if the proper changes come soon, we may all celebrate!

As said before, I have the upmost respect for Jauron. Its too bad he couldn't win on game day. I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to following up on him later.

With all that being said heres the poll...

Two great candidates & the best way to turn things around

2009-11-18T00:28:12Z

I think we need a strong GM & President. Today's news is great because it indicates a willingness on Mr Wilson's part to rectify the ship. It's unbelievable to me how many people think by hiring a new coach things will change. I used to be one of the guys who thought bringing in a Cowher or Schottenheimer, a guy that would act as Head coach & GM would be a good thing but after many great discussions this off season I came to the conclusion that we need a great GM first and foremost.

Two great names out there are:

1) Rod Graves with the Cardinals. He is currently the GM only. We could offer him a promotion (Executive VP of operations & GM). He has been there since 1997 and in charge of personnel since 2002. He's drafted: Fitzgerald, Boldin, Dansby, Cromartie, Wilson, Rolle, Breaston, . He brought in Warner and was man enough to bench Leinart even though he was drafted to be the franchise QB. And more importantly, he brought in a great head coach in Ken Wisenhunt. The Arizona Cardinal's are a very relevant team because of Rod Graves.

2) Scot McCloughan with the 49ers, same deal, I would hire him and promote him to executive VP of operations & GM. In his two years as GM, he's hired a great Head Coach, drafted Willis, Staley, Smith, Davis, Lawson, Gore (4th round gem!!)

Once we have a great football guy in place he should be hiring the appropriate head coach.

The problem with hiring someone lower like a director of player personnel is the risk of them not working out. These two guys have proven their worth and could turn things around. Both have recently been involved with hiring great new coaches and both have a great record in recent drafts.

This is what I think Ralph Wilson should do.

Rumor: Coach Jimmy Johnson Arrives In Buffalo

2009-11-17T21:54:40Z

I have confirmed source from a policeman working at the Buffalo airport that Super Bowl Winning Coach Jimmy Johnson flew into the Buffalo airport today. If he really is here to be looked at for the head coaching job that would be amazing news. It is a very reliable source and I do not doubt its credibility. The identity could have been mistaken but he texted me and is pretty sure Jimmy Johnson is in Buffalo.

Wish team loved the fans

2009-11-17T19:01:02Z

As Rambo said " I want the Buffalo bills to love me as much as i love them.I have been a bills fan from the war memorial days, in fact even longer than i have been married(42years on 11/16) Thia team has given us joy, OJ at the JETS, the great comeback at Houston , 99% of the first super bowl. My grandpa said that as long as the good outnumbers the bad stay with the good. It is getting close. I do not like it but I understand Ralph skin flint attitude, he is just trying to keep enough to give the kids. But that said, if he loves this team, then trade or better yet sell it so that it can be more than the HO of the NFL, we have to great a history than to have that be our epitaph

Fire Jauron & cut TO - The smart move at this point

2009-11-17T18:51:33Z

We should have traded TO when we had the chance. Now at this point our season is completely over and everyone knows it. Unfortunately keeping Jauron until the end serves very little purpose.

At this point we need to evaluate some of our young talent. There are a list of guys that will be UFAs at the end of then season and we need to get the young guys behind them some significant playing time to see what we have. We need to give the next head coach some film to work with in order to make the right decisions

TO & Josh Reed: Steve Johnson & James Hardy both need to get the bulk of the work over those two. We need to know what we have with those two sophomores before any decisions can be made

Ryan Denney: Aaron Maybin needs to get significant reps from here on out. I also would like to see Ellis get some significant playing time over Schobel & Kelsay. Why risk you're two starters. Giving these two good valuable experience now in meaningless games should pay huge dividends down the road.

Keith Ellison: He's out and should stay that way. I'd like to see both Nic Harris & Ashley Palmer get more reps

Ashton Youboty: give Lankster some playing time.

Bryan Scott & George Wilson: Should we keep Whitner? Maybe we could trade him in the off season? Give him playing time so that he can strut his stuff. Either way, it makes sense to give him some time at SS.

-----

Unfortunately, Jauron won't start these guys over the incumbents because he is still grasping at straws to try and pull out a few more wins, which is why we need to fire him now. Who cares who we promote to HC as long as we make it clear to them that these guys need playing time. As for TO, I doubt he will like losing his job so we should simply cut him and save the $$ and aggravation.

As a fan I am completely discouraged and devoid of all hope. I see no need to even watch anymore. It's worse than humiliating. At least if we fire Jauron & cut TO, it will provide hope. It will show us that Mr Wilson cares and intends on rectifying the situation. It also provides us a reason to watch the rest of the season because even if we know we won't win, at least we can watch out rookies develop.

So there you have it, another crazy idea from Keysh - blast away!

The Only Coach & QB Question Remaining

2009-11-17T15:22:22Z

When are they leaving again?

With Trent Edwards' confidence shattered, the offense on a downward spiral, the defense being placed in the unenviable position of winning ganmes for the team, and a general mess everywhere you look it's obvious that the Dick Jauron era is officially coming to a close in Buffalo.

And for this fan - it can't come soon enough.

This season is in the tank. When the Bills were 3-4 I still held out hope, maybe even at 3-5, but now at 3-6 all hope is gone. Anyone who believes this team can rattle off seven shaky wins is fooling themselves. That's not going to happen. Period. I'll give them two more wins, maybe three, at best - but that's pushing it.

If it were up to me I'd fire Jauron today. Goodbye, not-so-nice knowing you. Thanks for three seasons of 7-9 and what looks to be the most embarrassing season that we the fans have had to sit through yet.

And if Jauron goes, or rather when he goes, you can officially wave goodbye to Trent Edwards. They should pack each others' bags. Then there's Fitzpatrick and Hamdan. Career back-ups who probably won't make it through any sort of new regimes' roster shake-up.

I live in Ohio, surrounded by Browns fans (and surprisingly very few Bengals fans who are still in a state-of-shock). The Cleveland Browns are G-A-R-B-A-G-E... yet their lone win came against the Bills. In Buffalo. Against the Trent Edwards offense. I don't hear the end of it, and frankly, it's embarrassing. Browns fans... BROWNS FANS... bragging about the Bills ineptness - and so the Bills have become a strange punchline here in central Ohio. Sort of like the weeks and months following the Norwood Super Bowl.

Call it what you want but it is what it is - Buffao is nowhere near good and they're not going to get any better anytime soon.

Unless changes happen. So why not make the changes now? Ditch the Dick and start thinking about a new coach. A good one. Start thinking about the draft, yes, even as we merely approach week eleven. Draft a QB - and I don't mean some dude nobody's heard of or some guy in the sixth round - generate interest by drafting a high-profile, true-to-the-position player (not Tebow) - trade up if you have to. Get someone in here with enough ability to draft and develop a QB that the fans can finally get behind. Guys that can move the ball like Flacco or Ryan. Because the other pieces are basically in place, save a little tweaking here and there.

But this... this garbage that the suits are trying to sell us as a football team (no offense to the D) is laughable and if they wait too long to really fix the problem, then this team will become what it has inspired and been built to become - a constant failure.

It starts with Jauron and it should start now. And it starts with getting a QB in here with great potential, not mediocre talent. And if it takes another couple of years, who cares? It'd be worth the wait to see a team develop into a contender.

Definitely worth it.

Quarterbacks

2009-11-17T15:06:04Z

I wanted to run this in parallel to Brians article - With season in tailspin, Bills have QB controversy. I've seen some comments plastered throughout the community about the Bills getting certain QB's and I wanted to give my 2 cents on the whole issue.

First it should be known that I'm of the philosophy that you should build your team through the draft and sprinkle in free agents here and there in order to compliment the players you draft. Bring in a player or two during the offseason that is either a wiley veteran that can get the job done while bringing NFL experience and a veteran presence and/or a young prospect that might not fit a scheme during a rebuilding project on another team. I think building a team via free agency is costly an ineffective.

I've seen names like Brooks Bollinger, Brady Quinn and Sage Rosenfels thrown around like they could help bring this team back into contention.

Here's the deal folks:

First - no one will be saving the season this year. Not Hamdan or Fitzpatrick - Edwards should start for the rest of the season and i'm going to leave it at that.

Second - No QB that another NFL team is willing to part ways with is going to be the Bills franchise QB. It's really that simple. Make no mistake - we need an franchise QB. Not someone who can get us through next season - we already have that on the roster.

Franchise NFL QBs do not grow on trees and I can tell you with 100% certainty that no front office will trade away or cut a player that they feel could be the guy (Don't say Brees - because they had Rivers waiting in the wings). There are no NFL QBs out there that their teams are willing to part ways with that will be the Bills QB of the future - I think that's a pretty safe bet.

So we have to DRAFT our QB - that's where our focus should be. If we don't draft "the guy" then we can stick with Edwards or Fitzy next year in order to get us through the year while developing younger players in a new system.

There are a few good prospects this year and i'm sure that Brian and the staff will be putting out good articles from time to time. Let's put our efforts and energy into thinking of players that are currently playing in college - because QBs that NFL franchises are willing to part ways with are not the answer to our problem.