***Official Buffalo Bills 2007 Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Banger]

I didn't see a Bills offseason thread started yet. I've followed the Bills over the past couple years and am curious what some of the homers (Rudnicki, Gobills, etc.) think they will do in the offseason. The defense seems to have come together a bit this year. As I see it, I'd imagine the O-line would be near the top of the list, perhaps a WR, a TE? Thoughts?

 

[Winning IS Everything]

I would honestly hope the OL is most of their list, if not all of it. A solid WR2 to go opposite Evans would also be nice.

 

[Drinkin Buddy]

The o-line is a major concern especially the rightside. Assuming they resign Gandy to play LG. I think it is unlikely they resign Fletcher or Clements, so CB and MLB become a major priority as well. So their biggest needs are:

RT/RG/CB/MLB

with lesser needs being:

WR/TE/DT/DE

IMO

 

[raidergil]

The O line has needed help for about a decade, although they did play much better in 2nd half. Fletcher and Clements will be huge losses but they've got to address the interior of the D line. There were times this year they just couldn't get off the field due to other teams running wild on them.

Not as concerned with WR and TE. Parrish needs to get on the field more anyway, and once they started incorporating the TE in gameplan Royal had a 3 game TD streak (which should have been 4 without a lack of focus).

 

[msommer]

Assuming Fletcher is gone do they convert Crowell to MLB and put Spikes back on the weaktside?

Edited for accuracy

 

[Drinkin Buddy]

I agree Raidergil that the interior D-line is a concern but I don't think they'll invest alot this offseason because they invested so heavily last off-season:

Tripplett - signed a fair sized contract last year

McCargo - 1st rounder, he wasn't healthy this year so I don't think they know what they have with him yet

Williams - 5th rounder, played well but is undersized

I do think they need to add a bigger body to this group though.

 

[On The Rocks]

A lot depends on if Clemments is resigned, which I doubt will happen.

If he walks, the Bills will likely go with one of either a RT / DT / CB with their first round pick.

I don't know that there is a MLB worthy of a top 12 pick, but I don't know college football that well to know.

One things is certain,...they still have a lot of holes to fill:

1. Run stuffing DT - and I don't know that their are any real free agent prizes out there at DT this year.

(it is a shame McCargo got hurt because it didn't give them time to evaluate if they still need to go with a DT with their first pick...but with McCargo or without him, the Bills need a DT).

2. RT

3. RG (a bigger priority than RT)

4. ILB

5. TE

6. #2 WR

7. FB

Depth at:

OLB

OLine

RB

 

[Banger]

Seems pretty unanimous that RT/RG are priorities on the O-line. Any idea whether they look to free agency or is the draft more likely?

 

[Drinkin Buddy]

I have seen several mock drafts with the Bills taking Levi Brown (RT) at pick #12. My knowledge of college football is limited though. Some FAs they may make a run at are:

L.Davis

Steinbach

Dielman

Lilja

Womack

I'd say it's more likely they get a guard in FA and draft a RT.

 

[Banger]

I have seen several mock drafts with the Bills taking Levi Brown (RT) at pick #12. My knowledge of college football is limited though. Some FAs they may make a run at are:L.DavisSteinbachDielmanLiljaWomackI'd say it's more likely they get a guard in FA and draft a RT.

Deilman would be great but I think the Chargers resign him.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I didn't see a Bills offseason thread started yet. I've followed the Bills over the past couple years and am curious what some of the homers (Rudnicki, Gobills, etc.) think they will do in the offseason. The defense seems to have come together a bit this year. As I see it, I'd imagine the O-line would be near the top of the list, perhaps a WR, a TE? Thoughts?

The defense was okay this year, but we figure to lose Fletcher and Clements, so those are two pretty significant holes to fill. Possibly there is some combination of Spikes-Crowell-Ellison that gives us our starting LB corps, but we'll need depth here at the very minimum. Possibly Youbouty or Kiwake Thomas can fill in for Clements, but again his departure is going to be a blow to the defense. IMO, DT is the single biggest need we face. Nobody on our roster is stout against the run. That's the most glaring weakness on the team. Our o-line was vastly better in the 2nd half of the season, but we could definitely use another good lineman or two, particularly at guard. I'm not sure that TE is as big a need as it appeared to be at midseason. Robert Royal actually played decently down the stretch. I'm not sure why he wasn't more productive earlier in the season, but I don't think that position absolutely has to be addressed in FA. We don't currently have any WRs that can consistently go across the middle. Watching Roscoe Parrish get laid out over and over against Baltimore was fun and all, but he lacks the size to do that every week. We really need a true #2 to line up opposite Evans. Not a speed merchant, but somebody big who can move the chains. RB is also an area of need. I doubt McGahee returns in 2008. Basically, the Bills have a clear holes to fill at DT and RG. They could use help at CB, LB, OL, WR, RB and TE. The only areas were we seem set are at QB (though even there we could use depth), DE and S. I'm not even going to try to predict how Levy will handle the draft, but he has a very conservative attitude toward free agency, so I don't look for a rash of huge signings.

 

[Banger]

RB is also an area of need. I doubt McGahee returns in 2008.

I'm surprised to hear this. I read he was sniffing around for an extension this offseason so I guess that ain't gonna happen. Boy he could be a huge FA after next year.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

RB is also an area of need. I doubt McGahee returns in 2008.

I'm surprised to hear this. I read he was sniffing around for an extension this offseason so I guess that ain't gonna happen. Boy he could be a huge FA after next year.

He wants an extention, but he's coming off two pretty pedestrian season. When he was out of the lineup earlier this year, the Bills didn't seem to lose much with Anthony Thomas in the backfield. I can't see Levy ponying up big money to re-sign him. That's just my read of the situation obviously, but I've seen similar speculation in the Buffalo-area papers.

 

[Obie Wan]

A lot depends on if Clemments is resigned, which I doubt will happen. If he walks, the Bills will likely go with one of either a RT / DT / CB with their first round pick.I don't know that there is a MLB worthy of a top 12 pick, but I don't know college football that well to know.One things is certain,...they still have a lot of holes to fill:1. Run stuffing DT - and I don't know that their are any real free agent prizes out there at DT this year.(it is a shame McCargo got hurt because it didn't give them time to evaluate if they still need to go with a DT with their first pick...but with McCargo or without him, the Bills need a DT).2. RT3. RG (a bigger priority than RT)4. ILB5. TE6. #2 WR7. FBDepth at:OLBOLineRB

Biggest reason for weak run defense was the LB play.Spikes is toast, Fletcher is gone.Ellison played well, but is only 226. Bills will be adding some LBs in draft and FA.They also need to add a legitimate RG / RT on day 1 of draft-. Pennington should be fine at RT but there is no depth.

 

[On The Rocks]

RB is also an area of need. I doubt McGahee returns in 2008.

I'm surprised to hear this. I read he was sniffing around for an extension this offseason so I guess that ain't gonna happen. Boy he could be a huge FA after next year.

He wants an extention, but he's coming off two pretty pedestrian season. When he was out of the lineup earlier this year, the Bills didn't seem to lose much with Anthony Thomas in the backfield. I can't see Levy ponying up big money to re-sign him. That's just my read of the situation obviously, but I've seen similar speculation in the Buffalo-area papers.

he is a servicable back, and a little better than average, but certainly nothing worth backing a Brinks truck up for. My hope is that the OLine will be even more improved and we can really see how much McGahee is worth with a decent line in front of him next year. i am not holding my breath for hime to turn into some sort of LJ/LT type producing back. I would be happy with 1300 yards and 10-12 TD's.

 

[Banger]

RB is also an area of need. I doubt McGahee returns in 2008.

I'm surprised to hear this. I read he was sniffing around for an extension this offseason so I guess that ain't gonna happen. Boy he could be a huge FA after next year.

He wants an extention, but he's coming off two pretty pedestrian season. When he was out of the lineup earlier this year, the Bills didn't seem to lose much with Anthony Thomas in the backfield. I can't see Levy ponying up big money to re-sign him. That's just my read of the situation obviously, but I've seen similar speculation in the Buffalo-area papers.

he is a servicable back, and a little better than average, but certainly nothing worth backing a Brinks truck up for. My hope is that the OLine will be even more improved and we can really see how much McGahee is worth with a decent line in front of him next year. i am not holding my breath for hime to turn into some sort of LJ/LT type producing back. I would be happy with 1300 yards and 10-12 TD's.

Ya, I thought he showed some good flashes and had some good games behind probably one of the worst 5 o-lines in the game. Agreed though that he hasn't shown enough to back up the Brinks.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

pretty good article on Losman in today's Buffalo News

STEPPING UP IN YEAR THREE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Losman takes great strides in first full season as starring QB

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

1/7/2007

There was a look of pride on the face of Buffalo Bills assistant coach Turk Schonert as he smiled and shook the hand of J.P. Losman in the locker room at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium.

It was minutes after the Bills' season-ending loss to the Ravens, and Losman had just thrown two killer interceptions. It didn't matter. He had battled. He made some plays against a dominant defense. Moreover, he had passed a long, grueling test that began way back in March with the Bills' first spring practice.

"I just told him, "You've come a long way this year,' " Schonert said. "He was frustrated because he knew he could play better against that type of team. But that's the competitor in him, and I love it. He's got high expectations for himself, and I've got high expectations for him.

"I'm excited about him."

Losman's dramatic improvement was the development of the season for the Bills.

He improved his completion percentage from 49.5 - the worst of any starting quarterback in 2005 - to 62.5 percent, ninth best in the league. He improved his passer rating from 64.9 points - second worst in 2005 - to 85.0 points, 11th best in the league.

In short, he proved he is a competent quarterback and made it a foregone conclusion that he is the starter for next season.

"There's no question in my mind that he is," Bills coach **** Jauronsaid. "J.P. has answered a lot of questions. . . . He just keeps working at it, and I think he gives us hope for the future."

Obviously, it's too early to say if Losman is capable of leading the Bills to a championship. He's still two months shy of his 26th birthday. Both he and the Bills' offense have a lot to prove. He's still under contract through 2008. But his play offers hope that he might become a championship quarterback.

Losman's overall numbers were better than most other quarterbacks at a roughly similar stage of development this season - including the Giants' Eli Manning, Chicago's Rex Grossman, San Francisco's Alex Smith, Houston's David Carr and Jacksonville's David Garrard.

"The more he plays I believe the better he'll get because he has a good attitude, and he's talented," Jauron said. "He's a physical talent. He can obviously throw the ball. He's got a strong arm. He's got mobility. He can move around and escape some. And he's learning how to play the position. And maybe the biggest thing since I've known him is how he handles the game. . . . I mean everything: our huddle, the play clock, the comfort with recognizing certain defensive looks and then making the right decisions."

Much improved

The opinion of Losman league wide has gone way up.

Former Pro Bowl quarterback Rich Gannon, a CBS analyst who worked several of Losman's 2005 games and was critical of him, liked what he saw in 2006.

"I've seen improvement, there's no question," Gannon said. "His completion percentage has gone way up. The other thing I've seen from him is he has eliminated some of the bad decisions from his game, not just in terms of the interceptions. But there's a number of occasions where you'd see him run all over the place and then take the sack or throw a bad interception. He's cut that down. He's done a better job protecting the football. He's done a better job throwing the ball away.

"I think you take into consideration the fact this guy is in his second system in three years. That's not easy for any quarterback. I've seen growth in his understanding of the game."

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury was a fan of Losman before the 2004 draft. He still is.

"I think he's the most improved player in the league, at the toughest position to be the most improved at," Salisbury said. "Alex Smith was making great strides early in the season but tailed off a little bit.

"I like to see how a guy handles adversity. He went through the adversity of losing his job and seeing them go out and get a veteran in Craig Nall. He had to win over a new coach and a new general manager, and he did it.

"The biggest improvement is I believe everybody in that locker room now believes they can win with him, and that's important."

Backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb sees that as well.

"I think everybody in this locker room is gaining confidence because he's gaining confidence," Holcomb said. "From what he was last year to what he is now, he's leaps and bounds ahead of where he was. He understands stuff so much more."

"I've seen progress," said Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick. "He's got a tremendous arm and has a certain swagger about him, the way he likes to play. I'm very impressed with what I see."

Pat Kirwan, the former Jets personnel chief and NFL.com analyst, says Losman is ascending but still has a ways to go.

"I think he has passed where [baltimore's] Kyle Boller got to as a quarterback but I still wonder about the competitive mental edge required to win on a consistent basis," Kirwan said. "He can get streaky. But his ability to sustain his performance long term is on my question mark list for '07. I would probably say he lies somewhere above Charlie Frye, Joey Harrington, and Kyle Boller but below the three rookies - [Jay] Cutler, [Matt] Leinart and [Vince] Young."

Kirwan said opponents gave Losman more credit this year.

"I spoke with a few linebackers who lined up against him and they said he was composed and had a presence about him that wasn't there last year," he said. "All said they thought his arm strength was above average and that he could "stick a ball' in tighter places than they thought he could. As for the secondary players I spoke with, they mostly claimed they underestimated his range and decision making. One safety said, "Last year he . . . . was easily fooled, rattled and intimidated.' "

Losman's improved accuracy was the product of Schonert overhauling his footwork. Losman stopped rushing his drop-back and got his feet better set underneath him.

"I just kind of slow my feet down a little bit, try not to drop back as fast," Losman said. "I thought there was more of a rhythm and more of seeing the field faster. By speeding up my feet a little bit (in 2005), I think it sped up the defense as well. So, I just tried to slow everything down."

Gannon thinks Losman can be even more consistent with his footwork.

"From a constructive criticism standpoint, I look at his mechanics," Gannon said. "And I see sometimes his footwork is an issue. Sometimes he needs to slow his body down a little bit."

Losman agrees.

"I'd have loved to have been in this offense since Day One (in 2004), or any offense for that matter," Losman said. "It's about getting to know certain looks, the exceptions to every rule. Getting used to all the little things that an offense brings day in and day out. Footwork drills. There were some times this year where the footwork was a little off. But if I had been practicing the same footwork for the last couple years, maybe it could have been right this year. So I'm definitely looking forward to next year."

Gannon thinks Losman will get more comfortable with reading where to go with the ball.

"Another thing we always say in the business is you have to lose the extra hitch," Gannon said. "Sometimes you watch and he'll get back to the top of his set and he'll take a hitch, then he'll take an extra hitch just to make sure - "I see what I see' - and then the ball comes out. He's got such a strong arm he feels like he can take that extra hitch. But in reality you're better off throwing on timing and not taking that extra hitch. That's a thing that he'll have to eventually develop as he gets more comfortable in the system."

Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild thinks continuity will make a big difference.

"It gets to a point where if you can keep him in the same system with the same people around him, he'll see some pictures even before the ball's snapped and he'll say, "I've been there. I know exactly what's going on,' " Fairchild said. "The continuity thing for him is so important. He's been in the league but really he was a relatively inexperienced player when we got him here this offseason."

The next step

The problem for any franchise trying to develop a quarterback is there's no quick way to master the position.

Says Gannon: "I think the big thing for him - as with any quarterback who's just finishing Year Three - is in order to take that next step, in order to really evolve into a dominant player at the position, I'm talking a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady, he needs to evolve mentally. He needs to be able to slow the game down more. He needs to be a master not only of what they're doing offensively in terms of personnel usage, formations, protections, but he has to be able to master what they're doing on the other side of the ball in terms of coverages, fronts, blitzes. He needs to intertwine both of them to be able to get his team in and out of bad plays and bad situations."

"The offensive coordinator can't always be right," Gannon said. "You get to the line of scrimmage and say this play has absolutely no chance. Am I going to run it and hope Willis McGahee makes a guy miss? Or am I going to get us into a better play? You don't see that from a lot of young quarterbacks. That's the next step."

"When you're blessed with physical skills, your biggest strength becomes your biggest weakness," Salisbury said. "Brett Favre's been in the league 15 years and my biggest criticism of him is he thinks he can make every single play.

"The next step for J.P. is to know when to say when. It's OK to punt sometimes. . . . If the defense is going to make me check down four series in a row, that's exactly what I'm going to do. The truth is if you do that early in the game, defenses will say, "I'm tired of him checking it down.' "

"I feel that with another offseason in the same offense, with the same coaches and the same players, the sky is the limit," Losman said.

"He'll make a big jump next year, I'm sure of it," Fairchild said.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070107/1028725.asp

 

[Gottabesweet]

Here's my Bills homer opinion

1. Try to sign Clements (not likely)

2. Try to sign McGahee

3. Draft Levi Brown at 12

4. Look to DT, LB and CB in FA

5. Re-sign Kelsey

6. Draft Best available CB in round 2

7. LB round 3

8. DT round 4

9. FB round 5

10. look for a big WR 2 type guy

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Here's my Bills homer opinion1. Try to sign Clements (not likely)2. Try to sign McGahee3. Draft Levi Brown at 12 4. Look to DT, LB and CB in FA 5. Re-sign Kelsey6. Draft Best available CB in round 27. LB round 38. DT round 49. FB round 510. look for a big WR 2 type guy

Here's mine:1. Let Clements walk; find less expensive starter in FA2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher3. Sign Lee Evans to an extension4. Sign JP Losman to an extension5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement6. Sign Chris Kelsay8. Upgrade Tim Anderson to a DT who can stop the run9. Add OL depth10. Add another weapon at WR or TE

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Obie Wan is the one I am in the most agreement with.

Marv and Dicky will take the best defensive players available in the first 3-4 rounds just like last year. It's their football philosophy.

I believe the O-line not to be as bad as others do. It takes time to pull a line together, and three out of the five lineman working well together now are there.

I certainly expect FA additions at RG(Steinbach) and TE(Johnson). And possible linebacker and d-line help at the right price.

Additional O-line help would only come later in the draft.

And I would love to see a trade of McGahee for some picks!!!!

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Bills sign OL help....or training camp fodder?

Bills official site

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Biggest reason for weak run defense was the LB play.

Umm.... No.

Here's mine:1. Let Clements walk; find less expensive starter in FA2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher3. Sign Lee Evans to an extension4. Sign JP Losman to an extension5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement6. Sign Chris Kelsay8. Upgrade Tim Anderson to a DT who can stop the run9. Add OL depth10. Add another weapon at WR or TE

I like that list a lot better than the previous. Although, I'd be looking more for a starting OL to plug into the right side, more than just depth.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

How does the blame for the weak run defense go onto the LB'ers? Yes Fletcher has a history of making a lot of plays downfield, and the Bills had Takeo playing probably too soon as he was invisible in a lot of games, but the middle of the DL, with Anderson, Tripplett in particular were getting blown off the line way too often. I think the Bills will probably draft a college OT and move him inside to the RG spot to hopefully start next season right away so that means to me this player would be one of their top two picks. They do need a LB'er though as Fletch is getting too old and he wants to play for a winner before he retires so he doesn't want to be here. Crowell might not be ready to move to the middle with his rehab so I'd think they'll go after someone who can play the SLB and MLB spot also via the draft. With free agency, the Bills supposedly have one of the higher amounts to spend on players so I'd think they'll go after a cheaper CB in place of Clements as well as bring in more OL and DT help.

 

[T Man]

IMHO

The Bills will want to address OL, DT, LB, DB and possibly WR and RB. Iwould expect Levy to identify a few young OL that have been tendered small with the hope of prying them away. They did this last year (albeit unsuccessefully). If the talent level is there, they may try the same approach with some of the others. Good character high motor guys that have 3 years experience in the league and were low draft picks.

I would think the Bills attempt to address the OL needs through Free Agency. Someone mentioned Steinbach -- a great pickup, but I fear a bit pricey. They will try the restricted FA route first, and then possibly some seasoned vets. The OL played a lot better the 2nd half, so I don't expect a lot of $$$ being thrown out at OL by the Bills. Not saying its the right move, just that the Bills likely won't spend big $$ on OL.

As for DT, I think they look for a young BIG body. If its available in FA they go for it. If not, look for a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

As for LB, again I think this is a FA move or late round pick. They will live with Fletcher, but the feeling is the Bills brass think he's too small at MLB in their new system and that is the reason for his making plays downfield. If they cannot find an alternative quickly, I think they resign him.

DB is a concern because Clements is likely gone. He wants BIG $$$. He is good, but I don't think he's that good. CBs ahve been getting very big money in FA, and I doubt the Bills get in a bidding war. Look for a high round pick on a CB. THe Bills have been stockpiling DBs for a while. THey may just move Youbouty up or one of there safeties over.

THe other areas that may be addressed are RB and WR. I think McGahee's schtick is getting old with Levy. His off field stuff is not what Levy is looking for. A pick in the 2nd or 3rd for a potential replacement is not unheard of. My guess is that they keep McGahee, and wait a year on the replacement.

As for WR, the FA crop is lean. Levy won't pay big money for a WR either. THey need to extend Evans and get a compliment WR. Maybe they could go after McDonald or Curtis of the Rams. A second tier WR would be good -- better then what they have. THe OC was with the Rams.

 

[On The Rocks]

Marv Levy Press Conf.

Marv Levy spoke to the press for about 30 minutes this morning.

Gave his review of last season and took questions on what to expect from the Bills in the coming months.

 

[H.K.]

How about some homer insight on Josh Reed?

Just nabbed him as WR 101 off the board (player 310 overall) in the 20th round....was this a value play?

 

[Thorpe]

The OL is in good shape compared to some other positions on the team.

1) Address CB position. I think you need to sign Clements or use the #1 pick on a CB.

2) Address LB position. I'd keep Fletcher and let Spikes go. But if Fletcher is going to be a cancer, you have to let him go. I'd get a LB in free agency and/or use a mid-round pick on a LB.

3) DT. If Branch falls to 12, or if there is another DT the Bills really like, then I think you take him. This is a position where the Bills need a star, and not just another body.

4) O Line. Do what they did last year and draft 3 guys in the late rounds and hope at least 1 pans out. No reason to use a 1st round pick on the o line.

5) RB. I would not give McGahee an extension. I;d make him play out this year, and hope that he'll be motivated since it is a contract year. He only had good games against the Jets, and he can't seem to stay on the field. His work ethic is questionable at best. If he is going to hold out, trade him for a 3rd round pick. I don't like the RBs in this draft, but next year looks like a good year, so I'd try to put a band-aid on the position this year, and hope for a guy like McFadden next year.

6) WR I think Evans, Price, Reed, and Parrish will all be back.

 

[BlueDredSo]

Thorpe, I couldn't agree with you more. I really hope we re-sign Clements or Fletcher, but I understand both of them can't stay. If one is re-signed, get someone in free agency to fill the other's position. This draft is DL heavy and I think the Bills could definitely use one of those top guys. The top CBs and LBs don't impress me as much as the top DTs and DEs do. OL is the way to go with the mid-round picks. I really wouldn't mind seeing them draft a WR or RB late just to see how it pans out either.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Here's my Bills homer opinion

1. Try to sign Clements (not likely)

2. Try to sign McGahee

3. Draft Levi Brown at 12

4. Look to DT, LB and CB in FA

5. Re-sign Kelsey

6. Draft Best available CB in round 2

7. LB round 3

8. DT round 4

9. FB round 5

10. look for a big WR 2 type guy

Here's mine:1. Let Clements walk; find less expensive starter in FA

2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher

I hope you are wrong. I'd like Fletcher in a Pats uniform. Isnt that ironic?

3. Sign Lee Evans to an extension

4. Sign JP Losman to an extension

I have seen the odd mock which has Buffalo picking a QB. I dont see why. I know I called Losman a stiff his first 2 years but he won me over a big last year. I think he has a chance to make it as a decent QB.

5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement

Is the off field stuff why you want him traded?

6. Sign Chris Kelsay

8. Upgrade Tim Anderson to a DT who can stop the run

9. Add OL depth

10. Add another weapon at WR or TE

 

[Gottabesweet]

after listening to that marv levy state of the team union. Im pretty mad.

LOL at "I don't understand the salary cap"

Thats......good... we are 35m under and we don't plan on making big moves...

 

[-OZ-]

2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement

While I agree that it would be easier to keep Fletcher, I'll just note that it's unfortunate that the Bills and Jets are in the same division. Vilma for McGahee makes sense on many levels if the Bills lost Fletcher.

 

[Pat Patriot]

2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement

While I agree that it would be easier to keep Fletcher, I'll just note that it's unfortunate that the Bills and Jets are in the same division. Vilma for McGahee makes sense on many levels if the Bills lost Fletcher.

The Jets would NEVER trade Vilma for McGahee. RB's are too easy to come by. I know that Vilma struggled in the 3-4 but he is a dominant defensive player.

 

[-OZ-]

2. Do whatever it takes to keep London Fletcher5. Trade McGahee; Find his replacement

While I agree that it would be easier to keep Fletcher, I'll just note that it's unfortunate that the Bills and Jets are in the same division. Vilma for McGahee makes sense on many levels if the Bills lost Fletcher.

The Jets would NEVER trade Vilma for McGahee. RB's are too easy to come by. I know that Vilma struggled in the 3-4 but he is a dominant defensive player.

Is this where I add: so is Champ Bailey?

 

[OldMilwaukee]

D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!

Jauron speaks

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

sounds like washington is going to target London Fletcher.

with Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray there, and Dan Snyder sparing no expense to recruit him and give him a big signing bonus, it's going to be darn near impossible for the Bills to bring him back.

sad times, but he is 32 and might be close to slowing down. would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

 

[Obie Wan]

sounds like washington is going to target London Fletcher.with Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray there, and Dan Snyder sparing no expense to recruit him and give him a big signing bonus, it's going to be darn near impossible for the Bills to bring him back.sad times, but he is 32 and might be close to slowing down. would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

anybody have any insight in to Napoleon Harris from the Vikes as a possible replacement for Fletcher?

 

[On The Rocks]

would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

i'm torn.i don't know. if these three names are on the board at #12 who do you take:Alan BranchAmobi OkoyePatrick WillisI love all three!

 

[msommer]

sounds like washington is going to target London Fletcher.with Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray there, and Dan Snyder sparing no expense to recruit him and give him a big signing bonus, it's going to be darn near impossible for the Bills to bring him back.sad times, but he is 32 and might be close to slowing down. would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

anybody have any insight in to Napoleon Harris from the Vikes as a possible replacement for Fletcher?

I think the Vikes might be letting him go because he sucks...

 

[GroveDiesel]

would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

i'm torn.i don't know. if these three names are on the board at #12 who do you take:Alan BranchAmobi OkoyePatrick WillisI love all three!

Alan Branch. No doubt about it. Watching him play against OSU he reminded me of Vince Wilfork. DT is a bigger need than LBer IMO. If Spikes can more fully heal and play a little better this season (and move back to WSLB), move Crowell to MLB and Ellison to SSLB I think the Bills are ok. But an upgrade at DT is absolutely needed.

 

[Pat Patriot]

would love to see them add a stud in the draft like Patrick Willis.

i'm torn.i don't know. if these three names are on the board at #12 who do you take:Alan BranchAmobi OkoyePatrick WillisI love all three!

Alan Branch. No doubt about it. Watching him play against OSU he reminded me of Vince Wilfork. DT is a bigger need than LBer IMO. If Spikes can more fully heal and play a little better this season (and move back to WSLB), move Crowell to MLB and Ellison to SSLB I think the Bills are ok. But an upgrade at DT is absolutely needed.

I havent seen Alan Branch fall below 8th in any mock draft I have viewed and he is top 5 in most. I believe the Bills would have to trade up to get him. Okoye is definitely a posibility though.

 

[Tommy Collins]

I was optimistic about this coming season. But after these talks of being without McGahee, Fletcher, and Clements, I can't say I'm happy. Not just because we're most likely losing all three, but because we will have another team filled with stopgap type guys. They won't give out more than a total of $30 million, which would be 1 playmaker type guy. And we aren't loaded up with draft picks. So we have to improve our OL, DL, MLB, CB, HB with draft picks and limited money (which won't sign anybody significant). Plus a real #2 WR would be nice (I hate Josh Reed and Parrish isn't the answer). I have to say I'm very happy with Whitner, Youboty, and Ko Simpson last season and am optimistic about the players we get this year. But I don't think it's going to be enough to put a playoff caliber team on the field.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing.

1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.

2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.

3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.

4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut?

I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.

Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.

Making no effort to win rather than just making money.

Sick of it.

I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

 

[Tommy Collins]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing. 1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut? I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.Making no effort to win rather than just making money. Sick of it.I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

Well hopefully he'll pass the team off to someone else. He's around 88 now I believe. I'm hoping he gets sick of it and sells the team to someone who is committed to making the team a winner AND stay in Buffalo.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing. 1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut? I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.Making no effort to win rather than just making money. Sick of it.I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

Well hopefully he'll pass the team off to someone else. He's around 88 now I believe. I'm hoping he gets sick of it and sells the team to someone who is committed to making the team a winner AND stay in Buffalo.

As long as he sells it to someone who makes sure we stay in Buffalo. The sooner the better!

 

[Tommy Collins]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing. 1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut? I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.Making no effort to win rather than just making money. Sick of it.I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

Well hopefully he'll pass the team off to someone else. He's around 88 now I believe. I'm hoping he gets sick of it and sells the team to someone who is committed to making the team a winner AND stay in Buffalo.

As long as he sells it to someone who makes sure we stay in Buffalo. The sooner the better!

Hopefully Donald Trump buys it. I hate the guy but at least we won't have to hear any of the #####ing about money anymore.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing. 1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut? I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.Making no effort to win rather than just making money. Sick of it.I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

Well hopefully he'll pass the team off to someone else. He's around 88 now I believe. I'm hoping he gets sick of it and sells the team to someone who is committed to making the team a winner AND stay in Buffalo.

As long as he sells it to someone who makes sure we stay in Buffalo. The sooner the better!

Hopefully Donald Trump buys it. I hate the guy but at least we won't have to hear any of the #####ing about money anymore.

As if a businessman like Trump would keep the Bills in Buffalo. The Bills would be in L.A. so fast it'd make your head spin.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

even if someone like Golisano or Jeremy Jacobs bought the Bills, I doubt they'd be able to do a better job or be willing to spend more money on the team than Ralph has. sad fact is that Ralph is probably doing about as much as he can given the economics of Buffalo.

 

[Liquid Tension]

pretty good article on Losman in today's Buffalo News

STEPPING UP IN YEAR THREE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Losman takes great strides in first full season as starring QB

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

1/7/2007

There was a look of pride on the face of Buffalo Bills assistant coach Turk Schonert as he smiled and shook the hand of J.P. Losman in the locker room at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium.

It was minutes after the Bills' season-ending loss to the Ravens, and Losman had just thrown two killer interceptions. It didn't matter. He had battled. He made some plays against a dominant defense. Moreover, he had passed a long, grueling test that began way back in March with the Bills' first spring practice.

"I just told him, "You've come a long way this year,' " Schonert said. "He was frustrated because he knew he could play better against that type of team. But that's the competitor in him, and I love it. He's got high expectations for himself, and I've got high expectations for him.

"I'm excited about him."

Losman's dramatic improvement was the development of the season for the Bills.

He improved his completion percentage from 49.5 - the worst of any starting quarterback in 2005 - to 62.5 percent, ninth best in the league. He improved his passer rating from 64.9 points - second worst in 2005 - to 85.0 points, 11th best in the league.

In short, he proved he is a competent quarterback and made it a foregone conclusion that he is the starter for next season.

"There's no question in my mind that he is," Bills coach **** Jauronsaid. "J.P. has answered a lot of questions. . . . He just keeps working at it, and I think he gives us hope for the future."

Obviously, it's too early to say if Losman is capable of leading the Bills to a championship. He's still two months shy of his 26th birthday. Both he and the Bills' offense have a lot to prove. He's still under contract through 2008. But his play offers hope that he might become a championship quarterback.

Losman's overall numbers were better than most other quarterbacks at a roughly similar stage of development this season - including the Giants' Eli Manning, Chicago's Rex Grossman, San Francisco's Alex Smith, Houston's David Carr and Jacksonville's David Garrard.

"The more he plays I believe the better he'll get because he has a good attitude, and he's talented," Jauron said. "He's a physical talent. He can obviously throw the ball. He's got a strong arm. He's got mobility. He can move around and escape some. And he's learning how to play the position. And maybe the biggest thing since I've known him is how he handles the game. . . . I mean everything: our huddle, the play clock, the comfort with recognizing certain defensive looks and then making the right decisions."

Much improved

The opinion of Losman league wide has gone way up.

Former Pro Bowl quarterback Rich Gannon, a CBS analyst who worked several of Losman's 2005 games and was critical of him, liked what he saw in 2006.

"I've seen improvement, there's no question," Gannon said. "His completion percentage has gone way up. The other thing I've seen from him is he has eliminated some of the bad decisions from his game, not just in terms of the interceptions. But there's a number of occasions where you'd see him run all over the place and then take the sack or throw a bad interception. He's cut that down. He's done a better job protecting the football. He's done a better job throwing the ball away.

"I think you take into consideration the fact this guy is in his second system in three years. That's not easy for any quarterback. I've seen growth in his understanding of the game."

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury was a fan of Losman before the 2004 draft. He still is.

"I think he's the most improved player in the league, at the toughest position to be the most improved at," Salisbury said. "Alex Smith was making great strides early in the season but tailed off a little bit.

"I like to see how a guy handles adversity. He went through the adversity of losing his job and seeing them go out and get a veteran in Craig Nall. He had to win over a new coach and a new general manager, and he did it.

"The biggest improvement is I believe everybody in that locker room now believes they can win with him, and that's important."

Backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb sees that as well.

"I think everybody in this locker room is gaining confidence because he's gaining confidence," Holcomb said. "From what he was last year to what he is now, he's leaps and bounds ahead of where he was. He understands stuff so much more."

"I've seen progress," said Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick. "He's got a tremendous arm and has a certain swagger about him, the way he likes to play. I'm very impressed with what I see."

Pat Kirwan, the former Jets personnel chief and NFL.com analyst, says Losman is ascending but still has a ways to go.

"I think he has passed where [baltimore's] Kyle Boller got to as a quarterback but I still wonder about the competitive mental edge required to win on a consistent basis," Kirwan said. "He can get streaky. But his ability to sustain his performance long term is on my question mark list for '07. I would probably say he lies somewhere above Charlie Frye, Joey Harrington, and Kyle Boller but below the three rookies - [Jay] Cutler, [Matt] Leinart and [Vince] Young."

Kirwan said opponents gave Losman more credit this year.

"I spoke with a few linebackers who lined up against him and they said he was composed and had a presence about him that wasn't there last year," he said. "All said they thought his arm strength was above average and that he could "stick a ball' in tighter places than they thought he could. As for the secondary players I spoke with, they mostly claimed they underestimated his range and decision making. One safety said, "Last year he . . . . was easily fooled, rattled and intimidated.' "

Losman's improved accuracy was the product of Schonert overhauling his footwork. Losman stopped rushing his drop-back and got his feet better set underneath him.

"I just kind of slow my feet down a little bit, try not to drop back as fast," Losman said. "I thought there was more of a rhythm and more of seeing the field faster. By speeding up my feet a little bit (in 2005), I think it sped up the defense as well. So, I just tried to slow everything down."

Gannon thinks Losman can be even more consistent with his footwork.

"From a constructive criticism standpoint, I look at his mechanics," Gannon said. "And I see sometimes his footwork is an issue. Sometimes he needs to slow his body down a little bit."

Losman agrees.

"I'd have loved to have been in this offense since Day One (in 2004), or any offense for that matter," Losman said. "It's about getting to know certain looks, the exceptions to every rule. Getting used to all the little things that an offense brings day in and day out. Footwork drills. There were some times this year where the footwork was a little off. But if I had been practicing the same footwork for the last couple years, maybe it could have been right this year. So I'm definitely looking forward to next year."

Gannon thinks Losman will get more comfortable with reading where to go with the ball.

"Another thing we always say in the business is you have to lose the extra hitch," Gannon said. "Sometimes you watch and he'll get back to the top of his set and he'll take a hitch, then he'll take an extra hitch just to make sure - "I see what I see' - and then the ball comes out. He's got such a strong arm he feels like he can take that extra hitch. But in reality you're better off throwing on timing and not taking that extra hitch. That's a thing that he'll have to eventually develop as he gets more comfortable in the system."

Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild thinks continuity will make a big difference.

"It gets to a point where if you can keep him in the same system with the same people around him, he'll see some pictures even before the ball's snapped and he'll say, "I've been there. I know exactly what's going on,' " Fairchild said. "The continuity thing for him is so important. He's been in the league but really he was a relatively inexperienced player when we got him here this offseason."

The next step

The problem for any franchise trying to develop a quarterback is there's no quick way to master the position.

Says Gannon: "I think the big thing for him - as with any quarterback who's just finishing Year Three - is in order to take that next step, in order to really evolve into a dominant player at the position, I'm talking a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady, he needs to evolve mentally. He needs to be able to slow the game down more. He needs to be a master not only of what they're doing offensively in terms of personnel usage, formations, protections, but he has to be able to master what they're doing on the other side of the ball in terms of coverages, fronts, blitzes. He needs to intertwine both of them to be able to get his team in and out of bad plays and bad situations."

"The offensive coordinator can't always be right," Gannon said. "You get to the line of scrimmage and say this play has absolutely no chance. Am I going to run it and hope Willis McGahee makes a guy miss? Or am I going to get us into a better play? You don't see that from a lot of young quarterbacks. That's the next step."

"When you're blessed with physical skills, your biggest strength becomes your biggest weakness," Salisbury said. "Brett Favre's been in the league 15 years and my biggest criticism of him is he thinks he can make every single play.

"The next step for J.P. is to know when to say when. It's OK to punt sometimes. . . . If the defense is going to make me check down four series in a row, that's exactly what I'm going to do. The truth is if you do that early in the game, defenses will say, "I'm tired of him checking it down.' "

"I feel that with another offseason in the same offense, with the same coaches and the same players, the sky is the limit," Losman said.

"He'll make a big jump next year, I'm sure of it," Fairchild said.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070107/1028725.asp

Not a Bills fan, but that was a great article. I would like to see more like that on all teams players. What is YOUR take on Mcgahee? Was it the line or was it him or is he just mediocre?

 

[The Duff Man]

Not a Bills fan, but that was a great article. I would like to see more like that on all teams players. What is YOUR take on Mcgahee? Was it the line or was it him or is he just mediocre?

I can't decide if he doesn't run hard, or if he doesn't run smart. One big play stands out to me from last year. The Bills had stormed back at home against SD to make a game of it in the second half. He caught a pass on 3rd and short near midfield. Two SD defenders moved up to make the tackle. He was close enough to the marker to lunge into the middle of them and get the first down.Instead he tried to juke to the side. They tackled him and forced Buffalo to punt. You need better football smarts than that to know you need to get the first down. I believe in an interview last year on another occassion he said he didn't know what down it was on a play.Maybe in his head that is all he has to do now that he has his payday? Or maybe a change of scene will do him good and make him realize that no one owes him a starting RB position in the NFL. Remember the Bills got rid of a very good RB to open things up for McGahee.He must have worked his tail off to come back from the injury, so he can do it, I am not sure that he will unless he leaves Buffalo.

 

[Obie Wan]

I am quite upset to. Ralph Wilson has been nothing but a huge ego during the whole thing. 1. He raises prices (Still really low) but won't sell his name of the stadium because he says it won't generate much. Maybe it would generate not raising ticket prices.2. He keeps making complaints about being a small market team. Other teams are dealing with it get over it.3. We are 35 under the cap and we don't plan on doing anything important? Fletcher, Clements and Kelsey gone.4. Mcgahee being shopped and Spikes maybe cut? I just don't understand. Im sick of Ralph trying to get the NFL feel sorry for him. They're not! All you have done this off-season is got us a BIG jumbo tron and ribbon board around the stadium.Do something so the games are televised this year. Your product stinks. Sign some players. Do something. John Clayton is baffled as well a 7-9 team that made some progress and JP as well is regressing rather than building.Making no effort to win rather than just making money. Sick of it.I still re-newed my season tickets... Baffled as to why.

Well hopefully he'll pass the team off to someone else. He's around 88 now I believe. I'm hoping he gets sick of it and sells the team to someone who is committed to making the team a winner AND stay in Buffalo.

As long as he sells it to someone who makes sure we stay in Buffalo. The sooner the better!

Hopefully Donald Trump buys it. I hate the guy but at least we won't have to hear any of the #####ing about money anymore.

Trump would move the team out of Buffalo 5 minutes after the deal was closed.BE careful what you wish for. At least with RAlph, the team will be in Buffalo.Any other buyer will not be able to cover the debt service without enhanced revenue sharing and will be forced to move the team.