***OFFICIAL*** - Buffalo Bills Off Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[On The Rocks]

Just curious who Bills fans would like to see fill these openings?

Do you think the new GM will be an internal hire? If it is an outsider do you think Jauron is safe?

A few fans don't want to see Overdorf because they don't think he is a "football" guy. Or John Guy.

Other rumors out today include Greg Gabriel from the Bears.

Same question for the Offensive Coordinator job....do you think it will be an internal hire? (Schonert? Van Pelt?)

I have heard a lot of Bills fans mention Van Pelt but I think I would prefer to see him pay his dues as a QB Coach first.

With Cameron being fired today, Bills fans I have heard are already all lathered up about rushing to get him.

 

[higgins]

Les Steckel

 

[alg]

Not looking good IMHO. Ralph will cheap-out on the GM guaranteeing that we will not be able to draw top talent.

Not to mention the coaching situation. This may not be a popular opinion, but the OC is irrelevant as long as Jauron is coach. We are destined to flirt with .500 at best as long as the HC believes aggressive O is too scary because we may have a turnover. And hence the Bills will stick with Edwards who led us to ZERO TDs in more than half his games.

Sorry to be negative, but I am becoming a Bitter Bills Backer. Just not seeing the rainbow at the end of the tunnel...

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think Modrak would be a fine choice for GM.

not sure who's available for the OC job.

 

[alg]

I think Modrak would be a fine choice for GM.not sure whose available for the OC job.

The problem has been that Modrak hasn't wanted the job. What has changed since TD left? Apparently he is more than happy living in FL and spending all his time scouting. And maybe that is what he should keep doing. Just maybe the man knows what his real strengths are.

 

[switz]

I think Modrak would be a fine choice for GM.not sure whose available for the OC job.

The problem has been that Modrak hasn't wanted the job. What has changed since TD left? Apparently he is more than happy living in FL and spending all his time scouting. And maybe that is what he should keep doing. Just maybe the man knows what his real strengths are.

The Bills have already stated that Modrak is not in the running for GM.Jauron has final personnel say as it is, so it will be hard to draw a GM.It'd be nice to see a new OC in there, but I hope they don't go with someone like Martz. And I doubt Billick will take an OC role.

 

[alg]

I think Modrak would be a fine choice for GM.

not sure whose available for the OC job.

The problem has been that Modrak hasn't wanted the job. What has changed since TD left? Apparently he is more than happy living in FL and spending all his time scouting. And maybe that is what he should keep doing. Just maybe the man knows what his real strengths are.

The Bills have already stated that Modrak is not in the running for GM.Jauron has final personnel say as it is, so it will be hard to draw a GM.

It'd be nice to see a new OC in there, but I hope they don't go with someone like Martz. And I doubt Billick will take an OC role.

That right there is enough to make me go out and get a drinking problem.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I think Modrak would be a fine choice for GM.not sure whose available for the OC job.

The problem has been that Modrak hasn't wanted the job. What has changed since TD left? Apparently he is more than happy living in FL and spending all his time scouting. And maybe that is what he should keep doing. Just maybe the man knows what his real strengths are.

The Bills have already stated that Modrak is not in the running for GM.Jauron has final personnel say as it is, so it will be hard to draw a GM.It'd be nice to see a new OC in there, but I hope they don't go with someone like Martz. And I doubt Billick will take an OC role.

I was very upset to hear Marv was leaving. I think if he stayed one or two more years than it would pay off big time for the Bills. I really have no clue who is available for the Bills to hire as GM now. One of the problems I see is that there are coaches that are available but I bet the Bills will let all the good ones get snaged before they hire theirs. I don't want to get whatever was left over by the rest of the league. With that being said, I think #1 on my wishlist for OC is Billick. I don't think he takes a step down either but I think he would be a good fit for the Bills offense.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I have no idea. I'm not sure that there's anyone out there right now that wows me. GM is always tough to pick as a fan because we normally don't know a whole lot about the guys that get promoted into that position. I'm definitely not thrilled that Juaron has final say on personnel decisions. It's one thing to encourage heavy input from your coach on personnel decisions, but giving the coach final say basically means you have an impotent GM. You're not going to get many top quality GMs with that in place. Due to NFL rules, you're also going to have a hard time even interviewing candidates from other organizations if your GM won't have final say on personnel. This leads me to believe (combined with Wilson's shallow pockets) that the next GM will be from within.

 

[On The Rocks]

From BB.com:



Jauron: Significant Change Likely on Offense

Toward the end of the 2007 campaign knowing that offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild was headed to Colorado State at the end of the year, Bills players were hopeful the offensive system could remain the same. The prevailing thought was despite the point-scoring struggles of this past season that the system could still be an effective one.

"Continuity would be great for us," said Trent Edwards in reference to the current offensive scheme. "I've enjoyed the system I'm in right now and have learned a lot over these past 17 weeks and if we can stick with that that would be great."

Unfortunately for the players in Buffalo's locker room the reality is that things will be probably be changing offensively.

"I think there will be significant change," said head coach **** Jauron of Buffalo's offense under a new coordinator. "I'm hoping that we can keep it to a minimum. But I think you have to look at what the possibilities are. The possibilities are there could be significant change there."

To some observers changing an offense that posted a franchise low in offensive touchdowns and failed to put the ball in the end zone in five games this season wouldn't be so bad. But for some Bills players that have seen what constant change has brought them in the way of wins, or lack thereof, year after year, they'd prefer to change as little as possible.

"Ideally you want the same system so you don't have to start from a complete ground zero," said Lee Evans. "Even when a new coordinator comes in you still have to get used to how he calls games and things like that. But from a system standpoint, being in the same system will go a long way. That's pretty much the basis of where you start to build."

Jauron agrees, believing it's always better if you can have continuity. But what's most important to Buffalo's head coach is that he gets the right assistant to run his offense.

The Bills sideline boss seems to be biding his time in his search for a new offensive coordinator as the team's hierarchy determines the approach in replacing outgoing general manager Marv Levy. Jauron, however, has given thought to filling the post.

"I have some people I feel pretty good about," Jauron told Buffalobills.com.

If significant change does come about in the way of offensive scheme with a new coordinator, quarterback Trent Edwards will likely be spending more time in Buffalo this offseason. As Edwards cleaned out his locker this past Monday he said he intended to be back in early March. But changes on offense will likely bring Edwards back to One Bills Drive sooner than that.

Jauron is confident if a new coordinator does turn things over that all of his signal callers will be back early this offseason.

"I think with Trent and really with all of our quarterbacks, J.P. (Losman) and Gibran (Hamdan) it's not going to be a question of asking them to come in," said Jauron. "They'll be here and want to be around here to get inside the offense before probably anybody else. That's the nature of their position. My sense is they'll be here."

But who will be here schooling them on offense is the big question.

 

[On The Rocks]

Bills Looking to Fill Two Vacancies

Bills are ready to start searches for two vacancies

Updated: 01/08/08 6:45 AM

The Buffalo Bills are expected to begin interviewing candidates this week for their vacant front-office and offensive coordinator positions.

The Bills will be talking to candidates outside the organization, a team source told The Buffalo News, although that does not rule out candidates within the organization.

Exactly what title the team will give to its new front-office hire was not known, but there is talk within the organization it may not be general manager.

The decision of Marv Levy to step down as general manager is prompting a restructuring of the team’s football department.

The Bills could give Levy’s replacement a title such as vice president of player personnel. That would be a way to keep him roughly equal on the team’s organizational chart with head coach **** Jauron and the team’s non-football vice presidents.

Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and New England are among other teams that don’t use the general manager title.

Owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. is expected to retain the team president title.

It’s expected the Bills will try to keep a consensus-approach to decision making that existed while Levy was general manager rather than give one person unlimited authority. Levy still is serving as an adviser to Wilson, who leads the search for the new chief football man.

As of Monday evening, there was no word that the Bills had asked permission to speak with a member of another team’s front office.

Among the names speculated upon who have ties to Buffalo includes Chicago’s director of college scouting Greg Gabriel, a Buffalo native who scouted for the Bills in the 1980s.

Another is Rick Mueller, New Orleans’ vice president of player personnel, who worked with Jauron in Jacksonville.

Should the Bills stay within the organization, the one person in the football department in position to move up would be John Guy, director of pro personnel.

Meanwhile, Jauron searches for a replacement for Steve Fairchild, who became head coach at Colorado State University.

Quarterbacks coach Turk Schonert is a strong candidate to replace Fairchild.

Jauron said on the Bills’ Web site he expects there will be “significant change” in the offense, which finished 30th for a second straight season in yards gained. It’s expected the Bills will interview Schonert for the position this week. Fairchild had full control of play calling this year.

Another potential candidate with ties to Jauron came available Monday. He is Greg Olson, who was demoted as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. He is free to seek other jobs. Olson was Jauron’s QB coach in Chicago in 2003 and worked with Jauron in Detroit in 2004 and 2005.

On one of the Bills message boards it was mentioned that Chris Palmer could become a candidate for OC since he also worked with Jauron in Jacksonville. I would be intrigued by that choice moreso than the names of Turk Schonert or Greg Olsen.

 

[On The Rocks]

Bills to Name Turk Schonert OC

Bills to name Schonert offensive coordinator

Updated: 01/16/08 8:29 AM

The Buffalo Bills are expected to make their latest coaching staff move official within the next day or two: Turk Schonert will be elevated to the offensive coordinator.

The move has been anticipated since Steve Fairchild stepped down as offensive chief to become head coach at Colorado State University.

Schonert, 51, will be promoted from quarterbacks coach, team sources told The News. Alex Van Pelt, 37, will move up from offensive quality control coach to quarterbacks coach.

Schonert has spent 22 years in the NFL, 10 as a player and 12 as an assistant coach. This will be his first chance as a coordinator. He will be charged with bringing some new ideas and tactics to an offense that ranked 30th in the NFL the past two seasons.

Bills coach **** Jauron brought Schonert to Buffalo in 2006. Schonert previously was QB coach for New Orleans (2005), the New York Giants (2003), the Carolina Panthers (2001), Buffalo (1998 to 2000) and Tampa Bay (1992 to 1995). Van Pelt played for the Bills from 1995 to 2003. He also joined the Bills’ staff when Jauron was hired in 2006

Not sure if this is Ralph Wilson pinching pennies to show a better bottom line in preparing to sell his team (mild speculation), or if it is a valid promotion/hire. Schonert has paid his dues, I just don't know that he has shown any success that validates being bumped to an OC.

 

[DawnBTVS]

From http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/p.../801170338/1021

However, he did say he has several wrinkles he wants to implement including a return to a two-back set with a true fullback; more spread formations, particularly in third-and-short situations; and an audible system for Edwards, something Fairchild did not trust Edwards or Losman with.

I'm curious to see (esp. with the success of teams like the Pats, Colts, and Steelers) how the spread formations work with Edwards being able to audible at the line too.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

even with Marv and Fairchild leaving, doesn't sound like there will be anyone new brought in. lots of promotions from within.



I really hope Schonert doesn't turn out to be the next John Shoop.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Was listening to a local radio show and Schonert said that there will be a big emphasis on the FB this year. He's looking for a true big FB that can open up some holes.

I'm pretty excited about that but only because it makes it a little more real that the Bills will draft Owen Schmitt. I would love to have this guy paving the way for Lynch for years to come.

 

[On The Rocks]

Was listening to a local radio show and Schonert said that there will be a big emphasis on the FB this year. He's looking for a true big FB that can open up some holes.I'm pretty excited about that but only because it makes it a little more real that the Bills will draft Owen Schmitt. I would love to have this guy paving the way for Lynch for years to come.

Do you think Darian Barnes is the answer?

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Was listening to a local radio show and Schonert said that there will be a big emphasis on the FB this year. He's looking for a true big FB that can open up some holes.I'm pretty excited about that but only because it makes it a little more real that the Bills will draft Owen Schmitt. I would love to have this guy paving the way for Lynch for years to come.

Do you think Darian Barnes is the answer?

Simply Actually, when he was on the Shred and Regan show they mentioned the signing of Barnes and I could have sworn he said, "oh, really?". Barnes is no Schmitt.

 

[OC Zed]

Any thoughts as to who they should draft in the first round? I think their most glaring weaknesses right now is a playmaking DT that can consistently shoot through the line and another OLB with better range than Ellison. I would prefer they draft the OLB in the first round (assuming there is a an OLB with the right value when they are picking) and pick-up the DT either through free agency or in the third or fourth rounds given that they use a rotation system for the DTs anyways (hence limiting the effectiveness of any one player as it is).

I concede we need a bigger WR to replace Price (I would be SHOCKED if he is back next year), but this is an urgent need in a position where rookie WRs rarely can fill. I would rather see them find someone in free agency or a trade (e.g., Matt Jones in Jacksonville) and use a fourth or fifth round pick on someone they can develop over the course of a few years.

Other draft needs would be to add depth to the offensive line. We were relatively lucky last year with that unit being (mostly) injury free. Odds are that we will need at least one reserve to step up this year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

biggest needs, IMO:

WR (signing Evans to an extension should be top priority but team also needs a legit #2 WR taller than 6')

CB (get a guy with some size who can tackle and play good zone, don't need to overspend for one of the best athletes)

DT (McCargo coming on, Tripplett and Williams both solid, need a 4th for the rotation who is preferably more of a run plugger)

TE (Royal is a good blocker, but they really need a reliable receiving threat and TEBC isn't cutting it. doesn't look like a great year in the draft for TEs though.)

OLB (Crowell and Poz should play the nickel so only need a 2-down backer to compete with Ellison and/or backup Crowell)

DE (Hargrove suspension creates a need for a 4th)

may need a backup QB depending on what happens with Losman. some of these needs will likely be filled in free agency.

 

[OC Zed]

biggest needs, IMO:WR (signing Evans to an extension should be top priority but team also needs a legit #2 WR taller than 6')CB (get a guy with some size who can tackle and play good zone, don't need to overspend for one of the best athletes)DT (McCargo coming on, Tripplett and Williams both solid, need a 4th for the rotation who is preferably more of a run plugger)TE (Royal is a good blocker, but they really need a reliable receiving threat and TEBC isn't cutting it. doesn't look like a great year in the draft for TEs though.)OLB (Crowell and Poz should play the nickel so only need a 2-down backer to compete with Ellison and/or backup Crowell)DE (Hargrove suspension creates a need for a 4th)may need a backup QB depending on what happens with Losman. some of these needs will likely be filled in free agency.

I would say that CB is the least of our concerns on your list. Greer was fantastic this year stepping into the second starting CB role and is probably our best "man" corner. And I feel comfortable with Webster and Youboty (I still want to give him one more year) in our nickel and dime coverages. I think the problems with our pass defense this stemmed much more from the lack of pressure from our front 4 and our non-existent blitz packages.Although TE is a position I forgot to mention in my prior post, I think we should consider using a high draft choice for this position. Royal's receiving has been a pleasant surprise (they brought him in as a blocker primarily), but we need depth here and someone who can stretch the middle of the defense. This would also take some of the pressure of our undersized WR corps.I don't think Losman should be brought back next year, but I would rather see the team keep him as our backup rather than just cutting him. Although I think his potential justifies probably a second or third round pick, I would be happy with just a fourth round pick in exchange given that this will be the final year of his contract and I don't think any other team can justify signing him to a big, long-term deal.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

biggest needs, IMO:

WR (signing Evans to an extension should be top priority but team also needs a legit #2 WR taller than 6')

CB (get a guy with some size who can tackle and play good zone, don't need to overspend for one of the best athletes)

DT (McCargo coming on, Tripplett and Williams both solid, need a 4th for the rotation who is preferably more of a run plugger)

TE (Royal is a good blocker, but they really need a reliable receiving threat and TEBC isn't cutting it. doesn't look like a great year in the draft for TEs though.)

OLB (Crowell and Poz should play the nickel so only need a 2-down backer to compete with Ellison and/or backup Crowell)

DE (Hargrove suspension creates a need for a 4th)

may need a backup QB depending on what happens with Losman. some of these needs will likely be filled in free agency.

A FOURTH? How about an above average 2nd? Kelsay is brutal and too light to play every down. You can never have enough pass rushers.I think the Bills should go WR/TE with 2 out of their 3 picks on Day 1 and use the other pick for an OL who can play C-G.

 

[JaxBill]

Bills to play 8 games in Toronto over next 5 years.

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=228553&hubname

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

A FOURTH? How about an above average 2nd? Kelsay is brutal and too light to play every down. You can never have enough pass rushers.I think the Bills should go WR/TE with 2 out of their 3 picks on Day 1 and use the other pick for an OL who can play C-G.

well...they paid Kelsay a lot of money. I don't think he's going to be riding the bench anytime soon. And think Denney is a pretty solid #3 who can prevent Kelsay from playing everydown. Kelsay/Denney are both solid against the run...I'd like to see them try and add more of a pure edge rusher to use on passing downs.I'd agree with WR/TE being a priority on day 1, although I'm not seeing a lot to get excited about in the TE prospects this year.Given the investments they made to the offensive line last year, I'd be surprised if they spent a day 1 pick there, but adding depth anywhere on the line isn't a bad idea.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I would say that CB is the least of our concerns on your list. Greer was fantastic this year stepping into the second starting CB role and is probably our best "man" corner. And I feel comfortable with Webster and Youboty (I still want to give him one more year) in our nickel and dime coverages. I think the problems with our pass defense this stemmed much more from the lack of pressure from our front 4 and our non-existent blitz packages.

Greer certainly played well, but I think he's a better fit in the slot. Webster will probably never be able to stay healthy and he's headed for free agency anyway. Getting Kiwaukee Thomas back will certainly help. It may not be a huge need, but I'd like to see them try and add a taller CB in case Youboty doesn't pan out.pretty good writeup on the Bills CBs here: http://www.buffalorumblings.com/story/2008/1/22/94756/6319

 

[Gnat Berries]

After watching the Bills get slaughtered by Jamal Lewis and the Giants' Jacobs & Bradshaw, I don't know how DT can't be their #1 priority.

Their run-D was TERRIBLE last year. Just awful. When the game was on the line, teams would go into a power set and run right at the heart of our defense. Getting Pozlusky back will help, but they need two big run-stuffing DTs to plug the middle, like Ted Washington and Pat Williams did back in the day.

McCargo has shown flashes, but Tripplet is worthless, as is Williams and every other DT on the roster. These guys just don't make plays. If there's a Nagota of this year's draft, they need to draft him.

 

[OC Zed]

After watching the Bills get slaughtered by Jamal Lewis and the Giants' Jacobs & Bradshaw, I don't know how DT can't be their #1 priority. Their run-D was TERRIBLE last year. Just awful. When the game was on the line, teams would go into a power set and run right at the heart of our defense. Getting Pozlusky back will help, but they need two big run-stuffing DTs to plug the middle, like Ted Washington and Pat Williams did back in the day. McCargo has shown flashes, but Tripplet is worthless, as is Williams and every other DT on the roster. These guys just don't make plays. If there's a Nagota of this year's draft, they need to draft him.

I agree with you that our run defense is our biggest weakness now, but the problem is that our current defensive scheme disfavors giant, space-eating DTs like Ted Washington and Pat Williams. Rather, it's designed for smaller, penetrating DTs which McCargo showed flashes of throughout the season. We simply are not going to see the team bring in another guy like Washington or Williams so long as this defense is in place. I think Tripplet and Kyle Williams are at least consistent, but would probably be better suited at this point with fewer plays in the rotation.You are right that bringing back Pozlusny will help, but I think we would also greatly benefit by replacing Ellison with another OLB with more range and aggressiveness. Heck, Wire and Haggan were more effective against the run this year than Ellison.Of course, if our offense was not as anemic as it was last year, our defense would not have always been playing every second half against opponents trying to salt away the clock with their running game.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Bills to play 8 games in Toronto over next 5 years.

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=228553&hubname

And what a joke that is. $250 Canadian PER GAME for 8 games, which is $2000 upfront, which includes 3 preseason games. Bills must be BANKING on a lot of corporations getting in because the average Joe can't afford that here or in any city.All games are supposed to be after the CFL season is over meaning most likely we'd have a December game. If the Bills continue to play around the .500 mark, that would most likely mean non-sell out games in Buffalo now is going to be in Toronto. Talk about getting hosed....

 

[redman]

Bills coach **** Jauron brought Schonert to Buffalo in 2006. Schonert previously was QB coach for New Orleans (2005), the New York Giants (2003), the Carolina Panthers (2001), Buffalo (1998 to 2000) and Tampa Bay (1992 to 1995). Van Pelt played for the Bills from 1995 to 2003. He also joined the Bills’ staff when Jauron was hired in 2006

Not sure if this is Ralph Wilson pinching pennies to show a better bottom line in preparing to sell his team (mild speculation), or if it is a valid promotion/hire. Schonert has paid his dues, I just don't know that he has shown any success that validates being bumped to an OC.

Could you invent a less impressive NFL QB coaching resume covering the last 15 years? He hasn't been on a single noteworthy coaching staff, not a one! Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills to play 8 games in Toronto over next 5 years.

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=228553&hubname

And what a joke that is. $250 Canadian PER GAME for 8 games, which is $2000 upfront, which includes 3 preseason games. Bills must be BANKING on a lot of corporations getting in because the average Joe can't afford that here or in any city.All games are supposed to be after the CFL season is over meaning most likely we'd have a December game. If the Bills continue to play around the .500 mark, that would most likely mean non-sell out games in Buffalo now is going to be in Toronto. Talk about getting hosed....

getting regular season NFL games = getting hosed?geez. This is a good example of why Toronto would make an awful NFL market.

and the Bills have done a pretty good job of selling out all their games lately.

 

[Gnat Berries]

Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

Yes, the Stick with a Crappy QB and Fail system. 2005 Saints - Aaron Brooks

2003 Giants - Kerry Collins

2001 Panthers - Chris Weinke

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

Bucs 92-95 - Craig Erickson

What can we expect from such a decorated resume?

They won't bring in a FA QB. They'll either go back to Losman or will stick with Edwards, and whoever starts will suck.

Why am I fan of this team?

 

[OC Zed]

Bills coach **** Jauron brought Schonert to Buffalo in 2006. Schonert previously was QB coach for New Orleans (2005), the New York Giants (2003), the Carolina Panthers (2001), Buffalo (1998 to 2000) and Tampa Bay (1992 to 1995). Van Pelt played for the Bills from 1995 to 2003. He also joined the Bills’ staff when Jauron was hired in 2006

Not sure if this is Ralph Wilson pinching pennies to show a better bottom line in preparing to sell his team (mild speculation), or if it is a valid promotion/hire. Schonert has paid his dues, I just don't know that he has shown any success that validates being bumped to an OC.

Could you invent a less impressive NFL QB coaching resume covering the last 15 years? He hasn't been on a single noteworthy coaching staff, not a one! Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

They promoted Schonert to preserve the continuity of Fairchild's system, except Schonert is expected to open up the playbook more with a more vertical passing game with 3 and 4 wide receiver sets. Essentially, the terminology will remain the same, but with a more varied attack (instead of the run into the middle on 1st and 2nd downs and pass to Lee Evans on third downs approach of the last 2 years). I agree that his resume is less than stellar, but I do side with Jauron and all of the players who lobbied for Schonert that brining in a new coordinator would have done more harm than good at this point considering all of the young players still trying to get up the curve in the current system and the number of offensive systems that we've had in the past 7 years (at least 4).

 

[ScottNorwood]

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

oh dear god no

 

[OC Zed]

Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

Yes, the Stick with a Crappy QB and Fail system. 2005 Saints - Aaron Brooks

2003 Giants - Kerry Collins

2001 Panthers - Chris Weinke

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

Bucs 92-95 - Craig Erickson

What can we expect from such a decorated resume?

They won't bring in a FA QB. They'll either go back to Losman or will stick with Edwards, and whoever starts will suck.

Why am I fan of this team?

You weren't impressed at all with Edwards as a rookie? I'm not ready to anoint the guy to the hall of fame, but he did show more poise and an ability to read defenses better than any rookie quarterback I've seen. I think it would be foolish not to give the guy an opportunity to develop for at least one more season before deciding to go with someone else.

 

[OC Zed]

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

oh dear god no

Rob Johnson supporter right here. I acknowledge the guy's shortcomings... primarily, AWFUL pocket presence, but the team certainly didn't do him any favors by consistently surrounding him with the WORST offensive line in football while he was in Buffalo.

 

[ScottNorwood]

Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

Yes, the Stick with a Crappy QB and Fail system. 2005 Saints - Aaron Brooks

2003 Giants - Kerry Collins

2001 Panthers - Chris Weinke

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

Bucs 92-95 - Craig Erickson

What can we expect from such a decorated resume?

They won't bring in a FA QB. They'll either go back to Losman or will stick with Edwards, and whoever starts will suck.

Why am I fan of this team?

You weren't impressed at all with Edwards as a rookie? I'm not ready to anoint the guy to the hall of fame, but he did show more poise and an ability to read defenses better than any rookie quarterback I've seen. I think it would be foolish not to give the guy an opportunity to develop for at least one more season before deciding to go with someone else.

He was ok. I'd be more comfortable if I had seen him connect on more passes down the field.

 

[OC Zed]

Does anyone know what kind of system he favors?

Yes, the Stick with a Crappy QB and Fail system. 2005 Saints - Aaron Brooks

2003 Giants - Kerry Collins

2001 Panthers - Chris Weinke

Bills 98-00 - Rob Johnson (Hey! Remember him, Bills fans?! Our new offensive coordinator is responsible for his development! WOOHOO!)

Bucs 92-95 - Craig Erickson

What can we expect from such a decorated resume?

They won't bring in a FA QB. They'll either go back to Losman or will stick with Edwards, and whoever starts will suck.

Why am I fan of this team?

You weren't impressed at all with Edwards as a rookie? I'm not ready to anoint the guy to the hall of fame, but he did show more poise and an ability to read defenses better than any rookie quarterback I've seen. I think it would be foolish not to give the guy an opportunity to develop for at least one more season before deciding to go with someone else.

He was ok. I'd be more comfortable if I had seen him connect on more passes down the field.

I agree with you on this. I'm hoping that another year in the same system will make him more comfortable in taking shots down the field.

 

[jevy]

Bills to play 8 games in Toronto over next 5 years.

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=228553&hubname

And what a joke that is. $250 Canadian PER GAME for 8 games, which is $2000 upfront, which includes 3 preseason games. Bills must be BANKING on a lot of corporations getting in because the average Joe can't afford that here or in any city.All games are supposed to be after the CFL season is over meaning most likely we'd have a December game. If the Bills continue to play around the .500 mark, that would most likely mean non-sell out games in Buffalo now is going to be in Toronto. Talk about getting hosed....

getting regular season NFL games = getting hosed?geez. This is a good example of why Toronto would make an awful NFL market.

and the Bills have done a pretty good job of selling out all their games lately.

Explain why this is an example that Toronto would be a bad NFL market.As for the prices...

Average ticket price in Buffalo = $46.46 (ranked 31st)

Average ticket price in New England = $90.91 (ranked 1st)

Proposed average ticket price in Toronto = $250.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Explain why this is an example that Toronto would be a bad NFL market.

As for the prices...

Average ticket price in Buffalo = $46.46 (ranked 31st)

Average ticket price in New England = $90.91 (ranked 1st)

Proposed average ticket price in Toronto = $250.

b/c the city never got an NFL game before and he's already complaining that the Bills won't be good enough or that the games won't be meaningful late in the season. Last 2 seasons under Jauron, the team was 7-7 with a shot at the playoffs at the end of the season.Toronto obviously has the corporate base to pay higher rates for tickets and luxury boxes (which is why the Bills are going there), but the city also has a great deal of fair weather fans who would likely abandon a non-winning team very quickly.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Aaron I'm shocked at you. Sure in the past we haven't agreed all the time on the Bills and the NFL, but to think the people in southern Ontario want to pay $2000 for three exhibition games and five regular season games, and we have no way on knowing who these teams are in advance is absolutely ridiculous.

Corporate money might make this still work but no way am I paying to see anyone play for that coin. I don't expect you or anyone else to pay that for a game. $100 would have been my top dollar for a seat if we ever had a team move here.

Funny thing is that the CFL Hamilton Tigercat and Toronto Argo season ticket holders along with Bills season ticket holders have first crack at this. I don't know what the CFL ticket holders average price tag is for games but no way is it near that cost.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Explain why this is an example that Toronto would be a bad NFL market.

As for the prices...

Average ticket price in Buffalo = $46.46 (ranked 31st)

Average ticket price in New England = $90.91 (ranked 1st)

Proposed average ticket price in Toronto = $250.

b/c the city never got an NFL game before and he's already complaining that the Bills won't be good enough or that the games won't be meaningful late in the season. Last 2 seasons under Jauron, the team was 7-7 with a shot at the playoffs at the end of the season.Toronto obviously has the corporate base to pay higher rates for tickets and luxury boxes (which is why the Bills are going there), but the city also has a great deal of fair weather fans who would likely abandon a non-winning team very quickly.

What the **** are you smoking? Just look at the attendance for the Maple Leaves. They have sold out for years and they have one of the highest ticket prices in the league.http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2007

http://andrewsstarspage.com/NHL-Business/ticket-prices.htm

You've lost all creditability with me after that.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Explain why this is an example that Toronto would be a bad NFL market.

As for the prices...

Average ticket price in Buffalo = $46.46 (ranked 31st)

Average ticket price in New England = $90.91 (ranked 1st)

Proposed average ticket price in Toronto = $250.

b/c the city never got an NFL game before and he's already complaining that the Bills won't be good enough or that the games won't be meaningful late in the season. Last 2 seasons under Jauron, the team was 7-7 with a shot at the playoffs at the end of the season.Toronto obviously has the corporate base to pay higher rates for tickets and luxury boxes (which is why the Bills are going there), but the city also has a great deal of fair weather fans who would likely abandon a non-winning team very quickly.

What the **** are you smoking? Just look at the attendance for the Maple Leaves. They have sold out for years and they have one of the highest ticket prices in the league.http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2007

http://andrewsstarspage.com/NHL-Business/ticket-prices.htm

You've lost all creditability with me after that.

sorry I wasn't more clear. the Maple Leafs are pretty unique and probably not a great comparison to use when evaluating how the city would support an NFL team. I know they sell out every game and the team makes a fortune.But, regular folks can't get tickets to maple leafs games b/c the ticket prices are so high and the corporations wind up buying most of them. watch most games and you see lots of empty seats in the beginning and at the end of the games. The people at those games aren't really the biggest fans, generally. They are just the richest fans.

that's why so many Leafs fans come down to see games in Buffalo. they can't get tickets in Toronto.

like I said, Toronto has the corporate base and the economy that can allow a team to charge top dollar for tickets. That's the reason the Bills are going there. If they wanted to charge $50/game, they could sell out those games in Buffalo like they have been doing.

do you think an NFL team would draw like the Maple Leafs...or more like the Blue Jays, Raptors, or Argos?

looks like the Blue Jays sold less than 60% of their tickets available last year: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance?s...mp;seasonType=2

Raptors seem to be doing alright now, but they also won their division last year. I have no idea how the Argos draw, but I assume they do pretty well. Would argos fans cross over to the NFL?

anyway, I have nothing against Toronto. I love the city. If the Bills ever move, I'd rather see them go there than almost anywhere else. I just don't know that the city will love a team like the Bills as much as Buffalo does. Obviously, the economics are a huge advantage in today's NFL though.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Aaron I'm shocked at you. Sure in the past we haven't agreed all the time on the Bills and the NFL, but to think the people in southern Ontario want to pay $2000 for three exhibition games and five regular season games, and we have no way on knowing who these teams are in advance is absolutely ridiculous.Corporate money might make this still work but no way am I paying to see anyone play for that coin. I don't expect you or anyone else to pay that for a game. $100 would have been my top dollar for a seat if we ever had a team move here.Funny thing is that the CFL Hamilton Tigercat and Toronto Argo season ticket holders along with Bills season ticket holders have first crack at this. I don't know what the CFL ticket holders average price tag is for games but no way is it near that cost.

I think that's kind of the point. If the team wants to continue to play in front of passionate fans, they can keep doing that in Buffalo.Going to Toronto is a way to try and tap into additional sources of revenue. Hence, the high ticket prices. They aren't going to Toronto to bring in more regular Joe fans. They want the big bucks.also, SkyDome only holds about 53,000 people while Ralph Wilson stadium holds 75,000. Gotta charge more just to make up the lost revenue from 20,000+ fewer seats.

 

[OC Zed]

Any thoughts about the Bills pursuing some of the free agent TEs and/or WRs?

This link has a good list of who will be available.

I would love to see the Bills go after Dallas Clark, but I would be surprised if they could afford him. Eric Johnson is not a gamebreaker, but would be an affordable upgrade from our TE roster this season.

Donte Stallworth intrigues me as being a "1a" receiver with Evans (I'm assuming he will be cut by New England), but again, I don't think the Bills can afford him particularly if they give Evans a long-term deal this off-season. Gaffney would be a cheaper option and may be an upgrade over Price, but at 6'1" I'm not sure if he has the size the Bills need. I still think trading for disgruntled Matt Jones in Jacksonville could work out well for both teams.

The free agent quarterback list seems thin this year, but I think Cleo Lemon or Billy Volek would be good additions as a backup to Edwards (assuming Losman is gone).

 

[OC Zed]

So would you still root for the Bills if they move to Toronto?

Speculation persists.

To some degree, I think this is the media fanning the flames to a potential story, but Wilson's own words yesterday seemed less assuring than they have been in the past.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So would you still root for the Bills if they move to Toronto?

Speculation persists.

To some degree, I think this is the media fanning the flames to a potential story, but Wilson's own words yesterday seemed less assuring than they have been in the past.

yes.and I agree. this is being blown out of proportion.

Wilson came off like a tool yesterday though, and I'm one of his bigger supporters.

 

[OC Zed]

So would you still root for the Bills if they move to Toronto?

Speculation persists.

To some degree, I think this is the media fanning the flames to a potential story, but Wilson's own words yesterday seemed less assuring than they have been in the past.

yes.and I agree. this is being blown out of proportion.

Wilson came off like a tool yesterday though, and I'm one of his bigger supporters.

To stretch this out, would you still root for the Bills if they move to LA? Where would you draw the line? Not being able to attend the games in person?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

To stretch this out, would you still root for the Bills if they move to LA? Where would you draw the line? Not being able to attend the games in person?

maybe for a few years, but not for long. most Bills fans don't even live in Buffalo anymore so going to the games isn't a huge concern. But, if the team moves someplace far from Buffalo, once the players and management turn over, there really won't be any remaining connection with the city/area.it would suck regardless, but Toronto is the lesser evil of all possible options. LA would be the worst.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

To stretch this out, would you still root for the Bills if they move to LA? Where would you draw the line? Not being able to attend the games in person?

maybe for a few years, but not for long. most Bills fans don't even live in Buffalo anymore so going to the games isn't a huge concern.

Most of us are here.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Bills season ticket holder here. Rochester and Buffalo support this team and Wilson didn't even say anything about us.

NYS Senator insists we will be kept here. That's just political talk. Jim Kelly and Thurman as well but that's just to keep me in the seats for the next 5 years.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

To stretch this out, would you still root for the Bills if they move to LA? Where would you draw the line? Not being able to attend the games in person?

maybe for a few years, but not for long. most Bills fans don't even live in Buffalo anymore so going to the games isn't a huge concern.

Most of us are here.

I was exaggerating a bit, but not totally. there are packed Bills bars all around the country. I believe I read at some point that they have the 2nd largest "official" fan group (no clue how this was measured)...mostly because so many people have moved away over the years.