If the Bills pick #8:
There's no reason why they shouldn't take the best player available which includes G, CB, S and even DE.
All the pundits believe that the top three OT's will be off the board before the Bills pick at #8. Most feel as if LB Dion Jordan, DT Sharrif Floyd and DE Ziggy Ansah will be gone as well.
The list in front of the Bills resting in the hands of Arizona would include QB's Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, and Ryan Nassib; top-rated CB, Dee Milliner, OG's Jonathan Cooper and Chance Warmack and WR Tavon Austin.
If Jordan, Ansah and Milliner are all off the board and they must make a pick, their pick should be: QB, MATT BARKLEY
If the Bills trade down, scenario one.
It takes two to tango and the Bills will need to have a partner, a partner who sees a player that they covet and are willing to trade picks to move up.
The San Diego Chargers (#11 overall) and Miami Dolphins (#12) both have needs at LT. If Lane Johnson somehow makes it to the Bills at #8, either SD or Miami would certainly be willing to trade up.
The trade: The #8 pick to Miami for their first (#12) and their #42 overall.
The Bills pick at #12: QB Matt Barkley
Should Barkley be off the board, CB Xavier Rhodes
If the Bills trade down, scenario two.
WR Tavon Austin is an electric receiver and there are two teams that would be interested in him: St. Louis and Minnesota and might be willing to move up to get him. Both have two first round picks.
a) Buffalo trades the #8 to St. Louis for the #16 and the #46. The Bills pick at #16: QB Matt Barkley, TE Tyler Eifert or LB Alec Ogletree
b) Buffalo trades the #8 to Minnesota for their #23 and #25 picks and pick two of QB Matt Barkley, TE Tyler Eifert, LB Alec Ogletree, LB Mantei Te'o, FS Eric Reid or WR Justin Hunter. In that order.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Should the Bills worry about not drafting a QB early?
No, not really.
Here are some reasons why.
They need help in too many areas and they'll need draft picks to do it.
Even if they "miss out" on Smith, Nassib or Barkley, there are others. They could even wait into the second round and reach for Zac Dysert, a player who they've been scouting for a while and who is likened to fellow Miami (OH) alum Ben Rothlisberger.
At 6'4", 228 pounds, he has the size. He has a good arm and performed well during his pro-day during inclement weather.
According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Dysert is a mid-round pick who doesn't quite have the arm or bulk of Rothlisberger, but has a lot of upside.
Nix has said that if you like a QB in the third round, you better get him in the second. He was inferring that QB's go higher than where they're ranked. Was it a Freudian slip that he didn't use second round to first round? At the Draft Luncheon he had this to say "You look back at last year and the year before, Russell Wilson and Colin Kapernick, right now if you were drafting you'd take them first. Take them in the top-five."
In a Last Great Act of Defiance (or stupidity for some,) as Nix gives way to AGM Doug Whaley, he might just trade down and take the best player available before reaching for a QB. If he has an extra second round pick, it's possible that Dysert could be picked with the latter as they address two pressing needs with their first and earlier second.
Here are some reasons why.
- The 2013 Schedule--It's tough. As usual there are two vs. the Patriots juggernaut, and two each vs. Miami and the Jets. They have four against the AFC North which includes the Super Bowl Champion Ravens, a rising playoff team with the Bengals, an always tough Steelers team and a much stronger Cleveland team. They have the NFC South this season--The Falcons and Saints, Bucs and Panthers. Two are against the Chiefs and Jags. Even with a "franchise QB," can anyone see this team going more than 6-10 this season? With that defense?
- They should have a plug for a year or two in Kevin Kolb. When asked about the signing of Kolb, GM Buddy Nix said that it made him sleep better at night. "You never know what's gonna happen at the draft," he said at the Bills Luncheon, "You can do all the planning you want, but it's still a crapshoot. We targeted Kevin early [as a FA]. We think he's a tough, smart guy that's been successful when he's had the tools around him." And when he's been healthy. Kolb was rated highly three years ago, but his stock has dropped due to injury.
- Every QB in this class has flaws, which make a reach for that "franchise QB" even more of a crapshoot. At the Luncheon, Nix talked about the QB class in the draft. He said he thinks it's better than people think and that there are two or three "franchise" quarterbacks in the draft. But he also said, "There's about five or six of those guys, maybe seven, that do a lot of things good and do a lot of things good enough to win. The jury's still out on this group, but they do enough good things--if you do what they do best--you can win with them." Good, system specific QB's that have flaws in their games.
- The Ryan Nassib-hype. Really, Sal (Paolantonio)? The Bills are fearful that the Jets will whisk Nassib away? He was rated a second or third round pick during the season because he was a very good QB with a strong arm, but played in the seventh-best conference in college football. He's not an immediate starter and as a project--either near or long-term--success is still questionable. He moved up into the first round because quarterbacks usually move at the draft. He moved into the top-10 because a) the Bills have the 8th overall pick, b) they've said their looking to draft a "franchise QB" and c) the Bills hired his coach and offensive coordinator from Syracuse. If anything, the Bills may have put up the Nassib smokescreen by hiring the Syracuse coaching tandem. That "Syracuse connection" is a little too cozy to be successful.
- The Bills have many holes. On defense their linebackers are highly suspect, they have a less than average corner opposite Stephone Gilmore, and there are questions at safety. On offense they have one real WR and they let two starters at guard walk. There should be three or four players who can fill a position of need rated much higher than any of the QB's in this class.
They need help in too many areas and they'll need draft picks to do it.
Even if they "miss out" on Smith, Nassib or Barkley, there are others. They could even wait into the second round and reach for Zac Dysert, a player who they've been scouting for a while and who is likened to fellow Miami (OH) alum Ben Rothlisberger.
At 6'4", 228 pounds, he has the size. He has a good arm and performed well during his pro-day during inclement weather.
According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Dysert is a mid-round pick who doesn't quite have the arm or bulk of Rothlisberger, but has a lot of upside.
Nix has said that if you like a QB in the third round, you better get him in the second. He was inferring that QB's go higher than where they're ranked. Was it a Freudian slip that he didn't use second round to first round? At the Draft Luncheon he had this to say "You look back at last year and the year before, Russell Wilson and Colin Kapernick, right now if you were drafting you'd take them first. Take them in the top-five."
In a Last Great Act of Defiance (or stupidity for some,) as Nix gives way to AGM Doug Whaley, he might just trade down and take the best player available before reaching for a QB. If he has an extra second round pick, it's possible that Dysert could be picked with the latter as they address two pressing needs with their first and earlier second.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Where will the Bills pick a quarterback in the draft?
Bills GM Buddy Nix has said in the past few months that the team will be looking for a "franchise quarterback" in the draft.
Boy, did the media jump on that. In fact, even outside of Buffalo, some of those with mock drafts predicate the Bills first round (#8 overall) mock with "Nix has always been forthcoming with his picks, and Buffalo will pick ________, the quarterback from __________ at #8.
WGR's draft "guru," Joe Buscaglia is downright giddy when it comes to the possibility of the Bills drafting a quarterback in the first round, even before the Bills Draft Luncheon this past week. You could tell his supreme focus was on the QB position as most of his questions were directed there.
After deciphering Buddy's code, he's convinced that the Bills will take a QB with the eighth overall pick, "Going back over all 45 minutes of audio and quotes," he said, "one thing seems perfectly clear: the Bills are talking like a team that is going to take a quarterback with their first round pick."
At the luncheon Nix said that there's two or three "franchise quarterbacks" in the draft. Buscaglia takes that as a sure sign that the Bills will draft one of them. After all, as previously mentioned, Nix said that they will be looking for a "franchise quarterback" in the draft. Why would he mention two or three "franchise quarterbacks" and not take one?
Buscaglia does his homework. He crosses off all of the positions that the Bills don't need right now and he makes logical points as to some positions that are better served as a mid-lower round pick.
What it comes down to for him is quarterback. He speculates that Geno Smith will be off the board and comes to the conclusion that there are only two "franchise quarterbacks" left after him--Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib.
Before we debunk Buscaglia's myth of deciphering Buddy's code, one should point out that, of all the quarterback's in this years draft, USC's Barkley is probably the only one worthy of the 8th-overall pick. At least for the Bills.
They like his overall package and they like his smarts, saying, "He's a brilliant guy. Picks it up in a hurry." Bills AGM Doug Whaley also likes the fact that Barkley's "been on the big stage for a while and produced."
When questions of arm-strength came up, especially with the conditions in Buffalo, Whaley defended quarterbacks like Barkely who don't have a "cannon arm." He talked about vision, timing, anticipation and "getting the most out of what [the quarterback] has."
He even used the Joe Montana comparison, to which Buscaglia immediately asked if there's he was making a comparison to the two. Whaley simply stated, "We believe he has a chance to be successful with his skill set."
Syracuse alum, Nassib, has been getting all kinds of attention from the media lately. For obvious reasons.
He's a quarterback with intangibles and a strong arm. But more important, at least in the eyes of Syracuse alum and morning WGR-guy, Jeremy White along with afternoon "entertainer" Mike Schoppsie, there's the Syracuse connection between Nassib, new Bills head coach Doug Marrone and new Bills offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett.
The theme is continuity, since Nassib has spent the last three years running Hackett's system on Marrone's team. There's comfort. There's familiarity. There's an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the QB himself.
It's all frighteningly cozy.
Months prior, Nassib was looked at as a second or third round pick. But as with all drafts, a QB's stock climbs higher as the draft approaches. There will always be teams looking for a quarterback and will reach for one in hopes that they get that "franchise quarterback."
This year is no exception.
There are three, possibly four teams--Jacksonville (#2 overall,) Oakland (#3,) Philadelphia (#4) and Arizona (#7)--who could justify taking a quarterback with their pick. If, like Nix says, there are only two or three "franchise quarterbacks" in the draft, two may be off the board before Buffalo picks #8.
My guess is that Matt Barkley will be off the board. Oakland and Arizona could be prime destinations. Even Jacksonville could surprise, justifying Barkley at #2 by saying he was considered a #1 overall last year had he come out a year early.
Even Nix said as much at the luncheon, "that ol' boy a year ago was a #1 guy and then he got hurt. I don't know how much that affected him."
Smith was the consensus first overall pick early in his senior season last year, but completely fell apart in the second half. His "stock" plummeted, but the NFL Combine and private workouts have stabilized him. He seems to be one of those "right fit" kind of players--he will excel in the right environment.
Buffalo doesn't seem to be the "right environment" for Smith and his skill set.
If Barkley's gone, and assuming he Bills won't draft Smith, that leaves Nassib.
Nix's quote earlier, "two or three guys will be "franchise quarterbacks" leaves an opening for him and his staff an out--from a PR perspective (and we all know the cry for that quarterback in Buffalo.)
Are there two or three?
Is Nassib one of two? Is he the third?
Nix and Co. were very matter-of-fact and coy at the luncheon. They said they liked what he has to offer, said they were "obviously" familiar with him, but cautioned about jumping to conclusions. Said Doug Majewski, "Everybody assumes, just because it's Doug Marrone's guy, that [Nassib] was in the forefront. He was a good player, he was a guy we were aware of because it was so easy for us to get to Syracuse and see him play live."
Being coy?
We don't know because there's a lot of word-games being played at this time of year. No team wants to tip their hand as to who they will be drafting, and the Bills are no exception.
My guess is that they like the kid, but they already acquired a player like him when they signed Kevin Kolb for two years. They followed Nassib closely all season, and if they looked at him as second or third round pick earlier, no amount of media hype will sway them.
When Nix was asked later in the luncheon about the meteoric rise of QB EJ Manuel, he said, "I really don't pay attention to that stuff so I didn't know he was making a move."
He also dispelled any notion that Manuel would be considered at #8: "He can run the football. This league it's kind of a fad deal. I'm not saying [his running the football] is a fad, I'm saying the league does that, but it always comes back to being able to throw the football in this league to win and to score.
If you got a guy who can run it, first he has to be able to make NFL throws."
Then the kicker from Nix concerning Manuel, "I haven't seen him make NFL throws."
One quote from Nix concerning quarterbacks that hasn't been mentioned is his feeling that there are some good quarterbacks that do enough good things to win with. He said there's five, six, maybe seven that fall into that category. And I'm assuming that those "franchise quarterbacks" he mentioned are a part of that group.
"I've said from day one this quarterback class is better than everyone thinks it is," said Nix at the luncheon. "The jury's still out on this group, but they do enough good things--if you do what they do best--you can win with them."
If Barkley gets picked early--and they probably won't be trading up because Nix said, "I hate giving up draft picks"--it's unlikely they'd go after Smith and Nassib just doesn't seem worthy of an 8th overall.
What they might do is trade down, look for some additional picks and go for a quarterback late in the first round or early in the second. If QB's are off the board at that point, they may even wait until the third round.
Take a look at what Seattle did last year at the draft.
In the off-season they signed free agent Matt Flynn, then drafted Russell Wilson in the third round. Something that wasn't lost on Nix.
Wilson along with 2nd round pick Colin Kapernick (SF, 2011) ended up being prolific starters for their team. Neither were picked in the first round.
"You look back at last year and the year before," said Nix, "Wilson and Kapernick, right now if you were drafting you'd take them first. Take them in the top-five."
There are a bevy of second and third round worthy quarterbacks in this draft that "do enough good things you can win with."
Tyler Wilson, Mike Glennon, Tyler Bray and possibly Matt Scott. All of them, including Nassib, have their flaws. All of them are projects at one level or another. None of them, including Nassib, are projected to be immediate starters.
So where does this all lead?
Methinks that if there was one quarterback the Bills are likely after it's Barkley.
If he's off the board or if they think they could get him lower than #8, they'll trade down to get some extra picks.
Ideally, they'd be able to land Barkley between #16 and #23 after a trade with either St. Louis or Minnesota, respectively, both of whom have two first round picks.
Both teams are said to be hot and heavy for West Virginia WR Tavon Austin.
The Rams have the 22nd pick as well while the Vikings have the 25th.
The Bills said at the luncheon that they'd be willing to trade down, but that they won't really know until draft day. "A lot of that will be determined by the first five or six picks of the draft." said Nix. "If there's four or five guys we like there, we'll move back."
Which four of five, we don't know.
Barkley or bust might be the their thoughts.
But methinks that, dependent upon how the first seven picks pan out, they're really not worried about having to draft Barkley. They're not worried about missing out on a quarterback other than him if they trade down.
If he's not there, they'll get someone with a late first-rounder (via trade-down) or even a QB other than Nassib if he's taken ahead of them in the second round.
Other than Barkley, is there really much of a difference between Nassib or Wilson who both could be available the second day?
I'd go as far as saying is there that much of a difference between Nassib and projected third-rounder Zac Dysert (my personal choice as they trade down and accumulate picks in the first and/or second round?)
No. Not really.
Why reach for a project when there are so many other holes on the team to fill?
Boy, did the media jump on that. In fact, even outside of Buffalo, some of those with mock drafts predicate the Bills first round (#8 overall) mock with "Nix has always been forthcoming with his picks, and Buffalo will pick ________, the quarterback from __________ at #8.
WGR's draft "guru," Joe Buscaglia is downright giddy when it comes to the possibility of the Bills drafting a quarterback in the first round, even before the Bills Draft Luncheon this past week. You could tell his supreme focus was on the QB position as most of his questions were directed there.
After deciphering Buddy's code, he's convinced that the Bills will take a QB with the eighth overall pick, "Going back over all 45 minutes of audio and quotes," he said, "one thing seems perfectly clear: the Bills are talking like a team that is going to take a quarterback with their first round pick."
At the luncheon Nix said that there's two or three "franchise quarterbacks" in the draft. Buscaglia takes that as a sure sign that the Bills will draft one of them. After all, as previously mentioned, Nix said that they will be looking for a "franchise quarterback" in the draft. Why would he mention two or three "franchise quarterbacks" and not take one?
Buscaglia does his homework. He crosses off all of the positions that the Bills don't need right now and he makes logical points as to some positions that are better served as a mid-lower round pick.
What it comes down to for him is quarterback. He speculates that Geno Smith will be off the board and comes to the conclusion that there are only two "franchise quarterbacks" left after him--Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib.
Before we debunk Buscaglia's myth of deciphering Buddy's code, one should point out that, of all the quarterback's in this years draft, USC's Barkley is probably the only one worthy of the 8th-overall pick. At least for the Bills.
They like his overall package and they like his smarts, saying, "He's a brilliant guy. Picks it up in a hurry." Bills AGM Doug Whaley also likes the fact that Barkley's "been on the big stage for a while and produced."
When questions of arm-strength came up, especially with the conditions in Buffalo, Whaley defended quarterbacks like Barkely who don't have a "cannon arm." He talked about vision, timing, anticipation and "getting the most out of what [the quarterback] has."
He even used the Joe Montana comparison, to which Buscaglia immediately asked if there's he was making a comparison to the two. Whaley simply stated, "We believe he has a chance to be successful with his skill set."
Syracuse alum, Nassib, has been getting all kinds of attention from the media lately. For obvious reasons.
He's a quarterback with intangibles and a strong arm. But more important, at least in the eyes of Syracuse alum and morning WGR-guy, Jeremy White along with afternoon "entertainer" Mike Schoppsie, there's the Syracuse connection between Nassib, new Bills head coach Doug Marrone and new Bills offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett.
The theme is continuity, since Nassib has spent the last three years running Hackett's system on Marrone's team. There's comfort. There's familiarity. There's an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the QB himself.
It's all frighteningly cozy.
Months prior, Nassib was looked at as a second or third round pick. But as with all drafts, a QB's stock climbs higher as the draft approaches. There will always be teams looking for a quarterback and will reach for one in hopes that they get that "franchise quarterback."
This year is no exception.
There are three, possibly four teams--Jacksonville (#2 overall,) Oakland (#3,) Philadelphia (#4) and Arizona (#7)--who could justify taking a quarterback with their pick. If, like Nix says, there are only two or three "franchise quarterbacks" in the draft, two may be off the board before Buffalo picks #8.
My guess is that Matt Barkley will be off the board. Oakland and Arizona could be prime destinations. Even Jacksonville could surprise, justifying Barkley at #2 by saying he was considered a #1 overall last year had he come out a year early.
Even Nix said as much at the luncheon, "that ol' boy a year ago was a #1 guy and then he got hurt. I don't know how much that affected him."
Smith was the consensus first overall pick early in his senior season last year, but completely fell apart in the second half. His "stock" plummeted, but the NFL Combine and private workouts have stabilized him. He seems to be one of those "right fit" kind of players--he will excel in the right environment.
Buffalo doesn't seem to be the "right environment" for Smith and his skill set.
If Barkley's gone, and assuming he Bills won't draft Smith, that leaves Nassib.
Nix's quote earlier, "two or three guys will be "franchise quarterbacks" leaves an opening for him and his staff an out--from a PR perspective (and we all know the cry for that quarterback in Buffalo.)
Are there two or three?
Is Nassib one of two? Is he the third?
Nix and Co. were very matter-of-fact and coy at the luncheon. They said they liked what he has to offer, said they were "obviously" familiar with him, but cautioned about jumping to conclusions. Said Doug Majewski, "Everybody assumes, just because it's Doug Marrone's guy, that [Nassib] was in the forefront. He was a good player, he was a guy we were aware of because it was so easy for us to get to Syracuse and see him play live."
Being coy?
We don't know because there's a lot of word-games being played at this time of year. No team wants to tip their hand as to who they will be drafting, and the Bills are no exception.
My guess is that they like the kid, but they already acquired a player like him when they signed Kevin Kolb for two years. They followed Nassib closely all season, and if they looked at him as second or third round pick earlier, no amount of media hype will sway them.
When Nix was asked later in the luncheon about the meteoric rise of QB EJ Manuel, he said, "I really don't pay attention to that stuff so I didn't know he was making a move."
He also dispelled any notion that Manuel would be considered at #8: "He can run the football. This league it's kind of a fad deal. I'm not saying [his running the football] is a fad, I'm saying the league does that, but it always comes back to being able to throw the football in this league to win and to score.
If you got a guy who can run it, first he has to be able to make NFL throws."
Then the kicker from Nix concerning Manuel, "I haven't seen him make NFL throws."
One quote from Nix concerning quarterbacks that hasn't been mentioned is his feeling that there are some good quarterbacks that do enough good things to win with. He said there's five, six, maybe seven that fall into that category. And I'm assuming that those "franchise quarterbacks" he mentioned are a part of that group.
"I've said from day one this quarterback class is better than everyone thinks it is," said Nix at the luncheon. "The jury's still out on this group, but they do enough good things--if you do what they do best--you can win with them."
If Barkley gets picked early--and they probably won't be trading up because Nix said, "I hate giving up draft picks"--it's unlikely they'd go after Smith and Nassib just doesn't seem worthy of an 8th overall.
What they might do is trade down, look for some additional picks and go for a quarterback late in the first round or early in the second. If QB's are off the board at that point, they may even wait until the third round.
Take a look at what Seattle did last year at the draft.
In the off-season they signed free agent Matt Flynn, then drafted Russell Wilson in the third round. Something that wasn't lost on Nix.
Wilson along with 2nd round pick Colin Kapernick (SF, 2011) ended up being prolific starters for their team. Neither were picked in the first round.
"You look back at last year and the year before," said Nix, "Wilson and Kapernick, right now if you were drafting you'd take them first. Take them in the top-five."
There are a bevy of second and third round worthy quarterbacks in this draft that "do enough good things you can win with."
Tyler Wilson, Mike Glennon, Tyler Bray and possibly Matt Scott. All of them, including Nassib, have their flaws. All of them are projects at one level or another. None of them, including Nassib, are projected to be immediate starters.
So where does this all lead?
Methinks that if there was one quarterback the Bills are likely after it's Barkley.
If he's off the board or if they think they could get him lower than #8, they'll trade down to get some extra picks.
Ideally, they'd be able to land Barkley between #16 and #23 after a trade with either St. Louis or Minnesota, respectively, both of whom have two first round picks.
Both teams are said to be hot and heavy for West Virginia WR Tavon Austin.
The Rams have the 22nd pick as well while the Vikings have the 25th.
The Bills said at the luncheon that they'd be willing to trade down, but that they won't really know until draft day. "A lot of that will be determined by the first five or six picks of the draft." said Nix. "If there's four or five guys we like there, we'll move back."
Which four of five, we don't know.
Barkley or bust might be the their thoughts.
But methinks that, dependent upon how the first seven picks pan out, they're really not worried about having to draft Barkley. They're not worried about missing out on a quarterback other than him if they trade down.
If he's not there, they'll get someone with a late first-rounder (via trade-down) or even a QB other than Nassib if he's taken ahead of them in the second round.
Other than Barkley, is there really much of a difference between Nassib or Wilson who both could be available the second day?
I'd go as far as saying is there that much of a difference between Nassib and projected third-rounder Zac Dysert (my personal choice as they trade down and accumulate picks in the first and/or second round?)
No. Not really.
Why reach for a project when there are so many other holes on the team to fill?
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Setting up the 2013 draft for the Bills
Less than two weeks to go before draft day--a day of promise, a day of hope for Bills fans.
Between the draft and the first game there's plenty to get excited about. It's a few weeks into the season where reality sets in. Holes start popping up all over the team, and about three-quarters through the season, Bills fans are already looking towards the next draft.
And so it goes.
Back in December 2012, many were hoping for a top-five pick and a quarterback worth taking.
The Bills ended up with the eighth overall and choosing any quarterback there would be considered a reach bordering on desperation.
Bills GM Buddy Nix doesn't look to be desperate at QB. They offed Ryan Fitzpatrick and brought in veteran Kevin Kolb who was a hot commodity only a couple of seasons ago.
Kolb is signed for two years at a very reasonable $3M per season. A journeyman like him should at least be a plug until they can find and/or groom a QB.
Having never been a fan of drafting a quarterback out of desperation, especially in Buffalo where they look at the QB as the savior of the entire city, I'm of the opinion that they should draft the best player available as they continue to build.
Here are three teams who didn't reach for a QB over the past decade-plus and have built themselves into NFL powerhouses.
The Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl in 2000 with Trent Dilfer at the helm and a stout defense. Dilfer replaced Tony Banks during that season.
Between 2001 and 2008 when they picked Joe Flacco with the 18th overall pick, they went through eight quarterbacks: Elvis Grbac, Randall Cunningham, Jeff Blake, Chris Redman, Kyle Boller, Anthony Wright, Steve McNair, and Troy Smith.
Of those QB's, only Boller was taken by Baltimore in the first round (#19.) He was picked after they took DE Terrell Suggs at #10.
In those seven seasons they had an overall record of 60-52, they made the playoffs three times and had a 1-3 record.
Two other teams, the San Francisco 49'ers and the Seattle Seahawks were lauded for their QB drafting in the previous two drafts--San Francisco picking Colin Kapernick in the second round in 2011 (#36 overall) and Seattle picking Russell Wilson in the third round (#75 overall.)
Of note, both teams had their starters in place heading into camp before they selected those QB's.
Kapernick replaced former #1 overall pick Alex Smith midway through the 2012 season and guided the team to the Superbowl where they lost to Baltimore. Smith had lost in the NFC Championship game the season before.
Looking back to the same 2000 season as we did with Baltimore, Calgary Stampeders Wall of Famer Jeff Garcia took over the reigns at QB for San Francisco after Hall of Famer Steve Young retired that year.
The list of QB's between Garcia and Kapernick isn't very long as Garcia and Smith were taking nearly all the snaps.
Between 2000 and 2005 when the 49'ers drafted Smith #1 overall, the highest they drafted a QB was the third round.
The Seahawks, as previously stated, were lauded for their pick of Wilson and he immediately became successful.
Seattle was able to take a shot at Wilson because they had already signed highly regarded free agent QB Matt Flynn in the off season.
No reach, no desperation.
Their list of QB's dating back to 2000 goes like this: John Kitna and Brock Huard in 2000, Trent Dilfer, Matt Hasselbeck from 2001 to 2010, Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye, Charlie Whitehurst, and Tavaris Jackson.
With Hasselbeck in place, GM Mike Holmgren did not draft a QB higher than the third round.
When Pete Carroll took over in 2010, he had an aging Hasselbeck. He didn't draft a QB in his first two years, then drafted Wilson.
So what does this all mean?
Three quality teams, 13 draft-years, not one reach for a "franchise" quarterback.
Even if it means two years with Kevin Kolb and/or Tavaris Jackson at the helm, with as many holes the Bills have, especially on defense and at WR, an aversion to a desperation pick at #8 might be the wise decision.
Between the draft and the first game there's plenty to get excited about. It's a few weeks into the season where reality sets in. Holes start popping up all over the team, and about three-quarters through the season, Bills fans are already looking towards the next draft.
And so it goes.
Back in December 2012, many were hoping for a top-five pick and a quarterback worth taking.
The Bills ended up with the eighth overall and choosing any quarterback there would be considered a reach bordering on desperation.
Bills GM Buddy Nix doesn't look to be desperate at QB. They offed Ryan Fitzpatrick and brought in veteran Kevin Kolb who was a hot commodity only a couple of seasons ago.
Kolb is signed for two years at a very reasonable $3M per season. A journeyman like him should at least be a plug until they can find and/or groom a QB.
Having never been a fan of drafting a quarterback out of desperation, especially in Buffalo where they look at the QB as the savior of the entire city, I'm of the opinion that they should draft the best player available as they continue to build.
Here are three teams who didn't reach for a QB over the past decade-plus and have built themselves into NFL powerhouses.
The Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl in 2000 with Trent Dilfer at the helm and a stout defense. Dilfer replaced Tony Banks during that season.
Between 2001 and 2008 when they picked Joe Flacco with the 18th overall pick, they went through eight quarterbacks: Elvis Grbac, Randall Cunningham, Jeff Blake, Chris Redman, Kyle Boller, Anthony Wright, Steve McNair, and Troy Smith.
Of those QB's, only Boller was taken by Baltimore in the first round (#19.) He was picked after they took DE Terrell Suggs at #10.
In those seven seasons they had an overall record of 60-52, they made the playoffs three times and had a 1-3 record.
Two other teams, the San Francisco 49'ers and the Seattle Seahawks were lauded for their QB drafting in the previous two drafts--San Francisco picking Colin Kapernick in the second round in 2011 (#36 overall) and Seattle picking Russell Wilson in the third round (#75 overall.)
Of note, both teams had their starters in place heading into camp before they selected those QB's.
Kapernick replaced former #1 overall pick Alex Smith midway through the 2012 season and guided the team to the Superbowl where they lost to Baltimore. Smith had lost in the NFC Championship game the season before.
Looking back to the same 2000 season as we did with Baltimore, Calgary Stampeders Wall of Famer Jeff Garcia took over the reigns at QB for San Francisco after Hall of Famer Steve Young retired that year.
The list of QB's between Garcia and Kapernick isn't very long as Garcia and Smith were taking nearly all the snaps.
Between 2000 and 2005 when the 49'ers drafted Smith #1 overall, the highest they drafted a QB was the third round.
The Seahawks, as previously stated, were lauded for their pick of Wilson and he immediately became successful.
Seattle was able to take a shot at Wilson because they had already signed highly regarded free agent QB Matt Flynn in the off season.
No reach, no desperation.
Their list of QB's dating back to 2000 goes like this: John Kitna and Brock Huard in 2000, Trent Dilfer, Matt Hasselbeck from 2001 to 2010, Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye, Charlie Whitehurst, and Tavaris Jackson.
With Hasselbeck in place, GM Mike Holmgren did not draft a QB higher than the third round.
When Pete Carroll took over in 2010, he had an aging Hasselbeck. He didn't draft a QB in his first two years, then drafted Wilson.
So what does this all mean?
Three quality teams, 13 draft-years, not one reach for a "franchise" quarterback.
Even if it means two years with Kevin Kolb and/or Tavaris Jackson at the helm, with as many holes the Bills have, especially on defense and at WR, an aversion to a desperation pick at #8 might be the wise decision.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Help wanted: Linebackers needed in Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills are headed into free agency with a plethora of needs including LB, CB, WR, QB, and TE.
The team has gutted two areas: linebacker and wide receiver. Both areas need addressing and should get a strong look as free agency is less than a week away.
The Draft will, hopefully, address one or two (is it too much to hope for more?) positions of need, but plucking a couple of free agents off the market before then will make their job so easier.
Like last year.
The Bills went big when they landed prized defensive free agent Mario Williams. Having done that, they were not at the mercy of a "positional pick of dire need" in the first round. Yes, they did need CB help as well, but there would have been a strong urge to reach for a pass-rushing DE instead of getting a quality cornerback in Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore is now one of the anchors of the defensive backs.
But those are only two pieces. Even though they had some strength on the defensive line and some players in the defensive backfield, the Bills defense was atrocious last season. As a group they couldn't stop the run, couldn't defend the pass and couldn't pressure the QB, quandary complicated by an inept defensive coordinator in Dave Wannstedt. Problems on defense were worse because of the poor play of their linebackers and lack of a corner opposite Gilmore.
Rebuilding the LB corps,especially in the middle, should be of the utmost importance. New defensive coordinator Mke Pettine is looking at a fairly clean slate as the team parted ways veteran LB Nick Barnett. All that remain are Kirk Morrison and youngsters Nigel Bradham and Kelvin Sheppard along with recently signed 10-year veteran, Bryan Scott. But none of them have the opposition quaking in their shoes.
That area has a serious need for quality over quantity. They could address it in the draft with their first round pick, but they also, because of some cap-space, could pick one up when the free agent market opens up for business.
Daryl Smith is a 9 year NFL veteran who's been stuck on a pretty bad team in Jackonville and Vito Stellino of jacksonville.com believes the linebacker will be headed to free agency come March 12. According to Stellino, Smith and fellow Jag Derek Cox are likely to "get more on the open market than the Jaguars are willing to offer."
Smith is ranked the 59th top available free agent by nfl.com's, Greg Rosenthal, who calls him "one of the most underrated linebackers of his era. But Smith, said Stellino, "is coming off a major injury.'' That major injury was a groin that kept him in IR until the last two games of the 2012 season. He had 5 1/2 tackles in those two games.
Another reason Smith is ranked so low on the fee agent chart is his age. He'll be 31 on March 14.
But throughout his career, the 6'2" 248 lb. linebacker has been a standout player and a character guy.
Former Buffalo Bill Paul Posluzny called Smith, "Our best linebacker." When asked why he's so overlooked, “You tell me,” Posluszny said, laughing. “I really don’t know. When I was in Buffalo, and we watched Jacksonville, we watched No. 52. He stood out.
He has for years.”
Poz continues, “When he (Smith) is on the field, opposing offenses are always looking for him, because he’s the guy who brings pressure for us. He draws a lot of attention, so he opens things up for other guys. They have to account for Daryl. That changes things. When he’s on the field, the other team has to know where he is, and we are able to run certain defenses, because we know, ‘That’s Daryl Smith’s job and he’s going to do it well.’
The above quotes were taken from a piece by John Oesher, senior writer for jaguars.com.
Oesher says that Smith's approach to the game is "quiet, low-keyed" and those are the reason's he's overlooked.
Former Bills and Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey had this to say (from the piece,) “He’s a really good football player that you don’t hear a lot about. He’s as important to the defense as anybody. He doesn’t do anything that says me, me, me. He’s absolute leader in his own way.”
Sounds like a football player and a character guy.
Smith is the type of player that the Bills, as well as a lot of teams, could use. Stellino suggests in his piece that the NY Giants could be a landing spot for Smith.
The Bills have a new regime and we're not sure exactly what kind of scheme defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will use, but there are a few things we do know: the Bills need linebackers and character guys should always be welcome on the team. A few veterans sprinkled about is never a bad thing either. And if you can find it all in one player, that's even better.
Plus, the underrated Daryl Smith who will be 31 and is coming off of an injury, will probably not break the bank in Buffalo despite the team always needing to overpay for free agents.
The team has gutted two areas: linebacker and wide receiver. Both areas need addressing and should get a strong look as free agency is less than a week away.
The Draft will, hopefully, address one or two (is it too much to hope for more?) positions of need, but plucking a couple of free agents off the market before then will make their job so easier.
Like last year.
The Bills went big when they landed prized defensive free agent Mario Williams. Having done that, they were not at the mercy of a "positional pick of dire need" in the first round. Yes, they did need CB help as well, but there would have been a strong urge to reach for a pass-rushing DE instead of getting a quality cornerback in Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore is now one of the anchors of the defensive backs.
But those are only two pieces. Even though they had some strength on the defensive line and some players in the defensive backfield, the Bills defense was atrocious last season. As a group they couldn't stop the run, couldn't defend the pass and couldn't pressure the QB, quandary complicated by an inept defensive coordinator in Dave Wannstedt. Problems on defense were worse because of the poor play of their linebackers and lack of a corner opposite Gilmore.
Rebuilding the LB corps,especially in the middle, should be of the utmost importance. New defensive coordinator Mke Pettine is looking at a fairly clean slate as the team parted ways veteran LB Nick Barnett. All that remain are Kirk Morrison and youngsters Nigel Bradham and Kelvin Sheppard along with recently signed 10-year veteran, Bryan Scott. But none of them have the opposition quaking in their shoes.
That area has a serious need for quality over quantity. They could address it in the draft with their first round pick, but they also, because of some cap-space, could pick one up when the free agent market opens up for business.
Daryl Smith is a 9 year NFL veteran who's been stuck on a pretty bad team in Jackonville and Vito Stellino of jacksonville.com believes the linebacker will be headed to free agency come March 12. According to Stellino, Smith and fellow Jag Derek Cox are likely to "get more on the open market than the Jaguars are willing to offer."
Smith is ranked the 59th top available free agent by nfl.com's, Greg Rosenthal, who calls him "one of the most underrated linebackers of his era. But Smith, said Stellino, "is coming off a major injury.'' That major injury was a groin that kept him in IR until the last two games of the 2012 season. He had 5 1/2 tackles in those two games.
Another reason Smith is ranked so low on the fee agent chart is his age. He'll be 31 on March 14.
But throughout his career, the 6'2" 248 lb. linebacker has been a standout player and a character guy.
Former Buffalo Bill Paul Posluzny called Smith, "Our best linebacker." When asked why he's so overlooked, “You tell me,” Posluszny said, laughing. “I really don’t know. When I was in Buffalo, and we watched Jacksonville, we watched No. 52. He stood out.
He has for years.”
Poz continues, “When he (Smith) is on the field, opposing offenses are always looking for him, because he’s the guy who brings pressure for us. He draws a lot of attention, so he opens things up for other guys. They have to account for Daryl. That changes things. When he’s on the field, the other team has to know where he is, and we are able to run certain defenses, because we know, ‘That’s Daryl Smith’s job and he’s going to do it well.’
The above quotes were taken from a piece by John Oesher, senior writer for jaguars.com.
Oesher says that Smith's approach to the game is "quiet, low-keyed" and those are the reason's he's overlooked.
Former Bills and Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey had this to say (from the piece,) “He’s a really good football player that you don’t hear a lot about. He’s as important to the defense as anybody. He doesn’t do anything that says me, me, me. He’s absolute leader in his own way.”
Sounds like a football player and a character guy.
Smith is the type of player that the Bills, as well as a lot of teams, could use. Stellino suggests in his piece that the NY Giants could be a landing spot for Smith.
The Bills have a new regime and we're not sure exactly what kind of scheme defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will use, but there are a few things we do know: the Bills need linebackers and character guys should always be welcome on the team. A few veterans sprinkled about is never a bad thing either. And if you can find it all in one player, that's even better.
Plus, the underrated Daryl Smith who will be 31 and is coming off of an injury, will probably not break the bank in Buffalo despite the team always needing to overpay for free agents.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Gil Brandt has a #8-overall pick that actually makes sense for the Bills
The Syracuse alum are all over Orange QB Ryan Nassib as the Bills first pick in the 2013 draft. They point to the connection between Nassib, former Syracuse head coach/new Bills head coach Doug Marrone and former Orange offensive coordinator/new Bills OC Nathaniel Hackett. It's rather cozy, isn't it?
Nassib joined John Murphy on WGR, and it would seem as if he feels it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up a Buffalo Bill.
Nassib is at the Senior Bowl and is interviewing with a number of teams including the Bills and Marrone. Here's what he had to say when Murphy asked if it was weird interviewing with his former college coach:
Said Nassib, "It was a little strange. It kinda felt like I was interviewing for a job [pause] you know..." Murphy injects, "That you already won?"
Nassib continues, "Yeah...that I had...not too long ago with him. I feel like he knows about me." Nassib throws this out rather casually, "I mean we've been together for four years [at Syracuse.] It's just an opportunity to meet the other guys on the staff that I would be working with...if I were to go to the Bills."
Yikes!
Cozy would be an understatement. A little too perfect. Makes me want to throw up.
This whole Nassib thing is predicated upon the belief that the Bills should draft a quarterback as high as possible. It's a notion that's been gaining steam this whole season, as the boys on WGR--from Jeremy White to Howard Simon to Paul Hamilton to Bulldog--have unabashedly stated time and time again that Ryan Fitzpatrick should never hit the field as the Bills starter again. Most people think the Bills should draft a QB with their first pick, regardless of whether or not he's worthy of it.
Here's what CBSSports.com's draft guru's have to say on the matter.
Rob Rang, a morning show favorite has the Bills picking Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson at #8:
By the way, Cherpinsky's partner, Charlie Campbell also has the Bills picking Glennon after a switch from Wilson.
The assumption that the QB position is the major reason the Bills have not made the playoffs is rampant across the league. Yes, they could use an upgrade at quarterback, and they will, as GM Buddy Nix has said, address the issue at the draft, or even through free agency.
And then there are the voices of reason who think that the Bills should be looking at a linebacker, amongst them, NFL.com's, Gil Brandt.
While ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Buffalo taking linebacker Manti T'eo (all-in-all still not a bad pick because of the dearth of linebacker talent on the Bills,) Brandt has them taking another linebacker, Alec Ogletree from Alabama in his first mock draft.
Here's what Brandt had to say: "Ogletree would help the Bills' defense a lot. Buffalo also needs receiver help, but that can be had later in the draft."
I really didn't see any mention of a QB there. No Nassib. No Wilson. No Bray. No Zack Dysert. In fact Brandt has only Oakland (#3--Geno Smith) and Arizona (#7, Matt Barkley) taking first-round quarterbacks in his mock draft. (Brandt, of course, is not given to hype therefore not projecting four, five even six QB's going in the first round.)
And if the WGR boys need more proof that drafting a QB #8 overall is a waste, HOF'er Jim Kelly thinks so as well--"you gotta understand guys," he said to Simon, "what is out there?" (8:48-mark.)
Exactly.
Nassib joined John Murphy on WGR, and it would seem as if he feels it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up a Buffalo Bill.
Nassib is at the Senior Bowl and is interviewing with a number of teams including the Bills and Marrone. Here's what he had to say when Murphy asked if it was weird interviewing with his former college coach:
Said Nassib, "It was a little strange. It kinda felt like I was interviewing for a job [pause] you know..." Murphy injects, "That you already won?"
Nassib continues, "Yeah...that I had...not too long ago with him. I feel like he knows about me." Nassib throws this out rather casually, "I mean we've been together for four years [at Syracuse.] It's just an opportunity to meet the other guys on the staff that I would be working with...if I were to go to the Bills."
Yikes!
Cozy would be an understatement. A little too perfect. Makes me want to throw up.
This whole Nassib thing is predicated upon the belief that the Bills should draft a quarterback as high as possible. It's a notion that's been gaining steam this whole season, as the boys on WGR--from Jeremy White to Howard Simon to Paul Hamilton to Bulldog--have unabashedly stated time and time again that Ryan Fitzpatrick should never hit the field as the Bills starter again. Most people think the Bills should draft a QB with their first pick, regardless of whether or not he's worthy of it.
Here's what CBSSports.com's draft guru's have to say on the matter.
Rob Rang, a morning show favorite has the Bills picking Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson at #8:
While incumbent starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is far from the team's weakest link, few believe he is the caliber of quarterback that can lead Buffalo to a Super Bowl. Furthermore, general manager Buddy Nix has specifically stated he hopes to find the team's quarterback of the future. While new head coach Doug Marrone might prefer his former Syracuse signal-caller Ryan Nassib, Wilson has the production against SEC competition to make he -- and the rest of Buffalo -- believers.His colleague, Dane Brugler has NC State QB Mike Glennon going to the Bills at #8:
With new head coach Doug Marrone in Buffalo, his former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib makes a lot of sense for the Bills in the second round. But Buffalo can't afford to pass on a quarterback in the first round if they feel another one is worth this pick.Walter Cherpinsky of walterfootball.com has had the Bills picking a QB for months. He keeps the same synopsis, but plugs in a different name. Where once he said Tyler Bray or Tyler Wilson, he now goes with Glennon, yet he has always started out with those four words, "this is a reach":
This is a reach - I had Mike Glennon in the second round a couple of updates ago - but we've seen second-day talents like Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder go in the top 12. Teams are so desperate for quarterbacks that they'll make moves like this.This completely encapsulates the Buffalo media sentiment while hoping to land that franchise quarterback/savior: "it's a reach." Nix will "talk himself into taking one of them." Glennon is "getting the most hype right now." That is, of course, until Walter updates his Bills' pick with the QB who's presently getting the most hype, Nassib, a player who would be considered a reach that Nix will talk himself into.
General manager Buddy Nix, who is generally forthcoming about his offseason plans, told the media that he plans on drafting a franchise quarterback. He even said he'll trade up for one in the 2013 NFL Draft. He may have been talking about Geno Smith if the Chiefs pass on him, but he won't have to move anywhere for Glennon.
It's still early, but I believe Glennon and Tyler Wilson are the two favorites for this selection. Nix will talk himself into taking one of them. Glennon is getting the most hype right now, with Mel Kiper even saying that he could be the first quarterback off the board. I liked this pick more when Chan Gailey was still the coach, as Glennon fit perfectly into his offense.
By the way, Cherpinsky's partner, Charlie Campbell also has the Bills picking Glennon after a switch from Wilson.
The assumption that the QB position is the major reason the Bills have not made the playoffs is rampant across the league. Yes, they could use an upgrade at quarterback, and they will, as GM Buddy Nix has said, address the issue at the draft, or even through free agency.
And then there are the voices of reason who think that the Bills should be looking at a linebacker, amongst them, NFL.com's, Gil Brandt.
While ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Buffalo taking linebacker Manti T'eo (all-in-all still not a bad pick because of the dearth of linebacker talent on the Bills,) Brandt has them taking another linebacker, Alec Ogletree from Alabama in his first mock draft.
Here's what Brandt had to say: "Ogletree would help the Bills' defense a lot. Buffalo also needs receiver help, but that can be had later in the draft."
I really didn't see any mention of a QB there. No Nassib. No Wilson. No Bray. No Zack Dysert. In fact Brandt has only Oakland (#3--Geno Smith) and Arizona (#7, Matt Barkley) taking first-round quarterbacks in his mock draft. (Brandt, of course, is not given to hype therefore not projecting four, five even six QB's going in the first round.)
And if the WGR boys need more proof that drafting a QB #8 overall is a waste, HOF'er Jim Kelly thinks so as well--"you gotta understand guys," he said to Simon, "what is out there?" (8:48-mark.)
Exactly.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Doug Marrone is wasiting no time
As fast as I can type, Bills new Head Coach Doug Marrone is filling his coaching staff.
In direct contrast to the Nathaniel Hackett hiring, Marrone followed through on his desire to have a coordinator with "thorough NFL experience" with the hire of former NY Jets Defensive Coordinator, Mike Pettine.
Pettine's NY Jets defenses have been in the top-10 in the league the last four years and, maybe most importantly, have given New England's Tom Brady fits over the last four years.
Leave it to former boss Rex Ryan to threw a quick poke as to where Pettine is headed, 'We had the conversations, and Mike thinks it's best that he go to a different team as defensive coordinator, and I wish him all the best unless he goes to Buffalo,' Ryan joked. Or half-joked. 'I hope he doesn't take that job. I hope he goes somewhere else.'
Pettine is somewhat familiar with Marrone. He came to the Jets not long after Marrone left and said that "a lot of people in the [Jets] building speak highly of Doug."
This is what Pettine was looking for before he interviewed with Marrone, "I thought it would be good to be exposed to a different style of coaching, a different system,” he said. “It’s like continuing education, the more things you can expose yourself too, it’s beneficial… This is just the beginning of the process.”
In direct contrast to the Nathaniel Hackett hiring, Marrone followed through on his desire to have a coordinator with "thorough NFL experience" with the hire of former NY Jets Defensive Coordinator, Mike Pettine.
Pettine's NY Jets defenses have been in the top-10 in the league the last four years and, maybe most importantly, have given New England's Tom Brady fits over the last four years.
Leave it to former boss Rex Ryan to threw a quick poke as to where Pettine is headed, 'We had the conversations, and Mike thinks it's best that he go to a different team as defensive coordinator, and I wish him all the best unless he goes to Buffalo,' Ryan joked. Or half-joked. 'I hope he doesn't take that job. I hope he goes somewhere else.'
Pettine is somewhat familiar with Marrone. He came to the Jets not long after Marrone left and said that "a lot of people in the [Jets] building speak highly of Doug."
This is what Pettine was looking for before he interviewed with Marrone, "I thought it would be good to be exposed to a different style of coaching, a different system,” he said. “It’s like continuing education, the more things you can expose yourself too, it’s beneficial… This is just the beginning of the process.”
Marrone and Hackett 10-steps removed from Super Bowl Contenders
Throughout the season, after dreams of relevancy danced through the heads of Bills fans over the summer, it was easy to see that the Bills were at least a few degrees removed from the upper eschelon NFL powerhouses.
With the hire of Head Coach, Doug Marrone, and his hire of Nathaniel Hackett, his offensive coordinator at Syracuse to be his right hand man, just where do they stand now, from a coaching standpoint?
How about some "analytics?"
Degrees of separation:
At least nine, but we may call it 10.
With the hire of Head Coach, Doug Marrone, and his hire of Nathaniel Hackett, his offensive coordinator at Syracuse to be his right hand man, just where do they stand now, from a coaching standpoint?
How about some "analytics?"
Degrees of separation:
- Syracuse was in the 7th-ranked conference in college football under Marrone
- The Big East is a step removed from the average conferences in like the MAC and ACC
- Which is a step removed from the upper-level conferences like the Big-10, Big-12 and PAC-12
- Those conferences as a whole are, arguably, a step removed from the SEC
- And, as proven by their dominance over the three of the last four seasons, Alabama is at least one step above all the rest.
- The bottom-feeders of the league, KC, Jax, Oakland are a step removed from below average
- Buffalo is in the below average area and are a step from respectability
- Which is a step removed from average, teams like Dallas, Chicago, St. Louis, Tampa Bay
- Who are a step below strong teams in flux like New Orleans, Pittsburgh
- Who are below the Division powerhouses like Baltimore, Houston and Atlanta
- They are a step below the Conference powerhouses/Super Bowl contenders like New England, Denver, San Francisco, Green Bay and Seattle
At least nine, but we may call it 10.
Bills Head Coach names Offensive Coordinator
Here we go, Bills fans.
Head Coach Doug Marrone has started the process of building his coaching staff in his first foray into the NFL.
Before we get into his pick, let's see what he had to say about the staff. From Marrone's introductory press conference two days ago:
Once again, "Thorough NFL experience."
Today, two days later, Marrone will have his first hire, Offensive Coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett.
Nathaniel Hackett is the son of former college head coach Paul Hackett and was Marrone's offensive coordinator at Syracuse.
Hackett's "thorough NFL experience" is as follows:
Keep your ass waiting 'cause that's it.
Granted, Marrone left himself an out, somewhat, when he qualified his presser quote by saying, "especially on the defensive side of the ball."
And, while talking with WGR's Sal Capaccio, he revealed what he was really looking for in his coordinators (1:25-mark,) "We're looking for someone who fits us." he said. "A lot of that is what their philosophy is and matching that with my vision for this football team."
How much of a better fit can you get? Hackett, obviously, matches his vision having been at Marrone's side at Syracuse.
Marrone continues, "I'm really looking for people who want to be here."
Certainly, a 33 yr. old coach with virtually no NFL coaching experience would want to be in Buffalo. Or Kansas City, Jacksonville, Oakland, etc.
The funny part of all this is the GR boys this morning.
The positive crew of Jeremy White and Howard Simon sounded nearly 100% behind the decision, with White coming out and saying, "I like it."
And the callers, most (through some heavy call screening?) were saying things like "Give them a chance" and "I've been a Bills fan for x-amount of years and this is refreshing." "No more retreads!"
Yet, I'd bet, that these same callers were thinking that Chan Gailey was way over his head. I know the boys at GR thought so and expressed that on numerous occasions throughout the season.
Gailey was completely outcoached often, especially by the likes of Bill Belichik and Rex Ryan. If a veteran like him is relegated to being a doormat for their division foes and the above average coaches in the league, how much moreso will Marrone and Hackett be?
Usually the top dog of any management team will get some freedom, especially with his first hire.
The big hire for Marrone will be his defensive coordinator. Let's keep in mind that the last three years saw this defense give up the second through fourth most points in franchise history.
I'd assume that acting GM Buddy Nix and GM-in waiting, Doug Whaley, will have much more of a say in the hire.
If not.
Hello 2014 #1-overall pick, AJ McCarron (and his Miss Alabama girlfriend.)
Head Coach Doug Marrone has started the process of building his coaching staff in his first foray into the NFL.
Before we get into his pick, let's see what he had to say about the staff. From Marrone's introductory press conference two days ago:
I think the main thing is, when you're the head football coach, you want to make sure you're truly the CEO of the football program. That you know what's going on on offense, you know what's going on on defense, and you know what's going on on special teams. From a management style, that's who I am. I have to make sure we know how to win games and make sure I'm managing all those three phases. I'll be heavily involved in the game-planning.
I will not call plays. But everything will go through me. I will be on the headset and will be managing the game and those game management decisions which can affect play calling will be handled by me. The coordinators will need to have thorough NFL experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball.'"Thorough NFL experience."
Once again, "Thorough NFL experience."
Today, two days later, Marrone will have his first hire, Offensive Coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett.
Nathaniel Hackett is the son of former college head coach Paul Hackett and was Marrone's offensive coordinator at Syracuse.
Hackett's "thorough NFL experience" is as follows:
- Quality control coach for the Buffalo Bills under Dick Jauron
- Quality control coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep your ass waiting 'cause that's it.
Granted, Marrone left himself an out, somewhat, when he qualified his presser quote by saying, "especially on the defensive side of the ball."
And, while talking with WGR's Sal Capaccio, he revealed what he was really looking for in his coordinators (1:25-mark,) "We're looking for someone who fits us." he said. "A lot of that is what their philosophy is and matching that with my vision for this football team."
How much of a better fit can you get? Hackett, obviously, matches his vision having been at Marrone's side at Syracuse.
Marrone continues, "I'm really looking for people who want to be here."
Certainly, a 33 yr. old coach with virtually no NFL coaching experience would want to be in Buffalo. Or Kansas City, Jacksonville, Oakland, etc.
The funny part of all this is the GR boys this morning.
The positive crew of Jeremy White and Howard Simon sounded nearly 100% behind the decision, with White coming out and saying, "I like it."
And the callers, most (through some heavy call screening?) were saying things like "Give them a chance" and "I've been a Bills fan for x-amount of years and this is refreshing." "No more retreads!"
Yet, I'd bet, that these same callers were thinking that Chan Gailey was way over his head. I know the boys at GR thought so and expressed that on numerous occasions throughout the season.
Gailey was completely outcoached often, especially by the likes of Bill Belichik and Rex Ryan. If a veteran like him is relegated to being a doormat for their division foes and the above average coaches in the league, how much moreso will Marrone and Hackett be?
Usually the top dog of any management team will get some freedom, especially with his first hire.
The big hire for Marrone will be his defensive coordinator. Let's keep in mind that the last three years saw this defense give up the second through fourth most points in franchise history.
I'd assume that acting GM Buddy Nix and GM-in waiting, Doug Whaley, will have much more of a say in the hire.
If not.
Hello 2014 #1-overall pick, AJ McCarron (and his Miss Alabama girlfriend.)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Doug Marrone...
come on down!
Or, more like, come on over. As in over from Syracuse.
About the only thing we really know about former Orangemen coach Doug Marrone is that he turned their laughingstock program around. In his four years at Syracuse he went 25-25 winning two Pinstripe Bowls in the process. In the previous four years they were 10-37.
We also know that his NFL experience was on the offensive side of the ball as Offensive Line coach for the NY Jets (2002-2005) and Offensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (2006-2008.)
New Bills Team President Russ Brandon's first move in his new position was a bold one, yet is somehow familiar.
Bold in the fact that he didn't tap into and NFL retread coaching carousel or take a chance on the the "up and coming" NFL coordinator. Familiar in that Marrone is "offensive-minded" like his predecessor Chan Gailey and is a Syracuse alum, like Brandon.
The first thing that popped into the minds of many Buffalo fans was, probably, "Same old Bills, hiring on the cheap again." And that's true.
They made their token move for the "cream of the crop" in Oregon coach Chip Kelly, interviewed the retreads and up-and-comers and ended up with Marrone, who could be considered the lowest man on the coaching pole, and more than likely, the cheapest.
But, he also was one of only two candidates to actually come to the Bills with a strong interest in the job, the other being former Chicago Bears Head Coach, Lovie Smith.
The overall sentiment in Bills-land seems to be "ambivalent," which was the theme of WGR's Howard Simon.
Yet, one would think that the most important thing for the Bills moving forward was finding the right fit. And that's where former Marrone boss and Super Bowl winner, Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, came into play.
Marrone went to Payton for advice during the interviewing process with Payton saying, "You've got to have a comfort level [with your GM and ownership]." And as Marrone was sifting through everything, Payton simply told him, "There's somebody you're going to meet in the process that you're going to work with and turn the program around. Any of these job openings, they all have weaknesses because they wouldn't be open if they didn't."
'Marrone wanted Buffalo as much as Buffalo wanted him,' said ESPN's Adam Schefter. 'In recent weeks, Marrone had done comprehensive film studies of each team he would be interviewing with --the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Bills--and each game the had played this past year, Schefter continued. 'He believed Buffalo had more talent tan any of those other teams. It factored into his final decision, as did his relationship with the new head man of the Bills (Brandon) who served on the advisory board for sports management at Syracuse.'
So that's the basis we have now.
Brandon and Marrone, as well as acting GM Buddy Nix and Bills AGM Doug Whaley, seem to have a comfort level with each other.
Next step?
Putting together his coaching staff.
Or, more like, come on over. As in over from Syracuse.
About the only thing we really know about former Orangemen coach Doug Marrone is that he turned their laughingstock program around. In his four years at Syracuse he went 25-25 winning two Pinstripe Bowls in the process. In the previous four years they were 10-37.
We also know that his NFL experience was on the offensive side of the ball as Offensive Line coach for the NY Jets (2002-2005) and Offensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (2006-2008.)
New Bills Team President Russ Brandon's first move in his new position was a bold one, yet is somehow familiar.
Bold in the fact that he didn't tap into and NFL retread coaching carousel or take a chance on the the "up and coming" NFL coordinator. Familiar in that Marrone is "offensive-minded" like his predecessor Chan Gailey and is a Syracuse alum, like Brandon.
The first thing that popped into the minds of many Buffalo fans was, probably, "Same old Bills, hiring on the cheap again." And that's true.
They made their token move for the "cream of the crop" in Oregon coach Chip Kelly, interviewed the retreads and up-and-comers and ended up with Marrone, who could be considered the lowest man on the coaching pole, and more than likely, the cheapest.
But, he also was one of only two candidates to actually come to the Bills with a strong interest in the job, the other being former Chicago Bears Head Coach, Lovie Smith.
The overall sentiment in Bills-land seems to be "ambivalent," which was the theme of WGR's Howard Simon.
Yet, one would think that the most important thing for the Bills moving forward was finding the right fit. And that's where former Marrone boss and Super Bowl winner, Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, came into play.
Marrone went to Payton for advice during the interviewing process with Payton saying, "You've got to have a comfort level [with your GM and ownership]." And as Marrone was sifting through everything, Payton simply told him, "There's somebody you're going to meet in the process that you're going to work with and turn the program around. Any of these job openings, they all have weaknesses because they wouldn't be open if they didn't."
'Marrone wanted Buffalo as much as Buffalo wanted him,' said ESPN's Adam Schefter. 'In recent weeks, Marrone had done comprehensive film studies of each team he would be interviewing with --the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Bills--and each game the had played this past year, Schefter continued. 'He believed Buffalo had more talent tan any of those other teams. It factored into his final decision, as did his relationship with the new head man of the Bills (Brandon) who served on the advisory board for sports management at Syracuse.'
So that's the basis we have now.
Brandon and Marrone, as well as acting GM Buddy Nix and Bills AGM Doug Whaley, seem to have a comfort level with each other.
Next step?
Putting together his coaching staff.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Bills owner Ralph Wilson gives up control
The hits just keep on rollin'.
Back at the Mayan "end of the world," the Bills, NY State and Erie County came together on a 10-year lease that was pretty much air-tight for the first seven. Which was great. But the kicker? They're already talking about a possible new stadium.
Great news indeed, only to be throttled by yet another 10-loss season and the team's 13 season out of the playoffs.
Everyone in the NFL knew what the result would be--Head Coach Chan Gailey would be fired. And he was. Yesterday, along with the entire coaching staff.
Next we were left to wonder the fate of GM Buddy Nix.
Well, we found out today.
Nix will be replaced by AGM Doug Whaley, probably after the draft in April.
The purge of the old guard is in full swing with Nix and Gailey gone, but the next kicker is that CEO Russ Brandon has "essentially taken over acting ownership duties for aging owner Ralph Wilson," according to a league source.
WGR's Howard Simon elaborates, "For the first time since he bought the franchise in 1960, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson junior is giving up organization control. WGR 550 has learned CEO Russ Brandon will officially be named Team President.
Back at the Mayan "end of the world," the Bills, NY State and Erie County came together on a 10-year lease that was pretty much air-tight for the first seven. Which was great. But the kicker? They're already talking about a possible new stadium.
Great news indeed, only to be throttled by yet another 10-loss season and the team's 13 season out of the playoffs.
Everyone in the NFL knew what the result would be--Head Coach Chan Gailey would be fired. And he was. Yesterday, along with the entire coaching staff.
Next we were left to wonder the fate of GM Buddy Nix.
Well, we found out today.
Nix will be replaced by AGM Doug Whaley, probably after the draft in April.
The purge of the old guard is in full swing with Nix and Gailey gone, but the next kicker is that CEO Russ Brandon has "essentially taken over acting ownership duties for aging owner Ralph Wilson," according to a league source.
WGR's Howard Simon elaborates, "For the first time since he bought the franchise in 1960, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson junior is giving up organization control. WGR 550 has learned CEO Russ Brandon will officially be named Team President.
Only once before has Wilson given the title of Team President to another individual and that was back in 2000 when it was handed to Tom Donahoe. But Wilson never gave up organizational control and would always have the final say on all football matters. Those days are now over with a symbolic passing of the torch to Brandon who has been told “its your show."
Said Owner Ralph Wilson (via Chris Brown, buffalobills.com,) 'Russ Brandon has done a tremendous job in his 16 years with our organization and is very highly respected throughout the National Football League,” said Wilson in a team statement. “He has proven to be extremely successful with each new level of responsibility he has been given and has earned this opportunity. Russ is a proven leader and he will now have full authority over the entire Buffalo Bills operation. I have granted him full autonomy to run the organization as he feels is best.'
What a New Years Day.
It's a new day for the Buffalo Bills and it'll be interesting to see who they tab as coach for the beginning of this new era.
Edit: According to Russ Brandon, Buddy Nix is still the GM of the Buffalo Bills--via WGR, Brandon press conference.
Info on AGM, Doug Whaley. Paul Hamilton asks, "Who is Doug Whaley and is he next in line?" while the boys in the GR studio interview new Team President Russ Brandon who says "we identified [Whaley] three years ago, we brought him into the organization and we'll have that transtion (into the GM positon) when it's appropriate." (10:25 mark)
Whaley himself gets a chance to chime in on things.
Edit: According to Russ Brandon, Buddy Nix is still the GM of the Buffalo Bills--via WGR, Brandon press conference.
Info on AGM, Doug Whaley. Paul Hamilton asks, "Who is Doug Whaley and is he next in line?" while the boys in the GR studio interview new Team President Russ Brandon who says "we identified [Whaley] three years ago, we brought him into the organization and we'll have that transtion (into the GM positon) when it's appropriate." (10:25 mark)
Whaley himself gets a chance to chime in on things.
Bills looking towards the desert for their next head coach?
With Chan Gailey gone, the search for a new head coach is on.
I, for one (one of many, I presume,) do not expect a big-name coach to head to Buffalo. There's just too much static surrounding the franchise--like the questionable QB position, the "Toronto Series," as well as the image of Buffalo itself--to make it a premier destination for a seasoned coach.
Established, successful coaches like Andy Reid, John Gruden and Bill Cowher will look at the risk/reward, despite the Brinks truck they could drive in on, as too great. Although nothing is impossible, a situation like this is highly improbable.
Buffalo, like Cleveland and Jacksonville and Kansas City more than likely will have a choice between a second-tier coach with some success or one of those "up-and-coming" coordinators looking for their first head coaching job. If neither of those scenarios come to fruition, there's the college ranks to pluck from, although the Chip Kelly's and Bill O'Brien's of college football will likely get grabbed by the big names of the NFL.
No matter whom they hire, I agree with Jerry Sullivan who was on WGR yeseterday. Forget all the nonsense about an offensive coach who can "develop a quarterback" or a "defensive coach." Give me a bonafide football coach.
A football coach who will hire a quarterbacks coach to develop the quarterback, hire an offensive coordinator who will develop an offense, and hire a defensive coordinator who will develop the defense. All under his guidance.
Is there one out there?
Yeah there is, but more than likely the Bills will need to find that within a coach getting his second chance--a Lovie Smith or Ken Wisenhunt--or they may need to take a chance on an coordinator who may have that untapped quality.
But the one possibility that Bills fans might want to keep an eye on is Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator, Ray Horton.
Horton is in held in high regard throughout the NFL and may be considered to be on the "fast track" to a head coaching spot despite having only two years experience as a coordinator.
From Arizonasports.com: Ray Horton, Defensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals - Horton has only two years of experience as a coordinator in the NFL, but has opened the eyes of many around that league in a short time. Most feel the Cardinals, fueled by Horton's defensive scheme, would have been a playoff-caliber team with even an average NFL offense.
Jason LaCanfora of CBSSportsline says that the Bills have requested an interview with Horton, as have the Browns. The Cardinals are also expected to interview him for their vacancy at head coach.
But, the former Cards head coach will have numerous offers and the Bills might not make the cut.
Horton has been outstanding in his role as defensive coordinator while endearing himself to his players. Despite ESPN's John Clayton saying that Horton landing a top spot is "debatable," with all of the coaching vacancies, even Clayton admits he'll receive a lot of calls.
Of course the stats did not back that up, and he knew it. But what Horton really meant was, 'our players put us in the best position to win the game and they did a flawless job of managing the game of getting inside New England's head.'
"Of getting inside New England's head."
Savor that.
Horton's resume' includes two trips to the Super Bowl as a player: a loss with Cincinnati (1989) and a win with Dallas (1992 vs. the Bills.)
He also has two wins as part of the coaching staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The second ring was under Mike Tomlin for the 2009 season as defensive backs coach. Other notes from that Super Bowl win: the opponent was the Arizona Cardinals, coached by Wisenhunt and the Steelers offensive coordinator was Arians.
Arians, by the way, could be another candidate for a team looking for a head coach, including the Bills. His name has not come out there because the Indianapolis Colts are in the playoffs.
He admirably took over the head coaching duties for the Colts this season while Chuck Pagano recovered from a bout with leukemia. Arians went 9-3 during that span.
Both Horton and Arians seem to be within the Bills range and, as with any coordinator making the jump, it's a gamble.
About the only thing one can do is give it your best shot.
Edit: New Team President Russ Brandon and his entourage are headed to Arizona to interview potential coaching candidates Wisenhunt, Russ Grimm and Horton. They may even say hello to hot college coach, Chip Kelly who's in town with his Ducks for the Fiesta Bowl.
Ariona Republic's Kent Somers joins the boys at WGR.
Wisenhunt's biggest failing, according to Somers, was a failure to replace QB, Kurt Warner. Offense is his forte.
On Horton, his philosophy is let's go hit the quarterback. Very bright, very confident. I think this is the year he'll be a head coach.
Grimm declined an interview with the Bills three years ago.
I, for one (one of many, I presume,) do not expect a big-name coach to head to Buffalo. There's just too much static surrounding the franchise--like the questionable QB position, the "Toronto Series," as well as the image of Buffalo itself--to make it a premier destination for a seasoned coach.
Established, successful coaches like Andy Reid, John Gruden and Bill Cowher will look at the risk/reward, despite the Brinks truck they could drive in on, as too great. Although nothing is impossible, a situation like this is highly improbable.
Buffalo, like Cleveland and Jacksonville and Kansas City more than likely will have a choice between a second-tier coach with some success or one of those "up-and-coming" coordinators looking for their first head coaching job. If neither of those scenarios come to fruition, there's the college ranks to pluck from, although the Chip Kelly's and Bill O'Brien's of college football will likely get grabbed by the big names of the NFL.
No matter whom they hire, I agree with Jerry Sullivan who was on WGR yeseterday. Forget all the nonsense about an offensive coach who can "develop a quarterback" or a "defensive coach." Give me a bonafide football coach.
A football coach who will hire a quarterbacks coach to develop the quarterback, hire an offensive coordinator who will develop an offense, and hire a defensive coordinator who will develop the defense. All under his guidance.
Is there one out there?
Yeah there is, but more than likely the Bills will need to find that within a coach getting his second chance--a Lovie Smith or Ken Wisenhunt--or they may need to take a chance on an coordinator who may have that untapped quality.
 |
| Arizona Cards DC, Ray Horton, seems to be getting a lot of interest for head coaching vacancies. And the Bills have already picked up the phone. |
Smith has expressed interest in the Bills while the Bills have already contacted Wisenhunt.
Horton is in held in high regard throughout the NFL and may be considered to be on the "fast track" to a head coaching spot despite having only two years experience as a coordinator.
From Arizonasports.com: Ray Horton, Defensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals - Horton has only two years of experience as a coordinator in the NFL, but has opened the eyes of many around that league in a short time. Most feel the Cardinals, fueled by Horton's defensive scheme, would have been a playoff-caliber team with even an average NFL offense.
Horton will be a popular target for interviews around the National Football League this off season, as seven head coaching jobs have opened up.
Jason LaCanfora of CBSSportsline says that the Bills have requested an interview with Horton, as have the Browns. The Cardinals are also expected to interview him for their vacancy at head coach.
LaCanfora was actually looking at a Bills/Wisenhunt match saying, "Whisenhunt has ties to assistant general manager Doug Whaley from their time in Pittsburgh and is viewed by many execs as one of the top head coaches available.
Owner Ralph Wilson has hired off this coaching family tree before -- just released head coach Gailey worked for Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh, as did Whisenhunt."
While in Arizona, LaCanfora also states that the Bills could do a "double-dip" by interviewing Horton as well.
Horton has been outstanding in his role as defensive coordinator while endearing himself to his players. Despite ESPN's John Clayton saying that Horton landing a top spot is "debatable," with all of the coaching vacancies, even Clayton admits he'll receive a lot of calls.
Of particular interest to the Bills is the 20-18 win the Cardinals pulled off over the New England Patriots earlier this year--at Foxborough. Horton even had some fun when asked how he stopped the vaunted Patriots offense, saying that his players would, 'make the run check if Tom Brady's under the center. If he's in the gun, go to the pass check.'
Of course the stats did not back that up, and he knew it. But what Horton really meant was, 'our players put us in the best position to win the game and they did a flawless job of managing the game of getting inside New England's head.'
Savor that.
Horton's resume' includes two trips to the Super Bowl as a player: a loss with Cincinnati (1989) and a win with Dallas (1992 vs. the Bills.)
 |
| The Bill Cowher/Pittsburgh coaching tree is really beginning to take shape. Horton is a part of that. |
The first was in the 2005 season where he was under defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau as an assistant defensive backs coach. Some other notables from Bill Cowher's staff that season: Wisenhunt, offensive coordinator; Russ Grimm, assistant head coach/offensive line; Bruce Arians, wide receiver coach.
The second ring was under Mike Tomlin for the 2009 season as defensive backs coach. Other notes from that Super Bowl win: the opponent was the Arizona Cardinals, coached by Wisenhunt and the Steelers offensive coordinator was Arians.
Arians, by the way, could be another candidate for a team looking for a head coach, including the Bills. His name has not come out there because the Indianapolis Colts are in the playoffs.
He admirably took over the head coaching duties for the Colts this season while Chuck Pagano recovered from a bout with leukemia. Arians went 9-3 during that span.
Both Horton and Arians seem to be within the Bills range and, as with any coordinator making the jump, it's a gamble.
About the only thing one can do is give it your best shot.
Edit: New Team President Russ Brandon and his entourage are headed to Arizona to interview potential coaching candidates Wisenhunt, Russ Grimm and Horton. They may even say hello to hot college coach, Chip Kelly who's in town with his Ducks for the Fiesta Bowl.
Ariona Republic's Kent Somers joins the boys at WGR.
Wisenhunt's biggest failing, according to Somers, was a failure to replace QB, Kurt Warner. Offense is his forte.
On Horton, his philosophy is let's go hit the quarterback. Very bright, very confident. I think this is the year he'll be a head coach.
Grimm declined an interview with the Bills three years ago.
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