Buffalo

[magnus]

So do we believe the hype?
I mean, they do have stout backs, and an improved line, to add to Bledsoe. The D's gotta come together some as well, now that it'll have some amount of rush.

But are they really a threat this year?

 

[PantherPaul]

I don't think they are better than 6-9 myself. Defence is whats going to let them down IMO

 

[Piper]

I honestly believe this team will be playing in January. If Bledsoe can't win in this situation, he can't win anymore.

So, he needs a line. They went and got the line. Recievers? Moulds, Price, JR, Centers. Can't get much better than that. Backs? Henry can tote the rock, so can Bryson, and Huntley can be a change of pace.

Defensively, they have some young playmakers. Clements. Scrobel. And they got London Fletcher to play the middle. Losing Cowart hurts, but he was iffy coming back from that injury.

This team had a terrible offensive line and a stubborn, injury plauged QB who played poorly. Now they have the better line, and a better QB.

 

[SandMan]

Lets see, Williams is in his second year, and the Def Coach Gray is in his second year. I think the jury is still out on Gray's effectiveness as a Head Defensive Coach. With his D ranking 21 last year, he could go either way.

To me this is "key" area. I think the jury is still out on Williams too.

I have nothing against any of these fellas and I am not saying they are bad, just saying they have not proven to be successful a winning head coach and a successful Asst Coach...

Obviously Drew will help make the offense, but if he comes out and does not jell with the unit or performs below standard for him ... look for another losing season from the Bills.

 

[Piper]

Good coaching counts, but IMO, when you don't win, it's talent related.

And they lacked talent on the offensive line. Now they don't.

They still lack great talent on the defensive line, though they have spent some high picks there that need to step up.

 

[BigMark]

Duh, they're gonna kick ass.... they have new uniforms.

 

[SandMan]

Originally posted by Piper
Good coaching counts, but IMO, when you don't win, it's talent related.

And they lacked talent on the offensive line. Now they don't.

They still lack great talent on the defensive line, though they have spent some high picks there that need to step up.

I agree, I've also seen some great coaching take average talent to the top of a league. (According to Mort - that will be the challange Fox and Del Rio have...

 

[SandMan]

Originally posted by BigMark
Duh, they're gonna kick ass.... they have new uniforms.

- I've been in favor of new Panther Uniforms... well since our first season - no matter, still a huge fan. But to your point, the record with new uniforms speaks for itself... in that regard their chances are good even if they are "Titan Wannabes"

 

[Piper]

When you look at that division, a couple of things stick out. One, the Jets. How long can Curtis Martin carry that team. They are tinkering toward the edge. Lost both their corners, still don’t have anything at DT, smallish receiving core, Vinny is just now able to walk, Pennington has struggled, Fabini is hurting, the list of problems there seem to grow every day. The Pats will have a tougher schedule this year. Even in Miami, starting to get a bit old, particularly on that line. This division is ripe for a team with some dynamic to step up.

 

[kshead]

Last year, they reminded me a lot of the 49ers of a few years back. A team that stunk up the joint, but was loaded with young players. They couldn't run the ball for shit last year either. At least not consistenly enough. Piper is right about the line fix, I think.

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach at first, but I'll jump on the bandwagon if it looks good later. My $$$ will ride any bandwagon.