Another Writer Calling Out Ralph & His Bean Counters

[Night Train]

http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/nfl/2011/08/buffalo-bills-still-work-progress

Wawrow is a solid writer. The key line confirming all I previously posted.

Nix didn't handle trade talks, leaving that job with Jim Overdorf, the team's salary cap specialist and senior vice president of football administration.

It's official. We're being played. Nix isn't a true GM and has an accountant restricting his abilities to better this team.

Saving $$ on salaries to maximize profit = Primary
Winning = Secondary

Let's Go, Wells Far-Go ( clap,clap...clap,clap,clap)

[THATHURMANATOR]

I can't wait for Ralph to no longer own this team.

I can't take it anymore....

[Goobylal]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.

[BLeonard]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.

You don't see how the guy in charge of the salary cap making trades is realted to money?

This also bothers me:



Nix has provided varying explanations on the Evans trade.

Initially, he described the move as one that will allow Buffalo's younger receivers to develop.

A few days later, Nix attempted to put the trade behind him by telling The Associated Press that there were a lot of things that went into the deal that he couldn't elaborate on publicly.


"A lot of things went in to the deal" that got us a 4th round pick? How complicated could it be?

-Bill

[X-Era]

I can't wait for Ralph to no longer own this team.

I can't take it anymore....Basically we are in the final phase of the Ralph owned Bills team. Unfortunately, we don't know how long it will last. But yes, until the ownership changes, we should expect this type of management.

That said, once the team changes hands, I fully expect a new day for the team. I think Pegula is already showing what a serious investment in winning can do.

[ServoBillieves]

So... Overdorf is in charge of signings? What does that make Buddy, a puppet who chooses good players or decisions and has them checked by others and decided on by an accountant? Who other than Ralph is ****ing in charge, this is a total spiral of bull**** with no answers and a stupid, 3rd grade blame game.

Can't blame the past, can't blame the draft, can't blame Buddy, WHO other than Ralph is to blame for making this teams financial issues based solely on his families well being and future KNOWING he will die soon and his family is plenty well off as is?

I make 28000 a year with a terrible economy, and through TV rights alone his cap for one year is 125 million. Someone wipe the drool from his ass before he pulls his head out of it.

[ChristopherWalken]

I have a feeling this message is going to grow legs and quickly. The media is exposing this for what it is and I'm almost of the thought process that the NFL need to investigate.

This has to violate some ethical code within the league. To purposely line your pockets and not make the greatest concerned effort to win football games is fraudulence...with the league, with the players, with the city of Buffalo and Erie county, and lastly with the fan base.

[THATHURMANATOR]

It is a ****ing joke.

All the money I spend on these cheese dicks and NOTHING but **** move after **** move.

Enough already. I understand it won't change until Ralph is gone and I can't wait for that day.

[ChristopherWalken]

If more damaging evidence starts to come out in the next few days fans are going to quickly disown the Buffalo Bills.

And if this is true, I would much rather let the MFers in charge of producing such an atrocity burn at the stake and take the franchise down versus making a rich old man richer and a poor football team poorer.

[better days]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.

If you believe that you are CRAZY. It was ALL ABOUT MONEY. Evans was worth more than a 4th rnd pick & NO REAL GM would have traded him for that.

[better days]

I have a feeling this message is going to grow legs and quickly. The media is exposing this for what it is and I'm almost of the thought process that the NFL need to investigate.

This has to violate some ethical code within the league. To purposely line your pockets and not make the greatest concerned effort to win football games is fraudulence...with the league, with the players, with the city of Buffalo and Erie county, and lastly with the fan base.

I would put the fan base that supports the team FIRST on that list.

[YardRat]

You don't see how the guy in charge of the salary cap making trades is realted to money?

This also bothers me:



"A lot of things went in to the deal" that got us a 4th round pick? How complicated could it be?

-Bill

Doesn't have to be complicated...could be as simple as Evans asking to be shipped to a team that has a chance to win it all.

[better days]

You don't see how the guy in charge of the salary cap making trades is realted to money?

This also bothers me:



"A lot of things went in to the deal" that got us a 4th round pick? How complicated could it be?

-Bill

Both Nix & Gailey said that a trade would be made if it would make the team better & if another team blew them away with an offer. Well, a 4th rnd pick DOES NOT make the team better & should not have blown them away.

That trade was only a move made to save money. it did NOTHING else.

[better days]

Doesn't have to be complicated...could be as simple as Evans asking to be shipped to a team that has a chance to win it all.

Well, if Rivers asks to be traded to a team with a chance to win it all, you think the Chargers will trade him for a 4th?

[X-Era]

Both Nix & Gailey said that a trade would be made if it would make the team better & if another team blew them away with an offer. Well, a 4th rnd pick DOES NOT make the team better & should not have blown them away.

That trade was only a move made to save money. it did NOTHING else.And since when does a 4 and 12 team disregard what's best for the team to benefit one player? That also is unacceptable... Nice maybe... But unacceptable.

[YardRat]

Well, if Rivers asks to be traded to a team with a chance to win it all, you think the Chargers will trade him for a 4th?

I think a proven starting QB has a lot more market value than a 30+ receiver, so your analogy is a very poor attempt.

[Buffalogic]

Well, if Rivers asks to be traded to a team with a chance to win it all, you think the Chargers will trade him for a 4th?Stupid comparison.

[mrbojanglezs]

overdorf and littman are the two guys who have caused so many problems for the bills over the years....

these are the guys that ran knox and polian out of town.

But who brought these guys in and keeps them in place??

RALPH WILSON

so even though the problem is Littman and Overdorff, the problem all goes back to Ralph and his inability to move on from those who are close.


SELL THE TEAM RALPH

I like russ brandon, he is a good marketing and business man who wants to grow the market and revenues of the Bills. Brandon is an essential piece to keeping the bills in Buffalo because he is good at what he does. He is NOT the one who is calling the shots on how much to spend etc....

[better days]

I think a proven starting QB has a lot more market value than a 30+ receiver, so your analogy is a very poor attempt.

OK how about Vincent Jackson then? 28 years old & HELD OUT because he wanted to be traded. The Chargers REFUSED to trade him & it was known they received GOOD OFFERS.

[Night Train]

In the last 24 hours, I've read 3 articles (Mike Harrington-Buff News, Gregg Easterbrook TMQ and Wawrow of the AP) basically saying the Bills look to be more concerned with the bottom line ($) over actual team inprovement.

The press has to walk a fine line with any team they cover, if they plan on ever getting cooperation for future columns. Looks like they finally called the Bills out for being a little too obvious. I'm sure the team didn't expect this and will have Brandon or some other Smithers deny it all but staying far under the cap speaks volumes.

[bf1]

Cheap loser ****s.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

It will be sad to see Ralph's diminished legacy continue to be destroyed as he gets near the end. I would imagine a majority of Bills fans do not want him as the owner of this team anymore.

[PromoTheRobot]

http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/nfl/2011/08/buffalo-bills-still-work-progress

Wawrow is a solid writer. The key line confirming all I previously posted.

Nix didn't handle trade talks, leaving that job with Jim Overdorf, the team's salary cap specialist and senior vice president of football administration.

It's official. We're being played. Nix isn't a true GM and has an accountant restricting his abilities to better this team.

Saving $$ on salaries to maximize profit = Primary
Winning = Secondary

Let's Go, Wells Far-Go ( clap,clap...clap,clap,clap)

Ha ha ha! Slightly misleading headline, no? Where is Wawrow "calling out" anyone?

PTR

[BuffaloBlitz83]

It will be sad to see Ralph's diminished legacy continue to be destroyed as he gets near the end. I would imagine a majority of Bills fans do not want him as the owner of this team anymore.

He deserves it, The fans of Buffalo do not. I hope he his LEGACY is erased

[better days]

In the last 24 hours, I've read 3 articles (Mike Harrington-Buff News, Gregg Easterbrook TMQ and Wawrow of the AP) basically saying the Bills look to be more concerned with the bottom line ($) over actual team inprovement.

The press has to walk a fine line with any team they cover, if they plan on ever getting cooperation for future columns. Looks like they finally called the Bills out for being a little too obvious. I'm sure the team didn't expect this and will have Brandon or some other Smithers deny it all but staying far under the cap speaks volumes.

Staying under the cap is one thing IMO. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are well under the cap & are a good team on the rise. To trade a quality player & person like Evans however for a 4th rnd pick is total BS.

Totally a money saving move. It hurt the team. Aside from Evans play, the Bill lost a LEADER. The reports in Baltimore are they are not only happy with Evans play on the field, but what he brings to the locker room.

And judging from what Evans has said & what his teammates have said, I don't believe for a minute he asked to be traded either.

[guy]

Basically we are in the final phase of the Ralph owned Bills team. Unfortunately, we don't know how long it will last. But yes, until the ownership changes, we should expect this type of management.

That said, once the team changes hands, I fully expect a new day for the team. I think Pegula is already showing what a serious investment in winning can do. and what can it do?? they havent played a game yet! ask the rangers how that spending usually works out.

[better days]

and what can it do?? they havent played a game yet! ask the rangers how that spending usually works out.

The Rangers are the Washington Redskins of the NHL. Pegula is spending money on the front office, scouting, equipment, things that will make a difference.

[YardRat]

OK how about Vincent Jackson then? 28 years old & HELD OUT because he wanted to be traded. The Chargers REFUSED to trade him & it was known they received GOOD OFFERS.

Better.

[DraftBoy]

http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/nfl/2011/08/buffalo-bills-still-work-progress


Nix didn't handle trade talks, leaving that job with Jim Overdorf, the team's salary cap specialist and senior vice president of football administration.

What the **** kind of bull**** are we trying to pull here? God damnit we continue to look like a ****ing JV team.

[TacklingDummy]

12 years of losing is giving me the I don't give a F**k attitude.

[X-Era]

12 years of losing is giving me the I don't give a F**k attitude.I know. I'm kind of desensitized.

Paper bags at the opener?

Has that ever happened?

I'll still root and hope for the best but when you stack so much against yourself you're screwed usually.

[Ebenezer]

Buddy and Chan were brought in to steer the ship...make sure it doesn't crash and become completely terrible. There is no long term plan.

[X-Era]

Buddy and Chan were brought in to steer the ship...make sure it doesn't crash and become completely terrible. There is no long term plan.I know what natures going to do eventually... give us a new owner.

[Don't Panic]

I know what natures going to do eventually... give us a new owner.
Unfortunately, I think this is the only fact that matters.

I really don't think Buddy and Chan believe with anything less than all of their heart that they are producing the best team they possibly can... with the resources they have to work with (Ralph).

I also don't believe the QB and O Line will do anything less than give 100% on every snap... given their ability (Ralph).

And I know the die hard fans will stay committed to this team... even though they are fighting for a team that, for the time being, will be limited in how much it can accomplish (Ralph).

So until RW cashes in we will be in a permanent limbo state. Then we'll either lose the team or get an owner who really cares about putting a winner in WNY (since the financial commitment will be one that almost requires a desire to win).

Therefore... we all have to decide within this reality of things how much of ourselves to devote to this franchise. I can't help it. I'm in for the long haul. I believe in everyone's commitment to winning that is associated with this organization except one. And although I am thankful that Ralph decided to bring a franchise to our beloved city half a century ago, I look forward to the time when his time has passed... if for any other reason to have closure to this handicapped era.

It's interesting... I am an avid Arizona Wildcats basketball fan. I left Buffalo after my senior year of HS to spend 5 of the best years of my life there. I would never have gone if not for Lute Olson. He built that program... single handedly put them on the map. But when he hung on too long at the end, the program suffered. I went from praising the guy to holding anger against him for being selfish about that. Now we Cats fans are two years removed from that long stretch of mediocrity and we have returned to prominence. With that, the anger is gone. I look forward rather than behind.

I look forward to the day when the anger is gone for Ralph and the only thing we really remember him for is the fact that he made the Buffalo Bills possible in the first place. Maybe then we can return to the place of prominence the city of Buffalo deserves. Until then... :cheers: /soapbox

[Ebenezer]

I know what natures going to do eventually... give us a new owner.
If he has it in his head to own the team until he dies then nothing is going to change that.

[YardRat]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=204880

Mods? Merge?

[Ebenezer]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=204880

Mods? Merge?
you asked.....

[X-Era]

Unfortunately, I think this is the only fact that matters.

I really don't think Buddy and Chan believe with anything less than all of their heart that they are producing the best team they possibly can... with the resources they have to work with (Ralph).

I also don't believe the QB and O Line will do anything less than give 100% on every snap... given their ability (Ralph).

And I know the die hard fans will stay committed to this team... even though they are fighting for a team that, for the time being, will be limited in how much it can accomplish (Ralph).

So until RW cashes in we will be in a permanent limbo state. Then we'll either lose the team or get an owner who really cares about putting a winner in WNY (since the financial commitment will be one that almost requires a desire to win).

Therefore... we all have to decide within this reality of things how much of ourselves to devote to this franchise. I can't help it. I'm in for the long haul. I believe in everyone's commitment to winning that is associated with this organization except one. And although I am thankful that Ralph decided to bring a franchise to our beloved city half a century ago, I look forward to the time when his time has passed... if for any other reason to have closure to this handicapped era.

It's interesting... I am an avid Arizona Wildcats basketball fan. I left Buffalo after my senior year of HS to spend 5 of the best years of my life there. I would never have gone if not for Lute Olson. He built that program... single handedly put them on the map. But when he hung on too long at the end, the program suffered. I went from praising the guy to holding anger against him for being selfish about that. Now we Cats fans are two years removed from that long stretch of mediocrity and we have returned to prominence. With that, the anger is gone. I look forward rather than behind.

I look forward to the day when the anger is gone for Ralph and the only thing we really remember him for is the fact that he made the Buffalo Bills possible in the first place. Maybe then we can return to the place of prominence the city of Buffalo deserves. Until then... :cheers: /soapboxGreat post. I'm here for the long haul too. But until we get a playoff team were just stuck *****ing about them.

[X-Era]

If he has it in his head to own the team until he dies then nothing is going to change that.As I said, at some point nature will force the situation.

[Blogabills]

The Rangers are the Washington Redskins of the NHL. Pegula is spending money on the front office, scouting, equipment, things that will make a difference.

The fact of the matter is Ralph does spend money; he is not the cheapest owner in the league over the last 3 years, not by far.

He has hired people who spend it like a person buying stocks on margin. (Poorly).

[DraftBoy]

Didn't see this earlier, my bad.

[YardRat]

Didn't see this earlier, my bad.

Most of us are used to you sucking.

[Blogabills]

Also, nothing against the other two writers, but Easterbrook is a schmuck. His assertions about most things non-football related are absolute bunk (a quick google search on that makes him easy to find), his statistical reasonings are flawed, and he is just plain WRONG about a lot of things, as his own column shows when he prints e-mails from people pointing out his many, many, many factual errors.

[X-Era]

The fact of the matter is Ralph does spend money; he is not the cheapest owner in the league over the last 3 years, not by far.

He has hired people who spend it like a person buying stocks on margin. (Poorly).Is that like not being the fattest kid at the marathon?

Some are cheaper but more spend much more.

[DraftBoy]

Most of us are used to you sucking.

:x:

[B-DON]

How about you clowns *****ing just not go to the games. That would make it fairly evident that Ralph either needs to spend money or sell this team to the highest bidder

[BertSquirtgum]

http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/nfl/2011/08/buffalo-bills-still-work-progress

Wawrow is a solid writer. The key line confirming all I previously posted.

Nix didn't handle trade talks, leaving that job with Jim Overdorf, the team's salary cap specialist and senior vice president of football administration.

It's official. We're being played. Nix isn't a true GM and has an accountant restricting his abilities to better this team.

Saving $$ on salaries to maximize profit = Primary
Winning = Secondary

Let's Go, Wells Far-Go ( clap,clap...clap,clap,clap)

if that's the case ralph can go **** himself and move the team to LA tommorow. **** that old peice of ****.

[ServoBillieves]

How about you clowns *****ing just not go to the games. That would make it fairly evident that Ralph either needs to spend money or sell this team to the highest bidder

Most people who complain go to the games to be proven wrong. That's the unbelievably sad thing about it. I have been a fan since birth, my grandfather was a fan, my father was a fan, my godfather is a fan... Damn, I can't think of a person in my family (other than my rebellious cousin who thinks it's cool to go against the family and be an Eagles fan) who ISN'T a die hard Bills fan.

Hell, at the wedding I was at this past Saturday when people were being introduced (my cousins, a family friend being the best men) everyone yelled "EYYY UHHH EYYY EHHH!"

But when we turned on the preseason game, on a smartphone for that, we were (the die hards) staring at it the whole time, and someone finally said "Prove me wrong" when it was a 3rd and short situation.

Really clicked with me... The reason, as stated before, that the old, die hard fans want to continually go to games now, is not to see how bad the Bills beat other teams, but for the fan to be proven wrong. I'm 23 years old, I don't have cognizant memories of this team being consistently successful, but when they can prove my family wrong, I will be able to hold my head up high and say "I knew I loved this team for a reason"

Now? I look like a ****ing idiot for putting so much time, money, effort, patience, and love in to this team. Growing up in Pittsburgh since 2nd grade (I now thankfully reside in Charlotte, away from the biggest bandwagon fans in the world) I was constantly ripped on, but I always kept my faith and never went for the easy win, aka being a Pens, Steelers fan (But I like the Pirates, I apparently love losing).

Present day... Wow this team just breaks my spirit down.

Prove me wrong Bills, prove me wrong... and if not? Go **** yourself Ralph, Overdorf, and even Buddy. I give Chan credit for dealing with the feces he has to mold in to a sculpture, but with no help from the top, there's no hope.

But when I go to those games in San Diego and at the Ralph, you better believe I'll be screaming my head off for the good ol' real Red, White and Blue.

[BertSquirtgum]

12 years of losing is giving me the I don't give a F**k attitude.

too late for me. i've had it for about 2 weeks now. i'm just counting the days until ralph has gone to hell.

[MikeNC]

Found this on the web, seemed to fizzle out quickly, at least someone had a good idea, should we explore further? http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chucktheralph/

[paranoid]

12 years of losing is giving me the I don't give a F**k attitude.

Why should the fans care when the owner/administration of the team doesn't?

[YardRat]

Found this on the web, seemed to fizzle out quickly, at least someone had a good idea, should we explore further? http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chucktheralph/

Maybe a billboard instead?

[jpdex12]

if that's the case ralph can go **** himself and move the team to LA tommorow. **** that old peice of ****.

Thank god you brought Epic Boobs back...life just wasn't right without them!

[The Compromise]

I can't wait for Ralph to no longer own this team.

I can't take it anymore....

It does not appear that Wilson's funeral will be well attended, or that if it is there will be an enormous city-wide happy hour immediately following it.

[The Compromise]

How about you clowns *****ing just not go to the games. That would make it fairly evident that Ralph either needs to spend money or sell this team to the highest bidder

That's a lot of dots for some people here to be able to connect.

[B-DON]

I just don't get the ppl that complain yet still go out and buy merchandise or tickets. I refuse to support this team with any of my finances until ralph is gone.

[The Compromise]

I know. I'm kind of desensitized.

Paper bags at the opener?

Has that ever happened?

I'll still root and hope for the best but when you stack so much against yourself you're screwed usually.

Empty seats at the opener?

Wanna tailgate, fine, go tailgate. Just leave after the KO and head back home to watch the game or a sportsbar. Or just watch it in the lot until you sober up and then leave.

Honestly, I'd rather drop $75 on a good high school game.

[TrEd FTW]

You're nuts if you give a cent of your money to this team. They do nothing to reward you, the paying customer, nor do they give a **** about you.

[The Compromise]

I just don't get the ppl that complain yet still go out and buy merchandise or tickets. I refuse to support this team with any of my finances until ralph is gone.

I don't know, I guess that the beer muscles fans just insist that in order to prove your fan status you have to drop a few hundred bucks and days of your time every season or you're not allowed to speak or opine on the team.

Funny thing is that they're also the ones that get the angriest when things don't work out. Then everyone should be fired.

I'm like you, I refuse to be an enabler for this thing they call an NFL franchise. They can run their collegiate schemes and talk down to those that are buying what they're selling.

JP Barnum was of course correct, something that is proven over and over again in many different ways, this one being one of them.

[The Compromise]

You're nuts if you give a cent of your money to this team. They do nothing to reward you, the paying customer, nor do they give a **** about you.

Look at the threads talking about the home opener and which jersey they should buy.

Really, just give me $50, meet me at the corner of Delaware and Chippewa, I'll kick you in the balls and you can go home, call it a Sunday afternoon and save yourself a few hours in the process.

I'll even throw in a free Bills sticker.

[BertSquirtgum]

Ralph needs to go away.

[THATHURMANATOR]

How about you clowns *****ing just not go to the games. That would make it fairly evident that Ralph either needs to spend money or sell this team to the highest bidder
Because I still have a great time going either way.

Also I don't want them to move. If no one shows up it makes it that much easier to move the team away.

[paladin warrior]

I can't wait for Ralph to no longer own this team.

I can't take it anymore.... Hum When Ralph going to be retire??

[Mr. Pink]

People go to games for one real reason at this point.

Fear that if they don't the team will move.

Ralph knows this. So he very well could have a handshake agreement for succession and not say a word about it knowing full well if it became public people would stop going right now til he put a winner on the field.

The longer he can hold the I'm old, I'm gonna die, Buffalo is poor, there is no plan over everyones head the more he can drag the product into the toilet and have people still show up.

[Mr. Pink]

Because I still have a great time going either way.

Also I don't want them to move. If no one shows up it makes it that much easier to move the team away.


FYI point proven on my above post. And no I didn't read past page 1 before posting.

[THATHURMANATOR]

People go to games for one real reason at this point.

Fear that if they don't the team will move.

Ralph knows this. So he very well could have a handshake agreement for succession and not say a word about it knowing full well if it became public people would stop going right now til he put a winner on the field.

The longer he can hold the I'm old, I'm gonna die, Buffalo is poor, there is no plan over everyones head the more he can drag the product into the toilet and have people still show up.
No I do have an amazing time tailgating as well.

[Ingtar33]

Buddy and Chan were brought in to steer the ship...make sure it doesn't crash and become completely terrible. There is no long term plan.

I think this was basically my opinion when nix and Gailey were hired; actually when Gailey was hired and it was clear he was pulled out of semi retirement and his peaceful catfish jiggin' or whatever the f- he was doing, for a job he never even thought about taking it was clear that the fix was in.

[kingJofNYC]

Honestly, going to games doesn't make a lick of difference whether they stay or not. Fanbase has proven themselves, no question. Fans of Buffalo could've dumped them a long time ago but they stayed true.

Goodell and his cronies are the ones who will make the decision when the time comes. You hear the usual cast saying other wise, typical lip service. IF Ralph drops dead relatively soon, and they don't have a franchise in LA, kiss this team goodbye.

[B-DON]

Because I still have a great time going either way.

Also I don't want them to move. If no one shows up it makes it that much easier to move the team away.
So you'll just continue to blow money and ***** about? Sounds about right for this team. Ralph blows the little money he does spend and we all ***** about it.

[BuffaloBlitz83]

So you'll just continue to blow money and ***** about? Sounds about right for this team. Ralph blows the little money he does spend and we all ***** about it.

He has a right. I'm sure Thurm has spent more money on the Bills than you have. Fans that support the product have all the right in the world to kill them.

[ChristopherWalken]

So you'll just continue to blow money and ***** about? Sounds about right for this team. Ralph blows the little money he does spend and we all ***** about it.


I'm waiting to get more substantial evidence that they are purposely trying to cheap out and lose games. Right now its pure speculation and a couple of media hounds trying to stir the pot to see if they can get it to come to a boil.

I tell you what, if this story begins to fester, stink and then become wildly infected, then I'm out as a Bills fan. I will spend NO MORE of my hard earned money on this kind of product.

And I would much rather the franchise move then be expected to pay to watch cheap talentless schmucks get their asses handed to them year after year.

If this is true Wilson needs to rot in hell.

[X-Era]

I'm waiting to get more substantial evidence that they are purposely trying to cheap out and lose games. Right now its pure speculation and a couple of media hounds trying to stir the pot to see if they can get it to come to a boil.

I tell you what, if this story begins to fester, stink and then become wildly infected, then I'm out as a Bills fan. I will spend NO MORE of my hard earned money on this kind of product.

And I would much rather the franchise move then be expected to pay to watch cheap talentless schmucks get their asses handed to them year after year.

If this is true Wilson needs to rot in hell.For me, as I said, I stop short of accusing them of purposely sabotaging wins for profit. I think it's more that they don't believe spending more can get us more wins. I think they are convinced that underspending can still put us in the playoffs if we can develop young guys and draft well.

And, I think they fail to see that they aren't very good at either of those two critical parameters for winning that way.

A smart team would look at Pears and Urbik and add two vet journeyman as insurance... The Ravens added McKinnie because they had concerns about their current starters. At the worst, he becomes a good backup. That's smart money spent. I don't need Asomugha type players from FA. I need guys who can start if the youngsters aren't playing good enough and who can be valuable backups if they are. I want significant upgrades at several positions and at our depth. OL is the glaring spot. There are others. I would have liked an upgrade to Davis with Shepp, Davis, and Moats battling for the backup spots. I would have liked a more proven WR once we traded Evans. I would have liked a proven vet at TE. And I felt all that could be done well within the 26+ mill in cap space we have. I think we could have landed 3 or 4 of those needs with 10-15 mill more in spending. But, we made no moves. And that tells me we either are clueless about what adequate NFL talent looks like or we have no interest in trying to ensure wins now.

So what were stuck with is a front office hell bent on trying to get under-talented players to overachieve, staunch in their conviction to not increase their total salary spent, and hopelessly under-performing.

Ralph is the only one who could demand a major reset in the thinking at OBD, and he's either unwilling or not coherent enough to do so. The business model up there is set, all the brass has bought in, and they are perfectly happy to operate this way... even if it means endless losing seasons.

[SabreEleven]

Wait until Ralph has to spend up to 99% of the cap. That will give him a heart attack for sure.

[X-Era]

There is one other possibility to why were operating this way.

It's possible that we know we are sub-par at many positions. But we want to save the money and make the investment when we feel we have the right corp group.

The plan may be this:

Ensure you have a QB that can take you to the playoffs. I don't think the Bills are convinced that's Fitz yet. And I think their plan is to see this year out and if they need to move on, they will look hard to the draft or elsewhere.
Ensure you have enough corp talent on your D to be solid year in and year out for many years. Dareus may be a big step. Locking up Kyle Williams may be another. Merriman is a stop gap and we may see a bigger spend in the draft on this spot to go after the long term answer.
Ensure you have a running game that can gain enough yards to be competitive. They may feel they aren't there yet until Spiller emerges.
Ensure you have a solid OL that can protect any QB they put back there. I think they know they are sub-par but will wait to see and will wait to develop new young guys if necessary. I think Bell is a bigger part of this decision than many feel.Then, if they feel they have enough of the above, they will make a more serious move to building the overall talent.

It's possible that they plan to wait until they feel they have enough corp pieces to be serious, and then they will fill in much of the rest to build a solid team and roster.

[DraftBoy]

I think this was basically my opinion when nix and Gailey were hired; actually when Gailey was hired and it was clear he was pulled out of semi retirement and his peaceful catfish jiggin' or whatever the f- he was doing, for a job he never even thought about taking it was clear that the fix was in.

It was just such a horrible hire. Two more years, that's all I have to say.

[ChristopherWalken]

For me, as I said, I stop short of accusing them of purposely sabotaging wins for profit. I think it's more that they don't believe spending more can get us more wins. I think they are convinced that underspending can still put us in the playoffs if we can develop young guys and draft well.

And, I think they fail to see that they aren't very good at either of those two critical parameters for winning that way.

A smart team would look at Pears and Urbik and add two vet journeyman as insurance... The Ravens added McKinnie because they had concerns about their current starters. At the worst, he becomes a good backup. That's smart money spent. I don't need Asomugha type players from FA. I need guys who can start if the youngsters aren't playing good enough and who can be valuable backups if they are. I want significant upgrades at several positions and at our depth. OL is the glaring spot. There are others. I would have liked an upgrade to Davis with Shepp, Davis, and Moats battling for the backup spots. I would have liked a more proven WR once we traded Evans. I would have liked a proven vet at TE. And I felt all that could be done well within the 26+ mill in cap space we have. I think we could have landed 3 or 4 of those needs with 10-15 mill more in spending. But, we made no moves. And that tells me we either are clueless about what adequate NFL talent looks like or we have no interest in trying to ensure wins now.

So what were stuck with is a front office hell bent on trying to get under-talented players to overachieve, staunch in their conviction to not increase their total salary spent, and hopelessly under-performing.

Ralph is the only one who could demand a major reset in the thinking at OBD, and he's either unwilling or not coherent enough to do so. The business model up there is set, all the brass has bought in, and they are perfectly happy to operate this way... even if it means endless losing seasons.

Thanks for annotating your thoughts. It definitly seems more likely that Wilson and this FO are more incompetent than sinister.

Though you've talked me down from the ledge (for now), my spidey senses are still tingling. I guess things have just gone so progressively wrong for this organization that to expect the worst is to never be disappointed.

[X-Era]

Wait until Ralph has to spend up to 99% of the cap. That will give him a heart attack for sure.Sadly it never will be 99%, it's 89% and it's cash not cap. And, he doesn't have to prove he spent it until 2017. He has to show a total spent of 89% of the total cap figure over that period. If the cap was 100 mill in each of those years, it equals 400 mill and he has to show he spent 89% of that for that period. But it won't be looked at until 2017. It's still significant because the Bills are more likely to go the guaranteed money route rather than SB. So, I don't think they are as likely to eat up space to get to the 89% mark with SB's as some do.

[Jan Reimers]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.
You can spin the Evans deal, or believe the party line, but it mostly smells like a salary dump.

And then take a whiff of our abysmal O-line and the zero dollars spent to correct it; the parade of linebackers coming in to interview for Poz's job, ending with the signing of an injured, aging bargain basement guy; the productive TEs on the market that we passed up; our replacing Whitner with his backup and a 4th round rookie; and . . .

Well, it smells mostly like cheap s**t to me.

[The Compromise]

There is one other possibility to why were operating this way.

It's possible that we know we are sub-par at many positions. But we want to save the money and make the investment when we feel we have the right corp group.

The plan may be this:
Ensure you have a QB that can take you to the playoffs. I don't think the Bills are convinced that's Fitz yet. And I think their plan is to see this year out and if they need to move on, they will look hard to the draft or elsewhere.
Ensure you have enough corp talent on your D to be solid year in and year out for many years. Dareus may be a big step. Locking up Kyle Williams may be another. Merriman is a stop gap and we may see a bigger spend in the draft on this spot to go after the long term answer.
Ensure you have a running game that can gain enough yards to be competitive. They may feel they aren't there yet until Spiller emerges.
Ensure you have a solid OL that can protect any QB they put back there. I think they know they are sub-par but will wait to see and will wait to develop new young guys if necessary. I think Bell is a bigger part of this decision than many feel.Then, if they feel they have enough of the above, they will make a more serious move to building the overall talent.

It's possible that they plan to wait until they feel they have enough corp pieces to be serious, and then they will fill in much of the rest to build a solid team and roster.

Do you really believe in your heart of hearts that this team has a plan at all of any kind?

Think about the ramifications of that if the answer is yes.

Nevertheless, suppose you do, then who within the organization shouldn't be fired?

[trapezeus]

i don't get how littman and overdorf (sp?) can live in the buffalo area and not want to win. It makes no sense. perhaps they live in detroit and just don't care.

i also think this team needs to address this PR at this point. They won't because remember when the bills lost 6-3 and bills were so pissed and wilson was supposed to come out for his halftime ceremony and he was going to get boo'd, they just scrapped it. come out and see what you've done ralph. this has gone way beyond stupid incompetence and into malicious hate of a city and its people.

[better days]

It was just such a horrible hire. Two more years, that's all I have to say.

In spite of the HORRIBLE trades that have been made recently, if Nix & Gailey are gone in two years, I will bet the team will be much better than when they arrived.

[BLeonard]

Also I don't want them to move. If no one shows up it makes it that much easier to move the team away.

I see a lot of fans say this... But, I still don't understand it...

I can't recall a team being moved because of lack of attendance. From my research, the driving factor in a team moving is the ability to get a new stadium. The Cleveland Browns didn't lack fan support, but they moved to Baltimore, primarily because of issues with Municipal Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts moved from Baltimore, becasue Maryland wouldn't fund a new stadium, when Indy had began construction on the Hoosier Dome. Even the NBA Seattle Supersonics moved primarily becasue they couldn't reach an agreement to get a new arena in Seattle.

Of course, some people like to bring Jacksonville into this conversation... I've researched that as well:



Before the 2005 season, mainly due to low attendance figures and looming blackouts, team officials installed a series of tarps to reduce the seating capacity for Jaguars games. The covers were placed to block out seven sections in the upper north endzone and four in each upper deck section, located on the corners of each. This puts 9,703 seats out of service, leaving the stadium with 67,164 seats for the regular season. While some believed that this was a sign that the city couldn't handle having an NFL team, the current 67,164 seats available is actually very close to Wayne Weaver's first proposal to renovate the stadium during his bid for an NFL team in 1992 before the city council failed to approve it, mainly due to not having enough seats to accommodate the annual Florida-Georgia game. However, in the event the Jaguars make the AFC Championship Game, the stadium can easily be expanded to full capacity.


When mentioning Jacksonville, a lot of people forget that the stadium they use also is used for the Gator Bowl, among other bigtime college football games... You wouldn't expect the Lions to fill Michigan Stadium every week, would you?

Bottom Line, IMO, if the Bills move, it's not going to be because of lack of ticket sales. It's most likley going to be because of not being able to get a new stadium built in the Buffalo area.

-Bill

[cookie G]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.


The club accountant is determining who fits in the offense?

That's nuts.

[better days]

I see a lot of fans say this... But, I still don't understand it...

I can't recall a team being moved because of lack of attendance. From my research, the driving factor in a team moving is the ability to get a new stadium. The Cleveland Browns didn't lack fan support, but they moved to Baltimore, primarily because of issues with Municipal Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts moved from Baltimore, becasue Maryland wouldn't fund a new stadium, when Indy had began construction on the Hoosier Dome. Even the NBA Seattle Supersonics moved primarily becasue they couldn't reach an agreement to get a new arena in Seattle.

Of course, some people like to bring Jacksonville into this conversation... I've researched that as well:



When mentioning Jacksonville, a lot of people forget that the stadium they use also is used for the Gator Bowl, among other bigtime college football games... You wouldn't expect the Lions to fill Michigan Stadium every week, would you?

Bottom Line, IMO, if the Bills move, it's not going to be because of lack of ticket sales. It's most likley going to be because of not being able to get a new stadium built in the Buffalo area.

-Bill

I just read an article on Profootballtalk.com. The title is "NFL knows it needs big crowds for good TV". It says the NFL knows that it needs to have full stadiums for the games to have an impact on TV & says that teams that can't fill stadiums will be teams that will move to cities that will fill them.

It names the Bucs, Jags, Raiders & Chargers as teams having a hard time filling stadiums. The Bills despite being so terrible for the last decade are not on that list & I think it is important that Bills fans continue to fill the stadium in spite of Ralph.

I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester as the Pats* did in N.E. They did not put the stadium in downtown Boston, but at a location where they could draw from a greater number of fans.

One last thought, if the NFL thinks LA will fill a stadium after the SHINE wears off they are crazy.

[DraftBoy]

In spite of the HORRIBLE trades that have been made recently, if Nix & Gailey are gone in two years, I will bet the team will be much better than when they arrived.

That's a tough call to make. If the new staff and admin they bring in subscribe to the same philosophy then maybe.

But if we bring in a 43 D HC, who wants to run a ZBS scheme up front, this team is not better off.

Too many variables and what ifs to assume that right now.

[BLeonard]

I just read an article on Profootballtalk.com. The title is "NFL knows it needs big crowds for good TV". It says the NFL knows that it needs to have full stadiums for the games to have an impact on TV & says that teams that can't fill stadiums will be teams that will move to cities that will fill them.

It names the Bucs, Jags, Raiders & Chargers as teams having a hard time filling stadiums. The Bills despite being so terrible for the last decade are not on that list & I think it is important that Bills fans continue to fill the stadium in spite of Ralph.

I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester as the Pats* did in N.E. They did not put the stadium in downtown Boston, but at a location where they could draw from a greater number of fans.

One last thought, if the NFL thinks LA will fill a stadium after the SHINE wears off they are crazy.

I won't disagree that low attendance might be A factor, if and when the NFL is looking to potentially relocate a team, whether it be to Los Angeles or anywhere else... I'm just saying, I highly doubt it will be THE factor.

Look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_attendance#2010_Attendance_Statistics

The Bucs and Raiders are averaging less than 50,000 per game. The Chargers, on the other hand, average more fans than the Steelers. The Jaguars are only 51 seats (on average) behind the Steelers, and only 407 seats total for the season. Hell, the Bills have a higher average than Pittsburgh and that's comparing a 4-12 team that hasn't made the playoffs in over a decade to the team that was the AFC representative in the Super Bowl.

Based on the "if fans don't buy tickets, the team will move" argument, the Steelers should be more of a risk to move than the Bills or Chargers, becasue more fans are buying tix to the Bills and Chargers. What the NFL wants for TV is the illusion of a full house. Heinz Field seats 65,050 for football, while Qualcomm (SD) seats 70,561 and RWS seats 73,079 currently. By comparison, Jacksonville seats 67,164 (expandable to 76,867) and for college football, seats as many as 84,000.

Pittsburgh always looks sold out, because their stadium is significantly smaller. Again, the ILLUSION of a full house. Easier to make it look full if it's significantly smaller. Kinda like how, in pro wrestling, if the place isn't sold out, they move people to empty seats that have camera coverage. If you don't see an empty seat on camera from home... You don't know it's empty.

Now, what do the Raiders and Chargers have in common? Both are wanting new stadiums. Al Davis has wanted one since he moved to LA back in the early 80's... As a matter of fact, he moved the team to LA on the promise that they would either renovate the LA Coliseum, or help in funding for a new stadium. When LA didn't come through, he moved them back to Oakland:



In order to convince Davis to return, Oakland spent $220 million on stadium renovations. These included a new seating section — commonly known as "Mount Davis" — with 10,000 seats. It also built the team a training facility and paid all its moving costs. The Raiders pay just $525,000 a year in rent — a fraction of what the nearby San Francisco 49ers pay to play at Candlestick Park — and do not pay maintenance or game-day operating costs.


And, the Rams, who also left LA for St. Louis...



The team eventually bolted for St. Louis. As part of the agreement, the city agreed to build a publicly financed stadium and guaranteed that the stadium would be in the top 25% of all stadiums in the National Football League. Georgia Frontiere waived the clause after the 10 year threshold, as the city implemented a later plan to improve the stadium.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis_Rams#St._Louis_Rams_.281995.E2.80.93present.29

There's also a chunk of that link that seems eerily familiar...



The first half of the 1990s featured losing records, no playoff appearances for the Rams and waning fan interest. The return of Chuck Knox as head coach, after Knox's successful stints as head coach of the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks, would not boost the Rams' fortunes. His run-oriented offense marked the end of the Zampese tenure in 1993. Georgia Frontiere's strategy was to hire Knox whose offensive philosophy of "Ground Chuck" had long since become ineffective; especially in light of the fact that John Shaw, the team's general manager, continued to waste draft picks on substandard talent. The offensive scheme was unsteady and unspectacular. This porous offense continued to alienate fans.

In the years preceding the relocation, management traded Jim Everett and released Kevin Greene, an all-pro defensive linebacker. This furthered the chasm between success and the Rams organization. The losing seasons increased. At this point, Georgia Frontiere blamed poor front office decisions on their stadium situation. Neither Orange County, nor the city of Los Angeles was prepared to build a publicly financed stadium for the team in light of the fact that there were at least 3 perfectly suitable stadiums at the time.

Georgia Frontiere attempted to relocate the Rams to Baltimore, Maryland. That deal was eventually nixed. Mrs. Frontiere then sought to relocate the team to the city of St. Louis. NFL owners initially voted to oppose the move. Owners of the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Giants, the Washington Redskins, the Phoenix Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings opposed the move and argued that Mrs. Frontiere, who pleaded poverty as a basis for relocation, had "horribly mismanaged" the team. Nevertheless, Mrs. Frontiere threatened legal action and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue acquiesced to Mrs. Frontiere's demands.


I'm just saying, the chances a team moves, based solely on ticket sales is FAR LESS than them moving for a new facility to attract sponsors and high dollar customers to, in order to fill Luxury Suites.

-Bill

[better days]

That's a tough call to make. If the new staff and admin they bring in subscribe to the same philosophy then maybe.

But if we bring in a 43 D HC, who wants to run a ZBS scheme up front, this team is not better off.

Too many variables and what ifs to assume that right now.

Dareus can play in ANY defense. It is much easier for a 3-4 player to adapt to the 4-3 than a 4-3 player to adapt to the 3-4.

On offense the only player that will make a difference what system is run is the QB. If the QB is good enough, I would hope the HC would be smart enough to adapt his system to the QB.

[better days]

I won't disagree that low attendance might be A factor, if and when the NFL is looking to potentially relocate a team, whether it be to Los Angeles or anywhere else... I'm just saying, I highly doubt it will be THE factor.

Look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_attendance#2010_Attendance_Statistics

The Bucs and Raiders are averaging less than 50,000 per game. The Chargers, on the other hand, average more fans than the Steelers. The Jaguars are only 51 seats (on average) behind the Steelers, and only 407 seats total for the season. Hell, the Bills have a higher average than Pittsburgh and that's comparing a 4-12 team that hasn't made the playoffs in over a decade to the team that was the AFC representative in the Super Bowl.

Based on the "if fans don't buy tickets, the team will move" argument, the Steelers should be more of a risk to move than the Bills or Chargers, becasue more fans are buying tix to the Bills and Chargers. What the NFL wants for TV is the illusion of a full house. Heinz Field seats 65,050 for football, while Qualcomm (SD) seats 70,561 and RWS seats 73,079 currently. By comparison, Jacksonville seats 67,164 (expandable to 76,867) and for college football, seats as many as 84,000.

Pittsburgh always looks sold out, because their stadium is significantly smaller. Again, the ILLUSION of a full house. Easier to make it look full if it's significantly smaller. Kinda like how, in pro wrestling, if the place isn't sold out, they move people to empty seats that have camera coverage. If you don't see an empty seat on camera from home... You don't know it's empty.

Now, what do the Raiders and Chargers have in common? Both are wanting new stadiums. Al Davis has wanted one since he moved to LA back in the early 80's... As a matter of fact, he moved the team to LA on the promise that they would either renovate the LA Coliseum, or help in funding for a new stadium. When LA didn't come through, he moved them back to Oakland:



And, the Rams, who also left LA for St. Louis...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis_Rams#St._Louis_Rams_.281995.E2.80.93present.29

There's also a chunk of that link that seems eerily familiar...



I'm just saying, the chances a team moves, based solely on ticket sales is FAR LESS than them moving for a new facility to attract sponsors and high dollar customers to, in order to fill Luxury Suites.

-Bill

Good points Bill, I think attendance is just one factor myself, but I think it is a big factor. As I said I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester, thereby making it more attractive to corporations in Rochester & Toronto to buy suites because it will be closer & easier/faster to get to & from.

[BLeonard]

Good points Bill, I think attendance is just one factor myself, but I think it is a big factor. As I said I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester, thereby making it more attractive to corporations in Rochester & Toronto to buy suites because it will be closer & easier/faster to get to & from.

Oh, I'll about guarantee, if and when a new owner takes over, they WILL want a new stadium. If one is not provided by the powers that be around the Buffalo area, the owner will look elsewhere.

-Bill

[BoyILuvLoznStupidly]

Oh, I'll about guarantee, if and when a new owner takes over, they WILL want a new stadium. If one is not provided by the powers that be around the Buffalo area, the owner will look elsewhere.

-Bill

I think the NFL should fund their own stadiums.

[Novacane]

What does Overdorf handling the trade have to do with anything? I didn't see anywhere that Evans being traded was about money, as it was effort and fit in the offense.




:roflmao: Ralph loves guys like you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ickybaluky]

I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester as the Pats* did in N.E. They did not put the stadium in downtown Boston, but at a location where they could draw from a greater number of fans.

The Patriots moved to Foxborough because it was a cheap place to build it. The Sullivans didn't have much money, and they had played at various stadiums around Boston early in their history (Boston University, Fenway Park). They wanted their own stadium and Foxboro was cheap. They changed the name from Boston Patriots to New England Patriots at that time.

When Bob Kraft bought the team, he wanted to build a domed stadium in South Boston. He put together a big plan and made a hard push, but getting something built in Boston is more about politics than anything else. His stadium was shot down, and he was forced to look elsewhere.

By default, he re-built in Foxborough, but he couldn't get any money from the state for infrastructure upgrades to make the stadium easier to access. The state didn't give in until Kraft was exploring a deal to move them to Hartford, CT. Foxborough works for Kraft because he owns so much land around the stadium, and has been able to turn it into more of a year-round attraction by building a big mall and hotel to attract more people.

[Ickybaluky]

I think the NFL should fund their own stadiums.

The newer ones are. However, the state needs to provide upgrades to infrastructure to support a large stadium, which costs money.

[BLeonard]

I think the NFL should fund their own stadiums.
I'm not gonna say I disagree... But, not all NFL owners feel that way.

-Bill

[Blogabills]

Dareus can play in ANY defense. It is much easier for a 3-4 player to adapt to the 4-3 than a 4-3 player to adapt to the 3-4.

On offense the only player that will make a difference what system is run is the QB. If the QB is good enough, I would hope the HC would be smart enough to adapt his system to the QB.

I actually heard that nimrod Shopp (for all WGR-listeners) make a statement the other day (in a derogatory fashion) that the BIlls were now behind the curve, "as always", on league trends because some times are moving to the 43 now (even though as of week like 10 we were hybrid anyways) and we aren't. As if that were the problem here.

And, more on topic, damn right Dareus can dominate in any front, be it 3 man or 4 man. He's just a beast who beats OL. Period. Him and KW would be murder on an interior OL, but him at DE with Merriman at OLB rushing off him is a scarrrrry thought.

[Blogabills]

I'm not gonna say I disagree... But, not all NFL owners feel that way.

-Bill

I can see both sides to this.

Yes, the owners are super-wealtjy and could probably get stadiums built with private funding.

At the same time, when there are stories during the lockout about how local economies are affected by losing game day income, you think that if it's good for a city/region maybe it is worth public money for a stadium.

I don't feel strongly one way or the other; for the record. I could be persuaded either way, frankly

[Blogabills]

Good points Bill, I think attendance is just one factor myself, but I think it is a big factor. As I said I think a new stadium can & should be built between Buffalo & Rochester, thereby making it more attractive to corporations in Rochester & Toronto to buy suites because it will be closer & easier/faster to get to & from.

But I hate going to Batavia!

Hi-oooooooo

[X-Era]

Do you really believe in your heart of hearts that this team has a plan at all of any kind?

Think about the ramifications of that if the answer is yes.

Nevertheless, suppose you do, then who within the organization shouldn't be fired?Do you go to work and follow the company line? Even if you think its the wrong approach?

If they added a #2 who thought like this, its not hard to think of the rest getting hired if they rest fall in line?

And the why do you fire the guys who followed your mantra? You dont. They are loyal and dedicated.

Sometimes in a corporation, the change in direction has to start at the top.

[better days]

The Patriots moved to Foxborough because it was a cheap place to build it. The Sullivans didn't have much money, and they had played at various stadiums around Boston early in their history (Boston University, Fenway Park). They wanted their own stadium and Foxboro was cheap. They changed the name from Boston Patriots to New England Patriots at that time.

When Bob Kraft bought the team, he wanted to build a domed stadium in South Boston. He put together a big plan and made a hard push, but getting something built in Boston is more about politics than anything else. His stadium was shot down, and he was forced to look elsewhere.

By default, he re-built in Foxborough, but he couldn't get any money from the state for infrastructure upgrades to make the stadium easier to access. The state didn't give in until Kraft was exploring a deal to move them to Hartford, CT. Foxborough works for Kraft because he owns so much land around the stadium, and has been able to turn it into more of a year-round attraction by building a big mall and hotel to attract more people.

Foxborough was cheap because it was in the middle of NOWHERE, but also closer for many fans to get to. The name was changed to N.E. Patriots at that time to regionalize the team. This was well publicized at the time.

If the Bills build between Buffalo & Rochester, that should be about as cheap as land can get in WNY. because like Foxborough, not much there either but farm land.

[better days]

But I hate going to Batavia!

Hi-oooooooo

Don't worry, it should be NORTH of Batavia. LOL

[Historian]

Good research, Bill.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

When mentioning Jacksonville, a lot of people forget that the stadium they use also is used for the Gator Bowl, among other bigtime college football games... You wouldn't expect the Lions to fill Michigan Stadium every week, would you?

Sorry bro, you aren't making much sense here. I get it that you are trying to drive home a point, but you missed here. Don't try to argue the point, it is a bad analogy.

[Night Train]

And now Sully lowers the boom

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/columns/jerry-sullivan/article539932.ece

[X-Era]

And now Sully lowers the boom

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/columns/jerry-sullivan/article539932.eceWe were at around 26 mill under the cap,with Kyle's new deal of around 5.5 per, we would be right around 20 mill under. Morrison's deal (2 mill) might put us at 17-18 mill under the cap. Were probably right around 100 mill in total salary.

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/sports/bills-acquire-veteran-lb

[Night Train]

The Bills do projections based on last years total income and can forcast a good drop in gate revenue this season. ( See 3 December home games which will probably be blacked out locally )

If Wilson still demands the same return ( he does ) then the savings starts coming out of player payroll. Any player not seeing significant snaps and pulling down a good salary is in jeopardy..quality depth be damned.

The cuts this coming weekend will speak volumes.

[NorthCarBills]

Basically we are in the final phase of the Ralph owned Bills team. Unfortunately, we don't know how long it will last. But yes, until the ownership changes, we should expect this type of management.

That said, once the team changes hands, I fully expect a new day for the team. I think Pegula is already showing what a serious investment in winning can do.

Ralph is now 93. I would never wish a premature passing for anyone. But I would be fibbing if I didnt admit to my anticipation of new ownership. I cant see it being much longer until this happens.

I honestly believe the rumored potential new owner(s) -- whether it be Pegula or Kelly's group -- will make it a new day for the team. Just hoping the city of Buffalo will be the host to it all.

[BLeonard]

Sorry bro, you aren't making much sense here. I get it that you are trying to drive home a point, but you missed here. Don't try to argue the point, it is a bad analogy.

apparently, you didn't read the quote just before my analogy:



Before the 2005 season, mainly due to low attendance figures and looming blackouts, team officials installed a series of tarps to reduce the seating capacity for Jaguars games. The covers were placed to block out seven sections in the upper north endzone and four in each upper deck section, located on the corners of each. This puts 9,703 seats out of service, leaving the stadium with 67,164 seats for the regular season. While some believed that this was a sign that the city couldn't handle having an NFL team, the current 67,164 seats available is actually very close to Wayne Weaver's first proposal to renovate the stadium during his bid for an NFL team in 1992 before the city council failed to approve it, mainly due to not having enough seats to accommodate the annual Florida-Georgia game. However, in the event the Jaguars make the AFC Championship Game, the stadium can easily be expanded to full capacity.


The point is, their stadium isn't used for JUST Jacksonville Jaguars football. It has to be able to accomodate the other events that are hosted there. College football stadiums, especially bigtime programs like Florida, dwarf a good chunk of NFL stadiums. In this instance, the NFL blackout rules work against the Jaguars:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_on_television#Blackout_policies



Alternatively, some NFL teams have arrangements with local television stations or businesses to purchase unsold tickets. Tickets in premium club sections have been excluded from the blackout rule in past years, as have unused tickets allocated to the visiting team. The Jacksonville Jaguars have even gone further and closed off a number of sections at their home EverBank Field to reduce the number of tickets they would need to sell. Everbank Field is one of the largest in the NFL, as it was built to also accommodate the annual Florida-Georgia game and Gator Bowl and was expanded for Super Bowl XXXIX even though it draws from one of the smallest markets in the league. The NFL requires that closing off sections be done uniformly for every home game, including playoff games, in a given season. This prevents teams from trying to sell out the entire stadium only when they expect to be able to do so.


-Bill