Either way, Trent has some control on how the relationship works with his performance on the field. Unfortunately, Trent is finding out quickly that he needs T.O. just as much off the field. Prior to T.O.'s injured toe, Trent (and the team) was sailing merrily along, the no-huddle greasing expectations with people diverted by the T.O. show, the housing hunt, and the like.

Since the T.O. injury, though, things have changed, and just may be turning the corner towards ugly. It seems obvious to me that the new attention on Trent's perceived deficiencies have again rattled the young quarterback. It was somewhat astonishing to hear him throw the coaches under the bus after the debacle in Green Bay. While it may be a true indication of his true feeling about the level of trust he has in the staff, it is alarming, as he has always maintained the good soldier routine. To see it break down in pre-season is a scary developement. It doesn't seem to be much of a stretch to see Trent's dissent filter through the locker room, and appear to be a green light for open season on Jauron and the staff.

This is where T.O.'s off-field presence comes in. I believe T.O., at this point in their relationship, is like a security blanket for Trent. Trent is simply more confident with T.O. in the picture, as he is a pressure absorber. T.O. gets all of the press, Trent becomes secondary, and everyone is happy. He is like alcohol in a bar. When he is around, and well behaved, everything around him looks prettier. Unfortunately, when he is absent or things go bad, things start coming into focus quickly, and the flaws start getting exposed. Then Trent, Dick Jauron, Turk Schonert, and Ralph Wilson suddenly become the one-night stand you regret the day after.

Of course, there is always a bit of buyer's regret lurking around the corner when it comes to T.O., but that is usually after the buzz has faded....otherwise known as year 2. So here's hoping T.O. comes back soon, because Trent and the Bills need his presence, both on and off the field, badly.