Here We Go Again.



For the fourth time in a decade, the Bills are once again starting the
rebuilding process. As Vikings and Jets fans shake off defeat to relish
in improbable seasons, and Colts and Saints fans prepare to watch their
teams in the Super Bowl, Bills fans are forced to watch websites and
news wires for any hint of who the next defensive coordinator will be.

The reality is that two teams remain in the 2009 season, and the Bills have all but thrown away 2010. Chan Gailey isn't exactly a compelling pick as HC, and he will be doubling as OC. The offense desperately needs help at QB, LT and WR, and that would be the bare minimum. The team doesn't even know which defensive scheme they will use next year, yet at a minimum they need help at LB, DT and DE.

This team simply has too many holes to fill for one off-season. Look at the names being tossed around at QB: Brian Brohm, Troy Smith, Michael Vick, Jimmy Claussen, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford... none of these guys will take this team to the next level. Of all the names that have surfaced, the only one that would be worth the price is Donovan McNabb, and obtaining him is a long shot, at best. And this is only one of many holes.

Add in new coaches (and possibly new schemes) on both sides of the ball, and the outlook for 2010 is bleak. There is likely to be a work stoppage in 2011, and 2012 is the last year of the stadium lease for the Bills.

Granted, the Bills fired John Guy, HC Dick Jauron and most of his staff, and brought in Buddy Nix as GM. But so far, all of the coaching hires have been either retreads or guys who lack experience in their new position. Russ Brandon is still in charge. Tom Modrak is still with the team. It appears to be business as usual at One Bills Drive.

It all comes back to one man: Ralph Wilson. He has made terrible decisions with coaches and front office personnel. When he chooses to spend money on players, he has made foolish choices regarding who to pay. Worst of all, he has done NOTHING to secure the team's future in Buffalo after his passing or the expiration of the stadium lease.

Missing the playoffs is frustrating. Losing games in heart-wrenching fashion is excruciating. A decade of losing is infuriating. But the bleakness and lack of hope is devastating. As fans of other teams enjoy the playoffs and the Super Bowl, Bills fans are forced to wonder when the team will ever get better, assuming we still have a team at all. Following this team hasn't been fun for years, and it's all because of one man.

Thanks for nothing, Ralph.