Live from the Ralph: Bills vs. Browns

Comments

[Dave in Baltimore]

Anyone read Sports Illustrated? Here goes:

"They chose to make camp on the 29-yard line, which meant the winning kick would have to be 47 yards, into a swirling wind. The kick was wide right. The Bills lost to the Browns by two points. They could have moved the ball closer, if they hadn't run three times into a mob. There was time. A dink pass or two by Trent Edwards and the chances of winning would go up immeasurably. Choosing to make 47 yards their kick of choice was just nuts. Except...except...maybe their confidence in Edwards was so abysmally low, after the miserable game he'd had, that they didn't trust him to throw even one safe short pass without the danger of mishap. He had spent practically the whole fourth quarter frozen in the pocket, even with time, unable to pull the trigger, finally dumping one off to Marshawn Lynch time and again and praying that he make something happen. But then on the critical final drive, guess what? He drilled one down the seam to tight end Robert Royal, zzzzip, 22 yards. Maybe now the kid had his confidence back, maybe now they were in business. For what? Five yards on three runs and wide right. It's just so abysmally sad when they are not given a chance to win."

[Dave in Balt]

What gets me is that Cleveland was giving the Bills clock in the final minute... remember - the Browns used up their time outs when the Bills were calling those final runs. They were almost conceeding the FG and preparing to mke one final effort after we - in theory - would have taken the lead. Why couldn't we have taken the favor of their timeouts and and tried to throw downfield - at least once. Heck - on those runs before the field goal attempt - the Bills weren't even trying to run downfield - nor did it look as if they were trying to set up the kick for Lindell. They were daring us to try... and we surely could have used a shorter field goal attempt. Oh - and one more thing - the Bills sure ate up a lot of time on a few of the plays at the beginning of that final drive.

[jim in anchorage]

To Jim in FL. I know this is tough but it can be worse-you will never hear a browns fan crying over lost super bowls-you know why.

[jim in anchorage]

To Jim in FL. I know this is tough but it can be worse-you will never hear a browns fan crying over lost super bowls-you know why.

[Jim in Fl]

Wallpaper... This is what Dick Jauron's replacement will be doing when he gets the call from Ralph Wilson himself to coach the Bills. Kay Stevenson was tending bar when he got the call back in the 70's to be the Bills Head coach. From bartender to Head coach... only in Buffalo. Wilson your a mastermind. Ralph open the yellow pages to W, you couldn't do any worse and what have you learned over the past 40 years...how to save a buck with a no name coach. The Buffalo reporters don't have the guts to report this cheap owner for what he is. Sad for both the fans and readers. Remember Bill Polian...he couldn't leave Buffalo and Wilson fast enough.

[Cleveland Tom]

To Buffalo from Cleveland. Stay behind this team, they are not far away from turning the corner. Good special teams,excellant corners, a running game takes time to come together,your quarterback will learn from this. Man, reading your blogs you could be in Cleveland we write the same stuff.Hey ! Let's get together next year for the AFC Championship game in Cleveland,of course. We still remember that you backed us when they took our team. Keep the faith Buffalo, keep the faith.

[Gregg]

The NEWS website has this quote on Bills page:

"Some say there are two seasons in Buffalo, football season and waiting for football season. Bills beat writers Mark Gaughan and Allen Wilson, along with sports columnist Bob DiCesare and reporters Rodney McKissic and Milt Northrop, offer background and perspective inside the Bills and the NFL."

Hey – I think you forgot a few seasons in the middle there.

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance


LOL

Wide right – gotta love it.

[matt]

Ralph - Please fire dick mauron and hire a real GM!!

If you cannot see straight to do this in your old age, then sell the team to Rogers in Toronto so he can spend the money and build a competitive team with a few veterans. A true GM would not have overpaid for Schobel, Dockery, Langston Walker and Lee Evans! Plus they would hire a coach with some fire and energy. Mauron is in his 8th season and he has been to the playoffs just once! Even Norv Turner has been there more than that!

[John]

Once again, the fans who post here on the blog think that firing the coach, cutting the QB counts as thoughtful discussion about the 2008 Buffalo Bills.

The bottom line is this. The Bills, despite all their gaffes, miscues and poor play, could have won this game, but they did the old conservative trick at games' end.

After Edward's bullet completion to Royal got the ball to the Cleveland 32, the Bills stopped playing football. They ran Lynch three straight times and "settled" for a 47 yard FG attempt. That kick, is far from a gimme. Why not TRY to throw a pass and try to get to the 22 yard line and make the kick an easy one. At least Cleveland attempted two passes before the 56 FG by Dawson.

Teams that live by the field goal usually die by the field goal. The Bills would have been better to be down by four points, which would have taken the FG out of play, but why do teams get so conservative like the Bills did at the end. Why not roll Edwards out and throw a safe pass there?

Once the Bills went soft at the 32, I was actually rooting for them to lose the game, because teams that play chicken **** deserve to lose.

The FG has ruined the pro game, plain and simple. Teams should not be allowed to attempt FGs until the 4th quarter. That would make the game more exicitng.

They will not win in Kansas City because the Chiefs are due to get a win, so after Sunday, you're looking at a 5-6 team.

[Bob from Michigan]

Their QB was better than ours. The excuse that our QB is "young" and "inexperienced" is tough to swallow given that he was outplayed by Quinn and Cassel (both of less experience). Edwards should have been pulled in favor of JP at the end of the 1st quarter. Edwards' exceptionally poor play caused the coaches to make exceptionally poor calls for the last set of downs. Kudos to Lynch, McKelvin, Kawicka, Jackson (despite fumble), the "O" line. Lindell lost the game twice by not hitting the FG and the ridiculous kick-off out-of-bounds at the 43.

[BARFalo]

Jauron should do the honorable thing and step down.
And why is Lynch laughing and having a great time on the bench moments after Jackson fumbled?
Thug behavior who thinks he is above everyone else...he can go too.

[Drowchow]

This was hard to swallow, I can't believe we lost this one, then again, I should have expected it. This team is cursed!!! I agree, i never liked Jauron, sure he'll win a few but in the long run, he's sure to lose games that actually mean something.

[Jim inFl]

Jauron is what Ralph Wilson gets when he goes out on the cheap and Wilson deserves this loser coach. As I have said previously in this blog when was the last good "Proven" coach...Chuck Knox back in the 70's. No good coach will work with this cheap owner!! It is pathetic the Buffalo fans have tolerated this cheap controlling owner for 40 years. Jauron is not capable of being a head coach and when he is fired from Buffalo he, like all the other previous Buffalo Head Coaches will not be a Head Coach anywhere else. Look at the previous three Bills coaches they are low level assistants at other teams. Pathetic Cheap controlling Owner. Sad for the fans as they deserve much better.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

The 2008 Bills season... write it off.

Fans... don't waste any more time, money, or energy with this sad bunch. To do otherwise makes you more part of the problem.

Ralph: We're gone. You can't put together a winner? We don't have time for you and your sack-of-(bleep) outfit.

[Tom]

Trent...look for a reciever. I still think JP was never given the opportunity to prove himself....he never got a chance to start 18 straight to 10-8....he's a marginal QB on a very underachieving team. Disgusted in Wake Forest, NC

[Rojo10]

100% agreed on Jauron moronic decision to settle for a 47 yarder into the wind.

Folks remember before you crucify Edward, there were many more contributions to the terrible play of the offense other than the 2 INTS that were his faults. We were in FG range twice on a Fred Jackson Fumble and a terrible drop on a 3rd and 5 that would have put us in field goal range.

[Tyler]

Gutless is the best word to describe the last seconds of that game.

We have an automatic within 40 kicker like Lindell and make no effort to get within that range. 0 effort to go for the win. Instead, we are playing not to lose. Typical of this coaching staff.

I am just tired of the mediocrity this organization is willing to accept. Congratulations fellow Buffalo Bills fans! By seasons end, we will be the only NFL team without a playoff birth this decade.

[DJ]

Horrible coaching, horrible play calling. I'm watching the game from the west coast and I'm screaming at the TV, "What are you doing?" I couldn't believe they were running the ball at the end there and NOT trying to get closer for a game winning field goal!! I mean 47 yards is no gimme. Throw a couple short passes if you're concerned about an interception!! The Browns were going to be playing back anyway giving up 5-6 yard pass plays. 10 MORE YARDS WOULD HAVE MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Jauran blew it!!

[Jeff]

I want to puke after seeing the play-calling on the last three plays. What, were we comfortable with a 47-yarder? I couldn't believe it. Even the Browns fans watching the game were in disbelief. Jauron should be fired on the basis of that game alone. It was an abortion.

[Rojo10]

No don't play JP next week. DUMB IDEA!!! Ya right, play a QB that has proven over the course of 4 years that he is completely incapable of leading an NFL team. Edwards is still young and capable though he is playing poorly. The problem is he is shouldering to much of the responsibility for an offense that is just not good. Poor coaching, sub par tight end, one-threat lee evans, and an inconsistent O-line. As a team if you have to go to the wire with a poor team like cleveland in your house on Monday night football, then your not a good team. If you have to put together a 4th quarter comeback against the raiders at home, then your not a good team. If folks knew and understood the game and paid attention to what happens on the field you wouldn't be so shocked about what is happening to this team now. Compare note's with folks in Chicago and you will find a big part of the problem is Jauron, or pay no attention to the man behind the curtain and keep scratching you head.

[Bill Schuman - Barrow, Alaska]

The worst play calling at the end of the game I can remember. It is good Buffalo is not in serious playoff contention, otherwise some coaches may loose their job. Be a bit creative. It does not matter if the clock stopped on a incomplete pass, Cleveland was stopping it anyway. Do something to improve field position.

[Ron Kelley]

Juron is a moron. There is nothing more to be said. He is by far the absolute worst of all the coaches who have ever been in Buffalo. Sorry Marv, I know you hand picked him. Marv, you were a great coach but you apparently super suck as a human resources recruiter of coaches. This guy can't hit the back of his butt with a 2 x 4. You can fix a lot of stuff - but you can't fix STUPID !!!!!

[duke]

Trent Edwards "COME ON MAN" to have be reduced to a screen play QB. Def can't complain. Special teams good job. "Marshawn" way to work. But it was cleveland. This lost really hurts. We're just not good enough yet to be a true quality team. It's really sad knowing that when the dust settles that were at the bottom of the divison and the dolphins who struggled to when 1 game last year has made more progress than we have.

[paul]

Sorry, don't care if they signed him prematurely to an extension or not Jauron has to go after that game. Their supposed franchise QB is so shaken of confidence that he literally does not throw a pass, not a completion mind you but a pass itself, that goes more than 10 tards until the final drive. Then, 3 runs for a 47 yarder into the wind? Soft d by the corners on the outside, etc., etc. That weas a pathetic display.

[Jason]

GO Sabres at least they always fight for their season not lay down like a bunch of Sissys

[Ron Kelley]

The Monday Night sportcasters talked about Edwards having a chip on his shoulder with when he went in the draft. With that performance today, Edwards better lose that chip & be very thankful that he even has a job as a backup somewhere in the NFL. That was one of the most pitiful performances I ever saw by an NFL QB in my 65 years on this planet. The Bills lost the game because they were single dimensional due to Edwards total inability to throw the ball down field - in spite of the fact that the O-LIne gave him an eternity. Playing on the biggest stage for an NFL player, he put himself in a hole on the first play & then dug the hole progressively deeper. He should have been replaced with Losman in the second Quarter. But, you could see that dumb, stupid look of bewilderment on Juron's face & you just knew he didn't have the hutspa to make the right decision to replace him. This young player junk is just plain junk. You know when a player has got it or not & this guy doesn't got it. He was beat once again by Quinn - who beat him like a drum in college. If the Bills are betting their cards on this loser - they better get used to disappointment. If Edwards wasn;t ready (in his second year) for this stage - he'll never be ready. YOU GOTTA KNOW WHEN TO CUT BAIT! The time has arrived! Except for Edwards & Juron the rest of the team played an outstanding game - under very difficult circumstances. The Bills have the talent - just missing a coaching staff & now a QB to bring it home. Lets ship Edwards off to Chicago - they need a QB. Let's hope he takes Juron with him.

[Steve bucholz]

This may be one of the most gutless endings I have ever seen a coach preside over. Jauron and Shonert should be fired tomorrow, They had a banged up team laying it on the line only to retreat to a miserable % play at the end when guts could have turned this season around. These coaches are out of their league and they proved again tonight. ,08 Bills, RIP

[Jason]

Edwards is average at best!!!!!!!

[Jason]

I agree Mark, we should have tried to get the 1st down and get closer.

[Andy]

Conned by the Bills: when Wilson is dead, there won't be a team that will drive you nuts here because they won't be staying here...

Anyway, even though there where tons of mistakes by the Bills that should of lost them the game, they were in position to win but didn't because of horrific conservative coaching at the end. They had the Browns reeling, they should of taken more shots down the field to get a closer kick, we get the 1st, we probably make the kick into the wind and we win. But, it didn't happen and unless we win six in a row which isn't happening, that's it on this season. Plus there's no point in putting in JP, he's leaving after this year no matter how much we want to keep him, might as well keep letting Edwards learn and hope for better next year. If Edwards stinks it up during next year, then were are back to square on on the QB

[Jason]

SEASON OVER AGIAN, IM SICK TO MY STOMACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Carl]

Why do teams continue to play for the field goal? Cleveland was doing us a favor by calling timeouts. Had the middle of the field that could have been used to move the ball into the endzone. Absolutely terrible playcalling at the end of the game. Maybe if we had been at the 20 or closer but not out there. Aagh!

[mark]

Way to go Jauron, play for a 47 yard field goal. Brilliant coaching. It was obvious the coaches had no confidence in Edwards and I guess I can't blame them after his fourth straight horror show performance. It is has been 12 years since Kelly retired. Is it asking too much too finally get just a decent qb by next year? All Edwards can do is check down to the running backs.

[Train Wreck]

Bad coaching, bad quarterbacking, bad defense....this team has it all!

Play JP next week--it doesn't make any difference now.

[Conned by the Bills]

Will we EVER get players that can come through in the clutch?

[Conned by the Bills]

By next season Wilson will be dead and this bunch of sorry players will be gone!
Jauron is just terrible.

[Sniper]

Edwards is terrible, just waive the bozo! How can you ever expect to win with a QB like this? For that matter send Jauron with him.

[Pete]

Terrible. Nothing but handoffs. No reason not to try to pass and get the ball closer. Terrible play calling. Absolutely horrific. Blame this one on the coaches.

[Bill the greatest bills fan ever]

Please edwards! Our season is in your hands!

[Bill the greatest bills fan ever]

Come on bills! Beat the hell out of Cleveland and let their fans decide their fate.