Buffalo Outsider // views from out here

views from the outside

[bflooutsider-blog]

I read Jerry Sullivan's article about how he'd trade the Bills straight up for the Browns. I read it twice, because the first time it just made me upset. The Browns are 0-13 and just seem like a debacle. They've easily replaced the L.A. Clippers as the worst franchise in sports. I personally am not a fan of the city of Cleveland or Ohio in general for that fact. Jerry's right though. The Cleveland Browns at last place are years ahead of Buffalo. Even with the no. 1 pick almost certainly headed to Cleveland do you think they move out of the top 5 next year? Nope. They've got 4 picks in the first 2 rounds next year and 10 overall. Cleveland blew it all up and if you think they thought bringing in RG3 seemed like the "it" guy for them you're kidding yourself. He's a placeholder who sells jerseys. Cleveland's playoff drought ends before Buffalo's and it'll be so much more apparent when they get an oh so meaningful win in the snow at New Era Field today. If last week wasn't enough then this week certainly will be. Say bye to Rex Ryan and hello to another renovation.

[bflooutsider-blog]

Surely, I can't be the only one. In fact, I know that I am not. On the eve of game 1 I sit on my couch and I smile. It's that time of year where the joy builds up in my heart and I wake up on a Sunday morning knowing that it's a Buffalo Bills game day. It's more exciting then Christmas. It's Rex and Rob Ryan's last chance to put a stamp on the great Ryan coaching legacy in honor of Buddy. It's time to end the playoff drought. It's time to go "All In" with a franchise QB. It's time for meaningful November games in Buffalo. It's time for Sammy Watkins to break out. It's time to show out in prime time. It's time to win the division. It's time for Bills Mafia. Let's get the W!

[bflooutsider-blog]

Just last year it was rumored that Kaepernick could possibly be suiting up in the red, white, and blue. With Greg Roman, Colin's former OC, calling the plays in Buffalo it just made sense. Kap had flourished under Roman's scheme and had led the 9ers to a Super Bowl appearance. When's the last time you saw anyone "Kaepernicking" though? Blaine Gabbert has a firm grasp on San Francisco's starting QB job while Kaepernick struggles to stay on the roster. The one thing he has been able to do is keep his name in the news, and here are my thoughts on his refusal to stand for the anthem. Colin, when you're an FA you won't have to stand up at all if you don't want to. Feel free to sit, lay down, crouch, or stand whenever you feel. I respect your right to speak your mind, now show respect for those that gave you that ability. You want change? Get off your ass. Here's hoping you don't find a home in Buffalo.

[bflooutsider-blog]

"I welcome the challenge. It's something that I feel like, throughout my career, I've excelled when the odds were stacked against me, and I've excelled when the pressure has been on me. And I'm looking forward to doing it some more." A 6 year deal. A franchise Qb finally in place. We haven't had this much confidence in a quarterback in Buffalo since Jim Kelly. "He'll be our QB for a long time." All of these things were said in 2011. The Bills had just signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to a long term deal. It seemed like we were going to be watching "Fitzpatrick to Johnson" for years to come. I was extremely happy about it. Not because I necessarily believed in "Fitzmagic." I was just happy that Buffalo had finally went all in on a guy. I believe that consistency is key to building a quality franchise. We all know how that ended. Fitzpatrick was released and the short lived EJ Manuel era began, which was another exciting time for Buffalo fans. That didn't work out either. I'm not saying this is what's happening with Tyrod. I'm just saying I'm excited for the season to get rolling and seeing what our "Franchise QB" can do. Let's have meaningful November games at The Ralph...or New Era Field....whatever it is

[bflooutsider-blog]

We’re happy to have you back! Captain on the 2014 team. Part of one of the best Bills’ defenses of all-time. 33 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble really aren’t much, but you were immediately a fan favorite. It didn’t matter that you came over from New England we were just ready to see you get after Brady. “PowWwWw.” If I’m perfectly honest though. I’d rather you weren’t here. I hope you contribute, and I hope you make me regret writing this. I just wanted to see the #41 overall pick, Reggie Ragland. He’s the 250lb linebacker from Alabama that is the future of the Bills D. That’s what I was looking forward to. I want to see what’s in store for Buffalo, not just for this year. Shaq Lawson we’ll probably miss half the season, and now Ragland probably longer. It’s not week 1 of the preseason yet. It’s way too early start worrying about how this season is going. Prove me wrong, Brandon. Welcome back to Buffalo.

[bflooutsider-blog]

How did we get here? It’s a question I find myself asking frequently. I absolutely could not stand the idea of Donald owning my beloved Bills. I didn’t want him touching anything in Buffalo. I could see him running the team into the ground, and jumping at the opportunity to move them to Toronto, L.A. , or Vegas. I didn’t even take into account the fact that he’s a sexist, racist, idiot with a “black soul.” I just know I didn’t want him messing with my football team. Donald Trump is as close as you can get to being the leader of the free world now. Don’t get me wrong I love the Pegula’s and everything they’ve done for Buffalo. Can we turn the clock back now though? I don’t see a scenario where Donald owns the Bills and is POTUS. Let’s go back and let Trump have the Bills. Terry and Kim Pegula can keep the Sabres and hopefully can continue to contribute to Buffalo’s renaissance. The Donald can run my favorite football team into the ground and possibly out of my favorite city. It will hurt and I won’t be happy about it, and maybe Trump would prove us wrong and bring the Lombardi home to Buffalo. I just hate we’re taking that risk as a country. This is obviously not an endorsement for Trump and it’s not for Hillary either.

[bflooutsider-blog]

Heading into Training Camp I’m incredibly anxious to see how Tyrod performs in his 2nd year. The infamous Browns Qb jersey was apparently retired this year even though I don’t think they’ve found an answer at the position. I’m ready to see Buffalo find their answer. Taylor looked promising in his appearances last season. Statistically he had the best season in the red, white, and blue since the GOAT, Jim Kelly. My one concern as we head into this contract year? APPEARANCES. Tmobile only made 13 appearances last year. Is that a trend? Can he stay healthy? I really wish Buffalo had a longer look at him than just this season. From the looks of it Tyrod is going to demand a lot of money. In less starts did you see the money Brock Osweiller got? I don’t see the better option, but I’m hesitant to say “In Tyrod I Trust.” What will change my mind? Playoffs

[bflooutsider-blog]

Anyone else remember this piece from Tim Graham? Remember when Fred gave that stiff arm to Chris Conte? Freddie is the third leading rusher in Bills history. An icon that showed if you fight hard for what you want nothing is impossible. I was split when the Bills released him. I wanted to see him succeed, but I wanted to see him do it in Buffalo. I wanted to see him win for Buffalo. The ultimate story of perseverance that makes for a way better ending then Cleveland and LeBron could ever hope for. Jackson, luckily, was given the chance to carry on in Seattle. Fred would be given the chance to compete for a Super Bowl with a legit contender and that made me happy for him. Jackson wasn’t the leading rusher for a single game last season. His postseason career lasted 2 uneventful games which is 2 more than he had his entire career in Buffalo. Let’s not let the love for Fred get in the way though. Freddie got his taste of playoff football and it didn’t go as we all hoped it would. Now it’s the Bills turn to get their taste of the playoffs, and I guarantee that Fred will be just as happy for Bills Mafia as I think we all were for him. You’d like the Bills to re-sign Fred? It would be awesome to see him do another 26shirts campaign. Imagine him doing the "Infredible" celebration at The Ralph in week 4. I get it, but let's be honest with ourselves. Re-signing Fred doesn't make Buffalo a playoff team. Let’s keep it to a 1 day contract so he can retire a Bill and then we can start talking about getting his name in the Wall of Fame.