Buffalo Bills 2024 Thread

[Eli Cash]

Maybe it’s recency bias, but I have never enjoyed a Bills season as much as this one.

[JustOneParade]

7 hours ago, Wyldnwoody44 said:

I hope the sabres watch this and realize just how terrible they are. 

I hope TP watched that and realize how terrible the Sabres are.

Edited December 2 by JustOneParade
Terrible

[MISabresFan]

43 minutes ago, Eli Cash said:

Maybe it’s recency bias, but I have never enjoyed a Bills season as much as this one.

Last night it appeared the team was enjoying it.  Josh reminds me of the guy playing pick up fooball with his friends and neighbors.  Never know what is going to happen!

[JohnC]

I was watching this game when they showed Terry P. in the owner's box. What I find so baffling is the dichotomy between the operation of his football and hockey teams. Brandon Beane is one of the best GMs in the game. The combination of McDermott and Beane form one of the top football staffs in the league that is full of top tier staffs. No one can question the canniness of our GM. What's impressive about him is not the blockbuster deals that he makes, there are few of them. It is the number of smart little deals that keep this team rolling for an extended period of time. When I compare the successful operation of the football team to the middling operation of the hockey team, I get really aggravated. I don't understand what the owner is doing. It's like out of frustration he has given up trying to right the ship that he, himself, sunk. 

[Dr. Who]

13 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I was watching this game when they showed Terry P. in the owner's box. What I find so baffling is the dichotomy between the operation of his football and hockey teams. Brandon Beane is one of the best GMs in the game. The combination of McDermott and Beane form one of the top football staffs in the league that is full of top tier staffs. No one can question the canniness of our GM. What's impressive about him is not the blockbuster deals that he makes, there are few of them. It is the number of smart little deals that keep this team rolling for an extended period of time. When I compare the successful operation of the football team to the middling operation of the hockey team, I get really aggravated. I don't understand what the owner is doing. It's like out of frustration he has given up trying to right the ship that he, himself, sunk. 

He got lucky that McDermott and Beane are competent, competitive men, and TP doesn't meddle. But ultimately, the Bills are blessed to have Josh Allen who is a cheat code. There's a lot to be angry about on the Sabres side. At the very least, if the owner gives a damn, he needs to get rid of the internal cap. If TP wants more revenue from the Sabres, field a winning team after 13 plus years of inept fiasco. There isn't a better city in North America for hockey, and it's a damn shame what he has done to the fan base by his poor decisions over the years of his ownership.

[JohnC]

2 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

He got lucky that McDermott and Beane are competent, competitive men, and TP doesn't meddle. But ultimately, the Bills are blessed to have Josh Allen who is a cheat code. There's a lot to be angry about on the Sabres side. At the very least, if the owner gives a damn, he needs to get rid of the internal cap. If TP wants more revenue from the Sabres, field a winning team after 13 plus years of inept fiasco. There isn't a better city in North America for hockey, and it's a damn shame what he has done to the fan base by his poor decisions over the years of his ownership.

The main underlying point to your comment is that TP doesn't meddle in the football operation. And it should be noted that McDermott wasn't the first coach that the owner hired. It was Rex Ryan who was then recently fired by the Jets. When asked why he hired Rex, the owner responded that he wanted to make a splash. Silly and foolish way to run a franchise. 

Does the owner have an internal cap? Probably so. But the reality is that our GM is a less than average GM. 

I agree with you, and have often stated, that because of the owner's ineptitude he has suffocated an avid fan base. It's a dam shame. If he put a winning and entertaining product on the ice that arena would be full and rocking, just like the Bandit games. 

[nfreeman]

10 hours ago, JujuFish said:

I'm not sure if this is supposed to be an insult or not? Shanahan has gone to the NFC CG four times in the last five years and the Super Bowl twice, with Jimmy Garoppolo as his QB for two of those seasons.

Yes — Shanahan is an excellent coach — I intended no insult towards him.  My point was simply that yesterday the Niners did not look at all like a well coached team despite having a highly regarded coach — and that those who want to “upgrade” from McD should perhaps appreciate that glitches will occur from time to time under any coach, and should definitely appreciate McD and what he has brought to this franchise and this city.   

[sabremike]

Since the money I spend on Sabres tickets is being used to fund the Bills stadium and not on improving the least successful team in hockey history or the worst arena in all of pro sports they should at least be nice enough to hook me up with a Division Champs shirt or hat.

[Pimlach]

The Bills were well prepared for anything last night.  They are just taking care of business.   The team is getting better each week.  They seem to have a lot of hungry and well prepared back ups because anytime they put one in a game that guy performs.  

McD said he was told when he took the job that no one wanted to come here. 17 year playoff drought.  He sure changed that, and quickly.  
 

The Sabres model for what to do and how to do it has been right in front of them for quite awhile.  Own the drought and make it their biggest goal to end it.   

Edited December 2 by Pimlach

[Night Train]

Go Josh go. Yes, it's a team game and this squad is so balanced. Great depth to overcome injuries. Solid coaching. No over the top pre-season hype like 2 years ago. No locker room issues. Working to get better after losing 2 in a row. The result is a current 7 game winning streak. 

Having the top scoring O and D isn't a fluke. That's a credit to the staff, who still has a lot to prove to many fans. Need to go deep in the playoffs but with a healthy #17,  it looks encouraging. I still take it a week at a time. Rams in LA is next. Focus. 

[Pimlach]

5 hours ago, JohnC said:

I was watching this game when they showed Terry P. in the owner's box. What I find so baffling is the dichotomy between the operation of his football and hockey teams. Brandon Beane is one of the best GMs in the game. The combination of McDermott and Beane form one of the top football staffs in the league that is full of top tier staffs. No one can question the canniness of our GM. What's impressive about him is not the blockbuster deals that he makes, there are few of them. It is the number of smart little deals that keep this team rolling for an extended period of time. When I compare the successful operation of the football team to the middling operation of the hockey team, I get really aggravated. I don't understand what the owner is doing. It's like out of frustration he has given up trying to right the ship that he, himself, sunk. 

I truly believe a big part of this situation is the differences in the leagues.  The NFL does not want any dog franchises.  They do everything they can to allow top execs, top GMs, and top coaches to be known, free to move, and free to get opportunities.  This has been the NFL way for a long time.  Kim was embraced as an owner in the NFL.  Not sure how well she did with the NHL but I don't think it went well.    

McDermott was on the NFL's list of top coaching candidates and he impressed the Bills (including Pegula) and got a second interview which he won fter Rex Ryan was canned.   McDermott brought in Beane after he conducted the first draft with Whaley (who was a sitting Duck right up to that draft).  Beane's contract with the Panthers ended after that draft.    

The NHL?  I don't know what they do.  They certainly make it easier for expansion teams to get a good start.  It sure seems that the NHL is much more of a good old boys club that Terry (and Kim) cannot get in.  

In the early days Pegula took inputs from his Penn State friends, and his Pittsburgh friends, although many were no longer tied into the NHL.    The LaFontaine hire was a poor one, Pat was not a reliable and proven NHL Team Exec.  He never will be either. 

He got Boterill, by all accounts a bright young guy,  from a recommendation from his Pittsburgh connections.  He hired Adams (who had no Hockey Operations FO experience) from his own experiences with the Sabres.  

Does the NHL even offer the services the NFL does?  Terry has a lot on his plate, including a sick wife.  He needs to find a Hockey version of Brandon Beane and let him run it all.  He is giving Adams every opportunity to be that guy.  

Some people here think that this year is a do or die year for Adams, but I don't think it is.  I think Terry will give him the 2 years that cover Ruff's contract.  

 

Edited December 2 by Pimlach

[LTS]

I don't think Ruff is coaching for 2 years. He might have been given 2 years to give him some extra pay so he would come coach this team, but I think he's done after this year and they expect Appert to take over.  Which does nothing for me since I don't believe in Appert either.

[Weave]

6 minutes ago, LTS said:

I don't think Ruff is coaching for 2 years. He might have been given 2 years to give him some extra pay so he would come coach this team, but I think he's done after this year and they expect Appert to take over.  Which does nothing for me since I don't believe in Appert either.

Awhile back I stated that the only reason Lindy signed on was as a favor/ out or respect for the fanbase.

I think it is one and done as well.

[Demoted]

Let's keep this thread on the Bills.

 

 

 

 

[JohnC]

38 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I truly believe a big part of this situation is the differences in the leagues.  The NFL does not want any dog franchises.  They do everything they can to allow top execs, top GMs, and top coaches to be known, free to move, and free to get opportunities.  This has been the NFL way for a long time.  Kim was embraced as an owner in the NFL.  Not sure how well she did with the NHL but I don't think it went well.    

McDermott was on the NFL's list of top coaching candidates and he impressed the Bills (including Pegula) and got a second interview which he won fter Rex Ryan was canned.   McDermott brought in Beane after he conducted the first draft with Whaley (who was a sitting Duck right up to that draft).  Beane's contract with the Panthers ended after that draft.    

The NHL?  I don't know what they do.  They certainly make it easier for expansion teams to get a good start.  It sure seems that the NHL is much more of a good old boys club that Terry (and Kim) cannot get in.  

In the early days Pegula took inputs from his Penn State friends, and his Pittsburgh friends, although many were no longer tied into the NHL.    The LaFontaine hire was a poor one, Pat was not a reliable and proven NHL Team Exec.  He never will be either. 

He got Boterill, by all accounts a bright young guy,  from a recommendation from his Pittsburgh connections.  He hired Adams (who had no Hockey Operations FO experience) from his own experiences with the Sabres.  

Does the NHL even offer the services the NFL does?  Terry has a lot on his plate, including a sick wife.  He needs to find a Hockey version of Brandon Beane and let him run it all.  He is giving Adams every opportunity to be that guy.  

Some people here think that this year is a do or die year for Adams, but I don't think it is.  I think Terry will give him the 2 years that cover Ruff's contract.  

 

I'm certain that the NHL, like the NFL, doesn't want any dog franchises (your description) in their league. Why would they? It hurts their overall product in a variety of ways, such as TV broadcast ratings for games the Sabres are on, and attendance shared revenue for other teams etc.

The Sabres' plight and blame of being a systemic middling franchise lands at the feet of Terry Pegula. He's had more than enough time to compensate for the mistakes he made as a novice owner. I'm sympathetic to the difficult situation he is in due to the health of his wife. There is a remedy. Devote your time and resources to identify good upcoming candidates who can better run the hockey operation. The standard approach is to examine the successful franchises and find within their operations promising young executives who would be good candidates to oversee his hockey operation and invigorate a lackluster organization. 

I'm not a pessimist who is in despair over our team. There already are a lot of good pieces/talent on the roster and in the system. I really don't believe that this team is far from being a serious team. I just believe that with the right person at the helm and a few astute moves this team would be on a faster track to success.  

 

[Sabres Fan in NS]

Josh Allen in NOT the best QB in the NFL.  

How do you like them apples.

Josh Allen is the best player in the NFL.  Period.

[JohnC]

6 hours ago, nfreeman said:

Yes — Shanahan is an excellent coach — I intended no insult towards him.  My point was simply that yesterday the Niners did not look at all like a well coached team despite having a highly regarded coach — and that those who want to “upgrade” from McD should perhaps appreciate that glitches will occur from time to time under any coach, and should definitely appreciate McD and what he has brought to this franchise and this city.   

It wasn't that long ago that the Eagles' coach was being directed to the exit door because of a number of bone headed in game decisions. It didn't help that some of his public comments rationalizing some of his odd decisions put him in even a more precarious position. Now he has his team in the SB discussion. How quickly the tide has changed! 

McDermott has made some puzzling if not outright bad in game decisions, as do all coaches. When it comes to working with a roster and creating a team environment, he is masterful. The Bills are now considered to be one of the best run NFL franchises. He is one of the main reasons for that. I certainly appreciate him and the work he has done. He and Beane have a terrific working relationship. One of the keys to sustained success. 

[SwampD]

Terry and Josh got the two game balls yesterday.

[Pimlach]

3 hours ago, JohnC said:

I'm certain that the NHL, like the NFL, doesn't want any dog franchises (your description) in their league. Why would they? It hurts their overall product in a variety of ways, such as TV broadcast ratings for games the Sabres are on, and attendance shared revenue for other teams etc.

The Sabres' plight and blame of being a systemic middling franchise lands at the feet of Terry Pegula. He's had more than enough time to compensate for the mistakes he made as a novice owner. I'm sympathetic to the difficult situation he is in due to the health of his wife. There is a remedy. Devote your time and resources to identify good upcoming candidates who can better run the hockey operation. The standard approach is to examine the successful franchises and find within their operations promising young executives who would be good candidates to oversee his hockey operation and invigorate a lackluster organization. 

I'm not a pessimist who is in despair over our team. There already are a lot of good pieces/talent on the roster and in the system. I really don't believe that this team is far from being a serious team. I just believe that with the right person at the helm and a few astute moves this team would be on a faster track to success.  

 

I am not letting Pegula off the hook for the state of the Sabres, past or current. 

By most any measure, the NHL is a poorly run league in comparison to the NFL.   The NHL is filled with dog teams that have little chance to win, even when 50% of the teams make the playoffs (used to be 60% and even 75%).  They keep adding teams and there are not enough superstar players to make all the teams competitive - they are following the NBA in that regard.    

The draft and development path to building in the NHL is contingent on a lot of luck. 

The NHL does little to promote parity, and the no trade clauses are a testament to that.  According to the Athletic (march 2024) .... "you’ve got a quarter of the league (245 of 965 players) entering Friday’s trade deadline with more say than ever about where they can and can’t be moved. That’s nearly eight players per team. And it would be more, but players must be 27 years old or have seven seasons of NHL service to be eligible for such clauses".   So if Buffalo, Detroit, and Tampa are all in the playoff race and looking to add at the deadline (which is realistic right now),  guess which of the 3 will get the least consideration from veteran players.  

What does the NHL do to promote GM and coach movement within the league?   The NFL takes steps to make the best and brightest assistant coaches and FO people available to teams that are looking.  

The Sabres may be a few steps from being a competitive playoff team, but they are also a few moves away from going backwards.   

 

Edited December 2 by Pimlach

[Demoted]

 

 

[steveoat87]

I initially didn't have much hope for this season but there is something magical about this team.  They are a hard working bunch and the pieces somehow seem to fit.  This could be their year.  The upcoming Detroit game will be very telling.

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, JohnC said:

I'm certain that the NHL, like the NFL, doesn't want any dog franchises (your description) in their league. Why would they? It hurts their overall product in a variety of ways, such as TV broadcast ratings for games the Sabres are on, and attendance shared revenue for other teams etc.

The Sabres' plight and blame of being a systemic middling franchise lands at the feet of Terry Pegula. He's had more than enough time to compensate for the mistakes he made as a novice owner. I'm sympathetic to the difficult situation he is in due to the health of his wife. There is a remedy. Devote your time and resources to identify good upcoming candidates who can better run the hockey operation. The standard approach is to examine the successful franchises and find within their operations promising young executives who would be good candidates to oversee his hockey operation and invigorate a lackluster organization. 

I'm not a pessimist who is in despair over our team. There already are a lot of good pieces/talent on the roster and in the system. I really don't believe that this team is far from being a serious team. I just believe that with the right person at the helm and a few astute moves this team would be on a faster track to success.  

 

I am not letting Pegula off the hook for the state of the Sabres, past or current. 

By any measure, the NHL is a poorly run league in comparison to the NFL.   The NHL is filled with dog teams that have little chance to win, even when 50% of the teams make the playoffs (used to be 60% and even 75%).  They keep adding teams and there are not enough superstar players to make all the teams competitive - they are following the NBA in that regard.    

The draft and development path to building in the NHL is contingent on a lot of luck. 

The NHL does little to promote parity, the no trade clauses are a testament to that.  According to the Athletic .... "you’ve got a quarter of the league (245 of 965 players) entering Friday’s trade deadline with more say than ever about where they can and can’t be moved. That’s nearly eight players per team. And it would be more, but players must be 27 years old or have seven seasons of NHL service to be eligible for such clauses".

What does the NHL do to promote FO and coach movement in the league?  

The Sabres are a few steps from being a competitive playoff team.  They are also a few moves away from going backwards too.   That is this league.  

 

[JohnC]

43 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I am not letting Pegula off the hook for the state of the Sabres, past or current. 

By most any measure, the NHL is a poorly run league in comparison to the NFL.   The NHL is filled with dog teams that have little chance to win, even when 50% of the teams make the playoffs (used to be 60% and even 75%).  They keep adding teams and there are not enough superstar players to make all the teams competitive - they are following the NBA in that regard.    

The draft and development path to building in the NHL is contingent on a lot of luck. 

The NHL does little to promote parity, and the no trade clauses are a testament to that.  According to the Athletic (march 2024) .... "you’ve got a quarter of the league (245 of 965 players) entering Friday’s trade deadline with more say than ever about where they can and can’t be moved. That’s nearly eight players per team. And it would be more, but players must be 27 years old or have seven seasons of NHL service to be eligible for such clauses".   So if Buffalo, Detroit, and Tampa are all in the playoff race and looking to add at the deadline (which is realistic right now),  guess which of the 3 will get the least consideration from veteran players.  

What does the NHL do to promote GM and coach movement within the league?   The NFL takes steps to make the best and brightest assistant coaches and FO people available to team that are looking.  

The Sabres may be a few steps from being a competitive playoff team, but they are also a few moves away from going backwards.   

 

You are comparing the NHL to the NFL. Why? They are two distinct entities with different histories, systems and culture. Does Buffalo have some disadvantages compared to some locations? Probably so, but so what. So do many other franchises. There are some good players who don't want to play on the west coast or in the NYC area.

The Bills were certainly not a preferred destination for free agents during the last vestiges of Ralph Wilson's tenure. The main reason was the declining owner was not invested in winning as much as he was keeping costs down. Its cost structure was out of step with most of the rest of the league. However, during the Polian and SB era players would want to come here because the franchise was well run and contenders. Compare that to the Sabres! 

The biggest disadvantage the Sabres have in attracting talent has nothing to do with its location. The biggest disadvantage to attract talent via trades with players with no-trade clauses and with free agents is that a lot of players don't want to go to a team where they know in advance there is little chance to win because of its historical dysfunction. It's gotten so bad that our marque talent, such as Eichel and Reinhart, two top tier players in the league, desperately wanted out. Think about it---things got so bad that the worry wasn't so much as attracting talent as it was keeping your own players in the fold. That's freaking pathetic!

Again, the most significant reason why this franchise has struggled is because of the incompetent manner it has been managed. And you well know that it starts at the top! I'm at the point where I'm no longer tolerating excuses for this forlorn franchise. 

 

[JohnC]

11 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I am not letting Pegula off the hook for the state of the Sabres, past or current. 

By any measure, the NHL is a poorly run league in comparison to the NFL.   The NHL is filled with dog teams that have little chance to win, even when 50% of the teams make the playoffs (used to be 60% and even 75%).  They keep adding teams and there are not enough superstar players to make all the teams competitive - they are following the NBA in that regard.    

The draft and development path to building in the NHL is contingent on a lot of luck. 

The NHL does little to promote parity, the no trade clauses are a testament to that.  According to the Athletic .... "you’ve got a quarter of the league (245 of 965 players) entering Friday’s trade deadline with more say than ever about where they can and can’t be moved. That’s nearly eight players per team. And it would be more, but players must be 27 years old or have seven seasons of NHL service to be eligible for such clauses".

What does the NHL do to promote FO and coach movement in the league?  

The Sabres are a few steps from being a competitive playoff team.  They are also a few moves away from going backwards too.   That is this league.  

 

If you make the right moves, you move forward. If you make the wrong moves, you move backward. Your decisions matter---they make the difference. 

[Demoted]