Buffalo

>>yeah...but see where our definitions differ, that's where it kinda matters. Potential doesn't win ball games.

The definition is only semantics, the meaning behind them is the same. We have players who have not realized their full potential yet. And it would be silly for anyone to assume potential is enough to win games.

>>Even given your generous estimates for where we are, we're still not near where we should be. You're suggesting that almost every young player we have will reach his potential, and even then there are holes.

I don't see where I'm being particularly generous with my estimations. After all, I stated that I expect no more than a 6-8 win season, which I think is accurate. Also, I was actually going out of my way to NOT suggest that almost every young player WILL reach his potential. I only meant that if they show good improvement, this can be an average team. And an average team, by definition, has holes. That's why I feel we need more playmakers on both sides of the ball if we hope to make a playoff run next year.

However, I do feel it is likely that most of the key players that had extensive playing time last year SHOULD develop enough to be at least solid contributors by next season (not including Anderson who I do not count on). After all, they have a year of experience under their belt now, and showed enough flashes to believe they can play at this level. But even with that, there is no guarantee they will reach their full potential, or just never become more than decent. And I agree, even if they do live up to their potential, we still have several holes that need to be filled before this team takes that next step. But I do feel the foundation is there.

 

It's pre-season, but Bledsoe certainly came out firing. 9 for 11, 2 TDs, 136 yards, one INT.

 

yeah.
It's not at all a rarity to see a guy hit 80% of his passes in preseason but it's reassuring to see.

 

speaking of that, interesting to see that none of Harrington, McMahon, nor Redmon did that great. As a trio, 22 of of 61, for 274, no scores and 4 picks. Sadly, blake did better than all three.

 

Mcmahon was a guy I thought a lot about in the 2000 draft. A guy a lot like Fasani, a lot of tools, guts, but not always applied right.

As far as Harrington is concerned, he'll have a time adjusting. He can't make the same throws. Carr can, he can get away with more with his arm, but, particuarly with that system, Joey's got more to learn.

I hope Redmon just bombs. I've got a growing dislike for Billick, and I need to catch up to the people who have been hating him.

 

well to me, this year's a throw away year for Baltimore anyway. They're no longer going to catch anyone by surprise.

Consider this: Mike Watkins is now the worst Panther QB ever to take a snap.

 

As did Fasani - which still makes me think his performance was flukish. Remember when Lewis played against us for Denver?

 

I thought McMahon was a pretty good find in the late rounds too. That kid WAS the Rutgers program for a few years even though he kept getting hammered to the point that it almost ruined his shoulder for good.

You can pursue me in the Billick derby if you want Piper. My dislike for him has already matured into a complete loathing. I expect we won't here about how smart he is this year though.

 

One other thing since this is/was supposed to be a Buffalo thread....

Early line on their opener has the Jets (-1).