SB Nation User Blog: krytime

This isn’t a dump…just a blurb.

krytime — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:26:00 -0000

I had a conversation today with Greg Laybourn, safety, from Oregon State. He was in town for a tryout at OBD.

First thing I thought was that this was not a big dude. He acknowledged as much, but made sure to mention he was a student of the game. This kid was the leading tackler in the Pac 10 last year, so who the hell am I to question his skills. Super polite guy, and very well spoken; the kind of guy you could tell likes football, and who likes to play it.

Like an idiot, I asked what was it like to play with Jaruis Byrd. He replied, “Uh, he played for Oregon, our arch rival.” Stupid me. We kept talking about football and he brought up Andy Levitre. Told me how amazing he was, and that he never saw a guy that big along the OL be that athletic. The “short arm” thing was brought up, but so was the versatility and leadership.

He also brought up Keith Ellison. He had nothing but mucho respect for him.

Also talked briefly with Leon Freeman, an OLB from Baylor. Same thing as Laybourn - super polite. If this dude is a LB, I would not want to be a RB.

On to the UFL…

I’m paying attention to this league. I think it has the right idea for the long haul, but I think they’re being dumb right off of the bat. Here’s why:

- Why is the team cap at almost 20 million a team? That’s what I heard/read; could be wrong. Even with only 4 teams, a Versus contract ain’t gonna net you that much, let alone cover the rest of your overhead.

- Why are they playing in the fall? Why not take advantage of the down time in sports when the NHL and NBA end, and MLB is king?

- Losman is the QB with local ties to this league, and deservedly so. But with Drew Willy being released by Baltimore today, might he have the chance to be a UFL QB? And will Losman now start a VegasLives.Org publicity stunt only to abandon it once he doesn’t like it there anymore?

- Who are the guys with any links to the Bills who might have a go-round with the UFL?

- Can guys who sign with the UFL just leave abruptly if offered a cup of coffee in the NFL?

- How many of you will play UFL fantasy football? For the record, I’d do it. Something small - maybe ten bucks or so for the entry.

- Will Vegas put lines out on these games?

- Why is this league not marketing itself? I know it’s only four teams. I know the season is only six games long. But still, if done the right way, it could be a huge success…

Is Langston Walker worthy of extension talk? He’s been a good teammate if you ask me.

When the schedule came out, I was happy the Jets home game was shipped out to Toronto. Was I short-sighted, maybe selfish? I hate that home game every year - hate it. But I’m thinking now the division is a lot closer than I thought (I really think it’s a crap shoot). Isn’t giving away a divisional home game away two years in a row despicable?

I read the Giants were selling the naming rights to their practice jerseys and practice field to Timex, from PFT. Now, we all know Wilson isn’t going to sell the naming rights to the stadium, just because…well…who knows. But, does he really need the practice field named after him as well? Isn’t that overkill? I thought the Timex deal was/is 15 for 35. Even if Buffalo got 15 for 1, isn’t that better than nothing at all?

Last I saw the Bills/Pats line for the opener, it was minus nine and a half.; never caught the over/under though. Anyone got that?

When does T.O.’s show air? What’s the percent that we will watch it?

Dump

krytime — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:38:42 -0000

Here’s a quick brain dump…

I know it’s early, but who’s got the early leg up on the LB spot opposite Mitchell? For the record, I’m pulling for Bowen.

Who is Kyle Ward? And why is Chris Brown even mentioning him? Between him, Cary Harris, and Ellis Lankster - who is making this team, or ending up on the practice squad?

Does John McCargo have competition? Or, is his only competition himself? Was Kolar really a bum for a DL coach? I think this might be one of the most underrated stories of the off season. Given Stroud’s age and all, a quality 4th DT is a must have position in my book. He has the god given talent to be a number two guy; maybe even a number one. Sanders has his work cut out for him here.

I’m okay with Berman doing the honors for Ralph. From a marketing point of view, it’s actually really kind of smart.

Does Youboty stay healthy this year? Supposedly, he’ll be ready to go soon. I think he’s as much of a wild card to this defense as McCargo is.

Does anyone know why Nelson is missing OTA time? I just can’t fathom why a rookie would be missing any time at all.

I like Steve Johnson, and I think many of us do here, maybe to a fault. But how smart/cool is it that he was the fourth wheel in the Edwards/Evans/TO extra practice session? If you ask me, that’s the way you win a spot on an NFL team. Who knows…he might not make it here. But I have to think that watching and learning from Evans and TO has to help you somewhat.

Jets defense is talking a lot of smack already. Growing up on Bills football in the late 70’s/early 80’s made me hate the Dolphins. Over the last few years, I’ve hated/admired the Pats. I think this year, my displeasure may be directed towards the Jets, and their fans. Good luck Toronto with that game. You might not want NFL football after you see that display of Jet-ish-ness.

Where has Marv Levy been? Haven’t heard a word from him in awhile. Did he and Ralph have a falling out? I always wondered why he completely walked away. I was very surprised he didn’t stay on in some advisor kind of role.

Knock on wood - no off season stories featuring Lynch so far. Everyone uses the phrase “no news is good news” at one time or another. In his case, it is so true….

Am I the only one amazed that TO doesn’t have some kind of a “popcorn” deal in the works? Admit it - each and every one of you reading this would easily shell out five bucks for a bag of TO/Bills microwaveable popcorn if some of the proceeds went to a charity.

Speaking of TO…why do I get the feeling he’ll be the home run threat, and Evans will play a role he’s unfamiliar with (ie - possession type WR)?

Early word is that Eric Wood is the funk. What about Levitre? I’m hoping I’ll be hearing the same thing about him soon.

The rule that keeps a kid like Byrd away from OBD is just stupid. What good does that rule serve anyone? How can anyone justify that?

One of my friends has been banging my sister for awhile now, and they’re finally gonna tie the knot on August 29th. The stag is two weeks before that. Since most (if not all) of the guys in our FF league will be at the stag, is it considered poor taste to kill two birds with one stone there? Stag, Stripper(s), Draft - is that a bad day?

I’ll do some fessing up here. For several years, I have hated the NBA. I loved it way back in the day, from the time Bird & Magic came up together through the Jordan years. Since then, I’ve been nothing but a hockey and football guy though. But for some reason, I got hooked into the NBA playoffs this year, and not just as a gambling degenerate. What gives? Should I be worried about this?

Fessing up, part duex - I’m still surprised at how little Fred Jackson got in his extension. I was off by over a million a year, and I’d like to think I’m usually a lot closer than that. Good for the Bills and their bottom line.

The Titans recently starting hawking NASCAR like patches on their practice jerseys for sponsorships, and my guess is that the rest of the league follows suit. Any chance we could get Buffalo Rumblings to sponsor the practice jersey? That would be a jersey I’d buy for sure…

And while on the topic of adding revenue, why do they not have a deal in place with the NY State Lottery? Like many level headed folks, I don’t waste my time with those stupid scratch offs, knowing they are a waste of money. And this comes from someone who really, really, likes to gamble. Anyway, they should get this done soon. Everyday that goes by is a day they are basically passing on free money, and that’s just dumb.

The first two home games will be tailgating doozies with the four o’clock starts. It’ll make for a long day for fans, and more so for OP po po. Anyway, does anyone have any new tailgating games? What’s this year’s version of Can Jam?

Extensions - I love handing them out. If I could, I’d extend my own username here at Buffalo Rumblings. Who is the number one Bill to deserve one this off season?

Nice to see Chris Brown from the team’s home page note that so far, this has been the highest attended set of OTAs in the Jauron era. This kind of sort of tells me that the players must really like him, and know they’re playing for his job.

I heard someone mention that it was only 100 days to the opener. Is that math correct? I’m too lazy to look at a calendar. If so, that’s awesome. The season is so much closer then you think. 100 days is nothing. My season ticket gang already started talking about what to make for the home opener.

I’ve become a fan of the National Football Post website. But today, I think I saw the beginning of something I’ve been predicting for a few years now. Matt Bowen (yup - a former Bill) added a pic of a porn star in his column, kind of like Easterbrook from TMQ introduces a cheer babe each week. I’ve been saying for years - someday, someone will run a website with good football stuff, and hardcore porn. I’m not saying NFP will. But I am saying I’m sure someone will soon, and chances are they are going to make a boatload of money. I’m not saying I would do it, or even if I like the idea. I’m just saying…
One more request, and then I’m done. Anyone with a different (but good) BBQ idea, please feel free to throw my way. Always looking for something different.

Peace guys…

I predict a Jermaine McGhee signing tomorrow. Just a hunch... And please don't ask me "who is...

krytime — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:16:14 -0000

I predict a Jermaine McGhee signing tomorrow. Just a hunch...

And please don't ask me "who is Jermaine McGhee?" - I don't really know. I can't even say for sure if I spelled his name correctly.

I did some typing...

krytime — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:44:44 -0000

It’s been awhile since I cleared out the cobwebs in my head. FYI - I’ve been away from the internet for the last few days, so if any of the topics I touch upon below mimic in any way something one of you Rumblers may have said and/or written, I apologize.

Now, in absolutely no particular order…

Why has Goodell not suspended Lynch yet? Weren’t we supposed to have that around March 28th or so? I think it’s pretty safe to assume that it’ll be a one or two gamer. From what I can gather, it also seems to be the consensus around here too. But what if it is longer? How would it affect the Bills? Would they consider taking a RB in the late rounds of this draft? Does Fred Jackson deserve to get paid more?

I get egg on my face for suggesting Reggie Williams as a FA signing. Granted, it was said before the TO shocker, but still, it was stupid considering his latest activities.

Why do I get the feeling Hardy will see more time on the field than any of us previously imagined? Am I nuts for thinking his rehab is going well, and maybe, just maybe, he’s kind of throwing himself into football a little?

I will kick myself in the junk if they draft a WR this year. Unless Parrish is traded, there is no need to spend a pick at this spot.

Why do I want to know more about Pat Thomas, and the rehab progress of DiGiorgio & Bowen? And what about Marcus Buggs? These guys aren’t big names by any stretch of the imagination, but they are going to add to the mix at the LB spot available opposite Poz and Mitchell. Is there a hidden gem in this group? As of now, I’d bet on DiGiorgio and maybe Buggs. This group of fringe players, along with Ellison, is the reason I don’t think they’ll address the LB spot until the early/middle of the draft.

What uniforms are they going to be wearing the night of the opener? Will it be something different than the current throwback uni?

How is it possible that the NFL doesn’t have a rookie wage scale in place? And how could the NFLPA even argue against one? The only people that benefit from this are agents. This will be a subject for the next CBA, and I’d be surprised if the concept is rejected.

Speaking of the next CBA, I think the players are fooling themselves if they think not having a salary cap is a good thing. No salary cap means no salary floor. And if that’s the case, I would predict that total player salaries will go down. Didn’t ten teams in MLB slash some ten million per team this off season? I’m not trying to use MLB as a measuring stick, but given the state of the economy, it’s not a stretch to suggest some sort of relation.

Here’s a question - when it comes to television ratings, does Buffalo get to include all of the television sets in Southern Ontario? Just curious about that…

Have the Bills announced what they are up to in season ticket sales so far? Is it a safe guess to say they will sell more this year than last? Maybe more important, are they sold out with regard to their luxury boxes? Did any corporation out of Toronto pick up one or two? If not, doesn’t that sort of defeat some of the purpose to farming out games to the Skydome?

When do we get to hear if Demetrius Bell and Chris Ellis have put on some good weight during the off season? Is it unfair of me to expect something out of one of these guys this year?

Who are these people - Brandon Rodd, Jonathan Scott, Marvin Phillip, and Chris Denman? Will any of these guys even make it to camp?

Could Brad Butler play OT? Didn’t he play some in college?

They aren’t any OL in FA. And as far as the ones that are left, they’re the equivalent of my junior prom date choices…not very pretty.

I wonder if Xavier Omon did anything this off season.

When does the schedule come out? I’m thinking sometime before the draft, right?

True story - Nick Bakay has my original whammy weenie, and hasn’t given it back. I wrote him before the first Jets game last year, asking to have it back. On local Buffalo radio, he said he knew where it was, and would give it back; he didn’t. They went 2 and 7 after that. Coincidence? I think not. What should I do?

[Side note to Mr. Bakay - I know you’re reading this. You are a Buffalo Bills fan, and you know that I know that you know that this is the best site for Bills stuff. Give me back my flipping whammy weenie. You know who you got it from. Give it back to him, and he’ll give it back to me. It’s simple. Thank you.]

What are the chances McCargo makes it to camp? And if that happens, what are the chances he makes the opening day roster? I’d bet “slim and none” are most of the answers that pop into all of your heads. Is it possible at all big John may have seen the light of day between now and the end of last season? I really think Stroud played hurt a lot last year, and when McCargo was benched, it put a strain on Williams and Johnson. I think if they had a healthy Stroud, and an effective McCargo, the pass rush may have been a bit better. I think the answer to the first question in this paragraph will be known by Sunday, April 26th, around seven o’clock. If they don’t take a DT anywhere in seven rounds, McCargo’s got another chance.

In every city and on every team, there is usually a player or two that people want to run out of town. Usually it’s a fairly high priced veteran who seemingly hasn’t held up his end of the bargain. In Buffalo, I think it’s fair to say no one would really shed a tear if Kelsay or Parrish suddenly put a “for sale” sign on their home. One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure, and I’d bet everything I own that each of these guys would land on an NFL roster if cut by the Bills. My question here is something I’m too lazy to look up/research on my own. Are there (and who are they) any similar vets out there who may get the hook at any point between now and the opening of camp? Obviously, this would all be speculation, but at this time of the year, what isn’t? Is there a starter out there who may not fit in his new coaches scheme, but might fit in ours?

We all know that a player progresses so much more in the time between his first season and his second. In fact, I’m counting on that for the Bills’ entire draft class from last year. But how does an assistant coach or a coordinator improve? Specifically, I’m pointing at Turk. How does he get better this year? And who gets the nod for offensive play-caller if Schonert gets the boot after a rocky start?

I’m kind of surprised you can’t make bets on the NFL draft. Think of all of the mock drafts you have ever seen, and then think of how many of them have been remotely close to being accurate. Vegas would make a killing. How do they not take that bet? Doesn’t Mel Kiper now look like he was made to be in Vegas?

Who is the third CB going into this season? Money says Florence, because of the contract. Youboty and Corner could both have a say in that though. I think one of the latter would have to have an exceptional camp though to pull that off. Youboty is playing for money, so my bet is on him.

How does the new “No Wedge” rule affect STs? I would love to hear Bobby April’s take on it. Does it seem to me that there is a lesser need for size on STs? Could that be the difference between keeping a DB on a game day roster instead of a LB or TE? If that’s the case, would it surprise if a safety is drafted higher than any of us (except sireric) thought?

Trent Edwards sent the text messages saying he’d be okay with TO. Wouldn’t you like to see his texts with regard to the fact that he will probably have a whole new left side of the line, as well as a new center? Dude better add another ten pounds on. He might want to invest in a Mark Kelso helmet too….

Go Bills….

McCargo & the Bucs.

krytime — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:10:56 -0000

McCargo & the Bucs.

This is all my specualtion. Bear in mind, I've speculated wrongly in the past...

Jovan Haye was just signed the Titans to "replace" Haynesworth. That creates a void for TB at the position. Given their need to add payroll, and players, would it be smart of Buffalo to give them a call and make an offer?

Here’s a few questions and some thoughts.

krytime — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:37:20 -0000

Here’s a few questions and some thoughts.

So, what’s the over/under on a Coles signing? Is he scheduled to go somewhere else for a visit? My thought on Coles is that he’d be a nice addition for the right price. Also, I’d want Roscoe and his contract out of here to accommodate a Coles signing.

I know the first stage of FA isn’t over yet, but I’m kind of surprised how many guys are still out there. I’m sure a bunch of these guys get inked pretty soon, but after that, I think we’ll see a lull. That lull is where I expect to see some more additions, and hopefully, a bargain or two.

I’m so sick of the Patriots. Do they have a “draft pick tree?” Four picks in the top 53, 19 million freed up in cap space, and the Brady monster allegedly back to health, given the Cassell trade. Ugh.

One more Pat note/question - was it McGee or Greer who Belicheat singled out in the past as a good player? I know he heaped some praise on a Buffalo DB’er in the past; I just can’t remember who it was.

Was/is Jason Brown greedy or dumb? Dude got his money, that’s for sure. But there was talk he didn’t want to play there (Rams). I only bring this up because it affects Buffalo. With Brown off of the market, is it a no-brainer that Birk goes back to Minnesota? Right now, I’d say so. But you never know…

What happened to Housh? How is there not a market for him? And while I’m talking about a Cincy WR, I may as well reference another one. How come there has been nary a word from the Ocho Stinko camp as of late? I’m surprised Johnson didn’t shoot his mouth off or do something stupid to facilitate a way out of Cincy as FA hit. If you would have asked me last week, I would have bet that Cincy would hang on to Housh, and trade Johnson. That’s just me though…

Wonder what Lynch is doing these days? My guess is that he’s drinking a lot of water. No doubt in my mind he’ll get tested for the weed, and as a bettor, my money is on a result that comes up positive. What’s that suspension worth?

This brings me up to Taylor. Why did Buffalo bring him in again? Is it too much to assume Roger called Brandon and said something like “Hey. You might want to get yourself another RB. Not too happy with what your kid as done lately.” I know Buffalo also brought in Kevin Jones, but I really didn’t hear much about that visit. Is it fair to say that if Buffalo goes after another RB, they fear a lengthy suspension for Lynch?

I didn’t hear much of Eugene Parker’s name in this latest round of FA. Did he have any significant clients? Doesn’t really matter. If Buffalo gave his client an offer at the end of the season, and he hasn’t responded yet, isn’t that sort of irresponsible? I know - his only job is to make his client money, and that really is all the players care about. Am I naïve enough to still believe a player would also want his team to be better, and playing these contract games is affecting the ability of the organization to make that team better? Can I say that I hate agents again? They do nothing right for the game….

I’m sticking with this call until I see fit to change it. Derek Fine will be the starting TE, and he will do well.

What the hell is going on in Zona? The NFL is a QB league. Would Fitz and Boldin really do that well with Leinhart instead of Warner? I think no way. Guess this is the ole “chicken and egg” question. My question - where does Warner end up?

As far as the Dockery/trade thing goes, I’m holding off on my judgment as of now. At this moment, I’m pinning the blame on Dockery, his agent, and the NFL office. If it comes out that Buffalo blew the chance at getting something for nothing, I’ll be pissed.

When do we start to hear that guys are in town working out and getting ready for 2009? For the rooks from last year, I think it’s imperative to do so as soon as possible. As far as the vets go, it’s the kind of thing that gets you a “C” on your jersey.

Am I an arrogant Bills fan to think that just because the Jets landed Scott, Sheppard, and possibly Leonhard, they still won’t have a great D?

I still can’t believe that we don’t have numbers on Chambers and Hangartner. My guess? Chambers got eight for three years. Hangartner twenty for five years. Keep in mind - those are just a guess, but I think I’m close.

Players I’m kind of interested in (please tell me if I’m stupid):

Freddy Keiaho LB

Michael Jenkins WR

Leonard Weaver FB

Sean Jones S

Jermaine Phillips FS

Jake Grove C

Jeremy Newberry C

LaMont Jordan RB

Cato June LB

C.C. Brown SS

Napoleon Harris LB

Ravens cut off talks with Jason Brown

krytime — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:14:23 -0000

Ravens cut off talks with Jason Brown

Good news for the Bills? From PFT...

"Albert Breer of SportingNews.com reports, at the PFT safe haven site, that the Baltimore Ravens have cut off talks with free-agent-to-be Jason Brown.

Specifically, the Ravens have informed Brown that the player isn’t in their plans for 2009."

I usually like Mark Gaughan's work

krytime — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:36:42 -0000

But today, I think he wrote something dumb.

This was/is taken from his article regarding the Fred Taylor visit today.

"However, the move could have bigger implications, too. The Bills have a quality backup in Fred Jackson. It may be hard to convince Taylor to join Buffalo if he thinks he's going to be the third wheel in the Bills' backfield. If the Bills were to convince Taylor to sign, it could trigger an attempt to trade (Marshawn) Lynch."

Really Mark? You're going to fan the flames for a Lynch trade? Lynch is not going anywhere. He'll be given one more chance.

The Taylor visit is nothing more than a courtesy to a man Jauron allegedly respects. That's all it is; nothing more, nothing less.

DraftTek Simulator

krytime — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:29:24 -0000

DraftTek Simulator

Am I the only one here who can keep himself entertained for hours on end with this website?

Former Cal star Lynch traveling troubled streets

krytime — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:24:43 -0000

Former Cal star Lynch traveling troubled streets

Good read on Lynch.