35Pete
November 4th, 2006, 4:25:06 AM
Pete: Welcome To Listen Up! Sal. Glad to have you here.
Pete: How did you find the Range? What do you like best about it? The least?
Coach: I wrote a column for BillsInsider on the Travis Henry/Willis McGahee debate. After it was published, I was reading it on the site and saw the “Talk about this story” link at the end. I had no idea what that was about, so I clicked and Boom! The Range popped up. I had never been a member of a message board and just read for a little while before I actually registered and posted.
There are so many great things about the Range. But most of all, for me, it’s two things. Just the simple fat that there’s a place to talk Buffalo sports (and especially Buffalo Bills football) with Buffalo sports fans whenever I want is great. And the personalities on the Range are what really make it special. There are so many different personalities, from all ages, races, and backgrounds. And when there’s an emotional issue (whether sports or politics), those personalities and their passions really come out. It really is a family in a strange, twisted way. But that’s what makes it great. It wouldn’t be such a special place without the individual personalities.
Some things I don’t like: Most posters don’t look at or just don’t understand the big picture, and that gets frustrating. But, generally in life, very few people are “big picture people” these days. It’s all about instant gratification. I also think we’ve gone way overboard with the “my dick’s bigger than yours” crap in threads that takes away from real Bills/football talk. It would be nice if more posters were able to debate topics without being so combative and personal. If someone knows more than you about a particular Bills or football subject, it’s not a threat to your manhood – so chill out. Look, I’m around the game every single day of my life and I’m still always learning new things. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that. If you can’t, you have major self-security issues. And finally, I don’t like the fact that it’s just such a game to some people. Their sole purpose seems to be to disagree with or make fun of certain others (or the masses) - or to constantly be sarcastic - just because they think it makes them look or feel “cool.” But that’s partly because I don’t “play the game.” My time is too valuable and limited to do that. I guess I just don’t get why that gets people off. Again, it takes away from real football discussion.
Pete: You live in Florida. Why the move away from Buffalo? Do you still watch every game?
Coach: I was coming out of college from Syracuse University trying to break into sports radio somewhere. I was offered an on-air opportunity at a station in Florida and took it. I had done some coaching and wanted to stay involved in it. I did, and I developed such a passion for it, I went back to school (University of South Florida) to pursue a teaching degree and teaching/coaching eventually became my full-time career with some part-time radio and TV work. Not only do I coach football, I’m also the head Girl’s Track coach, and that’s fun. But, ironically, my life seems to be going back in the other direction again. I love both careers – and they both compliment each other a lot.
Of course I watch every game. I record each one and review them, too, just like I would a game film. There’s so much I see during review that goes unnoticed during the live broadcast, obviously. Good and bad stuff.
I not only have the NFL Sunday Ticket to watch the Bills, I also have NHL Center Ice to watch the Sabres, both college football and basketball packages to watch Syracuse teams, and the MLB package to watch the Yankees. I either watch live or record every single Bills, Sabres, and Syracuse football and basketball game. Don’t ask me how much my DirecTV bill is each month.
Pete: How's the podcast coming along? Keep plugging those Bills!
Coach: It’s great. Technology is unbelievable. I produce the whole show from my own office in my house. I just hope to get the word out about it as much as possible. It’s a great opportunity for Bills fans to listen to Bills talk whenever they want, whether they agree or disagree with my opinions. The network I work for (MySportsRadio.com) has been awesome to me. I’m also on their college football and NFL roundtables every week. Hope everyone can check them out.
Pete: Do you think that JP might have it? What do you think of his progress? What are his strengths? Weaknesses?
Coach: Obviously, his biggest weakness is ball security. He simply doesn’t take care of it well enough and it hurts his team. Luckily, that’s an aspect of football that can improve if he works hard enough at it. If he could learn to take care of the ball better, it would speed his development up a lot more because he’d put himself and his offense in better and more manageable situations. But if that continues, he’ll never be a QB you can put your offense in the hands of.
Believe it or not, I think his biggest strength is preparation, which was something he’d been accused of neglecting in the past. He does very well early in ball games, which tells me he listens to his coaches and studies the game plan and film throughout the week. Then, he executes it well. Once they get away from the game plan (because they’re down or other situations dictate it), that’s when his ball security issues come out., probably because his body moves faster than his brain. He doesn’t have that issue when his brain is prepared for it, like early in the game.
If you put a gun to my head and said, “get rid of him now, or be stuck with him for a few more years” I’d say he’s not the answer and we need to move in another direction. But no one’s doing that. Maybe I’m being too patient with him, but I see absolutely no down side with continuing the evaluation process for at least another month. This is not a playoff team with or without JP as the starting quarterback. He’s gotten better since last season (which isn’t saying much), but the biggest question that has to be answered is: “where’s his ceiling and has he reached it?”
Pete: Is the achilles heel injury of TKO his achilles heel?
Coach: I think he’s over the mental aspect. The hamstring injury probably shifted his focus in that regard. But he’s declining in physical skill and impact on games. It’s also because the type of defense we run, especially given the smaller personnel in front of him. That leaves him exposed too much.
Pete: What do you think of the draft based on observations this year?
Coach: You can never evaluate a draft in less than three years, unless those draftees are off the team already – then you know it sucked. No one can say for sure how this draft class will be judged, but I think Marv and Dick made a statement by keeping every single 2006 draft pick on the roster. That’s basically telling everyone that they are going to build this team through the draft, they will have faith in and develop the players they chose, and that they chose the right players. They’ll sink or swim on this and next year’s draft classes.
Pete: What is your level of confidence in Marv and Dick?
Coach: I try to give at least two years for a new GM or coaching staff before making major judgements, especially when they take over and start with a rebuilding year. But I’m confident in their ability to work together and the fact that they believe in their plan and are following it.
Pete: Who is the best coach on the team? The worst?
Coach: It’s impossible to judge that stuff without being at practice and really observing their interactions with the players and other coaches. Obviously, Bobby April has done a tremendous job with the special teams the last couple years, although that group has taken a step back this year. And every coach is going to look good with good players.
Pete: Who will win the NCAA championship? Who will challenge?
Coach: The winner of the Ohio State/Michigan game should, but don’t count out Florida or the winner of the Louisville/Rutgers game. Whoever wins that game deserves a shot if they remain undefeated.
Pete: Will ‘Cuse ever be a power again? How?
Coach: Boy, I hope so. It’s an embarrassing time right now. We haven’t recruited a great QB since Donovan left. That’s been a major problem. Unfortunately, I think the University has taken the stand that football isn’t as important as it used to be. They have to get kids to want to go there and play, and that’s not easy to do given the facilities, geographic location, and weather. Truth is, it’s always been a basketball school. And considering this year and next year’s recruiting classes, we have a great shot at another basketball national title in the next few years. I’m excited about that. Paul Harris from Niagara Falls may be the best freshman in the country.
Pete: What's your take on the Sabres? Strengths? Weaknesses?
Coach: My take is they are awesome. Fun to watch, gritty, and a lot of character. They have so many strengths – four capable lines, amazing speed, very good goaltending, transitional play, and coaching. Lindy’s one of the best in the business. He’s really shown a great ability to adapt his teams’ playing styles to his roster. When he had Dom in net, we were so defensive-oriented. Now, with our speed, he lets them fly around the ice. And, of course, he’s a terrific playoff coach.
I’m just a little concerned about our depth on defense. After the first seven, there’s really no one who can play our style if they have to for an extended time, which will put a lot more pressure on the rest of the defense and the goaltending.
Pete: What positions would you draft this year? What are the top picks that you would take in the first three rounds?
Coach: I’m still focused on the remaining games this season. There’s a lot of time between now and then, and a lot can happen. Guys are still fighting to prove they can handle their spots. No doubt, though, we’ll need to look at both lines, we’re going to have to replace Nate, and our linebacking group will have to be looked at. Also, we need a true number-two receiver, and may not want to wait too long to find Willis’ replacement at running back. As of right now, I’d be surprised if he was in Buffalo after his contract expired next year.
Pete: Final record for the Bills this year? Why?
Coach: Optimistically, I still think we can finish with seven wins. That would be a step forward considering this team’s talent and roster and coaching turnover. Realistically, it will most likely be five or six at the most. The remaining schedule has about five games we can win if we play smart football. But that’s a big “IF.”
Pete: Who's the best team from each conference? Why?
Coach: In the AFC, Denver has the best defense, the Colts have the best offense, but New England is the most complete. They’re strong in all phases, and of course, well coached. San Diego is very well-
balanced, too, but they’re not nearly as consistent.
In the NFC, it’s the Bears to lose. They’re very good in all areas. But if Michael Vick continues to play like he has, the Falcons will have something to say about that. I’m not sold on the Giants or Saints.
Pete: What happened to the defense?
Coach: They got young in a hurry. And they’re playing a style that they aren’t suited for at eleven positions. But that’s a work in progress and to be expected for at least a year. The teams that have been successful using this defense over the years have been successful because they came up with and developed the right personnel to play it at all eleven positions. That’s what it takes – and it’s not easy. But I like Perry Fewell, and I’m fine with the scheme. Coaching’s not the issue on defense. We show great signs at times. We just need to get better and more consistent play.
Pete: Any final thoughts or comments?
Coach: Yes. I love the Buffalo area. I miss it. I wouldn’t be surprised if someday I came back to Western New York. But it would only be if the right job for the right price came along in either coaching or media work, since I already have established careers here in Florida. But Buffalo truly is a special place with special people and extra-special sports fans.
In the meantime, I hope everyone gets a chance to listen to my Buffalo Stampede podcast. Just click the link in my signature. Thanks.
Pete: How did you find the Range? What do you like best about it? The least?
Coach: I wrote a column for BillsInsider on the Travis Henry/Willis McGahee debate. After it was published, I was reading it on the site and saw the “Talk about this story” link at the end. I had no idea what that was about, so I clicked and Boom! The Range popped up. I had never been a member of a message board and just read for a little while before I actually registered and posted.
There are so many great things about the Range. But most of all, for me, it’s two things. Just the simple fat that there’s a place to talk Buffalo sports (and especially Buffalo Bills football) with Buffalo sports fans whenever I want is great. And the personalities on the Range are what really make it special. There are so many different personalities, from all ages, races, and backgrounds. And when there’s an emotional issue (whether sports or politics), those personalities and their passions really come out. It really is a family in a strange, twisted way. But that’s what makes it great. It wouldn’t be such a special place without the individual personalities.
Some things I don’t like: Most posters don’t look at or just don’t understand the big picture, and that gets frustrating. But, generally in life, very few people are “big picture people” these days. It’s all about instant gratification. I also think we’ve gone way overboard with the “my dick’s bigger than yours” crap in threads that takes away from real Bills/football talk. It would be nice if more posters were able to debate topics without being so combative and personal. If someone knows more than you about a particular Bills or football subject, it’s not a threat to your manhood – so chill out. Look, I’m around the game every single day of my life and I’m still always learning new things. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that. If you can’t, you have major self-security issues. And finally, I don’t like the fact that it’s just such a game to some people. Their sole purpose seems to be to disagree with or make fun of certain others (or the masses) - or to constantly be sarcastic - just because they think it makes them look or feel “cool.” But that’s partly because I don’t “play the game.” My time is too valuable and limited to do that. I guess I just don’t get why that gets people off. Again, it takes away from real football discussion.
Pete: You live in Florida. Why the move away from Buffalo? Do you still watch every game?
Coach: I was coming out of college from Syracuse University trying to break into sports radio somewhere. I was offered an on-air opportunity at a station in Florida and took it. I had done some coaching and wanted to stay involved in it. I did, and I developed such a passion for it, I went back to school (University of South Florida) to pursue a teaching degree and teaching/coaching eventually became my full-time career with some part-time radio and TV work. Not only do I coach football, I’m also the head Girl’s Track coach, and that’s fun. But, ironically, my life seems to be going back in the other direction again. I love both careers – and they both compliment each other a lot.
Of course I watch every game. I record each one and review them, too, just like I would a game film. There’s so much I see during review that goes unnoticed during the live broadcast, obviously. Good and bad stuff.
I not only have the NFL Sunday Ticket to watch the Bills, I also have NHL Center Ice to watch the Sabres, both college football and basketball packages to watch Syracuse teams, and the MLB package to watch the Yankees. I either watch live or record every single Bills, Sabres, and Syracuse football and basketball game. Don’t ask me how much my DirecTV bill is each month.
Pete: How's the podcast coming along? Keep plugging those Bills!
Coach: It’s great. Technology is unbelievable. I produce the whole show from my own office in my house. I just hope to get the word out about it as much as possible. It’s a great opportunity for Bills fans to listen to Bills talk whenever they want, whether they agree or disagree with my opinions. The network I work for (MySportsRadio.com) has been awesome to me. I’m also on their college football and NFL roundtables every week. Hope everyone can check them out.
Pete: Do you think that JP might have it? What do you think of his progress? What are his strengths? Weaknesses?
Coach: Obviously, his biggest weakness is ball security. He simply doesn’t take care of it well enough and it hurts his team. Luckily, that’s an aspect of football that can improve if he works hard enough at it. If he could learn to take care of the ball better, it would speed his development up a lot more because he’d put himself and his offense in better and more manageable situations. But if that continues, he’ll never be a QB you can put your offense in the hands of.
Believe it or not, I think his biggest strength is preparation, which was something he’d been accused of neglecting in the past. He does very well early in ball games, which tells me he listens to his coaches and studies the game plan and film throughout the week. Then, he executes it well. Once they get away from the game plan (because they’re down or other situations dictate it), that’s when his ball security issues come out., probably because his body moves faster than his brain. He doesn’t have that issue when his brain is prepared for it, like early in the game.
If you put a gun to my head and said, “get rid of him now, or be stuck with him for a few more years” I’d say he’s not the answer and we need to move in another direction. But no one’s doing that. Maybe I’m being too patient with him, but I see absolutely no down side with continuing the evaluation process for at least another month. This is not a playoff team with or without JP as the starting quarterback. He’s gotten better since last season (which isn’t saying much), but the biggest question that has to be answered is: “where’s his ceiling and has he reached it?”
Pete: Is the achilles heel injury of TKO his achilles heel?
Coach: I think he’s over the mental aspect. The hamstring injury probably shifted his focus in that regard. But he’s declining in physical skill and impact on games. It’s also because the type of defense we run, especially given the smaller personnel in front of him. That leaves him exposed too much.
Pete: What do you think of the draft based on observations this year?
Coach: You can never evaluate a draft in less than three years, unless those draftees are off the team already – then you know it sucked. No one can say for sure how this draft class will be judged, but I think Marv and Dick made a statement by keeping every single 2006 draft pick on the roster. That’s basically telling everyone that they are going to build this team through the draft, they will have faith in and develop the players they chose, and that they chose the right players. They’ll sink or swim on this and next year’s draft classes.
Pete: What is your level of confidence in Marv and Dick?
Coach: I try to give at least two years for a new GM or coaching staff before making major judgements, especially when they take over and start with a rebuilding year. But I’m confident in their ability to work together and the fact that they believe in their plan and are following it.
Pete: Who is the best coach on the team? The worst?
Coach: It’s impossible to judge that stuff without being at practice and really observing their interactions with the players and other coaches. Obviously, Bobby April has done a tremendous job with the special teams the last couple years, although that group has taken a step back this year. And every coach is going to look good with good players.
Pete: Who will win the NCAA championship? Who will challenge?
Coach: The winner of the Ohio State/Michigan game should, but don’t count out Florida or the winner of the Louisville/Rutgers game. Whoever wins that game deserves a shot if they remain undefeated.
Pete: Will ‘Cuse ever be a power again? How?
Coach: Boy, I hope so. It’s an embarrassing time right now. We haven’t recruited a great QB since Donovan left. That’s been a major problem. Unfortunately, I think the University has taken the stand that football isn’t as important as it used to be. They have to get kids to want to go there and play, and that’s not easy to do given the facilities, geographic location, and weather. Truth is, it’s always been a basketball school. And considering this year and next year’s recruiting classes, we have a great shot at another basketball national title in the next few years. I’m excited about that. Paul Harris from Niagara Falls may be the best freshman in the country.
Pete: What's your take on the Sabres? Strengths? Weaknesses?
Coach: My take is they are awesome. Fun to watch, gritty, and a lot of character. They have so many strengths – four capable lines, amazing speed, very good goaltending, transitional play, and coaching. Lindy’s one of the best in the business. He’s really shown a great ability to adapt his teams’ playing styles to his roster. When he had Dom in net, we were so defensive-oriented. Now, with our speed, he lets them fly around the ice. And, of course, he’s a terrific playoff coach.
I’m just a little concerned about our depth on defense. After the first seven, there’s really no one who can play our style if they have to for an extended time, which will put a lot more pressure on the rest of the defense and the goaltending.
Pete: What positions would you draft this year? What are the top picks that you would take in the first three rounds?
Coach: I’m still focused on the remaining games this season. There’s a lot of time between now and then, and a lot can happen. Guys are still fighting to prove they can handle their spots. No doubt, though, we’ll need to look at both lines, we’re going to have to replace Nate, and our linebacking group will have to be looked at. Also, we need a true number-two receiver, and may not want to wait too long to find Willis’ replacement at running back. As of right now, I’d be surprised if he was in Buffalo after his contract expired next year.
Pete: Final record for the Bills this year? Why?
Coach: Optimistically, I still think we can finish with seven wins. That would be a step forward considering this team’s talent and roster and coaching turnover. Realistically, it will most likely be five or six at the most. The remaining schedule has about five games we can win if we play smart football. But that’s a big “IF.”
Pete: Who's the best team from each conference? Why?
Coach: In the AFC, Denver has the best defense, the Colts have the best offense, but New England is the most complete. They’re strong in all phases, and of course, well coached. San Diego is very well-
balanced, too, but they’re not nearly as consistent.
In the NFC, it’s the Bears to lose. They’re very good in all areas. But if Michael Vick continues to play like he has, the Falcons will have something to say about that. I’m not sold on the Giants or Saints.
Pete: What happened to the defense?
Coach: They got young in a hurry. And they’re playing a style that they aren’t suited for at eleven positions. But that’s a work in progress and to be expected for at least a year. The teams that have been successful using this defense over the years have been successful because they came up with and developed the right personnel to play it at all eleven positions. That’s what it takes – and it’s not easy. But I like Perry Fewell, and I’m fine with the scheme. Coaching’s not the issue on defense. We show great signs at times. We just need to get better and more consistent play.
Pete: Any final thoughts or comments?
Coach: Yes. I love the Buffalo area. I miss it. I wouldn’t be surprised if someday I came back to Western New York. But it would only be if the right job for the right price came along in either coaching or media work, since I already have established careers here in Florida. But Buffalo truly is a special place with special people and extra-special sports fans.
In the meantime, I hope everyone gets a chance to listen to my Buffalo Stampede podcast. Just click the link in my signature. Thanks.