The main reason I picked the Bills to win 9 games this season and challenge for the playoffs was the schedule. Sure, I thought the defense would be better with the addition of Mario Williams and a couple of solid draft picks. But with 3 games at the Ralph and one in Toronto in the final month of the season, I believed all the Bills had to do was stay in the race until Thanksgiving weekend and they would have a shot. But they couldn't even do that. Please don't even use the term "mathematically alive with me" If you see this team sweeping the final five games of the season you've been watching a different football team than me.
I personally like Chan Gailey and I think he is a good football coach. But he's lost me since the New England game. On that day I could forgive him for a somewhat limited use of CJ Spiller because against the Patriots the BIlls racked up 35 first downs and almost 500 yards. But against the Dolphins CJ spent time on the bench while Tashard Choice played. Sunday in Indianapolis, when it was obvious that Ryan Fitzpatrick was struggling, Spiller got just 14 carries. I don't pretend to know more football than Chan Gailey, but sometimes I believe NFL coaches out think themselves. The Bills, like some other losing teams, allow the opponent to dictate to them. I want the Bills to line up on a Sunday and say "We are the Bills. We can run the football. We have a spectacular player in CJ Spiller. Stop us" Spiller is the Ferrari in your garage. If I had a Ferrari I would use it to cruise down the Thruway. But I'd be so happy I had one I'd drive it to take the kids to school and pick up a few things at Wegmans. Chan Gailey should drive that sports car (Spiller) until it runs out of gas.
A few weeks ago I wrote that I thought Gailey should throw away the "book" he uses and start taking some chances. The Bills were not good enough to play it straight and win. That Sunday he went for it on a 4th down against the Patriots, was rewarded with a first down and then scored a touchdown. IT sparked his team. Sunday in Indianapolis he went all Gregg Williams and punted from his opponent's 35. I think Rian Lindell has been an excellent kicker for this franchise, but if he can't even attempt a 52 yard field goal inside a dome then maybe you need a new kicker. But instead Chan punted and then watched as his defense let the Colts drive down the field and get 3 points.At the end of the game I did not have a problem with the punt because they needed field position and it worked well. But maybe I should have known better because the defense let him down again and the Colts sealed the game
The Bills did not have to be great to be in a position to make the playoffs. Wins over the Titans and Colts would make them 6-5 right now and you would be all fired up for these very winnable games against the Jags and Rams. But the Bills couldn't even give you the gift of hope for Christmas. These last 5 games were supposed to be the run to ending the playoff drought at 13 years. Instead it's becoming a referendum on Chan Gailey and the entire coaching staff going forward.
Mike Catalana
MCatalana@13wham.com
