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Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

Greetings, everyone. I've had to take the last couple of weeks off from the chat because of deadline and travel commitments. Good to be back.

MR.245 (I.E. Calfornia)

Even thou Dolphins are 1-3, do you think if they pull'd it together can be a playoff team???

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

Joey Porter made some references this week to the AFC East still going through Miami. I still think it goes through New England, but he's not crazy. All three of their losses are outside the division. They are 1-0 in the division. If they can beat the Jets on Monday night, the standings get a lot more intriguing.

John (Denver)

So is Cam Wake someone who can be a specialized contributor or are the Bills just that bad? Maybe somewhere in the middle?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

Wake has a ton of potential, but we didn't see any of it in training camp or the preseason. The Dolphins didn't even dress him in Weeks 1 and 2. So I think it's more toward the Bills' line being that bad. He has sensational athleticism, but he needs to learn the NFL game at NFL speed. The Bills went to Land Shark Stadium last week with CFL players.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Hey Tim - If Buffalo loses to Cleveland at home this week, does Dick Jauron have a job on Monday?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

I'm hesitant to talk in certainties when it comes to predicting what Ralph Wilson will do. But I expect a major move would need to be made. You want people to buy some of your gear for Christmas, right? If the Bills don't fire Jauron soon, their fans won't be able to look at a logo without vomiting.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

So I did exactly what Jimmy Buffet wanted me to and bought some LandShark a few weeks ago. It did not help the Dolphins karma, but it was surprisingly decent. What do you think of it?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

I regret to say I haven't tried that beer yet, which is unlike me. I'll make it a point to seek it out tonight and give it a shot. Then I'll drink it.

Mike (DC)

Hey, Tim, I finally took some time to watch one of your Bloggers Blitz videos and I have to say I'm impressed. I allows thought of your voice as sounding like Todd McShay's (that's meant to be derogative) becauce of that old picture of yours but you sounded much more manly. Kudos to you.

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

Thanks, Mike. I like to think I'm getting better on the air. It's not my natural habitat.

James (Holloam AFB)

Who do you thinks a bigger competition in the AFC East, Buffalo or Miami?

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

Miami, by far. Last week's final score emphasized that.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

You column on Can a true fan root against his team sure started a nice debate on the Bills message board, you should go check it out!

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

No kidding? I'll go check that out as soon as I'm done with the chat.

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

OK, chat's over. Thanks for coming.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Tim - Trent Edwards finally has a good receiving core to work with, and he can't get them the ball. I know the O-Line deserves some blame, but how much of the blame is to Edwards and how much is for the conservative play-calling?

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

I guess Alex Van Pelt can empty out the backfield and send everybody on fly patterns to force Edwards to go deep ... I think it's a combination of things. Obviously, the Bills are OK with Edwards' decisions or else they would have cut him by now. I think that he's making choices that are comfortable for him, but with the coaching staff's support. If they were to emphasize more downfield passing, I don't see why he wouldn't do it. I thought the offense looked sensational in camp. He was completing multiple bombs to Owens and Evans against the first-team D every session I attended.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Rules question. Time is running out, why couldn't a WR downfield after a catch snap the ball to another WR who grounds the ball to stop the clock. As long as the offense is NOT moving, it would be illegal formation (and most likely off-sides on the D). That is not a 10 second run off right? Why wouldn't this work?

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

Let me stop laughing first because that's a hell of scene you just presented ...

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

OK ...

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

Very innovative plan. But the an official needs to spot the ball and the play clock started before it can be snapped.

Adam (New York)

Timothy, I read some of your blogs mostly on the Jets, the one in question is the one you wrote to Jets fans to be Chillax and to be muffled after the titans did you change your view and chillax is that a word if so what does that mean? I was trying to be chillax after the Jets win against the titans.

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

I didn't present a view or an opinion in that piece. I merely rattled off stats that should have told the reader it was too early to get overly excited or too down on your team -- any team. I didn't insert my feelings on how anybody would do from that point on.

John (Buffalo)

Tim, "Bills offense looked sensational against first team D". Tampa Bay's offense looked good against the Bill's first team D.

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

You make a solid point. I guess what I was getting at is that Edwards can throw deep. I swear. I'm telling you ... I've seen it.

DOUG (NJ)

tim..had an intelligent Braylon question i sent in twice ..HOW MANY BILLS QUESTIONS ARE WE GONNA ANSWER HERE ..THEY ARE 0 - 4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

Oh, what a bummer, Doug. This is the submission I finally saw from you. ... And there's no question! Dude, so sorry.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

Sorry Tim, after further review, Joey Porter is crazy. However, there is no penalty on the play.

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

Ed, would you like to take a crack at Joseph in Fort Worth's proposal?

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Doesn't the official typically spot the ball immediately, or at least as soon as possible. They do not wait for the offense to get down the field. Anyway, I know it is ludicrous but I was wondering why it did not happen.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

I dont think there is any question he can throw deep... The question is can he throw deep on his back?

Angelo (Cleveland)

What did you think of the Braylon Edwards trade he had one good year and for the third pick in the draft that,s not good enough besides FA at end of the year

Tim Graham

  (3:23 PM)

I think it's a great trade for the Jets and a pretty good one for the Browns. He had to go.

DOUG (NJ)

lol..its cool...Is edwards gonna turn it around like Moss did..being on a contender with leaders , not being the face of the team or having to win every game for them- allowing him to refocus ..or will he be T.O.

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

I don't see Edwards putting up prolific numbers like Moss did when he joined the Patriots. The Jets likely will remain a run-first offense. But his presence will open things up for everyone around him, especially Keller and Washington.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

After reviewing Joseph's scenario, it has been determined that most likely it would never work because it would confuse the hell out of everyone

Dave (New Jersey)

Tim, with Jets Braylon Edwards a Jets what are the chances they make the playoff and be contenders?

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

I think they had a great shot at the playoffs without the trade. I think this could make the difference.

Jason (PA)

Do you think the Patriots have been getting some referee assistance this year? Not only the Brady penalties, but a lot of extra yardage gained on balls being spotted.

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

I recall the Bills getting two QB roughing calls on opening night that went against the Patriots.

Adam (New York)

Timothy, why you stated that the division goes thru New England? Don't the Jets hold the upper hand this moment?

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

I don't do tiebreakers after four games.

Daniel (NYC)

You need at least seven men on the line of scrimmage, with an eligible receiver covering ineligible linemen.

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

I think he's saying you go ahead and sacrifice the penalty to get the clock stopped. There would be a runoff (I think), but it would take longer than 10 seconds to get your team up field, lined up, set and the ball spiked. I'm I getting that right, Joseph?

Matt (IN)

Timmy, Edwards is on my fantasy team (yeah, I'm in last). I know you don't care for FF questions but is he expected to play this weekend? I need all of the help I can get.

Tim Graham

  (3:31 PM)

Only because non-fantasy owners might benefit: The Jets have announced Edwards will not only play, but also start Monday night.

matt (oakland)

Tim, you've said you think Marshawn is most talented back in the afc east ... do you think Jauron feels the same way, i.e. will Lynch get more work than Fred Jax? thanks

Tim Graham

  (3:34 PM)

I think we need to give Lynch another game or two to get back in the swing of things. When you're suspended, you're not even allowed to practice with your teammates or even be at the facility. I do think that Lynch is their preferred back when everybody is at 100 percent preparedness.

Fred Taylor (New England)

Do you know if my ankle needs surgery?

Tim Graham

  (3:34 PM)

The drugs must not have worn off yet, Fred. You had surgery yesterday. It was in all the papers.

DOUG (NJ)

since they allready beat them , and shut the offense completely out , and with fred taylor out , and pace back plus adding edwards , and the fact they won 2 of the last 3 in N.E...would it be fair to say the Jets have the upper hand this yr in the rematch ?

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

Way too soon to say. More injuries could occur by then. The Patriots didn't have Welker in the Meadowlands. Belichick is a master at winning rematches (as the Dolphins). Let's see what happens between now and then.

mz (boston)

inre Daniel/NYC: even spiking the ball there. offensive penalties do _not_ stop the clock.

James (Rochester)

Why does buffalo insist on putting the game in the hands of Edwards? With fred and marshawn, let them do the heavy lifting, and let edwards pass when it's necessary.

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

But that's just what they'll be expecting us to do ...

Jeff (Las Vegas)

Tim, did you see the "new" NFL logos First Take aired yesterday? If so have a favorite? Bills and Jets represented well.

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

Yes, I posted the video on my blog yesterday and had the logos linked on Tuesday. My favorites were the Seahawks and Browns.

matt (oakland)

just a follow up on the lynch question ... do you ever get reports on (or witness for yourself) how guys look, performance-wise, in practice? We got a lot of them pre-season, but it seems in-season practices must be off limits for anybody to see?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

We get limited access to practices once the season starts. We might see them warm up or do a few drills, but that's about it.

Tyler (Portsmouth, NH)

Given the thrilling matchup of the winless this week, which do you think is in a better situation to succeed in the future: Cleveland or Buffalo?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

If I had to pick a team's future, I would go with the Browns. They've at least started their process. The Bills still seem to be in denial (e.g. the Owens signing).

Paul Kuharsky (AFC South)

Admit it Graham, you were devastated when the Backstreet Boys had to cancel their ESPN chat.

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

I didn't know they were supposed to have one, but they were atrocious on Conan last night.

SABS (CT)

Tim, Saw you mention landshark beer earlier. A couple weeks ago that bacon flavored vodka came up on the chat...gotten your hands on it yet?

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

I haven't, but I have actually asked for it at a couple bars. Nobody has stocked it.

Derek (Pittsburgh)

Is the Gholston experiment over now that Pace is back? And what did the Jets think of his play or lackthereof?

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

Gholston was OK. Not terrible, but not nearly as good as a sixth overall pick should be in his second year. I think the Jets will use him situationally, which could allow him to make a play or two each game.

nick (buffalo)

Tim, your thoughts on the dolphins touchdown song compared to the bills touchdown song??

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

You're just trying to get me riled up.

ken ((md))

You spoke so highly of Steve Johnson and i had him having a break out year this yr, however Jauron has Josh Reed Ahead of him, i mean come on josh is serviceable but i think Steve would inject some life into the offense, your thoughts....?

Tim Graham

  (3:44 PM)

There's just not enough action to spread around. Roscoe Parrish wants out because he's not seeing the field. Hell, Terrell Owens and Lee Evans aren't getting the ball.

Rich Rodriguez (Ann Arbor)

Teams that have touchdown songs need to get lives.

Brad (NM)

Why are these morons stating Buffalo is winless? Did the NFL overturn their victory over Tampa and I missed it? You know, if they weren't better chokers than football players, Buffalo would actually be 2-2.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

RE: Daniel...if there are two fouls (one on each team), the clock does stop. The penalties off-set, there is no-10second runoff, and the O has time to get down field and set up without bleeding the clock off. This is an innovative idea that could work if a coach implements it...but I just cant see a team spending valuable practice time to do this.

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

I can't believe this subject got legs. But the submissions suggest you want to discuss it.

Bryan (East Bay, CA)

Hey Tim, any thoughts on Brian Hartline? I think he is a stud and needs to be starting. Tedd Ginn makes me more upset by the week by his play. I think it is time to cut their losses with him.

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

Hartline reminds me of a better Greg Camarillo. I think he'll be a fan favorite for years to come. Ginn, on the other hand, is a bust. There. I said it. I've been defending him for a long time now, saying it was too soon to label him that after two years, that we should give him more time. I think we've seen enough.

Reasonable (Miami)

How come the Jets always seem to gut their drafts? And pay top dollar to free agents? Seems like its gonna have to catch up to them eventually.

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

I agree. They need to draft depth soon, as in next year. But they'll need to acquire a lot of draft picks between now and April.

nick (buffalo)

tim, brownies have a TD song too..."HANNNNNNG ONNNNN SUUUZAAAY SUZAY HANG ON!!!! O!-H!-I!-O!

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

It's "Sloopy." Not "Suzy."

Peter (CT)

When Dick Jauron gets the Ax (Soon Please!) who do you think would be the best fit for Buffalo: Cowler, Shanahan, Dungy, Gruden or Holmgren?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

Cowher or Gruden would be the motivator they need, but I don't see the Bills going after somebody so high-profile. Even if they do, these guys will have their pick of openings and clearly are in no rush. There will better openings than Buffalo.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

nick, I hope you have a good explanation for that, because that was terrible. Learn your music history, please.

nick (buffalo)

well i was intoxicated at the game, what in gods name is "Sloopy"

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

Woolly Bully's sister.

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

But here's your homework for next week, Nick. I'd like for you to write out the lyrics for "Louie Louie" and present them to the class.

andrew (long island, ny)

hey tim, great to have the chat back again. anyways, do you think that the dolphins have the best 1-2 running back combo in the nfl? at the beggining of the year, i remember reading rankings somewhere of best combos, and ronnie and ricky were 12. i thought that was insane. what are your thoughts?

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

There are a lot of great combos out there. I think 12 sounds about right. Williams has more reputation than skill anymore. I know he had a nice game against Buffalo, but I'm sure he felt like he was playing for the Argonauts all afternoon.

Trent Edwards (Buffalo) [via mobile]

I planned a romantic evening. Candlelight dinner with filet mignon and Cristal...but checked down to bologna sandwich and Korbel. Am I getting any action?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

Get the punt team ready.

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

I'm eating these wheat honey pretzels. It tastes like breakfast, only drier.

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

I highly un-recommend them.

ronnie (euless tx)

Tim,When you say that by not having depth via a draft it will catch up to them what do you mean? I believe they have alot of depth those critical positions except defensive line but otherwise we seem to be pretty solid in other areas including the recent trade for braylon edwards.

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

You need a constant wave of youth coming up through the organization to sustain success. The Jets are trying to do it with undrafted rookies and waiver pickups to cycle through the last few spots on the roster. That's not going to work in the long term.

Brad (NM)

Is Buffalo going to win a division game this year?

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

It certainly doesn't look good at the moment. They probably blew their best chance on opening night.

Ryan (Middleton, WI)

Thoughts on Henne thus far? Looked decent in his first start (though the Bills aren't too tough)...should I be ordering my Dolphins jersey yet?

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

Hold off on the jersey. At least until after this week. If he can somehow look good against the Jets, you might have a keeper. He still could be the QB of the future, but I expect a rough outing Monday night.

Joe (NY)

Tim Forbes released it's top NFL tailgating stadiums. Bills, Pats, and Dolphins all made the list but not the Jets. You go to the games do you agree?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

Hard to say. I do walk through the parking lots on my way to the stadium, and they all kind of look the same once you're on site, but I'm sure those rankings take the whole area into consideration. I'm surprised the Dolphins made it and the Jets didn't. The Dolphins seem to laid back for me, although the scenery is quite nice.

Tom Brady (New England)

Tim, don't talk about me too much. You may get flagged.

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

Couple more and then I have to dig into the injury reports ...

Tom Brady (New England)

Better yet, don't even look at me.

Skip Bayless (New York)

Who's got worse hands, TO or Braylon? Who'd you rather have at this point?

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

Has anybody ever spotted them in the same room simultaneously?

Ralph Wiggum (Springfield)

I ated the purple berries.....taste like, burning...

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

So how are they, Ralph? Good?

Reasonable (Miami)

Is Cam Cameron's 2007 Draft the worst draft anyone has ever drafted? Look at that stinkheap. Its bad.

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

It is atrocious, but that was Randy Mueller's last draft as GM, too. I have written about that. Ginn is the best player from that class, and he's a bust.

Bryan (East Bay, CA)

Tim, any word on Matt Roth? Is the guy alive or have any plans on coming back? He still can't be hurt so what can he possibly be thinking? Sitting out throwing a fit will do nothing but hurt his NFL career.

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

He's on the injured list and can come back after Week 6.

James (Rochester)

Rooting for the Bills this season has been like having a girlfriend about to go on the Real World. You believe that everything will go well and that you have nothing to worry about. Then, as the season wears on and you watch touchdown after touchdown get scored on her, you realize it was all a sham and that you should have forgotten about her before the season started.

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

A perfect way to end the chat. See you guys next Friday at 3 p.m. Thanks for stopping by.