One Fan(n)’s Opinion by @RDotDeuce: Ready Rogue One

http://gty.im/488078128

Hey, we’re back! Not just this article, mind you, but the conversation regarding Doug Whaley “going rogue” and doing something the rest of the organization were privy to. In this case, that was trading Matt Cassel (and a 2017 seventh round pick) to Dallas for a 5th rounder in 2017 in return. The backup to Tyrod the last few weeks being traded with his 34-38 record (including 1-0 as Bills starter) has now turned Twitter into a frenzy of doubt in Whaley, questions on Ryan’s role with personnel, EJ’s development vis a vis Cassel’s departure and, of course, the rogue comments. In an effort to collect my thoughts on the matter, let’s take a look at the moves that Whaley has been a part of that could be considered, “rogue”:

• The trade to acquire Sammy Watkins – Ironic that his first “big” move may have been the most rogue, but is the least discussed. Going against the wishes of his then head coach, Doug Whaley traded 2 first round picks and a fourth rounder to get Sammy. At the time, Whaley was allowed to overrule his head coach because he also had the support of CEO/stand in owner/guy who was cool with the photo op Russ Brandon. But here’s my thing – as fans – and heck, the local media as well – no one heard boo about this until AFTER Doug punted his contract. While I disagreed at the time with the decision because there was no owner to give oversight to a staff who might not have been there in 2015, I am more than happy with Sammy and look forward to many years of him wearing the red, white and blue. In terms of Tom Cruise (high) to Milton from Office Space (low) I’d put this at full Cruise. ROGUE ROGUE ROGUE.

• The attempt to cut, then not cut, then actually cut Fred Jackson – This situation just seemed to be disjointed more than rogue to me. Cutting Jackson while a major partner has an ad campaign centered around him isn’t the most ideal; however, marketing around the NFL’s oldest running back wasn’t exactly something right out of the Vassar MBA manual either. Jackson’s comments after the fact, mentioning that Whaley ‘wasn’t honest’ with him may have had root in a jilted player, but they are words that bear heeding. I think Doug may have just wanted Jackson and his salary off the roster and did some convincing to ensure he’d get his way. On the rogue scale, I’d put this at a medium level of “rogue” – let’s call it somewhere in the mdidle – so Jim Halpert from the Office?

• The trade of Matt Cassel to the Cowboys – After hearing that Cassel was the “glue guy” from QB coach David Lee upon Matt’s return to the team, I figured #SolidVetPresence (the kissing cousin of #GoodCheapDepth) would reign supreme this year. However, now that Romo’s down a clavicle the Cowboys had to act. Dumping a 7th 2 drafts from now to get a 5th and get rid of Cassel isn’t something I’m too bothered with in a vacuum; however, trading 2 picks to get him and now another (even ‘just’ a seventh) is kinda weird. In terms of the staff not having a say, Whaley having final say over the 53 makes me feel that such consultations don’t need to be as extensive as some have alluded. I do find it curious how many media members are interested in painting Cassel as a combination of Unitas and Moses, dropping yarns of football on the youngins while sippin’ a sarsaparilla. I’m calling this a Milton in ‘rogue’-ness, because it’s Matt Cassel. Moving away from a vet that has little chance of pulling you out of a morass if you got into one seems to be a long term gain that’s better than any short term pain one can imagine, but that’s just me.

As I type this, I’m dumbfounded that the Bills were an Orton/Marrone “opt in” on the 2015 season away from Whaley being fired and having Bill Polian running the show. The butterfly effect of Orton retiring and leading to Whaley/Rex/Roman/Tyrod is the stuff of 30 for 30’s. I’m left of two minds – there’s either someone in that organization that has it out for Whaley and will spare no moment to inflict leak-related pain upon him or post-Polian passing on returning Whaley is now entrenched as ‘the man’ football ops wise. I’m inclined to think it’s somewhere in the middle, but we just don’t know.

Finally, as a firm defender of #UncleBuddy and resident Buffalo Wins pain in the butt to Joe on all things Nix, the draft bears watching with Whaley, and this trade has just left some with a bad taste in their mouths with regard to “Trader Doug”. While I agree with him that the talent of the team may force picks to be cut, I am not exactly enamored with the amount of mid-round picks Whaley’s had to cut of late. Of course, right when I start to get nervous, I look at Polian’s mid-round picks the last few years and thank God the “czar” deal fell through. Ultimately, Whaley has had two classes and I would love to see 3 at least before I go “all in” on a thought about his style.  But as always, these are just one Fan(n)’s opinion.