So here I am, Monday night, enjoying Monday Night Raw and thinking that while the news of Rex introducing Donald Trump was a bit crazy, ultimately it was the equivalent of Rex eating a dog biscuit or skydiving or buying a souped up truck – full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing. Then I started to think about players on the team – not all mind you – but those that are in tune with what’s going on in the world around them. Some may be on the J.J. Watt “the only politics I debate is whey before or after a workout” and that’s fine, that’s their life to lead. But for those see their head coach, their “player’s coach” aligning with Donald Trump (and before that “lap band bro” Chris Christie) it’s gotta be weird.
There’s a couple of things that stick out to me with this whole Rex / Trump thing – one, future free agents that may be Muslim might see this as a no fly zone; two, fans who don’t (myself included) see Trump as anything of substance; and three, how do community organizers see bringing Rex in for future events?
To be honest, that’s as scary as Trump’s rhetoric, because this “silent majority” does exist – particularly in Buffalo. Look at the elected officials, their stances and the moves they’ve made in the past 20 years or so. He has a fanbase/market – and that saddens me deeply.
Let’s take another step back. Most owners in the NFL lean Republican and throw millions of dollars into the party. There even was a bit of a furor over the Pegula family donating to pro-fracking candidates not soon after their purchase of the Bills. We all have different lines and that’s fine. Mine has been and will always be Trump – when he was a candidate to buy the team, his purchasing the Bills would have ended my fandom. Now, with a potential Republican nomination looming, I will say without pause I do not care for his fear mongering, race baiting and misogyny wrapped up in “saying what’s on his mind” as Rex put it last night. We get cases like this when folk give in to fear:
This is exactly what anti-Muslim bias does to our country. Solidarity with @KhairyMakhzoomi. https://t.co/DhW2usnylL
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) April 18, 2016
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Finally, my views don’t represent all of Buffalo Wins – and not in that cheap cop out way, in the “some staff don’t talk politics; others are pro Trump and aren’t big bags of hate” way. I speak for me and I will never silence a dissenting opinion on staff.
And now, to the purely football news of the day:
DL move to LB??
Hearing that a Bill’s lineman might get converted to linebacker wasn’t exactly something to get excited about. But when I heard it was not only Jerry Hughes (which makes sense) but former-5 Tech DE Jarius Wynn who’s slimmed down from 290 or so down to 265 pounds to LB, that’s a different story. My first reaction was, what in the name of Spencer Johnson is going on over there?! If this works and Wynn is the second coming of Jarret Johnson, good on Rex and his staff. Having Hughes in the LB room as THE (emphasis mine) edge rusher the team has makes total sense to me – but moving Wynn and hoping that works out? Okay….
Tyrod $$
No holdouts. No awkward pauses. Only confidence and a calm demeanor came out of Taylor yesterday as he discussed his contract situation, his agent’s comments and how he tried to improve himself in the off-season. I’m hoping that some of the more senior (read: paid) opinion machines churn out an article highlighting Tyrod’s “you sign a contract, you do a job” approach to his final year, but I doubt it’ll happen.
Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams returned from a scary neck injury last year – and is still waiting for that hit that’ll convince him he’s ready to go. I’m hoping that he gets the confirmation he needs one way or another – and that his body (if he continues to play) holds up to the rigor.
Aaron Williams wearing a hoodie w the #Bills‘ new slogan: “ALL IN.” pic.twitter.com/4TmRAqY0ot
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) April 18, 2016
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ALL IN
I joked towards the end of the 2015 season, when the pitchforks and torches were out for Mario Williams that 2016’s gimmick would be that of “all in” or “we’re all rowing the same way” or some other tried and true coaching cliche. I figured phase 1 of the PR plan would be burying the guys who weren’t all in (check), followed by highlighting how the change would come (“fully pregnant”, double check) and then hitting up the “All In” mantra (triple check). So seeing the “All In” sweat wear above – and Rex’s statement on 2015 made me chuckle quite a bit:
First day of spring practice, and Ryan says he doesn’t want to answer any more questions about 2015. Should make for a long next 5 months.
— Jay Skurski (@JaySkurski) April 18, 2016
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So they’re all in, but they may not have been during a period of time that no longer is referenced. I will however be referencing the 2016 Bills v 2016 Eagles defenses this season. I’m definitely all in on that.
Starter at WLB is also the Backup
Zach Brown is not only the starter, but he’s also his own backup in an Uncle Grandpa (or Tyga) situation. This further underscores the pressure the scouting side of the Bills’ house will be under during the draft. Not only do they have to replace Mario Williams from a complimentary pass rushing perspective (remember, he was tied for the team sack lead despite having “effort spasms”) they also have to provide starter/depth at safety, wide receiver, Middle linebacker and interior OL. And perhaps a starter at Left or Right Tackle depending on Glenn’s contract situation and Henderson/Kouandjio/Mills “competition”. Hachi Machi. New safety Robert Blanton is apparently also in the mix for a starter’s spot, so Corey Graham is also on notice. FUN!
No Sammy?
Prior to Rex’s Trump announcement, I figured the biggest story would be Sammy Watkins not being at a voluntary practice. I kind of find that to be funny, because Rex telling the assembled media that folks had excuses they called in to him with for not coming seems silly. If as the CBA dictates these are voluntary activities, why do you need to “call off” essentially? Ah, right, All-In. Forgot.
Anyway, Sammy not being at practice 1 is a non-issue to me. If he’s not at game one, sure, panic. But until then – tranquillo.
That’s all the news fit to print for the first day of voluntary team activities. Thoughts? Shoot em my way at @RDotDeuce. I also welcome flan.
So the 2016 #Bills season is off and running. pic.twitter.com/dRfyCzfbd2
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) April 18, 2016
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