He's actually 3rd in QB Rating, behind Brady and Smith. Smith..he of the 3 TD, 4 INT, and 2 Fumbles has a better QB Rating than Manuel.

EDIT: Looking back at it..."Rating" is higher for Manuel, but the "QBR" is lower. For just "Rating", Manuel is tops in the AFC East.
- stashu

I'm not sure if ej is good or our division is just that bad...

I'm not sure if ej is good or our division is just that bad...
- jaumiller

EJ is middle of the road, IMO. It's early still, so I'm not one to throw in the towel. He is leading the AFC East with most yards/attempt (based on yards gained, not necessarily how long throws that miss are), so I'm not gonna complain.

Nolan on Grigorenko:

"The first practice I saw him - and I only saw him in limited time last year - but by far the best I've ever seen him skate and pay attention in practice," head coach Ted Nolan said. "Last night he played a pretty good game and today again he was pretty good in practice. I think we're all creatures of habit and he's just got to create him some good habits."

http://rochester.twcnews....rigorenko-at-sabres-camp/

EJ is middle of the road, IMO. It's early still, so I'm not one to throw in the towel. He is leading the AFC East with most yards/attempt (based on yards gained, not necessarily how long throws that miss are), so I'm not gonna complain.
- stashu

They were saying on WGR this morning that while EJ didn't have a specatacular game and missed a few throws that he really needed to hit, there wasn't much for him to work with this week. The Chargers were ready for them and weren't fooled by anything.

They also said that Spiller leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to playing in pass protection and that Fred is WAY better. I'm not surprised though just based on the type of RBs they are.

Nolan on Grigorenko:

"The first practice I saw him - and I only saw him in limited time last year - but by far the best I've ever seen him skate and pay attention in practice," head coach Ted Nolan said. "Last night he played a pretty good game and today again he was pretty good in practice. I think we're all creatures of habit and he's just got to create him some good habits."

http://rochester.twcnews....rigorenko-at-sabres-camp/
- stashu

I think last season was a big wake up call for him. He was really motivated at the end of the year in Rochester and it seems to have carried over through the offseason and into camp.

I think last season was a big wake up call for him. He was really motivated at the end of the year in Rochester and it seems to have carried over through the offseason and into camp.
- HonkFortheGoose

I thought he was one of the better skaters. Battled hard for puck, something he didn't do in the past. If he keeps it up, he will not spend the whole season in Rochester.

I thought he was one of the better skaters. Battled hard for puck, something he didn't do in the past. If he keeps it up, he will not spend the whole season in Rochester.
- sippyd

I didn't get to watch the game on Sunday. I was too engrossed in football and two of the afternoon games were great matchups. Figured I wouldn't miss much since it was the 1st preseason game.

They were saying on WGR this morning that while EJ didn't have a specatacular game and missed a few throws that he really needed to hit, there wasn't much for him to work with this week. The Chargers were ready for them and weren't fooled by anything.

They also said that Spiller leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to playing in pass protection and that Fred is WAY better. I'm not surprised though just based on the type of RBs they are.
- HonkFortheGoose

It's been well known for years that Spiller is below average in pass protection, but that's not what he's there for.

It's been well known for years that Spiller is below average in pass protection, but that's not what he's there for.
- buffalofan19

You're right. It's not. But then people need to stop complaining about Fred getting as many snaps as he does. They pointed out at least 3 plays on WGR this morning where EJ got into trouble quick because Spiller was out there.

It also makes the defense able to read if they're going to pass or run when you can basically only use one of your 2 RBs in pass protection.

It's been well known for years that Spiller is below average in pass protection, but that's not what he's there for.
- buffalofan19

I'd equate him to Hodgson in a way - he's not there to play a "2-way game", but play him how he should be used and he's damn worth the roster spot.

And luckily by comparing two different sports, I don't have to use some awkward disclaimer.

You're right. It's not. But then people need to stop complaining about Fred getting as many snaps as he does. They pointed out at least 3 plays on WGR this morning where EJ got into troube quick because Spiller was out there.
- HonkFortheGoose

Spiller IMO is in his last season here. Man I wish Freddy was 27 years old again. He could have been one of the greats if he played for a half-competent team

I'd equate him to Hodgson in a way - he's not there to play a "2-way game", but play him how he should be used and he's damn worth the roster spot.

And luckily by comparing two different sports, I don't have to use some awkward disclaimer.
- stashu

You are right. And it's the one thing I do give Nolan credit for is that he seems more inclined to let players do what they do best instead of trying to put them in roles they have no business being in.

You are right. And it's the one thing I do give Nolan credit for is that he seems more inclined to let players do what they do best instead of trying to put them in roles they have no business being in.
- buffalofan19

The confidence level on this club was at an all time low when he took over. Just the difference in the demeanor of the guys on the ice at the end of the year was huge. While they still weren't winning games, the games themselves were a bit more enjoyable to watch because the guys playing in them actually looked like they cared and were having fun out there again.

Spiller IMO is in his last season here. Man I wish Freddy was 27 years old again. He could have been one of the greats if he played for a half-competent team
- sbroads24

I love Fred. I hope he gets to stick around as some sort of coach after he retires. I think he's a great team guy and his attitude is infectious.

I love Fred. I hope he gets to stick around as some sort of coach after he retires. I think he's a great team guy and his attitude is infectious.
- HonkFortheGoose

It's a shame he, and Kyle Williams talent have been wasted here. Two great players that might never see the post season

It's a shame he, and Kyle Williams talent have been wasted here. Two great players that might never see the post season
- sbroads24

Even if the opportunity presented itself, I don't know that Fred would have gone anywhere else. He really likes it here. Lives in Buffalo year round. Said he can't imagine playing anywhere else.

Williams doesn't do much with the media, so I can't speak to how he feels about being here or any of that.

Anyone got predictions before the Sabres release any roster info for tonight?

Anyone got predictions before the Sabres release any roster info for tonight?
- stashu

I think we see the same goalies today as on Sunday. I think they want to get a look at them before they send them down to Rochester.

I think we see the same goalies today as on Sunday. I think they want to get a look at them before they send them down to Rochester.
- HonkFortheGoose

Do you know anything about when the Amerks kick off camp or anything?

I know from an old hockey simulator game I played that there is limited time for the young guys before going back to juniors/college/etc, but not sure when AHL guys may need to be sent away for their own camp or whatever they have going on.

Anyone got predictions before the Sabres release any roster info for tonight?
- stashu

Yeah

12 Forwards
6 Defenseman
2 Goalies

In case you weren't paying attention, we were talking about how much Pysyk will play when this team is competitive. Not this coming year. And you are out to lunch if you think Risto won't be a better player long term than Pysyk. In fact he might already be better.

And you were also the person who tried telling me that Armia doesn't have a ton of skill. It's not us that needs to be filled in
- sbroads24

Oh indeed it is. I said that right now Pysyk is better. Not who will be better in the future. And as soon as your boy Armia shows anything, at all, I will be first in line to praise him. I just need to see something that shows he can be a top six in this league. At this point he looks more like Luke Adam 2.0

It is becoming more and more tiresome to read these blogs. And then to come to the comments section only to see a plethora of sycophants, invariably praising the blogs. Very few of you have a clue, but don't be blue, I'll f'kn fill you in.

There is no way Pysyk plays less minutes than Ristolainen. What are you thinking!? Pysyk right now is a much better defenseman than Risto, McCabe or Zadorov. He will definitely play a bigger role with this team next year than Ristolainen. BET IT

Mr. Pachla, do you still have Armia ranked higher than Grigorenko? Armia is trending downward. He did not get going last night. He should be ahead of almost all our other prospects, he is older, has more experience playing against men, he was a higher pick than most. Yet he has done nothing to show any separation from the rest of the bunch. He needs to step it up pretty soon before he starts to be considered a bust.

Why would you play two players(Foligno and Flynn) out of position on the third line when you could play none? Flynn is a RW/C, Foligno is a LW. I don't want to hear any BS about Foligno is a center too. Anyone with any common sense knows he is best suited as a winger with his strengths. You could easily play Flynn at C and Foligno at LW and no one is playing out of position.

Not to bust all your bubbles, however neither Ristolainen nor Reinhart will make the opening night roster, barring any unforseen injuries. I can forgive you all for being all Ga-Ga and hopefully optimistic, but logic and common sense point to a different reality. Our defense will consist of Myers, Gorges, Pysyk, Benoit, Meszaros, Weber and Ruhwedel. BET IT

Here's the real roster

Moulson Ennis Stafford
Hodgson Grigorenko Stewart
Foligno Girgensons Gionta
Larsson Mitchell Flynn
McCormick Kaletta

Gorges Myers
Benoit Pysyk
Meszaros Weber/Ruhwedel

I think the will have a rotation on the forth line depending on opponent, and I am not sure if Weber will get the start or not. Nolan is all about respecting those that have put their time in, so I suspect he will, but I believe Ruhwedel is the better of the two, but no other defenseman on the team brings what Weber brings.
Grigorenko will make the team as our second line center.
- SabresPanacea

I do appreciate you reading them...although some variations in positioning and/or placement may take place, I think those will be the players in the line up...and, don't worry, I only have three more to go

Oh, and as far as this blog claiming Zadorov had a good game. Paul Hamilton said he looked tired and was skating to the bench with his head down and that conditioning was a concern. And now today Peters and Sylvester were saying he needs to walk the walk if he is going to talk the talk. Not only do I disagree that Z had a good game, but just about everyone who comments on the Sabres professionally disagrees too.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but yours is wrong.

Oh, and as far as this blog claiming Zadorov had a good game. Paul Hamilton said he looked tired and was skating to the bench with his head down and that conditioning was a concern. And now today Peters and Sylvester were saying he needs to walk the walk if he is going to talk the talk. Not only do I disagree that Z had a good game, but just about everyone who comments on the Sabres professionally disagrees too.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but yours is wrong.
- SabresPanacea

Guess that says it all...

Oh, and as far as this blog claiming Zadorov had a good game. Paul Hamilton said he looked tired and was skating to the bench with his head down and that conditioning was a concern. And now today Peters and Sylvester were saying he needs to walk the walk if he is going to talk the talk. Not only do I disagree that Z had a good game, but just about everyone who comments on the Sabres professionally disagrees too.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but yours is wrong.
- SabresPanacea

Tell us how you really feel.

Sheesh.