Kelly: Bills need franchise QB
ESPN.com news services
The Buffalo Bills have started nine different quarterbacks since Jim Kelly retired -- and the Hall of Famer says a key to a return to greatness for the franchise begins under center, USA Today reported.
Kelly, who wants to help the team return to greatness and assure its long-term future remains in Buffalo, says that quarterback could be Florida's Tim Tebow, according to the report.
"Whether it's Tim Tebow, whether they'll have a shot at him when draft time comes ... you have to look at the top three quarterbacks in the draft, really study them. And you look for a guy with good character, good leadership ability and good arm strength -- and a guy who doesn't come from California," Kelly said, according to the report.
Quarterbacks from the Golden State haven't done well of late on the shores of Lake Erie, Kelly said, according to the report. Rob Johnson went 4-7 from 1998-2001; former first-round draft pick J.P. Losman didn't pan out and landed in the UFL after losing the starting job to Trent Edwards; and Edwards was benched for Ryan Fitzpatrick last week by interim coach Perry Fewell.
"You have to start with the head coach and you have to start with finding a good signal caller," Kelly said, according to the report. "You look at Indianapolis. You look at Pittsburgh. You look at New England. You look at what Drew Brees is doing in New Orleans. San Diego. All the teams that are doing well, they all have quarterbacks.
According to the report, Kelly also said he wants to meet with the Bills front office and owner Ralph C. Wilson to offer his assistance in luring coaches and players to Buffalo, and eventually becoming part of an ownership group that would keep the Bills in western New York. Wilson is 91 and there are grumblings that after his passing, the Bills could be purchased by the highest bidder and moved out of Buffalo.
"He's kept this team here for 50 years when there's been so many opportunities for him to sell the team and for them to get rid of it and move it elsewhere," Kelly said of Wilson. "I would love for Mr. Wilson's legacy to live on in western New York as a guy who went the extra mile to make sure this franchise did stay well after his time. And I hope he lives to be 110."
Wilson has been aggressive in the past week trying to find a big-name replacement for fired coach Dick Jauron. He has arranged for a meeting this week with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher was another logical choice, but he has informed them that he's not interested in interviewing for the job at this time.
You'll have to excuse me for what I'm sure is the worst Photoshop job ever. I'm still rocking the Windows Paint. I should have stolen the Creative Suit license I purchased for my former employer but my ethical standards are just way too strong.
But back to the Bills. Jim Kelly just lost me completely on this one. Up until now I was quietly backiing his attempt to put together an ownership group to buy the Bills. But if drafting Tim Tebow to play QB is the sort of move he'd jump out of the gate with I think I'd rather my franchise be in the hands of the Canadians. Or Marge Schott. Or Donald Sterling. Basically anyone with a checkbook. And what's this "if Tebow is still around when they draft." They'll have a Top 10 pick. Where's Tebow going? Baskin Robbins? A matinee showing of 'Left Behind'? A Circumcision Convention? Two words Jim. Dumb. Ass.
P.S. - At least Ralph Wilson's decision to can Dick Juaron is paying off, especially for T.O. Nice 51-yard TD catch. If things had gone like this all season I might not hate him so much.
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