As a lifetime supporter of the Bills, I almost turned in my membership card last year after the late-season loss to the Jets. In was an inexplicable play call by Dick “7-9er” Jauron. To keep pace with his .438 winning percentage, he overruled a called running play late in the game – as the Bills were running out the clock – and the ghosts of Herm Edwards and Joe Pisarcik were resurrected.

With two minutes left, the Jets’ Abram Elam sacked a rolling-out J.P. Losman, and Shaun Ellis scooped up a fumble and ran 11 yards for the winning Jets touchdown.

The Bills were running the ball effectively, and back Marshawn Lynch was finding gaping holes created by a confident offensive line. Then Mr. Vanilla, who probably spurns the butter and sour cream on his baked potato, played offensive coordinator.

That Jauron retained his position with the club after a third straight losing season is almost beyond belief. His Bills started 4-0 and were at 5-1. Teams with that start to the season are typically destined for the playoffs. Unless you’re susceptible to 7 and 9itis.

Buffalo general manager Russ Brandon and the Bills’ brass went outside the box again, and Jauron surely gave his blessing, when much-maligned receiver Terrell Owens was signed to a one-year deal earlier this month.

He comes to the Bills already as that mysterious growth on your hand. Whether that spot becomes cancerous remains to be seen.