Marcus Stroud is one of those players who are easy to root for. Not only is he a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, but he’s also someone that wants to play the game until his legs fall off or until they kick him out of the league. He’s been busy rehabbing his shoulder after undergoing recent surgery, but he took the time to chat with us about his thoughts on the Super Bowl, the CBA and of course, the Bills. Find out what he had to say about the NFL’s battle with the NFLPA over the use of franchise tags, as well as what Bills he believes could become future stars.

The Scores Report: Hi, this is Anthony.

Marcus Stroud: Anthony – Marcus Stoud.

TSR: Hey Marcus, how are you?

MS: Good, and you?

TSR: Doing good. You enjoying your offseason so far?

MS: Yes and no. I’m rehabbing right now.

TSR: What are you rehabbing?

MS: My shoulder. I had shoulder surgery.

TSR: How’s everything going with the rehab?

MS: It’s going pretty good. I’m actually rehabbing right now.

TSR: Oh, man! Well I appreciate your taking time to chat with me while you’re hard at work. What did you think of the Super Bowl?

MS: I thought it was a darn good Super Bowl.

TSR: Being a defensive guy, what did you think about the defensive performance by the Packers?

MS: Man, they played a great game on both sides of the ball. You know, it was a good game and the Packers just made a few more plays in the end.

TSR: You play in the AFC along with the Steelers. Were you surprised to see they made as many mistakes as they did?

MS: Yeah, especially given how many veterans are on that team but things happen during the course of a game. They still had a chance to win at the end and that’s all you can ask for.

TSR: I had the chance to talk to DeMarcus Ware last week about the 3-4 and I’d love to get your take too since you’re a defensive guy. The Packers and Steelers both play the 3-4 and they made the Super Bowl this year. Do think you the only reason more teams don’t play that front is because they can’t get the personnel to run it?

MS: Definitely, it’s all about personnel. You’re doing a lot of things in a 3-4 and a lot of guys are doing those things. So it’s all about personnel and whether or not you can match players up with those positions.

TSR: What do you think the Bills have to do to get to the level that the Steelers and Packers are?

MS: We have to get better all the way around. We have to upgrade our personnel and then once we get the players in there, we have to play better collectively.

TSR: As a fan, I’m worried that there won’t be a season next year because of the lack of progress in the collective bargaining talks. As a player, do you have the same concerns?

MS: Oh, definitely. You know, this thing is definitely real – more real than a lot of people think. But hopefully they’ll get everything worked out and there won’t be a stoppage in play.

TSR: The NFL wants to continue the use of franchise tags but the NFLPA is saying, hey, if there’s no CBA deal in place then it’s not fair that teams can use tags. What’s your take on the situation?

MS: Well, I agree. You can’t lock a person down because that’s not fair to that person. You’re going to lock them down when there’s an uncertainty of if we’re even playing, which gives the team all the leverage and that just isn’t fair.

TSR: The NFL scouting combine is coming up and I know many players get into whom their team will take. Do you follow the draft and what prospects the Bills may take?

MS: Nah, I don’t get into all that. I just try to prepare and get ready for the next season.

TSR: How do you think Chan Gailey fared in his first season in Buffalo? Does he have the Bills on the right track?

MS: He’s a good coach. I think he’s definitely brought the right mentality to Buffalo and I think he has the chance to turn this thing around.

TSR: Do you foresee yourself playing in Buffalo for a long time? You’re a 10-year vet, you’ve had a great career and you have one more year left on your current contract. How long do you see yourself playing in the league?

MS: Oh man, I’m going to play as long as my body holds up, whether that’s in Buffalo or somewhere else. You know, as long as somebody calls and my body holds up, I’m going to keep playing.

TSR: What’s your take on the Bills defense and the prospect of it developing into a good unit over time?

MS: We’re a team that definitely has a lot of talent but it’s just a matter of putting it together and getting that talent to play together all at one time.

TSR: Give me a player on each side of the ball that you think has the talent to become a superstar on the Bills.

MS: Hmm. Well, we all know about Steve Johnson on the offensive side of the ball, but I also think Donald Jones is another receiver that has a chance to make an impact. Arthur Moats is another young player that I think will develop and become a pretty good player.

TSR: Hey Marcus, I appreciate your joining me today and taking time out of your rehab to chat. Good luck rehabbing the shoulder.

MS: Oh, no problem. Thank you for having me.

TSR: Any time – I appreciate it. Take care.

MS: You too, bye.