Bills at the Half: Mid-Season Awards

by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 8:42 AM EST in Opinion

Today is supposed to be film study day; I realize that. But I spent Sunday afternoon and all of Monday wallowing, and I don't like to wallow. So instead of starting off Tuesday morning with another bash session of the Buffalo Bills, I thought it'd be nice to take a look back at the first half of the 2008 season and hand out some awards. At least there's some optimism here. We'll get to the depressing stuff later.

Team MVP: Lee Evans
- I know, I know - this team is nothing without Trent Edwards, even if he has been playing poorly of late. That's the easy pick, though. I shudder to think about Buffalo's passing offense - no, wait, just the offense in general - without Lee Evans, however. Evans is on pace to have a career year yardage-wise, and he's still averaging just under 20 yards per reception on the season. Evans has emerged as a consistent threat, and I submit that no one - not even Edwards - is more important to this team's success this season.

Offensive Player of the Half: Marshawn Lynch
- This award almost went to Edwards as well, but nobody deserves more kudos than RB Marshawn Lynch. Despite some of the worst run blocking the NFL has seen this year, Lynch has still scored six times - good for a tie for fourth amongst running backs this season - and continues to be the engine that drives Buffalo's offense. He's also caught 27 passes this season, good for second on the team behind Evans' 35. Despite having no help whatsoever in the blocking department, Lynch is still making plays.

Defensive Player of the Half: Jabari Greer
- No player has been more consistent defensively than Greer. He's tied for the team lead with 2 interceptions; he's returned both of those picks for scores. He also ranks fourth on the team with 34 tackles. He's a small guy, but he's also Buffalo's most physical and aggressive defensive back. He has limitations, but he consistently overcomes them. What a pleasant surprise this guy has been for the past two seasons. Give him a contract extension, Buffalo.

Specialist of the Half: Roscoe Parrish
- Few players in the league generate the buzz that Parrish does when he hits the field for a punt return. His average is just 13.2 yards per return, a disappointment for him, but he's also been the lone playmaker for Buffalo's special teams unit. Buffalo's defense needs to start making some stops so Parrish gets a few more opportunities.

Rookie of the Half: Derek Fine
- Not a whole lot to pick from here, as Buffalo's rookie class has been disappointing in plenty of ways. Fine has only played in the past two games, and he's already equaled James Hardy's touchdown total on the season. In fact, his four receptions are just three less than Hardy's 7 on the season. This is more an indictment of Buffalo's high draft picks than anything else, I realize, but the Bills may have found something in Fine. He's been solid on kick coverage to boot, as expected.

Unsung Hero of the Half: Paul Posluszny
- Poz has 17 more tackles than any other Bills defender this season. He's been outstanding against the run, and though he has yet to register a sack, his blitzes have been among Buffalo's most effective in creating mayhem (he had pressures on each of Greer's interception-touchdowns, for instance). Yet few talk about him; it's always Stroud, Mitchell or Whitner. Poz has been outstanding, folks - he's one of the most technically sound players on the entire team.

Best Individual Performance: Marcus Stroud vs Seattle
- Where has Week 1 Marcus Stroud gone? Stroud absolutely shredded Seattle in Week 1 to the tune of 7 tackles and 2 sacks in what, sadly, remains Buffalo's most complete performance to date. Stroud was an absolute monster in that game, spearheading a defensive effort that included 5 total sacks and 2 forced turnovers. Since that point, Stroud has picked up just 15 more tackles, however. We need Week 1 Marcus back.

Play of the Half: Roscoe Parrish TD vs Seattle
- Lee Evans' one-handed helmet grab against San Diego was pretty sweet, as was Kawika Mitchell's interception off of Philip Rivers in Week 7. Parrish, however, gets the award for his phenomenal punt return for a score in the Week 1 win over Seattle. This is, quite simply, one of the best individual plays I've ever seen. Roscoe Parrish rules. Watch Roscoe's Return

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Can’t say I disagree with any of your picks Brian. I know this isn’t supposed to be depressing, but can we put out an APB for Marcus Stroud?

Did you see the way Kris Jenkins absolutely dominated us this weekend? Man, I wish we could go out and trade for a game-changing DT like that…oh wait…nevermind.

by thatguy34 on Nov 4, 2008 9:00 AM EST 0 recs

Do stats

tell the whole story about Stroud? I don’t get to watch all the games but after 8 games in a tough division, we are ranked # 10 in total defense, that’s nothing to sneeze at. Something Fewell and Stroud are doing is working.

We’ve also played the #2 (Arizona), #9 (San Diego), and #12 (Miami-gulp) offenses and we are ranked 23rd in offense. So our defense hasn’t been too shabby especially since they’ve spent quite a bit of time on the field and not playing with great leads. I feel like our D-Line and D coaches get a bad rap and they frustrate the heck out of me, but ultimately, the numbers don’t lie they are doing something quite well.

Anyway, I like the picks and let’s pray for more reverses with Parrish.

by Ono on Nov 4, 2008 9:18 AM EST 0 recs

off player

I would take Evans over lynch here. Lynch is starting to grow negatively on me with all his dancing and juking instead of hitting holes. I know the OL has done a bad job, but every time Lynch gets tackled I wonder if he’ll get up cuz he looks like it hurts so much. I wonder if the guy is playing hurt. He just doesn’t look the same to me. Evans has been our #1 weapon and without him this offense would have 11 guys in the box.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Nov 4, 2008 9:20 AM EST 0 recs

what holes do you want him to hit?

He’s been on his own all year. This guy plays with more heart than anyone. What impresses me the most is that he does not complain, he is the real thing. We better find a way to open him some holes before it’s too late!

by keysh67 on Nov 4, 2008 10:42 AM EST up 0 recs

Well Said

I am also getting sick of Marshawn Lynch…I agree that our offensive line has not played well but at some point the running back needs to make his own holes. I can’t understand how people continue to talk up Marshawn Lynch as a great NFL back…to me he is nothing more than an average running back.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com

by D.O. on Nov 4, 2008 10:10 AM EST 0 recs

He never stops churning forward

And he never goes down with the first tackle. He is a beast!
Does he have explosive moves like Peterson=No but put him in the Steelers offense or Giants offense and he would be getting 25-30 carries per game and finishing the year with well over 1500Y

He is a victim in Buffalo, trapped behind a pathetic excuse for an O-Line. Every single yard he gets he earned it by himself.

by keysh67 on Nov 4, 2008 10:47 AM EST up 0 recs

he did

not do that yesterday. He danced on every stinkn run and this whole “nausea” thing is a joke. Suck it up and play. he ran all the way across the field in the 1st quarter on one run. I know he is great at short yardage, but when we needed him most on 4th and 1, he was on the sideline being “noxious.” That is not cool….

I know Lynch is a beast and his effort is comendable, but I honestly think he must be playn hurt because he is not he same player lately. I think he is dancn more cuz he can’t take the punishment of running into no-holes anymore. And clearly, playing Freddy so much last week in Miami is either an indication of Lynch not at a 100% or Freddy nearing the gap on the productivity between Lynch and him

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Nov 4, 2008 11:43 AM EST up 0 recs

I sort of agree. Lynch just doesn’t look like the same guy as last year. He doesn’t seem to have the vision I thought he had, and definitely doesn’t hit the holes like some other RB’s in the league. I do wish we had a good OL so he could prove his worth without trying to avoid tacklers in the backfield most of the time. But you are right in that he just doesn’t seem like the same guy as last year, and he has been VERY average this year.

by Kurupt on Nov 4, 2008 12:44 PM EST up 0 recs

I disagree with the assertion that he’s been “VERY average”. What’s average about his performance? His 3.5 yards per carry? A competent O-Line fixes that. The fact that he’s scored 6 times, most of them on longer-than-normal runs? He ain’t pounding those in from inches from the goal line, those are good runs. He doesn’t look “VERY average” in those situations by a long stretch.

If you want to talk about him lacking some steam these last couple of weeks, I’m all for it. He hasn’t looked like the same Lynch against Miami and New York. But he’s NOT having a “VERY average” season, not when you consider all the crap he’s had to endure. I’m not saying he’s elite, but he’s far better than y’all are making him out to be. Seriously – are we going to turn on Lynch next?

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 12:51 PM EST up 0 recs

OK so he’s been good in some situations, but overall the performance hasn’t been up to expectations. That is due to the OL, playcalling and Lynch. When you see no-talent scrubs like Cedric Benson and the Bengals OL getting 100 yard games, you have to consider Lynch’s season an average one at best. Freddie Jackson has looked better running the ball this year too, so that should be considered as well.

Are you saying he’s had a good season?

I never said he’s bad, but he hasn’t looked like the player he was last year and his vision and ability to hit the hole hard just don’t look to be as good as other players. Not sure how that’s turning on him or stretching the truth. It’s a simple observation.

by Kurupt on Nov 4, 2008 1:02 PM EST up 0 recs

When I say “turn on him”, I mean, out of all of the issues this team has, we’re going to rip a guy who, in the broad scope of things, is pretty much a non-issue. That makes zero sense to me.

I disagree with the assertion that Jackson has looked better running the ball. He’s looked more fluid in the past couple of weeks, but again, I think that has a lot to do with Lynch playing hurt/sick. Lynch looked OK to me earlier this season – you know, when we could pick up more than 30 rushing yards in a game. Just last week in Miami, Lynch looked excellent, in my opinion.

Yes, I’m saying Lynch has had a good season. He’s a TD machine in the making – he just needs more opportunities.

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 2:06 PM EST up 0 recs

i'm not turnin on him

Everything we say about Lynch: team guy, selfless, falls forward, gets tough yardage, is tough, never complains….is all completely accurate. And I know the OL has been borderline awful…..but, compared to the first 4 games and last season, he just seems like his body is not right…i mean watch him Sunday, everytime he is tackled it takes him more than a few secs to get up and his face is wincing in pain. Something is not right. I’m not saying he isn’t a good player, cuz he is, but he hasn’t shown the burst or the will to run over people the last few weeks and I think that is due to getting beat up physically, the OL sucking and having some kind of injuries, which in turn causes him to “dance” too much

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Nov 4, 2008 1:04 PM EST up 0 recs

Venting on Lynch?

It makes me sad to see a few of you guys so down on ML. If you watch his highlights at Cal you can clearly his success comes from his ability to cut and make defenders miss. That is what we have. It is not going to change. I would love to have a back that hits holes like Portis or Barber, but that isn’t ML’s strength. Jackson is quicker downhill, and that is why he has been in instead of ML in the few situations we are discussing. ML has dropped a few balls, and he has been part of a couple of fumbles, but he is the least of the offensive woes. I hate to say it, but I think Turk has yet to find a way to use ML properly. Maybe time and patience will pay off. And to echo some of the other posts: someone needs to wake up the o-line NOW.

Sweet home Orchard Park.

by thurman on Nov 4, 2008 2:05 PM EST up 0 recs

clearly see his success

Sweet home Orchard Park.

by thurman on Nov 4, 2008 2:06 PM EST up 0 recs

Seriously? Out of all of the problems on this team, we want to single out MARSHAWN LYNCH?

Come on, people. Lynch is a hell of a player, and he’d have every right to complain about not getting enough touches or poor blocking. But he lets Fred Jackson steal part of his work load, and he doesn’t utter a peep. He’s the ultimate teammate, and to say that he’s “average” is absurd. He may not be elite, but he’s a hell of a young player. He’s a selfless guy that you can build a team around.

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 10:51 AM EST up 0 recs

echo’d my thoughts exactly, Brian. You just put your post ahead of mine. Now, it’s gonna look like I copied you. Thanks a lot, jerk.

by thatguy34 on Nov 4, 2008 10:58 AM EST up 0 recs

Take a look at the time stamps. You beat me by 7 minutes. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 11:44 AM EST up 0 recs

phew. thank god for time stamps.

by thatguy34 on Nov 4, 2008 12:13 PM EST up 0 recs

I stand by what I said

Marshawn has been an average back thus far…he makes good plays but he is not as good as I thought he could be. He turns it when he gets inside the 20, which is why he has six TD’s. I want to see him do it all over the field and not just inside the 20. For the record…I thought he was average last season as well when everyone else thought he was a Pro-Bowler.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com

by D.O. on Nov 4, 2008 5:11 PM EST up 0 recs

As proof that he is better unside the opponents 20

Take a look at his situational splits. The fact that he is good inside the 20 is great but I want to see it all over the field. I also didn’t say he was bad…I said he is incredibly average.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com

by D.O. on Nov 4, 2008 5:20 PM EST up 0 recs

This is the situational play calling

If Lynch had better playcalling, he’d be doing awesome. I think 4 of his 6 TD runs were runs to the outside. If he were getting more of these play calls between the 20s, he’d have more success. Not nearly as much his fault as you make it out to be.

by thefourwinds on Nov 6, 2008 10:00 PM EST up 0 recs

This statement baffles me....please explain

I agree that our offensive line has not played well but at some point the running back needs to make his own holes.

I don’t understand how a RB does this. I echo the sentiment that we are kinda bashing Lynch. The guy earns his meals around here. And as stated, he has 6 TD’s this year to go along with 27 or so catches. As of right now I’m glad Freddy is getting some good touches. Hopefully is the run blocking anytime this year, we are really gonna need a somewhat fresh Lynch come cold weather time and into the post season (yes, I said it)

by MonStarr_716 on Nov 5, 2008 8:52 PM EST up 0 recs

No offense, but I can’t understand that argument. A running back isn’t supposed to make his own holes. I’m not saying Marshawn Lynch is a great NFL back, but he is certainly a young, very good, very promising back. How many times has Marshawn been “blowed up” (to steal a line from Emmitt Smith) in the backfield? That’s not Marshawn’s fault. I agree he has started to dance and hesitate a little too much this season, but maybe, just maybe, it’s because as soon as the ball is placed into his stomach, the only thing he can see is an impenetrable wall of blue jerseys (assuming the bills are wearing their home jerseys).

He’s trying to be patient and hope (and probably pray) that at some point, some day, one of his linemen will actually beat their man off the line of scrimmage and give him some sort of crease (the bills line doesn’t create holes) for him to run through. Maybe you want him to run full speed ahead into the backs of this linemen? That’s how linemen get rolled up on and end up getting hurt.

Of the very few yards he’s gotten this year, I’m sure about 70% of them are from his determination to turn a run of zero yards into at least a 2 or 3 yard play.

by thatguy34 on Nov 4, 2008 10:44 AM EST 0 recs

That is kinda funny.....

He’s trying to be patient and hope

Last year (not sure about here on Rumblings) there was alot of talk of Marshawn not “being patient” or “waiting for holes to develop”

by MonStarr_716 on Nov 5, 2008 8:55 PM EST up 0 recs

Rookie of the Half

It’s interesting to note that after two games, Derek Fine is #5 in the NFL among rookie tight ends in yardage/TDs. (ahead of him – Carlson, Keller, Bennett, and Tom Santi)

If he keeps getting 43 yards/game, he’d finish with more receiving yards than any Bills TE has had in the past 6 seasons…

by Krenn on Nov 4, 2008 10:46 AM EST 0 recs

Wow…good stat…certainly a great indication of how terrible the Bills TE’s have been of late…and of course, a little sad as well.

by thatguy34 on Nov 4, 2008 10:50 AM EST up 0 recs

How about biggest disappointment? The 2008 rookie class. Halfway through the season and our best rookie has been a TE who just caught his first pass in week 9?? Looking around the rest of the league, and every other team is getting production out of their rookies. All we’ve gotten is some mediocre kick returns from McKelvin and 11 catches from Hardy/Fine. With all the injuries we’ve had, you’d expect some guys to step up, but they haven’t. They’ve been a disappointment in their rookie years.

What’s happened to Stroud? He’s done nothing since week 1. Maybe Jacksonville knew what they were doing with him? He’s been a solid lane clogger, but I was expecting him to make more plays than he has. Has he been getting double teamed all the time?

by Kurupt on Nov 4, 2008 12:50 PM EST 0 recs

Yeah, Stroud’s double-teamed almost every play. I still maintain that his presence is why Kyle Williams has become, in reality, a borderline dominant player. Williams has been superb.

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 12:52 PM EST up 0 recs

biggest disappointment

I would say the O-Line. After last year, I thought it had really turned the corner, and turned into a dominant unit. It has been anything but. The injuries to Butler and yes even Fowler have hurt but the line just looks bad right now.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Nov 4, 2008 5:12 PM EST up 0 recs

I agree 100%

Stroud doesn’t make all the tackles but he has made this defense better.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com

by D.O. on Nov 4, 2008 5:12 PM EST up 0 recs

I wonder if Stroud is 100%

He has not been the same since hurting his shoulder. But with our best DE out, it makes it easier to double and triple him.

by Joe P. on Nov 4, 2008 11:05 PM EST up 0 recs

Poz is out of position

We can’t do anything this year, but Poz needs to be moved to the weakside if he is ever to become an elite LB in the NFL. He has the speed to be an excellent LB. But he is not quick enough to be a MLB in the Bills defensive scheme.

by gjv on Nov 4, 2008 6:06 PM EST 0 recs

I don’t think that’s anywhere close to true. Poz has been excellent. He’s rarely out of position. He’s the perfect guy to shoulder the responsibility of getting his teammates lined up. No, Poz is fine where he is.

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 4, 2008 6:27 PM EST up 0 recs

Brian, Don't settle for mediocrity

I’m afraid you have supported a poor team for so long, that when you see a Bill player that is above average you are satisfied. Unfortunately, settleing for above average play will never bring the championship team you want. Poz is an acceptable MLB. But the type of defense the Bills run does not play to his strengths. Poz could easily be a Pro Bowl weakside LB or a inside LB in a 3-4 defense. He lack of quickness forcess him to drop back to deep in the Tampa 2. Thus our defense will always be vulnerable to pass plays in the middle. Jouron is learning that Poz is not another Brian Urlacker. Urlacker was a converted safety. He has better cover skills than Poz. This does not mean that Poz isn’t as good as Urlacker. Poz just needs to put into a position that will make him an All Pro, and elevate our defense.

by gjv on Nov 5, 2008 3:22 PM EST up 0 recs

I may be only 23 years old – and yeah, I’ve supported the Bills for the vast majority of those years – but I’m a football fan. I know great play when I see it. My focus isn’t so narrow that I’m comparing Posluszny to Sam Cowart and saying “Boy, this kid’s gonna be great”. Poz hasn’t even played a full season yet. I understand your argument, I just disagree with it – and that doesn’t mean I’m “settling for mediocrity”. It means I believe Poz has what it takes to be an outstanding MLB in this scheme.

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by Brian Galliford on Nov 5, 2008 3:46 PM EST up 0 recs