Buffalo's offense impressive in victory in Indy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 24, 2008 10:47 PM EDT in News Comment 32 comments

Poz, defense force five turnovers in W (Photo Source)

The Buffalo Bills were the first visitors ever to Indianapolis' brand new Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Bills proved to be rude party guests, stealing a 20-7 victory over the Colts in the team's third pre-season game of the season. Buffalo looked strong and consistent in all three areas of the game, but it was Turk Schonert's offense that hummed along as if it were in mid-season form, even with backup QB J.P. Losman running the show.

Buffalo's starting offense put together an 18-play, 93-yard drive in the second quarter, eating up 10 minutes of clock and converting four third downs; RB Xavier Omon capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, giving the Bills an early 10-0 lead in the game. Losman was efficient in a half of action, completing 13 of 19 passes for 108 yards, though he did sustain another injury to his throwing hand.

Lee Evans and Josh Reed got into the act as well. Buffalo's two "starting" receivers (James Hardy sat this one out, as did Roscoe Parrish) caught a combined 9 passes for 78 yards, and were instrumental in the Bills' offense being so consistent on the evening. Schonert, however, was the real star of this game; his play-calling was shrewd and kept Indy's defense off-balance for the majority of the game. It was his offense, more than the players, that performed so well Sunday night.

Defense Blows Game Open
Buffalo's defense was excellent on the evening - though that was expected, seeing as Peyton Manning sat the game out for Indy. Buffalo's defense forced five turnovers on the evening. The first was the most productive, as CB Terrence McGee scooped up a Joseph Addai fumble and returned it 68 yards to give the Bills a 17-0 first half lead and effectively seal the game. Ashton Youboty, Keith Ellison, John Wendling and Reggie Corner got in on the act as well, each recording an interception off of beleaguered Colts backup QB Quinn Gray.

The defense surrendered just 33 rushing yards on the evening, and take away a 94-yard touchdown pass on a blown coverage by Leodis McKelvin, and the Bills gave up just 116 yards through the air. Again, it wasn't completely unexpected as they were largely facing marginal NFL players - especially at quarterback - but it was an impressive showing nonetheless.

Walker Injured
The game wasn't all bright and shiny, however. Left tackle Langston Walker - Buffalo's most valuable offensive lineman with Jason Peters pouting - injured his forearm on a throwaway block late in the second quarter and did not return. He was replaced in the lineup by Demetrius Bell, who performed admirably; X-rays on Walker's arm were negative, and the severity of the injury (i.e., how much time Walker may miss) is not yet known. Jason Peters' holdout never looked more desperate than it does tonight for the Bills.

Much more on this game in the coming days, including a Film Session or two. This was a strong showing for the Bills top to bottom.

Roll Call
Thanks to the 23 folks who came out for tonight's open thread (listed below). Props to norcaliangelsfan, who paced the night with a smooth 180 comments on a Buffalo Rumblings open thread record night.

Here's who joined us: norcaliangelsfan, NJBillsfan, Bluebill, krytime, Kurupt, jj24, Krenn, D.O., LGB, RabidBuffalo, Fucilli5, SuperFan82, Cinga, raptoreggs, poz, Ron From NM, mckelvin, jri111, thurman, GoldenGoose, JTM1023, sireric, Optimist. Thanks guys!

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Well

that was quick. So that’s where you went.

Excellent recap, Brian.

Very good game

by RabidBuffalo on Aug 24, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Brian was wriring the recap during the game.......nice write up......

and its easy to post alot when there is so much back and forth…….thanks to all who were in the thread…..it was a treat following the game with you all……….alot to be excited about.

http://bills.sportsbloggingnetwork.com/

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 24, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

JP=OK and more

JP was alright, and I do take into account the missing Parrish and Hardy, but he played well enough.
Terrible drop by Josh Reed on the one play and a terrible short pass to Barnes in the flat. Also it seemed JP is not really that fast on his scramble. I remeber hearing that he and Trent ran about the same 40 time at the combine and that makes sense.

Defense seemed good. And my biggest complaint might be lack of consistent pass rush, although there was some push and at least one good sack by Kelsay there, but it is preseason and the three vets might not be going for the goose if you know what I mean (94. 99. 90 that is).
McKelvin should have never jumped for that ball., It was a rookie mistake and I’m glad it happened in preseason. He will learn from that one. And I am not concerned.
Finally, an okay game. I hope Walker is okay, Peters (?) and edwards should play a quarter to a half on Thureday if he can.

Go Bills

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Aug 24, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Walker and Fowler

If Walker has a forearm injury that isn’t a break I’d be surprised if he’s not in the starting lineup against Seattle. I can see him playing with a club-like padded thingy. However, it’s his left arm and he’ll be facing speed rushers trying to turn the corner. At the very least I’d expect him to get a lot of help until he has full use of the arm.

Fowler left the game well before the rest of the starting lineup again. He really hasn’t seen many snaps in the preseason games and I don’t expect that to change against the Lions. This could really be a problem. Fowler’s not exactly stellar when he’s in a rhythm. I shudder to think about how he’ll be when he gets winded in the 2nd quarter…

by Ron From NM on Aug 24, 2008 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Walker

posted this in the game thread, but here it is again:

After watching the replay of Walker’s injury:
“I still can’t see how it’s serious….what exactly happened?!?!?! Barnes hit his hand it looked like, but his arm wasn’t bent funny or knocked around. Just looked like it’d be a bruise on the hand or wrist. Maybe he dinged that nub bone on the wrist. That hurts when it gets hit. Let’s hope that’s all it is…..”

Still, the Peters situation is dire at this point. We have to get him here before Seattle. Even a rusty, out of shape Peters is better than what we have now.

Good running by Omon. Congrats to him on his first TD and the likely 3rd RB role. Hope they start working him in on the KR FB role….

Another well called game by Schonert. I’m almost convinced right now. Once the game actually count and he has success consistently, I will be converted. Love what I’ve seen thus far, though I’d still like to see a deep ball or two.

Hopefully, against Detroit we’ll see guys like Steve Johnson, Derek Fine, Felton Huggins, Gibran Hamdan all given more of a green light in the passing game. It’s almost been unfair how they’ve been utilized thus far….

by Kurupt on Aug 24, 2008 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

walker

so is it a broken arm?

We have to get Peters into camp. The sooner the better. It will take him at least 2 weeks to get adjusted so let’s get him in.

I feel bad for Wright. He has to see the writing on the wall now. Schonert is growing on me. I hope DJ lets him open it up even more so in the regular season like they have talked about

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 24, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no break

bad bruise though, apparently (and hopefully)

I actually do feel bad for Wright too. He’s going 110% and has actually had some good runs this preseason. I hate seeing guys who give it their all and just make a few (costly) mistakes ruin their chances, but such is life in the NFL. Hope he can catch on elsewhere, but what a bad draft pick last year at this point

by Kurupt on Aug 24, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

unfortunately you will have some of those picks. I hope Fine & Corner pan out unlike Wright has. But I like Omon, he is much smaller than I thought but he runs hard, makes good cuts, and falls forward

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 24, 2008 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Omon has great size

5’11, 226 lbs. You’re right though, he doesn’t look that big.

by Kurupt on Aug 24, 2008 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Omon

exactly. I didn’t know he was 226 though! Just goes to show that RB’s are definitely able to be found in 6th/7th round or as undrafted FA. It just seems like guys always pop out of nowhere.

I really would love to know how Jauron does things offensively and defensively. Does he just delegate it out and let them run it fully? Cuz if that is the case, it really irks me that he let Fairchild run that crap for 2 years and didn’t step in. But I guess you got to trust your coordinators and I think he definitely trusts Turk. And so far Turk is showing that his playing experience and being around great players and coaches is paying off

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 24, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he looks so much faster than Wright as well.....

http://bills.sportsbloggingnetwork.com/

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 25, 2008 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Post-game comments by Jauron

He mentioned the injury to Walker was a “bad bruise,” since the X-rays were negative, and said he was optimistic about it.

The injury to Losman was his thumb; it was before the end of the half, and he finished the half with the injury.

by Krenn on Aug 24, 2008 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Losman

same injury as before I"m assuming. He’ll probably get a few days off from practice, and probably the Detroit game if Edwards plays a series or two….

I hope it’s just a bruise for Walker. I shudder to think about a Bell and Chambers bookend.

by Kurupt on Aug 24, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bruise....

phew. Schefter made it sound like he broke it which Pos was out for the season last year from.

But that just goes to show how if we losst Walker how much in jeopardy the offense would be in.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 24, 2008 11:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

indeed.........

http://bills.sportsbloggingnetwork.com/

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 24, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poz and IR

Poz was put on IR because the amount of injuries the Bills had already sustained when he broke it against the Patsies. Had it been a ‘normal’ injury year I’m sure the Bills would have kept him active hoping to get him back the last 4-5 games of the season.

by Ron From NM on Aug 24, 2008 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anything positive?

It would be nice to know who is speculating about Walkers forearm, and who is just optimistic(and speculative) about it. If it is broken, so is our season. No way do we have a good year if we go into week one with Bell and Chambers. That simple. I wonder if Jason Peters laughed, or did he tense up when he saw Langston walking off? There is so much to speculate about right now it’s ridiculous. I Guess we will have to wait this out until we hear official news, but if Peters doesn’t man up, and if and(hypothetically) when, Walker is put on IR, then the fans would never forgive him if he didn’t. Anyways, about the game. I’m just gonna respond to Nate’s ideas, so I got something to bust on him at work about.
JP: As long as your farther than a mobile home apart, he will probably hit you. A few passes behind guys, but that’s ok when he’s only getting 2nd team reps. Good scramble, and IMO, him throwing no ‘ducks’ was the best part. If we don’t get a tackle, then you will see that 40 times mean nothing when were talking QB mobility. If we have no tackle JP will hobble out by game 5-6, whereas Trent would be gone by game 3. I had hopes for Kirk anchoring RT, but he certainly doesn’t need to be shifted back to LT right now. This is just a really bad scenario anyway you slice it.
Reed: About as reliable as Losman’s short pass. Nuff said
Defense: Didn’t see the whole game(was working), but I further predict that Reggie Corner may outplay Leodis, because he really is a true ball hawk. He has supreme instincts for his position. Some people will call this a big stretch, but I see him being in Jabari Greer’s current predicament by next year this time.
McKelvin: it wasn’t a mistake he jumped, he was amazed that someone got by him, and the QB was good enough to drop it over him that easy. Welcome to the league. That play, I hope, taught him that he can’t outrun everyone anymore.
But ya; any speculation is useless until we get a diagnosis. The only positive thing I see is that we have to be positive about this.

by Daz28 on Aug 24, 2008 11:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We already have a diagnosis on Walker: bruised forearm.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 25, 2008 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Technical Question

If Peters continues to hold out, how would the 53 man roster work? I assume he still has to take one of the 53-man spots (otherwise it would be a release)? I guess that would be another think he messes the team on. Hopefully, one of you will say that he doesn’t take up a roster spot.

by labill on Aug 25, 2008 12:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he takes up a spot

There’s something called the “roster exempt” list that they probably would put him on. That’s what the Chargers did when Gates held out in 2005. If you can decipher the relevant language in the players agreement (http://www.nflplayers.com/user/template.aspx?fmid=181&lmid=231&pid=672&type=c – Article XXXII, Section 4), more power to you.

by Krenn on Aug 25, 2008 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

(b) Players Under Contract. If a Club obtains a roster exemption for a player under contract who does not report to his Club until after the first roster reduction, the player will not be entitled to pre-season or regular season compensation until such exemption is removed, provided the player is given written notice of such fact upon reporting to the Club. If such notice is not given to the player, the player must be paid his salary during his exemption.

I thought it was pretty clear. If Peters doesn’t show up and the Bills give him written notice that they won’t be paying his salary, then the team can put him on the roster exempt list.

by kaisertown on Aug 25, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So they have to decide after Tuesday. But how many weeks is it? d) says it’s no more than two weeks of the regular season, but I’m not sure if it can be less than three total games – so can they just put him on it for the first week of the season; or even just have him on it through the 53-man cutdown, while re-activating him afterwards?

The articles I read about Gates made it sound like once he was put on the roster exempt list, he had to spend three full weeks on the list after signing, unless the commissioner stepped in. But Gates was a restricted free agent; so that could make a difference as well.

by Krenn on Aug 25, 2008 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If a Club obtains a roster exemption for a player under contract who does not report to his Club until after the first roster reduction

It doesn’t say the Bills have to decide by Tuesday. Peters just isn’t eligible unless he shows up after the Bills make their first cuts.

Thus, any such player may not lose more than three weeks of salary as a result of being placed on the roster exempt list. This agreement shall not affect the number of regular season games for which the player can be placed on the roster exempt list

The Bills can keep Peters on the exempt list as long as they want to, even if he shows up during the season. It looks like it says the Bills can only withhold pay from Peters for three weeks, but that isn’t the case. What it is actually saying is that the Bills can not withhold pay as a result of being placed on the exempt list. So If Peters shows up, the Bills can only withhold pay for three weeks. If he doesn’t show the Bills can withhold pay for another reason (the obvious reason being that he isn’t fulfilling his contractual obligations).

by kaisertown on Aug 25, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget your Inactive eight anyhow

If Peter’s is kept on the 53 man roster, he wouldn’t be activated any week he was still not at OBD. Since an inactive player does not earn any time towards FA, this might a viable option if the Bills choose not to go the exemption route, but thats what I this will happen.

Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....

by WABillsfan on Aug 25, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if spending a roster spot on Peters is the smartest move. You have nothing to lose by placing Peters on the exempt list. You can activate him at any time if he shows up and keep a 53rd player until he comes back. What would the advantage of keeping Peters on the 53 man roster be?

by kaisertown on Aug 25, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Game comments ...

… I’m not smart enough to assess run blocks, but Bell doesn’t let anybody by him on pass blocks. That kid looks comfortable and that’s amazing considering his lack of experience. I’ve seen high picks that haven’t looked as comfortable as him.
… Oman is a no brainer (sorry Wright). It’s no accident he racked up all those yards in college. He’s got great vision and cuts well while going forward..
… I hope we never have to use him, but Hamdan’s a quick decision maker. I think they should keep three QB’s. I know some teams don’t, but both JP and Trent have missed a lot of games.
… McKelvin doesn’t seem very smart. That’s why others are ahead of him. Fortunately he can have time to develop.
… You can’t cut Yuboti.

by MrFurious1 on Aug 25, 2008 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dumb move by McKelvin yes, and I know he isn’t a scientist, but he thought he could make a jump on a ball, did and it cost him. I just think that he can learn from it.
And yeah, Youboty made a statement and I don’t htink Will James is that great; he may be a sure tackler, but he is not very quick and Youboty has better ball skills, looks to have gotten more muscle on him, is quicker, and might be a better option.
McGee
Greer
Youboty
McKelvin
James
Corner

Six corners might be a lot, but it might be nice to have’em. Cuts will be hard

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Aug 25, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walker

I wonder if the Bills are not telling a white lie about Langston Walker’s injury. I mean if his injury was serious it would totally give Jason Peters and his agent leverage in the situation with the Bills. I’m guessing if Walker’s injury is more serious than “just a bruise” it won’t be reported until a after the regular season opener. Of course this is all just speculation but I know the Bills would be totally screwed without if Walker was significantly injured and so my point is regardless of how serious the injury really is, the Bills best interest is to not disclose mucho f anything. And being Jauron commented to Adam Schefter that it was not good and then it came back as a bruise makes me wonder

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 25, 2008 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be a pretty stupid lie, considering it would exist merely to delay the inevitable. Maybe Jauron just heard it was bad, and the team finally got some GOOD news on the injury front for once.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 25, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah the injury looked bad. Team doctors probably thought it was broken and news trickled down to Juaron. X-Rays came back negative. Didn’t Schefter’s report come pretty soon after Walker’s injury? If I recall, there wouldn’t have been enough time for Walker to get X-Rays and the coaching staff to know the results before Juaron made the comments to Schefter.

by kaisertown on Aug 25, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

great

way to buy sometime in the Peters negotations. I mean you don’t have to report anything until the regular season so it would buy them 10 more days. I’m just saying reporting anything other than a bad bruise would make the Peters/Parker camp jump for joy

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Aug 25, 2008 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs