Maybe the Bills will try and fill the Peters void with either Kelsey or Denney at RT and wanted to see if Johnson could play end?

On a serious note, does anyone happen to know if some of the Bills’ preseason games will be tape-delayed (like some have been) in Rochester this year?

I don’t want the Bills practicing in pouring rain. Yes they do need to learn how to play in extreme weather conditions to truly excel here in Buffalo, but rain isn’t something that is Buffalo specific. All of these guys have played in rain and high winds before. If Buffalo could somehow simulate 5 degree weather or a snow induced lack of visibility than that might actually be helpful. To me, the risk of injury outweighs any possible gains that could come out of practicing in the rain.

The Spencer Johnson at DE thing intrigues me but, only because I doubt the Bills will put him in true pass-rushing situations. Berg summed it up very well. I think the Bills move away from 220 pound “true” cover 2 LBs might make them more inclined to use their nickel package more often. If the Bills are ever defending a 2 score lead in the second half, they could use a nickel package pretty often that could include Spencer Johnson. If the Pats continue to throw the ball all over the place like they did last year, the nickel could become something the Bills use on first down sometimes too.

It is WAY too early to give up on Youboty. He is a 24 year old player entering his third year. He has solid size and a great athletic package. If in 5 years, Reggie Corner is in the league still and Youboty isn’t, I will be surprised.

or groin pulls do NOT do well in wet conditions. It is very easy to aggravate those even when it’s dry. It’s an absolute disaster when it’s wet.

I thought one of the reasons for bringing in Spencer was his ability to play any position on the D line, including DE. This is just a chance to get him a few rep’s at DE. Big deal. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t the NY Giants use 4 DE’s on occasion (i.e. – obvious passing situations)?

Corner has been a pleasant surprise so far, but I hope the Bills’ staff don’t pull the plug on Youboty just yet (heck, he only turned 24 last month). Ashton still has a chance to contribute to this team this year.

We knew coming in he had gotten snaps there in Minnesota. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that we’re working him there some. I expect to see him in there on some run downs replacing the ever useless Kelsay and giving Schobel a blow. I also see Johnson getting some snaps on 3rd down at DT to rush the passer alongside Stroud. The nickel role is a little surprising, but Ellis is still getting his feet wet, so it’s not a total shock. We have to cover all bases right now, so guys aren’t thrust into completely random roles come September, just in case. Also, can he be any worse rushing the passer than Kelsay or Denney??? Doubt it…

I don’t see the need to practice in slick conditions right now. No need to pile up the injuries before preseason game #1. I know they need reps and everything, but injuries can really sidetrack a young, improving team. The regular season this won’t be an issue (see the Fieldhouse).

CB….loving the depth, worried about the top. Anybody else as concerned as I am about McKelvin still getting backup reps? Even behind another rookie in Corner, who had what, a two day headstart on him? I’m concerned that McKelvin will make even less of an impact that hoped. Of course, it’s still August 6th, so I’m not that concerned.

I also love what Corner is doing, from his play on the field to his blog on BB.com. Glad to have a guy like this, even if he does have some physical limitations. I loved hearing about his ball skills and playmaking ability from college, and it sounds like it’s already translating over. We absolutely NEED players like that in our D.

And again, I’m happy with the way Youboty is progressing. There’s so much anger towards that guy from Bills fans, it’s amazing. Even Brian, you seem a bit biased against him (Maybe it’s because he’s working on throws made by Gibran Hamdan most of the time). I love that he’s working hard and making plays, and I still think he makes this team, especially with James’ groin injury, which could become nagging, and McKelvin’s slower learning curve. We need a guy like Youboty, and he’s a good ST to boot. I think he sticks and helps us this year. I hope he does too.

I don’t think you can throw in the Bryan/Ellis battle into the CB mix. I think that’s completely different.

I think you’re right about the top 4, including Corner in there as of right now. I’m not so sure James is a lock though. Like I said, I think it’ll come down to James and Ashton. What’s going to hurt both of them is if the Bills keep six WRs, as CB in his blog seems to think.